Works for Me Wednesday: What to do with Stickers...

When I was little I had a bunch of sticker albums, regular old photo albums that I filled with stickers. I organized them, traded the stickers with friends, sat and looked at them, and probably eased my mom's worries of finding stickers stuck where they should NOT be stuck.

A while back I got Charley a sticker album and it was well loved. It was time for Henry to start collecting his own stickers, too. So I got each of the boys a new sticker book and the last few nights we have added stickers to the books...slowly and together. I figure if I can get them started then they can take over.

When they get stickers out and about they know they can bring them home and stick them in their book - and keep them "forever."

This post is linked to We are That Family's Works for Me Wednesday bloghop.

Look what I might try with my boys this Easter

There are tons of ideas floating around about Easter traditions...and as every holiday rolls around, I get the mommy stress...am I doing the holidays up right?   Am I starting traditions? Am I taking time to begin to teach the meaning of each season?

Anyways...before I forget...I might try the string thing mentioned in this blog. This is one of my VERY FAVORITE blogs. I am super excited whenever she posts.

Grace in Small Things #51

1. My husband and his many looks.

2.  The imagination of my boys - here they are finding refuge from their mama's vacuum.

 

3.  Spring in Minnesota.  I LOVE how in the spring we get days like today - gorgeous, no jackets needed, hours spent outside - even with high winds.  And then days where it is like December - cold.  It eases us into the hot days of summer.  It gives us rest from the fresh air.  It reminds me how important getting outside is...but allows us to hunker down and enjoy being inside too.

4.  I love that I have friends that can pop over spur of the moment.  They accept me, my messy house, my dirty faced boys, my fridge that is lacking items, the crumby floors....but when friends come over and sit with me while the kids play - it means I sit and chat and watch the kids play.  And this requires me to slow down.  I love that. 

5.  Feeling organized for Easter weekend : 
               Morgan's package shipped - check
               Not stressing about cleaning - check
               Delegated menu items - check
               Located Easter baskets - check
               Ham is ordered - check
      More to do but not feeling overwhelmed...yet!

I'm just sayin'

As mothers/parents we are so aware of firsts...

first smiles

first teeth

first steps

first time rolling over

first experience with snow

first time on an airplane

first cracker

first illness

first, first first.....

But I was thinking...do we get the luxury of taking in the last...
When I weaned my boys I know I was aware that it was ending and I remember thinking, take in this moment - it might be the last.  But then they were weaned and I couldn't really remember the last time.

I think the last is almost more significant because it is what causes you to stop, catch your breath, and feel a little uneasy - realizing the time flying by and the reality that they don't snuggle with a bottle, or take your hand crossing the street.

Henry's vocabulary and speech is taking off...he is starting to speak more and more in phrases. And the days of one word attempts is coming to a close. Soon everything he says will be identifiable by strangers.   There won't be cute formations of sounds and letters to bring meaning to his exploration.  Will I realize that he no longer says, "puter" but instead says "computer" or "mood" instead of "move".   I know I won't realize when they call me mama for the last time and instead call me mom.  I will just all of a sudden be 'mom'.   I wish a little warning signal would sound so I could take these 'last' moments in.

Although it is probably good that these moments pass us by.  Because the times when I sit and try to remember happen every once in a while and the "ding ding ding" reminder would probably be going off every few minutes - since they are changing so often. 

I'm just saying...will I realize the last time....

-my boys ask me for a snack and don't just go help themselves.

- they play in the sandbox.

-ask for a push on the swing.

-need me to cut up their food or pour their milk.

-a kiss will cure an injury.

-and so on .....

What "last" are you dreading?  Or what "last" do you wish you remembered better?

This post is part of Shell's Pour Your Heart bloghop.  Head here for more gal's pouring their hearts out.

From the kitchen window...

Dear Charley and Henry,

After you, Henry, woke up today from your afternoon nap...you were excited to head outside. I needed to get supper put together and in the oven so I told you, Charley, to head out back with Henry and keep an eye on him. I would be out soon. You both ran outside and I worked hard to quickly get dinner put together - one eye on the dinner operations and one eye on you two.

The two of you puttered about in the sandbox, slid down the slide, swung on your bellies, and the whole time you were chatting away. You were safe. You were kind.

