What About Mom??

This might come across negative and I swear that is not what I am going for. The other night I was feeling really stressed and just tired. Then I noticed my 2 nail polish bottles that have been sitting by the TV for who knows how long, I put the pair together sometime after Christmas. I then found my jamberry nail wraps that I got while my mom was here last October....guess what? Haven't touched them. The mask hubby put in my stocking, still unused. The crafts I want to get done, painting and stencils, nope boxes full of wood that sit in my garage that I need to clean again. Running again which is my stress reliever...went once, loved it but haven't gone since. While my mind was noticing all the things I haven't done it was also pointing out that I needed to clean every room in my house. It needs a maid badly. Dishes in the sink, legos (darn those little pieces), toys all over the place, paper from homework under the table, laundry needing folded, etc etc. Your a mom, you know the drill. It's hard to be joyful and postive when life is constantly hitting you with more. How many times have you gone to read a book and then notice a mess and take care of that instead? More then once huh?

I think it is so important to take time for yourself. This isn't a Mommy Time Out, it needs to be time just for you with or without friends. Maybe a bubble bath, mani/pedi and a good book or maybe a movie and dessert with some girlfriends. I realized I am horrible at this and I know other moms are too. We have the weight of the world on our shoulders and every one is always needing or wanting something. Other then having a friend do my hair every once in a while I don't really get ME time. I get shopping with 2 kids when the oldest is in school. I get time once they go to bed, but lets be honest....you can't enjoy it because your mind is racing with things you need to do so you feel guilty for enjoying anytime to yourself. I get little things here and there, but I really really want a night maybe once every other week that I have to do nothing except the things I want to. Something scheduled and that I can look forward to. I want to use that mask, and paint my nails. I want dessert and a movie with girlfriends. I want to shop without needing a purse full of snacks. I want painted nails, hair curled (but I don't have time to learn how) makeup done and to go have a fancy dinner with my husband. I want to take a bubble bath and read a good book. I want to sleep in and have breakfast made for me and the kids dressed. Your hearing a lot of "I wants" aren't you?

As moms, we run the home. We are what keeps everything going to smoothly. I truly, with my whole heart believe that we can NOT be the best mom if we are over worked, tired, stressed or feeling down. How can I teach my children the right way to handle life if I am not handling it the right way myself? I can't teach my son not to get angry about little things if I do it myself. We all know children learn by example, we need to be the best example we can. There will be days that you want to punch a hole in the wall, please don't! Do what you would tell your child to do, take 5 deep breaths and come back to the situation. By bedtime I know I usually go to bed angry...angry that I didn't clean more, play with the kids more, teach the kids more or anything else I can think of. I wish I could say I was exaggerating but I'm not. I am a very stressed person, I'm stressed that I'm writing this instead of cleaning and what about lunch? Guess I will eat it in the van again when I'm waiting to get my son from school. We are always so giving to others without a thought towards ourselves but then wonder why we are so stressed and ready to blow after something so small. We need to take care of ourselves too!!! We have such a strong influence on those cute little spirits in our homes. Don't you want to make sure that you are taking care of yourself a little so that you can better take care of those little ones??? I know I do, I want to teach my kids so much, I want them to be happy, loving, giving, sweet little things. I can't teach them those things by words all the time. It's my actions. Stress isn't something they need to learn from me. 

We need a break once in a while to get rid of those negative emotions towards ourselves and the world. We need to think of ourselves. It's ok to be a tiny bit selfish sometimes. A new shirt will help, or maybe staying up a little later to read a chapter from a book. A bubble bath would be amazing! You will feel so much better to think of you. It can't be an all the time thing, we are moms, the world will fall apart, but little moments I think can be daily. A whole night to yourself with your girlfriends once every other week or whenever you need it. It's nice to go out with others and be able to use our big kid words! 

So in a nut shell. Do something for you today, tomorrow and/or everyday depending on what exactly you are doing. Tonight I will paint my nails and even let them dry the old fashioned way....with air and time. Not ice cubes in cold water because pinterest told me to hurry. Tomorrow I will eat lunch at the table, while reading and enjoy the silence will my kids watch tv. I will find little moments every day to think about my emotional and spiritual well being so that I can be a better mom and example to my children. Heck, I will even plan a movie night with some girl friends soon...heels only, no flats! Friday night I want to find a babysitter and go out with my husband and maybe I won't put the kids to bed before I leave. It doesn't have to be this huge selfish act, that's never good. Something small daily will do the soul wonders. So take care of you emotionally, spiritually, and physically so that you can be a mom, wife, friend, daughter or random stranger!

