As I was perusing Facebook yesterday morning I stumbled across a feed that I "liked" and it said "free chore chart at blah blah blah website." Hmmm...I have been tinkering with chore charts on and off for almost a year with Connor. I made one on an word document, would print it out and then Connor would get a sticker for each chore (or behavior). The problem ended up being that Connor wanted to wear the stickers instead of placing them in the appropriate square or I would be lazy and forget to print it off...so the chore chart really became more of a hassle for us than teaching Connor good manners and responsibilities around the house.
I decided to click on the link and check out this "free" chore chart. Sure enough, a free chore chart that is AWESOME! On a side note, I have been eyeing the Melissa & Doug Chore Chart for months and don't get end up getting it because it only functions for 1 child. This new chore chart- I can put as many kids on there as I want (including Mommy and Daddy!!) It will take a little bit of work to get it all put together, but I love the idea behind what this particular mom is doing.
Actually, I love the ideas she is doing so much, I started researching home schooling. Now, let me clarify that I have no intention or desire to homeschool my kids. I am not equipped with the knowledge base or patient enough to want to homeschool my kids. However, as the child of an educator, I am passionate about finding "teaching" moments constantly. Always trying to develop in Connor (and eventually Alaina) a deep yearing to learn, to discover and to provide them with a desire to soak up everything they are being taught. Connor is more than half-way through the school year and I am stunned at everything his little sponge of a brain absorbs and retains. The things that come out of his mouth shock me; not because they are bad or off-color but because they sound more like things coming out of grown-up's mouths than a 2-year-olds. I love that he is learning his ABC's. Not just the song, but the actual letters and is capable of telling you the sound each letter (through "o") makes. But it makes me wonder about what I am doing here at home with him. Studies have proven that this is age where kids will learn more than they ever will in their entire lifetime. The brain is able to, like I said, sponge up more information in these few short years than it will the rest of their lives. Can I encourage and reinforce more than what he is learning at school? Wasn't that part of the job description I signed up for when making the choice to be a stay-at-home mom?
So here I am, knees deep, in the abundance of information available to stay-at-home moms/homeschooling moms. I have found a treasure trove of resources to help my children in fun, creative, inventive ways continue to learn and I couldn't be more thrilled. I need to sift through all the stuff I have found, but for the remainder of the school year, we are going to focus on colors, shapes, and numbers. I think the first thing we are going to try is reinforcement of Brown Bear, Brown Bear (one of Connor's favorites) and work from there. I will keep you updated and let you know how it goes!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
And I am so pregnant
You know, I have an inate disdain for women who gush and glow about how they loved being pregnant. How they would have more babies because they just love being pregnant. One of the women I carpool with to Connor's school is one of those women. She truly loved being pregnant, wants to do it again, have more kids, would carry growing babies in her belly for other women who couldn't carry their own. I am not one of those women. I am the exact opposite of those women. I am convinced that this is our last baby because I dislike being pregnant that much.
Let me first clarify that if pregnancy was THAT bad, I wouldn't have gotten pregnant again. It is not so miserable that it deters women from having multiple kids. It is one of those things where you definitely can put into action the phrase, "the end justifies the means." The joy and blessings of having children far outweighs the 9 months of pure ickiness you feel carrying around a baby. This is also not to say that there aren't cool moments of being pregnant. The first time you hear your baby's heartbeat; the first time you see your baby on the monitor in the ultrasound; the first time you feel your baby kick that little flutter and certainly the first time you feel those really strong, sure kicks that reassure you everything is going exactly as it should be.
However.....at 9 months pregnant, I hate how big my belly is getting. I know I am supposed to get big, but I hate thinking about all the work it's going to take to get back into shape again. I hate that I get the "Pridemore butt" when I'm pregnant. I hate not sleeping a whole night through because I need to use the bathroom, need to eat something or I'll get sick or just plain uncomfortablness has made it impossible to turn over. But let me go one further and say that because I am so small, I deal with a whole slew of issues most pregnant women never have to face or don't deal with until the very end of their pregnancy. The extra weight on a 4'9" frame feels double and triple what the poundage actually is, it makes it difficult to breath, eat, move, turn, bend, everything is a challenge starting about 7 months or so.
I'm done complaining...and PS, I am also done being pregnant. Anytime Alaina would like to make an appearance, I am A'OK with that ;)
Let me first clarify that if pregnancy was THAT bad, I wouldn't have gotten pregnant again. It is not so miserable that it deters women from having multiple kids. It is one of those things where you definitely can put into action the phrase, "the end justifies the means." The joy and blessings of having children far outweighs the 9 months of pure ickiness you feel carrying around a baby. This is also not to say that there aren't cool moments of being pregnant. The first time you hear your baby's heartbeat; the first time you see your baby on the monitor in the ultrasound; the first time you feel your baby kick that little flutter and certainly the first time you feel those really strong, sure kicks that reassure you everything is going exactly as it should be.
