As I was standing on line to purchase tickets to my daughters dance recital I was chatting with some of the mom's around me. I mentioned how insane it was that we got on line so early, it wasn't as if we were buying tickets to a hot concert. Then we began sharing stories of some of our friends dance schools, some of them where they are actually camping out overnight! I guess I should feel lucky that I only had to get on line 45 minutes early and I was able to get 3rd row tickets.
Then we began talking about the schedule for classes next year and I'm upset that my daughter will not be able to take all the classes she wanted because it conflicts with her CCD class. A mom looked at me and said "did you do 3 different activities when you were 6?" I said, no, I didn't do any activities.
Which leads me to wonder, is this why we have over scheduled kids? Are we trying to live vicariously through our children because we didn't get to do these things when we were growing up?
I never got to take dance classes when I was growing up and it was something I always wanted to do. So, when my daughter fell in love with dancing it thrilled me. The fact that we found a nice small school that isn't over the top makes the experience even better. My husband never got to play Little League when he was growing up. So, once again, he was thrilled to death when the Middle Child decided to play baseball this year. I'm sure if I ask you, many of you will have similar stories.
I'm stressing out over our schedule for next year and this one hasn't even ended. My daughter will be adjusting to a full day of school and homework. With the 3 kids and their activities we will be running somewhere every day after school, some days multiple places. Should I make them give something up? How do I make them choose?
Which brings be back to, is this good parenting allowing them to participate in the activities they want to or just plain insanity?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Bloggy Birthday Wishes
Today I would like to take a moment to wish my friend ChrissyMac over at Life as a CEO a Happy Birthday. Today isn't any old birthday, it's her 30th birthday. Hop on over and send her some birthday wishes and a little love.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Last Day!!
Today is the last day of school! Finally!!! We should have been out over a week ago but Mother Nature had other plans for us this year. She kept dumping snow, snow, and there was even more snow. All that snow forced school to be cancelled over, and over and over again.
But finally, we have arrived at the beginning of summer! The tradition in our house is to go out for ice cream on the last day of school and make our Summer List. The list contains all sorts of activities and outings that the kids would like to do while off from school.
Whew! These kids have an ambitious summer planned. I'm tired just looking at the list:
But finally, we have arrived at the beginning of summer! The tradition in our house is to go out for ice cream on the last day of school and make our Summer List. The list contains all sorts of activities and outings that the kids would like to do while off from school.
Whew! These kids have an ambitious summer planned. I'm tired just looking at the list:
- go on Papa's boat
- vacation
- dinner, BBQ, beach and swimming with friends (they named a different family for each activity)
- beach
- go to campground
- go to Mama and Papa's house
- Great Adventure
- see Toy Story 3
- play Monopoly
- eat dinner outside on deck
- Blueclaws game
- visit Sebastian
- go to playground
- mini golf
- picnic
- play baseball with family
- have a "relax day"
- go crabbing
- sing karoke
- stargaze
- catch fireflies
- do crafts
- pick blueberries
- playdates
- go to boardwalk
- Barnegat Light
- dip stuff in chocolate pot (aka fondue pot)
- go fishing
- library
- see fireworks
- go to Rita's
- go to Rich's (local ice cream shop)
- go to park to ride bikes
- zoo
- go to Farmer's Market
- clean basement
- clean out closets
- clean kid's rooms
- read
- have Mom's Night Out (or 2, or 3, or 10)
- start countdown for Back to School
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
They just keep coming
My daughter experienced yet another milestone. We went from this to this:
all in a few short days.
Did you see? My Baby Girl lost her first tooth! My Baby Girl is not such a baby any more, she insists on growing up on me! How do I make her stop?
Sigh.
Anyway, my daughter has been obsessed with losing her first tooth. Her kindergarten friends have begun losing teeth and she couldn't wait for her turn. She discovered her first loose tooth over the weekend and wiggled it and wiggled it until it came out at breakfast yesterday.
After losing her tooth she promptly set about to business. She put her tooth in her pillow and hung it on her door.
Then she promptly wrote a letter to the tooth fairy and placed that by her door as well.
Her note is requesting fairy dust. She told me she didn't want money, she wanted fairy dust; just like her friend got. (they should really have a manual for these things dictating what each kid gets! But that is another post all together) She then called her daddy at work and her grandmother to share the news.
