Week 4: Meal Plans

I recommend using organic fruits and veggies, and of course, meat from Off the Farm Food Co-Op:)

Day 1: BLT's

Love me some simple meals with easy clean up. Plus my kids LOVE bacon!


Day 2: Pulled Pork (2 days)

I love this easy recipe from Pioneer Woman:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/08/spicy-shredded-pork/

The first night we like to do street tacos. Load the pork up into corn tortillas and squeeze lime juice all over. We like to serve with guacamole and pico de gallo.


Day 3: Pulled Pork (Cont.)

BBQ sandwiches with left over pulled pork. We like to have with potato chips :)


Day 4: Stuffed Bell Peppers

Here is a link from Simply Love Food:

http://simplylovefood.blog.com/2012/02/25/southwestern-stuffed-peppers/

We like to use beef and add shrimp. I usually toss in some veggies I have in the fridge as well!


Day 5: Herb Crusted Chicken over Noodles

Here is the recipe from Our Kind of Love. Not going to lie, I haven't tried this yet, however, I am always up for new things to turn into my own.

http://hopeandjohnbasher.blogspot.com/2012/05/herb-crusted-chicken-in-basil-cream.html


Day 6: Salad and Baked Potatoes

One of my all time favorite meals!!  I love baked potatoes and I love salad (with ranch all over it...and cheese...lots of cheddar cheese).

I usually add some meat to Lewis'. Whatever is in the fridge left over will be good, esp the pork. I also like to add turkey like Spring Creek BBQ does. So delish and easy!  Make sure you use real butter in those potatoes. You need some fat with all those carbs. You can also cook up some bacon and top the potato and salad for some protein!

Week 3: Meal Plans

I recommend using organic fruits and veggies and of course meat from Off the Farm Food Co-Op :)

Day 1:

Roast and Veggies

Here is a recipe from Jamie Oliver. Love him, he always keeps it simple and clean.

http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/beef-recipes/perfect-roast-beef


Day 2:

Enchiladas with refried beans and grilled avocados

I love the Pioneer Woman and here are some enchiladas that are out of this world:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/simple-perfect-enchiladas-recipe/index.html

I like to buy these beans when I don't make my own:



If you have never made grilled avocados, you will thank me later. Here is a recipe from Morsels and Mussings:

http://morselsandmusings.blogspot.com/2011/09/grilled-avocado-w-melted-cheese-hot.html


Day 3:

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas (uses crockpot chicken, you will have left overs)

So I have found this site called Weelicious and LOVE it!!  Here is the recipe:

http://weelicious.com/2010/09/16/bbq-chicken-quesadilla/


Day 4:

Left over BBQ chicken. We like to have sandwiches or served with potato salad. Here is a recipe from Martha Stewart for a different version of your typical potato salad:

http://www.marthastewart.com/341276/dijon-potato-salad?czone=food/dinner-tonight-center/dinner-tonight-side-dishes&center=276948&gallery=275193&slide=285213


Day 5:

Pizza

We love to make pizza at our house. Everyone can make their own and you can even cut it into shapes for the kiddos. We usually skip out on making the dough, but you most certainly can. I just buy this version:



My favorite pizza is topped with a small amount of cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and onions.


Day 6:

Cheeseburger Cups

Warning-this is not a very "healthy" recipe, however, it is one of my favorites!!

This is from Taste of Home and I usually eat 3 (more than Lewis, sad to say):

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cheeseburger-Cups#.UJRMinfwwwE.pinterest


Day 7:

I'm craving Sushi :)

Week 2: Meal Plans

I recommend using organic fruits and veggies and of course grass fed beef and pastured chicken from Off the Farm Food Co-Op!

Day 1:

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps and a side of fruit

I bake the chicken like this:

Line bottom of baking dish with foil. Spread some Italian Dressing on the foil. Put chicken on the foil and cover with more Italian Dressing. Cover chicken completely with foil. Bake for 45 minutes on 350.

When the chicken is done, I fry for a few minutes with olive oil.

Mix with Caesar Dressing, put on tortilla, and add loads of organic salad mix and some cheese if you want.

Day 2:

Hamburgers and Fries

We really like Rachel Ray's Patty Melts:

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/

If you like, you can do sweet potato fries; here are some from Cookie + Kate:

http://cookieandkate.com/2010/baked-sweet-potato-fries/


Day 3:

Salmon, Brussels sprouts, and quinoa

We like to spread honey mustard over the salmon and bake at 450 until it is cooked through.

Here is how to make honey mustard:

Combine 1 part raw, unfiltered honey and 1 part mustard. Add a little mayo (not much).

