Monday, May 30, 2011

Reunion

My kids finally came home late this afternoon. I was happy to see them. I missed them, but I was totally fine with them being gone for a few days. I'm going to forgo the mommy guilt and call that "healthy." I knew they were safe and happy to be with their grandparents, and I enjoyed the special one-on-one time with Mattie

Chris's mom's birthday is tomorrow, so we celebrated today when she and her husband brought the kids home.Which meant that instead of being outside and enjoying this beautiful summer-like weather, I was inside cleaning and baking a carrot cake, which is my mother-in-law's favorite. I didn't have any cake mix, and believe me I'm totally not above a nice and simple box of cake mix, and didn't want to go to the store, so I broke out the Betty Crocker cookbook and found a recipe for carrot cake. If I do say so myself, it came out pretty awesome. I frosted it with homemade cream cheese frosting. You just can't beat good old Betty Crocker. Everyone liked it, even Bethany who normally doesn't like carrot cake.
 
 
We had a nice dinner and then migrated to the family room to play Just Dance 2.Even Chris played, it was pretty funny. Connor kicked everyone's butt (!!). He says the trick is to not move too much, which completely negates the exercise/fitness aspect of the game, but he's 8 and skinny as a bean pole so I guess he isn't too concerned with how many calories he's burning while playing the Wii.

Anyway, my children are all nestled all snug in their beds, and that makes me a happy mama.  

My Baby and Me

I grew up as an only child, with an abundance of quiet, something that's in extremely short supply around here. As a kid I would visit friends who had brothers and/or sisters and wish for that sort of chaotic life, with people coming and going, friends in and out, everything buzzing with activity and noise. My mom grew up in a family of 7 kids, and I benefited with lots of aunts and uncles and cousins. I thought it sad that someday my kids would grow up without the large extended family that I loved so much. For these reasons, among others, I wanted to have my own big family. 

My wish has come true. I mean, we're no Duggars, but in today's world a family with four kids is generally viewed as large. And I love it. I love that my kids permeate my life. Even though I hate the messes and clutter, I also love the little reminders of their existence everywhere. Sitting on the couch, I might pull out from the cushions someones pj's from the night before, or a story book, or a lost homework assignment, or just about anything else you can imagine. Cleaning out under the couch I'll find, along with the dust bunnies and dog hair, toy cars, blocks, hair accessories, school projects, books, and all kinds of other evidence that lots of children live and play in this house.

I've grown used to the noise gradually as my children, one by one, have grown and learned to use their voices. And the televisions, computers, iPods, electronic toys, video games, and various musical instruments in this house. Sometimes it gets to me. Sometimes it's hard to be heard over the cacophony. But to hear the noise my children make is a loud reminder of their presence, a reminder that I'm surrounded by my very own family. And I love that. (When I don't have a piercing headache, I love that.)

Lazy Sunday morning cuddling
This weekend, three of my kids have been gone, out of town with Chris's mom and step-dad. Chris and I have been home with just Mathilda. Our house has been peaceful and quiet. We can clearly hear Mathilda giggling and talking without her having to compete with any other kids. When she's napping, there's no other children to tend to. She has us all to herself and that is pretty cool. As much as I love the chaos of my everyday life, it's been nice to live quietly for a few days, and to only be inundated with the demands of one child versus four. This weekend has brought to mind the sweet 18-month period when we were brand new parents with only one child. I am missing my other three babies, but it has been fun really being able to focus on Mathilda, and I am so grateful for this opportunity.

Friday, May 27, 2011

It's Just the Kind of Mom I Am

The day after Lucy's preschool graduation, her school had a picnic at a nearby park, an annual tradition for the school. I've been to five of them so far. We've been experiencing a monsoon season here in Michigan, so up until 45 minutes before the picnic started I was unsure whether it was still on. Mathilda was crabby and I was tired and it was wet outside and looked like it was about to pour, so I was kind of thinking the picnic would be canceled. In other words, I was not getting us ready like I should have been. I hadn't made lunches, no one was fully dressed or ready. Then I got the call that it was indeed still happening. Soon it became apparent that we were going to be dreadfully late for the picnic. So late, actually, that I thought we might very well end up missing the whole thing. In typical me fashion I asked Lucy, "would you like to do something else instead?" And she is such a good sport that she said, "sure mom, let's do something else!" Plus I think this was sort of my way of avoiding those depressing last good-bye's. Because that's just how I am.