I knew you were waiting for me to come out so that I could push you on the swings. And I was excited to go out and push you and catch up on your day.  Charley, you had arrived home from preschool and got busy playing - and then your playdate showed up to play and he got you - I didn't.

I started to feel guilty for not getting out there faster. Shouldn't I rush to take advantage of the pushing?...soon you will learn to pump and won't need me out there.

And yet, the times where I can stand back and watch the two of you be brothers...those are some of my favorite moments being your mother. It is when the quiet settles around me...when things stop, and I can take in your faces, your chitter chatter, the natural brotherly behaviors, your size, and innocence. 

These days are flying by...and me rushing out to give you pushes would have been wonderful, but part of being a mom is letting you go, stepping back, and watching the amazing little beings you are becoming.   And boy do you both amaze me daily.

Love,
Your mama

Welcome Friday Followers and New Friend Friday Friends.



This post is linked to Steady Mom's 30 Minute Blog Challenge.

Thank you and give away!

Woo Hoo! About a week ago I hit 100 followers. And just recently hit 100 subscribers. Around New Years I decided to put my blog out there and try and challenge myself to grow it a little. I started the 2010 with 15 friends and family that had signed up as "followers" and so I have definitely grown my little blog just a wee bit. In the grand scheme of blogs my blog is still just a tiny little spot...but it is my spot. And I am so proud of each comment, follower, hit, and email. They make my day. They motivate me to write.

I started this blog for my boys and my family and friends who don't live close enough to see us daily or even monthly. But it has turned into my place to reflect and pause and take in the little moments as a mother. It has become a fun hobby and spark for some fun friendships.

Thank you to each of you - who take time to visit, read, comment, and email. You make blogging so much fun!

In celebration of you, I am giving away two kids chopsticks (the cow and duck). They are called Animal Cheater Chopsticks. They make meal time here fun (and you know how I feel about family meal time). My boys each have a pair and LOVE them.

How do you win:

Throw a comment down below telling me a little about yourself so that I can get to know you, and make sure to leave a contact...since some of you don't have emails that link up to your profiles.

For a second entry - become a follower and leave a separate entry telling me that you follow. YOU MUST LEAVE a separate entry to get two chances to win!

I will use Random.org to pick a random person to win the set of chopsticks on Thursday!



***I purchased the pair of cheater chopsticks for this giveaway.

Miss Morgan turns 1!

I have a little niece. 

Miss Morgan.

Her cheeks are delicous.

Her blue eyes vibrant.

She is busy.

A year ago we met her mommy and daddy at a cute hamburger shop for yummy shakes and grilled cheese sandwiches. 

The next day she decided she couldn't live another day without being out in the world that fed her mommy those lovely treats. 

Saturday she took on her little pink cake...and won!

She opened her presents.

She put up with all the pictures that we snapped.

She let us, all those that love her from near and far, celebrate her first year of life.  

We look forward to celebrating many many birthdays with Miss Morgan!

Not Me Monday

This weekend we traveled north for an overnight at Grandmas...and I am so organized - I would never forget diapers and the pack and play.  Nope, not me!

We traveled because my niece Morgan turned 1.  I was pumped about the gift we were giving - and being the first birthday...I would of course wrap it adorably so that when millions of pictures are snapped the package compliments that cute little face.   I would never wrap it in this gift bag:

For the last three weeks I have told Ed mid/late week that on Monday I would get going on working out again.  When Monday rolls around I don't ignore it and go about my day - making excuses...even when I know I feel better and am happier when I sweat a little each day.  Not me!

I am hosting my side of the family this coming weekend for Easter.  Charley has a playdate this afternoon and while they play I could totally get a ton done around the house...but I wander aimlessly - wasting this free time to get things done.  And instead, I will have trouble sleeping and stress until the end of the week to get everything done.  Nope, I am not a procrastinator, not me!   I am more on top of using my time wisely.

This is linked to MckMama's Not Me Monday post.

Links I Love

Loved this post on The Mother Huddle blog. The comments that come after are just as meaningful as the post... but the three initial pieces of advice are wonderful.

This blog is one of my very favorites.  And this post titled Full Schedule made me realize how good life is right now...how much free family time we have...and how eventually I will look back at these days that lack shuttling and schedules and wonder why I didn't relish it more.  

