Seeing the positive side

 

 

If you're anything like me you often think of the negative side of your role. The things you wish you handled better, the extra patience you with you had shown, the moments you lose your cool, or the moments you simply make an error. All this things can weigh a mom down.

 

I've come to notice (thanks to my amazing husband) that most of flaws as a mother are nothing in the eyes of my kids. Even on my worst days I am still showered with hugs and kisses. They are quick to forgive me and often times don't bat an eye at my mistakes or flaws.

 

I want to give my children the very best! I want them to have the very best mom and I truly do try my very best. I've noticed that my efforts often time seem to pay off. That it's only me who remembers the mistakes. It's only me that beats myself up over them.

 

Our babies love us. They remember the simple moments. The moments that we give them our full attention and our time. I can spend all day being pulled in a million directions. Everyone is content, but no one is as happy as when I take just a few minutes here and there to dedicate to the kids. I've come to realize that it's the ten minutes I took to color a picture or the three minutes it took for my son to tell me some story that he made up that has the long lasting effect. Nothing has been more rewarding then to hear my son tell his dad about the cool day he had with mom or to watch my daughter try and show him something that I taught her.

 

 

Life is about the little moments. It's the little things that count, so next time you have a not so pretty mom moment remember that you are still the person that makes the world go round in their world. They love you despite your flaws. Maybe the only thing we really need to work on is forgiving ourselves for our flaws and embracing our positives! 

Embrace it!

As women it's been no secret that we have had to fight for our rights. Many strong women before us fought for us to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the opposite sex. They fought for us to be able to become the CEO of a multi million dollar company and still show up to work with spit up on the collar of our tailor made suite.

Many women strive to do it ALL! We want to be the wife, the mother, the best friend, and the corporate panther. We want to take our worlds by storm. I'm all for this. I love that I have the option to work and climb the corporate ladder as well as have a family.

With that being said I wanted to touch on something. I am a SAHM. That's what I do. I left my job with my lovely little desk and window view of the large oak trees. I made the choice to be a full time mother. I find no shame in it. I don't feel that I have failed by not doing it all. I find it sad and a little upsetting that far too many stay at home moms feel that they are being negatively judge by being a mother who tends to her children full time.

"Is that all you do?"

Yes! That's all that I do! I play games, color, laugh, sometimes want to cry (lol), cook, clean, pay the bills, strive to concur the never ending pile of laundry and anything else that needs to be done for my family. I choose not to work outside my family. I just want to be mom. I have no shame. Some day I will return to work and I'm excited about that.

Please don't feel guilt over your choices. We all strive to do what is best for our family. It doesn't matter if you stay home or work. We are all mothers trying our best. If you have a negative view one way or the other please keep your judgments to yourself. Pass along a little encouragement for the choices we make as parents.

Happy with my choice!
 

Facebook!!!

Do you need a little pick me up? Want to learn something new? Follow me on Facebook to get a daily dose of happiness! Starting tomorrow I will post something positive on my page EVERYDAY! Life is about the smiles and laughs. With the stress of the holiday season just around the corner why not go to your happy place in your time of need??? https://www.facebook.com/Lifesaccessory

Okay, maybe a bad plug for you to "like" my page, but if you would be ever so kind I would be ever so thankful!

Happy Thursday!
Stephanie

One of my horrible mommy moments

Yesterday was definitely a no good very bad day in my little world. I truly don't know what I was thinking when I scheduled my sons four year doctor appointment for an afternoon when I would have to bring both kids! Just to add a notch in my bad day my 20 month old decided that yesterday was the perfect day not to nap. FYI naps are at 11:30 AM  and the appointment was at 3 PM. True to form we ended up waiting for 30 minutes until we could make it back to our room. The kids easily entertained themselves playing with the toys in the lobby while I cringed at all the sick germs I'm sure were floating around.

Once we finally got back into the room we waited yet again. He was weighed and measured. This was something he was very excited about. He couldn't wait to see how big he would be as a four year old. The doctor came in and did his thing, asked his questions and was out the door in less then 10 minutes. Then the nurse came and all hell broke out. Kai was going to have 3 shots. Thankfully he is now all caught up and even ready for school, meaning no shots until he is much older.

