Parents- Each Day is a Gift

I love blogging about fun stuff, light stuff, but this isn't one of those posts. This may be one that you opt not to read and that's okay. My question is, how is your relationship with your parents? Before you roll your eyes and skip this post let me tell you where I'm coming from.

I'm less than 35 years old, married with a young child and almost two years ago my dad passed away. He had liver cancer for 7 years and, although he wasn't sick all the time, he had more than enough hospital visits, tests, procedures, trips to ICU, etc. and there isn't a day that goes by that I wouldn't love to have another day or week with him to talk, laugh, listen to stories and have him spend time with his only grandchild. From when she was born, till he passed, it was four months and I am thankful for the time they had together but I can't help but wish there had been more.


I'm not an expert on relationships or dealing with emotions and maybe some bad things happened between you and your parents but good things happened too, which ones are you holding on to? The good and the bad are both true but you have a choice and I know the disagreements I had with my dad only symbolize lost or wasted time. If you are reading this and your parents are still living, don't wish later that things had been different, make things the way you want them to be NOW. Each day is a gift, that's why it's called the present. Enjoy it, treasure it and don't regret it later.

Brighten a Day for Less than a Buck

In the day of emails, iphones and even blogging, when was the last time you sent a real card? Maybe an easier question, when was the last time you got a card? Your birthday, Valentines day, Christmas? If I had to guess I bet you remember the last time you got a card, who it was from and what it was for, am I right? That means that the last card you sent is remembered by someone the same way.

Yesterday, I was picking up a couple cards and noticed that there are some really expensive cards out there but there are also nice cards that you could send for less than a dollar, including the stamp! I prefer to keep a stack of cards at home for a variety of purposes so I go to card warehouse stores, dollar stores, and buy after holidays then all I need is a stamp. Speaking of stamps, I buy the forever stamps since I can't go through all my stamps before postage goes up and I know there is another scheduled increase in a couple months.

Anyways, maybe someone shared a great recipe, or a friend told you about a new store where you found some great deals. There are lots of reasons to send a card so with a few minutes of your time and less than a dollar you could bless someones day. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a blessed day!

Product Opinions- Thumbs Down

Like I mentioned a couple weeks ago in my first Product Opinions post, there are some baby and toddler products I loved and others that I didn't. Again, I want to say that this is just my opinion as a first time parent and I don't think any of these items are un-safe, I just didn't care for them or didn't use them. Again, these are in no certain order.

Chicco High Chair. That is one of the most difficult items for me to give a thumbs down. Chicco has some great products and I loved the stroller and car seat but the high chair was another story. Like I said, it was safe and did the job but unless you want to get toothpicks and Q-tips out to clean this chair I wouldn't recommend adding this to your wish list. I agree that all high chairs have some level of difficulty to clean but the padding in the the corners, the logo on the front strap, the crevice between your child's legs are all places that could be designed better. If you disagree and loved this chair, feel free to comment.

The Piddle Pad. Have you seen these odd shaped car seat pads? They fold and fit into your car seat to prevent a possible diaper leak from soaking the car seat. I'll be honest, it's still in the package in my daughters closet. We did travel by car with an infant (our longest trip was 9 hours) and never had a diaper problem. I think this was something that previous generations would have used since I don't think diapers were designed so well but I can't say if this product works or not, I never used it.

Baby Bjorn body carrier. I have a feeling that this item goes both ways with new parents. I see parents using them and I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that love them but, for the value, we didn't use it much at all. Twice I think? I did have a Playtex Hip Hammock that I really liked and used but the Baby Bjorn was something I always had in the car and always thought I'd use more than I did. Before adding this to your wish list I'd think about how you spend your free time now and remember, you could always go out and buy one later or hang on to some of those gift cards.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste. This is another one of those common items that everyone seems to be beeping with their scanners. I got half a dozen small tubs and a container that looks like something ice cream could come in and in the first year and a half we haven't used more than a couple ounces. When my daughter has a diaper rash, which is rare thankfully, I use corn starch. That's right, 89 cents in the baking goods isle and a box lasts a long time. I'm NOT a doctor but a family member recommended it to me after saying that's what she used a long time ago and I can see a difference in just a couple hours. Now, if she's got a diaper rash that's a problem I may use the butt paste overnight but during the day, when she's getting frequent diaper changes, I use corn starch. There is also a Johnson's powder (blue cap) that has corn starch added and I keep that in my diaper bag, just in case!

