With all the events that have taken place recently there is something weighing on my heart very heavily. It is something that I have thought very strongly about for some time now, but with the free ground of facebook and everyone's opinions posted I have felt even stronger about it. There is a lot of talk about teachers, God being put back in the school system, guns, etc...I don't claim to be an expert on all things, not even on the things I will talk about in this post, but what I do know comes from experience, observations, and just plain common sense. With that in mind, I want to say that I have been a non-parent and a teacher at the same time and also a parent and a teacher at the same time. I do come with several view points on this matter.
This goes for all people, those with kids not of school age, those with kids in school, and those without kids. So many are quick to blame a teacher for the many problems that happen at school. I am not saying that there are not teachers who do things wrong, I repeat, I am not saying that teachers are never to blame. Back when I was in school, my teachers were just my teachers. Now a days, if you want to open your eyes to this or not, teachers are not just teachers. They are also counselors, nurses, patrol officers, disciplinarians, an ear to listen, lunch provider, and the list goes on and on and on. Times have changed. There is so much pushed off on teachers because in general, parents are just not involved as they once were. I can speculate on why that is, but that is another post all together. I have heard so many pool teachers in one big category. I understand that there a lot, and I mean a lot of stories of teachers in the news and that it is easy to form an opinion. I don't want to make light of that. Just like with everything we do there are good and bad. Good boss, bad boss.
Everyone is missing the bigger picture here. IT ALL STARTS WITH THE PARENTS IN THE HOME. As parents you are responsible for teaching your children. You are responsible for making sure they are the people they should be. You are responsible for your children. Stop passing the buck off to the teachers and loading them with the responsibilities that should be your own. I am not saying that schools should not be a safe environment for our children. I know from experience that there are many more people in the school system that try to make that happen than those that don't. But unless there is a tragedy that puts that in the spot light you don't hear about it. You only hear about the bad because that is what the media wants to talk about.
Parents need to be more involved with their children. You need to teach them to pray at home. If they pray at home and you teach them that they can stop and pray whenever they want, even when it might be difficult, then God will always be in our schools. If you make sure your kids are doing what they should be doing at school, listening to their teachers and learning instead of causing trouble, then the teachers wouldn't be so stressed out and overwhelmed with the heavy load they have today. If your child is having issues of some sort, don't send them to school for the teacher to sort out. When did it become their jobs to do that? Go to the school. Know their teacher. Make sure they are doing what they should be. Please do not excuse your busy work load to not go. You had them. You are responsible for them. They go to school to get an education. I know that is the nature of taking care of kids that you will also have to deal with other issues, but it is getting out of control. I know this from the experience I gained from being a teacher for 6 years. Unless you are in that setting and hold the responsibilities, do not judge. If you want to make a difference in the school system, you have to do something other than just complain.
There is a reason a child's day starts and ends in the care of a parent.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
How skinny can you get?
Having aways been on the "thin" side (due to sports/cheerleading/hyper-active personality) I never really thought of being any other way. However, during college I got a little bigger...my freshman 15 ended up being like a sophomore 25. It was easy getting that off, I was still young and only needed to change my eating...I mean drinking habits. But then I put on the weight again during my breast cancer treatment. As if it wasn't enough to be bald and having hot flashes, I also gained about 30 pounds. No activity and steroids all played a part this time. Once I started feeling better, and hit an all time low in self esteem, I lost that weight too. I was skinnier than I had been in years. Having the scars (mental and physical) made me feel like I could only control one part of my body and that was my weight. A few years went by, never really having to work hard to be "skinny" I got pregnant with my first son. I am a vegetarian and a healthy eater all around, but still gained 30 lbs. I wasn't that concerned. I knew I could get the weight off. I was also happy that I enjoyed my pregnancy. BUT, I got pregnant 2 months later with my second son. Oh boy! Didn't really have any time to loose much weight. I was determined to keep it under control this time...I gained 25 lbs. Oh well, it was all worth it. I quickly jumped on the chance to start loosing the weight and exercising again. It came off pretty fast, but my body is not the same yet. Hunter is only 10 months old, and I know I still have a lot of time and work to put in, but I am learning to like my "adult body". I am not 18 anymore. I will never have narrow hips again!! This is hard, really hard, to come to terms with. My mom and I were watching a show and I said I would love to wear that but it's for skinny people. My mom said to me, "Jamie, how skinny can you get?". It really made me start thinking about how I view myself. All I know is this-I am going to be the BEST me "now" possible. I just want to be healthy and fit, no matter what that looks like on the scale. I'm not going to lie, I still get on the scale to see where I am in this journey, but I will not let it make me feel bad or guilty or fat or ugly or any of the things it can do to a women. I am determined and happy to just work hard toward my goal and in the mean time love me for who I am!!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Holden 19 months
Holden,
The changes you have made in just one short month are unreal. You love to run so fast. Being outside, or "side" as you say, is your favorite thing. You have turned into the sweetest little bug, giving mommy kisses all the time. Although you still love to be held by your mommy, you must walk everywhere yourself. So independent. Mommy and daddy had to move you up to the 2 1/2 year old class in the church nursery because you look so big compared to all the kids in your class. You have a memory that none of us can believe. You already know so many words, at your check up your doctor said you were well advanced. Counting is your new favorite thing. You already count to 10!! We are so proud of you Holden. We know you are going to be the best big brother ever.
