While reading from the children's bible the other night with Baby Girl, I had a 'whoa' moment. We were reading the story about the children and Jesus..."let the children come to me"....well, in our watered down kiddie version...in plain words...it said that Jesus said he was not too busy for the children to come to Him....
Wow. I had to stop for a moment. How many times just this week have I said "Girls please go play Mama is too busy right now."? Wow. I had a very prayerful night over that one. Now when I start to say that I am too busy, I need to think...can I stop for a moment and read a story, play a game, get that hug...whatever it may be...
My challenge....next time I am about to say I am too busy right now...put the children first. They are the reason I stay home. They are the reason I am a mom...not the computer, the phone, the cleaning, whatever it is that is making me "too busy"...
Are you up for the challenge?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Baby Fashionistas?
Ok, I have never been a SLAVE to fashion, but I always tried to look nice and sort of be in style. Then I got married...as long as Hubby was happy I looked good, right? I have never turned down hand me downs...and I always said yes to the hand me downs from my more Fashionista type friends...
Then kids...and add in the fact that I spend more of my life in PJs and dance clothes (glorified PJs on some days!)
Well, Baby Girl has almost always had a bow in her hair that matched her outfit that well, was very stylish! The more oohs and ahhs I got when in public...the better mommy I am, right??? Then Gator came along...well, her personal style is a little different that Baby Girl's...but I do manage to get a bow or two in her hair during the week and I always try to match the girls...at least in the same color scheme (way easier to spot your child from across the grocery store, since they managed to escape from the buggy, when they are in the same color).
Again, the more oohs and ahhs I can recieve from strangers...the higher my mommy-confidence goes. Now I know your are picturing well groomed children in sweet matching white outfits with bright big blue bows in their perfectly combed hair, being pushed in a buggy by a woman with the same adult version outfit on, perfect nails, hair and make-up...matching shoes and handbag...ok. You. Are. Wrong. (By the way, does that exist in a world without Nannies and salaries without muliple commas? If so, share your secret please!)
Reality: Children are cute, and wearing very stylish (hand me down/consignment sale) clothes, rather matchy (for safety reasons), with cute hair bows (as long as Gator hasn't pulled hers and Baby Girl's out).
Reality: Mama...wearing the jeans(either bought many moons ago or handme downs) that are the cleanest that she could find (or the only ones she can find, sprayed with frebreeze) with a nearly clean shirt....hopefully her right shoe matches her left shoe...hair is always up...ponytail, bun, clip....anything to make it appear cleaner than it is....make-up??? are you nuts? I am still trying to remember if I had time to brush my teeth...ok wait, if medicated chapstick counts as perfect make-up, then yes, perfect make-up.
Oh, Lord forbid, the entire family has to be somewhere, looking nice and put together...I start getting us all ready days in advance!!!
I know I am not the only one. I may be the only one willing to admit it. It's the truth...as long as the kids are cute and put together...people in public nearly always comment on the kids, interact with the kids...nobody really looks at Mama...and its ok, since its not the prettiest sight to be had. (maybe people aren't looking becasue they are praying you won't notice their right and left shoe don't match!)
To all the Mommies out there...hang in there...it's the best job, it's the toughest job, and it is the most worthwhile job that I have ever had...hang in there, we're in this together!
Then kids...and add in the fact that I spend more of my life in PJs and dance clothes (glorified PJs on some days!)
Well, Baby Girl has almost always had a bow in her hair that matched her outfit that well, was very stylish! The more oohs and ahhs I got when in public...the better mommy I am, right??? Then Gator came along...well, her personal style is a little different that Baby Girl's...but I do manage to get a bow or two in her hair during the week and I always try to match the girls...at least in the same color scheme (way easier to spot your child from across the grocery store, since they managed to escape from the buggy, when they are in the same color).
Again, the more oohs and ahhs I can recieve from strangers...the higher my mommy-confidence goes. Now I know your are picturing well groomed children in sweet matching white outfits with bright big blue bows in their perfectly combed hair, being pushed in a buggy by a woman with the same adult version outfit on, perfect nails, hair and make-up...matching shoes and handbag...ok. You. Are. Wrong. (By the way, does that exist in a world without Nannies and salaries without muliple commas? If so, share your secret please!)
Reality: Children are cute, and wearing very stylish (hand me down/consignment sale) clothes, rather matchy (for safety reasons), with cute hair bows (as long as Gator hasn't pulled hers and Baby Girl's out).
Reality: Mama...wearing the jeans(either bought many moons ago or handme downs) that are the cleanest that she could find (or the only ones she can find, sprayed with frebreeze) with a nearly clean shirt....hopefully her right shoe matches her left shoe...hair is always up...ponytail, bun, clip....anything to make it appear cleaner than it is....make-up??? are you nuts? I am still trying to remember if I had time to brush my teeth...ok wait, if medicated chapstick counts as perfect make-up, then yes, perfect make-up.
Oh, Lord forbid, the entire family has to be somewhere, looking nice and put together...I start getting us all ready days in advance!!!