Those are the items that first come to mind but I'm sure I'll add more later, feel free to add your own or comment on any of the items that I've listed here! Thanks for stopping by!

Just Breathe

As I was rocking my daughter to sleep night before last night I was glancing at the clock and going through my list of things to do before bed..empty the dishwasher, finish lunches, fold clothes in dryer..and as I felt her breathing even out and I knew she was nearly asleep. I laid her in the crib and, like so many nights recently, her head popped up. I put my hand on her back and rubbed slowly and I could hear her breathing even out again. Instead of rushing out, I stayed and listened to her soft breathing and pushed my list out of my mind. Instead I said a prayer for her and asked that whether she's 2 or 12 that I can still be in her room at night and feeling her peaceful breath and, in that moment, feel so blessed and thankful.

Those moments of her peacefulness remind me of so many times in my life. Moments when work was too much and I had to stop and take a breath myself. Moments when relationships weren't easy but a quick prayer and silence calmed things. But mostly the many moments in my dads last month where I would listen for his peaceful breathing each morning and pray that I could hear I still hear it and the ease I felt when I could. There are so many moments when the best thing to do was...just breathe.

Your Baby Can Read?

Hello again to everyone attending the Ultimate Blog Party 2009! I've meet lots of great people already and read more blogs in the past few days that ever before! One theme that seems to keep coming up in the blogs I read is reading, education, past and current teachers and moms who are home schooling.

Like I've mentioned my daughter is not yet 2 but we already spend time everyday reading and active learning. For nearly 10 years I worked with an organization that was all about teaching parents that they are their child's first teacher and I believe that to be true. But I have a family member, who I love and respect, that is very interested in the Your Baby Can Read info that I'm sure everyone has seen on TV. Although it's not cheap and I've read plenty of good reviews online, I'm curious if anyone out there has tried it to say if it's worth the investment. Thanks for your comments and for stopping by!

Add a Button?

Hello there to everyone visiting from the Ultimate Blog Party 2009! I seem to be having some trouble adding a button to my site and I've seen some great ones to add, any help out there? I use Google to blog through and yes, I'm new at this!

Raising a Girl

I found this about two years ago online, just after I found out that I was expecting a girl. I've kept it in her room since then and, although I don't know the writer, it describes so many of my thoughts and fears of raising a daughter.

I won't always be able to protect her from others, but I hope to protect her from herself.
I hope that I can instill in her a love for herself.
I want her to look in the mirror and see somebody beautiful, I don't want to transfer my own self image issues.
I hope that I can teach her how to deflect harsh words.
I hope that I can teach her courage. There are so many opportunities in life I hope she can pursue because she's brave.
I hope to be able help her silence that voice in her head that tells her, "it's too hard" or "you can't do it" because she can.
I hope that she will feel empathy. I hope she can learn to forgive.
When others are hurting, I hope she will choose to help and not be one to kick them further down.
I hope that she will grow to be independent, but allow others to guide her and assist her when needed.
I hope she will learn when to ask for help.
I hope that I can teach her to persevere.
When she doesn't succeed at something, I hope to help her try again. And again. I've know defeat and let it win.
I want her to know defeat and beat it!
I hope that her self worth will be based on her accomplishments and successes.
A man in her life should not be a determining factor in how happy she can be.
I hope that she will remember her friends and not give them up for a temporary relationship.
I hope she sees how her dad loves me.
She should know that true love doesn't hurt.
I hope she will how much she is loved.
We are her family.
Always.
She needs me.
She needs me becuase I've been there and felt that hurt and felt the joys.
I hope that I'm up for that challenge.
I hope that I can accept her for who she becomes.

Why Up Too Early?

So why Up Too Early? I'm sure the assumption is that I have a job, a toddler, a home so I have plenty of reasons to be up too early but the real reason that title came to mind is that I get up with my husband every morning before he goes to work. Although he works first shift just like I do, he often needs to get up at 4 am...or earlier... to make the drive to work (about 30 minutes) and be there before his crew arrives. I get up before he does to make his lunch, his breakfast and enjoy a little bit of time with him before he leaves the house. For years now I've had the friends and family that know I do this, ask why I do it but the bottom line is that it's important to me and it means a lot to him and I want to know he sees my face every morning before work. Sometimes it's the only quiet time we have alone together. I'm not suggesting that every married person do it and even though sometimes it feels Too Early I still do it. Other than the days I was in the hospital and recovering from my C-section childbirth, I have done it every morning we've been married and, God willing, always will. Basically, I do what works for my marriage and family.

