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Quote for the day

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:11:30 +0100

Never have more children than you have car windows.

Back To School Shopping

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:35:08 +0100

For any parent with school age children, August is the huge back to school shopping spree. I've learned over the years just to combine it with the family vacation. This year we're getting a hotel right by a large discount shopping mall and making it the highlight of our vacation. The first thing you need to do is take stock on what actually fits from last year and recycle what doesn't. That makes room for all the new clothes you'll be buying! (Plus a check list on what needs to be bought.) Don't get too carried away - if you think about it, you only need clothes for the fall. (Get the winter outfits at Christmas time.)

If you are short on time, I would recommend that you turn to the internet and do your shopping online. Actually, it's a great way to comparison shop without wearing out your feet. I belong to an online shopping club that makes it easy to comparison shop and provides me with cash back rewards on all of my purchases. With more and more stores giving you free shipping, it's actually much cheaper because you are saving on gas and time (not to mention savings for all those "treats" you buy when out shopping!) Here's a free membership for you to start your own back to school shopping!

Quote for the Day

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:25:47 +0100

A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it.

The Art of Making Life Work

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:30:35 +0100

You can give yourself and your child leeway to go through the ups and downs of the learning process. Your child is just beginning to grow and learn, and, believe it or not, you are not finished with your learning, either.

You can learn on both the outer and inner levels throughout your life. Since you are the most experienced one, you are in charge for a short time -- in charge of directing, stimulating, encouraging, urging, disciplining, and, at all times, loving your child.

Summer Time Fun

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:21:56 +0100

To help our oldest son, my husband and I have been babysitting the grandkids this summer. First thing we did was arm ourselves with our special summer toys, a bag of sand, a wading pool, sidewalk chalk and water guns.

We're having a blast!

For all your summer time toys, shop at Toys R Us

Shopaholic

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:27:19 +0100

When shopping with your child, jot down the items he is begging for. Tell him you're making his wish list. It shows that you care enough to put it in writing and will distract him, because he's thinking about the item and the possibility he may get it in the future. You can refer to the list for his birthday, holidays, or a special treat. Or my favorite, give the list to grandparents when they want to know what to buy him!

Momism

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:08:08 +0100

You know you're a real mom when...

You see the world through a little person's eyes.

Graduations...parties..showers... OH MY!

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:00:48 +0100

Anyone with a large family knows that June is a crazy month. You have graduations, bridal showers, baby showers then throw in Father's Day and the normal assortment of birthdays makes it crazy trying to find a gift for everyone.

I have a sister that is awesome at gift giving. She can have a gift ready at the drop of the hat. I have seen her "gift" closet - it is filled with items she's purchased on sale or gifts given to her that she can't use (if you do this, I recommend keeping a note so that the gift doesn't get regifted back to it's original owner!).

Me? I'm not that organized. I have trouble just showing up on time! Several years ago I joined an online shopping club that helps me search for the right gift and makes purchasing it a breeze. I can send flowers or get a gift that's personalized. For graduates going to college I like giving a gift certificate from OfficeDepot and wrapping it with a catalog. But what I love giving the most is a SuperCertificate that nevers expires! I can send it via email to get it there on time or delivered to me in case I want to hand deliver it.

June might be crazy - but this year, I'm loving it!

A Mommy Moment

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:19:42 +0100

I remember when my youngest was four, she had asked me, "Mommy, what are you doing with my clothes and toys?" I replied, "I'm boxing up the clothes that are too small for you and the toys you no longer play with. Later we'll take them to Goodwill." She frowned and asked, "What did Will do that's so good that he gets my stuff?" (This one always makes me smile.)

Must-Win Monster

Fri, 29 May 2009 11:13:34 +0100

I attended my grandson's little league game this week and I was listening to the parents interact with their boys.

I believe you can cheer on your child without creating a monster. Emphasize that competition is about self-measurement and strive for excellence and not showing off. Be realistic about your child's abilities. A simple 'good job' rather than over-the-top adulation conveys that it's the effort that counts. Kids need to hear that a parent's affection doesn't hinge on their success.