Today was the first official day of potty training our youngest child. While washing the child's new big kid underwear I decided there needs to be an emotional guidebook for moms while leaving the diaper era. Yes, I am excited to not have to buy diapers for the first time in over eight years. I am excited that the odor of dirty diapers will no longer be a worry. I am heart broken that the season of babies is over for us. As I was folding our youngest child's underwear, I started crying....the ugly face cry. My husband looked at me in horror and confusion. He thought it was because I wanted to get the child different underwear...24 hours later he still doesn't understand how I feel. I guess this is a mommy-thing.
When "they" say time goes by so quickly, I always agree. I don't think I realized that until this ending of an era for us. This is the first time we have had a chapter close while having children. I don't like it. I don't want to end this chapter. But, as my husband stated: "If we have another baby every time one is potty trained, we will never stop having babies." That sounds like a plan! I secretly envy the Duggars....a houseful of children. But, reason states we can't do that.
So while I celebrate each triumphant potty trip and explain that we do not poop on furniture, I will savor it. I will hold in my tears. I will remind myself each day, that every day gone is another step to another chapter closing...and yet another exciting chapter opening.
I choose to embrace the diaper free chapter. I choose to celebrate having a purse without a spare diaper in it. I choose to buy, wash, and fold those underwear with dry eyes...maybe!
With bittersweet joy,
XOXO,
Rebecca
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
It Takes A Village
I have heard it said again and again that it takes a village to raise a child. This month I have learned the truth in that expression. We are in a new season of life in our home! In May we had one child in school and our life was very cut and dry in the box. This year we have one child in school all day. One child in preschool half days, three days a week. A toddler I am trying to potty train (pray for me!). And, my husband started Bible college last month. That leaves me. Sitting on the couch....eating bon bons....right?!?
The new season has thrown my usually scheduled self for a spin. My planner - aka my brain - has been lost more times than once in the shuffle of my days. My menus have gone from being prepped and ready to "Oh my gosh it's dinner time!!". But, I have been so very blessed by five women in my life whoare not only my best friends, but who have also earned the term "My Village". As they have been at my house drinking coffee and having play dates, I have let them know that I don't have it all together. I have let them see the inside of my heart. The places where my insecurities lie. You know what, they didn't laugh at me. They didn't run in horror. They nodded, hugged me, and immediately made a plan to help me. These ladies aren't all in the same season of life I am in, but they have become quite a backbone for me. They have stepped in and watched my children so I could get a quick errand ran, told me to take a shower and watched my kids while I did. Last week they even surprised me with a "day off", including Starbucks, a massage, and dinner made for me. This is what we do. We have to take care of each other.
Mamas if you have a close friend or are blessed enough to have a close group of friends, be open with them and let them know that sometimes you aren't supermom. It is scary to be so vulnerable, but it also puts you in a position to receive help.
John Wilmot said "before I married, I had three theories about raising children and no children. Now, I have three children and no theories". I think that says it pretty well. It's okay if all of your expertise on raising children has been tossed out the window. It's okay if you say "I don't know what to do" and throw your hands up in exasperation. But, find somebody who can come along side you and help you in this amazing journey of motherhood.
You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
The new season has thrown my usually scheduled self for a spin. My planner - aka my brain - has been lost more times than once in the shuffle of my days. My menus have gone from being prepped and ready to "Oh my gosh it's dinner time!!". But, I have been so very blessed by five women in my life whoare not only my best friends, but who have also earned the term "My Village". As they have been at my house drinking coffee and having play dates, I have let them know that I don't have it all together. I have let them see the inside of my heart. The places where my insecurities lie. You know what, they didn't laugh at me. They didn't run in horror. They nodded, hugged me, and immediately made a plan to help me. These ladies aren't all in the same season of life I am in, but they have become quite a backbone for me. They have stepped in and watched my children so I could get a quick errand ran, told me to take a shower and watched my kids while I did. Last week they even surprised me with a "day off", including Starbucks, a massage, and dinner made for me. This is what we do. We have to take care of each other.