There is a song by Alabama called It Works and listening to this song always reminded me of my parents. There is a line which says "we may not see it the way they see it, we may not do it the way they do but he lives his life for her and she lives her life for him and it works". Every couple out there figures out a way to make it work for them, my parents did it and their decades of marriage was a testimony to that fact. I just pray that I do what's needed to make it all work in my life.

Product Opinions- Thumbs Up

Like I said in my first Product Opinions post, there area some products I loved and here is the first list with my comments, in no certain order.

Dark colored bibs. I ended up with lots of pink, yellow, even white bibs but once my daughter was eating baby food, those carrots and peas meant I was always scrubbing bibs so I picked up a 5 pack of dark bibs and they are still great for spaghetti nights!

The Miracle Blanket. We had lots of great blankets for swaddling and both my husband and I learned how to swaddle at the hospital but by the time she was a couple months old she was wiggling out. During a pediatrician trip a mom mentioned them to me and we immediately bought The Miracle Blanket online. The first night she slept longer than before and didn't wiggle out. We used it for MONTHS and she was sleeping through the night, safe and warm.

Diaper Champ. I was someone that didn't register for, or want, a diaper contraption but a friend at work gave me the Diaper Champ since she loved it and swore that I didn't need filters, special bags, etc. I was hesitant at first but have loved it since the beginning and the the odor is never a problem.

A glider. I started out with a normal rocking chair in her room but within the first month by back and legs ached so we watched for coupons and waited for a sale and got a great glider/foot stool combo from Babies R Us for less than $100. It made all the difference some nights, especially while nursing.

Cloth Diapers. I used these as burp cloths and loved them, they were easy to wash, didn't stain and once our kid days are over, I can use them as dust rags! I admire anyone that opts to use cloth diapers instead of disposable but that wasn't for me. BUT when she did get a couple bad diaper rashes I use the cloth diapers with large safety pins to give her bottom some "breathing time" without worrying about accidents all over the place.

Tabletoppers by Neat Solutions. These disposable table mats are great for young ones that eat off the table instead of out of a bowl. They have four sticky strips that peel off and stick to a restaurant table for a clean eating surface for your child and they have fun designs and colors on them to keep them entertained. I've found them at Target and Babies/Toys R Us and always carry a couple in my diaper bag. They are also Eco-Friendly! I have disposable bibs too, I don't use them as often but I do keep a couple in my diaper bag, just in case!

Those are the first products that come to mind but I'll post more soon, especially those crucial items like our car seat, stroller and other "gotta have" items. Thanks for stopping by!

Product Opinions

I was going through my daughters baby book and came across my registry list from when we were expecting. As I scanned page after page I realized that there were items I loved and couldn't live without and others that were barely used at all. I also remember the trip after trip to add new items and the fact that the only real guidance I had on what to register for was from the store. Something doesn't seem right about that, at all! Sure, I asked friends and family but most had second kids so they were re-using items.

So if you have young kids or are expecting, over the next couple weeks I'll post some lists of items I loved, didn't, and other items that I didn't register for at all but really came in handy! Of course, all of this is my opinion and it doesn't profit me whether you buy or suggest any of these items and, by all means, if you have items to add, feel free to comment!

Ultimate Blog Party- Hoping for Prizes

Hello again! So part of my party participation means listing out some prizes I might like to win, there are some great ones! WOW! Let's see 2, 5, 19, 21, 26, 88....there are so many great ones!

Thanks to the girls at 5 Minutes for Moms!

Ultimate Blog Party 2009!

Along with hundreds of others I'm going to the Ultimate Blog Party 2009 hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom's! This will by my first blog party and I was invited by Heather over at Just Doing My Best and even though I'm fashionable late (it started yesterday) I'm exicted and eager to meet new people and have new readers. Seems like most of my readers are real world friends that send emails so I'm ready for some comments and to meet new people in the online world of blogging.

