"What did you say?" How to annoy a mom...

1) Where do you get your energy from? 
Honestly 90% of the time ALL moms are tired, down right exhausted, but we do what we have to. This is the same for moms of 1 or moms of 12, and all those moms in between.

or the opposite

2) You look tired.
Honestly 90% of the time ALL moms are tired, down right exhausted, but we do what we have to. This is the same for moms of 1 or moms of 12, and all those moms in between.


3) Gee, I haven't seen you in a while, you've aged.
Clearly all people have not read the books of manners. It is NEVER okay to point out someone looks older, unless they are five.

4) Do you work?... No like, a real job?
Anything a mom does is work, it takes twenty-five minutes minimum to walk to the bathroom. Some moms work in the house, some moms work outside the home, some for a few hours, some for many hours... regardless of their pay schedule, all moms are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. THAT is a REAL job.
 

5) You look like such a mom..
This just seems like a slam. Is it the pony tail? The workout clothes? The ratty sneakers? The mini-van? The oatmeal on my shirt? Or the kid who just wiped his nose on my pants? Why must you point out the obvious?

6) Are they all yours?
 It is mind boggling to me why a mom of three would hear this.. But I have. If a circus of small children were following me, I could understand this, but they are not.

7) Wow you have your hands full.
If my children are mouthy, loud, obnoxious, rude or unruly, you can THINK this, THINK it.. In your brain. DO NOT say it! My hands are perfectly fine. My children are wonderful.

8) You look really pretty today.
I know, I know,.. It sounds nice. Its awfully condescending to say "today", how did I look yesterday?

9) Oh, she's crying aren't you going to do something?
Perhaps you didn't see her crying, isn't it obvious that I already DID something. And Don't ask me why she's crying.. perhaps you have not seen the FB posting and blog postings that little ones cry for anything, or nothing... a lot!

10) When are you due?
 Do not ever, ever, ever ask this... Unless I shout "My water broke", first look for a water bottle, THEN assume I am pregnant.

11) Oh just give him some candy... one piece won't hurt
Oh, I am sorry doctor,  didn't see your degrees there. One piece CAN hurt FYI, ever here of anaphylactic shock?

12) Enjoy every moment.. it goes by so fast
Oh, why didn't I think of that?! Actually, some moments stink, if I am being honest... and I will most likely look back on those moments and say "Thank God that's over" and not "Oh how I miss changing diapers and being peed on" or "I really wish someone would wipe their snotty nose on my leg before I run to the store in my ratty sneakers and mini-van"

13)  Are you still breast feeding, co sleeping, rear facing...??? (or any other PARENT choice)
Unless I brought it up, I do NOT want to talk to you about it, strange lady in line at the supermarket...

14) Woah he's huge... shes so thin.... Is that baby healthy?
Seriously? Did I ask you about that double chin you're sporting or the filth under your fingernails? Do not question my child during a growth spurt, or any time for that matter...He is healthy, so is she...let it go.

15) Are you done (having children) yet?
 Oh, sorry, are my happy, well-adjusted, well-cared for children taking up your oxygen? Don't question the growth, or lack their of of my family. WE we stop having children, how and when we choose to.

16) Were they all planned?
 See above... and yes, they were ALL someone's plan. May not have been mine, or my husbands... but somebody's.

17) Are you sure she's allergic? Maybe she just doesn't like it...
Phew! Why didn't I think of that!? Oh Honey, just eat it, even though you are vomiting and its running right through your rear, you are covered in hives and can't breathe, this strange -looking , double-chinned, filthy finger-nailed, doctor lady in the super market line said it was okay...

18) Oh... you home school?
Yup. Yup I do.
That explains it I suppose... My brilliant, well adjusted children who happen to be exceeding all expectations of their peers, and can clearly out perform you ANY day at your mind-numbing mediocre job...

Read more »

Its Just a Number on the Scale...

Your only as young as you feel... If that's true then what should also be true is ... You are only as fit as you feel..

Numbers may not lie, but each number by itself does not speak the whole truth. Especially if you have a scale that reads a BMI. The BMI is notoriously inaccurate in making calculations for women in order to determine the healthy weight, see what I mean here or here.
Generally speaking women of different body types, may not have the most accurate results, women have all sorts of different frames, although I am 5'4 and healthy, my scale repeatedly tells me I need to gain 5+ lbs, despite the fact that my BMI is within a healthy weight AND my clothes are too snug, and my measurements are BEYOND the healthy proportions for my frame.

