Ahhh, Summer!

Ahhhh, Summer! I always say that fall is my favorite season, and in some ways it is, but since Jacob started school, there is a new sweetness to the start of summer!  

While I realize that summer comes with, “I am bored” and “What can I to do today?” as well as a messier house, it also comes with a slowing down of the schedule that is extremely welcome.   I am no longer making sure we have the necessary items for school lunch or that sport uniforms are clean.  It does not matter if it is Tuesday night or Thursday night because on neither night do I need to make sure the right sports gear is ready and in the car.  I do not have to head home from work dreading tonight’s homework or bedtime.   We can read chapter books that we choose and not just squeeze in as many as we need to for accelerated reader. There is something sweet about the short sliver of time from Mid-June to late August that is filled with freedom.  

 

So, thank you, summer, for offering a relaxation and slow motion that is creating a new sanity in homes everywhere. And, autumn, please do not be offended.  By August, I will be ready for your cooler weather, pumpkin treats, fun sports and structure. But for now, bring on your fun and freedom, summer!  

Ten (10) Patriotic Red, White and Blue Foods for Fourth of July

Fourth of July is fast approaching and this year it is on a Friday! That means no going to work or summer camp or day care or swim lessons, etc for many of us. Maybe, this year we can make it extra special. To help you do that, I have gathered a list of some fun food ideas that I found throughout the internet. Some are healthy and some not so much, but many are adaptable.

Oh, and as you are making your fun treats and watching fireworks, do not forget to be thankful for the blessing we have of living in this great, independent country. U.S.A!!!!

If you are looking for tips for your summer BBQ or picinic, check out this post.

1. Red, White and Blue White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with Sprinkles 

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/07/red-white-and-blue-patriotic-strawberries/

2. Red White and Blue Chex Mix

(This one is easily adaptable to your taste)

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/patriotic-chex-mix/ccc6fb58-aa55-4722-9896-3e1d55a4a7f1

3. Fire Cracker Cake

(My 7 year-old will love this one!)

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/963400/fourth-of-july-firecracker-cakelette-recipe

4. Rice Krispie Treats

(This one looks about as easy as the original version. Just a couple of extra steps)

http://lilluna.com/fouth-of-july-rice-krispies-treats/

5. Patriotic Oreo Truffles

(Such a simple idea. Just the original but with sprinkles!)

http://www.stephmade.com/2011/07/patriotic-oreo-truffles.html

6. Patriot Pretzels

(These can easily made for any holiday or color palette and kids can help.)

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/food/chocolate-dipped-pretzels#feed=/search?keyword=patriotic pretzels   

7. Deviled eggs

(A little more involved than some of the others, but so cool!

Obviously you could use your own recipe for the yolk filling)

http://www.createdby-diane.com/2013/06/how-to-make-red-white-and-blue-deviled-eggs.html

8. Red, White a Blue Fruit Skewers

(You could also use apples for the white and keep them from turning with some lemon juice)

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/05/red-white-and-blue-fruit-skewers-with.html

9. Red, White and Blue Berry Cups

(You could easily add other berries of like colors)

I do not have a link, but I think they are rather self explanatory.

10. Patriotic Pasta

(You could then use them in any pasta or macaroni salad recipe.)

I cannot find a recipe for this, but this is how to color your noodles.

Boil your desired pasta and fill several Ziplock bags with different food colors. Once boiled, combine the strained pasta, 2 table spoons of water and about 20 drops of coloring in each bag, letting this mixture sit for at least a minute.

 

BONUS: Layered Patriotic Punch

(L.O.V.E. this!)

http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/05/15/red-white-blue-drink.html/2

Maybe Being an Involved Dad is Just Normal

I saw this article about things dads do that you won’t see in pop-culture and it made me think.  Why do we act like it is so odd for a dad to be involved with the care of his children? Why do we act like the dads that help are superheroes? When will it just become the expectation, the norm even, that dads are part of their kids’ lives?  Now I know that there are some deadbeat dads out there. I also know that, due to divorce or other reasons, there are dads who do not live with their children on a regular basis and cannot provide certain types of assistance daily.  But I imagine that even for those dads, they take care of the kids when they can.   In the case of divorced dads, I am sure some portion of them do more work than they did when they were married because the mom is not around when the kids are at their house.

