This Post Brought to You by the Letter "e"

It's funny how we take things for granted. Putting one foot in front of the other, feeding ourselves without dropping everything on the floor, reading, writing...these are all things that we know how to do now, but can't remember ever learning. We just do them. Well, when you're a kid, these things are like learning ten languages at once. I never really thought about it until I started teaching my daughter how to write her alphabet.

Sure, she's learning these things at school, but I'm a firm believer that these lessons need to be reinforced at home. So, over the summer my now four year-old and I took on the mission of learning to write her name. Let me tell you, it has been a lot harder than I thought. I mean, how hard can it be to look at a letter and then imitate it over and over again? Well, it's hard. Really hard.

I have to say I am lucky because my daughter actually wants to learn and thinks its fun. Oh yeah, she is my kid! So, almost everyday over the summer we practiced writing her name over and over again. I can honestly tell you she improved each and every time. We kept looking back at her old writing and we could both definitely see the difference.

By the time school started earlier this month, we had her name done...all except that pesky "e". Big "E" was easy, but his little brother proved to be a pain in the alphabet. No matter how hard we tried or how much we practiced there was just something about it that stumped my daughter more than the hardest "Where's Waldo" picture you could find. But that all changed a few nights ago when she picked up an empty toilet paper roll. You see, one night after bath I changed the toilet paper roll and she took it to play with so she could be a pirate. After a few minutes of looking for treasure, she took it into her playroom. I was in the kitchen when all of a sudden I heard, "Mommy, you have to come here and see this." Inside I was thinking, oh no, what happened now? Is there more crayon on the wall? Did Barbie lose an arm? Thankfully it was none of those. Surprisingly though it was the letter "e" written pretty nicely in purple crayon on the empty toilet paper roll.

"I did it, I did it!" My daughter yelled loudly, beaming with pride. She knew the pesky "e" was that summer fly we could never get rid of. But that night, she swatted it. I was so proud! I felt like our hours of practice really did pay off. I don't know what happened, but something must have clicked at the moment allowing her to write that "e". She was so excited. She brought it to school the next day to show her teachers. I believe now it's on a bulletin board in class! At least, that's what she told me, although I haven't seen it yet!

With all of that said, duplicating that "e" has been difficult. We don't get it all the time. But, we try. That's all I can ask for. I'm so glad my daughter is learning that hard work (and toilet paper rolls) do pay off. Now, on to that empty paper towel roll...

Taking a Leap of Faith

If you visit my blog often you know I usually write about the adventures and misadventures of my two little girls as well as parentingisms that really irk me. While that's all fine and dandy, I'm kinda going off the beaten path today. Recently I've read and heard about so many people taking leaps of faith in their lives that it really got me thinking, which in turn inspired me to write this post.

We've all heard the clichés like "we only go around once" or "you only get one life, so you better live it"...etc. I'll admit those get so annoying to hear because we all know we have bills to pay and responsibilities to meet which makes it impossible to live our dreams of becoming bartenders on a tropical island.

Someone used to tell me all the time "find your passion". I always thought it was a weird thing to say to someone, but over the past couple of years, I'm beginning to understand. Everyone has that "something" in life that puts a smile on their face no matter what or motivates them to the highest point. I think we all know what "it" is but are too afraid to pursue it many times. Usually it takes some kind of tragedy for people to really open their eyes to what is important to them. So, it's refreshing to hear about more and more people seizing the moment now before it is too late.

With all that said, there are so many people who are giving up their jobs to follow their passions. Whether it be teaching yoga, moving to a foreign country, or becoming an entrepreneur, they are making the decision to just do it. They are throwing the typical "9-5" stuff aside to do what they truly enjoy. That takes a lot of guts and faith if you ask me.

I'd like to think I took a mini-leap of faith two years ago when I quit my job to stay at home with my kids. Sure, I could have sent them to daycare, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that. I'm sure many people thought I was crazy to leave a job I was good at with a decent salary to stay home. I thought I was a little crazy too! Truth be told though, my heart wasn't in my job anymore. Many days I felt like I was just going through the motions.  I was truly happy when I was with my family and when I was writing what I wanted to write. So I've used my time to start some writing projects that I will hopefully be able to share in the future as well as take care of my family. I would be lying if I didn't admit there have been a lot of up hill battles and adjustments, but I've just kept climbing the mountain every time I've slipped. That's what happens when you take a leap of faith. You have to expect some bumps along the road and just move on without looking back.

I'm sure many people who've chosen a different path realize it's not always sunshine and roses, but I think it's better than not trying something new at all. Don't you? You can always fail, but at least you won't have regrets. I think those are the worst.

So take a leap of faith, step out of your comfort zone, even if it's only to try a new food or nail polish color! Baby steps, baby steps...who knows...they may lead to bigger and better things you could have never dreamed.

The Mother of All Guilt Trips

Guilt. The dictionary describes it as "feelings of culpability especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy". Hmm...that's a lot of fancy words...none of which my four-year-old understands. But, don't underestimate her. She may not get the standard definition, but she sure knows how to make you feel guilty, or in four-year-old terms...poopy and sad.