In a house surrounded by boys...I don't want to be left behind.  The Mother Huddle is one wise blog!

On our to do list next week is to try making popcorn Amy's way her blog New Nostalgia always inspires.   

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Thoughts

 

 

1. Last night I made 6 homemade pizzas to feed our family and guests last night. We have leftovers tonight...and tomorrow I am pretty sure we are eating pizza...we won't turn into pizza...will we?

2. Our week of spring break was fabulous. I had a little anxiety that Charley would miss his preschool routine...but I AM READY FOR SUMMER! My boys and I were busy all week, spent little money, had time with lots of different friends, and were happy!

3. We all feel good! Knock. on. wood.

4. I need my haircut and my brows waxed BAD.

5. I am thoroughly enjoying my new washer and dryer.

6. Is it really supposed to be close to 70 degrees next week. I. WILL. FREAK. OUT.

7. Henry and Charley love to swing together. For hours. The bummer-Neither knows how to pump.

8. Jaime Oliver's Food Revolution is on tonight! Can't wait! Will you be watching - you should!

9. We will be up at the crack of dawn, travelling north for a first birthday party! Can't wait to see the party girl!

10. The comments people wrote and emailed to me about my "nuk predicament" leave me feeling more at ease. We are going to focus on not using it during the day - only at sleep time...for a few weeks and then attempt to take it away - or have him give it up (ideally but most unlikely).

11. Did I mention that I need a haircut really bad?

12. Next weekend we are changing things up and my family will be coming here for Easter. So unusual to get everyone here on the same weekend. Can't wait!

13. Time for a beer, some leftover pizza...and daddy to come home. He owes me :)

Fo more Friday Fragments or Friday Leftovers....

Priceless

Yesterday we were gifted some time with some extended family.  Ed's cousin and her family were in town for the state baseketball tournament...and we got to have some cousin time.  I am not sure the official relation that their kids are to our kids--- second cousins...or something. But because of Easter and Thanksgiving celebrations, Charley has grown to LOVE these "cousins." 

He talks dreamily about them. 

He talks confidently abou them.

He talks proudly of them.

He remembers little details (face shape, games, shoes, etc).

And to get them in his own house for a whole night was pure heaven.

They are older than him (three of them are) and they are amazing kids.  Instead of being bored or ignoring the little five year old that says silly things and bounces around with tons of energy - they give him 100% of their attention.  They make him feel special.  They make him glow!

When the boys were playing Mario Bros. Racing game on the Wii the boys asked Charley what place he came in...Charley quietly replied, 12th ...which is last.  But his two "big" cousins replied, "good job!" and I literally saw Charley stand up straighter and smile a little more proudly.  This quote made me think of how valuable his relationship is with his extended cousins.

The lack of emotional security of our American young people is due, I believe, to their isolation from the larger family unit. No two people - no mere father and mother - as I have often said, are enough to provide emotional security for a child. He needs to feel himself one in a world of kinfolk, persons of variety in age and temperament, and yet allied to himself by an indissoluble bond which he cannot break if he could, for nature has welded him into it before he was born. ~Pearl S. Buck

I will encourage him to grab up any great role models he can in his life - and from this one family he has 4 to learn from.

Thanks for the visit! Come again ANYTIME!
FOR. REAL.

It. is. Time.

This morning Charley had a dentist appointment.  Henry and I sat and watched...I was nervous...I wanted him to get a good report - for himself and for me, his mama.  I hope that the teeth brushing skills we are instilling are good enough.  I don't know much about dental hygiene etc...but I have never had a cavity and Charley hasn't yet either!  Woo hoo!  I heard the dentist and hygenist murmur several time "Look at these beautiful teeth."  I know that a lot of it is heredity...probably all of it.  But I am still thrilled and proud.

As Henry and I sat there I thought about that lovely little green lifesaver up there in the picture.  It is Henry's first addiction.  It is a big one.  When he gets his hands on one of these his eyes get heavy and he just wants to curl up by me.  Love it.