Love always,
Mommy and Daddy
The changes you have made in just one short month are unreal. You love to run so fast. Being outside, or "side" as you say, is your favorite thing. You have turned into the sweetest little bug, giving mommy kisses all the time. Although you still love to be held by your mommy, you must walk everywhere yourself. So independent. Mommy and daddy had to move you up to the 2 1/2 year old class in the church nursery because you look so big compared to all the kids in your class. You have a memory that none of us can believe. You already know so many words, at your check up your doctor said you were well advanced. Counting is your new favorite thing. You already count to 10!! We are so proud of you Holden. We know you are going to be the best big brother ever.
Love always,
Mommy and Daddy
Hunter 9 months
Hunter,
Mommy and daddy cannot believe you are already 9 months old. You are all over the place now. You are a super fast crawler. You have no fear. You love to crawl under the table and under the slide. You are also pulling up on everything, especially the window seal to watch the dogs play outside. At 9 months you are eating so much more. You love all fruits and veggies now, but your favorite is cereal. Your doctor said you were great at your 9 month check up. Weighing 20 lbs and 6 oz, standing 29 in tall and right on track. Brother is your most prized possession right now. Anything he has, you must also have. Whenever daddy gets home from work you couldn't be happier. We think you will be walking soon. We love you Hunter William, you are the sweetest, most tender hearted little boy we know.
Love always,
Mommy and Daddy
Mommy and daddy cannot believe you are already 9 months old. You are all over the place now. You are a super fast crawler. You have no fear. You love to crawl under the table and under the slide. You are also pulling up on everything, especially the window seal to watch the dogs play outside. At 9 months you are eating so much more. You love all fruits and veggies now, but your favorite is cereal. Your doctor said you were great at your 9 month check up. Weighing 20 lbs and 6 oz, standing 29 in tall and right on track. Brother is your most prized possession right now. Anything he has, you must also have. Whenever daddy gets home from work you couldn't be happier. We think you will be walking soon. We love you Hunter William, you are the sweetest, most tender hearted little boy we know.
Love always,
Mommy and Daddy
Monday, March 26, 2012
I did it
I did it! I made it to 30!! For many this is no big deal, just another birthday. A big birthday, no doubt, but just another birthday. I myself have looked at this particular birthday for the last 6 years as a life altering event. Most of you know my past. I will be a 6 year breast cancer survivor this April. But what most of you don't know is the significance of this day. My doctors all told me it would be a miracle, a game changer, if I could just get to my 30th birthday. We all know that we will pass one day. There is something so different about someone giving you a percentage chance of living so many years. What would you do? This side of life, one that many of us will experience, and one that many of you will never have to face in the eyes is so different. No matter what side you are on, I hope you can live everyday like you know you are only given a few. So...I did it!! I made it to 30 and plan on 30 more!
XOXO,
Jamie
XOXO,
Jamie
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Having Fun
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| On our way to church |
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| Holden kept saying "CHEESE" |
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| Baby Hunter |
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| "All Aboard" |
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| Kissing his Monk Monk |
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| Cooking Time |
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| First time with the whole apple and he loved it |
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| Clap, Clap |
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| Book mama |
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| Brothers |
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| Hodlen has so much fun playing with brother |
Friday, February 10, 2012
Solutions to the "perfect" problem
As I reflected on yesterdays blog and had an overwhelming response to how familiar it was with so many other women, I thought I should follow up.
I don't believe I am an expert by any means, but I have worked really hard to fix what I felt to be an all consuming, anxious feeling I have had. Being a mom is hard, really hard. Here are the things I believe can help make it just that much easier.
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN...GET ORGANIZED, GET ORGANIZED, GET ORGANIZED. I remember back when I was a first year teacher. Oh my goodness, what had I gotten myself in to?!?! I was so overwhelmed with what I was doing I just felt simply LOST!! But as the years went on and I had built up lesson plans, worksheets, websites, and activities things got so much easier. I felt like I knew what I was doing and not just wandering day to day. Each year I built on to what I had the previous year. To me, being a mother is very similar. If you don't plan ahead and build up your arsenal, you will just wander day to day being lost and anxious in the overwhelming amount of choices you have to make.