Mamas if you have a close friend or are blessed enough to have a close group of friends, be open with them and let them know that sometimes you aren't supermom. It is scary to be so vulnerable, but it also puts you in a position to receive help.
John Wilmot said "before I married, I had three theories about raising children and no children. Now, I have three children and no theories". I think that says it pretty well. It's okay if all of your expertise on raising children has been tossed out the window. It's okay if you say "I don't know what to do" and throw your hands up in exasperation. But, find somebody who can come along side you and help you in this amazing journey of motherhood.
You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Thursday, August 8, 2013
First Day of Second Grade
Here is my question - when will I stop crying when I drop my children off on the first day of school? Today was my oldest son's first day of second grade. I got him to his classroom, he gave his teacher a nice happy we made her, and I left. And, I cried! He seems like such a big boy at home, but in that big classroom he seems like my little baby.
This morning while he was eating breakfast, I started thinking about when I first found out I was pregnant with him, the first time I saw him, the first time I held him, his first day of preschool, his first day of kindergarten and so on. It is amazing how seven years can bring so many firsts!
He survived his first day with flying colors. And, I am proud to say I did too!
This morning while he was eating breakfast, I started thinking about when I first found out I was pregnant with him, the first time I saw him, the first time I held him, his first day of preschool, his first day of kindergarten and so on. It is amazing how seven years can bring so many firsts!
He survived his first day with flying colors. And, I am proud to say I did too!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sweet Summer Ending
This is our last full week of summer before school starts again. It is bitter sweet! Two of my three children will be in school, it is weird to think about, but at the same time exciting! A second grader and a preschooler. The school clothes have been bought, the school supplies are in backpacks awaiting the first day of school, and a schedule is being made for the new school year.
I usually take the month before school starts to get the children on schedule for the year - going to bed earlier, getting up earlier, breakfasts ready before time to leave, etc. Maybe I will start this tomorrow. We decided that 10 am was a good time to get up today, I don't think that is going to fly when school starts. Breakfast was brunch. We napped for three hours today. Maybe we are not ready for school to start yet...but hey that's okay!
This has been a really great summer, I went into it worried that there would be lots of "I'm bored" being said. We chose not to get season passes for our local water park this year, which I am so glad we did as this has been the rainiest summer. Ever. But, we did have an amazingly fun vacation to Universal Studios. We had play dates at least once a week. We had friends over for coffee about once a month. Summer reading program at the library and a week of Vacation Bible School kept us on the go. This has been an adventurous and fun summer. I think I heard "I'm bored" twice, not bad!!
It's fun on summer break, being the adult and not the student. Both of my children going to school this year are super excited. My second grader missed his friends and I am pretty sure he missed the routine of the school day. My preschooler is so excited about starting, every day I answer the question if today is the day. I am looking forward to some one on one time with my youngest child, I see some tea parties and lots of girly play dates in our future!
If your children are starting school soon, enjoy the time with them now. Encourage them to love school. Make it exciting for them! You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
I usually take the month before school starts to get the children on schedule for the year - going to bed earlier, getting up earlier, breakfasts ready before time to leave, etc. Maybe I will start this tomorrow. We decided that 10 am was a good time to get up today, I don't think that is going to fly when school starts. Breakfast was brunch. We napped for three hours today. Maybe we are not ready for school to start yet...but hey that's okay!
This has been a really great summer, I went into it worried that there would be lots of "I'm bored" being said. We chose not to get season passes for our local water park this year, which I am so glad we did as this has been the rainiest summer. Ever. But, we did have an amazingly fun vacation to Universal Studios. We had play dates at least once a week. We had friends over for coffee about once a month. Summer reading program at the library and a week of Vacation Bible School kept us on the go. This has been an adventurous and fun summer. I think I heard "I'm bored" twice, not bad!!
It's fun on summer break, being the adult and not the student. Both of my children going to school this year are super excited. My second grader missed his friends and I am pretty sure he missed the routine of the school day. My preschooler is so excited about starting, every day I answer the question if today is the day. I am looking forward to some one on one time with my youngest child, I see some tea parties and lots of girly play dates in our future!
