Posted By CCOAF on February 8, 2010

We all have some type of system that we use to  purge unneeded or unwanted clothes or items in our  homes.  Whether it’s to make room for new things or to give yourself a peaceful uncluttered home.  It has to happen at some point.  I too have a specific purge system, but there’s one basket in my home that allows me to purge as needed.

I purchased a Large Oval Basket (with lid) from Longaberger a few years ago fully intending it to be a laundry basket for my master bedroom, but later decided it had a greater purpose.  Since it was nice I decided to display it in our room and use it for clothes/items that were destined for Goodwill.  By doing this I’m able to purge as I go, instead of spending a day or two collecting things around the house.  So here’s the system:

• The basket always contains Goodwill’s Value List, pen, & steno pad of paper.
• As items are put in the basket they are written down & valued.
• When the basket is full it goes to Goodwill.
• The written list that was compiled as I filled the basket is stapled to the Goodwill receipt.
• Then last but not least the Goodwill receipt & list are filed in my Charity folder for a future tax deduction.

Unfortunately Longaberger no longer makes the Large Oval Basket, but they do have a Large Hamper Basket that’s about the same size.  Happy Purging!!

What system do you use to purge items or clothing in your home?

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Posted By CCOAF on February 5, 2010

Becoming a parent this day in age is nothing short of a challenge.  There are expectations coming from not only society, but also from ourselves, peers, as well as the children themselves.  Unfortunately there is no manual on how to raise a child, and if there was it needs to be one that explains everything about the individual child and what the parent needs to know and how to take care of everything that arises. Wow!  Wouldn’t that be nice?!?

Resources

Thankfully we do have a variety of resources to turn to for help such as books, magazines, doctors, family, friends, and the internet, which we all utilize at some point to get the answers we need.  It truly takes a village to raise a child and thankfully most people in a child’s life do their part and share their gifts with the child which helps to enrich the child’s life.

Utilizing “the village” is something we truly need to embrace.  I remember from my childhood I learned different things from the different family members in my life.  My parents were only one piece of the puzzle for me, and yes they were the major piece.  However, I learned about nature from my Grandfather, crafts from my Grandmother, the art of candy making & baking from my Aunt, and the list goes on.  My family as well as friends’ parents, coaches, and school teachers were my village.

So far in my parenting experience I’m doing my best to utilize the resources around me not only to learn, but to also use that as a campus on how I’m doing as a parent.  I listen very intently to comments from friends, family, and especially my sons’ teachers.  According to the outside world and how my boys behave when I’m not around, I’m doing a good job.  However, like all parents, I know there are things I need to work on and one thing is my personal relationship with each son.  They each have special needs in regards to their personalities, and I need to work on that fine detail of my parenting.

Parents’ Expectations

For most of us we want to be better parents and create a better childhood for our kids than what we had as a child so that becomes our parenting campus.  There are things we liked that our parents did so we do them with our own, and then there are some things that we would change and so we do so.

In my opinion, us parents are way to hard on ourselves, including myself as you can see.  We all want to be the perfect parents for our children, and if we truly think about it we’re doing the best that we can and more often than not the children are happy.  They are going to become parents themselves someday and use us as their parenting campus and change things anyway.

Parental Energy

We’re all human.  We have good days and bad in parenting just like we do with anything else.  Thankfully there is forgiveness and the opportunity for a new day.  We should learn from our parenting flaws and move on, and not beat ourselves up.  Furthermore, when we make a parental mistake it’s the perfect opportunity for the children to learn . . . when we apologize to them.

The Lesson for Ourselves

I was watching Oprah one day about how peoples’ lives have changed after reading Eckhart Tolle’s book A New Earth.  One was a Mother who had it all and lost everything due to the economy and it made her take a good look at herself.  She said her undying fear was not being the perfect Mother to her children, but she realize that to be a perfect Mom all she had to do was be “present.”

Being “present” meant listening to your child talk, being involved in every aspect of their lives, and just being there in general.  So why is it that we’re so hard on ourselves when all we have to do is be “present” in their lives.  If we are “present” then everything else will fall into place.