Step One: Cleaning!! Cleaning is such a hassel, but it has to be done. Get your house in order. Clean it and organize it. This will be your starting point so cleaning will become a 20-30 minute gig once a day. You will need some help. Get your husband, mom, friend, or babysitter to help you out by being responsible for the kids for a day or two. This will most likely work on the weekend. Now that you have your house deep cleaned, doing maintenance is so much easier. I personally pick one room to do a day.
Sample:
Mondays-Kitchen: counter tops, microwave, refrigerator, floors (I do the kitchen on Monday because our trash comes on Tuesday and anything I throw out of the fridge wont be sitting and stinking)
Tuesdays-Living room/playroom: dust, clean toys, floors
Wednesdays-Bathrooms: tub, shower, sinks, counters, toilets, floors (I want to remind you that you started with a very clean house, and because you are cleaning it once a week this should not take you very long.)
Thursdays-Master Bedroom: dust, floors, wash sheets
Fridays-Laundry day
Saturdays-Kids Room/Spare Room: dust, floors
Sundays-Strollers, Car seats, Cars
Key points to remember-It's okay if you get really busy and skip something. You are doing every room once a week, so if you miss a day, it will get done the next week. Also,make this fit your schedule. If cleaning the bathroom takes the longest for you, plan it on a day when you are home the whole day and not taking kids to class, practice, or play dates.
Step Two: Use a calender. I have mine in the kitchen hanging on the wall for everyone to see. I didn't like the look of it so I made it all pretty to feel better. Next to the calender I have cork boards and magnetic boards to place reminders, important mail, and my meal plan for the week. I make a point to look at it first thing in the morning to see what I have planned.
Using a calender will also help you see the big picture. For many of us the concern is too little with out kids or maybe too much with our kids. Both are valid and you need to find a balance. Kids need your attention, and a lot of it, but kids NEED to be confidant in themselves too...and that means being away from you!! Balance your week with activities such as mommy and kiddo time, play date time with other kids, and "alone" time.
Personally, I have to have some ME time every week. I love the song (and I don't know the lady's name who sings it, but it is on one of the kids cartoons) that says "in a house, in a home, there are sisters and brothers, there are mothers and fathers, and theres ME, ME, ME!! I joined a group at church that meets for 2 hours every Wednesday. They provide child care, so babies are getting some independent time, and I get to meet with other moms and study God's word. This has become very important to me and in so many ways rejuvenates me.
Also, get together with other moms and have play dates. Try for every other week. Children love to play and learn from other kids. I also feel it is important to have your kids grow up and become close to your friend's kids. They can make life-long friendships this way. Plus, you get to visit with your girlfriends. If you don't have anyone to do this with-seek it out. Ask your church or get online for mom groups in your area. This may be out of your comfort zone, but everyone in this group is in the same position.
If you have 2 little ones try to plan something once a week to do with each one individually. This will work best on the weekends or at night when daddy is home. It will give each of you individual time with your kids so they feel special and builds/keeps a bond there.
Step Three: Make a schedule and stick to it. Your and your children need to know what to expect. I do the same basic things with my kids everyday. This will vary house to house.
8-9 Wake-up, brush teeth, change diapers/clothes, eat breakfast, and fee play
9-10 Learning-Based Activities (this varies depends on the age of your kids but should include no matter the age: reading books, playing with puzzles, sorting, and blocks) Right now we are working on colors, counting, letters, animals/animal sounds, body parts
10-11 Snack time and Quite time-Never leave a kid hungry. Healthy snacks to keep them going is very important (I usually eat a little something here too!!)
Quite time-This may be hard at first, but you will really appreciate your hard work in the long run. even babies need quite time, so no matter the age of your kid, this is important. If they are not mobile use the playpen. Put them in there with 3-4 toys, no more because they need to learn to play with what they have and enjoy it. If they are mobile use a rug, gate, or whatever you have. I personally use boxes with the day of the week written on it. Holden now knows exactly what to do when I say, "it's time for your box". In hs boxes I have a puzzle, a book, and then one or two other items such as a calculator, fake cell phone, Popsicle sticks and a cup to place them in, magnetic toy with change of clothes, cars, etc...(there is a website on Pinterest that I got my ideals from). These things need to be things they only see that day so they are special to them.
