I remember when I worked in the daycare & parents would bring their kids in & they would either tell me, or I could tell from their clothing they did not have to work that day. I would always think to myself "why don't you want to spend it with your child?" Now as a mother I get it, I love my son dearly & on my days off I typically am with him having fun (or arguing about nap time), BUT every mother needs a day to herself. Now let me just clarify a day to myself: A dream day would be shopping, pedicure, massage, a movie, & lunch at one of my favorite restaurants. A reality day is being able to watch some of my shows, pick up the house without someone behind me destroying it, & actually be able to fix a good dinner for my family, & maybe a special dessert. Trust me I have yet to have a dream day, the few days that I have had are reality days....let's be realistic people. Anyway, I used to feel very guilty if I ever took a day without my son & actually stayed at home, but I know that a day of peace for me is more peace for my son & husband because I am a happier momma!
So for any momma's who feel guilty for doing something they enjoy.....DON'T!! I believe that motherhood is the hardest job on the planet & it doesn't come with an instruction manual, so for every ones sanity treat yourself to a day off of mommy/wife/employee duties & enjoy life. Trust me your family will thank you.
Until next time....
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Potty Training Update
Well this weekend we had a MAJOR breakthrough, I repeat a MAJOR breakthrough!! Saturday morning we spent the entire morning in underwear & didn't have any accidents until after lunch. I was pretty excited but decided to put him back in a diaper because he needed to nap. That evening he did go potty a few more times. Sunday morning he woke up & went potty & I put him right in underwear. Within the first hour he went #2 in his underwear, I was less than happy, but we still haven't conquered #2 on the potty so it is what it is. So I put him back in underwear & asked a few minutes later if he needed to go potty, his response "no". Within 2 minutes he came to me saying he had went in his pants..GRRR..I was frustrated because I had just asked him. Now I did my best to not get upset, he is only 2 & we have only been seriously trying for a few weeks. So I calmly told him that we cannot go potty in our underwear we have to go on the potty. He just gave me his adorable smile that melts my heart & says "okay momma". I left his room to go get ready for church when I heard noises coming from the bathroom I went in there & GUESS WHAT!!!! My son was on his step stool pulling his pants down & going potty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To say I was excited was an understatement, I couldn't believe he had done it:) I clapped & cheered & danced with him, who would have known you could get so excited when someone goes potty. The rest of the day until around 5:45 or so he was dry, no accidents. I know we still have a way to go especially going #2, but I know that he is understanding when he has to go & that he goes on the potty not in his diaper.
Side note: I HATE my computer. It is old & it may have a virus I'm not sure, but I can't load any pictures onto my blog. So be patient hopefully I can snag my mom's computer & upload some pics.
Side note: I HATE my computer. It is old & it may have a virus I'm not sure, but I can't load any pictures onto my blog. So be patient hopefully I can snag my mom's computer & upload some pics.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Potty Training
Oh the joys of potty training:( My son will be 2 1/2 on Christmas & I would love for him to be potty trained before his 3rd birthday. Now I have worked with young children for several years & many of them in a daycare setting where we worked on potty training...I KNOW THIS IS NOT EASY!! So my son started showing interest around Easter, actually he stayed dry all morning & went to the potty several times. My first thought was "wow this is great he will be potty trained in no time". WRONG! We started a potty chart & I gave him a sticker to put on his chart every time he went potty, a little sticker for #1 & a big sticker for #2. He enjoyed the sticker part & most of the time would go when I asked him, but he would never tell me he had to go & would never go #2 on the potty. My brother then gave me my nephew's potty chair to use & hopefully help with the process. Now let me just state that I don't like potty chairs. I actually have a couple of reasons for not liking them: 1. you don't have that luxury when you go out or to other people's homes & 2. I hate cleaning them. Well I got over my hatred because I thought maybe since it was smaller he would sit on it & go #2. WRONG AGAIN! He will sit on it but no #2 is coming out of that child unless he has a diaper on. After a while he stopped showing interest all together & would throw a fit if I asked him to go, so I stopped. (Every mother I have ever talked to said they will do it when they are ready, don't force it) This past month he has shown interest again so we have started it up again. Over Thanksgiving break we worked on it & he did really well, still no #2, & he wasn't telling me when he had to go, but was staying dry most of the day. (granted, we were going potty every 20 minutes) So now that the weekend is approaching & we don't have any plans I am ready for round 2. (DING DING) Wish me luck & any advice would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to wish my child to grow up any faster than he already is, but being out of diapers would be a welcome change. So stay tuned for next week's blog & hopefully I will have begun the potty training successful journey:)
Have a great weekend!