It soothes him when he is hurt or unhappy.  So I decided to ask the dentist if he could peek at Henry's teeth to see if there as anything that would push us to end this addiction earlier than later.  Charley quit when he turned two.  Henry is 2 and 2 months and is still growing strong.  Lately I have noticed Henry's tongue thrusting out when he makes some sounds...something I know can come from nuk use.  The dentist took a quick look and assured me that asking him today was a very smart choice.  He recommended that we quit now...his two year molars haven't come in yet and it is very good to quit before they come in.  He also noticed some signs of nuk use from his teeth formation - AAHHHHHHH!  Freaking out!

So sadly, with a knot in my stomach, we left the dentist, knowing that we need to end this "ukkie" use.  So starting today folks - I AM VOWING TO ONLY USE IT AT SLEEP TIME!  and from there we will wean him from it.  We can do this.  He will survive!

It was probably the hardest thing we had to get through with Charley.  It took about a week.  But he did it and doesn't remember it.  Henry is becoming such a big boy.

IT. IS. TIME.

This post is now linked to Friday Follow.

Letting the Zoo Consume us for a WHOLE day!

This week I planned on enjoying my boys to the max.  I wanted to let go of some of the routine chores that I feel I need to accomplish during the day and just let my boys have me.  Charley is on his spring break from preschool and we have had some fun days. On Tuesday we ventured to the zoo with some friends who have boys that match my boys in age.  Henry and S. are great friends, whether they know it or not.  And Charley and T. enjoy each other to the max.  I always enjoy the mommy chit chat with Melody.  And this outing included her other children-which is fun!

Normally, we go to the zoo for a max of three hours - since we live so close, have a membership, and that is all I can usually handle.  But the weather was gorgeous and springish.  The boys set the pace and we just sauntered about enjoying the sunshine, seeing animals, balancing on curbs and walls, climbing and sliding at the park, picnicing in the fresh air, and even enjoyed an ice cream cone...a splurge I never do. 

Our 3 hour trip turned into 6 hours and when the announcement came that the "ZOO WILL BE CLOSING IN 30 MINUTES!"  Melody and I looked at each other shocked that the day had gone so long but had been smooth and happy.  

Not rushing home for Henry's nap..or so that I could tidy up...was such a good feeling.  We were all wiped out but I had such a good feeling of having spent the day being with my boys...and good friends.

When you find friends who match up with your family - moms and kids enjoying each other - you have found a gift...especially when you choose to stay home and can find yourself isolated, doing things with just your kids day after day.  So to join together to enjoy a spring day, it makes a trip to the zoo that much more fun!

Things I love Thursday: Masking Tape Fun

Masking Tape!

This is a post from a while back but with the chance of rainy days that throw off our plans to get outside for fresh air, I thought I would re-post for any new readers and link it to Things I Love Thursday.  I love that when I first posted this Henry was kept from this area and Charley was still napping - good times.

I have recently gotten back in touch with a couple of my hometown friends. One of them, Kimberly, shared this amazing idea with me this weekend. Thanks Kimberly for the awesome idea...it is amazing what a roll of masking tape will do to the decor in your house. Charley and I taped off this amazing road (this is only a small area of it). We continue to add more. Poor Hank has to stay out of this area....someday he will be down there brrrmmmmmming cars and trucks too.

I know it has been a good morning when I don't have trouble getting Charley down at nap time.

Go here for more Things I love Thursday posts.  This post is also linked to New Friend Friday

2 Wood Blocks + 2 little boys with imagination = A mama who can't stop chuckling...

Just need to document this for my boys sake.

For the last 20-30 minutes my boys sat on opposite couches, each holding rectangular wood blocks. The proceeded to pretend they were playing hand held video games (the only thing like this in our house is Charley's Leapster). Charley talked through levels and explained to Henry what he had to do....Henry responded confidently. At times Charley got off his chair and went and sat next to Henry to point and better explain - let me reiterate...they were playing with a simple wood block.

HILARIOUS to me!

Our Wii sits not 6 feet away - and there was no asking or begging.  I LOVE that it isn't something they ever think of during the day. Occasionally during Henry's nap Charley asks - but during the day - my boys make their fun with wood blocks!

How do we make family dinner happen...most nights!

This week the family meal is on my brain.  So today I thought I would share how we make a family dinner work most nights.  Here are just a few my thoughts on family dinner time. 

TIMING:  Ed and I communicate on when he thinks he will be home that evening.  Sometimes he runs late becuase of his commute and that means from time to time that we have to eat without him.  But most nights he is able to give me a rough estimate and I use this to begin planning.

