Busy, Busy, Busy

Is it wrong that when my kids see me at the computer they think it is work! :) It is our little secret - what they don't know won't hurt them!

This will be another busy week! We are still unpacking the last bit of boxes and trying to get organized, while I plan my daughter's 4th birthday party! Much to do!! We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary this week too! We will be full of the fun busy this week but next week is real work!

We found out our subdivision is having their annual yard sale next weekend! They claim the turn out was so great in prior years that people had to park and walk just to get to the houses participating. I've never had a yard sale and, after 10 years of marriage, we are due to sell a few things. So our chaos will continue for another week of getting prepared for that as well! It is a little crazy unpacking and then trying to decide what will go and what will stay.

I have not kept up with my kids clothes for the past 1.5 year. In the past I've sorted through their clothes to keep the stuff I thought was too cute to let go of and brought the remainder to consignment. We are planning to have more kids and so why let go of the stuff we know we will reuse! Anyway, the consignment world here is so different from BR. They have annual consignment sales and I have not found out about the consignments until after the fact. So we are well over due in letting go of some kids clothes.

My only thought is how do I price things for a yard sale. I want to get the most I can without pricing too high! Does anyone know of a website with yard sale tips? For now I am off to take my kids to meet friends at the park. They are due some play time with all of the chaos this past week has brought! So off for laughing and playing!! See ya soon friends!

TV Giveaway

5 Minutes for Mom is having a great contest! They are giving away an Insignia 37" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV. Best Buy is the generous vendor donating this great TV for this contest. You will see from part 2 of my recent move (will post this later this week) that we are in need of a tv now. Ours got banged up a bit and is now on the fritz! I hope we win so we can see the whole screen again instead of in bits!! If you would like to win this TV click the 5 Minutes for Mom link and join in on the fun! Good luck!

The Move - Part 1

Hi friends! I am beginning to feel like I can get back to my fun. There are still boxes surrounding me as I type. My internet works but wireless is not clicking yet. I am sitting on a kiddie chair with the computer resting on the wolfer thingy. This is so that I am not forced to sit on the floor or squat since I have to plug into the wall - the horror. At least the internet has been up during this entire chaotic event! Otherwise I just may have had to stop and cry at some points. Most of our stuff is out but those stragglers can be overwhelming!

Some of you were surprised we were moving. I only mentioned it once on my blog, so I am sure it could have been missed. We only moved across town but it was still a wild ride. Move in day was Wednesday and we had the key on Tuesday. We decided to move our washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, patio furniture and a few miscellaneous things that were ready to go on Tuesday. We moved most of the kids toys, because you know they would only find them and want to play, so they were one of the first things to go! So far so good! It wasn't move in day yet and ... we were feeling organized and ready! Ahead of the game!

We drive to our new home and find, it is raining. It rained the entire time we unloaded the little bit we brought, but we didn't let that get us down! We were moving and we were ahead of the game! Go team!!

Part two will come soon!! Part two is the good story!! You don't want to miss part 2! I will get to that soon.

Crazy Days are here!!

Hi friends!! We moved on Wednesday (yesterday) and so.... I am recovering! I hope to have things back to normal soon! For sure by Monday!! Believe me - there is a crazy story to tell!! That will have to wait for now because I am drowning in a sea of boxes!!

I just wanted you to know I am still alive and kicking, just unpacking for now! I hope to visit all of your blogs again in a few days! I feel like I am missing what is going on in your world!! Talk to you soon!

Wordless Wednesday

Find more Wordless Wednesday here or here.

My Christmas in July!

I am SOOOOO excited!! I attended my last Homeschool small group, until September, and I am so pumped up! I am looking forward to seeing my curriculum arrive in the mail! I want to flip through and find what we will be doing!! I am so giddy everytime I think about it! I feel like a little girl waiting for Santa to arrive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would never have thought I would be this happy regarding Homeschool. I feel like the journey has been so fun and so unpredictable. It is like family after family planted a seed in my heart and now I am actually giving it a go!! I always wanted to try this but never felt confident in my abilities. I am still not confident in my abilities but I feel I will be prepared when the issues rise!

My biggest fear is will I be patient enough with my kids. If I am not patient I will discourage learning rather than encourage them! I also want to find the rhythm of our day! Everytime I read The Well Trained Mind I am a little more excited than before. I am praying I will find the right fit for us!! I think I know where we are headed but I feel so lost at the same time!! I am glad I have an army of Moms to call if I have a bad day or if I get stumped!! There is nothing like having someone to lean on when things get overwhelming! I have perfectionist tendencies and some days I am sure I will need someone to talk me down off the perfectionist check list!! What a fun adventure I am on!! I have not been this excited about any 'job' I've had in a long time!!