Do you think you’re to hard on yourself and don’t give yourself enough credit?

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Posted By CCOAF on February 3, 2010

One of my past partners in crime.

I’ve been known to have a lead foot, but mostly in my young adult years.  Since I’ve had kids I’ve slowed down a lot due to the precious cargo that I taxi around.  Even though my driving has gotten better I’m still watching for cops and I’m probably one of very few Mom’s with a radar detector in my mini van just in case my foot gets heavy.

Thankfully the traffic out here on farm country isn’t bad at all, and since the roads are narrow in some spots you can practically drive down the middle of the road.  In the 9 years I’ve lived here I’ve tried to find the cops hiding spots and I must say there aren’t many.  I have however noticed a keen trick that they do play.  Since there aren’t many places to hide and catch drivers off guard they like to play the “follow” trick.  The follow trick happens on long stretches of road and they will follow someone (aka ride a bumper) and hide behind the vehicle in front of them.  That way the oncoming drivers don’t see them and  . . . Bam!  All the sudden a cop does a u turn behind you and low and behold a ticket follows.  Thankfully I haven’t gotten one of those tickets . . . knock on wood, but I have seen it happen many times.

I will admit that I have used my kids to get that warning that I hope for when I do get caught.  I make sure the officer knows that there are kids in the car, and I have the kids say “Hi” to the nice officer.  So far that’s worked twice, but I know one of these days unfortunately it won’t and I’ll have some fessing up to hubby to do. 

Has your driving gotten better since you’ve had kids?

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Posted By CCOAF on February 1, 2010

When I was growing up I was one of the kids that had to have a packed lunch due to my picky eating habits, and now I’m having to do the same for my kids.  Thankfully it doesn’t take much time at all and I’ve been able to come up with a variety of packable things so they don’t get tired of the same old same ole.  However I will admit I do tend to pack the easiest stuff more often than not.  Sorry boys!!

I usually have a main part of the lunch which includes one of the following:

• Sandwich (PB&J, lunch meat w/cheese, or just cheese)
• Nabisco Rits Bits (cheese or peanut butter)
• Austin sandwich crackers (any flavor)
• Lunchables are awesome!!
• Club crackers & cheese chunks

I always make sure they have a fruit of some kind:

• grapes are the easiest
• apples (pre-cut in packages)
• strawberries cut and ready to eat
• applesauce cups
• mixed fruit cups
• pineapple
• peaches
• etc. ~ fruit is easy to pack

For a drink they either get the milk that the school provides or I send a little water bottle or CapriSun.  Thankfully they’re not picky on the drink part.

Yes, they will get a little dessert in their lunchbox as well, but I’ve told them if they don’t eat the other stuff they can’t have the dessert.  So far they are listening even though I’m not there to monitor them, but I know they’ll get sneeky like I did and eat dessert first.

To top of the packed lunch I always put a Hershey kiss in it to remind them that Mom is thinking of them.  A chocolate kiss symbolizes me perfectly because I’m a chocoholic and I can’t kiss them enough. 

Here are some other links with even more school packed lunch ideas.  Enjoy!

• Eat At Dixiebelle’s
• About.com: Busy Cooks (tips & ideas)
• AmazingMoms.com
• Good Housekeeping
• Tightwad Mom’s Frugal Forum
• About.com:  Cooking for kids

What do you pack for your kids?

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Posted By CCOAF on January 29, 2010

Connections with other people are at times downright amazing, and I’m not talking about the sexual kind.  I’m talking about a best friend or best buddy type of relationship.

They have many things in common with you, and your inseparable for a period of time. Connections where you don’t even have to say a word and they know exactly what you’re thinking and how you feel.  Connections where no matter what happens in your relationship, it can’t be broken.  In my opinion these connections are through the heart and soul, hence the “soul sister” title.

“A best friend knows everything

about you and likes you anyway”

We all have friends that pass through our lives for a reason or a season and every single one has a purpose.  Thankfully I’ve been blessed with many of those as well as many “best friend” relationships all different and unique in their own way.