However.....at 9 months pregnant, I hate how big my belly is getting. I know I am supposed to get big, but I hate thinking about all the work it's going to take to get back into shape again. I hate that I get the "Pridemore butt" when I'm pregnant. I hate not sleeping a whole night through because I need to use the bathroom, need to eat something or I'll get sick or just plain uncomfortablness has made it impossible to turn over. But let me go one further and say that because I am so small, I deal with a whole slew of issues most pregnant women never have to face or don't deal with until the very end of their pregnancy. The extra weight on a 4'9" frame feels double and triple what the poundage actually is, it makes it difficult to breath, eat, move, turn, bend, everything is a challenge starting about 7 months or so.
I'm done complaining...and PS, I am also done being pregnant. Anytime Alaina would like to make an appearance, I am A'OK with that ;)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Weighing on My Mind
So, about a week ago, I posted a comment and eventually the link to the article about Disney not making "princess" movies for awhile because boys thought they were "icky" and girls are thinking they are too cool for school at an earlier and earlier age.
I was honestly shocked at how many responses I got back from people blaming Disney for the downfall of girls and shame on Disney and la la la la. To me, that was as ignorant as the parents who sued McDonald's because their child became obese when he ate McDonald's food. Everyone knows I am a HUGE Disney advocate. Any place that promotes just plain 'ol being happy, is a good place in my book. I adore going but I never understood how much joy and pleasure it would bring me until I started going with my son. The excitement and true childhood euphoria he brings is unbelievable.
I guess it took me a little aback that everyone was so quick to jump on the "hate on Disney" bandwagon. I am a big supporter of the Confidence Coalition. An organization that helps young girls regain self-confidence that leaves them "vulnerable to eating disorders, relational aggression, peer pressure and more." Look around, ladies. Disney isn't the issue....society is the issue and our need for E! News, pop culture, scandalous movies, Victoria's Secret magazines, etc. only contributes to what WE are feeding these girls. We are the parents who are letting our daughters, nieces, friends' children, cousins, neighbors either fall into a sad state of self-loathing or the ones who are doing the bullying.
According to statistics,
74% of girls say they are under pressure to please everyone;
31% of girls ages 13-17 admit to starving themselves or refusing to eat as a strategy to lose weight;
40% of girls ages 11-17 say they do not play sports because they do not feel skilled or competent;
Roughly 1/3 of high school girls report being sexually active;
60% of teen girls say they compare their bodies to those of fashion models.
As I am about to become the mother of a girl, one who WILL be picked on and made fun of because she will be different from her classmates, I know what my job is as a parent. My job is to do everything in my power to empower my daughter. Empower her to think big, love herself and accept one another without feeling the need to put down other girls. I want her to honor the talents the Lord blessed her with without shame. I know I can't change the world. I know I can't make everything sunshine and roses for my daughter, but I can teach her to hold her head high when others around her sink to low levels. I can teach my son to respect everyone around him and always hold women with the utmost dignity.
I was honestly shocked at how many responses I got back from people blaming Disney for the downfall of girls and shame on Disney and la la la la. To me, that was as ignorant as the parents who sued McDonald's because their child became obese when he ate McDonald's food. Everyone knows I am a HUGE Disney advocate. Any place that promotes just plain 'ol being happy, is a good place in my book. I adore going but I never understood how much joy and pleasure it would bring me until I started going with my son. The excitement and true childhood euphoria he brings is unbelievable.
I guess it took me a little aback that everyone was so quick to jump on the "hate on Disney" bandwagon. I am a big supporter of the Confidence Coalition. An organization that helps young girls regain self-confidence that leaves them "vulnerable to eating disorders, relational aggression, peer pressure and more." Look around, ladies. Disney isn't the issue....society is the issue and our need for E! News, pop culture, scandalous movies, Victoria's Secret magazines, etc. only contributes to what WE are feeding these girls. We are the parents who are letting our daughters, nieces, friends' children, cousins, neighbors either fall into a sad state of self-loathing or the ones who are doing the bullying.
According to statistics,
74% of girls say they are under pressure to please everyone;
31% of girls ages 13-17 admit to starving themselves or refusing to eat as a strategy to lose weight;
40% of girls ages 11-17 say they do not play sports because they do not feel skilled or competent;
Roughly 1/3 of high school girls report being sexually active;
60% of teen girls say they compare their bodies to those of fashion models.