Read more »

Days 5 & 6 of a Better Me...

As always, I am enjoying having the extra time to be with the kids in an attempt to maintain my sanity, unfortunately I spent the better part of this morning working (and that's DRAINING), cleaning and preparing for a playdate tomorrow. I am feeling super stressed lately, I do not know if its the compounding tasks I am giving myself to better myself or something else.

I managed to abstain from Social Media for the entire day, almost clicking that horrid little Facebook button, but was quickly able to shut the phone down and put it away. PHEW! That was close!
I never would have thought that the reading for 30 minutes, would be the biggest challenge! Today, I planned on getting caught reading but it just didn't happen, this I am struggling most with! There is such little time for me to sit and do anything....just cooking, cleaning and if I am lucky, even a shower.

Physical activity time was a hit today! Both, KC & JD raced in the halls and completed a Kinect workout! It really was fun! Tomorrow I hope we are able to incorporate a dance party, although it is Karate day!

Call making was also a success today! I phoned several friends AND family, everyone was slow to answer! It didn't help that I am having an annoying challenge from a home demonstration simultaneously. I plan to continue this throughout the Lenten season, never calling the same person two (2) consecutive days and just randomly swiping my phone to a letter to call someone I may not have phoned in a while. Actual human conversation and interaction is not what it used to be with the Internet infringing on human communications.

I am still undergoing my sugar detox and I feel it is going very well, so I plan to continue it the best I can.

I had a successful first day working out and actually managed a 40 minute boot camp routine without a problem. Continuing for the rest is going to be a challenge - one that I am up for! I am not going to set a specific amount of time, anything from 10 minutes to a full hour. 

Now, I have also added, 5-10 quiet moments of meditation and prayer each day and to end my yelling. I feel I would be a calmer and more effective mother, and person if I had more time for reflection and maintained a nice calm voice. 

Read more »

Day 4 of a Better Me...

I am enjoying having the extra time to be with the kids in an attempt to maintain my sanity, unfortunately today I spent a good part of the day with a migraine, thus inhibiting my ability to function like a normal human being.
I cuddled with my sick little lady and watched cartoons (since its Saturday), and the only time I used Social Media was during my trip to the grocery store.
I plan on reading for 30 minutes, while I lay in bed this evening. Today, I planned on getting caught reading but it just didn't happen.
Since the children have been bottled up all winter, I sent JD out for a walk with my mother, allowing KC & CJ time to rest and I worked out at home...
Now, making one (1) call to speak to an actual person about the things that really matter, that was hard! I phoned two friends and left two messages. I plan to continue this throughout the Lenten season, never calling the same person two (2) consecutive days. Actual human conversation and interaction is not what it used to be with the Internet infringing on human communications.
I am still undergoing my sugar detox and I feel it is going very well, so I plan to continue it the best I can. What I am doing now is adding in a workout into my schedule each and every day, I am not going to set a specific amount of time, anything from 10 minutes to a full hour. 

Read more »

Day 3 of a Better Me...

I am enjoying having the extra time to be with the kids in an attempt to maintain my sanity.
I caved a bit today in my downtime with my limited social media. I had some downtime during the children's science class, and I spent it silly on social media... I should have spent it reading.

The reading for 30 minutes, seemed more of a challenge than I originally anticipated, but I pushed through. I read to the children, and read alone to myself while they rested. Today, I planned on getting caught reading but it just didn't happen. I read as I rocked Baby Cash to sleep, and hope to get a little more before I fall asleep.

Since the children have been bottled up all winter, and I am finding more time to be with them, I am going to find 30 minutes each day to engage the children in some sort of physical activity, from dancing to yoga, or tunneling to tumbling.. Anything really to get them on their feet and move around a bit, Today we ran and ran and ran around the Nature Center!

Now, I'll add a bit more of a challenge. I am going to make one (1) call to speak to an actual person about the things that really matter. I plan to continue this throughout the Lenten season, never calling the same person two (2) consecutive days. Actual human conversation and interaction is not what it used to be with the Internet infringing on human communications.

Read more »

Day 2 of a Better Me...

I am enjoying having the extra time to be with the kids in an attempt to maintain my sanity. And this 
limited social media is hard. I have found myself being sillier, talking to my children more and smiling more.
Then, it makes me a bit sad to think about those silly, happy moments that I was missing just a few days ago and I don't think I want to go back...not when Lent is over, not ever. If there is anything I should be focused on completely it is my children.

