Not Like the Rest of Them

I'm sure you all have had your Facebook feed overloaded with littles all dressed up in their cute back to school outfits - with or  without a sign exclaiming it was the first day of school, right?  I like to see these pictures, and for the third year, E took one herself.

This year, however, was a bit different.  Not only did we move five states away and attending a new school full of new people, but she was going to a "big girl" school - Kindergarten!  I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous - but you might be surprised as to why.

A week before school, the PTA hosted a playdate for all incoming kindergarteners.  As E was running around, I started talking to another Mom.  A few minutes in, she said "Isn't it crazy they are going to Kindergarten?  I'm not ready for her to grow up - she still needs me!".  I was a little taken back.  Sure, the thought of my girls growing older hurts a bit, but it doesn't make me sad! 

I am excited for her.  She is making new friends, learning new things, growing independent.  She is learning invaluable social skills - all things I could never teach her at home on my own.  She comes home excited about her day; filled with computer time, coloring, spelling, and of course, recess. 

So, while I witnessed a lot of moms crying while leaving the school Monday, I on the other hand, was smiling. 

Just a Mom

Major life changes are never an easy transition.  Getting engaged, having a baby, changing jobs, or moving, among so many others, always comes with a series of emotions.  Everyone deals differently, and not everyone will react the same way to these changes.  With our upcoming move to Dallas, we are inevitably facing a lot of new things.  By now, I have a good handle on my feelings towards this new life of ours, but I what I wasn't ready to encounter were other people's reactions.

When we (finally) get there, I won't be looking for a job.  That doesn't mean I won't ever work out of the home again, but we are fortunate enough to not have to rely on my income.  While telling coworkers and colleagues about our upcoming move, they of course want to know where I will be working in Dallas.  The shock, and yes, sometimes horror on some of their faces when I say I won't be working has been nothing less than offensive.

Why is it so wrong to be a stay at home mom?  Why shouldn't I be the sole caretaker of my children if we can afford to do so?  E and A are little, and are going through a huge change as well.  We both feel that if I am home it might help with the transition.  And really, isn't this what I have always wanted?

But even more...

Why do I feel like I have to defend myself?  As women, we should each be able to define ourselves.  And we should never be limited in those definitions.  I will never be "just a mom", no mother is.  I am a wife, a friend, a daughter, a professional, and so so much more.  We all are.

Throughout this whole crazy month, I have learned a lot about myself, and those around me.  But the number one lesson is that I can't control others reactions, but I can control how I react to them.  And to those negative reactions - being "just a mom" is the best job I've ever had, and I'm more than grateful for that label.

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.

Five Candles

My Dearest "E",

Somehow, in some way, you turned five this week.  Every year on your birthday, your Daddy and I sit and reminisce about that day.  How I was in labor for 42 hours with you.  How you got a little impatient during those hours, but were so stubborn you wouldn't work with me.  How we stayed awake all night (the second night of labor) watching your heart rate on the monitor, and how scared we were each time it dropped.  And every year, we thank God that you were born healthy.

Last year, I marveled at the fact that you had become a big sister, and was amazed by your never-ending love for A.  I am still am amazed by that.  Sometimes, you are the only one that can calm her down, and in the morning you gladly jump in her crib and read stories together.  This past year, you have learned so much in pre-kindergarten.  You can write any word, just by sounding it out, and know so many sight words.  You read stories on your own, and are constantly asking Daddy and I about the world around you.

This year is special because in the fall you will be going to Kindergarten.  I can't wait to see your friendships grow, your knowledge and love for learning blossom, and the bond with A to deepen. 

I hope you never lose your love for life - and always know that we love you "a million kagillion".

Love, Mommy

Some of your favorites: Princesses, (still) My Little Pony, coloring and crafts, puppies and kittens, cake pops (only from Starbucks!), gymnastics, snap peas and chicken nuggets.





-Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.

Home Sweet Home + Adspace Giveaway!