If your children are starting school soon, enjoy the time with them now. Encourage them to love school. Make it exciting for them! You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Play Date Survivial 101
I love having play dates at my home. I also love going to play dates. Play dates are fun...a little mommy sanity saver!
Today I had a play date at my home with three other mommies and their children....seven children and four adults. It was so much fun! It lasted about two and a half hours and we were able to play with the children, snack, let the children play, and have good mommy conversation!
Here are some tips for hosting a fun play date at your home:
1. Have your home clean so you won't be worried or apologizing for a less than clean house.
2. Be mentally prepared that things may get messy, and it is okay.
3. Let the kids play...hence the name play date.
Today's children were mostly ages four and under....three of the children were around the age two. I had age appropriate toys ready for them. Tomorrow, my oldest son is having a play date at our home. There will be a total of five boys ages four and up and one little girl. Tomorrow I will have the big boy toys ready and ready for a house full of ninjas, boxers, and superheroes!
4. Snacks...this is a must. It will be a good way to have the kids settle down for a bit. Have kid friendly and adult friendly snacks.
5. RELAX!!!! You are having a play date to let your kids play and to let yourself be around other mommies. Relax and have fun. It may get loud. It may get messy. There may be some sharing issues. But, just relax and have fun.
Take time to host a play date at your house. Invite your children's friends and their parents. Invite moms new to the area or ones you want to get to know better. Be the mom that is the play date host of the month!!!
You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Today I had a play date at my home with three other mommies and their children....seven children and four adults. It was so much fun! It lasted about two and a half hours and we were able to play with the children, snack, let the children play, and have good mommy conversation!
Here are some tips for hosting a fun play date at your home:
1. Have your home clean so you won't be worried or apologizing for a less than clean house.
2. Be mentally prepared that things may get messy, and it is okay.
3. Let the kids play...hence the name play date.
Today's children were mostly ages four and under....three of the children were around the age two. I had age appropriate toys ready for them. Tomorrow, my oldest son is having a play date at our home. There will be a total of five boys ages four and up and one little girl. Tomorrow I will have the big boy toys ready and ready for a house full of ninjas, boxers, and superheroes!
4. Snacks...this is a must. It will be a good way to have the kids settle down for a bit. Have kid friendly and adult friendly snacks.
5. RELAX!!!! You are having a play date to let your kids play and to let yourself be around other mommies. Relax and have fun. It may get loud. It may get messy. There may be some sharing issues. But, just relax and have fun.
Take time to host a play date at your house. Invite your children's friends and their parents. Invite moms new to the area or ones you want to get to know better. Be the mom that is the play date host of the month!!!
You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Thursday, July 18, 2013
A Hard Gig
Today was hard. I admit it. It was a difficult day.
Between refereeing fights, giving up and deciding to let the kids have it, bites that draw blood, and attitudes that mimic adolescent angst....I am tired.
This being a mommy gig is hard stuff. Being a mommy is hard work. It is not for the faint of heart or weak. It is not for those who give up easily.
Being a mom....you have to be more tenacious than a super-strong willed two year old. You have to be faster than a falling glass. You have to love enough to discipline and hug afterwards.
There's no guide for the specific seasons of each of our mommy journeys. I used to think it was weird when people would say they wished their infant came with a manual....now I think it would be nice. It would be nice to know the stem of the attitudes. If the crying is because of teething, tired, hungry, or just because it is something to do. If the fighting is a cry for attention or a brotherly thing.
Yes, so today was difficult.
I look forward to putting this day behind me. Starting again tomorrow.
I thank God for tomorrows. New beginnings. Hopefully new attitudes.
So, here's to all the moms who want to throw in the towel....don't do it! Tomorrow is another day. Put your darlings to bed, drink some hot tea, and relax. Tomorrow is a new beginning.
XOXO,
Rebecca
Between refereeing fights, giving up and deciding to let the kids have it, bites that draw blood, and attitudes that mimic adolescent angst....I am tired.
This being a mommy gig is hard stuff. Being a mommy is hard work. It is not for the faint of heart or weak. It is not for those who give up easily.