We finished getting ready and making lunches and I thought we'd just head for a park closer to home. Then when we got in the car I made a spontaneous decision to go to the Detroit Zoo instead, since I have a membership which is about to expire next month and I like to get a lot of use out of those things to make them super worth the money. Never mind that I personally didn't buy it, but whatever. It started ever so slightly drizzling on the way there, and my heart sang when we pulled into the parking lot and saw people exiting the zoo in droves because large crowds really put a damper on the zoo for me.
See? No crowds!


It was really barely raining, but we stuck to the indoor exhibits anyway. The best thing about having a zoo membership is that there's no pressure to see every single thing because you just spent a million dollars in admission and parking. So I didn't care one bit that we only saw the amphibians and the reptiles. We just took our time, and ate our lunch on a bench under a tree and saw some frogs and snakes and lizards and stuff. I'm a total dork so I was thrilled when in the rain forest exhibit we saw the sloth so up close that I could have touched it. Well we saw it's foot anyway, and I wouldn't have really touched it. Even if that zoo docent hadn't been standing right by us when we saw it. Still, really cool.


Just as we were getting ready to head back to the van, it really started pouring. We were fairly well-equipped in that we had hoods, umbrellas, and the girls had rain boots. But Mathilda kicked hers off so she rode in the stroller barefoot, covered in a blanket and with an extra jacket of mine draped over the hood of the stroller to keep the rain off of her. And then we walked to the exit at Lucy pace, which is to say the pace of a 4-year old who loves being outside in the rain, stomping in puddles, twirling her Hello Kitty umbrella, and in this particular instance, belting out It's Raining Men, which I'm pretty sure she learned from that Wii game, Just Dance. (If that song is not in that game then I am at a total loss as to where she ever heard it.) It wasn't terribly cold and Lucy was so very happy, I didn't mind one bit being stuck out in the pouring rain. Well not much anyway. I may have encouraged her to put some gas in it once or twice, but jeez! I was carrying Bethany's child-sized Degas ballerina umbrella, so it wasn't exactly keeping me toasty dry. 

Luckily I'm okay with occasionally missing a school event, walking through the zoo on a rainy day, and letting my kids play in the rain, because it was a good day even though it very well could have ended up being a pretty bad day at more than one juncture. Lucy said she didn't mind missing the picnic because she can invite her friends over anytime, which is true. But my days of being able to go to the zoo on a weekday afternoon with just Lucy and Mathilda are pretty much over. Next year it will be just Mathilda and me...and that will be fun too, in its own different way.




 
Not exactly thrilled to be posing for pictures after about a gazillion blurry shots didn't turn out

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Thursday Thankful Round-Up

     
     
    Here are just a few things I'm grateful for this week. What are you giving thanks for? I'd love to hear about it!
     
    Thursday, May 26, 2011
  • Even though we never made it to Lucy's class picnic this morning (because sometimes we are just that unorganized), we still did something fun - I took Lucy and Mattie to the Detroit Zoo.
  • An unhurried, uncrowded zoo visit
  • We got to see the sloth up close. For some reason that just thrills me.
  • I remembered to take rain boots to the zoo for the girls, so Lucy got to splash in the puddles in the pouring rain while singing It's Raining Men. You just can't make this stuff up.
  • Ben & Jerry's...and so what if I've already mentioned that this week?
  • I got highlights in my hair...finally! It's been like years!


Wednesday, May 25, 2011
  • Lucy's adorable preschool graduation program
  • The way Mathilda says "hug?" whenever she knows I'm severely irritated with her
  • Spending a couple hours at the library with my kids today, and that they all love it there
  • That the rain stopped before our basement really flooded
  • Reading a book to my kids that I enjoyed as a kid (Harriet the Spy)
  • Cooking on the grill
  Tuesday, May 24, 2011
  • Living on a quiet, peaceful, low-traffic cul de sac
  • I'm getting caught up with laundry...almost there!
  • Pink
  • Matching dresses for sisters
  • My little girls love to wear dresses
  • Vintage Polly Flinders dresses (sadly, however, no matching sets)
  • Eating lunch on the porch with my little girls this afternoon, and watching them draw with sidewalk chalk
  • Only 13 days left of school!
  • I got the okay from Bethany & Connor's teachers for them to miss school tomorrow so they can attend Lucy's Preschool Graduation
  • The ease of communicating with teachers via email
 Monday, May 23, 2011

