Learning and creating as a SAHM of two
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There really is no preparing for motherhood. For one, you have no idea what it is like to be entirely responsible for an actual human child’s well being until you are. For another, every child, day, and situation is so different. But, let me give you a little idea of what might have prepared me for motherhood. Or, you know, scared me off.
Continue reading “10 Silly Ways to Prepare for Motherhood”This post contains affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through these links.
I was never really into Halloween costumes. I felt silly dressing up and hated the attention. Now that I have kids, I get excited about it! I personally love “homemade” costumes. I don’t mean every stitch has to be sewn at home. I just mean costumes that are put together by the person and not just bought all together at the store.
There’s nothing wrong with store bought costumes, of course. I just love the creativity and uniqueness that comes with putting a costume together. Plus, I love not wasting money, and when you put your own costume together, you’re more likely to reuse parts of it. Sooooo… I’ve compiled some of our simple, more “homemade” costumes for those who might be interested.
Continue reading ““Homemade” Halloween Costumes”This post contains affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through these links.
Like most parents, I want to give my kids the best of everything. But trying to find the best product for the best price and the best value that is worth it and will last can be overwhelming. In the mere five years since I became a mother, my house has exploded with toys. Birthdays, Christmas, hand-me-downs, and all the other random times we bring toys home have really added up.
Continue reading “Toddler Toys That Last”This post contains affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through these links.
Ah, motherhood. The only thing I was ever sure about wanting to do in my life. The hardest thing I’ve ever done. I love my kids. I have lots of little moments I love. I also have lots of moments where I struggle. Kids have made so many things harder while teaching me so much.
I want to be real here without being negative. Motherhood is a mix of rough times and beautiful moments. As I’ve reflected on what motherhood is for me, I’ve created this list from my own experiences. Enjoy!
Continue reading “Motherhood is…”This post contains affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through these links.
We headed out on our first family trip as a family of four. I see now that it was very ambitious. 686 miles. A four-year-old and a two-year-old. First drive over 3 hours with kids. All in one day. Then there was Disneyland and the beach. All very overwhelming with kids.
I looked up plenty of tips and tricks and tried to prepare as best I could. But to be honest, I jumped into that trip knowing I would learn a lot and make plenty of mistakes. There were so many firsts and so many things I couldn’t account for. Now, I’m not one of those people that road trips once a month or goes to Disney twice a year. I don’t have tried-and-true tips for you. But maybe you could learn a thing or two anyway…
Continue reading “Family Trip Tips from a Newbie”This post contains affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through these links.
Years ago, before I even had kids, I started pinning kids’ bookshelves on Pinterest. I got excited about collecting children’s books and having reading nooks. I have always been a reader and couldn’t wait to pass that on to my children.
Continue reading “IKEA Spice Racks for Bookshelves???”We always talk to kids about what they are going to be when they get bigger. If you ask just about any kid what they want to be, they’ll give you an answer. Even at two or three years old. Have you seen the chalkboards so many moms fill out at the beginning and end of every school year? Yep, they usually have a spot for what the child wants to be when he or she grows up. Continue reading ““When You Get Bigger…” Lessons From My Four-Year-Old”
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Until I had a child in preschool, I really just thought show-and-tell was about bringing the cool toy you got for Christmas or any other random thing the child decided to take. Little did I know that show-and-tell was every single week! Or that I had to find something to fit the theme of the week. Sometimes it’s something that reminds you of fall. Sometimes it’s a favorite Christmas decoration. Usually it has to start with a certain letter.
I’m sure I’m not the only parent who runs around the house looking in cupboards and toy baskets trying to find something that starts with “k” 10 minutes before it’s time to leave for school. Seriously, why is it so hard to think of things that start with a letter on the spot?
(Side note: When my oldest was maybe two we were working on letters. I had showed him a “p” and tried to think of things that started with “p.” “Pig” was easy…and then all I could think of was “pterodactyl,” which did start with “p” but was kind of missing the point.)
Anyway, aside from starting to get a few things out the night before for my son to pick from for show-and-tell, I decided to start a list of everything I could think of for each letter. I realize not everyone would have all of these things, but the more things listed, the more chance one of them will work for you!
Try to think of things only you would have, things that are a color that starts with the letter, or even just a picture or magnet of something. Check your pantry. Instead of just thinking all of your kid’s cars are “cars,” think about whether there is a race car, a Jeep, a pickup truck, or a monster truck. Get creative, start ahead of time, and have fun!
I thought parenting would be easier. I mean, I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t know how hard. I thought things were cut and dry. I thought timeouts were as simple as putting the kid on a chair and setting a timer. I thought if I fed my kids fruits and veggies from the start they would eat healthy. And I thought I’d make my kids say “please” and “thank you.” Continue reading “Why I Don’t Make My Toddler Say “Please””
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I LOVE books. Always have. I don’t have a lot of time for the kinds of books I used to read anymore, but I have some children’s books I have enjoyed reading with my son. You know, the types of books you can handle reading over and over again without going completely crazy. Continue reading “Our Top 10 Children’s Books”