Monthly Goal: Make your children your number one focus.
Today's Activity: Happy 4th of July. Make today all about fun. Chores can be done on Saturday. Enjoy the day with your children by going to the movies, playing in the mud, running through the sprinklers, or going to a BBQ with friends.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Tuesday July 3rd, 2012
Monthly Goal: Last month we focused on us. This month we are going to continue to get our me time but also have more snuggle time with our kids. This morning it was so nice to just allow myself to relax and chill on the couch with my kids. It was a wonderful way to start out the day.
Today's Activity: If your little ones ask you a question or just start jabbering away stop what you are doing (no matter how high it is at the top of your to do list) and take just a quick moment to answer their questions or show genuine interest in the story they are telling.
Evaluate: After my nice week long vacation from being mom this wasn't too tough for me. Allowing myself that break has really helped me to appreciate my kids and remember that caring for them is my top priority. I'm now refreshed and ready to pay closer attention to them. Because we just got back from a trip I had some financial things to take care of. Usually when I'm focused on money I'm very stand offish with the kids and I tell them, "I'm busy. I need to finish this. You need to be quiet or go outside until I'm done." That didn't happen today though and I'll tell you what, balancing the check book was WAY more fun with random comments from the kids along the way. I plan to do it this way more often. The kids were happy and it made my boring and stressful chore much more enjoyable.
Today's Activity: If your little ones ask you a question or just start jabbering away stop what you are doing (no matter how high it is at the top of your to do list) and take just a quick moment to answer their questions or show genuine interest in the story they are telling.
Evaluate: After my nice week long vacation from being mom this wasn't too tough for me. Allowing myself that break has really helped me to appreciate my kids and remember that caring for them is my top priority. I'm now refreshed and ready to pay closer attention to them. Because we just got back from a trip I had some financial things to take care of. Usually when I'm focused on money I'm very stand offish with the kids and I tell them, "I'm busy. I need to finish this. You need to be quiet or go outside until I'm done." That didn't happen today though and I'll tell you what, balancing the check book was WAY more fun with random comments from the kids along the way. I plan to do it this way more often. The kids were happy and it made my boring and stressful chore much more enjoyable.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Saturday June 30th, 2012
Monthly Goal: It's the last day of the month so if you have procrastinated your me time then today is the day to get it!!!
Today's Activity: Remember these activities are for while you are away. Leave them each an envelope with a dollar or two in it. Have the sitter take them to the dollar store to buy themselves something.
Today's Activity: Remember these activities are for while you are away. Leave them each an envelope with a dollar or two in it. Have the sitter take them to the dollar store to buy themselves something.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday June 29th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Me Time!
Today's Activity: The activities this week are ideas for when you are traveling without the kids. They are all things to help them know you care and give the babysitter a bit of a break. Leave them a gift with some new sidewalk chalk to open. Ask them to draw you a welcome home picture.
Today's Activity: The activities this week are ideas for when you are traveling without the kids. They are all things to help them know you care and give the babysitter a bit of a break. Leave them a gift with some new sidewalk chalk to open. Ask them to draw you a welcome home picture.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thursday June 28th, 2012
Monthly Goal: The end of the month is fast approaching. How has your habit of getting 10 minutes of me time gone?
Today's Activity: Have a picnic in the yard today.
Today's Activity: Have a picnic in the yard today.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Wednesday June 27th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Get at least 10 minutes of Me Time
Today's Activity: Call some "school friends" for a play date.
Today's Activity: Call some "school friends" for a play date.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Tuesday June 26th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Me time.
Today's Activity: Surprise the kids with new (inexpensive) toy's.
Today's Activity: Surprise the kids with new (inexpensive) toy's.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Sunday June 24th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Me Time
Today's activity: Usually I leave Sunday's up to you but this week I had to plan something special for the kids. Get them a new movie and some treats so they can' have a fun movie night.
Today's activity: Usually I leave Sunday's up to you but this week I had to plan something special for the kids. Get them a new movie and some treats so they can' have a fun movie night.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Saturday June 23rd, 2012
Monthly Goal: 10 minutes of me time.
Today marks my 12 year anniversary and it's about time we go on a trip without the kids. I got this great idea from my friend Tonii over at Blue Skies Ahead. Now I'm not as crazy detail oriented as her but this is my version of what she did. Each day my husband and I are gone the kids will open a gift from us. Feel free to just follow along with what my kids are doing or remember this for next time you are away. This is a fantastic way for them to know you are thinking of them and to give the babysitter some ideas to keep them entertained.
Today's Activity: Go to McDonald's today.
Today marks my 12 year anniversary and it's about time we go on a trip without the kids. I got this great idea from my friend Tonii over at Blue Skies Ahead. Now I'm not as crazy detail oriented as her but this is my version of what she did. Each day my husband and I are gone the kids will open a gift from us. Feel free to just follow along with what my kids are doing or remember this for next time you are away. This is a fantastic way for them to know you are thinking of them and to give the babysitter some ideas to keep them entertained.