If you've been around here for long you probably already know that I don't have a great track record with the tooth fairy making visits. I forget. A lot. I've become good with excuses such as she must have had too many visits to make. But I was determined not to forget this time! Unlike my boys who slide their teeth under their pillows, my daughter has a tooth fairy pillow that hangs on her door knob which makes it more visible for me and easier to remember!
So you are probably wondering if the tooth fairy made it and what she delivered. I'm happy to say that yes, the tooth fairy DID make it as scheduled and Baby Girl woke up to find a vial of fairy dust as well as a fairy necklace.
It has been an exciting few days for Baby Girl. As for me? Well, I'm happy for her but I can do without any more milestones for a while. I don't think I can handle seeing another part of growing up for a while. Sniff.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Milestones
My daughter came to me and handed me her shoe and asked "Will you teach me to tie my shoe? I want to learn." I put what I was doing aside and showed her how to tie a shoe. She sat and practiced for a little while but didn't quite get it. She eventually just put the shoe aside and stopped what she was doing.
Later that evening, I was sitting and reading a book and I saw her practicing with her sneaker again. I said "come here, I'll show you how again. In fact, give me your other shoe and you can try as I show you". So as I tied her right shoe, she attempted her left shoe. She didn't get it the first try but she was determined to try again. On her second try I saw a little bow form. "You did it!" I cheered. Her eyes beamed and a smile spread from ear to ear.
She untied that shoe and continued to tie it over and over again. She finally ran in to the other room to announce to her daddy that she had learned to tie her shoe. She picked up the phone to call her grandparents and share the news with them. She bounced up to take her shower and when she emerged she sang us a song she had made up, all about tying her shoes.
One of the greatest joys of parenthood is seeing your child try and accomplish a new task. Even better than that is seeing the pride they have in themselves for achieving their new accomplishment.
Later that evening, I was sitting and reading a book and I saw her practicing with her sneaker again. I said "come here, I'll show you how again. In fact, give me your other shoe and you can try as I show you". So as I tied her right shoe, she attempted her left shoe. She didn't get it the first try but she was determined to try again. On her second try I saw a little bow form. "You did it!" I cheered. Her eyes beamed and a smile spread from ear to ear.
She untied that shoe and continued to tie it over and over again. She finally ran in to the other room to announce to her daddy that she had learned to tie her shoe. She picked up the phone to call her grandparents and share the news with them. She bounced up to take her shower and when she emerged she sang us a song she had made up, all about tying her shoes.
One of the greatest joys of parenthood is seeing your child try and accomplish a new task. Even better than that is seeing the pride they have in themselves for achieving their new accomplishment.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
It happened at work...
I graduated nursing school in May of 1997. The following month I passed my boards and began going on interviews. I was thrilled to death to be offered a job on a women's health unit in a hospital a town over from where I was moving. I was hired for the 3-11pm shift but would be oriented to the unit during the day shift. It was while on orientation that I met my husband for the first time. (well technically at the time he wasn't my husband yet, that came 2 years later)
My not-yet-husband also worked on the hospital. He'd occasionally come to our unit to check charts or make a delivery and I occasionally had a question for him about an order or how to put something into the computer. At other times, he'd be the one to answer the phone when I called his department and he'd answer my questions or send me what I needed for a patient. It was during one of the phone calls that I mentioned I'd be moving to my regular 3-11 shift soon and he asked me for my phone number. My response? "It took you long enough to ask."
He took my phone number and he did call. We made plans to go on our first date and I had to cancel because I was switching shifts earlier than was originally planned. Unfortunately my first night was scheduled to be the night of our date. (He thought I was just trying to get out of our date). We made alternate plans and a few days later we went out to dinner and for a walk on the beach. I came home that night and called my girlfriend to tell her I had just gone out with my husband. Her response? "I've heard that before".
We spent time with each other on my nights off and every Friday morning (his day off) we went to breakfast. In August of 1998, not even a year after our first date, he proposed to me while on vacation in Prince Edward Island.
Flash forward, we just celebrated our 11th Wedding Anniversary this past Saturday. In those 11 years we've brought 3 beautiful children into this world and built a life together. But it all started at work.
For more Writer's Workshop visit Mama's Losin' It
My not-yet-husband also worked on the hospital. He'd occasionally come to our unit to check charts or make a delivery and I occasionally had a question for him about an order or how to put something into the computer. At other times, he'd be the one to answer the phone when I called his department and he'd answer my questions or send me what I needed for a patient. It was during one of the phone calls that I mentioned I'd be moving to my regular 3-11 shift soon and he asked me for my phone number. My response? "It took you long enough to ask."