Try these spicy Brussels sprouts from Melissa's:

http://www.melissas.com/Recipes/Recipes/Side-Dishes/Spicy-Oven-Roasted-Brussels-Sprouts.aspx

And for the quinoa, this is from Ambitious Kitchen:

Bring 1 1/2 cups of water with garlic salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, add quinoa and cover; simmering until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand another 5-10 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.


Day 4:

Meatloaf-I know, I know...Meatloaf? I can't help it, I love it. Although I typically make my mom's recipe, here is one from Who Needs a Cape?:

http://whoneedsacape.com/2012/10/veggied-meatloaf/

I would use carrots and serve with mashed potatoes and steamed peas!


Day 5:

Omelets

Fill with tons of veggies (mushrooms, onions, olives, tomatoes) and some whole milk cheddar cheese


Day 6:

BBQ Chicken, salad, and squash and zucchini

I like to grill or bake my chicken. If you are baking, use the same method as above, take out with about 10 minutes left, cover with bbq sauce and continue to cook until done.

1 Week Meal Plan

I recommend getting organic fruits and veggies and of course pastured chicken and grass fed beef from Off the Farm Food Co-Op :)

Day 1:

Salad:
Lettuce mix, chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, pears or strawberries (or both), cheese of your choice, sugared pecans (http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/sugared_pecans/), dressing of your choice (I like a vinaigrette). You can easily add a lightly seasoned grilled chicken on top. Toss and eat.


Day 2:

Cornflake Crusted Chicken

This is from Martha Stewart:
http://www.marthastewart.com/336896/cornflake-crusted-baked-chicken

I like to serve with mashed potatoes or cauliflower and peas

mashed cauliflower recipe (we add bacon to ours):
http://www.inspiredtaste.net/19731/simple-creamy-mashed-cauliflower-recipe/



Day 3:

Steaks, Baked Potatoes, and Asparagus

How we cook our asparagus:
clean, put on foil, coat with olive oil, sprinkle with sugar, cover with foil and grill until almost tender


Day 4:

Chicken K-Bobs

This is from Hasty-Bake:
http://www.hastybake.com/recipes/hawaiian-chicken-k-bobs


Day 5:

Breakfast for Dinner

One of our favorites! We love to make blueberry pancakes, bacon, country sausage, eggs, and fruit.


Day 6:

Tacos

We love to make "double decker tacos" (wrap a flour tortilla and beans around the taco shell). I also steam corn and make guacamole and pico de gallo.

Jessica Seinfeld has a taco recipe that I use where you can "hide" pureed veggies in the meat.

Recipe:
http://myfriendsandfood.blogspot.com/2008/03/tacos-from-deceptively-delicious-by.html


Recipe for homemade pico from The Mother Huddle:
http://www.themotherhuddle.com/homemade-pico-de-gallo-recipe/


Day 7:

I am ready to eat out!!!

Holden Turns 2

Holden Parke is 2!!  It seems like you are so much older than 2 because you are as smart as a whip.  At two you are running like crazy, jumping, climbing, and dancing.  You are learning things at the speed of light every day.  You talk in complete sentences, you can count to 15, you know red, blue, and green, and can associate really well.  You love to play outside in the dirt and pet the puppies, Daisy and Duddits.  Because you turn two in the summer, we are currently swimming a lot.  You are like a fish.  You have not had lessons, but you are starting to swim really well.  You love it and are not scared at all.  Mommy is ready for you to be potty trained and you are finally getting there too.  You will "tee-tee" on demand, but we have not started going in the potty yet, but you love your big boy underwear.  You will be starting Pre-School in a couple of months and your mommy is getting really sad that you will not be wih her everyday.  Mommy knows this will be good for you, and you love playing with other kids, so we think you will love it.

Hunter Turns 1!!

Hunter William turned 1!!  We can't believe our little baby is already 1 and changing so much every day.  Right now you are still not walking, even though you can stand up by yourself and will take a few steps here and there.  You cruise on and behind everything.  You especially love to push your new car and walk behind your walker.  You are learning new words all the time and can say: hi, bye-bye, ba-ba, da-da, mamma, cookie, up, poo poo, and apple.  You love to have books read to you, especially "Bubbles" and "Opposites".   Your favorite movie is Shrek.  Playing outside with brother is your favorite thing to do. You always want to be held, especially by grandma.  You are an eating machine.  You will eat pretty much anything we give you, but you love fruit and anything you can hold yourself.  You sleep from 8-8 at night and 1-3 during the day.  You sleep with a giraffe and two blankets.  Your mom and dad love you to the moon and back.  You are the sweetest little boy with so much lov in your heart already.  Your brother loves waking up and playing with you every day.  You two will be best friends forever.  Happy 1 year Hunter!!

2 1/2...really?