Now-place them in their spot and set a timer (I use mine on my cell phone). Do not let them get out until that timer goes off. They may cry at first, but they will get the hang of things very quickly. Start with a small amount of time at first, maybe 10 minutes, and then add to it every few days until you reach your desired time. Mine is 30 minutes. Holden already knows when the "beep beep" goes off it's clean up time and time to get out. If your little one cannot make it as long as an older child, use this opportunity to do some tummy time or whatever else you are working on.
During this time I get things done I need to do. Wash bottles, cleaning, prep for lunch, pay bills, whatever you need to do. Do not feel bad about this. They need some time on their own everyday. It is good for them!!
11-12 Crafts-this should be a planned activity that is age appropriate. Remember this is learning time too!! This is also the time that my little guy goes down for his nap, so it works out perfectly to spend some time with Holden.
12-12:30 Free play and mom cleans up crafts
12:30-1 Lunch and cartoon
1-3 Nap time (This time should be yours. Use it to get things done, but make a point to put at least 30 minutes for rest and relaxation for you. You may feel the need to get everything done here, but don't. Use some of the time to do something for you. You will be a better mom the rest of the afternoon if you do)
3-3:30 Snack/cartoon (my boys have to have some wake-up time)
If weather permits I use the rest of my day for outside time. My boys love it and I keep them out there as much as possible. I also use this time for a walk for me. Even if it is 20 minutes, that is some great exercise time for me!!
6:15 Dinner and clean up
7:00 Start baths and bedtime (have a routine here, that is very important)
Keep music playing in your house during non-t.v. time. I have found this makes me and the boys very happy.
Be flexible and arrange what works best with your family. Outside time may need to be in the morning. Whatever works for you.
On days you have something scheduled you can still stick to the schedule. Take out some free play and craft time and then rearrange what you need to.
Step Four: Activities. What do yo do? Is it age appropriate? Will they be learning anything? How many do I need to do? Oh boy!!! Just like when I was a teacher, it is hard at first, but if you plan and build up your arsenal it will become so much easier. Use websites to help...HELLO Pinterest, ask friends what they have done, and then write it down or print it off and put it in a binder. Keep that binder handy and then plan ahead. I like to sit down every Sunday and plan what I will do for the week. This will help you see what supplies you will need. This can also go on the calender so you can see the bigger picture. Here is a website that I like that gives you weekly themes for the month. It does cost $15 a month, but for those that aren't creative it could be a big help.
www.adaycare.com
Side note-I also like to have a section in the binder for "rainy day" activities, "sick day" activities and road trips.
Step Five: Meal Plan-I personally write out a meal plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks every Sunday night. I do it for the entire week and then I stick to it. This helps me make out my grocery list and saves money. Eat healthy. Your kids need it and so do you. Plan for mostly lean protein, lots of fruits and veggies, and slow carbs. I also have 2 cheat meals for myself a week. Wednesday mornings at my Soul Sister's group and Saturday night after church we go out to eat. I eat whatever I want!! The rest of the time I eat healthy. I personally do not eat meat, so I eat a lot of beans, veggie burgers, whey protein in a smoothie, and protein bars. Sweets are a treat and should be just that. But do have them!!
Step Six: Take care of yourself. Sleep when you can and exercise. How? When? I know, I know!! Go to bed at night. When you put your kids down at night, make it a point to be in bed within an hour. If you don't get everything done, do it the next day. Make a list of priorities and go down the line. Low priority items can wait. I exercise in the mornings before the boys get up. It makes me feel better throughout the entire day. If you don't have a lot of time, make it 20 minutes. Even that will make you feel so much better and as you go on you will have more energy and eventually you can increase this time. Also, get together with your girlfriends once a month for dinner and girl time. Husbands can do the same thing too.
Step Seven: Take care of your marriage. Go on date nights. Try for once every other week. You may have to get a sitter or maybe you can ask grandparents. It is hard to get this going. By the time it comes you are both tired and you know you will have to get up in the morning with the kids. You only live once. Do it even if you don't want to. You will enjoy yourself once you are out and you will keep that very important connection with your husband that can so often be taken away from the day to day of being parents. We also have "sleep in days". On the weekends we each get a day to sleep in/get some stuff done/me time. If I get Saturday morning he gets Sunday morning. This works for us because we go to church on Saturday nights. We get until 10 in the morning without any parent responsibilities. I love this one and I look forward to it. I am now trying to implement a once a month "free day" One day a month we each get to do whatever we want. I can use this time to go to the movies, get my nails done, hair done, whatever!!
All of this may seem very overwhelming at first. But just like with anything else, the more you do it the easier it becomes. With all of the planning and organizing when you do have a sick child or something comes up or just a chaotic day, they become so much less stressful because all of the planning is already done. Also, don't feel guilty of the me time. You will be such a better mom because of it.