My first friend, Janette, has been around since I was three and she was two.  We spent our childhood together in the same neighborhood and created a lot of pretend play memories, as well as a trip I took to Wisconsin with her family.  Actually she was more than just a good friend to me, she was a sister.  Thankfully we’ve been able to stay in touch after we moved out of the neighborhood, and the memories I have of our childhood will never be forgotten.

Christie, myself, & the kids at the Zoo

Another childhood friendship that has meant a lot was the one with my friend Christie.  She too lived in the same neighborhood and we spent a lot of time together, during our elementary school years, despite her pestering brothers.  We did loose touch after graduating for a period of time until I had a dream about her one night about playing in the neighborhood.  The next day I looked up her parents,  and got back in touch with her.  Now we get together a couple times a year for friendship time with or without kids.

My next close friendship came about when I was a Freshman in high school, again with another chic my age that lived in the neighborhood, Christine.  We enjoyed riding the bus together to and from school, hanging out after school, and going to the mall.  Thankfully we’ve stayed in touch over the years, and just the other night we chatted on the phone.  We both commented how interesting it is to see how everyone’s life has evolved since high school, and how proud and happy we are of how far we’ve come.

Tracy, myself, & Charnie

Believe it or not my next close friendship wasn’t from the neighborhood and she didn’t particularly care for me at first.  Yep that’s right, Charnie didn’t like me at first but she then grew to love me.    We connected the last few years of high school and lasted a few years into our young adult lives.  We had many, many vacations together, and were there through the dating seasons that went from happy to broken hearts.  Oh the laughs we had, the fights that broke us apart, and the apologies that brought us back together.  Those were the years!!

Tracy (in above picture) and I met in high school and ended up working at the same place after graduation.  Since we had high school in common, we chatted a lot at work when I would hide in her cubical away from my department’s needs.  We had an underlying understanding of one another, which allowed us to continue to chat for hours a few times a week even after we no longer worked in the same place.  About a year ago our long phone conversations came to a halt, after she got a new job.  I sure miss chatting with her, and knowing what’s going on her her life week to week.  Thankfully we’ve chatted a couple of times this year, and I understand, but my heart says it’s not enough.

Myself, Lori, Carrie, & Michelle

After meeting my husband shortly after high school I became very close with my future sister-in-law and became a part of her group of line dancing chics.  For about 5 years we line danced every Friday night, frequented the Canal Days & Christmas Walk in Metamora, took a couple of trips, were bridesmaids in each others weddings, and enjoyed some concerts.  Those were my true partying years even though I was always the designated driver. 

My next close relationships are coming from other Mom’s that have a similar schedule in the small farm town that I live in.  Jaime, Laura, and Ryan have become a nice Mom group who not only help one another out when needed, but we also enjoy spending time together and watching the kids play.  At this point in our lives we know that family comes first and if one of us can’t make it to an outing no feelings are hurt, otherwise known as maturity.

I couldn’t end this post without sharing with you the closest friend of all and that’s my sister Michelle.  We have shared our lives together since she was born 3 years after me.  I’m not going to say much more about her now, because that’s a whole post in and of itself. 

As you can see I’ve been very blessed with friends and I enjoy my time with them all.  I thank them for being a part of my life because I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.  Thanks girls!!

Who are your soul sisters and what do they mean to you?

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Posted By CCOAF on January 27, 2010

My parenting style may be stricter than some, but I’m reminded everyday that I’m raising boys and someday they will be taller than me.    I have however been trying to yell less and compliment more.  Now that they are 4 and up it seems to be a little easier to discipline because they understand more and I realize parenting has to evolve as they grow.

A couple of weeks ago we had two snow days and then the weekend followed.  The first snow day they were really good, got along for the most part, and enjoyed each others company.  In order for that to continue for the next three days they will got an incentive each day.  The second snow days incentive was to get along without fighting and then we would watch  movie together as a family.  I realize that they shouldn’t have to earn family time, but for them it’s mainly the movie because movies are a special in this house.  They don’t get to watch them whenever they choose.

