Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
Too often I realize I am wishing time away. When it is cold and rainy outside and inside are grumpy, irritable kids, I am wishing for warmer weather. When it is blazing hot, as it can be in Georgia, I am wishing for the fall. I also have caught myself wishing for a better stage or phase in my kids. You know the ones, where exhausted mommy wishes the baby would sleep through the night or is weaned. The phase where the cookie-crunchers are potty-trained or not tattling anymore. But then one day, I discover that I have wished all of my time away. The sudden and startling realization is that while I was busy wishing for this stage or time to pass, I missed the opportunities that I had. Is any stage or time in life better than another, especialy when it is concerning our families? I remember another season long lost in history. It was a time when I was in high school and one of my favorite teachers introduced me to the the motto Carpe Diem- Seize the Day. You know, in a way, that motto is very Biblical. Paul reminds us in Ephesians to make the most of every opportunity, living wisely. The King James version calls it "redeeming the time."
I need to remember to make the most of every opportunity that God gives me today. To enjoy my children, husband and the circumstances I have now. I don't need to wait until just the right moment comes along because that moment may never come. I am to follow God's leading today, right now. So,Carpe Diem, Girls! Sieze this Day!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Toddler Chores
Lots of moms wonder when is the right time for those cute little hands that seem to make tons of messes start with the clean up chores. Well, those cute little hands can begin helping around the house NOW!
Giving yourtoddler a daily chore to complete is a great learning experience and will help to prepare the way for more advanced chores when he is older. It’s never too early to start involving the kids in common household chores.
Even babies can even help. When you are leaving a room with baby in your arms, stop at the light switch and teach him how to turn it on and off as you go in and out of the room.
After diaper changes, give him the diaper as you approach the diaper pail or garbage can and let him drop it into the pail. Toddlers can walk their own diaper to the garbage and drop it in.
Around 2 years, those little ones can do a few more things to be mommy's little helper. When doing laundry, have him pull clothing from dryer to laundry basket. When folding laundry, have him hunt for socks in the basket and place them all together in a pile. Now the chore has become a treasure hunt game and a lesson in grouping like things together. Talk about multi-tasking!
Understand that the little ones are not going to do the chores to mom's exact liking - they will not pass the white glove test or the infamous mother-in-law standards of clean. The point is not that everything is done exactly right, but that they are being trained to help out - builidng expectations. Give lots of praise for a being a helper- It helps them feel BIG!
Other ideas for toddlers include:
Give your little one a dust cloth and have him dust all the tables or baseboards.
Make a homemade, non-toxic cleaning spray of vinegar and water for him to spray on windows and then wipe.
If his drink spills on the floor or table, have him help you wipe it up.
Teach him to place dirty dishes into the sink or on the counter.
Use a small cup into the pet food container and have him scoop food into the pet bowl.
Show him how to water houseplants and pick up any fallen plant leaves and throw them away (all toxic plants should be kept out of the reach of children).
Children can learn very early that everything has a place to belong. Have your child place his dirty clothes in a hamper.
When he is finished playing with his toys have him put them in a basket in his room before he gets out another toy or activity.
After you make his bed, have him put the pillows in place along with any stuffed friends. Around 3, let him start making the bed. Show him how to pull the sheet and blanket up.
Teaching them early to clean up and to help with the chores, not only helps mom out but more importantly, it builds respect for belongings, a sense of pride, responsibility and that they can contribute to the family. All of these things will serve them well as they get older.
Giving yourtoddler a daily chore to complete is a great learning experience and will help to prepare the way for more advanced chores when he is older. It’s never too early to start involving the kids in common household chores.
Even babies can even help. When you are leaving a room with baby in your arms, stop at the light switch and teach him how to turn it on and off as you go in and out of the room.
After diaper changes, give him the diaper as you approach the diaper pail or garbage can and let him drop it into the pail. Toddlers can walk their own diaper to the garbage and drop it in.
Around 2 years, those little ones can do a few more things to be mommy's little helper. When doing laundry, have him pull clothing from dryer to laundry basket. When folding laundry, have him hunt for socks in the basket and place them all together in a pile. Now the chore has become a treasure hunt game and a lesson in grouping like things together. Talk about multi-tasking!
Understand that the little ones are not going to do the chores to mom's exact liking - they will not pass the white glove test or the infamous mother-in-law standards of clean. The point is not that everything is done exactly right, but that they are being trained to help out - builidng expectations. Give lots of praise for a being a helper- It helps them feel BIG!