Today's Activity: Go to McDonald's today.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Friday June 21st, 2012
Monthly Goal: Me time!
Today's Activity: Go on a special date with one of your children.
Evaluate: My husband and Max had a date night at home with X-Box and Ice Cream while Elese and I did at home pedicures and went to a free ballet down the road. Elese loved having the extra attention and doing "girl stuff." We also watched Girls Just Want to Have Fun while we did our nails. She's been saying over and over again since then, "Mom, girls just want to have fun, huh?" Cute girl! I loved that I knew this was happening so I was mentally prepared for completely focusing on her and I didn't get distracted by chores and such.
Today's Activity: Go on a special date with one of your children.
Evaluate: My husband and Max had a date night at home with X-Box and Ice Cream while Elese and I did at home pedicures and went to a free ballet down the road. Elese loved having the extra attention and doing "girl stuff." We also watched Girls Just Want to Have Fun while we did our nails. She's been saying over and over again since then, "Mom, girls just want to have fun, huh?" Cute girl! I loved that I knew this was happening so I was mentally prepared for completely focusing on her and I didn't get distracted by chores and such.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday June 21st, 2012
Monthly Goal: Today my me time was on the porch reading while Sam played in the dirt. Not exactly what I mean when I say get me time but you take what you can get.
Today's Activity: Head to the library today. Don't forget to renew or return your books from last week. Also, why not browse the DVD's and find a movie for you and your man to watch this weekend.
Today's Activity: Head to the library today. Don't forget to renew or return your books from last week. Also, why not browse the DVD's and find a movie for you and your man to watch this weekend.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wednesday June 20th, 2012
Monthly Goal: When MaMa ain't happy ain't nobody happy. Make sure you get some quiet time to yourself.
Today's activity: If your lawn is anything like mine it could use some extra watering and your kids could also get a few wiggles out. Set up the sprinklers and watch them run through them.
Evaluate: Well, my kids didn't get super wet but they did have fun running around screaming and chatting with me along the way. Sam hasn't had much sprinkler experience so he wasn't a big fan but he sure did love clinging to me and squealing. It was so much fun to see them having fun.
Today's activity: If your lawn is anything like mine it could use some extra watering and your kids could also get a few wiggles out. Set up the sprinklers and watch them run through them.
Evaluate: Well, my kids didn't get super wet but they did have fun running around screaming and chatting with me along the way. Sam hasn't had much sprinkler experience so he wasn't a big fan but he sure did love clinging to me and squealing. It was so much fun to see them having fun.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tuesday June 19th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Get your me time today. I've been putting mine off. I was hoping for a little time to read but the baby just woke up. Hopefully I can squeeze it in later on today.
Today's Activity: This is simple but your kids will love it. Sit and watch cartoons with them today. It's always good to know what they are watching and they will love to tell you all about their favorite cartoon characters.
Evaluate: My kids were watching the Justice League and I'm very familiar with it. At one point Bruce Wayne and Wonder Woman kiss and they were so excited for me to see because Wonder Woman say's "Sorry." and Bruce Wayne's response is, "Don't be!" They think that is pretty darn funny.
Today's Activity: This is simple but your kids will love it. Sit and watch cartoons with them today. It's always good to know what they are watching and they will love to tell you all about their favorite cartoon characters.
Evaluate: My kids were watching the Justice League and I'm very familiar with it. At one point Bruce Wayne and Wonder Woman kiss and they were so excited for me to see because Wonder Woman say's "Sorry." and Bruce Wayne's response is, "Don't be!" They think that is pretty darn funny.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday June 18th, 2012
Monthly Goal: I hope you got some "me time" today.
Today's Activity: Tonight after your kids are asleep sneak into their room and look at their sweet sleeping faces.
Evaluate: After a crazy busy day full of constant "mommy"'s, diaper changes, messes and laundry this was the prefect way to end the day. I loved just taking a moment to love and appreciate them without all the noise and chaos that comes with motherhood.
Today's Activity: Tonight after your kids are asleep sneak into their room and look at their sweet sleeping faces.
Evaluate: After a crazy busy day full of constant "mommy"'s, diaper changes, messes and laundry this was the prefect way to end the day. I loved just taking a moment to love and appreciate them without all the noise and chaos that comes with motherhood.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Saturday June 15th 2012
Monthly Goal: I'm just about to go have my much needed me time for the day.
Today's Activity: Tomorrow is Father's Day so don't forget to do something special for dad. Be sure to have the kids draw him a nice picture or card.
