It's Been a while

Yes....it has been quite a while since I blogged. No excuses, I'll just catch you up quickly: We have been living in our awesome home for almost 6 months now. After the first month, we found out we were pregnant!! Baby Boy will be arriving into this world in the last week of January 2010 if all goes well.

Hayden started pre-school at the end of August- three mornings a week of peace and quite have greatly improved my sanity. To be sentimental, she is growing up soooo fast. At times I see her as a little woman rather than a little girl. Just the other day she loaded the washing machine ( and dryer for that matter) with clothes and detergent all by herself. FYI: half a box of Gain will not make the washer overflow with suds.....my only concern. :)

Cory still loves his job and Auburn football.....in case you didn't know that it was football season. War Eagle!!

Ugh!!

This week has been filled with life-tests! I love my child more than life, but I need a break every now and then. The adorable baby that giggled and smiled all the time has become a 25 lb. monster kicking, screaming and wining just because I fixed her cheese and crackers for snack instead of peanut butter.

So instead of getting angry, I got motivated. "Structure" is was my mom (mother of 4) suggested. An hourly schedule and a set of a few rules for Hayden to learn and live by.

So I did what any stay-at-home-mom would do....I Googled it.

The best thing that I have discoved today is I am not alone. All mothers and all children go through these stages, that's why it is called the TERRIBLE TWOS. Second, there are lots of ideas and activities that I haven't tried yet. This gives me hope and pumps me up because when in doubt I can use another mom's ideas. And last, I realized how important discipline and rules are now if we want to raise a "decent human being" to contribute to this world.

Attached is the best article I ran across today to always keep in the back of your mind:

It isn't really easy for many people to spend all day with a toddler...to play with trucks, dolls, blocks, or bang pots all day. It isn't easy for some people to spend even an hour with a toddler. Sometimes you, the parent/adult, can get bored or worn out very quickly. Here are a few tips to help you both cope with being together all day, especially on those rainy days.
Your enthusiasm is crucial. Your child can sense your mood. If you are not interested in a toy or activity, then he'll think that it isn't interesting or fun either. Haven't you noticed how your child always wants to play with a toy that another child is playing with? And as soon as the child puts it down, he doesn't want it anymore?
Start laughing and be silly. It's okay to be silly with your child. Just because you are the adult doesn't mean that you can't have fun too! After you start the sillies, you won't have to think of what to do next, the fun will follow.
Be a leader. Instead of just watching what your toddler does, engage him in an activity that you start yourself. Ask him to line up all the trucks for a parade. Or have her put her dolls in a cheerleading pyramid. Or see if he can put all the red blocks in a small bucket and then dump them out like a dump truck.
Go back in time. Think about something that you wish you could have done when you were a child. Here's your chance to do it! Did you always want to play with your sisters favorite doll and comb her hair, or with your brothers trucks to have drag races in the kitchen? Start having fun with it and your child will watch and want to join in.
Give him/her a task. See if she can bring all of the magazines over to you and use them to cover up the rug. Or see if he can stack all of his board books in one pile. Each time he/she brings you an item, celebrate with a hi-five or a tickle session. Let her tickle you!
Try Skeetball. What are some of your hobbies or interests? If you like to play tennis, then find a way to create a small miniature tennis court with a box and use some dolls to pretend play with your toddler. Teach him/her how to play on the miniature court. You can review numbers by keeping score, or teach the manner of taking turns. A fun activity for dads is to make a miniature skeetball game by using a diaper box. It's an easy, fun project for adults and kids.( Toddler Skeetball Activity )
Take a break. After your toddler starts to play on his/her own, keep a magazine nearby and sneak a peek at a page while she is stacking blocks. It's okay to take a break! She'll let you know when she needs some more attention, interaction, or direction.
Lastly, give hugs and kisses. It never hurts to add some affection into daily activities. You'll enjoy the hugs and your child will too. You'll build a bond that your child will never forget. And it will make him/her want to interact with you and have fun at the same time.
Overall, it is possible to enjoy some time with a toddler, even those that aren't sure what to do with a toddler. It doesn't have to be “Terrible”. Toddlers want to have fun, but they want an adult's guidance and interaction to make it easier for them. Otherwise, they will bounce off the walls wondering what to do with themselves. And yes, that can be terrible for both of you.

article from www.toddlertoddler.com

Picture: Makeup time with Mommy

Game Nights

It's game night tonight. Erin & Daniel, Stephen & Kristen, and Cory & I are getting together again to roll the dice.
Today, I went to Asbury UMC for an open house. They were inviting the public and current parents of students to come and meet the staff and see their classrooms. If all goes as planned, Hayden will be attending their program this coming fall. I'm not so sure we will be members of the church though. Last Sunday, we visited Asbury and weren't overcome with "the spirit".