Back to hell...I place Mia in one of the waiting chairs and go to help the nurse. She has Kai lay on the table with his legs hanging over the edge. I am to keep his upper body down and hold his wrist. The first shot goes and he lets out a shriek. This freaks Mia out, but I can't go to her because Kai is moving and wants everything to stop. The second shot goes in followed very quickly by the third. At this point Mia is in full freak out mode and Kai is pissed, crying, and screaming. I am trying my best to tell Mia it's okay while trying to calm Kai down.

Once the nurse left I picked up Kai and dresses him quickly before picking him up and sitting next to Mia. I spent awhile holding both and trying to calm them down. They seemed to be feeding off each other so the calming process took awhile. My nerves are shot at this point. I felt horrible that my daughter was crying in fear and I couldn't just grab her and comfort her. I felt horrible that my son was freaking out and that I was having to hold him down.

Once the crying was over I got everyone put back together and left. We ended the horrible trip with a quick stop and McDonalds for strawberry milkshakes. My weak attempt at trying to make everything better. I wish I could say that my night ended on a good note, but Mia didn't want to sleep and Kai kept waking up a lot. So I have no sleep and I think Kai actually has a cold. :(

Here is hoping to a better tomorrow and lots of coffee!

Cheers,
Stephanie

27 Reasons Why Kids Are Actually The Worst

I came across this page today and had to share a laugh or two :)

Enjoy!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/27-reasons-why-kids-are-actually-the-worst-6z51

Monday Monday!

If you're like many folks Monday may not be your cup of tea. You're coming off of a weekend that either was too busy or too lazy leaving you with dreams of just hitting snooze one more time. This time of year tends to make them a little harder to deal with when it is still dark out at 6 AM and cold. Really who wants to leave the comfort of a nice warm bed, unless it's to head to a nice steamy shower. The negative there is that you eventually have to get out!

This morning as I drag myself out of bed to my lovely alarm (My daughter shouting "Mommy" from her crib) I realized that I have yet to write my blog. I can come up with a mile long list as to why it wasn't written, but the honest truth is that AFTER I was done doing all the things I WANTED to do I was too tired to focus on work. Not that I don't love writing my blog, but I had my sister in town to go shopping with, my sons fourth birthday was a weekend long event, and I had family in town to hangout with. If I'm being REALLY honest I'm actually writing at this very moment to avoid cleaning the kitchen and doing the laundry. ;)

Here is a TOP 10 List on why we should LOVE Mondays!

1. You have new stories to share with your co-workers
2. You can come in recharged to face the crisis you left at the office
3. You get to get back on track with your routine
4. Kids go back to school
5. Hubby goes back to work
6. Happy Hour
7. You will probably order pizza for dinner
8. You can actually get yourself geared up to going to the gym every day this week! (Major props if you make it TWICE this week LOL)
9. It's fun to actually get dressed in something other then the yoga pants you sported all weekend :)
10. Four days left until the weekend!

Happy Monday!
Stephanie

Four years ago....

at 12:03 PM I became the mother of a 9lb 6oz baby boy! From that day on I have fallen more and more in love with this little guy. His transformation from baby to little boy has been nothing more then amazing! Being a mother proved to be harder then I could ever imagine, but it has been the most amazing experience! I feel so blessed to have this little guy in my world. There hasn't been a day that I haven't laughed with him, hugged him good morning, or showered him with goodnight kisses.

Over the past four years I can honestly say that not only have I grown as a mother, but I have grown as a person. Kai has helped me become a better version of myself. I have learned that I don't have to be perfect. I've learned to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. I laugh more, dance more, and tell silly jokes more. I take time to give a hug or kiss. I take the time to say "I love you". I spend far more time in the present. I have seen how fast time passes and learned to cherish the time I had, am having, and will have.

I love being a mom. I admit that sometimes it's still surreal that I am "Mom" and that I have kids. With all the long hours, endless energy that these sweet babies have, and constant drive to do my best I often end the night exhausted, but so excited for the next day. You never know what each day will be with these little ones, but it's likely it will include laughter, the desire to bang your head on the wall, and a lesson learned by both parties.

It's been an amazing four years and I can't wait to see what the next four years will bring! Now it's time to go make some birthday pancakes with green sprinkles and open his morning gift! My little guy went from Mickey Mouse, to Thomas the train, and his love this year is Power Rangers. He is such a little boy! :)

Happy Birthday Kai!!!