The reading for 30 minutes, seemed more of a challenge than I originally anticipated, but I pushed through. I read to the children, and read alone to myself while they rested. Tomorrow I plan on getting caught reading.

Since the children have been bottled up all winter, and I am finding more time to be with them, I am going to find 30 minutes each day to engage the children in some sort of physical activity, from dancing to yoga, or tunneling to tumbling.. Anything really to get them on their feet and move around a bit.
I am 100% certain that being involved with the children and involving them in activities co-cooperatively
is exactly why we are all home and all together.

Read more »

Day 1 of Better Me

So I have limited my social media to only be before 7am and after 7pm. I feel awesome about putting aside the electronics to focus on whats more important, my family. I have noticed a little "down time" that Is making me want to check the internet.

With this time, I decided I need to up the anty a bit. I am adding a day 2 challenge: Read for 30 minutes a day.

This can be effective in so many ways. I could spend the time reading to my little ones, or setting a positive example of reader.

In our fast paced world, few can take the time to sit, relax and read a good book or any book for that matter.

Read more »

40 Days to a better me!

Is it time for Lent already? Giving up something for Lent sometimes evokes head-scratching in non-Catholics and often even Catholics...

Lent, the period of 40 days that precedes the celebration of Easter, has its origin in the early days of the Church. It is a symbol for final period of “purification and enlightenment” for the 40 days before their baptism at Easter for new Christians. 

Today we acknowledge he ways we have turned away from God in our lives and we focus on turning our hearts and minds back during Lent. Hence the three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  Giving up something for Lent is ultimately a form of fasting. We can deprive ourselves of some small pleasure or indulgence and offer that sacrifice up to God. Or we might “give up” a bad habit such as smoking as a way of positively turning our life back towards what God wants for us.

An experience of want, however temporary, can help us to appreciate the true abundance in our lives. And a small positive change can have a big impact that lasts beyond the 40 days of Lent.

This year during Lent, I am striving to be my best self, adding an additional challenge each day that I will continue until Easter. My FIRST task, challenge and sacrifice will be fasting from electronic media during daytime hours.

7 to 7 my time will be devoted to those who really matter. This is going to be fairly hard considering I have a business to run, but I need my family more! Anything else can wait until morning, or evening. 

How will you better yourself this season? Is there something you enjoy that you want to sacrifice for a while? Or is it a bad habit you want to conquer? Find something that works for you, and whatever it is, may it help you to turn towards God in this holy season of Lent.

Read more »

On the Road Again...

Have you ever taken your children on a road trip?
I mean a LOOOOOONG road trip,1,100 miles from home.
We did, and it was way better than I anticipated. Check out the Details.

Although I was virtually terrified about the trip, I continually re-assured my husband everything would be perfect and the children would transition smoothly from our normal airline trips to this driving adventure to Florida.

The trip itself began super smoothly indeed! The car was packed and children in their seats comfortably snacking just after lunchtime, nearly exactly when we had planned on leaving.

The drive was virtually uneventful, the children slept (afternoon nap time), until we arrived in the Carolinas', where we were able to stop for dinner at Outback (using a gift card that was about 10 years old - yay for CT for not letting them expire). After a quick stretch and a change into pajamas (just for the children ;) and back on the road again.

A few more stops for gas, bathroom and stretches and we reached Florida! The children did SO well! They did not utter the dreaded "Are we there yet", until roughly 30 minutes from the Hotel! Then it was off the the EXPO, and a much needed shower and dinner!

Yay for awesome kids!

Are you thinking of taking a trip?

Here are some MUSTS:

1. Start talking about the “adventure.” It was going to be fun and exciting, and I wanted the kids to be just as excited as I was.
2. Load up on books and other media! Grab a handful of books and DVDs new to you, and separate them into two bags, one for the way there and one for the way back.
3. A good list is a must. As a mom I never leave home without a container of baby wipes and an extra change of clothes for my little ones.
4. Pack “surprises” for your tiny travelers. The dollar store is my go-to for this! I grabbed cute reusable bags, and filled them with coloring books, crayons, books, stickers, tattoos and snacks.
5. Make stops! This is the biggest non-negotiable! Believe me, I would have loved my 22 hour drive to have only been 18 , but I realized that this was my children’s first long road trip. So, we stopped at every time we went below a-half-a-tank, filled up, used the restrooms and did a good-old-fashioned stretch.
6. Talk with your kids! Lets face it, kids won't sit quietly in a car. We sang, chatted and viewed all sorts of things we passed.
7. Pack snacks. All sorts of favorite things, especially those that they have not had in awhile. 
8. Make mess stoppers! I have a brand new vehicle and I don't like messes, but we are driving... for 20 hours.... with three kids. I made trays for them to hold their snacks, AND allow them to have a flat surface for reading and drawing. 