As I am about to become the mother of a girl, one who WILL be picked on and made fun of because she will be different from her classmates, I know what my job is as a parent. My job is to do everything in my power to empower my daughter. Empower her to think big, love herself and accept one another without feeling the need to put down other girls. I want her to honor the talents the Lord blessed her with without shame. I know I can't change the world. I know I can't make everything sunshine and roses for my daughter, but I can teach her to hold her head high when others around her sink to low levels. I can teach my son to respect everyone around him and always hold women with the utmost dignity.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Frugal on my Mind
I don't really want to use the word "cheap"....but I mean, honestly, if I am saving my family money, you can call it anything you want.
I am on a new found mission to cut costs, save money, find deals and "do it yourself" any time I can now. I have been stressing about cutting back here and there lately because the house we own in Savannah hadn't sold or been rented out and it was starting to become a financial burden to upkeep and, at the same time, maintain our lifestyle (which is NOT extravagant) in Columbus. So, couponing and deal hunting through www.savingmyfamilymoney.com, www.faithfulprovisions.com and now my latest find (thanks to an amazing fellow RGR wife, Cortney), www.funsavingmom.blogspot.com is out there too to help novice couponers/savers like myself. I was doing great and really proud of the money I had saved and essential items I was able to stock up on by doing a little extra work and research.
First of all, let me say that our house has finally been rented!! Praise the Lord!! I can honestly tell you that I believe it took so long to get someone in there because I never prayed for God to help us sell or rent our home, but that if it was going to happen, to let the right people move in. I believe that is what He has done for us. The couple moving in seems very nice, our age (so hopefully they are a little more respectful than a younger couple may be), in the military.
Even though some of the financial burden is lifted....saving my family money and being able to put away for "extras" or the "oh-no's" has become a lot of fun and a bit of a challenge- a challenge I am actually REALLY enjoying.
This year for Christmas our family can expect homemade gifts. I am researching the cost of doing some things at home (just to make sure it evens out to be less expensive), cutting back on everything I can think of. My newest undertaking is making a baseball headboard for Connor's new full-size bed. It took me a few hours of searching, but I finally found a do-it-yourself upholstered baseball that is used for a child's headboard...I am so excited to get that one started!! Another blog I have found (from another awesome RGR wife, Alison) is www.classycolumbusdesigns.blogspot.com. She has fantastic kids crafts and activities that are really inexpensive and really, really cute.
I understand we can't save on everything we buy....but the challenge of saving on as much as we possibly can has gotten to be, dare I say, a ton of fun!?!
I am on a new found mission to cut costs, save money, find deals and "do it yourself" any time I can now. I have been stressing about cutting back here and there lately because the house we own in Savannah hadn't sold or been rented out and it was starting to become a financial burden to upkeep and, at the same time, maintain our lifestyle (which is NOT extravagant) in Columbus. So, couponing and deal hunting through www.savingmyfamilymoney.com, www.faithfulprovisions.com and now my latest find (thanks to an amazing fellow RGR wife, Cortney), www.funsavingmom.blogspot.com is out there too to help novice couponers/savers like myself. I was doing great and really proud of the money I had saved and essential items I was able to stock up on by doing a little extra work and research.
First of all, let me say that our house has finally been rented!! Praise the Lord!! I can honestly tell you that I believe it took so long to get someone in there because I never prayed for God to help us sell or rent our home, but that if it was going to happen, to let the right people move in. I believe that is what He has done for us. The couple moving in seems very nice, our age (so hopefully they are a little more respectful than a younger couple may be), in the military.
Even though some of the financial burden is lifted....saving my family money and being able to put away for "extras" or the "oh-no's" has become a lot of fun and a bit of a challenge- a challenge I am actually REALLY enjoying.
This year for Christmas our family can expect homemade gifts. I am researching the cost of doing some things at home (just to make sure it evens out to be less expensive), cutting back on everything I can think of. My newest undertaking is making a baseball headboard for Connor's new full-size bed. It took me a few hours of searching, but I finally found a do-it-yourself upholstered baseball that is used for a child's headboard...I am so excited to get that one started!! Another blog I have found (from another awesome RGR wife, Alison) is www.classycolumbusdesigns.blogspot.com. She has fantastic kids crafts and activities that are really inexpensive and really, really cute.
I understand we can't save on everything we buy....but the challenge of saving on as much as we possibly can has gotten to be, dare I say, a ton of fun!?!
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