Bitter... Sweet

My kids are so different from each other! Today at lunch my daughter gladly ate her grilled cheese in hopes of having fresh fruit as her reward. She is also motivated by a cookie or cake! My son is not so easily motivated. He would not touch the sandwich for any bribe whatsoever. So what's a mom to do? Offer him a bite of my Greek feta salad of course.

So back to the scene today.. we're eating lunch and my son is completely disinterested in his half of the sandwich. He is not a sandwich eater. I really can't blame him, I'm not either. So my husband offered him a bite of his chicken salad *ahem* SANDWICH, to which JB says a polite "No, I no want that sandwich." So I offer him a bite of my salad and he is thrilled! He asked for a piece of onion in his bite and I obliged. My husband was in mid-sentence "I can't believe you gave him a bite of onion" and my son signed for more.

JB has been eating Caesar salad with me since he was in the womb and he picked up the habit again around the age of two! So when all else fails, my son will gladly eat the following: Caesar Salad, Greek Salad, Sensation Salad, Chips and Salsa, Lemons (but no lemonade - too sweet), Pizza, Pasta, Cantaloupe, Oranges, Chips and Salsa, anything with garlic and Chips and Salsa - well you get the picture. He will accept cookies or cake if offered, he's not a total freak!!

It is neat to see them having tendencies that we can attribute to Mom (me) or Dad (hubby). My son is a more finicky eater and my daughter truly has a more daring taste for food. HC will try anything and JB wants to try anything, but he just might hurl if it has a weird texture or an unexpected twist. Clearly HC has her daddy's flare for trying anything edible once and JB has the unfortunate claim to my quick hurl reflexes! Sorry JB!

First Time Mommy Syndrome

(I look so pale in this picture! HC was one month here!)

Will I ever stop being a First Time Mom?? I feel like I will never graduate! Of course my journey into the 'First Time Mom' club began with my pregnancy with HC. I thought I would graduate after we hit the one year old marker and were pregnant with JB. Not so!

(HC is 15 months and JB is a 6 month baby bump)
Is this an eternal club? It feels permanent some days. I can still remember when I took HC to see a specialist because I felt her legs or feet were not quite right. As I walked out of the exam room, I felt like I was wearing the scarlet 'First Time Mom' sign on my forehead. Her legs/feet were fine. I cannot even tell you what provoked the visit to this specialist. My pediatrician never saw what concerned me and I cannot remember the problem. It was 'First Time Mom' Syndrome!

What about when she began eating real food? I would almost watch every chew with hopes that the bite I just gave her wasn't too big! The bites were cut smaller than the size of a dime!

How about the fact that HC was a model baby, after the 6 week marker. She was on an instant schedule from day one and was a dream! I 'knew' what all other moms should do if their little angel was NOT as compliant.

What about the time that HC was having a tummy ache, at 3 weeks old. I didn't know why she was fussy and I nursed her almost every 30 minutes to soothe her. Then she projectile vomited on me and I called the emergency room.

I thought this phase was over!!

My newest First Time Mommy experience is school. We had HC enrolled with a great pre-school and then felt, very strongly over the last 2 months, that we should look into Homeschool. Why do other adults need to scold First Time Mommies as though we do not know what we are doing? Sometimes I am pushed into a place where I need to defend the choices I make with my kids. I need to be the expert but I feel uncertain when others question me so sternly. I can tell you I felt so much better about pulling HC out, after the stern response. I cannot imagine what would happen if we left HC in school and had an issue arise. I'm not convinced they would handle it or take us seriously.

(HC is 3 years and 10 months)
I was talking to a friend, with a daughter HC's age, and it seems I am on common ground. When we learn with our firsts we become an expert for the younger siblings. I feel like I should have an instruction manual of how-to's for handling yucky situations. Etiquette for tough moments! How should we handle another child mistreating our child? What if the parent does nothing? What if another adult questions our decision and does so rudely? Why does parenting have to make me want to puke when I don't know what to do? Am I a wimp or is this normal Mommy stuff? It seems as though when HC hits a milestone, I am challenged in a new way that questions all my 'expertise'.

JB seems so much easier because every time he hits a growth stage, I've been there before! It isn't about HC being difficult. It is ALL new to me with her! New experiences are great but sometimes it stinks when things are new. Thank God HC is resilient!

I think First Time Mommy Syndrome stinks people!! I know I will be an 'expert' on this issue next year. So I will walk through the process, mess up or get it right, and be prepared when it is JB's turn to hit this milestone. I will have a victory soon and feel my Mommy-confidence return. But for now, I'm having First Time Mommy Syndrome growing pains... again!