  • I tried on the bridesmaid dress I'm wearing in a wedding in a couple weeks...it fit...and I could breathe...and it doesn't have to be shortened like I thought it would need to be
  • Leftover cake from Mathilda's birthday
  • Sweet tea
  • Another peaceful, nighttime walk
  • I got a lot of reading done of the next book I'll be reviewing at Luxury Reading 
  • Spending some relaxing time in the hot tub with Chris after the kids went to bed
  • My chaise sofa, which is the most perfectly comfortable place to stretch out and read
  • Pizza night 
  • Paper plates
Sunday, May 22, 2011
  • A birthday cuddle with Mathilda first thing in the morning, along with Bethany, Connor, and Lucy
  • That Chris and I decided last year to start having small birthday dinners for the kids instead of huge parties
  • Mathilda calling her blueberries "baby grapes"
  • Heavy whipping cream, especially with fresh berries
  • My immersion blender
  • An absolutely gorgeous day, which beckoned to my children to play outside for hours
  • Mathilda's love of dresses, and that she said "my cute dress" when I got her dressed today
  • A husband who is not afraid to tell off a complete stranger in Toys R Us for berating and threatening her young child because he had the audacity to cry when he fell down in the store and hurt himself
  • Children old enough to help get the house cleaned up for company
  • The asparagus roll-up recipe I got from one of Lucy's preschool teachers
  • A lovely birthday celebration for my dear little Mathilda
  • My mother-in-law's offer to keep Lucy overnight tonight, and take her to and from preschool tomorrow
  • The walk I had by myself tonight, in the dark...so quiet and peaceful, perfectly warm-but-not-too-warm and with a refreshing light breeze
Saturday, May 21, 2011
  • warm Spring sunshine
  • the walk I took today, all by myself
  • the opportunities I've been getting to review books and products...it's fun to get free stuff AND to have the chance to write about it
  • the awesome chiropractic care I've been getting 
  • Ben & Jerry's Half Baked ice cream
  • Bethany taking it upon herself to organize the upstairs hall closet this afternoon
  • the appointment I finally made to have my hair highlighted this coming Thursday
  • the yummy berry smoothie I made myself a little while ago
  • Mathilda wanting to hug me all the time, sometimes she just sits by me and hugs my arm or my hand
  • Lucy, Bethany, & Connor all agreed on a movie to watch together this evening, with no arguments whatsoever (you cannot begin to imagine what an accomplishment this is...or maybe you can, in which case I feel for you)
  • Clicking "spell check" and coming back with no errors

Time and Tide Wait for No Preschooler

This has been a monumental week for my growing babies. First Mathilda turned two, and now Lucy is a preschool graduate.Wow. I wish someone could explain to me the physics of how time moves more quickly once one becomes a parent. Because maybe then I could figure out the secret to slowing it down. That old saying "time and tide wait for no man" is the fabric of my life. Whenever I think, "wow that school year sure flew by," or "Christmas already?" or "I can't believe my baby just turned ___," I always think of this phrase. Sometimes I feel like I'm holding onto a kite string in a wind storm and it's slipping out of my hands uncontrollably. I do my best to embrace change, but I would at times like to hit the slow motion button on the remote control of life.
 
Lucy's last regular day of preschool was Monday, and when she came home she told me she "almost cried". She had a great group of kids in her class, and they're all going off to different schools in the fall and Lucy might never see any of them again. I'm pretty sure she hasn't grasped that yet, but I have and it makes me sad. Those kids have a great group of moms, and I might not see most of them again either. Unfortunately we can't stay in the sweet, simple world of preschool forever. And I have Mathilda's preschool years to look forward to.

I celebrated Lucy's big day by letting Bethany and Connor play hooky from school so they could attend the graduation. Afterward we went to the library and hung out for a couple hours, one of their favorite things to do. And I even bought them lunch at the library's cafe, something they ask for all the time and I always say "no". Lucy fell asleep in the car on the way home. She is still a baby after all. Breathe. Kiss her cheeks. Embrace the moment.