I know I still have so much more to learn about this mom thing. I really am learning as I go. I hope you can add to all this. Please leave comments so all the moms can see what you do and what you have to offer. Sharing advice is how we all learn and grow.
XOXO,
Jamie
I don't believe I am an expert by any means, but I have worked really hard to fix what I felt to be an all consuming, anxious feeling I have had. Being a mom is hard, really hard. Here are the things I believe can help make it just that much easier.
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN...GET ORGANIZED, GET ORGANIZED, GET ORGANIZED. I remember back when I was a first year teacher. Oh my goodness, what had I gotten myself in to?!?! I was so overwhelmed with what I was doing I just felt simply LOST!! But as the years went on and I had built up lesson plans, worksheets, websites, and activities things got so much easier. I felt like I knew what I was doing and not just wandering day to day. Each year I built on to what I had the previous year. To me, being a mother is very similar. If you don't plan ahead and build up your arsenal, you will just wander day to day being lost and anxious in the overwhelming amount of choices you have to make.
Step One: Cleaning!! Cleaning is such a hassel, but it has to be done. Get your house in order. Clean it and organize it. This will be your starting point so cleaning will become a 20-30 minute gig once a day. You will need some help. Get your husband, mom, friend, or babysitter to help you out by being responsible for the kids for a day or two. This will most likely work on the weekend. Now that you have your house deep cleaned, doing maintenance is so much easier. I personally pick one room to do a day.
Sample:
Mondays-Kitchen: counter tops, microwave, refrigerator, floors (I do the kitchen on Monday because our trash comes on Tuesday and anything I throw out of the fridge wont be sitting and stinking)
Tuesdays-Living room/playroom: dust, clean toys, floors
Wednesdays-Bathrooms: tub, shower, sinks, counters, toilets, floors (I want to remind you that you started with a very clean house, and because you are cleaning it once a week this should not take you very long.)
Thursdays-Master Bedroom: dust, floors, wash sheets
Fridays-Laundry day
Saturdays-Kids Room/Spare Room: dust, floors
Sundays-Strollers, Car seats, Cars
Key points to remember-It's okay if you get really busy and skip something. You are doing every room once a week, so if you miss a day, it will get done the next week. Also,make this fit your schedule. If cleaning the bathroom takes the longest for you, plan it on a day when you are home the whole day and not taking kids to class, practice, or play dates.
Step Two: Use a calender. I have mine in the kitchen hanging on the wall for everyone to see. I didn't like the look of it so I made it all pretty to feel better. Next to the calender I have cork boards and magnetic boards to place reminders, important mail, and my meal plan for the week. I make a point to look at it first thing in the morning to see what I have planned.
Using a calender will also help you see the big picture. For many of us the concern is too little with out kids or maybe too much with our kids. Both are valid and you need to find a balance. Kids need your attention, and a lot of it, but kids NEED to be confidant in themselves too...and that means being away from you!! Balance your week with activities such as mommy and kiddo time, play date time with other kids, and "alone" time.
Personally, I have to have some ME time every week. I love the song (and I don't know the lady's name who sings it, but it is on one of the kids cartoons) that says "in a house, in a home, there are sisters and brothers, there are mothers and fathers, and theres ME, ME, ME!! I joined a group at church that meets for 2 hours every Wednesday. They provide child care, so babies are getting some independent time, and I get to meet with other moms and study God's word. This has become very important to me and in so many ways rejuvenates me.
Also, get together with other moms and have play dates. Try for every other week. Children love to play and learn from other kids. I also feel it is important to have your kids grow up and become close to your friend's kids. They can make life-long friendships this way. Plus, you get to visit with your girlfriends. If you don't have anyone to do this with-seek it out. Ask your church or get online for mom groups in your area. This may be out of your comfort zone, but everyone in this group is in the same position.
If you have 2 little ones try to plan something once a week to do with each one individually. This will work best on the weekends or at night when daddy is home. It will give each of you individual time with your kids so they feel special and builds/keeps a bond there.
Step Three: Make a schedule and stick to it. Your and your children need to know what to expect. I do the same basic things with my kids everyday. This will vary house to house.
8-9 Wake-up, brush teeth, change diapers/clothes, eat breakfast, and fee play
9-10 Learning-Based Activities (this varies depends on the age of your kids but should include no matter the age: reading books, playing with puzzles, sorting, and blocks) Right now we are working on colors, counting, letters, animals/animal sounds, body parts
10-11 Snack time and Quite time-Never leave a kid hungry. Healthy snacks to keep them going is very important (I usually eat a little something here too!!)