HC makes the cut!

Yesterday evening I was trying to pack a few things while the kids were playing quietly in their room. My daughter heard me bang something and was concerned I was coming into her room. So she opened her door and said 'Mom, do not come in my room. I need private.' So you know I went into her room and found this on the floor.

My daughter cut her hair and the 'hair' of one of her stuffed animals. I was surprised, but worried about where the gap was in her hair, and after much inspection I finally found where she made the cut.Not too bad! I am so thankful it wasn't worse. These scissors have rested in the drawer of her diaper change table since she was an infant. I forgot they were there. Needless to say they are gone now. I can see there are several things that will be removed from this drawer, since they've decided to explore! It is amazing what places we forget to purge once our kids are old enough to dig.
HC found her adventurous bug it seems! At least the clean up wasn't too bad!!

My big day of wins!

Yesterday was a fun day to check the mail! I went about my normal errand of checking the mail and had a leap in my step when I saw two lockbox keys waiting for me. I received my two prizes!!! I NEVER win anything and two weeks ago I hit two victories!! Yeah!! It was a great feeling overall.

My first win was from Leigh Ann aka Momma Roar. She had a ten day birthday celebration and I won the book The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartin. I am really looking forward to reading this once we settle down from our move.

My second win was a cute pair of Starchild baby shoes from MamaSpeaks. I was shocked!! I cannot remember for sure, but I think I won these two items the same day or back to back. It was a great surprise!!

I thought I would share my successes with you and tell you that MamaSpeaks has a contest on a regular basis. You may want to take a look at their blog and see if you find any goodies to try winning!!

Thank you Leigh Ann and Thank you MamaSpeaks!! It was a fun day for checking the mail!

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Here are a few contests floating out there in blog-land:

Adventures in Babywearing is having a contest for a Kangaroodle. What a great idea - it appears that this attaches to water bottles and keeps them spill proof.

Drea has another great contest for skid pants by Dittany Baby. These are precious!! They keep your little ones legs skid free while crawling around.

Skimbaco is giving away a great Sun Lotion package from Supergoop! This sun lotion was developed for children! Katja always knows where to find the latest things out there!

Apples 'n' Oranges is giving away a cute sleeper from Little Blue Dog!!

So many opportunities for you to join the winners circle!! Good luck!

Wordless Wednesday

All of you know I was thinking of Wordless Wednesday when they posed for this. This was take 2 because my camera was not in the pool when they first had this idea.

Find more Wordless Wednesday here or here.

My HC is a fun girl!

My daughter will be 4 soon and she has a few 'girl-like' traits I enjoy sharing with her. For instance, the mall. She LOVES the mall. She always wants to go to the mall if we are out running errands. I don't think she likes the mall for the same reason most of us girls like it, yet. HC really loves the 'Spooky Cave'. In the photo above, you will see the type of building that will prompt squeals from both of my kids asking to go to the 'Spooky Cave'. What is the spooky cave? Well, a parking garage of course!

Most ladies enjoy the act of shopping! I think my daughter likes being out. Going to the mall extends our adventures for the day. She has not connected the mall to making purchases. So right now this request is not a lethal one.

HC loves wearing dresses! She likes her purse packed full of non-essentials. I mean FULL! As you can see, my son loves his footballs. In the picture above we are waiting for dad to meet us for lunch. Eating lunch with dad is the best and a treat!

And then there is dress-up. HC found this apron laying around and just HAD to wear it. Of course she also took our order! She really is a fun girl. I love her spunk and her tender heart. She does have her moments, but she generally treats her brother kindly and works hard teaching him things he doesn't need to know. JB has no idea what she wants him to do most times. HC patiently tries to teach him silly things anyway and JB works hard trying to figure out what she is saying. They have become good friends over the last year and I enjoy watching them bond and play. When she is having a great day she will usually say "Mom, I can't wait to be a Mommy like you". She really makes me melt! She is a little 'Mama' for sure. HC is the best Mama to her babies but she also tries to be little 'Mama' to JB.

My son is ALL boy but he does have one weakness when HC plays dress-up. He canNOT refuse her dress-up shoes.

My kids keep things interesting!!