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
THANKFULNESS
Well Thanksgiving is over & Christmas is right around the corner. Although I am not a huge fan of the cold I love the HOLIDAYS!! When I was younger it was my favorite time because I got out of school & of course PRESENTS!! Now as I am older it is about getting off work..WOOHOO! Just kidding, although that is a nice bonus, it's about my family. I absolutely love getting together with my family & friends. (and the holidays provide a perfect reason) Just ask my husband I would much rather go & visit someone then sit at home. I remember being a kid & "going in town" to see my aunt & uncle, or going to visit some of my parents friends who had kids my age. It was so much fun. All of those memories are good memories & it gives you an even closer connection with the people you love. I am very blessed to live close to my parents & it is very rare that I go more than a day without seeing them & I usually see my in-laws at least a couple times a week. I know some people are thinking I'm crazy for wanting to spend so much time with them, but I love them, they are all amazing parents & even greater grandparents.
When I was younger I loved family get togethers, everyone jammed into someones house, talking loudly, trying to find a place to sit & eat...it was chaos. The one thing I remember most about those times was the laughter:) The laughter was usually brought on by previous memories, you know what I mean those priceless stories that are told overtime you get together, but they still make you laugh like it just happened. As I'm typing this I'm picturing some very important people in my life laughing & wishing I could still hear their laugh. I have lost several people in my life and holidays have been different since they passed. There is a gap that is there and although you still have a good time the gap is always in your heart.
If I could I would build a HUGE house with a massive dining room & the longest table you could find that way I could have family & friends over all the time for meals. Now since I don't cook those meals may be take out...but nonetheless it would be food & conversation.
So for those of you who have been blessed & have not lost anyone close to you or were too young to remember an individual that passed away, count your blessings. Eventually we all lose loved ones, some to illness, others to accidents, whatever the circumstance it will cause a gap in your heart. So remember that we don't know whether or not we have tomorrow & we need to cherish everyday & every person in our life. Take time to slow down & enjoy the people God has given us. So next time someone stops by your house unexpectedly don't worry about whether or not it is clean, because trust me they didn't stop by to do a housekeeping inspection, they stopped to see YOU! Also the next time you are driving past an old friend's house that you haven't seen in a while stop & visit with them. Trust me your conversation will probably be another great memory that won't be forgotten.
So an early Merry Christmas to you.
*my computer is still acting up which is why I have not been able to post pics of my last project, which by the way was super cute:)
When I was younger I loved family get togethers, everyone jammed into someones house, talking loudly, trying to find a place to sit & eat...it was chaos. The one thing I remember most about those times was the laughter:) The laughter was usually brought on by previous memories, you know what I mean those priceless stories that are told overtime you get together, but they still make you laugh like it just happened. As I'm typing this I'm picturing some very important people in my life laughing & wishing I could still hear their laugh. I have lost several people in my life and holidays have been different since they passed. There is a gap that is there and although you still have a good time the gap is always in your heart.
If I could I would build a HUGE house with a massive dining room & the longest table you could find that way I could have family & friends over all the time for meals. Now since I don't cook those meals may be take out...but nonetheless it would be food & conversation.
So for those of you who have been blessed & have not lost anyone close to you or were too young to remember an individual that passed away, count your blessings. Eventually we all lose loved ones, some to illness, others to accidents, whatever the circumstance it will cause a gap in your heart. So remember that we don't know whether or not we have tomorrow & we need to cherish everyday & every person in our life. Take time to slow down & enjoy the people God has given us. So next time someone stops by your house unexpectedly don't worry about whether or not it is clean, because trust me they didn't stop by to do a housekeeping inspection, they stopped to see YOU! Also the next time you are driving past an old friend's house that you haven't seen in a while stop & visit with them. Trust me your conversation will probably be another great memory that won't be forgotten.