The truth is...

When it comes to people criticizing your marriage, your children, or your personal self we have to remind ourselves that it's not our problem. When others look down on you for bottle feeding instead of nursing, putting your little one in a booster sooner then they think is right, or spout out snide remarks about meeting the girls for happy hour while your husband "babysits" the kids. *FYI I do not feel that fathers are "babysitters", at least not mine. He's Pappa and that makes him as equal as myself when it comes to raising and caring. I don't pay him $5 an hour to watch the kids. :)

We have to remember that everyone has an opinion and sadly far too many strangers feel the need to share them. It took me awhile to build my tough skin and a wife and mother. I didn't like the negative comments and often took them to heart. I wanted to be the best partner and the very best mommy. In the beginning I would always second question my actions because of other peoples comments.

About six months into my new role as a mommy it dawned on me that I didn't give a flipping rats rear what others thought of me. I AM a good mom! I AM a good wife. I may not do things in the way that others do, but for the most part it's the perfect way for my family! I know that I do a great or dare I say almost "perfect" job for my family. Yes there is a lot of trial and error. I stumble and sometimes really screw up, but everything I do for my family is with the very best of intentions.

I research the latest information. I chat with my other mommy friends about new, better methods. Bottom line I do what I can to make the best choices. At the end of the day I feel comfortable with my choices. I do what works best for the family.

At the end of the day it's your problem if you don't like how I am. I know that I am doing the right thing for my family. My family showers me with hugs and kisses and "I love you". So, next time negative comments and judgment are showered on you just remember that it's not you, but them with the problem!

Happy Monday!!!

Guilty Pleasure Friday #5

Happy Friday!

I made these last Saturday morning. To put it simply the family LOVED these. My three year old said "when it comes to donuts mom's got it." My daughter kept asking for more "pleeeesssee", and my sweet husband asked why there wasn't more. On Sunday my husband lets me sleep in. Most morning when I come down Mia (my 19 month old daughter) usually greats me with a happy "mama" and runs to hug me. Yeah, last Sunday she came up to me, grabbed my hand and lead to the kitchen for treats! No happy Mama morning hugs :(

Enjoy!


*I cooked these in Coconut oil and added nutmeg to the cinnamon and sugar that I rolled them in.

Doughnut Holes

By: girlversusdough

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1  egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sugar (for the topping) (optional)
• 3 tbsp cinnamon (for the topping) (optional)
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar (for the topping) (optional)

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Add in milk, egg, and melted butter, and mix until well combined.
2. Fill a large skillet or medium pot with vegetable oil, about 2 inches deep. Using a fry thermometer, heat oil to about 375 degrees F. Make sure it stays around that temperature each time you fry the dough.
3. Place cinnamon-sugar (mixed together) and confectioners sugar toppings in two separate small bowls. Set out several stacked paper towels next to the stove for drying the doughnut holes, along with a cooling rack with parchment paper underneath.
4. When oil is ready, place about 5-6 teaspoonfuls of dough at a time in the oil and fry on each side for about 1 minute (2 minutes total). Remove from the oil and place on paper towel to soak up excess oil. Then, using a fork, roll doughnut in either the confectioners sugar or cinnamon-sugar mixture. Then place on cooling rack to cool slightly before serving warm.

Lessons learned at the fire station! *A MUST READ

Today was a pretty exciting day in our household! My little guy went on his first field trip! We went to visit the local fire station. The kids all had a great time! All the moms that went along to help out knew that the kids would be learning something, but all the moms ended up getting a few tips as well!

If you have kids 9 and under here are a few things that you should know, try, and teach your kids. FYI we were told that it is best to teach kids between the ages of 9-12 how to get out of the house in the event of the fire and where to meet the family. Under that age the children tend to be too young to understand and process information long enough to remember everything.

Tips for you little ones and your family

• Keep the doors to the bedrooms closed at night. This buys you time to get to the kids. It keeps the smoke out and leaves them in a safer place.

• If they can't get out of their bed talk to them about staying in their beds and yelling for you when they hear the smoke alarm. This way they don't go and try to find you.

• Teach them how to test the door before opening it incase they try to go out. Have the touch the actual door and not the nob. If it's warm they should go and sit next to their window.