A new adventure

We had a first this past Tuesday! I took the kids bowling with some friends. HC and JB had a blast!! I must admit I wasn't sure how it would go since I was going it alone with my two. They surprised me with their focused interest in the game. They played 9 frames of bowling without a blink. Ok, so they DID bowl down the wrong lane a few times and they DID think it was their turn after their friend had one shot, but other than that they were a dream.
HC started a little farther back than she needed but she still was an awesome bowler. HC was less than thrilled when she found out she had to wear these shoes. I managed to convince her that the shoes were special and helped her bowl. Gotta love her consideration for style. :)
My son would shout 'Score' and throw his hands in the air after the pins fell. He loved every minute of our bowling adventure! Overall, they played a decent game considering it WAS there first game ever!! Can you believe they have bowling shoes in their sizes?? I thought they were precious!!
It was a hot, gloomy and muggy day on Tuesday. We were glad to have a new indoor activity to try. Bowling was fun but I did get quite a workout since I too bowled, in squat form, 4 times per frame. I left there tired from a non-stop run, chasing down my son because he took the ball when it wasn't his turn, or if it was his turn - redirecting him to the right lane. I think we may have annoyed a few bowlers, while others had a good laugh at 5 moms taking 8 toddler/preschool aged kids bowling. I left the bowling alley realizing we now have a family outing to try. This can be a great activity for us at night so they can share this new fun with dad too. Plus, I must admit that I would like to take a break between frames every now and then!

Think, Think, Think...

Sarah at Real Life nominated me for the Thinking Blogger Award. I was quite surprised by her comment this morning because, I was working on a post to nominate her for a different award. It is nice to know the feelings are mutual! I really enjoy my visits to her blog, no matter the topic. Thanks again Sarah!

Now, I have the privilege of giving the Thinking Blogger award to five bloggers who make ME think. I feel ALL the bloggers I am friends with are worthy of both the Blogger Reflection Award and this Thinking award.

My five six nominees are:

Tracey is the 'Wise One' behind Show Me State of Mind. She keeps me thinking about my focus. Her son is all grown up and her comments remind me to cherish the moments I'm in now. One day I too will be looking back on these days with my kids in longing. Tracey keeps my focus in perspective. She also shares lessons she's learned along the way! I also love that she still knows how to have fun. She made it through the infant stage, the toddler/preschool stage, the teen stage and she is still having fun and living life.

Katja is the mind behind Skimbaco the blog AND the boutique. What a doting mother and a loving wife too! She has me thinking - how did she get started? Katja is on the cutting edge of the must haves for Mom and baby! I would love to step into her world and see how she got started and how she keeps it up!! So many questions because she seems to run her boutique and post reviews with such ease!! Katja, send your wisdom my way. I don't know where to begin!! :)

Shannon's circumspection at Rocks In My Dryer leaves me mystified. Her proselytism is spectacular. :) After reading Shannon's 'About Me' section, I felt a new level of respect for her. I am afraid she will give me a grammar check or something now! Ahhhh!! I love how Shannon draws ideas from others via her Works for Me Wednesday posts. The thought provoking quips she shares stay with me. Please excuse any grammatical errors Shannon?!

Leigh Ann is Momma Roar. She keeps me thinking about how to train up my kids in the way they should go! I would have selected Momma Roar for the Blogger Reflection Award but Amber beat me to it! Leigh Ann also has me thinking about desserts more than I should! :) I really feel I have gained a friend by meeting Leigh Ann.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Boats is a new fun site I visit. Sheryl and her husband have taken a huge step of faith to help with a church plant. Sheryl is currently on a 21 Day Challenge that reminds me of a time I too was desperate for God to show up and I used the same 'fast' she did. She is fasting tv/radio/etc. for 21 days as she seeks God. I remember how powerfully God showed up for me during that time - it was priceless and I still cherish that time today. It was my first fast and, although it wasn't food I let go of, I still felt purged. Food isn't a vice for me but tv can be at times. She challenges me to think deeper. To look beyond the surface of what I am facing. She reminds me that my walk with Father God is a journey that requires my digging in deep.

My last nominee is dear to my heart!! Ginger is someone that has really made an impression on me. She is a new treasure I've found thanks to Momma Roar! I think Ginger is fantastic! She is another Mom who has reached the other side. She is now a Mom to adults! She reminds me to slow down and enjoy the moment. Ginger is a fun lady and she knows how to laugh and have fun. She is easy to relate to and well.. a good friend! Amber also beat me to nominating you for the Blogger Reflection Award!!

Well ladies, it has been a busy day of awards for me! I am so honored to be considered by such kind women for any award! I also want those of you I nominated to know that I truly searched for my words!

It appears we have all just been through a delightful season of awards!! Thank you again to those who considered me and thank you to all who visit my blog-home. I am honored to have found each of you! What a blessing this blog has been to me. Way more so than I EVER imagined!!

The Blogger Reflection Award

Friday morning I was greeted by a new blogging friend Amber. She so graciously nominated me for the Blogger Reflection Award. What is the Blogger Reflection Award? This award was started by a 16 year old girl named Jocelyn.

This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they've been to you, and if the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don't be afraid to give to them again. They deserve it as many times as it's given.