Quite time-This may be hard at first, but you will really appreciate your hard work in the long run. even babies need quite time, so no matter the age of your kid, this is important. If they are not mobile use the playpen. Put them in there with 3-4 toys, no more because they need to learn to play with what they have and enjoy it. If they are mobile use a rug, gate, or whatever you have. I personally use boxes with the day of the week written on it. Holden now knows exactly what to do when I say, "it's time for your box". In hs boxes I have a puzzle, a book, and then one or two other items such as a calculator, fake cell phone, Popsicle sticks and a cup to place them in, magnetic toy with change of clothes, cars, etc...(there is a website on Pinterest that I got my ideals from). These things need to be things they only see that day so they are special to them.
Now-place them in their spot and set a timer (I use mine on my cell phone). Do not let them get out until that timer goes off. They may cry at first, but they will get the hang of things very quickly. Start with a small amount of time at first, maybe 10 minutes, and then add to it every few days until you reach your desired time. Mine is 30 minutes. Holden already knows when the "beep beep" goes off it's clean up time and time to get out. If your little one cannot make it as long as an older child, use this opportunity to do some tummy time or whatever else you are working on.
During this time I get things done I need to do. Wash bottles, cleaning, prep for lunch, pay bills, whatever you need to do. Do not feel bad about this. They need some time on their own everyday. It is good for them!!
11-12 Crafts-this should be a planned activity that is age appropriate. Remember this is learning time too!! This is also the time that my little guy goes down for his nap, so it works out perfectly to spend some time with Holden.
12-12:30 Free play and mom cleans up crafts
12:30-1 Lunch and cartoon
1-3 Nap time (This time should be yours. Use it to get things done, but make a point to put at least 30 minutes for rest and relaxation for you. You may feel the need to get everything done here, but don't. Use some of the time to do something for you. You will be a better mom the rest of the afternoon if you do)
3-3:30 Snack/cartoon (my boys have to have some wake-up time)
If weather permits I use the rest of my day for outside time. My boys love it and I keep them out there as much as possible. I also use this time for a walk for me. Even if it is 20 minutes, that is some great exercise time for me!!
6:15 Dinner and clean up
7:00 Start baths and bedtime (have a routine here, that is very important)
Keep music playing in your house during non-t.v. time. I have found this makes me and the boys very happy.
Be flexible and arrange what works best with your family. Outside time may need to be in the morning. Whatever works for you.
On days you have something scheduled you can still stick to the schedule. Take out some free play and craft time and then rearrange what you need to.
Step Four: Activities. What do yo do? Is it age appropriate? Will they be learning anything? How many do I need to do? Oh boy!!! Just like when I was a teacher, it is hard at first, but if you plan and build up your arsenal it will become so much easier. Use websites to help...HELLO Pinterest, ask friends what they have done, and then write it down or print it off and put it in a binder. Keep that binder handy and then plan ahead. I like to sit down every Sunday and plan what I will do for the week. This will help you see what supplies you will need. This can also go on the calender so you can see the bigger picture. Here is a website that I like that gives you weekly themes for the month. It does cost $15 a month, but for those that aren't creative it could be a big help.
www.adaycare.com
Side note-I also like to have a section in the binder for "rainy day" activities, "sick day" activities and road trips.
Step Five: Meal Plan-I personally write out a meal plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks every Sunday night. I do it for the entire week and then I stick to it. This helps me make out my grocery list and saves money. Eat healthy. Your kids need it and so do you. Plan for mostly lean protein, lots of fruits and veggies, and slow carbs. I also have 2 cheat meals for myself a week. Wednesday mornings at my Soul Sister's group and Saturday night after church we go out to eat. I eat whatever I want!! The rest of the time I eat healthy. I personally do not eat meat, so I eat a lot of beans, veggie burgers, whey protein in a smoothie, and protein bars. Sweets are a treat and should be just that. But do have them!!
Step Six: Take care of yourself. Sleep when you can and exercise. How? When? I know, I know!! Go to bed at night. When you put your kids down at night, make it a point to be in bed within an hour. If you don't get everything done, do it the next day. Make a list of priorities and go down the line. Low priority items can wait. I exercise in the mornings before the boys get up. It makes me feel better throughout the entire day. If you don't have a lot of time, make it 20 minutes. Even that will make you feel so much better and as you go on you will have more energy and eventually you can increase this time. Also, get together with your girlfriends once a month for dinner and girl time. Husbands can do the same thing too.
Step Seven: Take care of your marriage. Go on date nights. Try for once every other week. You may have to get a sitter or maybe you can ask grandparents. It is hard to get this going. By the time it comes you are both tired and you know you will have to get up in the morning with the kids. You only live once. Do it even if you don't want to. You will enjoy yourself once you are out and you will keep that very important connection with your husband that can so often be taken away from the day to day of being parents. We also have "sleep in days". On the weekends we each get a day to sleep in/get some stuff done/me time. If I get Saturday morning he gets Sunday morning. This works for us because we go to church on Saturday nights. We get until 10 in the morning without any parent responsibilities. I love this one and I look forward to it. I am now trying to implement a once a month "free day" One day a month we each get to do whatever we want. I can use this time to go to the movies, get my nails done, hair done, whatever!!