All 3 of my preschool graduates with their teachers


Connor is reliving his happy days of yore

At one point Mathilda disappeared and this is where we found her

Lucy's favorite thing to do at preschool

Bethany loved being chased by a bunch of preschoolers

I repeatedly tried to get a picture of the sisters in the matching dresses, but Mathilda was not having it. In this shot she is pushing Lucy away from her. She only wanted to drive around in the red car without anyone getting in her way.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wishing Well Wednesday

I'm trying some new things here on the blog. I now have a separate page dedicated to Giving Thanks Everyday because I have a feeling it's going to become too cumbersome posting it everyday. So instead, I'll list my thankfuls on the new page daily, and tomorrow I'll be starting Thursday Thankful Round-Up, where I'll compile all the things I'm thankful for from the previous week. Hope that's not too confusing!

I'm also going to be trying something new on Wednesdays. I'm going to be alternating between Wishing Well Wednesdays (starting today) and something else I'll begin next Wednesday, stay tuned to hear about that!

For Wishing Well Wednesday, I'm going to be writing about what's currently on my wish list. 



I'm wishing for...
  • A trip alone with Chris this summer. I don't care much where we go, just as long as we have a couple days to look forward to conversing without being interrupted or one of us falling asleep.
  • A backyard clothesline. I would seriously use it to hang dry just about everything.
  • A clean and orderly laundry room, with only a manageable amount of laundry in it at any given time.
  • A new range that doesn't have an impossible to clean cook top. 
  • A camera that takes good pictures. My last nice camera died on me in the middle of the Magic Kingdom last year, and my cute little pink pocket camera is just not cutting it, nor is my iPod or my phone. I keep alternating, hoping I'll get a decent shot out of one of them. Not really happening.
  • Good, dry weather for Lucy's preschool picnic this Thursday.
What are you wishing for this week? I'd love to hear about it!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Giving Thanks On Tuesday

Today this is what I'm thankful for:
  • Living on a quiet, peaceful, low-traffic cul de sac
  • I'm getting caught up with laundry...almost there!
  • Pink
  • Matching dresses for sisters
  • My little girls love to wear dresses
  • Vintage Polly Flinders dresses (sadly, however, no matching sets)
  • Eating lunch on the porch with my little girls this afternoon, and watching them draw with sidewalk chalk
  • Only 13 days left of school!
  • I got the okay from Bethany & Connor's teachers for them to miss school tomorrow so they can attend Lucy's Preschool Graduation
  • The ease of communicating with teachers via email
I want to know...what are YOU thankful for today?