Rules of participating:
1. Copy these rules.
2. Reflect on five bloggers and write a least a paragraph about each one.
3. Make sure you link this post so others can read it and the rules.
4. Leave a comment and let them know they've been given the award.
5. Display the award icon on your site.

I sincerely thank you Amber for your kind words! Amber chose several ladies I find worthy of this award and I felt honored to share in this with them! Now here are my choices and why!

Happi is a Mommy of two boys! I am truly blessed every time I read her blog. She shares the milestones of her youngest son with great enthusiasm, which brings back such memories for me. The precious heart moments she shares with her oldest brings tears to my eyes. Her bubbly view of life is so refreshing! Happi is clearly a God-lover. I love that she is seeking God with all that is in her and yet she isn't too spiritual to cut a rug with her little man! I always leave Happi's site with a smile! Thank you Happi - you are a joy to know and thanks to the world wide web I've met you!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is one of the first bloggers I found. I do not remember how we found one another but I have enjoyed peeking into her family of 5. She shares the victories and defeats of her family and she keeps Christ as the focus of what she shares. I always leave her site enlightened or challenged. She is genuine and totally IN LOVE with her dear husband and 3 children. She has hosted a mini-camp this summer with all boys - what was she thinking!! But she did that with such grace!! She was blessed with her baby girl and she never fails to praise God for such a cherished gift. It is clear that God uses her (I do not know her name) to reflect His love. Thank you Good/Bad/Ugly! I have enjoyed your site from day one!

Sarah is the creator of Sing for Him and she really is sincere and reflective! Her insight into the Word sometimes makes me jealous. (Only a little) I love that God is giving her a fresh word with the Asher series she shares. It is clear her motive for starting her blog was for ministry and God is honoring that desire in her heart for sure! I love the funny stories she shares about her husband and my favorite post ever is worth a read by all. Come on, you HAVE to read this post if nothing else! You will be glad you did!! I PROMISE!! Her focus is Christ but she is light-hearted too and she clearly knows how to have fun! Thank you Sarah! I am so glad God led you to enter this blog-world. I am thrilled to have met you!

Audrey, Jane and Sharon are the three fun Pinks and Blues Girls. I love these ladies. I think their blog is fun and spirited! They know how to enjoy life and they take time to remember the good times. I love Sharon's advice on building lasting relationships with our daughters (they can be applied to our sons too). I love the stories Audrey shares as a Mom of wee ones. I can so relate to some of the things she shares! She often causes me to laugh at the silliness of kids being kids. And Jane is a ton of fun too! It is clear that she takes the job of being the cool Auntie seriously. She is a Mommy of two lovable pooches and Aunt to all at the kiddie pool! The Pinks and Blues Girls is a refreshing break to my day. I must say my motive in nominating these ladies for this award is due to their kindness. They are busy ladies and they have a business to run but they are NEVER too busy to visit fellow-bloggers. They not only visit but they are soo kind in their comments. They are consistently kind and gracious. It is clear they bring honor to their mother by treating others with such respect. I pray I will have the same result with my kids. I pray my children will enjoy my company and learn how to 'do life' in a considerate and kind way! Thank you girls for all the fun I have on my Mommy break when I stop in for a visit!

Christine is the heart and soul behind Fruit in Season. She is Mother to four and a gushing wife! She is sold out to Christ and lives it out intentionally! Christine recently began the Honor your Husband challenge and I must say she is genuine enough to admit that we all drop the ball on this one from time to time. She has such a tender spirit and she seems to live life with such an ease. I do not mean to insinuate that she has an easy life but she takes it in stride and doesn't let the moments trip her up! She is so kind and gentle and I pray I will glean some of that from her! I think she is a true warrior and a true lady. I am thankful I found her blog - she really is harvesting much fruit in season!

It's raining, It's pouring not

We have had several gloomy weeks in our part of the world. It has been HOT! The kind of hot that you can feel eating away at the cool air indoors, if the door is left open for 2 seconds. The kind of hot that is sticky and makes everything you do feel exhausting.

When it hasn't been HOT, it's been cloudy and HOT or cloudy and RAIN and HOT!! Usually not enough rain to remove the state of drought. Just enough rain to make the dirt muddy. So we've been indoors a bit more lately due to these awful conditions. Every time we've ventured out we've almost dehydrated due to the heat or had to go indoors due to the rain.

Wednesday was no different! It was a truly gloomy day! We tried to go outdoors and it began to rain after being outside for 5 minutes. At first I wasn't convinced that it was raining, it almost felt like raindrops were being blown off of the trees surrounding us. Then it was a little harder and then... a steady rain drizzle. The rain lasted for 10 seconds but doused us and doused the ground. Just enough to make a mess! haha

My kids were so thrilled to be outdoors that they could not contain themselves... they were running, squealing, dancing, spinning. I couldn't resist their freedom to play IN the rain.