The 3 strikes and your out is what manages the challenge they have before them.  I realize kids aren’t perfect and you have to give them a little breathing room.  So over the course of the day if they fight more than three times then there will be no movie.  Usually the first strike comes shortly after I’ve layed down the rules, and then they know I mean business and I’m following through.

The weekend incentive was Wii time.  Good behavior and staying under the three strike rule each day determined whether they get to play or not.

I tend to use the 3 strike rule a lot especially if I’m planning to take them somewhere.  If they can’t be good at home then that tells me they don’t deserve it, and therefore they probably won’t be good while we’re out.  Most importantly if they’re being bad they won’t appreciate the outing either.

Do you use incentives to get your kids to behave?

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Posted By CCOAF on January 25, 2010

Us Mom’s really carry a heavy load whether other people recognize it or not.  We are the caretaker to those around us and we don’t take the job lightly, at least all the Mom’s I know don’t.  We also have a unique talent called intuition that aids us in caring for our children.

SKILLS

Dylan's on the rock watching the polar bear

Our caregiving nature isn’t all we possess, because we also wear many hats and are multi-taskers.  Just to name a few hats we wear:  cooks, chauffeurs, nurses, housekeepers, laundry room workers, bookkeepers, family planners, and the list goes on.  These jobs aren’t only for our kids, but sometimes they are also for  family, friends, friends kids, co-workers, and even other peoples’ kids that we don’t even know.

Speaking of being a caretaker of someone’s child that I don’t know, I came across this exact situation this past summer at the local Zoo.  One little girl was climbing on some rocks by the polar bear viewing area and would definitely get hurt so I kept standing right by her even though I had my own kids to tend to.  I helped her down off the rocks many times hoping she would stay down, but to no avail.  I could have sworn the Mom was only feet away, but she was paying no attention.  I finally made sure the little girl was safe 1 last time and didn’t look back.  I hope she made it home not hurt and happy.

INTUITION

The intuition we possess as Mother’s is strong and we use it in more ways than one, and it’s strength is greater than we realize.  It’s always been said that Mother’s have eyes on the back of their heads, but really it’s all intuition and good hearing.  Sometimes we ignore our intuistic thoughts because they seem silly, but those thoughts are exactly what we need to listen to and react on no matter how silly they seem.

My precious niece!

This past Christmas after having our feast we were all enjoying each others company.  My husband started messing with me and we began wrestling on the floor.  Seconds later my brother-in-law lunged for my niece, who is only a year old, whose legs were pinned under my hip.  After seeing his face and lunging my way for my niece my heart just sank.  How could I not know she was there?  I realized the reason why I was so upset is because I lost my sense of where she was.  I had never really thought of it before that incident, but as a Mother I always have a sense of where my kids are and that sense expands when other children are around especially my nieces.  I ended up feeling terrible the rest of the night, because I lost touch of my intuition and could have hurt my precious niece.

When has your intuition helped or failed you?

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Posted By CCOAF on January 22, 2010

Before I even knew what a blogger was I remember surfing the net for a particular topic or item and sometimes I would come upon an article someone had written.  I didn’t quite understand how I got to their site and what it had to do with what I was searching for so I closed the window and moved on.

Now that I “is” one, a blogger that is,  I realize the value of reading a blog on topics that I’m searching for information on.  For instance:  Kodak isn’t the only place to find photography information because there are tons of blogs about photography with free information.  This holds true for many other topics as well such as:

From: What's Cooking Blog

• Parenting
• Motherhood
• Traveling
• Saving Money
• Cooking
• Scrapbooking
• and so much more!

Not only are blogs informational, but they can also be entertaining.  I love listening/reading other peoples’ opinions and seeing how other people live and personal blogs do just that.  The blogger shares their life experiences and it can entertain you or give you a tip to use in your own life.

So next time you stumble upon a blog, please leave a comment and say “Hi!”  We love visitors and comments are a gift.  Also if you’d like to learn how to support a blogger visit my post on How to Support a Mommy Blogger post.  All the suggestions in there can help you support any blogger that you stumble upon or enjoy reading on a regular basis.

What is your favorite blog to read?