Five Ideas For Close-To-Home Summer Vacations

I love to travel. If I don't get out of town every once in awhile, I start to get ants in my pants. Being a one income family and lacking a money tree in the backyard, most of the traveling we've done since becoming parents has been limited to the close to home variety. Luckily Michigan has quite a bit to offer, and so do Canada and Ohio. We've had some fantastic trips, all within a few hours drive from our home in southeast Michigan. The travel season is upon us, so here are five summer getaways I think every kid should experience.
  1. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Niagara Falls is one of the largest and most well-known waterfalls in the world. It is a site to behold, especially when there are a few rainbows in view. I sort of have a thing for waterfalls, so this is just the kind of attraction I love. Besides the natural wonder of the falls, there are tons of touristy attractions and activities in the area. So if the kids tire of gazing at the thundering water and getting sprayed by its mist, you can choose from things like wax museums, Build-A-Bear, the Sky Wheel (giant heated ferris wheel overlooking the falls), and haunted houses. Yes it's kind of kitschy, but it's fun and you can walk just about everywhere. There are hotels and restaurants in all price ranges too. Travel time from metro Detroit: approximately 4-5 hours.
  2. Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, Ohio I've written about this place before because I love it. If you think Ohio is boring, think again! My kids would rather go here than Disney World, that's how much fun they had when we visited last year. There are several natural attractions in the region, such as waterfalls, gorges, and caves. The awesome thing about Hocking Hills is that it has been left so natural. You just park and start following a trail, and pretty soon, like within seconds, you won't believe the beauty before you. It's like walking into another world. This also means there are no restrooms (you will find them located near the parking - make sure everyone tries before you get started!), pop machines, or food vendors of any kind. Also no souveneir stands, safety guard rails or pretty much restrictions of any kind. And did I mention FREE? This place is absolutely incredible. There are cottages galore in the area; the ones for rent right on State Park property are nothing fancy but perfectly serviceable and very reasonably priced. Approximate drive time from Metro Detroit: 4-5 hours.
  3. Mackinac Island, Michigan This island located in northern Michigan is famous the world over. People come from all over to leave their cars behind and ride a ferry boat from Mackinaw City (or St. Ignace in Michigan's Upper Peninsula) to Mackinac Island. That's right, there are absolutely no cars allowed on the island, with the exception of a few emergency vehicles. Bicycle, horse and carriage, or your own two feet are the preferred methods of transportation. The main street is bustling with restaurants, fudge shops, and gift stores galore. You can explore the island on your own, most of which is state park property, or take a guided tour. Your can check out Fort Mackinac or the many natural attractions on the island. Don't forget to snap a few pictures of the Mackinac Bridge on your way to or from the mainland. At five miles long, (and the3rd largest suspension bridge in the world), the bridge connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Travel time from Metro Detroit area: approximately 4-5 hours.
  4. Michigan's Upper Peninsula Crossing over the Mackinac Bridge, high above the Straits of Mackinac (where two of the Great Lakes - Lake Huron and Lake Michigan - meet), into the Upper Peninsula is like entering a completely different world world, one with lots of forests and lakes and hills and waterfalls. There are touristy places to be sure, but the U.P. definitely has the feeling of undeveloped, quiet remoteness. The air is fresher. Life slows down. I have great childhood memories of Upper Peninsula vacations, and my hope is to provide my children with the same kinds of experiences I enjoyed. Things like going fishing,visiting the Soo Locks, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, exploring the water front college town of Marquette, pulling a raft across Big Springs, and seeing Tahquamenon Falls. Travel time from Metro Detroit to St. Ignace, the first city on the other side of the Mackinac Bridge: approximately 4-5 hours. 
  5. The Shores of Lake Michigan The best beaches in Michigan can be found along the shores of Lake Michigan, on the Western side of the state. The sand is soft and the water is good for swimming or boogie boarding. Huge sand dunes can be found here and there along the coast, just waiting to be climbed. There are beach towns, like Saugatuck, an artsy community with unique sculptures decorating its quaint streets, and Harbor Springs with its upper crust shops and antique vendors. Or you can just drive along the shoreline and stop off at any beach you happen to pass...just literally park on the side of the road and walk on down to the beach. Travel time from Metro Detroit area: approximately 3 hours to Saugatuck, in southwest Michigan, approximately 5 hours to Harbor Springs in northwest Michigan, or anything in between.
Niagara Falls
Hocking Hills State Park
Mackinac Island carriage ride
Mackinac Bridge at dusk
Random Lake Michigan beach

I'd love to hear what your favorite close-to-home travel destinations are, and what you love about them!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a chance at receiving a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
(I took a little too long to write this, and SocalMoms has already received the maximum number of blog posts. However, they are still reviewing them and anyone is still welcome to submit a post.)
 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Giving Thanks On Monday

Here's what I'm giving thanks for today:
  • I tried on the bridesmaid dress I'm wearing in a wedding in a couple weeks...it fit...and I could breathe...and it doesn't have to be shortened like I thought it would need to be
  • Leftover cake from Mathilda's birthday
  • Sweet tea
  • Another peaceful, nighttime walk
  • I got a lot of reading done of the next book I'll be reviewing at Luxury Reading 
  • Spending some relaxing time in the hot tub with Chris after the kids went to bed
  • My chaise sofa, which is the most perfectly comfortable place to stretch out and read
  • Pizza night 
  • Paper plates
And a picture of something I'm thankful for...
Lucy and Bethany playing in the warm rain. Connor said he would rather get his chores done.
 So what are YOU feeling thankful for today?

She's Not A Baby Anymore

Yesterday Mathilda turned two. While she will always be my baby, I guess I have to face that she is not truly a baby anymore. She is so done with the high chair, feeds herself, has an opinion about what she wears, and gets herself snacks out of the cupboard. She wants to do what the big kids are doing...she is becoming a big kid herself.

Mathilda was born during a tumultuous time in my life. We had a lot going on. I tried to go back 2 years on my Facebook page to see what my exact post was the week Mathilda was born, but after going back one year I lost patience and gave up. I know it was something like:

To do this week: Move into our new house, attend two soccer games, dance rehearsals, finish school projects, grocery shopping, and oh yeah! Give birth!! 