He took my phone number and he did call. We made plans to go on our first date and I had to cancel because I was switching shifts earlier than was originally planned. Unfortunately my first night was scheduled to be the night of our date. (He thought I was just trying to get out of our date). We made alternate plans and a few days later we went out to dinner and for a walk on the beach. I came home that night and called my girlfriend to tell her I had just gone out with my husband. Her response? "I've heard that before".
We spent time with each other on my nights off and every Friday morning (his day off) we went to breakfast. In August of 1998, not even a year after our first date, he proposed to me while on vacation in Prince Edward Island.
Flash forward, we just celebrated our 11th Wedding Anniversary this past Saturday. In those 11 years we've brought 3 beautiful children into this world and built a life together. But it all started at work.
For more Writer's Workshop visit Mama's Losin' It
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
What day is it?
I just realized it is Tuesday already. 10:30pm on Tuesday night to be exact. I thought it was Monday, although I don't know why I thought that; Tuesday is my busiest day of the week and today was no exception. So that alone should have been enough to clue me in!
But it being Tuesday, I realized I hadn't had a post since Friday. I had something planned, I think, but it seems to have slipped my mind. Along with a lot of other things lately. I never used to have this problem; I blame the kids. Life just keeps sweeping me up and pushing me forward and before I know it another week is gone.
Speaking of another week, only 7 more school days to go and then the little monsters are home for the summer! We had so much snow this winter, school kept getting closed and our school year is ending later than it has in forever. However, I feel like I'm still recovering from all those snow days and so I'm trying to brace myself for the coming months. I think it will all be good though, with vacation planned, a week of camp for the kids all doing something they love, and some beach days thrown in, it is sure to be fun!
So tell me, what have you all been up to these past few days?
But it being Tuesday, I realized I hadn't had a post since Friday. I had something planned, I think, but it seems to have slipped my mind. Along with a lot of other things lately. I never used to have this problem; I blame the kids. Life just keeps sweeping me up and pushing me forward and before I know it another week is gone.
Speaking of another week, only 7 more school days to go and then the little monsters are home for the summer! We had so much snow this winter, school kept getting closed and our school year is ending later than it has in forever. However, I feel like I'm still recovering from all those snow days and so I'm trying to brace myself for the coming months. I think it will all be good though, with vacation planned, a week of camp for the kids all doing something they love, and some beach days thrown in, it is sure to be fun!
So tell me, what have you all been up to these past few days?
Friday, June 11, 2010
Time to get away....
Lets play a little game, shall we? What do the following pictures have in common?
Stumped? What if I throw in one more? Will that help?
Give up? Okay, I'll tell you. They are all items that will be packed in my suitcase for our Summer 2010 Family Travel Plans.
We will be hitting the road this summer for a 2 week jaunt. Our first desination will be Boston. There is so much to see and do we don't know where to start! Well, that isn't quite true....we knew to start with tickets to a Boston Red Sox game. My husband is a life long fan an no trip to Boston is complete without a trip to Fenway Park to hang out with the Red Sox. The last time we were there I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with my oldest. We are also hoping to be able to take the kids on a tour of Fenway Park and show them the Green Monster up close and personal!
I've been searching Trekaroo and guide books for some other family friendly spots to tour while in the city. We'd like to explore a bit of the Freedom Trail, do a Duck Tour, the U.S.S Constitution, Harvard Science Museum, perhaps the aquarium, the Prudential Sky Walk and of course Quincy Market. It is an awful lot we want to fit in during our few days there!
After we depart Boston we are heading up to Maine. Here, we will be exploring Acadia National Park. I'm so excited to introduce this beautiful park to our children! While we are there, it will have been exactly 13 years since my husband and I were last there. I remember that trip clearly because it was while we were on that trip that he asked me to marry him. But I digress, back to the trip plans!
Acadia has so much to offer. We want to drive the park loop, walk some carriage trails, explore tidal pools and take advantage of some of the park programs. We want to experience all that nature has to offer.
Back in town, we will be heading to downtown Bar Harbor to explore some quaint shops and dine. My mouth is already watering in anticipation of some chowder and lobster! Mmmmmm. I've been finding some other interesting spots to scope out while we are there as well such as the Duck Carving Museum. (I'm trying to convince my husband that we absolutely must stop in Freeport on our way there or back so I can hit L.L. Bean for a little shopping too!)