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Posted By CCOAF on January 20, 2010

We are so fortunate in our small town to have a wonderful library.  Since I’ve lived here it’s double in size, and to me it’s the heart of the town.  Shortly after moving here 9 years ago the library was the first place I went to for answers about the town and the first place I connected with those who lived here.

I began taking my only son, at the time and he was two, to Storytime and I was highly impressed with the program.  Even though we had a small room, prior to it doubling in size, Ms. Mary did everything she could to make it enjoyable.  She not only read to the kids, but they also got to do a craft, have a snack, and play with one another.  All this within a half hour time frame.

Donated by a Mom!

Over the course of a few years Ms. Mary had to change the program due to budget cuts, and the craft session was removed and parents signed up to bring in snacks.  Due to the cuts Ms. Mary worked her magic and made the program what is is today, which comes directly from her heart.  Her program now is the first step in helping Moms ween their little ones to get them ready for the world, and incorporates other things they need to know like colors, up versus down, and so much more.

Now I have two more sons that have been through her storytime program I must say the program is worlds above the rest.  By attending her program it was the first challenges that my son with anxiety faced, and I truly feel it got him ready for the school years before him.

The program begins with having the children introduce themselves by saying their name, and if their two young then Mom says it for them.  This is one of many things that helps them get comfortable, helps them learn how to pronounce their name, and with shy kids helps them break through the shyness.

Jake after putting his heart on the board.

Other than reading stories and singing songs she also gets the kids involved.  During some of the songs they get up and dance, march around the room with or without Mom, and just plain have fun.  This allows the children to start taking baby steps away from the comfort of their Mother and realized they can do it on their own and gives them a little exercise as well.

Speaking of taking steps away some of her songs get the children to take even further steps away.  For instance around Valentines Day she has a song where she passes out different colored felt hearts, and when Mrs. Mary calls out the color in the song then the child with that color takes it up and puts it on the board.  After doing so they quickly return to the safety of Mom’s arms.  This part of the program not only tries to make them more comfortable about being on their own and away from Mom, but also works with colors and active listening.

Jake collecting eggs @ Easter Party

Yes I said before that the crafts were removed from the program, but Ms. Mary always makes sure they have one for their holiday parties.  Ms. Mary and her husband work together to get crafts ready for the kids, and also makes the kids gifts for the holidays.  The parents of the kids also do their part by donating treats, helping with Valentines, getting the kids dressed for Halloween, donating Easter eggs, and bringing a boy/girl gift for Christmas.   The kids love the parties!!

I’m so thankful for the years I took my kids to Storytime, because it was the foundation to their learning and independence.  Thanks Ms. Mary!!  My boys and I enjoyed your program.

What special programs have you taken your kids to that were very beneficial?

3 Comments »

Posted By CCOAF on January 18, 2010

Both hubby and I grew up with sisters that love sports and enjoy watching the Cincinnati Bearcats, Reds, & Bengals.  So why is it that they both had girls and we had three boys?  Can anyone answer that?  I’m not complaining by any means, but it seems to me like we got a little mix up here.

I want to continue by saying I’m not upset by any means that we didn’t have a girl, but I would have loved to see my husband with a daughter.  With that said our nieces are extra special in our lives and we’re hoping to be close to them throughout their lives.  I love to visit with them whenever possible and I totally enjoy when they spend a weekend with us.  I get my girlie time with them . . . pink, purple, and we can’t forget the hair. 

I love my boys more than anything and I believe God gave them to me so I could experience sports, monster truck jams, car shows, and the list goes on.  I don’t care for professional sports at all, but watching my boys play is a completely different story.  So God I’m up for the challenge of raising these healthy, fun, and full of energy boys; but please help me be close to my nieces because I need my girlie time too!!  Thanks!

Just a couple of months ago Longaberger® came out with a Hershey™ Kisses™  Sweetheart® basket, and I had to buy enough for my 3 nieces for Valentine’s Day.  Now they will have a kiss filled with Kisses™ from Aunt Sherry & Uncle Mike, and it will last forever.

Who could you give a longest lasting kiss to this Valentine’s Day?

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