When I look around, I often see dads with their kids, many times without the mom.  I see dads dropping off and picking up from school and activities. I see dads volunteering in the classroom, on field trips and on the sport fields.  I see dads walking into the bathroom with their kids and helping them at restaurants and stores.   I see dads everywhere taking care of their kids.  I also see it on TV.  Whether I am watching the Disney Channel or Grey’s Anatomy, I see dads making sacrifices to spend time with their kids and helping out their wives.  I see it on magazine covers as well.  It seems that even famous men are proud to take on daddy-duty.  Closest to me, I see the husbands of my friends helping with most duties in the house.  And typically, I hear more complaints from my friends about their husbands not cleaning than I do about helping with kids.

When you think about it, we do not glorify moms who are involved, we expect it. When we hear about a mom that is uninvolved we are surprised.  Why are we not the same for dads? Why do expect them to be less? Why do we not think men may find it insulting that society is surprised when dads are involved? 

I just think that even when we think we are glorifying dads with articles like this, we are still suggesting that it is not normal for a dad to take care of their kids regularly.  Instead of acting like it is an oddity and putting it on display like a rare artifact, let’s just act like it is normal.  I still think our dads and husbands deserve praise, but I do not think it is because they are the only ones parenting. I think they deserve praise because parenting is hard. Being married can be hard.  Let’s face it, being an adult can be hard.  Let’s just praise them for doing a good job with the kids that we love and for being our partner or role-model in this world that can be tough.  I know that as a mom, I like praise and I think my husband is not different.  But I also realize that I am a mom and I am not unique in that I take care of my kids and love them.

When we see cases on the TV or in magazines or even from our friends about uninvolved dads, let’s hope that they are the minority.  Let’s pray for the moms that have no help. While we are at it, let’s pray for the dads that have no help.  But let’s also teach our sons and daughters that being an involved and helpful dad is not something only in books, it is normal.

End of Year Teacher Gift Ideas

I was looking on Pinterest for some fairly simple ideas for end-of-year teacher gifts.  I wanted ideas that do not have to be too expensive and will not require too much time but show thoughtfullness and appreciation.  Many of these could be adapted to fit the teacher's likes or dislikes. Here were a few of my favorites. (I encourage you to read the bottom, my favorite is last.)
 
1. Summer S'mores

original source:
http://www.drivenbydecor.com/2013/06/an-easy-end-of-year-teacher.html








 
2. Movie Night

Original Source: Was just a picture, no link

3. Thanks a Latte!

Original Source: Was just a picture, no link

4.  Best Teacher Hands Down



original source:
http://doitandhow.com/2014/05/08/hands-down-best-teacher-gift/

5.  A Smart Cookie



Original Source:
http://bloomdesignsonline.com/2014/04/smart-cookie-teacher-appreciation.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+BloomDesigns+(bloom+designs)

Bonus! 



original source: unkown but saw a similar idea at:
http://www.sohosonnet.com/kids/teacher-appreciation-gift-wine-label-free-printable/



 

UPDATE: Three cute ideas that I used this year were:

 

 - Give a scented candle and write, "Thank you for helping learning to make 'scents.'

 - Give a Kind bar and add a label that says, "Thank you for being so kind."

 - Gve your teacher severl items in pink and write, "We're tickled pink to have you as our teacher."

Jacob Says the Darndest Things

Jacob is a funny kid who keeps me on my toes. I am often surprised about things he has heard or thought he heard and words he uses. This past week, as we were watching So You Think You Can Dance, Justin Beiber came on and Jacob says, in  a totally calm manner, "Justin Beiber is a punk."  I didn't know that he knew that word so I am alsmost laughed out loud.  Before I could ask him about it, he says, "He has to go to jail."   Again, I am not sure where this came from. He has several older counsins and I know he hears things at school, but it still cracks me up when he says things like that.


His favorite past-time - photobombing my pictures!

Then, a few days later, he pulled down his shirt and asked me what "these" are called. He then informs me that  on girls they are called "boobs" but wants to know what they are  called on boys?  He would not accept pectoral muscles or chest. When  I suggested that the word he was looking for was nipple, he says, "Yes, like purple nurple!" He follows that by, "but you can't do that to girls, that would just be weird. " Serioulsy? Where did my little toddler go?

Email Your Kids Special Moments

So I am doing a bit of a two-for-Tuesday today. Although I guess that would only matter if you read my other post which was fairly irrelivant to public since it was about my relaxing night with my kids. Anyway, I saw a great idea several months back and just had to share it.

When your kids are born reserve them an email address and
send special moments to them. Give them the password when
 they are older. I love this picture and was sure to send.