"Home Sweet Home" has never sounded better.  If you follow me on Twitter you probably saw that my husband and I were stuck in Austin while Chicago got 20 inches of snow over night.  We made it home, and it has never felt better.  I will share more about our trip soon, but wanted to share some Awesome things about being home!

|| The long sleepy hug I got from A this morning.

|| The huge smile on E's face when she saw us.

|| Sleeping in my bed.

|| Puppy kisses as soon as I walked in the door, and cuddling with him all night.

|| Changing my clothes and taking a shower. 

|| Coming home to three packages in the mail was fun!

|| Realizing that my amazing neighbors had not only shoveled for us, but cleared my car and shoveled a spot in back for Charlie!

|| Although this was snow's fault, it is truly beautiful outside.

|| A very full DVR.

|| All new makeup.  (We still don't have our bags, so I had to go shopping!)

I am so, so grateful for my wonderful neighbors, their daughter for taking care of Charlie, and my in-laws for having the girls stay with them while we were gone.  I honestly don't know how the weekend would have been without them.  It really takes a village, and this was the perfect example of that!  I wish that you all have neighbors, family and friends nearby and are able to help each other out.  Community is a true blessing!

Linking up with Anne and Emily.

See below for the giveaway!

This giveaway is always a lot of fun, but this time it's even more fun because instead of one winner taking all the spots, we are going to have SEVENTEEN winners! That's right, 17 of you lucky ladies are going to walk away from this giveaway with a free ad spot. That means your odds of winning are much, much, higher than on most giveaways. Here's the list of ad spots up for grabs (unless otherwise noted, each of these spots is for one month).
That's a pretty significant list of spots, amiright?! It's a bunch of bloggers who are AWESOME to sponsor, and I guarantee you'll see a jump in your stats from joining with them! Here are the ladies providing these prizes.

All the Joys//Atlanta Area Moms Blog//HappyPrettyBlog//Hey Kerri Blog Hey Sabrina Faith//How to Make a Life//Keeping Up with Ashley and Cody//Love the Here and Now Re-Solve//Route Bliss//Sage//Seriously, Sarah? Southern Hope//Treats and Travels//Wife Mommy Me//The So-Called Homemaker

Now here are the rules: 

 -ALL entries will be verified. Although we are saving you some time by not asking for your usernames for the Bloglovin' and Instagram, your entries must be verified before you can officially be designated a winner.  

 -When notified of your winning entry, you must claim your prize (and if necessary, verify the entry) within 24 hours or we will choose a new winner. 

 -Giveaway open to everyone everywhere!

Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Day of Yes

source

 Back in July, I got an email inviting to pre-order tickets to Disney on Ice: Frozen.  E was (and still is) obsessed - isn't every child?  I purchased 10 tickets - my girlfriends and I were each going to take our oldest.  Time went by, I sort of forgot about it, then started seeing commercials and billboards all around Chicago for the upcoming show.  I hadn't told E about it yet, so I decided to make it a surprise.

On Friday, I gave her hints after she was convinced that the surprise was a balloon (if only I had known it would be so easy!) - "We are going somewhere!" and "Your friends will be there!".  I bought her the cutest little Anna and Elsa dress at Target, but didn't show her until we were about to leave.  At that point I also explained that we were going to see Frozen, with live characters.

She was so excited in the car, even though she didn't fully understand what we were doing.  The joy on her face once we got there is something I'll never forget.  She sat in her seat, staring at the ice in such amazement that it really made me take a step back and enjoy things through the eyes of a preschooler.  The best part was when she leaned over, cupped my face in her hands and said "Thanks for bringing me here, mommy!".  Pure bliss.

I decided to make the day all about us - mommy and daughter.  She wanted gummy bears, so I got her gummy bears.  I wanted a pretzel, so I got the pretzel.  While walking back to our seats from intermission, she saw the guy selling the ridiculously overpriced pieces of plastic Elsa wands and asked if she could have one.  I said yes.  Afterwards we went out to dinner and I didn't make her eat fruits or vegetables first.  You would think she had won the lottery!