Mommy Time Outs

Have you ever had a day where you needed a mommy time out away from all your responsibilities? Being a mom is the toughest job I have ever had! I have 3 little crazies running around needing me every moment no matter what I'm doing or where we are. I have a love hate relationship with these moments. I love that my kids need and want me, not to mention knowing that they can come to me when they need.I love that the trust they have in me is more then enough to fix their problems. I will be honest though, if the bathroom door is closed, please don't come running in unless the house is on fire, I know it can wait. Another favorite is when I'm cooking, for the love of all that's good, leave mommy alone after a long day when she is near hot things, Mommy can I help....I promise! I would give anything some days to just get away.... sometimes that time is at 9am (I have early risers) sometimes noon and other times I can make it to bed time. No matter what, we all need some mommy space.

We need time to breath and gather our thoughts. I like to call these "Mommy Time Outs." Some people might think that I am a bad mom for wanting to get away from my kids from time to time, every few days, every day....it doesn't matter. I don't ask people to like me, but I want to be real, I want to be honest because I am not living in sunshine and rainbows here in my home. If you do, well...I'm not going to go there. Life isn't perfect so I won't pretend it is. I like to not go completely crazy at kindergarten pick up at 3:30. Some might agree with me and to that I say "high five" we need to be best friends. You guys, I am not even 30 and I have more gray hair than my mom. Each gray is named one of 3 names, Neacel who has been providing gray since 2008, Brody since 2010 who is my lazy producer and Macey my mass gray hair producer since 2012. Please don't get me wrong, I love my kids more then anything but I also love not needing a special white jacket in a white fluffy room!

Let me tell you about today, let me tell you why my 2 year old had to nap and mommy had a time out on the couch while the boys watched Netflix. Boys woke up around 6:30, hubby is sick so I slept like I have a newborn, already not a good start. Immediately, they start fighting with me about getting dressed and what they want to do. I remind them that it is early and no you can't play in the backyard breaking ice, get dressed, here is breakfast (toast) and please watch Curious George so mommy can get some work done.

By 8:30 all kids are dressed, fed and I am ready to go to my workout class. Go to grab keys around 8:50 after fighting about why we wear socks with shoes, keys aren't in my purse. They are always in my purse or on the counter. Neither place provided my keys, after searching the house like a mad woman (workout keeps me sane, I need and want it) I break down in tears. I am past panic crazy mom mode. My keys are special. They have the only van key, mailbox key, house key, spare car key and other random keys, either way missing my keys means we are stranded which I can not handle so early in the day. I get to workout after finding the keys in the most random of spots about 20 minutes late, why go you ask, because if not, mommies time out was going to happen in a bubble bath at 9:30 am with all the kids locked in their rooms.

Class was interesting thanks to my Macey (running around, washing her hands in the men's toilet, washing her face while standing in the kitchen sink, etc). Then she throws the mother of all tantrums as I tell her she can't go home with my friend Amber.... this resulted in a 15 minute tantrum in the parking lot, sending mommy to the insane part of her brain filled with tears and really loud music on the drive home. We get home, only to leave 20 minutes later to take Neacel to school. Que Macey tantrum over olives and not being able to watch Despicable Me. We drop him off while Macey screams the whole time, get home and I get Despicable Me on and a cup of olives for her so that I can shower. Anything to get away!

Brody was left in charge, he was to come and get me if Macey even got off the couch. Well, he ran up to tell me Macey got off the couch and dumped something out. I panic run downstairs half dressed to find a Costco sized container of hummus all over my coffee table (which has groves in it), in her hair, on my dishwasher which was open and had hummus on clean dishes, on and in the fridge. Que mommy tears for the 6th time today! It was barely NOON! So, she was sent to her room because I had nothing nice to say and the nice mommy voice was turning into a really mean mommy voice. Luckily, it was almost time for school pick up. I panicked over the thought of another tantrum, but rejoiced at the thought of "girlfriend is taking a nap today!"

My daughter doesn't normally nap, in fact its a rare special occasion if she does. We got Neacel from school and rushed home to lay her down for a nap. It was seriously the best part of my day thus far. I think I had taken about 5 time outs today and they do help. They help me handle the next situation a lot better than if I hadn't take that time to breath and catch my happy thoughts before they fly away.


Lets talk about now, I have taken a small nap on the couch, ate crap I shouldn't have and here I sit in my closet under the stairs, writing this to you at 5pm! I already plan on running to Little Ceasers for dinner because I'm still in time out mode, I already have a Redbox reserved and plan on grabbing popcorn. I still need to relax a little more, my brain hurts from today and I still have puffy, mommy-crying-eyes. My boys are being awesome, which is rare for the both of them on the same day. We won't focus on that, I might jinx it!