Here's the story...I recently went to visit a friend out of state to catch a concert. I know, such a horrible mother! My younger daughter was oblivious to my plans, but I wasn't so lucky with her sister. You see, my older daughter could work for the FBI. Just like any child her age, she asks tons of questions and demands answers. She asks what we're doing days before I even know. So, when she asked what we were doing on Thursday, I told her where I was going and that I wasn't going to be back until the day after. Well, cue the dirty looks and inquisition. "Why do you have to go? Why are you coming home tomorrow? Where are you going to sleep?"...I could on and on. She didn't like any of my answers. Fast forward to Thursday morning when she asked again what was going on, knowing full well the plans for the day. When I "refreshed" her memory...she said, and I quote, "Well, I'm not happy about that at all." I admit, I laughed because I did not expect her to say that at all.

The time before I left was filled with plenty of tears and "mommy don't go's". I felt like someone just handed me a one way ticket to mommy guilt island...minus the fruity drinks and tiny pink umbrellas. I truly did feel horrible and like I was doing something wrong. But then I thought, when was the last time I truly did something like this? Answer: A couple of years. I think I was overdue, but that still didn't squash all the guilt I felt. So, after lots of hugs and plenty more tears, I left. I felt like the worst mother in the world.

Of course I checked in from time to time, only to find out there were several meltdowns while I was gone. I also got the phone call of tears and "I miss yous". Of course I missed them too, but I was having a good time. I knew she and her sister were in capable hands and were going to be fine. I knew they were going to miss me, but I also knew they have to learn that mommy sometimes needs time away.

I thought a lot about how I was feeling during my drive alone...without twenty questions and constant arguing and whining. Why do a lot of us moms feel so guilty when we take time for ourselves? And by time, I don't mean time to fold clothes or unload the dishwasher. I mean time away doing something fun. It's pretty stinky if you ask me. I doubt many fathers feel this way if they go watch a game or play a round of golf. So, why do we? Maybe it's something that goes along with having a uterus. Who knows? Whatever the case, I wish I didn't always feel so darn guilty! Anyone else out there feel the same way or is it just me?

There were plenty of hugs and kisses when I got home. They missed me and I truly missed them. But, there's nothing wrong with a little mommy time, even if does come with a complimentary guilt trip.

Trapper Keepers & A New School Year

Ever since I was a kid I've always loved the first day school. I loved the smell of new notebooks and pencils. I loved picking out new shoes for my school uniform and I really, really loved picking out a new Trapper Keeper. Yeah, I know I'm a weirdo. But, it's the honest truth.

Besides the new Trapper Keeper and color coded folders, I think I've always liked a new school year because it signifies a beginning. Everyone gets a fresh start. There is the promise of something new. There is the anticipation and, of course, the fear of what lies ahead. There is so much to learn, so much to be discovered.

Although my school days are a part of history, I can still enjoy the start of a new school year vicariously through my children. I knew I had them for a reason! Even though my daughter is only in Pre-K and not yet fully invested in the whole school thing, I'm still excited.What can I say? I guess I'm still a bit of a nerd at heart.

I can't wait to see all the projects she's going to bring home. I can't wait to hear about all the things she is going to learn.  I can't wait to pack her little snacks. I could on for days about all the things that I'm excited about, but you would probably fall asleep.

I always think of the beginning of the school year as a great time to start new things and new routines, no matter what age you are. It's a great time to kick start a workout regime or maybe just work towards some type of personal goal. I know I have a lot of things in mind myself once I turn that calendar to September, which by the way is something else I love...switching the calendar to start a new month, but I digress. Anyway, I think you get the drift. This self-proclaimed nerd can't wait for the start of the school year! Maybe I'll even go out and buy myself a Trapper Keeper just for nostalgia :)
 

Girl Scores Big With Sofa Ads

As a mom, it's really funny to see the types of things kids latch on to. Some kids like certain shows due to a specific character that grabs their attention. Others latch on to a catchy theme song, while others like commercials. I know my kids like those M&M commercials where the little pieces of colored chocolate sing. I have to admit they are pretty entertaining.

For one girl in the U.K., it wasn't candy, but rather sofas that really got her going. Ten-year-old Amelia Howarth loves ads for ScS sofas. So, she decided to write to the company to let them know. Not only does she love the ads, she also apparently acts them out for her family. Talk about a fan! The company was nice enough not only to respond to her e-mail, but also to invite her family down for a behind the scenes look at how the ads are made. They even got to meet the little girl who appears in the ads Amelia loves so much. Amelia even got to share her ideas. How cool!

It's really great to hear a company responding to a little girl so well. She will remember something like this her entire life. It just goes to show you that there are still some companies out there who care about their customers as well as kids.Who knows, maybe little Amelia will become the next big advertising executive thanks to all this attention and interest. And to think it all started with a commercial. Sometimes little things do lead to big things.