So an early Merry Christmas to you.
*my computer is still acting up which is why I have not been able to post pics of my last project, which by the way was super cute:)
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
MOMS GROUP
Several months back I felt like I needed to reconnect with an old friend & create some better friendships with a couple fellow moms from my church. So I decided to start our "mom group". My thought was the 4 of us could get together once a month, no children or husbands, & have girl time. I wanted the group to just be us because 1. it's easier to plan around 4 people than a lot of people & 2. I wanted it to be more personal. The girls loved the idea, however wanted to invite some other moms. My initial reaction was (and you can read this in a very pouty childish voice) "that's not what I wanted". Well I didn't say that but in my head that was my thought. So we invited another girl & our first meeting was at my house. It was so much fun we laughed, talked, & of course fed our faces:) Since then we have continued to grow in number & I must say I am SO glad we have. Although scheduling a get together is a little more difficult overall we do pretty well setting a time to get together. As MOMS we all understand how important it is for us to have a break from the everyday chaos & enjoy ourselves. (the best part is there is no calorie counting)
*Now I typed all of that 1st part on Friday knowing that Sunday we were having a MOM group night with our children & I wanted to post pictures along with it.
Sunday we planned to have a "Thankful Dinner" with all of us as well as all our children. (17 of them to be exact ranging from 10 years old to in the womb:) Anyway I was very excited & couldn't wait for this chaotic dinner to begin. However, my son had other ideas, and after an issue with hitting and a complete meltdown we left. I can honestly say that I cried the entire way home. There have been a few times in my son's 2 years of life that I have found myself crying my eyes out. Large part due to exhaustion but also just feeling confused, angry, upset, & just having that feeling of failing as a mom. I know that we are hardest on ourselves & that we strive to be the best moms that we can be. I also know that every mom has made mistakes raising their children & there is no one out there that is perfect. (My mind knows these things, but at that moment my emotions are telling me different)
*This is where the story takes a happy turn:)
Me being me I immediatley called my momma. She of course gave me great advice but more importantly hugged me when I needed it the most. Later that night though, my sister, sister in law, & friend (all part of mom's group) contacted me. My sister texted me & called, my sister-in-law brought me all of my stuff that I left there as well as a yummy plate of food, & my friend called later to check on me. Now at the time I was still pretty emotional (side note: I do not get emotional in front of very many people & definatley don't like others to see me cry) so I wasn't the most talkative. However, I am very grateful for each & every one of those girls because their kind words meant alot to me.
So for anyone out there who has ever thought about starting a "Mom's Group", DO IT!! You won't regret it:)
*Now I typed all of that 1st part on Friday knowing that Sunday we were having a MOM group night with our children & I wanted to post pictures along with it.
Sunday we planned to have a "Thankful Dinner" with all of us as well as all our children. (17 of them to be exact ranging from 10 years old to in the womb:) Anyway I was very excited & couldn't wait for this chaotic dinner to begin. However, my son had other ideas, and after an issue with hitting and a complete meltdown we left. I can honestly say that I cried the entire way home. There have been a few times in my son's 2 years of life that I have found myself crying my eyes out. Large part due to exhaustion but also just feeling confused, angry, upset, & just having that feeling of failing as a mom. I know that we are hardest on ourselves & that we strive to be the best moms that we can be. I also know that every mom has made mistakes raising their children & there is no one out there that is perfect. (My mind knows these things, but at that moment my emotions are telling me different)
*This is where the story takes a happy turn:)
Me being me I immediatley called my momma. She of course gave me great advice but more importantly hugged me when I needed it the most. Later that night though, my sister, sister in law, & friend (all part of mom's group) contacted me. My sister texted me & called, my sister-in-law brought me all of my stuff that I left there as well as a yummy plate of food, & my friend called later to check on me. Now at the time I was still pretty emotional (side note: I do not get emotional in front of very many people & definatley don't like others to see me cry) so I wasn't the most talkative. However, I am very grateful for each & every one of those girls because their kind words meant alot to me.