And she wasn't easy, not from the first. I remember being utterly exhausted in the hospital and crying in the middle of the night because she was so hungry yet she wouldn't nurse. She wasn't a good sleeper, she refused to take a bottle, and she wanted to be with me always. As much as she frustrated me, she melted my heart with the way she needed me and snuggled up to me and wanted me to hold her...and hold her...and hold her. Now that she's two, Mathilda is still a study in dichotomous behavior: the sweet, loving and affectionate Mathilda vs. the demanding, loud & sassy little bully Mathilda. Her expressions are priceless, and deciphering her emerging vocabulary is both amusing and challenging. I am enamored with my little blue-eyed red headed stinker, who loves to watch Diego, would rather gallop than walk, is more transfixed by books than just about anything, has a beautiful head of hair that always looks like it's just been styled, carries around a baby doll with her most of the time (usually Tiana, aka Princess and the Frog), now knows what the magic word is, and yesterday told me, "my cute dress" with the hugest smile on her face when I got her dressed.Yes Mathilda, I think we'll keep you.


A couple weeks before she was born...Bethany's First Communion day

Birth Day!
Meeting the siblings for the first time


Sleeping with her friend Chloe at the Henry Ford Museum

First Halloween...little spider

Baptism Day

First Christmas




Disney World 2010

Big girl on her bike

Opening presents

Two years old!

Giving Thanks Everyday

Here's what I'm thankful for today:

  • A birthday cuddle with Mathilda first thing in the morning, along with Bethany, Connor, and Lucy
  • That Chris and I decided last year to start having small birthday dinners for the kids instead of huge parties
  • Mathilda calling her blueberries "baby grapes"
  • Heavy whipping cream, especially with fresh berries
  • My immersion blender
  • An absolutely gorgeous day, which beckoned to my children to play outside for hours
  • Mathilda's love of dresses, and that she said "my cute dress" when I got her dressed today
  • A husband who is not afraid to tell off a complete stranger in Toys R Us for berating and threatening her young child because he had the audacity to cry when he fell down in the store and hurt himself
  • Children old enough to help get the house cleaned up for company
  • The asparagus roll-up recipe I got from one of Lucy's preschool teachers
  • A lovely birthday celebration for my dear little Mathilda
  • My mother-in-law's offer to keep Lucy overnight tonight, and take her to and from preschool tomorrow
  • The walk I had by myself tonight, in the dark...so quiet and peaceful, perfectly warm-but-not-too-warm and with a refreshing light breeze
Tomorrow I'll share more about Mathilda's birthday. It was a good day.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Giving Thanks Everyday

I try very hard to be a positive person. Lately, however I'm slipping a little bit away from a continuous attitude of gratitude. So in an effort to stay mindful of all that I have to be grateful for, I'm going to try something new here on my blog. My goal is to post what I'm grateful for on a daily basis, no matter how minor or random. I'm going to call it Giving Thanks Everyday. Feel free to comment about what you're feeling grateful for, or if you post about it in your blog, leave me a link in the comments.

Here's what I'm giving thanks for today:
  • warm Spring sunshine
  • the walk I took today, all by myself
  • the opportunities I've been getting to review books and products...it's fun to get free stuff AND to have the chance to write about it
  • the awesome chiropractic care I've been getting 
  • Ben & Jerry's Half Baked ice cream
  • Bethany taking it upon herself to organize the upstairs hall closet this afternoon
  • the appointment I finally made to have my hair highlighted this coming Thursday
  • the yummy berry smoothie I made myself a little while ago
  • Mathilda wanting to hug me all the time, sometimes she just sits by me and hugs my arm or my hand
  • Lucy, Bethany, & Connor all agreed on a movie to watch together this evening, with no arguments whatsoever (you cannot begin to imagine what an accomplishment this is...or maybe you can, in which case I feel for you)
  • Clicking "spell check" and coming back with no errors
What are you giving thanks for today?

Still Waiting For Bathing Costumes To Come Back In Style

Today I decided to tempt fate and went bathing suit shopping with my 2-year old (in 2 days!!) and my friend's 3 year-old little boy, who I was watching for the day. My expectations were low, but I had to go to Target anyway to pick up some household necessities, so I thought I'd test the waters and see if the little people would be cooperative while I perused the racks. Mattie was content in her stroller and Jacob was happy to offer many suggestions of what he thought was "cute" and what he thought his mom and brothers would like.