All of this may seem very overwhelming at first. But just like with anything else, the more you do it the easier it becomes. With all of the planning and organizing when you do have a sick child or something comes up or just a chaotic day, they become so much less stressful because all of the planning is already done. Also, don't feel guilty of the me time. You will be such a better mom because of it.
I know I still have so much more to learn about this mom thing. I really am learning as I go. I hope you can add to all this. Please leave comments so all the moms can see what you do and what you have to offer. Sharing advice is how we all learn and grow.
XOXO,
Jamie
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Is being perfect really worth it?
Okay-I know its my own doing that brought me to this point...and I am so glad I did...but being a mom of 2 under 1 has proven to be a real challenge. It's not just all the work that goes into every single day, BUT the guilt of feeling like I am not spending enough time with each of them has been the worse. Holden is at the age of exploration of everything and Hunter is on the move. Is this for real? I find myself asking that almost every day.
My biggest problem is the fear of not being perfect or even just not good enough. Not having them eat the PERFECT food, not having them do the PERFECT activities, and the list goes on and on. And on top of that, I also feel like I never give enough to myself. Am I losing "myself" in being this perfect mom? I love to exercise, but getting up early has its challenges. Do it at the end of the night-right?!?! I'm so tired I can barely make it up the stairs and into bed.
I have realized through several blog postings and talking with friends that almost every mom I know feels this same way. It doesn't really matter how old your kids are or what stage in your life you are in. We are all in this constant battle of being PERFECT and being real...so I say-I don't want to be perfect!! That's right. I just want to enjoy my kids because God has blessed me with this once in a life time opportunity. I want to enjoy my life. I don't want to worry about this and that. I know in my heart that if my boys know I love them, they will be fine. I also know that if I love myself, my boys will be fine.
My boys, by the way, show me eveyday, somehow or another, how truely awesome being a mom of 2 under 1 really is. I don't know any other way and I wouldn't have it any other way. All it takes is one smile, kiss, crawl, or brother helping brother to remind me. God put me here to be Holden and Hunter's mommy.
So here is to not being perfect!!
Jamie
My biggest problem is the fear of not being perfect or even just not good enough. Not having them eat the PERFECT food, not having them do the PERFECT activities, and the list goes on and on. And on top of that, I also feel like I never give enough to myself. Am I losing "myself" in being this perfect mom? I love to exercise, but getting up early has its challenges. Do it at the end of the night-right?!?! I'm so tired I can barely make it up the stairs and into bed.
I have realized through several blog postings and talking with friends that almost every mom I know feels this same way. It doesn't really matter how old your kids are or what stage in your life you are in. We are all in this constant battle of being PERFECT and being real...so I say-I don't want to be perfect!! That's right. I just want to enjoy my kids because God has blessed me with this once in a life time opportunity. I want to enjoy my life. I don't want to worry about this and that. I know in my heart that if my boys know I love them, they will be fine. I also know that if I love myself, my boys will be fine.
My boys, by the way, show me eveyday, somehow or another, how truely awesome being a mom of 2 under 1 really is. I don't know any other way and I wouldn't have it any other way. All it takes is one smile, kiss, crawl, or brother helping brother to remind me. God put me here to be Holden and Hunter's mommy.
So here is to not being perfect!!
Jamie
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Happy 18 months Holden Parker
Holden,
The last few months have brought so much change. You are the happiest toddler around. You love to play, especially at the park. You are an avid rock collector. The "big white ones" are your favorite. Daddy taught you to climb, go across the bridge, and slide down the "bumpy" slide. Your favorite toys are your slide that you got for Christmas, the mower, and your work bench. You do love all of your toys, but your favorite thing to do is sing and play guitar with your daddy. You know the words to so many songs. You amaze mommy and daddy by finishing versus as we sing. This week it was "I'll cry".
You are talking all the time. You know ABC, 123456, and have recently started saying "I wanna...". For example, "I wanna color". I am also teaching you to ask for help and to do things by your self.
When you get in trouble you are put in time out. You do not like it at all. When you come out mommy makes you say you are "sobby" and gives you a hug.
We enrolled you in a class at Win Kids. You were too big for the 18 month class, so you are now in the 2-2 1/2 year old class. Although you are the youngest there, you enjoy wathcing and learning from the other kids. The best part of class is the trampoline and bubbles!! You are getting better and better every week.