You would never know by looking at you that you are 2 1/2.  You look like you are at least 4 and stand as tall, if not taller, than most of your friends who are 3 and 4.  You are now in preschool 2 days a week from 9-1 and you love it.  You have made friends with Brody and Eli and talk about them all the time.  Mama really misses you while you are at school, but she is so proud of how well you have done going and the confindence you have gained.  You now wear size 4T clothes and size 8-9 shoes. 

As far as eating goes it is a hit or miss game with you.  Sometimes you will eat like a horse, and others you will not eat anything.  Your favorite food right now is bacon (more bacon...mama hears almost everytime).  You still do not like to eat casseroles or anything that is not crunchy. 

Toy Story is your new love.  You have a Jessie, Woody, and Buzz doll right now and they are your favorite things.  You already play with the toys exactly like the scenes from the movie and it is so funny to see you put woody in the tree outside over and over again.  You have found a new love for the puppy dogs.  You can sit and pet Duddits for ever. 

At 2 1/2 you are running so fast.  You love to run, jump, and spin around all the time.  Your favorite is when mama chases you around the kitchen and living room and jumps out and scares you.  You have the funniest sense of humor.  At night mama, daddy, you, and brother always drink milk and read a book on the bean bag chairs.  After brother goes to sleep you and mommy get some special time together where you read a book all by yourself and then mommy tells you "story again".  You always get the giggles at this time and mommy loves to hear you laugh.  You also love to say your prayers and say AMEN. 

Although you sometimes act annoyed by your brother's constant attention, you always want to know where he is.  If you wake up before him you will not take no for an answer to go wake him up so he can come with you to watch cartoons.  If brother is not around you, you will ask, "where's Hunter?".  Mom and dad think this is so special and we know you are going to be an amazing big brother.

You are still as smart as a whip, far beyond your years.  You know your ABC's, can count to 20, you know your colors and shapes, and are starting to memorize songs too (twinkle twinkle little star, jingle bells, and g-r-e-e-n are just a few).  You can hold a conversation really well for your age.  You are very intuitive and know exactly what is going on all the time. 

You have been potty trained since you were 2.  You wear big boy underwear all day, just not at night yet.  You tell everyone you need to go "tee tee in da potty", but you only want "mama commin".

Mommy and daddy cannot wait to see what the next 6 months will bring for you.  You are just now getting to understand your emotions and becoming such an idepedant boy. 

We love you buddy. 

We can't believe it...Hunter is 18 months old already!!

Hunter,

You are growing so fast...too fast.  Right now you are following your brother's footsteps, literally, everywhere he goes and everything he does, you go and you do.  You are so adventurous.  "Climb up" is one of your favorite phrases.  Mama has found you on top of your table, in window seals, and in chairs.  You love to eat, anything and everything.  About every hour on the hour you go to your highchair and exclaim "eat"!  You are not picky, but you love smoothies, fruit, and eggs.  "nack" time is your favorite. 

You, mom, and brother play outside all the time.  You love to yell at dodo and make sure you know where he and dayday are at all times.  You love to play t-ball and swing.  Now that we have moved into our new house, you love to climb up on the big playground and slide down. 

Independant should be your middle name.  You want to do everything on your own and if someone tries to help you, you tell them no.  At 18 months you are doing so much more than expected.  Your vocabulary is out of this world.  You love to sing your ABC's, and even if you do not know all of the letters, you know most.  You love to count with your brother.  You know all of the animals and their sounds, but your favorite is the "nay-nay".  Some of the phrases you are saying right now are: "there it is, where's brother, and go outside". 

You and brother play so good together right now.  You love to take out all of your pj's in your room and throw them in the air.  You also love to take out all the books and read them with brother.  You two wrestle with one another all the time, but you are always the one to instigate these sessions.  You also love to take your brother's favorite toys (Jessie and Woody) and then see if he sees you and then you take off running.  It is pretty funny to mom and dad to watch.

At night time you love to say your prayers and say loudly AMEN!

Gaga and daddy are your two favorite people in the whole world.  When daddy is home, you want him to "hold you" all the time. 

Mama and daddy are so awe struck watching you grow.  You are the cutest little boy with the biggest heart.  Keep that sensetive side of you!!

We love you!

Why is that a teacher's job...aren't you their parent?

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. 

 

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!!

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

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

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

Having Fun

On our way to church

Holden kept saying "CHEESE"

Baby Hunter

"All Aboard"

Kissing his Monk Monk

Cooking Time

First time with the whole apple and he loved it

Clap, Clap

Book mama

Brothers

Hodlen has so much fun playing with brother

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 





   

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

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

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

Our first holiday season as 4

Hunter eats sweet potatoes for the first time

Tummy Time

If you're happy and you know it...

Holden's first hair cut

I love my cousin Landon

"Gated Christmas"

Amanda, Cody, Layten, and Landon

Hunter turns 6 months old

coloring with daddy

First time in a booster chair

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