I know you are thinking to yourself "Why is she sharing this?" Well, haven't you had a day like this? Haven't you needed to just run away for 5 minutes? Haven't you cried so much in one day that you have puffy eyes??? My shower and nap have been the best part of my day, 2 things that I don't always get in the same day. Being a mom is tough and it is really hard to handle the weight of the world on your shoulders. I am here to say go eat a bowl of ice cream and cry it out in your closet if you need to! No excuse needed. Go turn on a movie for the kids and curl up to read a book and ignore any requests for 15 minutes! It is ok, I promise. Go grab dessert with a friend in the middle of the day after getting a babysitter for kids at home. Dessert is best when kids aren't around.

We need to remember ourselves, we can't give to others properly if we aren't taken care of. My kids know mommy isn't very nice till about 7 am once I am dressed and ready to go workout. It's my morning thing, some moms need coffee, I need my workout clothes and brushed teeth!

So, after all my rambling, which probably doesn't make much sense, this what I want you to get from all this. Don't be afraid to need to get away, to need a break from your kids or to cry over little things. To go cry in the shower or eat ice cream in your closet. We are human, we aren't made of steel, we aren't perfect and we need to remember ourselves emotionally too. We have so much on our plate and I know life sometimes throws everything at you that it can. I know today has been horrible for me, but I look forward to giving my messy hummus smelling daughter a bath and tucking her into bed tonight while she asks for me to sing Twinkle Twinkle 3 times and sings I am a Child of God with me. Those moments make the crazy worth it. Unfortunately, sometimes we miss out on the cute needed moments because we are too stressed.....take a mommy time out and come back to the situation once you feel better. Things will be better and I promise you won't miss anything while you take that time to yourself.

Scarves by TiffanyW

So winter is pounding on the door (luckily utah isnt answering) and I know I have already started looking for a nice scarf to wear during those bitter cold months. Lucky me to have seen a friend post that his wife makes scarfs. I love finding unique fun things that arent always from target, although we love them. I want something that not everyone is wearing.
Tiffany has cute simple affordable hand made scarves I love the simplicity,  they will go with anything and everything and not break the bank. Im personally in love with the cream for when 3 pairs of dirty fingers arent around and the black and white for when the kids are around. For my bold funky mood I'm thinking green. Getting a scarf through her is on my before winter to do list. It should definitely be on yours too :) 

So go look at what she has and treat yourself to something nice. Moms deserve a treat too ♡♡♡

Opinions Wanted

Students Criticize Michelle Obama's School Lunch Regulations.

The other night I was talking to my husband and he was telling me about one of the kids he visits. We were talking about food in schools. This kid who will be named "Fred" and is a football player was saying that his school watches his calories now. Before for school breakfast he got a pint of milk, a pop tart and oatmeal. Not the healthiest but was food that he ate. Now that schools had changed their food he gets less then a pint of milk and a granola bar, and spends the day starving. People, I eat more then that, and I'm on a diet! Lunch is just as bad, Fred was saying that before kids would eat what they wanted, now its fruits, veggies and a main course but very very small portions. Many kids trash their food because they don't like it. Meaning, many kids go hungry throughout the school day because they don't have options at lunch, and the ones they do have, aren't ones that they like. Schools even got rid of salad bars! My husband remembers having one, I remember having one but according to Fred, schools aren't allowed to have them any more. Fred, as mentioned before is a football player. He needs calories... apparently, he is in a computer system that counts his daily intake. Poor Fred can't even have a small cookie at lunch because his food intake is watched so much at school. I think its with the school, but don't quote me on it. His parents also watch what he eats, because according to the system, our healthy, very active friend Fred, is obese! WHAT? According to my husband, Fred is a smaller guy, tall and very thin. It broke my heart to hear that his calories are being counted and that his food at school isn't enough. Food is needed to make the body function correctly, right? So why are schools controlling what children eat to this point? Sure we want our children healthy but I want them to have options to pick from that they like instead of starving. My opinion is that sure, they are thin and healthy now, but don't you think this will backfire? That as soon as kids are out of school and intake for a meal or 2 isn't controlled that they are going to binge on everything they haven't had before. Then we are really going to be dealing with obese people.

So I want your opinion on this situation. Do you agree that schools should continue controlling meals, or that kids should have more options? I understand Michelle Obama wants healthier lunches for kids, and that children won't always pick healthier options, but am I the only one who would rather my kids eat something unhealthy, then to throw away their lunch because they don't like it? I want healthy kids just like any mom, but I want them to learn to eat healthy, not be forced to eat healthy.