I know I am not the only one. I may be the only one willing to admit it. It's the truth...as long as the kids are cute and put together...people in public nearly always comment on the kids, interact with the kids...nobody really looks at Mama...and its ok, since its not the prettiest sight to be had. (maybe people aren't looking becasue they are praying you won't notice their right and left shoe don't match!)
To all the Mommies out there...hang in there...it's the best job, it's the toughest job, and it is the most worthwhile job that I have ever had...hang in there, we're in this together!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Happy Mama = Happy Baby and Toddler
It sounds so simple. Stay calm and the kids will stay calm. Talk nicely and the kids will talk nicely. All things that I strive for daily. If Mama stays on track and in control the day will also stay on track and in control...simple right??
Then why is reality so much different??? (Obviously, today is going smooth if I am finding time to blog, but on those other days...)
There are many days that start with such potential...the sun is shining, the kids are smiling...Mama got to the bathroom before noon!! Clothes are neat and folded nicely in drawers, Dishes are cleaned and placed in cabinets...food is warm and yummy..."things to do list" is empty (at least things are getting marked off)...
Then the day of Potential begins to melt away in exploding poopy diapers, 3 year old sass ("I NEVER get to sit in your lap!), the wrong snacks flying across the room, dirty clothes piling high near the wash machine, Mount Dishes replaces the kitchen sink, 1 year old walks around with bottle of hand soap hanging out of her mouth, 3 year old cries because said 1 year won't play with her/won't stop playing with her, great educational toys being strewn across the floor and being stepped on, toddler chairs being flipped by 1 year old (while she was standing in it), hair pulling, lots of crying and foot stomping...okay okay...the last two were Mama...but still, didn't it all start out to be the day that would define me as a great mom??
When does it happen? Why does it happen? When does Mama stop uttering "Lord, Love is Patient, Love is Kind" and start screaming "If you cry one more time, I am going to lose my cool!!!"? (Which haven't I already lost control of the day at that point???)
Have you figured it out??? What? When? Where? Who? How? (Though I think the "How?" in question here is "How to avoid meltdowns and/or gain back the control.")
Then why is reality so much different??? (Obviously, today is going smooth if I am finding time to blog, but on those other days...)
There are many days that start with such potential...the sun is shining, the kids are smiling...Mama got to the bathroom before noon!! Clothes are neat and folded nicely in drawers, Dishes are cleaned and placed in cabinets...food is warm and yummy..."things to do list" is empty (at least things are getting marked off)...
Then the day of Potential begins to melt away in exploding poopy diapers, 3 year old sass ("I NEVER get to sit in your lap!), the wrong snacks flying across the room, dirty clothes piling high near the wash machine, Mount Dishes replaces the kitchen sink, 1 year old walks around with bottle of hand soap hanging out of her mouth, 3 year old cries because said 1 year won't play with her/won't stop playing with her, great educational toys being strewn across the floor and being stepped on, toddler chairs being flipped by 1 year old (while she was standing in it), hair pulling, lots of crying and foot stomping...okay okay...the last two were Mama...but still, didn't it all start out to be the day that would define me as a great mom??
When does it happen? Why does it happen? When does Mama stop uttering "Lord, Love is Patient, Love is Kind" and start screaming "If you cry one more time, I am going to lose my cool!!!"? (Which haven't I already lost control of the day at that point???)
Have you figured it out??? What? When? Where? Who? How? (Though I think the "How?" in question here is "How to avoid meltdowns and/or gain back the control.")
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
I never...
Baby Girls latest misuse of the english language is making me crazy! (her misusage is usually very entertaining and humorous!)
"Mama,I never get a cookie after supper!" (Almost always a dessert of some sort is offered, she usually doesn't eat much of the junk food variety)
"Mama, I never get to go see Mimi!" (We see Mimi at least once a week, and most weeks more than that!!!)
"Mama, I never get to help you!" (She always gets to do something as long as it is safe for her to help...no using my knives to chop the veggies!)
Oh, this list goes on....and it makes me mad...really mad. She doesn't understand what "never"means, but it still makes me mad...because I try so hard to balance keeping her happy and keeping her safe. Plus, isn't the sassy, "You never let me do anything" phase supposed to start in the teens? Not preschool?
I never, I never, I never....I'll be glad when this phase is over!
What phase were you most glad to see gone?
"Mama,I never get a cookie after supper!" (Almost always a dessert of some sort is offered, she usually doesn't eat much of the junk food variety)
"Mama, I never get to go see Mimi!" (We see Mimi at least once a week, and most weeks more than that!!!)
"Mama, I never get to help you!" (She always gets to do something as long as it is safe for her to help...no using my knives to chop the veggies!)
Oh, this list goes on....and it makes me mad...really mad. She doesn't understand what "never"means, but it still makes me mad...because I try so hard to balance keeping her happy and keeping her safe. Plus, isn't the sassy, "You never let me do anything" phase supposed to start in the teens? Not preschool?
I never, I never, I never....I'll be glad when this phase is over!