I have created email addresses for my kids. I know there is some risk here, but I am the only one who knows the email addresses, so I am hoping that helps to protect them.  When something new or exciting happens or my children say something funny or reach a new milestone, I email them.  Having email on my phone, this is a very easy practice. I do not have to remember it later when I get home to a calanedar or journal, I do it on the go.  I just send a quick message and maybe a picture.  Sometimes the email is a paragraph and sometimes just couple words. You could even take a picture of certificate or good grades.

When my kids turn 18 or maybe when they get married, I am not sure, I will give them the address and the password.  I hope they will enjoy reading them.

A Night of NOTHING!

As the school and sports year comes to a close, the craziness ensues. While I love going to things like end-of-season parties, author’s tea and volunteer breakfast, the craziness of it all starts to weigh on me.  I was completely feeling the weight of it on Sunday night after Jacob’s Birthday party. Then, last night, something magical happened.  We had NOTHING to do!

As I walked in the door from school, Jacob informed me that he did not have any homework! Since we do not have sports on Monday and no other obligations, that meant all I had to do was make dinner.  I decided to make the easiest thing I could think of to make and clean up; pancakes.  Jacob helped make the pancakes while Ella ate some puffs, we ate together and then we played.  For almost an hour, I sat on the floor with my kids and just played and watched a movie.  It was bliss! I love watching them play together.  I held Ella and helped her stand while Jacob played with her and surprised her, doing anything he could to make her laugh. There was no yelling about homework or rushing around;  just relaxed playing.  Mike’s back was hurting so he did not eat or play with us, but after Ella went to bed, he came down stairs and the most adorable thing happened.  Jacob heated up Mike’s pancakes and served him like it was a restaurant, complete with a menu, a glass of milk, a mint at the end (well, it was Jolly Rancher) and a receipt. We had such a great night.  Thank God for nights that we get to slow down.

School Supplies Done - It's that Easy!

Do we have everything on the list? No? What are we missing? Ugh, we were just in that section and it’s across the store?  What do you mean  that I have to go to another store because they don’t have wide-rules composition books here?



pictures from the School Kits website

That is how our school supply trips usually go.  Wait yours don’t?  You are organized and never stressed? You do not dread buying school supplies? Well, this little tip isn’t for you. However, for the rest of you, I encourage you to get your school to try out School Kids (www.shopttkits.com).  Jacob’s school used it this year and I just ordered all of his supplies (excluding lunch box and backpack) for $50 and we are done!  I didn’t even have to put in the school supply list, it was already uploaded. I just picked the gender and grade and it will be waiting at his desk at the teacher meet and greet in August. Woo hoo!  If you are questioning the $50, I think it quite reasonable for 3 reasons. The first reason is that I think I spent around that last year and the list this year is similar.  The second is that there is definitely some amount of money that is worth saving my time and sanity. And the third is that I did not end up buying all of the extra impulse purchases that I usually spend money on.

If you are a teacher or a parent involved at your school’s PTA, you may want to check it out!

Dear Friends Without Kids

Dear single friends and friends with no kids, 

I just want you to know that I know you are not a jerk or an idiot. 

                   Love,

                   An appreciative mom who knows that you know I am a

                   crazy mom that loves you even when I don't show it

Let me explain...

I have seen so many things lately about moms explaining to their “non-mom” friends why they can’t hang out, why they are less available and why thier house is a mess.  I love these posts and I often laugh at them, relating to the struggles of being a mom, but after reading many of them, I feel defensive of some of my friends.  

I have single friends and married friends without kids who do actually get it.  They do things like make themselves available around my crazy schedule. They do not get mad when I cannot hang out.  They have even stuck around in the hospital when I was with the lactation consultant and helped watch my kids when I was in a bind (Thanks Naz!).  Maybe I have the only friends on the planet that get that parenting is time-consuming, but I doubt it. 

Now, I do think that age has something to do with it. I am in my mid-thirties, as are my friends, and maybe they understand better than they would have 10 years ago, but I recall them being pretty good when my son was born 7 years ago, also.   

So to all the moms out there, unless your friend has literally complained to you that you are ignoring them, maybe they get it more than you think.  If they call less, maybe they are not mad, maybe they are just busy.  Let’s face it, we are not the only people they have to hang out with.  When we are busy, they may find themselves hanging out with people who are more available.  This is not a mean thing; it is just the way life works out. We spend time with people who are available and have things in common with us.  I still love to hang out with my friends who do not have kids, but I also enjoy spending time with other moms. And those friends without kids might enjoy hanging out with people who are not telling baby stories all the time.  