The next day she couldn't stop talking about how she went to "Disney World" (again, if only I knew it was that easy!) or how she got to eat candy and hot dogs and not one vegetable, all while sharing her new wand with her little sister.  Although it has never happened before, and will be far and few between, our Day of Yes was exactly what we both needed.

I am so grateful for the time we spent together, I know that someday she will much more "important" things to do than to hang out with me, and although I like to think it's forever away, I know it isn't.  I wish all of you, whether you have littles or not, to just spend the day with someone that means everything to you, doing whatever comes your way.  Cherish your time together!

Although when she is grown, she might only remember "the really cool Elsa wand that lit up", I will forever remember watching her, watching Frozen on Ice.

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday and Anne for Wednesday Wishes.

Life with a Preschooler

My oldest, "E", has always been wise beyond her years.  She spoke early, was having full conversations early, and can remember (and will repeat - we learned the hard way) anything she hears, even just once.  Her personality has always been very caring, very sweet, and very smart.  She is four now, and recently has been saying some things that just make my husband and I laugh - so I had to write them down to share with you.  I'm also linking up with Amanda for #MyConversations!

(While eating dinner)
E: How was work, Daddy?
Daddy: It was good, thanks for asking.
E: No, I mean, are you making your calls and meeting your goals ok?
(Where she even learned the concept of "making calls" and "meeting goals" is beyond me.  And yes, he is in sales, so making calls is his whole day.)

(While I'm brushing her hair)
E: (touching my stomach).  OH!  Do you have another baby in your belly, Mommy?
Me: (horrified) No, honey, I don't...
E: (laughing) Ok.  It must just be the shirt!
(This one hurt a little, but it was funny that she tried to make it better by blaming my shirt!)

(While trying something new for lunch)
E: Oh, wow!  I can't even make a yucky face when I'm trying to eat it!
(Score for me - she never tries new foods!)

(After picking her up from preschool)
Me: Honey, what did you get all over your shirt?
E: Just one of my many projects, I'm so busy.


Life with a four year old sure has it's moments, but these are the things that keep me laughing day to day.  Even when she is so serious or sassy, I know I will look back on this with a huge smile on my face.  What are some memorable things you've heard from littles?

I hope you'll be back tomorrow for Blogger Love!

When Your Phone Stops Working

This is not a "how-to" post, as I am about as good as a newborn when figuring out technology.  Although I'm pretty sure a newborn would figure things out more efficiently than I would, but I digress.

If you are friends with me on Facebook, you saw yesterday that my phone decided to take a bath with A.  I immediately took it out of the bath and dried it off, but the sound wouldn't work.  Not devastating, until I tried to make a phone call.  No sounds = no calls.  What's the point of a phone if you can't make calls?  (Never mind the fact that I rarely actually speak on my phone, but I digress again).  So, I turned to Pinterest and quickly plunked it in to a bowl of rice.

Meanwhile, I felt a little lost.  That is, until I realized how wonderful it was not having my phone around.  Seriously!  The first few hours were strange, I kept reaching for something that wasn't there.  But once I got used to it being gone, it was so nice.

I hate to admit it - but my phone gets a lot of my attention - even when my girls are around.  It's almost like an addiction.  Check email, check twitter, tweet, browse Facebook and Pinterest.  It's never-ending.  But without my phone, I was more in the moment.  I listened to my girls giggle, read books to each other, and make each other laugh.  I sat down and colored an entire picture with E.  I rolled around on the floor with A, just to make her squeal with delight.  I did these things for hours, without interruption.

I'm ashamed that I don't do this more often.  It was such a great day, pure joy even, with my girls.  It made me realize even more that time with them is short - that they will never be this small again.  I am taking this "oops" situation and running with it.  I'll be shutting down my phone every morning, while they are both awake, and just living in the moment with them.

