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.