After discovering an entire clearance rack full of bathing suits, I gathered a pile to try on and braved the fitting room. I only tried on three because I liked the first two so much and they were both on sale for $9.98. Instead of choosing, I weakly bought both of them, rationalizing that $20 was less than I had been planning on spending on just one new suit this year (I haven't had a new one in about 4 years, and really could not stand the thought of one more summer of the same old thing). I won't model them for you (as if), but here they are...






Was $39.99...I'll take 75% savings!
 
I like these because they really suck everything in, and since they're one-piece, I don't have to worry about the top accidentally sliding up and revealing the doughy mound otherwise known as my belly. On the other hand, they're not skirted to hide my upper thighs and butt, and two-piece is nice when it comes time to use the bathroom. But all in all I think I'm about as happy as I'm going to get about a bathing suit anytime soon. Was there really a time I weighed 110 pounds and hated going bathing suit shopping because I looked "fat" in everything? Wow, I'd like to go back in time and slap myself in the face, thankyouverymuch. I'd also like to post a picture of myself at 16 wearing an incredibly skimpy bathing suit (by today-me's standards), but I don't have a scanner and plus that would be just a little obscene and sort of mean-spirited (toward myself). Things could be worse. This I'll tell you, I will go in public wearing my new bathing suits. But no one had damn well better take a picture of me wearing them.

The thing is, I have always avoided making self-deprecating comments about my body in front of my kids because I don't want them to think it's okay. Bethany is nine - and s-k-i-n-n-y - and already says things about needing to lose weight. Kids pick this stuff up, this body hatred stuff, quite enough from everywhere else in society, they don't need to hear it from their mother as well. I'm sure I've slipped here and there and said negative things about myself in front of them without even realizing it, because having a negative attitude about my body has been ingrained in me for so long. It's just how I see myself. And it's just how I saw myself when I weighed 110 pounds and had no tummy to speak of (but thought I did?!). Anything less than 100% perfection is somehow not good enough. What jerk first decided that was okay, and that every girl in this country should grow up always believing she was not quite ___________ enough? 

As a mom, there are little things I can do to encourage my own children down a different path, such as wearing a bathing suit when we go to the pool or beach, and not complaining the whole time about what a massive cow I am. Unfortunately that's not enough. Because I don't remember my own mother ever obsessing about her weight or saying, at any time, that she was too fat to wear something; yet I still became one of those people who worries way too much about that sort of thing and who has never ever been content looking at myself in the mirror in a bathing suit. But it's a start. So even though I may not be thrilled speechless at the sight of myself in a swimsuit, even though I may be privately cringing on the inside every time I am wearing one in public and other people can see me too, I am going to carry on as if I am obliviously unaffected. And I'm going to continue to tell my kids every chance I get how beautiful they are...because they are...and I hope so much that they believe it and continue to believe it forever.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

RoC Look 10 Years Younger Challenge, 1 Week

As promised, here are my first two pictures from the RoC Look 10 Years Younger Challenge. My area of concentration is my crows feet, which is why the pictures are focusing on that area. I've been happy with the RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream so far in that it hasn't irritated my skin at all. I was pre-warned that it may cause some redness and tingling in the beginning, but I haven't experienced that at all. I've been able to use it every night for one week now, with no side effects at all. I have been careful to use a moisturizer with an SPF 15 everyday since this product could cause extra sensitivity to the sun. And moisturizer with an SPF is a good idea regardless.

Before
After 1 week of using the RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
I haven't really noticed a difference yet. But I'm a (somewhat) patient person, I can wait! Soon I will update again, and in the meantime I will be using the cream every night hoping for a bit of a noticeable difference the next time I take a comparison photo. 

I was given a 12-week supply of RoC's Deep Wrinkle Night Cream to try and report my opinions. I have not been compensated in any other way. 

Don't forget, I have coupons to share for $3 off any RoC anti-aging product. Just leave me a comment below with your email address, and I'll be in touch with you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