Other ideas for toddlers include:
Give your little one a dust cloth and have him dust all the tables or baseboards.
Make a homemade, non-toxic cleaning spray of vinegar and water for him to spray on windows and then wipe.
If his drink spills on the floor or table, have him help you wipe it up.
Teach him to place dirty dishes into the sink or on the counter.
Use a small cup into the pet food container and have him scoop food into the pet bowl.
Show him how to water houseplants and pick up any fallen plant leaves and throw them away (all toxic plants should be kept out of the reach of children).
Children can learn very early that everything has a place to belong. Have your child place his dirty clothes in a hamper.
When he is finished playing with his toys have him put them in a basket in his room before he gets out another toy or activity.
After you make his bed, have him put the pillows in place along with any stuffed friends. Around 3, let him start making the bed. Show him how to pull the sheet and blanket up.
Teaching them early to clean up and to help with the chores, not only helps mom out but more importantly, it builds respect for belongings, a sense of pride, responsibility and that they can contribute to the family. All of these things will serve them well as they get older.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When Does MOPS Begin?
Now that school is underway and moms are back from vacations (well, most of us are- Aloha, to one lucky mom!) I have had moms ask me when does MOPS begin? We officially start the 2nd Tuesday of September. We will meet at Northridge Christian Church from about 9 until 11am on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, September through May. We will have some Mommy and Me outings and some Mommy Nites Out along with offering an exercise session and a scrapbooking session during the week. All of those days and times are still being finalized. These are free - just a donation for the childcare provided. We are sensitive to the fact that families are under lots of fiancial pressures now and we are planning on only collecting the MOPS International membership dues. If you know of any other mom with young children - including those in elementary school-invite them to join us for the meetings or even for the other events we have planned. Moms need to stick together because there is no other more challenging or rewarding role a woman could have in life.
Better Moms Make a Better World
Better Moms Make a Better World
Lunch Notes
Lunches are kind of sad at our house right now. With one little one gone at lunch time, her empty chair screams out how much we miss her noise and laughter during the day. I can only offer a little prayer that she is enjoying good company, a peaceful and good lunch. One of the things that I like to do and it really doesn't take much time in the mornings, once I do a little labor of love beforehand, is to send simple notes to my schoolgirl in her lunch.
These notes can be as simple as cut out hearts, with "Mommy loves you!" written on it. A slip of paper with her favorite princess stickers and "You are my princess-Shine at school today!" is very easy. If you have a good reader, write out a joke on a card like "What do you call a stinky fairy? --Stinkerbelle" Hallmark also has some cute and sweet cards for $0.99, if you are short on creativity, time or need something extra special. I store my lunch notes in a basket on the counter where I assemble lunch. If you have a lunch bin, slip them in the bin with the other lunch making supplies. There are several products you can purchase with preprinted notes and other cute wrappings to send in the lunches such as these with some educational games printed on them at http://www.penpalnotes.com/
Other kids and family websites have free printables that you can download and print out to put in the lunch boxes. Lots of them have the kids' favorite characters like Dora, Diego, Backyardigans on them.Check out:
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/dora-lunchbox-love-notes.jhtml
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/oswald-lunchbox-note.jhtml
http://printables.familyeducation.com/
Also, consider when making the sandwiches, cutting them in the same fashion you do when they are at home eating lunch.Better yet, if you have cookie cutters, cut out the sandwich with the cutters. A heart shaped is great all the time to just say, "I love you!" But use leaf shaped ones in the fall, pumpkins in October, and snowmen in January. All of the holiday cutters make the sandwiches more fun and just lets the child know that you care and think about them at lunch when they are away.
If you find the decorative spray paint at craft stores, stock up on their favorite color and some of the holiday colors. It is an easy way to dress up a sandwich - even if it is cut in half as rectangles.
Seasonal cupcake papers fit pretty well in the small plastic lidded bowls. So if you pack fruit, cookies, crackers, veggies in the bowls consider adding a cupcake paper in the bowl first. Pack a fun, colorful or even a seasonal napkin in the lunch. Perhaps wrap a colored fork or spoon in the napkin and seal it shut with a fun sticker. It doesn't take much to add a little fun to lunches and to say in a big way, "I really love you!" What do you do to make lunches more fun for the little ones?