The kids found a drip off of our roof (due to a clogged drain)and they became drinched from the drip and not the rain!

The laughter and the jumping into puddles that were smaller than their tiny feet! Oh the fun of being so young and innocent! I love the way they find fun in most anything we do! Today is a much cooler day, so maybe the sprinkles of rain did some good after all!

The Family Table

Lori aka Glass Half Full is hosting a fun post today! She is asking us to share a picture of where we eat with our families. Whether it be at a table or not. Well, our table has seen better days. It is in dire need of TLC but it still works. We are getting ready to move in a few weeks and I am SO looking forward to leaving the mirrored wall in this photo behind! It has caused many frustrations laughs for us. My daughter LOVES to look at herself while she eats talks about eating her dinner/lunch/breakfast. My son eats his meal with little struggle but HC gets caught up in.. well, HC! It is funny! She has to constantly be prodded to eat and not look at herself. We have had many laughs at this table and we have really enjoyed spending this priceless time with one another!

I must admit, I miss our old tables, this picture makes me a little melancholy. We could not bring all of our furniture when we moved here because there wasn't room. There are several pieces of furniture we donated and gave to family and our table, entertainment center and sofa are pieces I really miss. We did make the right decision but knowing we let go of pieces we love makes me sad sometimes. It is only furniture and what counts is we helped others in need!

Visit Lori if you want to participate in showing your Family Table or visit other Family Tables.

Bad Mommy for today!

The comments many of you left me today have me thinking! I am really sad to think I sank down to threatening my daughter to stop her from biting her nails. Some of your ideas are so obvious and so much better! Why didn't I think of them? I like to think I am a positive person and I like to think I try to use events of our day to teach our kids but I sure did miss the boat on this one.

Why would I be so stern about fingernails??? That is crazy! I took all of my daughters' dresses out of her closet thinking it would motivate her to earn them back. Why did I choose her dresses? Because every single day she comes up to me and asks: "Mom, I'm ready to get dressed now. Mom, I really really really want to wear a dress today. I do not like shorts and I do not like pants, so Mom, can I please wear a dress? Huh Mom??" This is her regular spill! This is every single day and verbatim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought this would motivate her and I was wrong.

My thoughts led me to the why. Not to say I won't be guilty of this again, but I pray I learn! I realized I tend to be more stern or threaten to take or lose my patience when I feel overwhelmed or fearful. I think I felt both in this. Sure, this is just nail biting but I didn't want her to do it. My brother STILL bites his nails and he is in his 30's. This is not likely to go away if I do not act now. So my fear of her doing this long-term led to my panicked reaction. Then the overwhelming feelings came - I cannot do anything about this. I have no way out. Thus the panic again.

I am not violent or mean. I just feel my reaction seems SOO over the top now!! I see the obvious things I should have done first via your comments. Fear is a mean little monster. It is so silly to let that kind of fear affect my reaction but I did. I am so ashamed of my 'brilliant' solution to this issue. I let a tiny fear lead my decisions. I am a bad Mommy today! But at least I learned something through the process! I think I will put myself in time out for a bit!! Thanks again to all of you who helped me see the light again!!

Many blessings!

**Update! When my daughter woke from her nap I apologized for taking her dresses and gave them back to her. I then told her how she would receive a manicure/pedicure (I told her paint on her fingers/toes) if she stopped biting. She began squealing, spinning, jumping, kissing and hugging me and everything in her way! She said 'Oh thank you, thank you Mommy! You are the greatest!' I am pleased we are venturing down a positive road with this now and her reaction leads me to believe we just might end this in a victory! Oh - we also prayed about this this AM too! Thanks again to all your ideas. I am using several of the ideas together. You all helped us get a win!

I do not do the good I want

I shared tricks my kids have learned recently. There are more to share but today I'm in need of help. Does anyone have a trick to stop nail biting? My daughter will be 4 in a few weeks and she has begun biting her nails. She did this once before and after a few dots of hot pepper she stopped. Then out of the blue - she's biting again!!

I tried hot pepper again but she continued to bite. I felt like she may get a tummy ache with too much pepper so now I don't know what to try. I've taken away her dresses, she LOVES dresses and ALWAYS wants to wear dresses. I thought this would do the trick - a large enough incentive in her world. No luck. I'm not going to send her to church in shorts!

I've told her it makes her fingers have 'owies' and look yucky if she bites them. Doesn't work. She promises she won't bite them again and that she will obey. She doesn't succeed.