Although I don't wish that any of you drop your phone in a pool of water, I do wish that my lesson can be learned by each of you.  It's easy to get wrapped up in technology, but enjoying each moment is much more important.  It's only fitting that I link up with Anne from Love the Here and Now today for Wednesday Wishes.

And, for the record, the rice trick does work.

Am I Doing this Right?

That's me.  A very sleep deprived me.  It was Mother's Day, 2010, and E was about 3 three weeks old.  She hadn't figured out that nights were for sleeping, and instead would cry all night and sleep all day.  Most of those nights I would woner, what am I doing wrong?  Then self doubt would enter my mind and I'd think Am I doing this right?

There is no handbook for parenting, although most days I wish there was.  It's all about choices.  Undoubtedly, each choice I make comes with a sacrifice of some sort.

I formula fed both children.  I tried with E, and after a few weeks went to the bottle.  I didn't even try with A.  Sometimes, I let the very pro-breastfeeding points of view enter my mind, and I wonder if my kids are at some sort of health or intelligence disadvantage because they were formula fed.  And I wonder, am I doing this right?

Sometimes I lose my patience.  E likes to challenge me, and most days I can handle it.  But every once in awhile I can't.  I wonder on those days if my short temper is something she will learn.  I wonder if she knows that even though I might be mad, I still love her.  And I wonder, am I doing this right?

 When A was a newborn, I let E watch movies and television.  I had to, to survive.  When we'd go to the doctor and he'd say "no more than one hour a day", I would cringe inside.  Sometimes I wonder if, during those three moths, she missed out on some good brain development time.  I still think, did I do that right?

But then, each day when the sun is setting and the girls are getting ready for bed, we cuddle.  And in that moment when A has her head tucked in to the crook of my arm, and looks up at me with her big, grey eyes, I know that I've done something right. 

Every night, when E requests that I sing her a song, we lay on her bed cuddling and singing.  As I run my fingers through her long, blond hair while her eyes get heavy, I know I've done something right.

Being a mother is hard.  Every day there is a new challenge, and every day there is something to worry about.  Something to make you wonder if you've made the right decision.  But in those quiet moments, it becomes clear to me.  My children are fed, clothed, have shelther, and most importantly, are loved.  And that reminds me that I'm doing something right.

Today I wish that mothers wouldn't be so hard on themselves.  To remember that their children are ok - that you are doing something right, even on those days when it doesn't seem like it. 

Linking up with Anne.

Where's Puppy?

Did any of you have (or maybe still have) a childhood stuffed animal that meant the world to you?  I did.  He was an elephant that my aunt made for me.  When I got him, I couldn't say "elephant" so his name became Ellie.  Ellie went everywhere with me, the entire time I lived at home, up until college.  He saw me through childhood, my parent's divorce, my sister leaving for college, boy issues and my first real love and subsequent break up.  In fact, I contemplated taking Ellie to college with me, but then decided he should stay home.  For the record, he is now in my daughter's closet, watching over her.

My daughter, E, has a similar stuffed animal.  Hers is a stuffed dalmation, named "Puppy".  (She did inherit my dog-naming skills).  Puppy is her security blanket. 

Let's set the scene of this past Saturday.  Tim was out of town for work, and E woke up with a cough she had had since Wednesday.  That morning, however, it was accompanied with a fever.  Luckily, one of my best girlfriends had stayed over the night before (we may or may not have had a lot of drinks together), so she quickly offered to stay with A while I took E to urgent care, Puppy in hand.

After a few hours, we were given a few prescriptions and the clear to go home.  E, Puppy and I loaded back in to the car and went to Target to have them filled.  After waiting for another half an hour, we finally went home.  At this point I am exhausted, feeling gross from being in urgent care all that time, and feeling bad that my friend had to stay with A for so many hours.