What phase were you most glad to see gone?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Getting Ready for a Cooking Show
In 2003, I wanted something to do while Daddy was at work. He worked night and evening shifts up until about 4 years ago. But I didn't want to spend money. So I started as a Pampered Chef consultant. I am a pure hobbiest, much to the dismay of my Director. Anywho, that's the back story.
I had a show in January. I love Cooking Shows...I have so much fun getting ready for them. I love picking a recipe. I love finding the tips and "jokes" that will fill the time while the food cooks. I really do love Cooking Shows.
I don't love worrying that I am going to mess up. I don't love worrying that people won't have fun. I don't love people thinking I am pushing them to buy. (I really do just want everyone to have fun!)
I love that Baby Girl LOVES helping Mama get ready for the "chef parties". I love how Baby Girl knows the name of my products and what they do. I love that she can be a part of one of my many jobs. I love that I can use it as a learning tool...because what parent doesn't love to teach their children about life. I love helping her learn how to cook. I love that she likes to help Mama get the grocery shopping done for the "chef party". I love that she calls it my "chef parties". It's great.
It's hard to make a 3 year old understand (at least my 3 year old....she has a long attention span) that we sometimes have to stop packing for a show when Gator needs to eat or a diaper change or a nap. Baby Girl just doesn't get it. She thinks that I am not finishing it or won't go back to it. I guess in her eyes, if I am not packing she can't help, and if she can't help, Mama doesn't love her. Hey, mommies who work outside the home fulltime don't have the market cornered on "Mommy Guilt". She gets upset and says "I never get to help you!"
I have been doing this since 2003, so I have really streamlined what I do, and I have more shows under my belt, so I am a faster packer. Sorry Baby Girl!! Mama loves you!!!
shameless plug alert!!! Here's my website if you're interested www.PamperedChef.biz/JenniPennington
I had a show in January. I love Cooking Shows...I have so much fun getting ready for them. I love picking a recipe. I love finding the tips and "jokes" that will fill the time while the food cooks. I really do love Cooking Shows.
I don't love worrying that I am going to mess up. I don't love worrying that people won't have fun. I don't love people thinking I am pushing them to buy. (I really do just want everyone to have fun!)
I love that Baby Girl LOVES helping Mama get ready for the "chef parties". I love how Baby Girl knows the name of my products and what they do. I love that she can be a part of one of my many jobs. I love that I can use it as a learning tool...because what parent doesn't love to teach their children about life. I love helping her learn how to cook. I love that she likes to help Mama get the grocery shopping done for the "chef party". I love that she calls it my "chef parties". It's great.
It's hard to make a 3 year old understand (at least my 3 year old....she has a long attention span) that we sometimes have to stop packing for a show when Gator needs to eat or a diaper change or a nap. Baby Girl just doesn't get it. She thinks that I am not finishing it or won't go back to it. I guess in her eyes, if I am not packing she can't help, and if she can't help, Mama doesn't love her. Hey, mommies who work outside the home fulltime don't have the market cornered on "Mommy Guilt". She gets upset and says "I never get to help you!"
I have been doing this since 2003, so I have really streamlined what I do, and I have more shows under my belt, so I am a faster packer. Sorry Baby Girl!! Mama loves you!!!
shameless plug alert!!! Here's my website if you're interested www.PamperedChef.biz/JenniPennington
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Toys are Winning...
I asked Santa to bring me some things to help me get the toys that runneth over organized (should I mention that I rarely buy toys...in fact most all toys are Birthday and Christmas Toys from family and friends)...and Santa helped out...but...
I still feel like I am lost in an overflowing sea of toys...
Anyone else swimming toys...I have purged! I don't buy! I swear they are bunnies and multiply while I sleep!!
I still feel like I am lost in an overflowing sea of toys...
Anyone else swimming toys...I have purged! I don't buy! I swear they are bunnies and multiply while I sleep!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February Sensory Bin
I have always made sure that Baby Girl has plenty of toys that give her opportunities to learn. She has always been interested in learning. I have looked into homeschooling, and I have come across some great sites!!
One site I came across talks about Sensory Bins. (Totally Tots...see button...) My goal for February is to get a little more schooling into our homeschooling...I mean she is only 3...but on the other hand she is 3 and needs to start some formal leaning. (More about that on another day)
I brought out the Sensory Bin I have made for February, well in process of making, I really need to get some hearts and stuff, any who....first thing that happened...
In their defense...we are new to the tub concept!! I guess we can file this under, the boxes get more play time at Christmas than the toy!!
Well, I will keep you updated on our journey into education.
One site I came across talks about Sensory Bins. (Totally Tots...see button...) My goal for February is to get a little more schooling into our homeschooling...I mean she is only 3...but on the other hand she is 3 and needs to start some formal leaning. (More about that on another day)
I brought out the Sensory Bin I have made for February, well in process of making, I really need to get some hearts and stuff, any who....first thing that happened...
In their defense...we are new to the tub concept!! I guess we can file this under, the boxes get more play time at Christmas than the toy!!
Well, I will keep you updated on our journey into education.
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