Finally, on our way back home we will be making a short stop in Salem, Massachusettes. Again, there is so much to do in so little time! I'd love to hit all the witch museums and shops but I'm not so sure my 6 year old daughter will be quite as keen on that. So, I've been looking into Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Pioneer Village, and Pickering Wharf.
I'm exhausted just thinking of the fun to be had! I can't wait to report back to you on how it all was. And of course you will have to check out my profile over at Trekaroo for reviews on each destination.
Need help planning your family summer vacation? Check out Bing Travel 2010 Summer Forcast. This is a great place to start, especially if you plan on booking a flight to your summer destination. You can use the price predictor to see when you have the best chance of getting the lowest fares!
If you'd like to help pay for some of those plans then hop over and enter the Summer of Travel Contest.
If you'd like to help pay for some of those plans then hop over and enter the Summer of Travel Contest.
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bing Travel and Trekaroo summer vacation spotlight for a chance to win $500 in cash. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Before I was a Mom...
Before I was a mom I slept until noon.
Before I was a mom I went out to breakfast every Friday morning.
Before I was a mom I stayed out late with the girls.
Before I was a mom I jumped in the car and went away for the weekend at a moment's notice.
Before I was a mom I got my nails done.
Before I was a mom I worked 40+ hours a week as a nurse.
Before I was a mom I dreamed of having kids.
Before I was a mom I never left the house with mysterious stains on my clothing.
Before I was a mom I didn't have some of the friends I have now, who are near and dear to me.
Before I was a mom I had no idea how much love a heart was capable of holding.
Before I was a mom I had no idea how much you could worry.
Before I was a mom I had no idea how much delight you could find in nothing.
Before I was a mom my world was not complete.
For more Writer's Workshop visit Mama Kat at Mama's Losin' It
Before I was a mom I went out to breakfast every Friday morning.
Before I was a mom I stayed out late with the girls.
Before I was a mom I jumped in the car and went away for the weekend at a moment's notice.
Before I was a mom I got my nails done.
Before I was a mom I worked 40+ hours a week as a nurse.
Before I was a mom I dreamed of having kids.
Before I was a mom I never left the house with mysterious stains on my clothing.
Before I was a mom I didn't have some of the friends I have now, who are near and dear to me.
Before I was a mom I had no idea how much love a heart was capable of holding.
Before I was a mom I had no idea how much you could worry.
Before I was a mom I had no idea how much delight you could find in nothing.
Before I was a mom my world was not complete.
For more Writer's Workshop visit Mama Kat at Mama's Losin' It
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Supermarket Etiquette
Grocery shopping is among my least favorite chores. Recently I have found myself in the grocery stores a lot. I just can't resist, they have had some fantastic sales and I've been stocking up on summer essentials such as snacks, drinks and pantry must haves. This has left me happy with the bargains I've been getting but cranky at the other shoppers.
One of my biggest pet peeves in the grocery store is not being able to get down the aisle. This can occur for a few different reasons. Sometimes the store puts out obnoxious displays that take up aisle space making it impossible for two carts to fit down the aisle. The other reason is people don't know how to politley browse the shelves.
Let me explain how it is done people. Pull your cart over as close to the shelf as possible. Then look for what you need, put it in your cart, and be on your way to the next aisle.
Do NOT park your cart in the middle of the aisle, do NOT put is sideways across the aisle, and if there is someone already "parked" on the other side of the aisle do NOT stop yours right next to them. These things all make it impossible for ME to get around YOU.
Then when you see me trying to get around you, please have the courtesy to move your cart. Do not pretend you don't hear me say excuse me and do NOT make me move your cart. And if I do have to touch your cart, DO NOT give me a dirty look! YOU ARE THE OFFENDER IN THIS SITUATION!!
Then when it comes time to checking out, please have your courtesy/savings card and your coupons ready. And please for the love of god, who still pays with checks these days??? (and if for some reason you still are, you don't actually have to take the time to fill it out, the register will do that for you. All you have to do is sign it) My patience are melting right along with my frozen food.
Seriously people, its all about being aware of your surroundings and common courtesy.
One of my biggest pet peeves in the grocery store is not being able to get down the aisle. This can occur for a few different reasons. Sometimes the store puts out obnoxious displays that take up aisle space making it impossible for two carts to fit down the aisle. The other reason is people don't know how to politley browse the shelves.