These notes can be as simple as cut out hearts, with "Mommy loves you!" written on it. A slip of paper with her favorite princess stickers and "You are my princess-Shine at school today!" is very easy. If you have a good reader, write out a joke on a card like "What do you call a stinky fairy? --Stinkerbelle" Hallmark also has some cute and sweet cards for $0.99, if you are short on creativity, time or need something extra special. I store my lunch notes in a basket on the counter where I assemble lunch. If you have a lunch bin, slip them in the bin with the other lunch making supplies. There are several products you can purchase with preprinted notes and other cute wrappings to send in the lunches such as these with some educational games printed on them at http://www.penpalnotes.com/
Other kids and family websites have free printables that you can download and print out to put in the lunch boxes. Lots of them have the kids' favorite characters like Dora, Diego, Backyardigans on them.Check out:
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/dora-lunchbox-love-notes.jhtml
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/oswald-lunchbox-note.jhtml
http://printables.familyeducation.com/
Also, consider when making the sandwiches, cutting them in the same fashion you do when they are at home eating lunch.Better yet, if you have cookie cutters, cut out the sandwich with the cutters. A heart shaped is great all the time to just say, "I love you!" But use leaf shaped ones in the fall, pumpkins in October, and snowmen in January. All of the holiday cutters make the sandwiches more fun and just lets the child know that you care and think about them at lunch when they are away.
If you find the decorative spray paint at craft stores, stock up on their favorite color and some of the holiday colors. It is an easy way to dress up a sandwich - even if it is cut in half as rectangles.
Seasonal cupcake papers fit pretty well in the small plastic lidded bowls. So if you pack fruit, cookies, crackers, veggies in the bowls consider adding a cupcake paper in the bowl first. Pack a fun, colorful or even a seasonal napkin in the lunch. Perhaps wrap a colored fork or spoon in the napkin and seal it shut with a fun sticker. It doesn't take much to add a little fun to lunches and to say in a big way, "I really love you!" What do you do to make lunches more fun for the little ones?
School Lunches
Back to school means getting that so cool lunch box and the the accessories (lunch boxes no longer come with a thermos). And to be eco-friendly, the plastic sandwich bags are no longer PC so that means more plastic wear in that cabinet that you open with a prayer. All of that could send a mom for her checkbook and just let the kiddos buy their lunch, but then if you got a picky eater that would mean a waste of $1.75 a day and a ravenous kid to feed when you get home. So how does a mom make lunch at school a little more fun? Well, first go ahead and let the kids pick out their lunch box and some of the accessories like the color of the sandwich keeper or a water bottle to match the lunchbox.
Then it is time for mom to swing into action. Lunch making at 6 in the am is not fun-Why mom hasn't even had her first cup of coffee and she is thinking chips or crackers? Yuck! So think menu planning instead. If you plan dinner menus for the week, just add lunch to the list (consider adding breakfast, too). If you have the list of ideas and have shopped for the menu ahead of time, then putting the lunches together is easy and not nauseating at the wee hours of the morning. Once you get a couple of weeks of menus planned, then you can simply rotate them throughout the year. When putting the menus together, consider the eaters. Do you have a kid that hates lunch meat but eats only peanut butter? Do you have a kid that really loves grapes or some other fruit? Will they eat leftovers or something besides sandwiches? Plan the menus to tailor the eaters. Simple enough- we do it at home each day, but there is something about doing this early in the morning and packing it to go that makes lunch making the challenge that it is.
Consider that this is also an added morning routine. How can this routine be more simplified? What about creating a lunch bin. Use a plastic storage container - a little larger than a plastic shoebox or use a basket- whatever works best for you. Put the bread, peanut butter, chips, cookies, sandwich keepers, napkins, all the nonperishable items together in the container and store in the pantry. In the morning or even the night before, pull it out and get started.
If you can make the sandwiches the night before, fill the cups with the fruit, have the veggies washed and cut and perhaps packaged before you go to bed, even better. But really? Another meal prep after battling all the excuses not to go to bed? This mom doesn't think so.
You know, I sure do wish I had my Hobbie Holly lunch box! What cool lunch box did you have as a kid?
Then it is time for mom to swing into action. Lunch making at 6 in the am is not fun-Why mom hasn't even had her first cup of coffee and she is thinking chips or crackers? Yuck! So think menu planning instead. If you plan dinner menus for the week, just add lunch to the list (consider adding breakfast, too). If you have the list of ideas and have shopped for the menu ahead of time, then putting the lunches together is easy and not nauseating at the wee hours of the morning. Once you get a couple of weeks of menus planned, then you can simply rotate them throughout the year. When putting the menus together, consider the eaters. Do you have a kid that hates lunch meat but eats only peanut butter? Do you have a kid that really loves grapes or some other fruit? Will they eat leftovers or something besides sandwiches? Plan the menus to tailor the eaters. Simple enough- we do it at home each day, but there is something about doing this early in the morning and packing it to go that makes lunch making the challenge that it is.