FLEXIBILITY:  If our dinner hour is going to be normal then we go about our afternoon like normal.  But if I know he is going to be later ...then I organize our late afternoon activities and snacks so that this hard time between naps and dinner goes as smooth as possible.  Moving snack later and going on an outing like the library or the park helps.

FIRM:  I am NOT a short order cook. I make one meal and that is what we will all eat - if we choose. AS THE ADULT I believe my job is to decide:

What food is offered.

When the food is offered.

Where it will be eaten.

And my boys can go from there and decide:

  If they will eat.

What they will eat.

How much they will eat.

However, because I don't make my boys something different than the main meal, I do make sure that within the meal presented there is something that I know they like...whether it be the maindish or a side dish.  If I am making something new and "scary" then I make sure to provide at least one side dish that is safe and "not scary".  Last night my boys ate a TON of cantelope and not too much of the main dish...which was fine with me.

Fun:  Talk, laugh, and enjoy the time together.  Ask about your days - Peeks and Valleys or favorite parts.  Teach your children to talk among themselves while mommy and daddy talk about something "adult".  Pick a topic to discuss like summer fun, sports, their favorite toy, dream vacations.  Talk about worries or use the time to go over safety information...fire drills, answering the phone, stranger danger.  Enjoy the quiet and let your children be a little silly or lead the conversation.  Have everyone come to the table with a fact to share or a joke to tell (decide the night before so there is time to prepare).  Take turns saying prayer or go around and give thanks.  Eat out on the picnic table or on a blanket in your yard. 


A little thought can make things flow and make this time of your day the best!  Does it have to happen EVERY night- Nope!  But in our house, we make an effort and we are starting early so that it is an expectation when the nights roll around when the boys are older - making their own plans and having their own commitments.  I figure, if we make it a habit and we make it fun - then it will be something they don't want to miss. 

This is linked to Tuesday's Unwrapped and 30 Minute Blog Challenge.

Packing my boys a lunch!

Now that I am a parent I have moments where I think back to my childhood and wonder why/how my mom chose to do certain things.   How she made her choices and why she made them?

Tonight I turned on the TV and caught Jaime Oliver's Food Revolution...it begins next Friday! So tonight they must be previewing it to get people talking.   LOVE THAT!  It has the potential to ROCK this country to a core! ONLY IF PEOPLE TAKE TIME TO WATCH!

My mom packed our lunches from grade school through high school.   She still packs my dad a lunch.   I did get to pick one day a week for hot lunch in elementary school.  I remember sitting down for lunch as a sophomore with a lunch that looked unlike most of my friends' lunches (they had a pop and bag of pretzels).   My mom always made sure our lunch included a sandwich, some fruit (I remember the baggie of orange pieces that she sliced up), a crunchy something, and a little dessert. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!

Tonight as I watched Jaime show what goes on in the lunch room of many schools in the USA, I am IN AWE that my mom made this incredibly healthy choice for us that I know helped me be the healthy eater that I am today, when there was an easy lunch ticket option.  And she made our lunches fun with notes and surprises from time to time.  The time and discipline to make 4 lunches EVERY. SINGLE. DAY boggles my mind. I try to make my husband's lunch every once in a while but I fail - ALL TOO OFTEN.

I have a really hard time watching these kinds of things - they overwhelm me. Especially when children, who don't know and don't have the power to make healthier choices for themselves, are involved.

I have always planned to make my boys' lunches when they are school age.   And watching tonight's show just solidified this goal for myself.  Friday night the show premieres! Watch it - give it a chance! I know I will be watching!

And Jaime Oliver ended the show saying something along the lines about helping this community learn to take some ingredients, make some real food, SIT DOWN TOGETHER and break bread.
...making my point about family meal time - real - important.  I hope the mom from last Friday, who thinks obesity comes from making dinnertime social, takes time to watch this show. 

Keeping this short!  Here is a blip about the show.

hmmmm...

Working on layout again tonight.

Do you like this header or the old one?

Random Friday Thoughts

It is time for some quick thoughts on our week:

1.  Early to bed ....late to rise!  My boys have been sleeping late and I have been going to bed early.  I am guessing that a full week of 8 am wake times will end tomorrow...when Daddy finally could enjoy a "sleep in" morning.