My Favorite Beauty Blog

 via maskcara.com

Raise your hand if you barely wear makeup? Raise your hand if your like me, and stick to simple because you are absolutely clueless on what your doing? Well, thanks to the wonderful world of pinterest, I have found my new favorite beauty blogger. Cara runs Maskcara and is amazing at what she does, she is confident, beautiful, honest and down to earth. Not to mention she is a mom too, so she knows how it is to try and look your best with a little one running around. I spent nap time one day reading and taking everything in. I learned so much and since then have tried a few new things. Not to mention found my new favorite eye liner and mascara thanks to her.

Here are a few of the must see posts of hers:
Mommy Makeup
Getting Started with Makeup
Twirl Curls (which I need to buy a curling iron to try)
Clad in Mom Clothing

Of course, there is months and months worth of good beauty information. You would need hours to read it all. Let's be honest though, what mom has hours to sit and read? Those are my personal favorite starter posts. She also will copy looks of celebrities and tell you how to do it and what makeup she used. Amazing isn't it? If there is a certain look you want to see, you can email her and might get lucky enough that she will try it. Here is a link to all her contact info: instagram, facebook, youtube etc. You know your interested and can't wait to go buy some new makeup to try things out.

Liam's Loft

You know how you see a million cute things across the internet but when you see the price you keep wishing it was cheaper? Well, thanks to Liam's Loft, you can now get those really cute boutique inspired items for almost nothing! They have things for us moms and the kids. I love that they don't leave the boys out and have adorable stuff for them too. Every day (Mon-Fri) at 7am MST they post a new deal. It's a one day deal, so if you love it, grab it. Today they have a beautiful statement necklace for 60% off the original price. STEAL!!! I usually just tag my hubby in the picture of the deal for the day and tell him I want it for Christmas :-) You should also follow them on facebook and pinterest, just to make sure you don't miss a single thing. Also, the Friday deal usually runs through the weekend, but who wants to risk them running out? Grab it on Friday!

Vicks Vapor Rub

I wish I had thought of grabbing the camera last night but I didn't, so I'll fill you in on details to paint a picture. If I would have gotten a picture, this story would be sent to S*** My Kids Ruined!.

It's was about 10 at night and we were battling with the boys to get to bed (we are in the process of them sharing a room). Hubby runs upstairs while I sit downstairs on the computer enjoying some time on Pinterest. Then hubby said calmly "Mandy please get up here." Instantly, I know its not good. I keep saying to myself "this isn't good" over and over like a broken record. I got to the top of the stairs to see hubby sitting on the floor with Neacel in the corner. The smell hit me, menthol, then hubby pointed out the empty (use to be full) container of vicks. Then I got a better look of Neacel and see his head was covered in it. Literally, 100% covered. His head looks like a bucket of grease is covering it. It's hard to describe, but I'm sure you can figure it out. So instantly, I think that he got Broden too. Luckily, Broden was vicks free, the wall didn't have as much luck though. Whatever wasn't on his head was globbed on the wall next to his bed. The smell was sooooo overwhelming. I was able to wipe the wall down, but I'm pretty sure the smell will never fully go away. I had to get away from the smell because it was making me sick....stupid pregnancy sense of smell! Hubby gave Neacel a bath, after 3 shampoo's his forehead and hair are still pretty greasy. There is a film in the bathroom sink and tub from the vicks...any idea on how to get rid of it?

How to cut boy's hair like a pro

With the cost of hair cuts, and having 2 boys, plus my husband and myself, hair cut cost adds up. Just for my little guys I walk out spending almost $30 after tip. It, in my opinion is just too much for kids cuts. So I am on a mission on learning how to cut hair myself. Self taught, and husband tested....pray for him! Tonight I will put everything to use that I have read here. This is the best detailed how to that I could find, and that I was comfortable with. Heavenly Homemakers is such a wonderful blog that I have found many things from, luckily, I found this hair cut how to!The YouTube videos just weren't helping. I'm nervous but I went and bought some $10 Barber shears from Target and I'm ready to go. If I screw it up, we will be buzzing hubby's hair short. Praying for a success though, I would love to cut hair cut cost. I will let you know tomorrow what happened........wish me luck!

How much is a homemaker worth?

As a stay at home mom, the question has popped in my mind here and there. If I were to get paid for everything I do, what would I get? It's a legit question right? We cook, clean, we take care of kids, etc etc. Well, a friends husband sent her this article, and I am glad she shared it on her blog (which I can't share because its a family one, sorry!) Here is a link to the full article, which you definitely want to read.

Here is the final tally: $96,261 per year!

The daily work of a homemaker can sometimes be taken for granted by his or her family members. However, these services could earn a homemaker a considerable wage if he or she took those skills to the marketplace. Homemakers in general contribute a lot more to the home in addition to these tasks, and no amount of money can fill those needs.