So for anyone out there who has ever thought about starting a "Mom's Group", DO IT!! You won't regret it:)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Happiness
So this post has no real purpose other than I am happy. The last few months I have struggled with several different things & my attitude has been less than great. Sunday was a great day at church & although I enjoyed the sermon it was the worship that was really AMAZING! For some reason I left there feeling better. Monday morning I woke up with a completly different mindset...and that mindset was positive. I went to work & I actually had a pretty good day. Now my days have not been perfect...as you can tell from earlier posts my son was definately testing my patience, but overall pretty good. Then today I was looking in my wallet, which typically doesn't have a lot in it, and I found an old gift card that I had never used. I was so excited to be able to get some Christmas shopping done without having to spend any money:)
As a mother I feel like we are on a constant roller coaster of emotions, from the sleepless nights, to the constant worry for our children, & just the everyday stresses. So I feel like a week of happiness is worth posting about! So keep your heads up MOMS & know that you are not alone.
So be sure to check back on Monday because if my computer will cooperate this weekend I plan on posting some of my latest Pinterest projects. Good night everyone.
As a mother I feel like we are on a constant roller coaster of emotions, from the sleepless nights, to the constant worry for our children, & just the everyday stresses. So I feel like a week of happiness is worth posting about! So keep your heads up MOMS & know that you are not alone.
So be sure to check back on Monday because if my computer will cooperate this weekend I plan on posting some of my latest Pinterest projects. Good night everyone.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
2 Year Old
HALLELUJAH!!! My son slept from 7:15pm to 6:45am, that is amazing. Now let me just say that when my son was a baby he was a pretty good sleeper, well at least through the night. However, the last few months we have had a roller coaster of nights. He will sleep good for two nights & then be up 2 or 3 times the next few nights. I know some of you are thinking, well make your husband get up with him. He does, or at least he tries. Typically if my husband gets up with him he continues screaming for me...so I end up getting up anyway. (Daddy always puts to bed & Mommy lays with him if he has a bad dream) So let's just say that last night was an amazing gift to me. I should have known that God was giving me a good night sleep to prepare me for the morning. Our morning started out good, but then once we got in the car it was GAME OVER!! My son is wonderful & I love him SOOOO much, but every mom out there understands when I say I couldn't get to the babysitters house fast enough.
We have also been dealing with what I like to call the "talking version" of colic. When my son was little he had colic & it lasted for a few months, every night from 5-7 he would cry & there would be no consoling him. (Just so you know my mom says I was the same way so I guess it was my payback) Lucky for us that stage was over pretty quickly, but now I think its back. The last few weeks our evenings have been a little rough, & by rough I mean screaming crying tantrums. I know this is a "stage" & it will be over soon. By the way I absolutely HATE when people use that line. Unfortunately it is true & it will pass, so to all of you mother's with not perfect children hang in there:)
I am very blessed though to have an Awesome Husband & Amazing Family who know when I am getting overwhelmed & they will step in & save the day. So tonight my son gets a little "father son" time & I get to enjoy a nice meal out with my momma & my sister. So until next time Happy Parenting!!
We have also been dealing with what I like to call the "talking version" of colic. When my son was little he had colic & it lasted for a few months, every night from 5-7 he would cry & there would be no consoling him. (Just so you know my mom says I was the same way so I guess it was my payback) Lucky for us that stage was over pretty quickly, but now I think its back. The last few weeks our evenings have been a little rough, & by rough I mean screaming crying tantrums. I know this is a "stage" & it will be over soon. By the way I absolutely HATE when people use that line. Unfortunately it is true & it will pass, so to all of you mother's with not perfect children hang in there:)
I am very blessed though to have an Awesome Husband & Amazing Family who know when I am getting overwhelmed & they will step in & save the day. So tonight my son gets a little "father son" time & I get to enjoy a nice meal out with my momma & my sister. So until next time Happy Parenting!!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Good Monday Morning Everyone!!
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I had a good weekend & I must say I was pretty productive. I did get my closet cleaned out...let's just say 2 boxes of clothes later & i can see the floor!! I hope to post a pic later. Now I don't have the money to go buy a bunch of nice closet organizers..so being the "normal" mom that I am. I used DIAPER BOXES!! Good grief I should have started saving these a long time ago. They work perfect for storage at the top of my closet. I also got 1/2 of my craft project done for my amazing cousin...I am very excited to see it completed...trust me pictures will follow.