I'm a wife and mom of one toddler girl. She's a year and a half and quite a handful but also a lot of fun and eager to learn about her world. Although I work full time, my job is flexible and she actually goes to work with me everyday! I am so blessed to have a work situation like I do. I love to write, meet new people and learn new things so blogging has been a lot of fun already and I'm ready to learn more and meet more new people! Thanks for stopping by!

Shopping $mart- Thrift Store Finds

Have you seen these cute little toys? I seriously considered buying on at Christmas for my daughter but didn't, due to cost, and picked up a pack of the tadoodle markers and crayons instead. She also received some as gifts and seems to enjoy writing with them, especially the crayons.

Well, this week I made a trip up to the local thrift store and found the art station, for $1.41! Needless to say I bought it, put new batteries in and it works great. Sure it didn't include the tadoodles but for less than $2 it was more than a bargain. I also found several Old Navy tshirts for my daugher, all less than $1 and several pair of shorts at great prices!

Regardless of how tight your family budget is, you can find good deals and good prices. All you need is a little time, patience and knowledge that some trips to thrift stores will better than others!

Discipline with a Whisper

I want to say a quick thank you to all who emailed me with suggestions on getting back on my feet after suffering with the worst cold I've had in years. After nearly two weeks I am feeling almost 100% again.

I have to admit that disciplining a toddler when you can barely speak above a whisper was quite a challenge but it taught me a few things about the important of eye contact and making sure they are paying attention to you when you speak, to avoid repeating everything you say.

It also made me very aware of washing my hands and doing all that I could to avoid spreading it around.

Thanks again to everyone, I'm ready to get back to blogging!

Achoo!

Usually when I hear that "everyone" is sick I don't worrry, I generally don't get sick. I think the last time I was ill was December of 2007, when my dad passed away and there was a lot of contributing factors. From the funeral, to sleepless night with a 4 month old and stress in general, I wasn't surprised. The worst part of that, other than the obvious, was the fact that my breastfeeding meant that my daughter got a cold too.

Anyways, this time I've got one of those up-all-night, dozing-during-the-day, nothing-seems-to-help, I'm running out of tissues, nose spray, cold meds and patience sort of colds. Each day I think it's getting a little better but by early evening I'm exhausted and feeling worse. I've tried hot tea and warm soups and everything else I can think of, does anyone out there have a suggestion? This is day 5 and I need sleep, to breath normally and a face that doesn't look like a red-nosed reindeer.

Shopping $mart- Thrift Stores

Not too long ago I was searching for a very specific item and didn't want to pay full price so, at a friends suggestion, I opened the phone book and started calling local thrift stores. When I found one that had what I needed I jumped in the car and drove the 10 minutes to get there. On the way there I thought I knew what to expect, old hats, 20 year old furniture and other items that probably should have been destined for the trash. However, what I found was the opposite. I found children's clothing, in a variety of sizes and styles, in just as good of condition as what I found at yard sales, my other weakness. For example, I picked up a Lands End snow suit, in a 3T, for about $2.00. Sure, my daughter isn't a 3T but she will be in another season or two. I also found several fleece tops for her, all less than $3.00. I picked up a couple Gap and Old Navy tops for less than $1.00. From jeans to shoes, I decided that this was the ultimate indoor yard sale and I make a trip about once a month. Sure, sometimes I walk out with a bag of great finds and other times I have a couple items but either way, it was worth my time. Plus, they have 20% off on Mondays! If you haven't visited local thrift stores in your area I'd suggest you open up the phone book and take a look, some are better than others but if you have children of any age, they are great places to stock up and shop $mart.

Up Too Early for DST

Good morning! Usually I'm up too early for work but this morning it's the dreaded Daylight Savings Time. I understand that it was developed by Ben Franklin for energy savings and to take advantage of daylight but what I know is the my toddler can't read a clock. She doesn't understand that even though her body still says one time the clocks say a new time.

At least this is the start of DST so we moved our clocks forward but tonight her little body will want another hour of playtime instead of getting into the bath and ready for bed and that will start the 2-3 days of adjustment period. I'm sure it will get easier as she gets older but in the meantime we'll head outside to play today and run a little more, stay out a little longer and take advantage of the nice weather so that she's ready for bed when the clocks say it's time.