Being a mom....you have to be more tenacious than a super-strong willed two year old. You have to be faster than a falling glass. You have to love enough to discipline and hug afterwards.
There's no guide for the specific seasons of each of our mommy journeys. I used to think it was weird when people would say they wished their infant came with a manual....now I think it would be nice. It would be nice to know the stem of the attitudes. If the crying is because of teething, tired, hungry, or just because it is something to do. If the fighting is a cry for attention or a brotherly thing.
Yes, so today was difficult.
I look forward to putting this day behind me. Starting again tomorrow.
I thank God for tomorrows. New beginnings. Hopefully new attitudes.
So, here's to all the moms who want to throw in the towel....don't do it! Tomorrow is another day. Put your darlings to bed, drink some hot tea, and relax. Tomorrow is a new beginning.
XOXO,
Rebecca
Sunday, July 14, 2013
COFFEE!!!!
So, lets talk about the good stuff....coffee!!! This blog is all about coffee and mommy mentoring, right? I better stay true to the title!
I love coffee. Like really really really love it. Thankfully, I have lots of friends who like coffee as well, maybe not as much as I like it, but they still like it.
One of the things I love to do is to open my home up for coffee on a weekday morning. The kids are off of school on summer vacation, so I let the little darlings come too. I just post on facebook or send a text to let my friends know I am opening my home up for coffee, what morning, and what time. I provide the coffee and usually drinks for the kids. Others bring snacks and goodies. It is a lot of fun to sit around and drink coffee with girlfriends.
There are some staples in my house...
1. Coffee Cups - at my last count I had nineteen coffee cups. Yes, nineteen. But sometimes you need nineteen cups for all the people you have over.
2. Little Mini Coffee Creamers - You can buy packs of 24 flavored creamers at the market. I have three different kinds on hand at one time. It looks really nice displayed in little bowls.
3. COFFEE - A staple. Sam's Club has a big big canister of coffee that I get. It is probably for restaurants, but hey...I am the girl with nineteen coffee cups, remember. I like getting the fun little flavored packs of coffee at TJ Maxx or Marshal's, the kind you can't just find anywhere. It adds a little flavor to the day.
I have a coffee bar in my house. I will admit, it was an idea I saw on Pinterest, and it is lovely. On my coffee bar I have my creamers, sugars, and napkins set out 24/7 and I set out additional items when I have guests over.
Ladies, don't be afraid to open your home up to lots of guests to enjoy coffee. It is really a fun way to make new friends and to strengthen relationships with fellow mommies and ladies.
XOXO,
Rebecca
I love coffee. Like really really really love it. Thankfully, I have lots of friends who like coffee as well, maybe not as much as I like it, but they still like it.
One of the things I love to do is to open my home up for coffee on a weekday morning. The kids are off of school on summer vacation, so I let the little darlings come too. I just post on facebook or send a text to let my friends know I am opening my home up for coffee, what morning, and what time. I provide the coffee and usually drinks for the kids. Others bring snacks and goodies. It is a lot of fun to sit around and drink coffee with girlfriends.
There are some staples in my house...
1. Coffee Cups - at my last count I had nineteen coffee cups. Yes, nineteen. But sometimes you need nineteen cups for all the people you have over.
2. Little Mini Coffee Creamers - You can buy packs of 24 flavored creamers at the market. I have three different kinds on hand at one time. It looks really nice displayed in little bowls.
3. COFFEE - A staple. Sam's Club has a big big canister of coffee that I get. It is probably for restaurants, but hey...I am the girl with nineteen coffee cups, remember. I like getting the fun little flavored packs of coffee at TJ Maxx or Marshal's, the kind you can't just find anywhere. It adds a little flavor to the day.
I have a coffee bar in my house. I will admit, it was an idea I saw on Pinterest, and it is lovely. On my coffee bar I have my creamers, sugars, and napkins set out 24/7 and I set out additional items when I have guests over.
Ladies, don't be afraid to open your home up to lots of guests to enjoy coffee. It is really a fun way to make new friends and to strengthen relationships with fellow mommies and ladies.
XOXO,
Rebecca
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