This weekend our church had a "thankful" lunch for all the volunteers:) My mom cooked a WONDERFUL lunch. While at the lunch I recieved one of the greatest compliments ever...a lady in our church told me that I was a good mother. That really made my day. I try so hard to be a good mom & good wife, but sometimes you wonder if you are doing the right things. This woman made me feel so happy & that I am doing the right things for my son!!
On another happy note, my mom & I are very close & we are together a lot....and I don't know what I would do without her. But this weekend she made me even more thankful for her...& I didn't think I could be any more thankful for her. I was telling her a story & mentioned that she would be proud of me. Her response "i am always proud of you". I said well I know you are proud of me but what about the times I have disappointed you (trust me I am far from perfect & I can think back on some of behaviors & they were not my proudest moments) Anyway my mom said "you've not disappointed me & I am always proud of you". My mother's LOVE is truly AMAZING!! I know there are times when she has been upset with my choices, but to know that she has always been proud of me is very important. All of my life all I have wanted is to make my parents proud & to know that thus far I have done that makes me very happy. I love you Momma!! I realized that if my biggest role model is my mother & if i follow her lead I think i'll be okay.
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I had a good weekend & I must say I was pretty productive. I did get my closet cleaned out...let's just say 2 boxes of clothes later & i can see the floor!! I hope to post a pic later. Now I don't have the money to go buy a bunch of nice closet organizers..so being the "normal" mom that I am. I used DIAPER BOXES!! Good grief I should have started saving these a long time ago. They work perfect for storage at the top of my closet. I also got 1/2 of my craft project done for my amazing cousin...I am very excited to see it completed...trust me pictures will follow.
This weekend our church had a "thankful" lunch for all the volunteers:) My mom cooked a WONDERFUL lunch. While at the lunch I recieved one of the greatest compliments ever...a lady in our church told me that I was a good mother. That really made my day. I try so hard to be a good mom & good wife, but sometimes you wonder if you are doing the right things. This woman made me feel so happy & that I am doing the right things for my son!!
On another happy note, my mom & I are very close & we are together a lot....and I don't know what I would do without her. But this weekend she made me even more thankful for her...& I didn't think I could be any more thankful for her. I was telling her a story & mentioned that she would be proud of me. Her response "i am always proud of you". I said well I know you are proud of me but what about the times I have disappointed you (trust me I am far from perfect & I can think back on some of behaviors & they were not my proudest moments) Anyway my mom said "you've not disappointed me & I am always proud of you". My mother's LOVE is truly AMAZING!! I know there are times when she has been upset with my choices, but to know that she has always been proud of me is very important. All of my life all I have wanted is to make my parents proud & to know that thus far I have done that makes me very happy. I love you Momma!! I realized that if my biggest role model is my mother & if i follow her lead I think i'll be okay.
Friday, November 2, 2012
As a typical "normal" mom I have way to many things going on. Now all of these things can be completed, but you will soon come to learn that my attention span isn't always that long. (and in my defense i also have a 2 year old) For example I told my husband that I was going to clean out the closet the other day. His response "DON'T". I asked why & he said, "because you will drag everything out & it will sit there for a long time before you do anything with it". Now typically I would take this as a challenge to prove him wrong, but instead I went on to my next idea.
I want to be able to post my completed crafts, or my organizational skills, & my weight loss journey on here. So maybe..just maybe...by having this blog I will feel a little bit of accountabilty. My current to do list is cleaning out & reorganizing our bedroom closet, finish creating a gift for a family member, & continue to eat better. The last one still needs a lot of work & encouragement...especially since i already had a snack size payday:)
So any words of encouragement or ideas would be greatly appreciated..Have a GREAT friday!!
I want to be able to post my completed crafts, or my organizational skills, & my weight loss journey on here. So maybe..just maybe...by having this blog I will feel a little bit of accountabilty. My current to do list is cleaning out & reorganizing our bedroom closet, finish creating a gift for a family member, & continue to eat better. The last one still needs a lot of work & encouragement...especially since i already had a snack size payday:)
So any words of encouragement or ideas would be greatly appreciated..Have a GREAT friday!!
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