But, E says to me with tears in her eyes, "Mommy?  Where's Puppy?"  He was not inside the house.  He was not in the car, under the seats, next to her carseat.  He had not fallen in the driveway.  A call to Target Pharmacy told us he wasn't there.  He was gone.  The way that she looked at me seriously broke my heart.  How was I going to explain to her that he was gone?  That she should have held on to him, or not taken him with her?  She was trying to be so grown up and not completely lose it, but I could see it on her face.  She was devastated.  So I did what any mom would do... I drove back to Target.

Like a crazed woman, I looked under the car that had taken my spot.  I went to customer service and left my phone number.  I went to the pharmacy, retraced our steps through the ice cream and candy aisles (What?  We were hungry.  She did inherit my sweet tooth!).  I asked people if they had seen a stuffed dog.  (For the record, only one woman even seemed concerned.  She must have been in my situation before!)  I had given up - Puppy was gone.

Until... he wasn't.

I saw him after I had given up and was on my way out.  He was just sitting there, placed by someone who knew a child's heart would be broken for losing him.  Someone that saved my day, and E's too.

We now have a strict "Puppy stays in the house" rule, because I cannot bear to see that face of such sadness again!

Today is Wednesday Wishes with Anne.  I'm wishing that the person who found and saved Puppy knows just how much of a lifesaver he/she is.  I wish I knew who it was so I could properly thank them!

Tomorrow is a New Day

Lately, I feel like things in my life have been moving along at speeds that I cannot keep up with.  Every direction I turn, there is something new to deal with, to worry about, to have fun with, to do.  What I really need is for time to stand still for about a week.  Maybe then I could get some things done, figure some things out and really feel on top of my life.  Until then, we have lists.  And I love a good list.

It's Wednesday, which means I link up with my friend Anne for Wednesday Wishes.  This comes at the perfect time this week.  Let's get to it:

• Right now, or earlier this morning depending on when you are reading this, someone very close to me is putting her body through amazing procedures in hopes of becoming pregnant. It's been a long, difficult road, and I am praying and wishing that this is it.  This has to be it.

• E had a horrible time with pre-k drop off yesterday.  We were doing so great, and yesterday she just kind of freaked out.  She had to be pulled off of me, then they had to shut the door because she was trying to run out.  My heart hurt so badly.  I camped out in the school office and was told not five minutes later that she was in circle time playing with her friends.  I hope that she was just having an off day yesterday, and this isn't our new normal.  We had a rough go last year with preschool drop offs and I just can't put us both through that again.

• Last week on Twitter, you might have seen me post that I was at the vet with Charlie.  My little guy had a bad looking bump on his face that we needed to get checked out.  Because of the location, the vet couldn't get a good sample (needles in the face?  No thanks says Charlie!).  He had also been scratching it, so it was infected.  We are treating it as an infected pimple, but there's a chance it could be cancer.  Just writing that makes me tear up.  So, I'm obviously wishing, hoping and praying that he has acne.  Sounds funny, but I'll take a pimply face over a sick pup any day. 

I always try to keep this space positive - and today is no different.  I am an optimist through and through, and can always find something positive in each situation.  Even the things I am wishing for.  And, above all else, tomorrow is a new day.

A Letter to Charlie

Oh, Charlie.  My sweet, sweet puppy.  I won't ever stop calling you my puppy, even though you are seven years old today. 

The day your Daddy brought you home and surprised me was such an awesome day.  He walked in, holding this tiny little puppy - and I thought we were dog sitting for someone.  When he told me you were mine, I broke into tears and immediately fell in love with you.  You have brought me so much happiness it's ridiculous.

You are my first baby, and always will be.  You love me unconditionally, comfort me when I'm sad, play with me when I'm happy, and are always genuinely excited when I walk in the door.  The love you have for me and our whole family is everlasting.