Mommy goes to a class called Soul Sisters at church every Wednesday and you and brother go with her and stay in the nursery. You have done so good that mommy has never been called out to come get you. You love to take your stuff monkey with you when you go.
Hunter loves to watch you play. Although you are not that interested in him now, he is going to be your best friend for life.
We love you so much Holden Parker. You have already brought so much joy and happiness into our lives. The sky is the limit for you son. You are a bright star in this world and we never want you to change!!
Mom and Dad
The last few months have brought so much change. You are the happiest toddler around. You love to play, especially at the park. You are an avid rock collector. The "big white ones" are your favorite. Daddy taught you to climb, go across the bridge, and slide down the "bumpy" slide. Your favorite toys are your slide that you got for Christmas, the mower, and your work bench. You do love all of your toys, but your favorite thing to do is sing and play guitar with your daddy. You know the words to so many songs. You amaze mommy and daddy by finishing versus as we sing. This week it was "I'll cry".
You are talking all the time. You know ABC, 123456, and have recently started saying "I wanna...". For example, "I wanna color". I am also teaching you to ask for help and to do things by your self.
When you get in trouble you are put in time out. You do not like it at all. When you come out mommy makes you say you are "sobby" and gives you a hug.
We enrolled you in a class at Win Kids. You were too big for the 18 month class, so you are now in the 2-2 1/2 year old class. Although you are the youngest there, you enjoy wathcing and learning from the other kids. The best part of class is the trampoline and bubbles!! You are getting better and better every week.
Mommy goes to a class called Soul Sisters at church every Wednesday and you and brother go with her and stay in the nursery. You have done so good that mommy has never been called out to come get you. You love to take your stuff monkey with you when you go.
Hunter loves to watch you play. Although you are not that interested in him now, he is going to be your best friend for life.
We love you so much Holden Parker. You have already brought so much joy and happiness into our lives. The sky is the limit for you son. You are a bright star in this world and we never want you to change!!
Mom and Dad
Monday, January 23, 2012
Happy 7 months Hunter
Hunter,
You are the kindest, most gently baby we have ever been around. You are growing so fast and getting so big. You are such a happy baby and smile all the time. Mommy is trying to get you to talk more and it is working!! Some of your favorite things this month are watching brother play, daddy playing the guitar, and taking your bath.
We put you back on your medicine for your acid reflux. Things have been much better. You are stating to eat some baby foods and had puffs for the first time. You are becoming a pro at picking them up and putting them in your mouth.
You now have 3 teeth. 2 on the bottom and 1 on the top. Mommy is going to be honest when she says it's been a little rough. But you are hanging in there and still just as sweet as you could be.
Gaga and you spend a lot of time together. You love for her to hold you in the kitchen chair to watch Daisy and Duddits play outside.
We cannot believe you are starting to scoot backwards on the floor. This is the same way your brother started crawling. We think you are going to be crawling in no time.
We love you so much little buddy. Words cannot describe the love and joy you have brought to us. We can not wait to see what you have in store for us!!
Mom and Dad
You are the kindest, most gently baby we have ever been around. You are growing so fast and getting so big. You are such a happy baby and smile all the time. Mommy is trying to get you to talk more and it is working!! Some of your favorite things this month are watching brother play, daddy playing the guitar, and taking your bath.
We put you back on your medicine for your acid reflux. Things have been much better. You are stating to eat some baby foods and had puffs for the first time. You are becoming a pro at picking them up and putting them in your mouth.
You now have 3 teeth. 2 on the bottom and 1 on the top. Mommy is going to be honest when she says it's been a little rough. But you are hanging in there and still just as sweet as you could be.
Gaga and you spend a lot of time together. You love for her to hold you in the kitchen chair to watch Daisy and Duddits play outside.
We cannot believe you are starting to scoot backwards on the floor. This is the same way your brother started crawling. We think you are going to be crawling in no time.
We love you so much little buddy. Words cannot describe the love and joy you have brought to us. We can not wait to see what you have in store for us!!
Mom and Dad
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Our first holiday season as 4
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| Hunter eats sweet potatoes for the first time |
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| Tummy Time |
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| If you're happy and you know it... |
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| Holden's first hair cut |
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| I love my cousin Landon |
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| "Gated Christmas" |
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| Amanda, Cody, Layten, and Landon |
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| Hunter turns 6 months old |
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| coloring with daddy |
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| First time in a booster chair |
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| Bath time with daddy is awesome |
This goes down as the BEST holiday season I can remember since I was a kid. Spending time with my husband, 2 baby boys, and all my family was the best gift I could ever get for Christmas.
XOXO,
Jamie
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