I guess it's safe to say, hubby's dream of just being a stay home home dad/blogger could be reached if I could get paid for everything I already do. It's safe to call us amazing, because not many can do everything we do and still look cute every day. I never wanted to be a mom, let alone be a SAHM, but now that I am, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love spending the days with my boys. I see all the firsts and don't miss out on a single thing, except sleep, but that's over rated at this point right?

25 Rules for Mothers with Sons

I saw this list floating around on Facebook and had to share it with all of you. Being a mom of 2 boys, I love this list. Every single thing on it is true and something all us moms need to remember when raising boys. I did a shortened version of the list but please please please, go to Team Studer and read each and every description. She did an amazing job!!!!

1. Teach him the words for how he feels.

2. Be a cheerleader for his life

3. Teach him how to do laundry

4. Read to him and read with him.

5. Encourage him to dance.

6. Make sure he has examples of good men who are powerful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity.

7. Make sure he has examples of women who are beautiful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity

8. Be an example of a beautiful woman with brains, determination, and integrity.

9. Teach him to have manners

10. Give him something to believe in

11. Teach him that there are times when you need to be gentle

12. Let him ruin his clothes

13. Learn how to throw a football

14. Go outside with him

15. Let him lose

16. Give him opportunities to help others

17. Remind him that practice makes perfect.

18. Answer him when he asks, "Why?"

19. Always carry band-aids and wipes on you.

20. Let his dad teach him how to do things

21. Give him something to release his energy

22. Build him forts

23. Take him to new places

24. Kiss him

25. Be home base

I thought I'd add one more to the list:

26. Tell him you love him

2012 Resolutions

It's a new year, and that means a perfect time for a new beginning. A time to make those resolutions! So, do you make them? Keep them? Resolutions are something we all seem to do, but by the end of January we have completely forgot about them. This year I'm keeping it simple, and it's the first year that weight loss isn't in the list!!! I'm very excited for that. Last year I kept my weight loss resolution and lost 50lbs but all the other goals went out the window. This year, I want to focus on my family and things around the home. Here are my resolutions for this year:

-Get 8 hours of sleep
-Exercise daily (running around with kids counts)
-Organized each and every room in my home, and keep it organized
-Get back with couponing (I've been lazy)
-Spend time reading my scriptures daily
-Have a healthy pregnancy
-Spend more time with family and make sure its quality time
-Read 1 book each month (any recommendations?)
-Be more patient with my boys
-Have family home evening at least twice a month
-Spend more time with my hubby
-Keep the house clean
-No more excuses, just do!

I love this little saying that I found on Nat's Knapsack, I had to take it. I want to be this woman, I want to do everything I know I can to be a better child of God and scare the Devil. This is my year, no time is better then the present to make changes!

My Cents of Style Giveaway!

If your anything like me, you love Cents of Style products. They are cute, high quality, affordable accessories. Sounds nice huh? I have always loved Cents of Style, since I heard about it a few years back from some friends that always used it. I've been in love ever since then! Now all I need to do is win the lottery and buy each piece, each season and I'll never worry about accessories again!


I have a few products from them, all jewelry, because a girl can never have too much right? My favorite is my feather earrings. They match everything, and dress things up that are a little too drab.

How does winning a piece of your choice sound? Well, a good friend Megan who sells Cents of Style contacted me about doing a giveaway! Let's make sure we all go to her facebook page and tell her thank you! Of course there are a few little tiny restrictions...it has to be a hat, scarf or jewelry ($12.60 value). As if you couldn't find a couple of pieces that you love! Also, if you want to go ahead and order somethings for Christmas use the code 0512 at checkout and get 10% off, not to mention shipping is always free! Can we say AMAZING! Great prices, great products, and free shipping! I know your already in love with them just like me!

Giveaway Details: Giveaway will end on Dec 21st at 12:01am.You can do one or all of the entries, but only one per person not daily! If you have any questions please contact me. Winner will get to pick a scarf, hat or piece of jewelry of their choice! I will notify the winner, if I don't hear from that person within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

North Pole Christmas Party- Enjoying The Small Things Style

One of my favorite blogs to read is Enjoying The Small Things. Kelle writes in such an amazing way that you totally feel the spunk and love behind each word. I wish I could meet her, she is such a loving person and not to mention her style rocks, and her girls Lainey and Nella are as cute as buttons. Well, the inspiring and talented Kelle did it again. She did one of the cutest children's Christmas parties I have ever seen, and I've seen quite a few!

