Messy Marvins'!

I just wanted to thank God for making children washable.  I would have thrown out my three sons a long time ago. . .  . .

A good meal isn't great unless a child is wearing their food.

What are you thankful for?

Mother's Day Card

I received this wonderful card from my middle son last year.  He made it at school and surprised me with it over a simple breakfast (toast and jelly) in bed for Mother's Day.  I thought it was sweet and delightful.  It was too cute not to share and I can credit my son's teacher with the sweet idea.

*This simple card incorporates "coupons" and gift giving in one.  The card "creator" makes a bouquet of paper flowers with promises written on the stems.  A few examples are:

• I promise to make my bed every morning without complaining.
• This flower is good for one special chore.
• Present this flower for breakfast in bed.
• Redeem me for one night of dishes.

*After your flowers are made, make your vase.  Cut a simple shape out of paper and carefully glue the sides and bottom to the card.  Remember to leave the top open.

*Next, slip the stems into a slit at the top of the paper vase. 

*You can write a special poem or write a fun story on the inside of the card to personalize the gift.  My son's teacher used a simple template for the children.  Here is what her inside reads:

My Mom is as sweet as ____________________________________________.

My Mom is as beautiful as _______________________________________________.

I love my Mom, because ________________________________________________.

*Spritz with a little perfume and find a special person to deliver your card to.

Happy Mother's Day!

Fish Sticks and Mojitos

Tonight I had an epiphany of sorts and it all started when I sat down on the couch to feast on a reheated plate of soggy fish sticks and a frozen mojito. 

I lounged there in my pajamas munching the mystery fish and watching MANOR HOUSE (a series that aired years ago on PBS).  It had been a typical crazy night in our house and finally, I had the boys fed and tucked snug into their beds. We had early morning activities, an early bus route, preschool, soccer games, and track practice.  I was exhausted-  so naturally I vegged out in front of the flickering tellie.

It finally dawned on me that I was not accomplishing anything.  Well, I guess I was learning a little about Edwardian underwear and exploring the plight of a scullery maid. . . BUT was I "getting my business done?"

What? 

Yes, I just quoted the television series THE MIDDLE.  I am not completely insane, but my sons and I watch that series every week.  Last night's episode was about accomplishing tasks in your life that matter.  It was a meaningful message with a sense of humor slapped on the side, but the theme must have stuck in my head.

Yes, I have managed to juggle my family and keep everyone on track, but I was missing something.  I know this sounds selfish, but what was I doing to get my business done?  We have been doing a little remodeling and my oldest son was confirmed on Palm Sunday.  I have taken a self imposed hiatus from the blogging world due to being preoccupied planning a wedding and organizing Vacation Bible School. 

Tonight, I have decided to saddle up and ride this horse-  I mean, blog again.

So now I am left to ponder the world of Upstairs, Downstairs and my next blog post topic. 

Maybe, it will focus on the sickening feeling I get whenever I hear Celine Dion's TITANIC love song.  Really?  Couldn't they find a different song for the 3D version?  It was bad enough 14 years ago during the first release when all the radio stations cued up the song every 15 minutes. 

However, I am starting to channel my inner Bridget Jones and may need to seriously contemplate what exactly they put in a mojito.  Lime and mint?  These pouches are tasty. . .

What will you do to "get your business done"?

GIVEAWAY! Win PrintRunner Postcards! OPEN!

We need a little excitement around these parts to help chase the winter blues away.  Cue the drum roll please...



Who wants a chance to win a fun and interesting product? 

I am proud to announce a fun giveaway from PrintRunner! 

PrintRunner is your convenient online printing resource. Check out their postcard printing services online. 

PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later our company became one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. Our commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price made our company grow. PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California.


One lucky winner will receive:

Details of the giveaway prize: Postcards
Postcard Size : Postcards 5x7
Quantity : 100
Colors : 4/0 Front Only Printing
Paper : 14 PT. UV Coating on Front,
Rounded Corners : Yes
Proof : None
Ready to Ship In : 4 Business Days

*Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above.



a Rafflecopter giveaway


The giveaway will begin today and end on March 12th!  We will notify the winner on or before March 15th!  One lucky reader will be basking in postcard bliss.

Thank you to PrintRunner for providing us this giveaway, I will receive a set of postcards for hosting this.

Cross Easter Basket Idea

Easter is hopping up on me this year.  I have been stressed with planning my son's confirmation and keeping up with the family.  I didn't realize that we are only a few weeks from Easter Sunday until today.  I probably should have realized it, because of Lent. . .  

Yes, it's been one of those weeks...

This "cross" basket is an easy craft that works for all ages.  My children brought home a similar version from church last year so I used their simple idea for craft time this week.  We used simple brown paper lunch bags, but you can find printed and colored bags in stores.  The children also decorated their bags with stickers, markers, and crayons.  Get creative!

Here's how we cut our baskets:

First, draw a cross on one flat bag.  Have the cross fill the entire length and make it wide enough so it will not tear easy.

Carefully, cut out the cross pattern.  Remember, you don't want to cut all the edges.

Decorate your bags.

Open the basket and fill with grass, eggs, or candy. 

  

Is Your Child's Speech Development Normal?

As a parent I worry.  I stress about runny noses and small coughs.  I hover over scrapes and bruises.  I contemplate whether my son's have good friends.  I mull over processed foods and foreign chemicals in our dinner.  I lose sleep at night crunching numbers and comparing my bank account to the cost of college tuition.  Needless to say, as a mother, I am always fretting over something.

One of the biggest hurdles I had to overcome was the fear my children suffered from speech delays.  I looked up resources on speech development and normal ranges for a child's word development.  I listened to every coo and babble, yearning to hear "real" words when my son's were smaller.  As a former educator, we were constantly being told about the importance of development during the early childhood years.  Even frequent ear infections as a baby or toddler can hinder later speech development. 

I probably over reacted with my own children, although my youngest was a very late talker and sometimes struggles with his pronouns.  In his defense, it is hard to get a word in when you have two very opinionated older brothers.  I kept an eye on all of their development, but on occasion I did lose sleep over the matter. 

As a daycare provider, I have witnessed children who require special speech services.  Sometimes a problem can be caused by large tonsils or how they move their tongue when forming words.  Hearing problems can also cause slow speech development.   A parent who feels that their child may suffer from a speech delay or hearing issue can get help and the earlier the better. 

Did you know that most states offer FREE screenings and services for ALL children, even if they are not school age?

If you think your child may need to be evaluated, call your local school district and ask about screenings and what is available to your family. I can't stress the importance of early intervention and the impact it will have on future education.

Remember- all children develop differently and some basic sounds children will not be able to make until they are 7 or 8!  If you do have concerns, please look into it.  I have included some links that offer a basic list of "normal" speech guidelines. 

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association-  How does your child hear and talk?

Speech-Language-Therapy.com-  Typical Speech and Language Acquisition in Infants and Young Children

LD Online-  Speech and Language Milestones


If you feel your child's speech may be lacking-  RELAX.  You can get help and a lot of these professionals are wonderful.  I have dealt with several amazing speech therapists and audiologists that work small miracles.

Tip Junkie Idea Round-Up

One of my favorite blogs is Tip Junkie.  She has a wide collection of wonderful ideas.  Stop by and check her out.  Right now she is hosting a link to share great ideas with each other.