I watch you with the girls - and I see your love for them too.  E is obsessed with you and has starting calling you by the love names I use: Bubba, Chucks, Boo Bear, to name a few.  A has just recently began to really love you, although she shows it in different ways.  Still, every time she "pats" you, or tries to poke your eye, or pulls on your tail, you always respond in the same way - a quick lick to the face.  You would never, ever, hurt them (or anyone) and I think that is one of your best qualities.

You are there for me when I need a good cry, cuddle, or someone to listen to me ramble about who knows what.  You are my big spoon and cuddle with me every night.  To say I love you would be the biggest understatement of the year.

To many, many more years with you Charlie - Happy Birthday Buddy!

Wednesdays around here are Wednesday Wishes thanks to Anne.  Today, my wish is this:  I wish for so many more healthy years with Charlie.  I think every dog owner ever can share that wish with me.  I also wish that he knows just how much he is loved and needed in our family.

Mom Confessions and A Wish

Some days, being a mother is really hard.  It seems as though my girls are either both really great - or both really cranky.  My girls definitely like to test me - and, sometimes they win.  And I'm ok with that - no one is perfect, and I'll be the first to admit that I do not have this parenting thing figured out 100%.  (But really, who does?!)

I confess....

... that sometimes, E is allowed to have a few marshmallows in the morning before breakfast.  Because, well, it keeps her quiet for at least half an hour so I can get ready.

... A will only drink water from a big girl cup, and even though it all ends up on her and the floor, I give it to her anyway.  Kids need water!

... I didnt breastfeed either child.  I tried (for a few days) with E.  It was horrible so I moved to formula.  I felt guilty for months!  When A was born, I went straight to formula and didn't feel guilty for a second.  "Breast is best", but formula made both baby and this mom happy so, win-win. 

... occassionaly E watches more tv than is suggested per day.  This was especially true last week when I wasn't feeling well.  A took a great nap, and I needed one too.  So - E watched a few episodes of Team Umizoomi while I dozed next to her.

... The only vegetable E will eat is carrots.  So she has them almost every day.

... Every once in awhile, I will put A down for a nap with her bottle.  Two shames here - giving her the bottle in bed, and giving her a bottle.  She is "supposed" to only have sippys now.  But, well, see above about those.

... I sometimes tell E that I'm going straight to bed too, so she'll go to sleep right away.  I then stay up for at least 2 more hours.

... I don't feel guilty about having time away from either of them.  Leave for the day and shop alone?  Yep.  Go to an overnight wedding and leave them with their grandparents?  Absolutely.  A girls weekend?  Sign me up.  A week-long beach vacation with one of our couple friends, sans kids?  Yes please.  Sure, I miss them.  But time without them is crucial for me - and they get quality time with their dad and grandparents too.

The last confession brings me to this - I need more patience.  I find more and more that I need to remind myself to take a deep breath and act rationally.  Two girls, ages 4 and 1.  You wouldn't believe it but the drama is already present in full force.  Some days I struggle with patience between the whining, attitude and screaming.  So, today I am wishing (and praying!) for more patience.  To calmly react to their demands, and to be able to smile instead of break down.  I am trying to remind myself that they are only this young once - and to cherish every moment, even the not so pleasant ones. I wish that on days when I am losing my patience, to remember this - and to know that someday, I'll wish they were four and one again.

Any tricks to survive the toddler/preschool years?  I'm alllll ears.

 Linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes.

A Weekend of Nothing

You have no idea how good it feels to actually write that.  We didn't have any plans for the weekend and it was great!  Well, actually, we did have plans to go to Sheboygan, Wisconsin to spend a few days on the beach with the girls.  But, after travelling every other week all summer and always having something on our schedule, we thought that we needed a weekend of nothing.  And it was glorious!

Friday Tim went golfing and got a hole in one!  If you follow me on Twitter, you already read that he wants to blog about it.  He won't stop talking about it is pretty proud of himself.