She sent out cute invites for the kids and mommies, telling them to wear jammies, along with party details. Her house was decorated, every inch! Lights, signs, bells, inflatable snowmen, snow flakes, you name it she had it covered! Kind of like Christmas came and took over her house. There was milk (from North Pole Cows) and elf favorite cookies and Sugar cookies served, the kids made reindeer food. (she had jar decorated for the kids to put food in) The food was oatmeal, raisins, cocoa, red and silver glitter, bread crumbs, and flying powder. The kids were told to sprinkle the mix in their driveway for the reindeer to eat while Santa was delivering the presents. How stinkin cute is that?

Then there was a letter from Santa, telling the kids that he had lost somethings around the neighborhood and asking them if they could find those things. Jammies, flashlights and all, those kids were on the hunt. Of course, Kelle had someone dressed up as an elf running around and hiding from the kids. The kids would tell in excitement, that they had seen an elf. (this is wear all the waterworks I was trying to hide, came a flooding!) The night ended with "T'was the Night Before Christmas" read to all the kids and the cutest Sweet Dreams pillow mist for everyone to take home!

People, if you have never read her blog, go ahead and add it to your favorites. Read Nella's birth story. Kelle is an amazing mother, writer and friend. At least once a week, something she writes makes me cry. Her "Party at the North Pole" post did! I cried, like a 25 year old baby! When we have a home, I will steal this idea, every detail. Sorry Kelle, can't help it if you are that amazing!

So if you are wanting to put a party together this Christmas, go read her ideas and see what you can come up with. I swear to you, after you read one post, you will read another and another. I started reading her blog when she wrote Nella's Birth Story, if I remember correctly, that was about 2 years ago. I check her blog every few days and read every word. I love her words, her inspiration, ideas and just love for life. Not to mention her red cowboy boots!

To Do List

A friend of mine on the Cleveland Mommies site that I'm apart of (and you should be too or find your  local site with The Mommies Network) posted this the other day and I instantly fell in love with it. It's an article by Steph Fink

I am a “To Do” list-making lunatic. I’m not kidding. I’ve been known to make lists of the lists that I’ve wanted to write up. While my list-making “skill set” proved valuable to my family when we moved last year, it has been equally unhelpful in distracting me from the real meaning of Christmas. If not on guard, I can checklist the holidays like it's a race to "get through" Or, I can intentionally celebrate Christmas as God intended. So with an honest heart, I drafted an entirely new list, the “To Don’t List”.

-Facebook my friend - call instead!
-Wrap a gift with a rushed-negative heart!
-Eat a Christmas cookie alone, they're always sweeter with a friend!
-Fret over the Christmas letter, family picture and change of address cards. This year I made a joint Christmas greeting/change of address postcard.
-Be rude to the people that are in the Christmas postcard picture while addressing them to go out!
-Allow the person that stole my parking spot (the blinker told you it was mine!) to steal my joy. No, I'll confuse em'...I'll smile and wave like we're old friends (cause we would be if you’d stop stealing my spot!).
-Buy anything that I don't have enough money to.
-Forget the best present ever! No, not the Atari, Cabbage Patch Kid, leg warmers or my Kodak disc camera when I was a child. Jesus! Jesus’ birth, the life that gave me new life, hope and freedom to love the person who stole my parking spot!

This Christmas season, will you draft a new list…a “To Don’t” list, so your “To Do” lists don’t cram out the real reason for the season?

How amazing and TRUE is that article? Like Steph, I make a daily "To Do" list that hangs on the fridge where I see it a million times a day. It can be simple tasks, like remembering to put something in the mailbox, or get Christmas cards done. (which are still sitting in an unopened box). I'm going to do a "To Don't" list today and get it up with my other list.

So whats one thing on your "To Don't" list?

For me it would probably have to be, To Don't think about every little thing that would make this Christmas perfect, but to enjoy every moment with everyone around me. This Christmas is very special for me, Neacel is 3 and is old enough to start learning and understanding the true meaning. I love watching the boys as they get older, but I need to remember to stop and smell the air instead of stressing through it all.

"I'm Not Mean, I'm a Mom"

I was on Facebook the other day when I saw a friend post this article. At first I just kept going, not planning on reading it, but then I was bored because the kids were sleeping and thought what the heck! It is an amazing story about a mom and her daughter and how the mom teaches her that "I'm not mean, I'm a mom!"