Three Years

Yesterday was our anniversary of three wonderful years. We celebrated by making our own chocolate dipped strawberries, which were amazing. The plan was to wait until Booger had gone to bed.....but with my lack of patience we started right after dinner. It all worked out b/c Hayden got to celebrate with us. :)

4 Things Every Stay-at-Home Mom Needs to Know

1. Feel Proud of What You Do
When someone asks me what I do, I tell them I stay home with my children and I'm not in the least ashamed or embarrassed. I have learned that most people who don't think much of stay-at-home moms (SAHM) don't know what's involved and how much a family benefits and appreciates what we do. My children are only young once; I can get a career later. --Parent SouperJackie
I tell people that I am a SAHM, and I do get some odd responses to that! "Oh, so you have no education?" (I have a masters degree and a year into a Ph.D.), or "No skills, huh?" (I used to write million-dollar grants and teach grad school). I am comfortable with my answers, but a lot of other people are not. They think my education is going to waste. I answer those people with "I'm raising my children, and teaching them. What better use of my skills?" --Parent Souper Barb
Stay-at-home motherhood has changed me in so many ways. I find the biggest challenge is setting the "right" example and being the perfect role model. I love my children dearly and I want them to see that mommy has a life too. --Parent Souper Jeanne

2. Keep in Touch with FriendsHaving girlfriends is a huge support in being a SAHM, especially if they are SAHMs too. You have a friendly outlet for yourself and playtime for the kids at the same time. --Parent Souper Jackie
I don't get nearly as much girl talk as I used to, but I know, as my children get older and more independent, there will be more time for me. As for keeping working girlfriends close -- live your life, care for your family, and if these old friends want to keep in touch they will. You can offer a meeting, but don't be surprised when you see less and less of most working friends. Just remember that the true friendships will last. --Parent Souper Barb

3. Get Organized
Having a routine and making lists keeps me sane! I have three calendars -- a basic one (for doctor/dentist appointments, etc.), a school one (PTA meetings, school days off, etc.) and a perpetual birthday/anniversary one. Don't over-schedule the kids. Remember that children need time to just play. --Parent Souper Barb
First and foremost, the key is to get rid of stuff! My motto is: If we don't eat it, need it, wear it, or use it, it goes (with sentimental exceptions!). I use the plastic drawer storage to organize smaller-sized toys that would wind up at the bottom of the toy box. (My toddlers even know which toys go in which drawers.) I also use decorative baskets for mail, my makeup, keys and other small household items. --Parent Souper Jackie
I have a routine and stick to it. Monday is my "pick-up from the weekend" day (e.g. cleaning bathrooms, sweeping and laundry), Tuesday and Wednesday are our "busy" days (doing things out of the house). Thursday is laundry day and Friday is dust, mop, clean bathrooms -- "getting ready for the weekend" day. Get a calendar and write things down so you can see what you have to do. I have a purse calendar that I take with me. If anyone asks me if we can do something on a certain day, I can look right then and see if we are free to go. --Parent Souper Cindy

4. Get in Touch with Your Creative Side
Finding time for you is so important. Whether you make crafts, or are involved in the PTA, you have to have activities besides housework and children. --Parent Souper Jackie
I have become a "Fix-It-SAHM." I do repairs, painting, hanging closet doors, putting new hardware on furniture, etc. I am constantly on the look out for projects to do for Christmas gifts. I would go crazy if I didn't find projects to occupy my time and mind. --Parent Souper JackieI am working on a book. It is a kid-friendly book about stay-at-home motherhood from a child's perspective. --Parent Souper Jeanne
Be creative in trying to save money. Make up financial challenges: Save for larger items or make up grocery challenges (challenge yourself!). My best money-saving tips are "live simply." Bake from scratch, make simple meals, use coupons, set a budget and stick to it. Forget the silly little perks you had working (lattés out, dinner out, etc.) and enjoy your children. Your love and attention is what they need -- not toys and the latest gadgets. --Parent Souper Barb


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Merganser Boulevard

Today is a GREAT day! Our offer on a house in Madison was accepted this morning. Pending paperwork, we will finally have a house again to raise Hayden in!!