Let me explain how it is done people. Pull your cart over as close to the shelf as possible. Then look for what you need, put it in your cart, and be on your way to the next aisle.
Do NOT park your cart in the middle of the aisle, do NOT put is sideways across the aisle, and if there is someone already "parked" on the other side of the aisle do NOT stop yours right next to them. These things all make it impossible for ME to get around YOU.
Then when you see me trying to get around you, please have the courtesy to move your cart. Do not pretend you don't hear me say excuse me and do NOT make me move your cart. And if I do have to touch your cart, DO NOT give me a dirty look! YOU ARE THE OFFENDER IN THIS SITUATION!!
Then when it comes time to checking out, please have your courtesy/savings card and your coupons ready. And please for the love of god, who still pays with checks these days??? (and if for some reason you still are, you don't actually have to take the time to fill it out, the register will do that for you. All you have to do is sign it) My patience are melting right along with my frozen food.
Seriously people, its all about being aware of your surroundings and common courtesy.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Tough Lessons
As a parent I try to shield my children from un-necessary hurt. Don't get me wrong, I don't shelter them. I think it is important to learn that there are disappointments in life and that sometimes you can't control everything. I don't let my kids automatically win when we play games, I don't give them everything they ask for, and they are responsible for doing chores and being a productive member of this family. But, I want to protect them from that confidence shattering hurt when I can.
My son learned a tough "life isn't fair" lesson yesterday. One that shattered his confidence and is affecting his outlook on something that he loves. What is worse, it was at the hands of an adult. I'm having having a hard time giving the "chin up and brush it off" talk because my son knows I don't mean it. He knows I'm as disappointed as he is.
Today, I need to help him regain some confidence and go back out there. He needs to forget the events of yesterday and treat this as a new day. I'm trying to explain to him that sometimes there are just tough breaks in life and we can't let that derail us. Try getting a 9 year old to understand that and take it to heart. It's hard. Lets face it, some of us 30-somethings don't get it either.
My son learned a tough "life isn't fair" lesson yesterday. One that shattered his confidence and is affecting his outlook on something that he loves. What is worse, it was at the hands of an adult. I'm having having a hard time giving the "chin up and brush it off" talk because my son knows I don't mean it. He knows I'm as disappointed as he is.
Today, I need to help him regain some confidence and go back out there. He needs to forget the events of yesterday and treat this as a new day. I'm trying to explain to him that sometimes there are just tough breaks in life and we can't let that derail us. Try getting a 9 year old to understand that and take it to heart. It's hard. Lets face it, some of us 30-somethings don't get it either.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Our Dishes Went Unwashed
I am an Assistant Leader for my daughter's Daisy Girl Scout troop. Today was our last meeting and we celebrated a great year with a party. We packed a lot in because we had asked the girls what there favorite things were that we had done throughout our meetings and tried to fit it all in to our party. We had a BLAST!
At the end of the party my Leader gave me a gift. That in and of itself was very touching and very much appreciated. But inside one of the gifts was a patch for my daughter to put on her vest that says "My mom is a great Leader" attached to a poem. I got all teary eyed because I'm a big sap.
At the end of the party my Leader gave me a gift. That in and of itself was very touching and very much appreciated. But inside one of the gifts was a patch for my daughter to put on her vest that says "My mom is a great Leader" attached to a poem. I got all teary eyed because I'm a big sap.
Our Dishes Went Unwashed One Day
Our dishes went unwashed one day
We didn't make the bed
We took their hands and followed
Where their eager footsteps led.
Oh, yes, we went adventuring
The girls, and you, and I
Exploring all the great outdoors
Beneath the Summer sky.
We played out in the noontime sun
We wandered through a wood
Our kitchens weren't swept one day
But life was glad and good.
That our houses were neglected
That we didn't brush the stair
In twenty years, no one on earth
Will know or even care
But that we helped some little girl
To a nobler woman grow
In twenty years, the whole wide world
Will look, and see and know.
~ Author Unknown
So when you walk into my house and find I haven't run a vacuum in weeks, swept in days, made a bed (ever!), or done the dishes please remember that what I did do was make 17 little girls smile today.
I hope this poem will help you remember that the mess will always be there (and always come back!) but the moments we cherish with our children while they are young will NOT last forever.
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