This is the worst day of my LIIIIIIIIIIFEEEEEEEE!” my daughter whined and cried after losing her Littlest Pet Shop kitty at a bridal store. She sobbed and sobbed in the backseat of the car (O.K. mini-van), lamenting about all the things that were terrible in her life. She was hungry, tired, fighting a head cold, and sick of sitting in a “baby” car seat (she is in a high-back booster seat because she is tiny and it’s safer). And there’s more: her shoes were uncomfortable, it was raining outside, and worst of all the sun had gone down while we were in the store. She is terrified of the dark. TERRIFIED!-read the rest of the story here

After reading it all I could think it that the mother is the most patient person ever! How many of us can say that in a similar situation we have/would act the same way? I obviously haven't hit that stage in life with my boys, but I imagine I drive home as fast (and safely) as I can, feed them and then off to bed. Battles from them filling the silence I provide from being so angry. That stage will hit, and there are day where I just wait to here it from my oldest because he is made at me for some silly reason. (He was "blessed" with his mommies temper)

Meltdown moments in our home come by the handfuls. Yesterday actually, Neacel had a meltdown over a commercial being on and begged me to fast forward the tv (DVR) I told him no and that his show would be on a few.....you would have thought I broke his arm! He screamed and screamed, stomped and everything. SO I turned the tv off, meltdown number 2 in 3...2...1...KABOOM! He threw himself on the floor kicking and screaming. He told me he would watch the commercial but that he wanted his show. I explained that acting like that doesn't get you anything in life. You can't just whine and cry about everything and that we don't always get what we want. So after calming down I was finally able to talk to him about acting like that....all he heard was "blah blah blah, no tv. Blah blah blah blah blah" Que meltdown number 3! At this point I'm just annoyed and tell him to go play with toys. He doesn't want to because brother is playing with them (brother has cooties sometimes I think, good thing I got my shot in 2nd grade!) So I take him up to his room to "relax" and just play with toys. After 5 minutes of screaming and kicking the door you hear his yell threw the crack under the door "Mommy, I'm done relaxing and I'm sorry!" So I go and get him and I'm greeted with a hug, kiss, puppy dog sad face and him saying sorry. He did get another show later in the day that he earned and didn't whine about the commercials. He said thanks for the show and when it was over turned off the tv and played with brother. If there is one thing my hubby has taught me, its that staying calm in heated situations are going to get better results then freaking out with him. (Thanks babe, and you thought I wasn't listening!!!)

Sad to say, but the story is true. Some moms are mean, down right mean to their children. Name calling, hitting, not feeding etc and those children are sad and don't have good relationships with their mom or possibly anyone. But we need to teach our little dudes (and dudettes) that not giving them something they want isn't mean. It isn't us trying to make them angry, its usually for a lesson. So today, try to teach your child a lesson over a freak out moment. No matter what the age, a lesson is always fun to learn. We are working on listening with both of our boys. Neacel seems to forget how to 3 seconds after I remind him, and Brody is still young but anytime we tell him "no" to something the screams and laughs and continues louder and harder then before. So today, I WILL stay calm during each meltdown, I WILL stay firm on what I say, and I WILL teach a little mini lesson each opportunity I have!

Real Bellies

So it's no secret that women want to look perfect and that Hollywood sets the standards for most. Perfect hair and makeup, dressed in nothing but the best, beautiful jewelry, and most of all perfect bodies, let's narrow it down even more...flat tummies! I know I beat myself up over it, that I could be thinner and have a much better tummy if I worked out more, ate healthier and really kept my motivation once I do start those things. How many times have you thought, I wish I had a stomach like hers? I know I do, daily probably? I feel that after 2 kids born by c/section one was 8lbs 14 oz and 22in, and my second was 8lbs 4 oz 21 in (and for the record, this momma is only 5ft tall!), I should learn to love what I've been blessed with. I should look at my scar and stretchmarks as a baby making trophy.

My husband sent me this article, and I couldn't help but to think "I want a picture of my stomach on the gallery" then reality and fear set in. The xoJane Real Girl Belly Project is amazing, its a gallery of tummies, each with their own little story. Each earned in their own special way. Go read the article and take time to look at each tummy and read what the owner wrote about it. I'll be honest, I got teary eyed because I know that this is my biggest struggle, I need to just learn to love me. It's not just me though, it's everyone. Many of my friends on facebook that are mothers, we all are obsessed with working out, diets, and trying to get back to the flat 16 year tummy, when in reality we should be proud of the belly button piercing scar we have for being spontaneous and rebellious, the stretchmarks from each pregnancy, a c/section scar to remind me that my children were born safely, etc.

So I encourage all of you, and myself, to do something this week/weekend to boost your confidence. It can be anything. I know right now, I need to buy a bathing suit for a water park we are going to in 2 weeks. I'm terrified, but thrilled that my old one no longer fits.  Maybe instead of a longer one piece I'll reach for the tankini. Maybe you could go buy a shirt that you thought made you look silly, but you love it...who cares! If you love it then go for it, others can learn to love it. Maybe you will take a picture of your stomach and send it to the xoJane Real Girl Belly Project  (emily@xojane.com). The possibilities are endless. We can't let Hollywood women tell us who we should be. We should love ourselves, curves, stretchmarks and all.