Saturday morning was spent at the park.  The girls played on the equipment and swang for over an hour - and we had the whole playground to ourselves!  There is something so special about watching your children find joy at a playground - swinging, going down slides, climbing on ropes.  Saturday afternoon we played outside and shopped for a big girl bike for E.

 

 

Sunday, Tim and the girls spent some time with my in-laws (while I shopped at Trader Joe's and Target, solo - win!)  Sunday night we played outside again while Tim grilled a delicious dinner for us.  The fact that summer is almost over was evident by the jackets that had to be worn - but I'm not ready to say goodbye quite yet.

Trying out her sister's scooter!

 

Today I am grateful for time.  Time with my family.  Time to just be together, to play, to love.  I think that we need to "schedule" a weekend of nothing every month - it was so refreshing!  Today I'm linking up with Ember Grey for Grateful Heart Monday.

How was your weekend?  What are you grateful for today?

Currently... Round One

Some of my favorite posts to read are the "Currently" posts, that basically give a quick update without too much detail, most recently on Seriously Sarah? and a hundred tiny wishes.  I feel like my life has been a little scattered lately - with the wedding, work stuff, planning trips and working on house things so I thought I'd stop for a moment and embrace what is currently happening in my life.

Currently I'm...

Reading: Bossypants by Tina Fey.  I'm trying to read more, and have 18 books to go on my 101 in 1001 list.  This is an easy read and I'm enjoying it so far!

Writing: Besides this post, I have a whole list of post ideas I am working through - including a series that I am pretty excited about.

Listening: Nothing at the moment.  Complete silence - which is really ok with me, considering I'm used to screaming, whining, and word for word reinactments of Frozen.

Thinking: About my sister and new brother in law, and how they are relaxing on the beach right now.  They deserve it!

Wishing: Summer would hold on just a bit longer.  Yesterday was in the 50's and I was cold.  There are parts of Fall that I like, but Summer is by far my favorite.

Hoping: For a smooth transition when E starts pre-k next month. 

Wearing: This adorable necklace I got as my bridesmaid gift.  Absolutely in love with it!

Loving: The fact that my husband will watch Big Brother with me.  We don't agree on most shows, but I know that he secretly really likes this one.

Wanting: Big scale = A new house.  Small scale = a nice camera.  #firstworldproblems.  Both big purchases, so if I were to get something right now that I wanted, it would be a diet coke.

Needing: A good night's sleep.  I'm still tired from last weekend, and A has been waking up way too early these days.

Feeling: Content.  Sure, there are always things that could be improved, but overall I am happy.  I am healthy, my loved ones are healthy, and we have everything we could possible need, and then some. 

Missing: Quality one on one time with my husband.  Even when we get time alone, we always feel rushed to get back to the girls.  I'm itching for an adult-only vacation!

Today is Wednesday, which means I am linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes.  What are you currently wishing for?

Little Free Library - Do Some Good

Last week while Chicago thought it was Fall, the girls and I took a walk and went on a "nature hunt".  What we found was not part of nature, but so much more impressive if you ask me.

 

 

The concept is this:  "It's a "take a book, leave a book" gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories.  In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share." (straight from the Little Free Library website.)

 

How fun is this idea?  People can make and decorate their own little libraries - and this concept is world wide!  I would have loved this as a child.  Going to the library was a trip that was taken multiple times a week during the summer.  My sister and I would spend hours browsing the selections, often choosing to check out the same book we had just returned the week before.  So, so many memories there.

 

This got me thinking, though.  How many children don't have the means to get to the library?  I know that a library card is free, but getting there is not.  I think this Little Free Library concept could really be beneficial in those circumstances.  And when they are placed in neighborhoods like my own, it made me look up the organization and realize that you can make donations to help those neighborhoods and bring the gift of reading books to them. 

 

Sometimes it takes something like this to remind me that my every day activities are a luxury for some people.  My wish for today is this: take the time to find something in your life that others would love to have or experience.  Then, do something to make it happen for that person.  It could be taking the ingredients for your favorite home cooked meal to your local food bank, or donating dog food to your local animal shelter.  Or, dropping off a book or two to your local Little Free Library, found on this  map.