It reminds me of this scripture: Romans 7:19 "For what I do is NOT the good I want to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am doing." Believe me, I KNOW nail biting is not evil. It just reminds me of the inner struggle we all have with different things. I believe my daughter WANTS to obey me, she just cannot stop the biting.

I feel stumped because I know I do the same thing. No, I've never been a nail biter but I do have things I cannot stop doing. (Like being on the computer longer than I want!) It seems the little annoyances in our lives can have so much power over us.

Everytime she tells me 'I promise Mommy, I will NOT bite my fingers ever ever ever. Ok? Do you trust me Mommy?' My heart just breaks because I do the same thing to God. I have the same results - I cannot keep my promise. So this makes it difficult to correct her on this, but I know nail biting is a permanent bad habit. Many start this as kids and never stop! I don't want this to be her story!! I want her to get victory over this little battle.

I guess I just realized that I've never tried to pray WITH her about this. I will do that today! I do still want ideas if you have any. You never know if your idea will help me explain this to her in a way that will bring understanding?!

Don't let go!

We have had a tough weekend and a tough Monday. When I say tough I mean physical! My kids have found they love to wrestle together and we all know this leads to accidents!! It seems the BEST place for them to tackle each other and wrestle is on the sofa of course! Where else can you get a little air under you without regretting it?? haha

This activity has led to my son falling off of the sofa twice. The only times worthy of mentioning because they were the ones that hurt! I've told them 100 times - no jumping or wrestling on the sofa but what do I know? I'm mom and mom just doesn't understand the fun a sofa can bring! After recovering from the two big falls (on a carpeted floor) my son was up for more! I love that about him!

What was funny was my daughter! She is really tough! She's always been this way! I wonder how things will change once JB becomes stronger than she is. Right now she can tackle him and she has the upper hand! She isn't one to like being outdone!

On Monday I took the kids to the park and we were having a great time playing and chasing our friends. We had our snack and began playing again when JB had another rough moment! I was pushing him on the big boy swing and then he LET GO!!!! I was shocked! He's never done that before! He was at the incline point and let go!! He hit his head and was pretty shook up.

We were there with a good friend and she has two boys. Her oldest was swinging next to us and then he jumped off! I think JB thinks he is 4 and should be able to hang with his older buddy. They were shadows of one another the whole day. So JB took a chance and let go. The only thing he didn't do was jump - a key part of letting go!! :) I love how brave he is but I also hate how brave he is!!

After he settled down, he wanted to swing again! I was not up for that yet! I could just imagine that his head was spinning!! So Mommy said no and we went home. He is fine now but I cannot imagine what is down the road for us with our adventurous little man!!

Wordless Wednesday

"Look Mom, it's a Butterfly!" Find more Wordless Wednesday here or here.

You say it's your birthday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA ROAR!!!!!!!!!

Today is a special day!! My good blogging-friend Leigh Ann is celebrating her 40th birthday! haha No, really it is her 32nd! :) Aren't you glad I only put three candles on the cake? It could have been a fire hazard!

She is an awesome Mommy blogger and has such a great spirit!! She truly displays the heart of a mother on a mission and a friend who truly loves others! She is fun and silly! Who could ask for anything more! Best wishes Leigh Ann!!

If you feel so inclined, please drop by and give my friend a Happy Birthday greeting! If not, no worries! Have a good day!

I've taught them a few tricks!

Here are a few tricks my kids can do!!

This first one is their response to my saying 'Self-control'. This is great for when they are on their way to arguing while we are out or becoming restless while at a restaurant. They haven't learned to keep this pose for too long but it does re-focus their attention.



This is what they do when we are in a store and they are touching too many things. I say, 'eyes are for looking and not hands'. They then put their hands behind their backs. What tricks can you or your kids do??

Skimbaco - my new find

Skimbaco is a blog I've found recently. Katja is the 'she' behind Skimbaco and she also has a little boutique online. Katja is currently having a contest that I wanted to keep secret. You see if you didn't know... then I have better odds of winning! Selfish but true. I really enjoy visiting Skimbaco for ideas on the great new items for Mom or little ones. Well here is her latest thing up for grabs. If you want to try to steal from me win a child's eternity necklace, then go to this post for more information.

The Podonbutai Carrier

Stephanie is having a contest for another baby carrier over at Adventures in Babywearing! As a babywearing expert, this is what Stephanie has to say about this carrier:

"Never before has there been a fusion of traditional carriers until... The Podonbutai! I am more than excited to reveal this awesome creation by Jenn at All Natural Mommies. The Podonbutai is named accordingly: pod for podeagi, onbu for onbuhimo, and tai for mei tai! I think I am in love! Whether you are a professional babywearer or new to wearing your babies, this is a MUST HAVE!"