Sleep in Your Own %$!@# Bed

Before I became a parent, I swore on my Dunkin' iced coffee that I would never allow my children to sleep in my bed. Ever. Well, maybe when they were sick. But, that was it. No other time would they ever be allowed into my sacred place. Fast forward a few years and a couple of kids later and you'll see a regular visitor in my bed nearly every night.

I don't know what it is, but my four-year-old loves my bed more than a Caillou marathon. If you knew my child, you would know that is saying a lot. The funny thing is, she never used to be that way. But, it seems as though she booked part of her summer vacation in our bed...with a one way ticket. She falls asleep in her own bed, but then there's some mystery as to what happens in the middle of the night. All of a sudden, I hear the pitter patter of little feet down the hallway followed by someone climbing on my back to get right in the middle of the bed to find "her" spot. Within seconds she is fast asleep. I, on the other hand, am slightly annoyed and uncomfortable. Take this routine and multiply it by seven and you have my week.

Aggravated with the sleeping conditions in my house, I naturally turned to the internet to help. All of those baby sites must have some heavenly advice to get my child back in bed and me not clinging on to the edge of the bed like I'm going to fall off a cliff. Of course many of the "experts" say you just have to keep walking them back to their beds. Trust me, I've done that plenty of times. It only leads to a repeat performance an hour or so later and me drinking a gallon of coffee the next day. A real lose-lose if you ask me. Other sites suggested putting a sleeping bag along my bed so she is in the room but not attached to my back. I can tell you that would go over like throwing away all the Caillou videos in my house. So, that option is out the window. There was one suggestion that peaked my interest...the sleep fairy. I had never heard of this magical creature. I think she's the tooth fairy's third cousin. See, she leaves little gifts under kids' pillows when they sleep in their beds the whole night. If you're not in your bed, she can't find you, thus you lose out. I really thought this would work. I told my daughter all about this wonderful fairy who was going to make all of our dreams come true. Her eyes lit up and I thought we were really onto something. After a couple of nights of still sleeping in our bed, she asked why the sleep fairy didn't come and leave her a gift. I explained for the 100th time that she had to sleep in her bed for this gimmick to work. She said "oh" and finished her pretend picnic. Let me tell you, she could care less. The sleep fairy better find another house. Ugh.

My next step was to talk to the pediatrician during her yearly check-up. She also suggested the sleeping bag thing. When I told her that would never work, she suggested a sticker chart with a reward system. You see, I had been taking things away because my daughter wasn't sleeping in her bed. I was told to try positive reinforcement instead. How about me booking a room at the Hyatt? That sounds pretty positive to me. So instead, I introduced the whole sticker chart thing with a tier of prizes. The first would be a trip to Nuvita for frozen yogurt. She loves that place so I thought this had to work. Well, a week later I have sheets of princess stickers, an empty calendar, and a craving for Nuvita. Ugh.

The doctor did say she would grow out of this. I mean how many 15 year-olds do you know who still sleep in their parent's beds? So, I guess there is still hope. Until then, perhaps I have to bring the sleep fairy with us to Nuvita with stickers and a calendar for all of this to work.

Why You Need to Read This Blog

As a mom and blogger I read a lot of stuff online. Some things make me laugh. Some things make me cry. Some things I don't even finish reading because they are a waste of my time. Then there are some things that become so stuck in my brain that it's just crazy. Recently, a blog I read did just that.

A friend of mine shared a post by Rachel Martin about why being mom is enough. I have to admit I've read and wrote plenty of these kinds of posts so many times before that I almost glazed right over it. But that morning as I was scrolling down my Facebook page, I was thinking about life and how sometimes staying/working from home drives me nuts. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and am happy with my life as it is right now, but sometimes I look at my "to do" list and think how pathetic it looks. When you're biggest decision of the day is whether to cook mac and cheese or chicken nuggets for lunch, you begin to reassess your life and your choices. I didn't need an expensive college education for that, now did I? Unfortunately, society makes women think there is something wrong with us if we choose to "just be a mom". With that said, I decided to click on this link. I am so glad I did.

As I was reading it, I felt like Rachel had been in my house watching my every move because it sounded like a scene right out of my day. From the morning routine to the almost pulling your hair out by noon, I thought Oh my God, this is me! Although you know other moms are going through the same stuff, on this day, it was especially comforting to read her words. I felt like she was actually talking to me, telling me to just chill out and be grateful. It's okay to just be a mom.

Through all the hustle and bustle of the day, it's so easy to forget the little things that make motherhood enjoyable. Reading books, playing outside, playing dolls...I think you get the idea. We get so caught up with trying to be some type of supermom, that we forget that these little things are really the big things.

So, although I may not be making life altering decisions all day, the time I spend just being a mom really is enough...even on the days when I think it's not. That's why I found this blog so uplifting. When you stay at home with your kids you don't have a fancy project to be proud of at the end of the week or some big paycheck to cash, and that can become depressing at times. But, you do have lots of hugs and smiles that really do mean a lot more, even if we forget them at times.

If you're a mom in need of some words of encouragement, check out this blog. You'll thank me later.