Here's a thought...

When you're feeling motivated and things are going well getting household tasks and the kiddos seem to be in a groove with you. What happens when, the very next day, the kiddos are NOT in a groove, wake you up at 2 and 5 and 7...leaving you with that I've-just-been-hit-by-a-bus type feeling?! Oh, and I don't drink coffee.

Do you just throw the towel in on the days plans or do you try and pick up the pieces and get on with "regularly scheduled programming"?

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?

by Bill Martin, Jr. & illustrated by Eric Carle



This is a true favorite in our house right now. I think we read it about at least 4 times each day and it never seems to get old! I like the repetition because, my toddler caught on pretty quickly. She can "read" this book all by herself by looking at the pictures and it's adorable to watch/listen.

Here is a nice little video of the author, Bill Martin, Jr., reading singing his story:



If you do a search for Brown Bear, Brown Bear, you'll find lots of activities and lessons. Other related books are:

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What do you See?
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you See?

Consuming Teens

With out new love of Dave Ramsey...we've been working hard to instill the same ideas about money in our teen. It's hard with all the stuff that they are already dealing with. Let alone fitting in because of what you do/don't wear.

Teen honestly talks about how last year, that really is all she wanted to wear. Brand name clothes from stores with loud music and the overwhelming stench of perfume.

We had a long discussion about this (consuming kids) trailer and the shows/magazines that are out there for teens.

We LOVE this (Discovery Girls) magazines and I'm now researching other magazines to find something similar for her age group. Are her only choices REALLY TeenVogue or Teen Magazine?

Our idea was that we need a REAL teen magazine with teens from local places, who talk about their likes/dislikes, tips on NATURAL health and beauty, self-esteem, teachers, 'rents, etc.

Potty Training Update...

So, there is nothing like a stubborn toddler telling YOU that you did a great job and cheering you on when YOU'VE gone on the potty. How do you get HER to go?

Well, we had pretty much thrown the towel in and, after speaking with the pediatrician...we were going to give it a break for a month and try again in September. However, at church on Sunday...there was some competition for my Mashuga. Another little girl, who IS potty trained, had to go. Well, Mashuga HAD to accompany her to the bathroom, the teachers let her try and...she WENT!

She went today, too! Yippeee! I guess it WILL happen when SHE is ready and, not a moment sooner. As a parent, this can be frustrating but, a lesson in patience (which I already thought I had a lot of)! ;)

What are some tips that you have to keep encouraging the behavior?

Thank you...

Here's something that I want to try...

Each day, I run into random people. They are not people that I know but, of course, they have crossed my path for a reason. However, there is rarely a chance where I interact with them much more than that moment of passing by or brief conversation. I've decided that I want to focus on one person who made positive difference (and maybe the occasional negative...we all need to vent, right?) in my day!

So...

Thank you, power walking lady who mentioned, in passing, "It does get easier."

She said this while I was attempting to take the gals out for a jog. Pubah was screaming and Mashuga was dropping snacks out the side of the stroller and I had to stop, mid-run, to do my Mommy thing...you know, right?! It was a moment, where I was ready to break down and cry, because I just felt the need to get out and do something for myself. While I was having moments of regret, her comment was a nice reminder that, if I'm persistent, it WILL get easier.

Update: I will try and do a "Thankful Thursday" each week on this blog! ;)

Who would you like to thank today?

Cloth Dolls

I love cloth (rag) dolls. I've been wanting to make some for my girls. I know that a lot of posts out there talk about how easy they are to make. However, I haven't really had the time (or courage) to try it out.

What are some of your favorite and SIMPLE cloth doll patters or tutorials?

Hug, Hug

Hug Hug!

by Lorie Ann Grover and Rebecca Malone



I bought Hug Hug!, intending to give it to my daughter when she was almost 2, for Valentine's Day. However, I was pretty excited to give it to her before that, since she had been obsessed with hugs and it seemed like the perfect book for her. Well, I know I hit the jackpot when I read the book, for the first time, and she hugged EVERY page! Her new catch phrase (at the time I gave it to her) was, "Awwww...cuuuuuuute." and that accompanied almost every squeeze.

The book is short and sweet with simply adorable illustrations of a variety of animals, big and small. The other charming thing about this book is the variety of ways that the animals hug...with noses, in the trees, in a row, with our rears (adorable bear hug). It opens up some ideas for fun traditions when reading the story or in your daily hugging rituals!

Maybe this book was inspired by this guy:



Love this video...go hug someone! OOO