P.S That isn't my tummy, that was a brave soul over in the gallery. If I looked like that, I'd be thrilled!

Keep Happy and Carry On

Is there a rule saying that bad days can't come back to back? If so, I need to know the book and page number to show it to my son. I need sanity, I need a chick flick, with some ice cream while painting my toe nails bright red for the holidays. My brain hurts from this morning, from stress, tears and fights. It hasn't been a pleasnt morning to be honest. These mornings can make or break my day and that needs to come to an end.
My dear sweet Neacel is pushing every button he can, he did this yesterday and we are right on the same path today. Nap time came 30 minutes early today for sanity reasons. It's moments like these that I wonder if I've done something wrong as a parent. Being a parent is something you learn to do, not a book you can read...and if it was a book can you imagine all the many different ones? In these heated moments is when it's most important to "BE HAPPY" and remember that he is such a young soul and needs to be molded by my husband and I. Bad days happen, it's life, it's what we do with them that will decide when the next one may hit. Yesterday, I broke, I raised my voice and used a lot of "timeouts" on his red plastic chair, sitting in the kitchen. I took away every amount of TV and treats that I could, he didn't care which just made me even more angry. I don't want today to be the same way. So while he and Broden are napping I'm going to calm down, relax a little, and get things done around the home.

So to help me come back to a calm state to handle the rest of my day I'm going to think positive and focus on things that make me happy about Neacel, and look past the bad day he is having. It isn't fair to punish him for having a bad day. I would hate if someone punished me for waking up on the wrong side of bed....I would have been punished a ton as a child!

So here are 10 things that I love about him
1. His hugs and kisses are the most sincere thing
2. His bright blue eyes
3. His little giggle
4. His energy (if I had half of what he has, I would be 20 lbs thinner)
5. His sweet spirit and love for church and the teachings we believe
6. His want to learn everything he can, he just can't seem to get enough
7. His love for his brother. He is always saying that he loves him and gives him hugs and kisses
8. He is so friendly, he doesn't care who you are or where you came from....you are his best friend!
9. I love that he loves sports just as much as his daddy does.
10. Most of all, I love him for simply being him. Heavenly Father trusted me with this sweet spirit and love that spirit more then anything else in the world.

So here is my little moto to make it through today. I need to print this and frame it in our house somewhere so I never forget to Keep Calm and Carry On. Something so simple yet something we forget a lot.

It's Healthy Mom

My oldest knows that we eat healthy snacks in the house and I love it. I love that he runs to get a pear, apple, banana anything healthy. He is so excited that fruits and veggies are the one thing we don't put a limit on. This boy can eat by the way. So yesterday he was eating a banana and the top fell off, because he is picky he freaks out and won't eat the top. I keep telling him to and then he turns around and says "No mom you eat it" I told him no and that I didn't want it. He wasn't taking no for an answer. "Mom, eat this banana, its healthy and good for you. Its so yummy your tummy will be happy" I kept telling him no thank you and that I wasn't hungry, he told me I was hungry. So I told him that banana's make me sick (I'm allergic to them when they are raw) he looks at me puzzled and starts laughing telling me that they can't make you sick because they are healthy. I just told him that they do make me sick and that then I wouldn't be able to play for a while. He then puts the rest of his banana down and says "Yeah they make me sick too" Oh dear! Luckily, he ate one this morning and forgot the whole thing. Hopefully he doesn't remember that conversation.

Cleveland Mommies

I've been a SAHM since I had my first little man 3 years ago. It's not the easiest thing to find friends when you are home all day and you are around kids.You get a bad case of mommy brain and your feel like your always using words like "boo boo, ouchie, timeout, great job" and many more. Plus, my 3 year old can't give me the adult conversation about clothing, shopping, crafts etc that I would like to have. We craze the adult conversation and the friends. It's normal, believe me. When I live in Utah, I was apart of an amazing group of women. Salt Lake City Mommies became a mommy place. I met some of the most amazing women on that site and I keep in touch with all of them even though I'm in Ohio now. The friendships last. When I moved to Ohio of course I had to find out if there was a Cleveland Chapter with The Mommies Network. Lucky for me, there is. It's a small group but a great group and always growing. We all know each other well, and are from all over the Cleveland/Akron area. It's nice to have that comfort site again. We are always looking for new moms to the site, if your a soon to be mommy or a many years of experience mommy it doesn't matter. Some moms have babies and others have teens, either way we all have one thing in common......we are moms, looking for friends and things to do. I know there are plenty of moms in the area that are wanting to meet other moms, so why not head over to Cleveland Mommies sign up for an account and get to knowing other people. Tell friends and family about the site. You can never have too many mommies in one area!