2.   St. Patrick's day involved green milk, Lucky Charms, and homemade Shamrock shakes....1 cup of milk, 2 cups of vanilla ice cream, some green food coloring, and a tiny splash of mint extract!  Yummy!

3.  The weather was beautiful this week.  The boys rode bikes.  Henry will master our Spiderman scooter this year - I can see it!  He has already started swinging like a big boy.  The entire time he asked to go "IGHER!"

4.  Before he goes down our swing set slide he yells, "Chaout" (sounds like trout).  This means, "WATCH OUT."

5.  Honeyweiss season is around the corner - and this week with the nice weather I enjoyed a few. 

6.  Tonight at dinner, after writing about family dinners and picky eaters, Henry tried the main dish and "LIKED IT!" and some edamame and "Liked IT!" WOO HOO!

7.  Before dinner Charley helped me sort laundry, fold laundry, and hang laundry!  Kind of eerie!  But LOVING IT!

8.  The chore I waited all day to do...unloading the dishwasher and then loading it and running it again!  I HATE LOADING THE DISHWASHER but even more than loading it is UNLOADING IT!  THAT I DESPISE! As soon as my boys can handle this chore - I hope to pass it off to them.  That's fair - isn't it!?

9.  Henry had his class today.  He missed the last two weeks.  The entire drive to school he cried that he wanted to go home.  I dreaded the moment of separation...but we played in the kitchen and during circle time he relaxed and looked up at his teachers with idolizing eyes.  And when I knelt down to say I would come back he said, "Kay!"  And he did great!  I am so proud of my bacon and egg fryin' guy!

These Friday thoughts are linked to Friday Night Leftovers and Friday Fragments!

Getting it off my chest - Family Meal Time

This morning at Henry's ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education), the parent discussion topic was picky eaters. The facilitator was going over the list of ways in which we can help keep our children from being picky eaters and how to work with our picky eaters to keep expanding their world of food. I truly believe our children are born with some of their eating habits - Charley ate EVERYTHING and Henry is very picky. I did very little different with them from the start. But I do believe there are things we do as parents that can emphasize picky eating habits or help our children move onto stretching their diet horizons.

One of the points made this morning focused on sitting down and making meal time social. One of the moms brought up that this makes her uncomfortable because she thinks one of the problems with obesity in America results from thinking of eating as a social experience - and I understood where she was coming from. Lots of social is associated with eating. I only got a second to think about my response and when it got to me I did have a second to share my view - but on my drive home I got frustrated that I didn't have a chance to explain my ideas further - and I know the facilitator didn't get to either. So here is my thinking:

My issue with kids and obesity revolves more around snacks. I pointed out that today most mom's can whip out at least 1 and sometimes 3 snacks from her purse at any moment. I have done it - when I need them occupied in a waiting room, when they are whining in the car, when they ask at a park etc. I really, truly think, that family dinners are not to blame! So strongly - I can't begin to tell you how strongly.

There are children that graze all day - on healthy and unhealthy choices but they never sit down and eat a balanced meal with conversation and table manners. And yes, maybe what they are consuming is more healthy in many instances - but, for most children, snacking is not the healthiest food intake of their day.

I will admit that I do not sit down with my children at breakfast and lunch every day. I know I probably should. However, this is my chance to get the kitchen cleaned up, laundry switched etc. My boys chatter away and their relationship grows with every meal.

Family dinner time for me has always been about our family (mama, daddy, Charley, and now Henry) sitting down together at dinner time. One mom countered that her family spends plenty of time with each other so meal time isn't important.

Yes, we spend plenty of time together.  I, for sure, spend my whole day with my boys. However, I do not spend my whole day looking at them, asking them questions about their day, letting them see me ask their daddy how his day was etc.  Family dinner to me is about a balanced meal, conversation revolving around sharing and problem solving, table manners, learning how to converse and sit quiet.

I know that at this age we also get this conversation time with our little ones before bed - BUT, when my boys are 10 or 15.... I am thinking I won't be tucking them in at night and having some cozy conversation cuddled up after reading a book or two. So when else am I going to get them to sit down DAILY, showing them that they have a FAMILY that supports and cares for them. I am plan on depending on family meal time as our chance to remind our children that we are here, we are strong, we are grounded, and we CARE ABOUT THEIR DAILY LIVES! And when sports and evening activities start to invade our family meal time - adjustments will be made - but they will ALWAYS KNOW that dinner will be served in our house. And their mom and dad will be waiting, ready to listen.