I love that she still wears her little man! God knows we all could use a break from 'the chase' from time to time with our little ones. What better tool than this. And it is also useful for keeping your little guy out of trouble when you are busy. :)

Boy could I have used this last week!

I need to edit that last prayer!

My husband was tucking my daughter into bed and saying prayers with her when he said:

"God, please help HC to be a good listener and to say 'Yes ma'am or Yes sir' when we are teaching her."

He continued the prayer and then said Amen.

HC says: 'Dad, can you please tell God I DO say Yes Ma'am and Yes sir!'

Husband says: 'Ok'

HC says: 'Ok, so tell him'

Husband then told God that HC does say yes ma'am and yes sir.

I love it!! My daughter is such a character, she keeps me laughing.

Childishness

What came first? The chicken or the egg?

I have been wondering why my son seems to find Adventure so often and then it hit me. I would never let my 2 year old daughter go into another room without me. Sure, maybe for a minute but not for 10 minutes or so. I hovered over her ALL the time because she was my first and I was a little too interested in every move she made!

My son isn't rebellious. He has a love for life and is very spunky. But so is my daughter and she seems to stay clear of these mishaps. I now realize I give my little man freedoms he isn't ready for and then - WHAMO! He finds something he shouldn't find! So my son is just a normal curious 2 year old. But I have let down my guard and as a result.... he 'appears' to be mischievous.

Several of you asked if I lost it. I actually did not. I was shocked and felt a little deflated but I couldn't be angry at this 2 year old boy peering up at me saying 'I did it'. Of course he was corrected, and told not to touch pens/markers or draw on the walls, but I felt as though I was wrong somehow and not him. I let him down. I let his almost 4 year old sister supervise him so I could get a few things done.

His was a childish act and not foolish. Childish = an innocent mistake that is provoked by their lack of knowledge or understanding. Foolish = choosing to try something while knowing the act is wrong, but doing it anyway. Childishness is a natural progression in life and foolishness is what I want to guard against! How does a 2 year old realize a dry erase board with dry erase markers isn't the same thing as a wall and a sha*rpie? He doesn't if I am out of the room.

So that is my new revelation on markers on the wall! I am not saying my son wasn't wrong or that I am an awful Mom. I am saying, maybe I let us both down - I need to guard him from his childishness more, rather than passing that duty to my 4 year old daughter when I am busy.

Find your DNA

Momma Roar tried this quiz and I thought I would see how I faired. I'm not sure I understand all of the categories and what they mean but it was fun anyway. It appears I am an Animated Architect, whatever that means. :) Click the highlighted link below if you want to try the quiz too.

Animated Architect

Any Suggestions?

Why am I ever fooled by a moment of quiet? You would think I would have learned this lesson by now!

This is in our playroom downstairs.

Any ideas on how to get sh@rpie m@rker off of a wall WITHOUT taking the paint?

I did find a way to clean it off of the armrests. I used a baby wipe and baking soda. There is not a mark on our futon now. This is supposed to work on the wall too but our paint isn't the best on this wall. Another idea was Pine Sol (non-diluted) on a damp cloth. Both worked if the paint were of a higher quality.
Poor Buzz didn't see it coming! My son also managed to color the tv but it was on the black part of the tv. No harm there!

Mommy's Rule

I always love my visits to 5 Minutes for Mom. They have great posts, they always keep me in the loop of what is new and they have contests!! Who could ask for anything more? They also support Moms. Here are two Mom-run Toy Websites they suggest and I now love!

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First, I love the retro feel of Pedal Cars and Retro Collectibles' home page. The retro gas pumps and the Collector Coke Ride-Ons bring a warm feeling of the innocence of childhood. But don't let the Retro convince you they are out of touch with the current toys, they have the most darling golf carts. Even a pink girl-friendly golf cart!

So cute!
This is a cooler!
Motorbikes, Firemen Costumes, Cute Coolers, Music Boxes and more. If you want a place to find a unique gift or a special keepsake, this is the site to see! This Mom-run toy store has free shipping for orders over $60!!
MusicBoxes are so sweet!!

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The second stop is A Rocking Horse to Love and this is not JUST a rocking horse toy store. Oh no!! They have a plethora of gifts to choose from and free shipping for purchases of $60 or more! I included pictures of a few I know would be big WINS in our home.

The rocking airplane is adorable. Especially since my son loves airplanes and anything that flies. What a cute idea!!

My little princess would love this great toy box!! Isn't it precious? I love it!

There are so many other great items to choose from! You really can't lose with either of these great Mom-run Toy Stores.