Consider that this is also an added morning routine. How can this routine be more simplified? What about creating a lunch bin. Use a plastic storage container - a little larger than a plastic shoebox or use a basket- whatever works best for you. Put the bread, peanut butter, chips, cookies, sandwich keepers, napkins, all the nonperishable items together in the container and store in the pantry. In the morning or even the night before, pull it out and get started.
If you can make the sandwiches the night before, fill the cups with the fruit, have the veggies washed and cut and perhaps packaged before you go to bed, even better. But really? Another meal prep after battling all the excuses not to go to bed? This mom doesn't think so.
You know, I sure do wish I had my Hobbie Holly lunch box! What cool lunch box did you have as a kid?
Parenting Tips
Teaching Children to Affirm in Conversation
Many children don't know how to listen without thinking about the next thing they want to say. Or if they do listen, they make statements like, "I know," or "I can do it better than that." Instead, teach children to affirm others in conversation. It's part of learning what it means to be a servant. Listening can be hard work. It requires that children think of the other person, not just of themselves.
Children can say, "I agree" or "You're right." Instead of launching into their own version of the story, teach them to encourage the other person first. "That must have been exciting," or "You saw a fun thing." Good responses in conversation are "Oh," "That's interesting," or to ask a question. Conversation can be self-serving or others-serving.
If your children continually talk and rarely listen, encourage them to affirm the last thing you said before they begin talking. Affirming others' speech is a skill that children will use forever and it helps them address a little of their own selfishness now. Furthermore, it makes conversations with children more pleasant and enjoyable.
This tip comes from the chapter on teaching siblings to honor in the book, Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Many children don't know how to listen without thinking about the next thing they want to say. Or if they do listen, they make statements like, "I know," or "I can do it better than that." Instead, teach children to affirm others in conversation. It's part of learning what it means to be a servant. Listening can be hard work. It requires that children think of the other person, not just of themselves.
Children can say, "I agree" or "You're right." Instead of launching into their own version of the story, teach them to encourage the other person first. "That must have been exciting," or "You saw a fun thing." Good responses in conversation are "Oh," "That's interesting," or to ask a question. Conversation can be self-serving or others-serving.
If your children continually talk and rarely listen, encourage them to affirm the last thing you said before they begin talking. Affirming others' speech is a skill that children will use forever and it helps them address a little of their own selfishness now. Furthermore, it makes conversations with children more pleasant and enjoyable.
This tip comes from the chapter on teaching siblings to honor in the book, Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Back to School
Summer is ending and kids are heading back to school. Now for lots of mommies this is a huge "HURRAH!" But for this mommy, it is conflict. I love my children and cherish the fact that I have children and they are so great! I know they need to go to school and to experience independence and learn things that are better taught by other educators. But I also like having them under my wings. I can protect them a little better. So this week as I watch my oldest march proudly into "big school", I say a little prayer for her safety and her education. Then I take my youngest home with me for his last year of mommy time. My challenge is to enjoy each day with each of them because I know very well that before I am ready they will be packing up pillows, a favorite stuffed friend from today and lots of future memories and heading off to college and life will change again. So "HURRAH!" for school and all the adventures it holds for my little ones's life but "SOBS!" for days past when I didn't embrace or cherish my time with the little ones. So say a prayer or two today for your little ones - the ones still at home and the ones heading to "Big School" and praise God for the time you have with each of them. Jesus' Mommy, Mary, "cherished all these things in her heart." I don't know if she totally understood all the ramifications of raising God's Son, but I bet she knew He was special and was going to experience lots of trials but also do some AWESOME things. So it is with our own kids- so cherish each child and each day.
Now to dry my eyes and figure out how to handle school life. Lunches, uniforms, homework. Yes, Kindergarten has homework now. More Back to School ideas to come.
Now to dry my eyes and figure out how to handle school life. Lunches, uniforms, homework. Yes, Kindergarten has homework now. More Back to School ideas to come.
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About Me
- ml4estsmommy
- I am a very blessed SAHM. I am blessed with an abundant amount of grace from my Creator and Savior. He has blessed me with an amazing man as my life long best friend, husband and father of our two precious gifts of energy and life. My days are full with the activities of homekeeping, and the joys and adventures of two healthy and energetic kiddos. I am basking in His grace daily.
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