What To Expect, For Real

If you're a new parent or you're going to be one soon, there are some things you should know. If your baby has already arrived, you now know that your life has been irrevocably changed. If you're still waiting for the little one's arrival, then you are about to find out just how much your life will never be the same again. It took me awhile to figure some things out, despite my best intentions. I know with certainty that there's plenty more I haven't figured out yet. Here are a few things I wish I had known from the beginning.
  1. Nursing is hard and it hurts a lot. This is not to discourage anyone, but rather just to make you aware. Because I had no idea what the heck I was in for and it really really threw me for a loop. The good news is that it gets easier every day, and eventually it does stops hurting. And getting through those first couple super difficult months is so worth it. Also it's not terribly painful for everyone, but for me it was & I was not prepared at all for that. If I had been, maybe I would have stuck with it with Bethany and nursed Connor as well. I think with baby #4 it finally occurred to me to stop being a masochist and to utilize pain relievers to get through the really bad days. After you make it through the tough initial phase, breast feeding really is much easier than bottle feeding. If it's important to you, and you have a tough time getting started, don't give up. You won't regret it.
  2. Making baby food is easy. I used to see articles about, in my mind, over-achieving mothers, happily pureeing baby food, and I would skip past them, thinking to myself that that would take way too much time and effort. Again it took me 4 kids to actually try it. It's really just a matter of steaming and pureeing. I have a Magic Bullet for the pureeing part, and now they sell a Baby Bullet made especially for baby food. I've even seen a nifty gadget called the Baby Brezza that steams and purees. But a regular old vegetable steamer does the steaming part just fine, and I'm sure a plain old blender would suffice for the pureeing part. Homemade baby food is cheaper and the best part is knowing exactly what your baby is eating, with no additives.
  3. You can buy diapers on Amazon at a 30% discount if you sign up for their Subscribe and Save program. Basically you subscribe to automatic deliveries of diapers or other baby products at regular intervals (for example, every month, every 2 months, etc.). I normally don't like that sort of commitment, but you can easily log into your Amazon account at any time to change or cancel your subscription, and they notify you before sending another shipment. Sometimes the prices plummet even further. I just bought a box of 180 Luvs diapers size 4 for $25, delivered to my doorstep for free. Since prices on Amazon do often fluctuate, be sure to check to make sure the price is still right before your next shipment goes out. Also, just a note - not all items have the option of Subscribe and Save. If the item does offer that choice, it will be listed on the right side of the listing page under the price.
  4. Beware of accepting hand-me-downs or purchasing second hand when it comes to baby gear such as car seats and cribs. Car seats actually expire, and they should not be used after the expiration date (usually printed somewhere on the seat) for safety reasons. Also, car seats should be disposed of if they've been in an accident, even if they appear to be intact. Crib safety regulations have changed drastically over the years. Perhaps you've heard that cribs with drop down sides have recently been outlawed. Do yourself a favor and do an online search for recalls before using a second hand product. A reader sent me a link to this recall for ducduc cribs.
  5. Time really does fly at a much higher rate of speed once you become a parent. Savor, savor, savor! When my first born arrived, we were so excited and looked forward to each new phase with great anticipation. By baby #4 we finally started to get the hang of slowing down and enjoying the now instead of always looking forward to what the next stage would bring.
  6. There is something about the words "please quiet down, I have a headache" that is, for some mysterious reason, simply incomprehensible to kids of all ages. Just so you know.
I'm sure there are lots more items that could be added to this list. If you have something you'd like to add, be sure to leave a comment below.



 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Snapshot of My Life: First Communion Sunday



As I mentioned previously, we celebrated Connor's First Communion this past weekend. Here are some highlights...

  • One very, very late night spent in a tizzy of preparation
  • Six outfits picked out, ironed, and argued over (ahem...pre-adolescent daughter...)
  • Nine quiches and several dozen raspberry and blueberry muffins made 100% from scratch (thank you, mother-in-law), as well as several dozen brownies made from Ghiradelli box mixes (hey, better than from scratch!)
  • Five people running to the van in the freezing cold rain (#6 was being carried) and then running from the van into church... on time! Remember when I said something about spring time in Michigan being worth the wait? Scratch that.
  • One handsome little red-headed boy with the hugest, sweetest smile on his face
  • One adorable little red-headed toddler who entertained (I can only hope) the half of the church who could hear her constant chatter
  • One 9-year old daughter trying to sneak in some games on the iPod during the service...ummm no?!
  • One 4-year old daughter trying to stretch out and take a nap during the service because, well, she was tired
  • 41 friends and family members, including 17 kids, having brunch at our house and helping us celebrate Connor's special day
  • One beyond-tired mama laying down on the couch at about 8:01 with the intention of watching a John Hughes documentary...and falling dead asleep about 10 minutes into it
  • One full day of recovery (including 1 chiropractor visit, 1 Motrin 800, and about 1 hour in the hot tub)

It was a great day, and I feel incredibly blessed that so many people we love were able to share it with us.