So what will you do?  Tell me, and inspire someone else!

 

 

 

 

DIY: Artwork Photo Book

This past year was the first year of school for E.  As a preschooler, she did a lot of coloring, painting, and creating things with her hands and feet.  I loved seeing the masterpieces she created each week, but quickly got tired of having piles (and piles!) of artwork sitting around the house.  So, like any person looking for a solution, I went to Pinterest.  What I found was an app called Artkive.  Basically, you take a picture of the painting/drawing, then they will put it in a cute little book that you can order at the end of the year.  Great idea, yes?  No.  The prices were outrageous!  So, I decided to make my own with Snapfish.

I began by downloading the Snapfish app on my phone.  Then I got to work taking pictures of everything, trying to keep them in calendar order.  (This helps with the book creation).  At the end of this year, I had over 60 pictures of E's artwork!

Last month I logged on to Snapfish from my laptop - you can make a book from your phone or tablet, but I liked being able to see it larger so I could really customize it.  I chose a 8x11 Classic Photo Book with a Linen Cut-Out cover, and got to work. 

I went in order, and added the name of the months, along with other images through their huge collection of embellishments.  It was so fun picking the layout for each page, adding my photos, and embellishing her already amazing artwork.  (Every preschooler's artwork is amazing, right?)

 

 

The last page included her report card and the picture we took on her first day.  I then added some blank pages, that I added printed photos that were sent home with her throughout the year.  Pictures of her with her classmates, on field trips and with her teachers.

 My total price?  Under $30. Beat that Artkive!  (I did have a coupon for 20% off and used Ebates, but without those two things it still would have been under $40!)

I love that I started this during her first year of school and plan on making one for each year after this.  She has shown everyone that comes over and I hope that we continue to look at each masterpiece for years to come.

FYI: Snapfish had nothing to do with this post, I was not compensated in any way.  Just wanted to share the better way to save your child's artwork without the clutter!

Reasons Why My Daughter Dislikes Me

Life with a four year old is no walk in the park.  As a baby, E was headstrong and totally independant.  Each year, she grows more and more in to her personality and that brings more and more challenges.  Some days I have no idea how I survived, others she is the sweetest girl around.  Lately I've just decided to write down the things that would usually drive me crazy - and laugh about them instead.  So, I present to you, "Reasons Why My Daughter Dislikes Me", by E.  All of the following resulted in a four-year-old meltdown, over the course of one week:

- I wouldn't let her have donuts and jelly beans for breakfast.

- I told her that bottles were only for babies. (She wanted her water in A's bottle)

- She wasn't allowed to watch Frozen more than once a day.

- I asked her to use the restroom before we left for the store.

- Her crayon broke, and I didn't have another one the exact same color.

- Dad left for work before she woke up. (This was apparently my fault)

- Charlie (our dog), ate her cracker.  (That she put right in front of his face)

- I wouldn't let her play outside during a thunderstorm.

- I told her we were going to run an errand to the post office.

- We ran out of vanilla yogurt.

I like to tell myself that her personality will get her far in life.  That her stubborness and knowing what she wants will be traits that help her be successful and make great relationship choices.  I know that most of these meltdowns are a result of her not being able to handle her emotions yet, which is why I have hope that this isn't my life forever.  My good friend told me that she is getting this out of the way now so that she will be a great teenager, so I'm choosing to believe that.

Until then, I am holding on to this sweet, sweet little girl that every once and awhile shines through.  You are welcome back full time, any day E.

 

 

Today I am linking up with Emily from Ember Grey for Grateful Heart Monday.  Even if some days E and I feel like oil and water, I am forever grateful to have her as my daughter.  Everything about her is perfect for me, for our family, and I wouldn't want it any other way.... except maybe some more "I love you"'s than toddler attitude. :)