Let’s give our friends credit and appreciate those that understand rather than creating a great divide. Let's thank them for loving us and our kids.  Good girlfriends are important so let’s not allow our different stages in life to separate us.

 

 

 

This face needs no words!

My Baby Flower Girl

Over the weekend my kids were in a beautiful wedding.  My cousin, well, technically my husband’s cousin but I love her, too, was a stunning bride who planned a creative wedding. One of her adorable ideas was to have my kids be her ring bearer and flower girl with my 9 month-old in the wagon. How cute is this? What a great way to include a little one who cannot yet walk down the aisle!

 

I would love to be able to tell you where to buy the wagon, but I cannot. Her talented groom MADE it! And when I say he made it, I mean ALL of it, even the wheels!

They were a beautiful couple, so in love. I plan to write and post a few pictures about the day, but for now, I wanted to share this adorable idea.

Kids Activities - How Much is Too Much...or Too Little? Looking for your thoughts, please!

So today is merchandise Mondays and had planned to write about a new beverage container that I bought so that I could make my favorite cold brewed iced coffee.  Unfortunately, I could not find time to make my iced coffee so instead I am going to write about something else.  I know it breaks the rules, but I am just a crazy rule-breaker.  Well, really I am not. I am actually an annoying rule-follower most of the time.  If you do not believe me, ask my friends about the time at our High School beach week that I declared some rules. Maybe, something about no ball in the house?! But for today, I will be crazy. Well, that is, if your definition of crazy is actually quite boring because it means breaking a rule that is not even really a rule. But I digress.

Today I want to talk about kids and activities. I am just starting out in my parenting journey in terms of this, but it seems like there are quite extreme views.  Some parents seem to have their kids in 3 sports when they are 3 years old, practicing daily at home, sure their child is the next professional all-star.  Some parents are very relaxed about sports, playing only one season on the local boys and girls’ club team until high school.  Most parents, it seems, are somewhere in the middle. 

Jacob plays sports during the Fall, Winter and Spring by his own choice.  He plays the sports he asks to play. Of course, I nix some because I am concerned about money, time or safety (hockey is one of these right now).   We have not started after school clubs because many at his school are for the older kids. He asked once about Boy Scouts. While I think Boy Scouts is a great idea, I am not sure how we would fit it in. He has not asked again so I have not pursued it.  I figure if he really wanted to do it, he would ask again.

I just wonder, when is it time to focus more on a sport or two? When is it time to play on a select or club team? When is it time to encourage more practicing at home? I am not sure that it is time for any of these things for Jacob, but I think it will be before I know it.  I always tell  Jakey that I just want him to have fun, but I know there is more than that.  I also want him to learn to work as a team. I want him to learn what it feels like to work hard and accomplish something.  I want him to learn to listen to adults in various settings.  I want him to get exercise and make friends.  There is already more to sports than having fun, but when is that “more” also about developing a skill? When is it also about striving to be the best? Striving to win?

Don’t get me wrong, Jacob already wants to win and be the best, but I purposely downplay that part, reminding him of all of the other important things.  At some point, however,  I think it is fine, as parents, to compliment the skill, maybe even provide some constructive criticism and encourage him to hone on certain skills.  Of course, you have to know your child and if they want to pursue that sport or activity, but if you do, how do you encourage appropriately.  How do you know you are not pushing so hard that they hate the sport when they are 13 or so soft that they can’t make the high school team because the skill is not there? (oh, and I know some kids just do not have the skill and that some just stop playing at a certain age, but I do believe that some of it comes from parenting).  

I do think it is personal for each family based on time, money desire and parental intuition about your child.  I just hope that as Jacob gets older, and Eliana starts activities, my inner voice helps to guide me on a good balance for my children and their activities.  On another note, I might also need to win the lottery. When did kid’s sports get so expensive, and how did I not realize how expensive lacrosse was before I agreed to it?

By the way, my head is reeling. I feel like this could branch off into so many topics. Here are a few:

-          How many face book updates is too many about your child’s sports?

-          Do 6 year-olds really need $100 cleats?

-          Do parents on the sideline really think extreme intensity about a coach, player or ref is actually going to improve their 7-year-old child’s playing experience?

-          Should we really expect to commit so much money to equipment and travel so young?

Anyway, this is what is on my mind today.  If you have any thoughts or guidance, please share!