• Teach them about the fireman super hero and what his super hero outfit looks like. Also let them know how the fireman super hero will sounds. Their air mask makes a Darth Vader sound.

• Talk to your kids about how they need to go with the fireman should one come in during an emergency. You want them to know that these are real super hero's and here to help. You don't want them to run from them or hide.

• If you have multiple kids in multiple rooms or kids sleeping on another floor know your fire plan. Have a plan in place incase there is a fire on the first floor, second floor, garage, or what not.

• If there are multiple adults in the home have a plan on who is responsible for which kid. For example in my home I go to my daughter and my husband goes to my son.

• Teach your kids about 911. (How to dial it, when to call, and what to say). I've attached a link to a song that you can teach your little if you would like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVObBXma7bM

All in all the trip was a success. The kids saw what the firemen do to get ready for an emergency and saw them in full gear. Some kids were scared, but once they watched him undress and redress step by step into his uniform they understood that is was a real person in safety gear.

Hope this helps :)

Happy October!

Welcome to fall! This month my topic will be Moms! The good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between! Although I love fall, the falling, the cold mornings, and curling up with a warm cup of tea there is plenty I don't like. I live in Oregon and here fall = rain (lots and lots of it), which means the kids and I spend a lot of time indoors.

I try really hard to keep us busy and away from the TV. I admit there are days that I fail at this, but I give myself major props for the days that I keep us away. My mornings are easy. My son goes to preschool and my daughter and I run errands, enjoy play dates, playing at home, and doing little 20 month old approved projects. At the moment she is really into play dough!

This past week my fun plans were put aside as we try to battle our unwanted house guests. Our home has been invaded by ants! It's a battle that we seem to be loosing. I have bought every killer the stores have to offer. Most work, but only for a day or two. I have even tried a few homemade methods. Some we are still in active mode of trying. Really hoping that something works.

This weekend will be exciting for the kids and we plan to decorate the front porch for Halloween! My son with be four this month and is really excited about decorating. My daughter is excited simple because her big brother is!

This morning I came across an article about car seats. The NHTSA has come out with new guidelines (not laws) about the use and age of each seat. I have added the link for those of you with littles still in them. To sum it up the article children are recommended to rear face until up to age 3 (which near eliminates the possibility of internal decapitation in a collision) in either an infant seat (up to 12 months) or a convertible (up to age 4) then to ride forward facing and harnessed until about 7, then in a back booster or backless booster depending on your car model and your child's weight and height until up to 12. With all children riding in the backseat until 12.
http://www.safercar.gov/parents/RightSeat.htm

Guilty Pleasure Friday #4

Happy Friday!

This easy fall treat was another one of my Facebook finds. It's really easy and perfect if the kids want to help. This will definitely be on my son's treat table at his birthday party this month!

Bite-size Caramel Apples

1 bag (11 oz.) KRAFT Caramel Bits
2 Tbsp. water
Make apple rounds with melon baller.

INSERT one candy stick into each apple round. Cover plate with waxed paper; spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
PLACE caramel bits in medium saucepan. Add water; cook on medium-low heat 3 min. or until caramel bits are completely melted, stirring constantly.

DIP apples into melted caramel until evenly coated, spooning caramel over apples if necessary. Allow excess caramel to drip off. Scrape bottoms of apples; place on prepared plate. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Remove from refrigerator 15 min. before serving. Store any leftover apples in refrigerator

Why you should panic when the kids go quiet!

In my almost four years of being a mom I have found that unless you know your children are sleeping, watching a show, or out of the house panic when there is silence! Below is a top 10 list of what I have found during the "SILENCE"!

1. My walls have been colored with lipstick
2. Baby doll took a bath in the toilet
3. A whole bag of flour was used to "decorate" the kids
4. My whole upstairs has been toilet papered because they wanted to make a maze.
5. Diaper rash cream was painted on the walls :(
6. My daughter took a bite out of deodorant (She was okay and the bathroom is now baby proofed)
7. They took potatoes out of the pantry to hide. STILL finding them around the house WEEKS later!
8. Found Moms yarn basket - enough said LOL
9. My daughter found my emergency stash of treats
10. My son washed himself and the playroom in Elmer's Glue