Read more »

Affordable Outdoor Family Friendly Activities

 In a world awash with technology, it can be hard to find activities for kids that involve putting down the iPADs and getting outside. One of the best ways to encourage your children to embrace the outdoors is to take them some place new and exciting. This will break the monotonous routine and ultimately allow more acceptance of a new adventure.
  It’s unfortunate, but to a child, being sent outside can sometimes feel like a punishment or a burden. (Some children are sent outside as a consequence of making a nuisance of themselves indoors.) Parents need to lead by example. Get out there and get active. Let your inner child come out and play, gain some fresh air, exercise and reconnect with life’s simpler pleasures.
  Some days, my son's main interaction with nature consists of playing Angry Birds, and I know I have a a problem! Exploring and ruining 'a muck' outdoors is a chance to be kids and explore, without any kind of restrictions or limitations as long as they remain safe, and allow their creativity to explore and their imaginations to blossom.
 Winter is finally over, and those of us who have been stuck in the house due to cold weather can finally breathe a sigh of relief. It's time to venture out for some fresh air, vitamin D, and exercise. Outdoor activities need to be a regular occurrence, so variety is a must.  Need some ideas for outdoor activities? Here are some low-cost or free timeless ideas for encouraging creative and independent play:


Visit KaBOOM
This interactive map lists different playgrounds, fields, pools and other play spaces in your area. Visitors can add playgrounds to the user-generated map, upload pictures and rate them. 

Chalk Adventure
Sidewalk chalk is one of the most fun and affordable outdoor activities for kids. Set your family’s imagination loose and hit the pavement to create a family art gallery. Every family member can draw their picture on their own section of sidewalk.

Plant a Garden
By planting a garden, a child can experience the satisfaction that comes with caring for something over time, while observing the cycle of life first hand. Gardening can also bring environmental awareness to kids at an earlier age. 

Play the Backyard Matching Game
Go outside with your kids and have them close their eyes, as you fill a paper bag with items from the backyard. Gather pine cones, leaves, rocks, pebbles, flowers, etc. Have your children reach in the bag, pull out an object and hunt for a similar one in your yard. Continue until each item from the bag has a match. 

Create a Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Make your own scavenger hunt handout or find one online at Go Explore Nature. See how many things you and your children can find. 

Make a Nature Notebook
A nature notebook can help your kids keep track of their observations. Spend thirty minutes a day finding interesting things to put in their notebook. They can draw pictures of what they see or take notes. 

Conduct a Bug Hunt
Turn over a rock or look under a flower pot for some creepy crawlers. Using a bug container will allow your kids to look closely at different worms and insects without getting too grossed out -- just make sure to put the bugs back where you found them.  

Camp-out
Have a camp out in your backyard. A campfire is a great idea, as long as you check it with your local fire departments. You may need a permit, or your area may not allow campfires.

Go on Day Trips
Whether it's a trip to a park, museum or field, going on a day trip is a fun way for you and your kids to get out of the house and learn more about nature. 


Tennis Anyone?
The portability of tennis rackets and balls is a gift. It's a blast.

Go Fishing
A fairly decent fishing pole can be purchased at a store for as little as $12 - $15. A family can make a whole day out of fishing (leisurely of course). It's simple. Pack the car with a couple of fishing poles a bucket and bait.

Outdoor Movie Night
Thanks to our outdoor plugs, when the weather permits we play a movie via the laptop in the back yard. We view on blankets under starry skies (it's really fun!). It's a great time to make Smores too.

Explore a Rotten Log
That dead tree or stump can be a great science lesson. Kids can investigate and note everything they see: what's on the surface, moss, holes bored into the log, bugs and more. Ask your child questions about what bugs they saw and what they think they were doing there -- like finding shelter or gathering food. 