This is how I grew up and I really believe it gives a family a strong foundation. Yes, there are instances where a parent works in the evening or children have extra curricular activities - I would make adjustments and make weekend meals a priority or make sure to have breakfast with them...or set up a family meeting time.

But if family dinners can work in your family- take the opportunity and don't waste the chance. It can be a life long opportunity to connect with your children - and in today's day of technology and lifestyle - connections are key for children when making the healthy choices in life.

Do you do anything fun with family meal time to make it fun or special? Or do you have a different opinion on family meal time? PLEASE SHARE!  I have more posts related to family dinner time coming in the next week!


Welcome friends from NEW FRIEND FRIDAY...thanks for visiting. 

Links I Love

It has been a while since I have left a few links that I love.  To be honest, I have been a little blogged out this week.  Maybe it is the spring weather we were blessed with - busy outside - harder to take a moment at the computer.  Maybe it is that I have almost hit 100 followers and that is very exciting and a little overwhelming.  Or maybe it is just the flow of blogging - there are times when there are days I could post 3 times and times when I am too busy living life....and I guess that is what I have been trying to focus on this week - Living life.  Enjoying the weather. Being present with my boys.  Going to bed early.  And trying to feel 100% again.  Who knows...but today here are a few links I have come across the last few days that have stayed with me.  Enjoy!


This one titled: Somebody Wants What You Have is powerful!  It reminds me to approach some of the little frustrations with a different outlook.

Go Ahead, Let Motherhood Redefine You  This post has a number of great points.  Being a mother is the biggest challenge I will have and it is also the experience that will teach me most about who I am.  This post touches on why this is true.

Meghan writes a blog about being a mom to her three kids.  EVERY. POST.  has me nodding my head - meaning I get it - I have been there - that is my life.  I have no idea where she lives - but I do believe that her post on Groceries this solidified the thought that she would be a great "real life" friend if we were neighbors, shopping at the same Target, disheveled - but thrilled to have accomplished the days errands with one, two, or for her - three children in tow.  Her post was me - almost exactly on Monday morning!

Nine Words women use was posted on a new blog I came across.  I don't think Ali wrote this - from the way she posted it.  It reminds me of one of those forward emails that goes around.  I will have to check with her.  But I thought it was HILARIOUS - and SO TRUE!  And I am so glad she posted it.  It gave me a chuckle!

And if you have 5 minutes today - READ THIS POST from the blog Enjoying the Small Things - it is such an amazing birth story.  One that will sit with you.  One that will stay with you.  One that you will want others to read. 

Have a great Friday friends.  It is cold here again. Boo!  But I also kind of like the way the seasons change here in Minnesota.  A few beautiful days and then they are ripped from our little hands for a few days....but I know they will gently be handed back to us again - and soon enough they will be here to stay. 

This post is linked to Tidy Mom's I'm Lovin It on Fridays.

Just a wee bit sad this Saint Patty's Day!

Just a wee sad.

My boys had green milk for breakfast (green water for Henry).
Lucky Charms was their main course.

I dropped Charley off at school.

He arrived home and got busy playing.

Later this afternoon we made shamrock shakes and shared them with friends. The discussion that occured while the shakes were being slurped up revolved around St. Patrick's Day. All the girls (because they were all neighbor girls) chattered on about the exciting things that happened in their classrooms...leprechaun hunts, messes left by the little green folk, treats, etc. Charley listened excitedly...and then he burst in...

My ears perked up - excited to hear him share his school experience (because like most boys his school day details come out in their own time). And this is what he shared with wide eyes and an excited voice,

"You know what! The leprechauns made a big mess in the classroom next to ours. Can you believe it?"

And there I sat, sad. Luckily he didn't get that nothing happened in his classroom - but in my heart - I was disappointed for the little guy. And off the group skipped to conduct their very own neighborhood leprechaun hunt. But to me the mama - I am just a wee bit sad.

2 goofy things that make me smile!

With the magic of TIVO I rarely watch commercials. But I have had friends who have shared these two commercials with me. They make me smile.