Shopping $mart - Yard Sales

I've always been up for a bargain but since becoming a mom I've really started paying more and more attention to being a smart shopper. I do my best to cut coupons (does anyone have any tips for organizing them?), I shop sale ads, and I try to avoid unnecessary trips to the store to avoid unnecessary purchases. Plus, I LOVE yard sales.

Now I plan yard sale trips like a grocery store trip, carefully plan my route and keep small bills and change on hand in a change purse I can keep in my pocket. I have a strategy going in to get a feel for what I can expect. I start with the clothing first to determine sizes, girls or boys, condition? As long as they are size my daughter is in or will be in the next year I start looking. If it's boys clothes I look for basic items and depending on the condition, I think about play clothes and go from there. The condition of the clothes gives me a feel for toys, books and videos or DVDs. Everyone hears that kids outgrow clothes before they wear them out and that's true, plus if I do really well at a yard sale I make a mental note and when I see a sign that they are having a sale, I know the sizes and condition are probably the same. Before paying, I do a quick check on what I have and what my total is and decide whether I feel like negotiating or not. If I decide to, then I know I have small bills on hand to pay the price I bargained. Something doesn't seem right about bargaining from $10 to $8 then pulling out a $10 bill. Plus, I never bargain with kids if they are the ones selling their items. I remember being that age and selling my things and the fact that they are there and participating makes me willing to pay the price, if I want the item.

As the weather gets warmer, check the paper, watch for signs and check craigslist for postings in your area. If you have kids, you'll be glad you did!

If you want more tips for shopping smart, visit Heather at Just Doing My Best for lots of great tips and coupons!

Mom's Don't Wear Black

I've noticed in the past year and a half that my favorite black shirts seem to creep further and further to the back of my closet so yesterday I decided that the weather was warm enough to wear one of my favorite short sleeve shirts, a black one. I put it on, wondered why I didn't wear it more last season, and went on with my day. By lunchtime, I realized why I didn't wear black much anymore. I could see yogurt, dirt, cheese, and some other crusty items that must have crossed my daughters hands that morning. Does being a mom mean giving up black clothing? I managed to get most of the foreign objects off with a damp rag but as the day went on I noticed that I was cleaning my shirt as much as hers, then, after a battle over a nap, I realized that boogers show on black.

Minute for Me

When was the last time you had 30 minutes to yourself? There are 10,080 minutes in each week and if you're like most parents you probably struggle to find time for yourself between the errands, meals, projects and caring and spending time with your children. Any free minutes you do have make you feel like collapsing instead of maximizing your minutes. Like so many other things in our lives you need to take the time to schedule the time.

Whether you call a friend, have a massage, do an at-home beauty treatment, read a book, take a walk, or find a quiet place to be alone, make the time for yourself. Put yourself on your list, you'll be glad that you did.

Mom Moment

After another weekly trip to the grocery store I've decided that the designer of a shopping cart could have used a few suggestions.

I know there are some local stores that have carts with kid friendly seats on the back side of the cart so that older children can ride instead of walk. My daughter is still too young for those carts but watching those moms is like watching a school bus navigate the isles with the wide turning radius they need.

There is another local store who has added sanitizing wipes at the door so you can swipe and wipe before your child gets every germ on every hand that has touched the bar of that cart you're using.

Yet another local store has added race cars to the front of their carts, some with video players so that your child can be occupied with the movie of your choice while you shop. Now those videos aren't free but the couple of dollars you spend might save you from making a second trip to the store.

Anyway, we weren't at one of those stores. We were at our regular grocery store with standard carts and my curious toddler was again faced with the boredom of facing me the entire time if she sat in the seat the way it was designed. My question is, why can't those child seats face the other way? How simple would that be? I'm sure someone out there knows the reason but being a mom with a mountain of groceries I have to wonder, how long will some of us be picking up our cases of water or diapers, pushing them against the back side of the cart for our child to sit on, like a bench seat, so they can see the rest of the world at the grocery store?

First of Many

Here I am faced with the task of my first blog, is a first blog entry like a first kiss…will someone ask me 10 years from now, do you remember your first one? That just made it A LOT easier, no pressure or anything.

I guess I should blog about me first. I am a wife, a mom, and someone who believes that there is at least a little bit of good in anyone. I work full time and I try to find time for myself to enjoy life. Like anyone else, I've had defining moments in my life and I look forward to sharing them with you.

I look forward to getting to know you and whether you're up too early to way too late, stop by and stay awhile.