Bubbles
Bubbles are a timeless kid favorite. Let them blow the bubbles - they will be so proud of their accomplishment! Or you blow the bubbles and they can run around the yard trying to pop them. You can buy bubbles at the dollar store or other discount outlets for cheap, or you can look up online how to make them at home using dish soap.


Build a Bird Feeder
Get a bird feeder or make one yourself using a pinecone and peanut butter, and put it outside near a window. Kids can look out the window whenever they please and it's an easy and simple way to keep kids connected with nature. 

Head Out on a Nature Walk
Whether you live in a city, a suburb or a rural area, a nature walk is a simple way to get your kids outside. Even just walking around your block, kids can observe trees, bugs and birds they see along the way. 

Scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep kids busy. Make a list of everyday items they can find in the yard. For younger kids who can't read, you can use pictures. For example, your list could include a pinecone, a green leaf, a smooth stone, a stick, and so on. The kids will love exploring the backyard and competing to see who can complete their list first.


Geocaching
Technology is not commonly associated with getting outside however, but geocaching is an easy way to combine the two. It's is a high-tech treasure hunt, where users search for treasures or "caches" using a GPS device to pinpoint the correct location. 

Take a Penny Walk
To make a walk with your kids a little more interesting, let a penny lead the way! When you come to a road, turn or intersection, flip a penny. If it lands on heads, go right and if it lands on tails, turn left. 

Waterway Stay-cation
Instead a day at the lake, blow up an inflatable pool, make frozen juice pops, break out the suntan lotion and spend the day at your own private beach.


 Bike Riding
Our city boasts plenty of canal paths and trails designated for bikers. The internet and local town recreation offices will typically provide access to biking trails in your town.

How do you get outside with your kids?

Read more »

Detox take 2...

I do not like failure. I like even less when I have to admit it to myself and least of all when I have to share news of failure with others.

My first attempt at a sugar detox was a complete failure! There, I said it. Failed.

After talking to some friends I realized I was not alone. Kicking the sugar addition is hard to do!

The hardest part for MOST people was the morning coffee, for me it was lack of breakfast options.

It's no secret that too much sugar is bad for our health. The FDA recommends about 70g of sugar a day for men and 50g for women but many of us are exceeding this. Even this is HIGH. Dietitians and physicians recommend no more than 24g (or 6 teaspoons) a day for a healthy diet. 

I FIRST started thinking, hey I can swing this. And with no official plan (or grocery trip) I started off reading labels, EVERYTHING has sugar. Everything! 

And all of my knowledge about health and fitness points to the fact that excess sugar consumption can cause weight gain, energy slumps and even wrinkles, so its totally worth the pain and suffering for a tiny bit of time.

In round two - for the standard days; breakfast consists of eggs - scrambled, poached or hard boiled (with tons of veggies - peppers, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes) - Lunch is salads, such as tuna or poached or grilled chicken on a bed of leaves, and dinner comes in the form of protein, such as grilled fish, chicken, pork or steak, with a selection of vegetables, and if necessary a starch like quinoa or sweet potato.

 

The only snacks allowed over the three days include nuts and vegetable sticks with hummus, celery with peanut butter or sliced, or raisins and you can only drink green/herbal tea and one black coffee per day (along with lots of water that can be jazzed up with a slice of lime or lemon) and unsweetened almond or coconut milk.

I suggest BEFORE the first 3 days there is a trial period. During this trial it is essential to limit sugar as much as possible, no processed, no carbs and no more than 1/4 cup of fruit a day. One the 3 days are up, rotate to ALL IN! While sticking to the plan is not easy, the mild modification from 'cold turkey' and cutting out all sugar - including that found in fruit - for subsequent days is necessary to set people on the right path.

The Sugar Fix doesn’t allow any bread, rice, or pasta, but that is because starchy carbohydrates are a major contributor to sugar addiction. These are replaced with good carbohydrates that are full of fiber, such as vegetables, and can actually help lower blood sugar.
After the initial 10-day detox, some sugar is then re-introduced as the diet progresses to make it more manageable. Fruit in limited amounts is the first to be re-introduced. Here beginning slowly is key, begin at 1/8 cup, increasing 1/8 every 3 days until a max of 1 cup is reached. At which point 1/8 up of full fat dairy can be re-introduced, followed by 1/8 cup of complex carbs (after the full cup of dairy is reached). Processed and packaged foods should remain rarities if ever. Substitutions for sugar should become honey (localized) or stevia whenever possible and limited to 1 small item per day or week if possible.

Read more »