Today's Activity: Tomorrow is Father's Day so don't forget to do something special for dad. Be sure to have the kids draw him a nice picture or card.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Friday June 14th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Get your me time! Today I went to the semi-annual sale at Victoria's Secret for my me time. Also, make sure your man gets some me time this weekend in celebration of Father's Day.
Today's Activity: Hug your kids. Simple right? I'm not just talking a quick, love you have a good day hug. I mean a really nice meaningful totally focused on them hug.
Evaluate: My hug with Max was long and memorable. After about 5 minutes of hugging and listening to him talk about the X-box I did finally have to multitask and finish balancing the check book while still hugging him. I have to say, it made balancing the check book much less stressful. Samuel always gives me good hugs after his naps but usually we are in a hurry to go get something done so I rush it, change his diaper and head out the door. Today I just let myself enjoy it. I love his little baby hugs and kisses! Elese's hug was bitter sweet. It came after an evening in the ER with her getting stitches. I was out getting a hair cut when it happened so my amazing hubby got her all taken care of and I met them there. When I tucked her in I gave her a big hug and said a little prayer of gratitude that she was ok.
Today's Activity: Hug your kids. Simple right? I'm not just talking a quick, love you have a good day hug. I mean a really nice meaningful totally focused on them hug.
Evaluate: My hug with Max was long and memorable. After about 5 minutes of hugging and listening to him talk about the X-box I did finally have to multitask and finish balancing the check book while still hugging him. I have to say, it made balancing the check book much less stressful. Samuel always gives me good hugs after his naps but usually we are in a hurry to go get something done so I rush it, change his diaper and head out the door. Today I just let myself enjoy it. I love his little baby hugs and kisses! Elese's hug was bitter sweet. It came after an evening in the ER with her getting stitches. I was out getting a hair cut when it happened so my amazing hubby got her all taken care of and I met them there. When I tucked her in I gave her a big hug and said a little prayer of gratitude that she was ok.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Thursday June 14th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Get your "me time" today!
Today's Activity: Time to head back to the library. Don't forget to return any movies that you may have checked out last week. Also, if you want grab a parenting book while you are there. As we walked in I noticed a parenting book called "How Not to Kill Your Baby". From what I saw it looked pretty entertaining. It is a parenting book parody. So, if parenting books make you feel guilty pick that one up instead.
Evaluate: I always find the library so quiet and calm. Today after choosing their books we all sat in the baby section. While Sam took a large percentage of books off the shelf the rest of us sat quietly looking at the books we were going to take home. It was very calm and there weren't any chores to do there, well except picking up after Sam.
Today's Activity: Time to head back to the library. Don't forget to return any movies that you may have checked out last week. Also, if you want grab a parenting book while you are there. As we walked in I noticed a parenting book called "How Not to Kill Your Baby". From what I saw it looked pretty entertaining. It is a parenting book parody. So, if parenting books make you feel guilty pick that one up instead.
Evaluate: I always find the library so quiet and calm. Today after choosing their books we all sat in the baby section. While Sam took a large percentage of books off the shelf the rest of us sat quietly looking at the books we were going to take home. It was very calm and there weren't any chores to do there, well except picking up after Sam.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wednesday June 13th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Don't forget to get your me time today.
Today's Activity: Make an effort to invite some of your children's friends over that they don't get to play with very often.
Evaluate: Elese frequently asks for her friend Kya to come over and I just don't ever want to make the call. There really isn't any reason that I don't usually make the effort, I just don't. It worked out perfect. Kya's mom was heading out to Costco so she dropped her off on her way and picked her up on her way back. Elese loved having a friend to play with and I loved a break from her saying, "There's no one to play with."
Today's Activity: Make an effort to invite some of your children's friends over that they don't get to play with very often.
Evaluate: Elese frequently asks for her friend Kya to come over and I just don't ever want to make the call. There really isn't any reason that I don't usually make the effort, I just don't. It worked out perfect. Kya's mom was heading out to Costco so she dropped her off on her way and picked her up on her way back. Elese loved having a friend to play with and I loved a break from her saying, "There's no one to play with."
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tuesday June 12th, 2012
Monthly Goal: My me time today was another nap. While Max was at Cub scout camp, Elese was watching a movie, and Sam was napping I caught up on my sleep. On Saturday Night I only got about 3 hours of sleep so I needed some extra shut eye.
Today's Activity: Evaluate which one of your kids needs a little extra attention. Make an extra effort to respond to their requests and play with them.
Evaluate: I always feel like Elese needs more attention than she gets. She is now the middle child you know. So today I snuggled with her on the couch, did quite a bit of tickling, and played my little pony's with her. Not only did it make me love her more but it also helped with her behavior.
Today's Activity: Evaluate which one of your kids needs a little extra attention. Make an extra effort to respond to their requests and play with them.
Evaluate: I always feel like Elese needs more attention than she gets. She is now the middle child you know. So today I snuggled with her on the couch, did quite a bit of tickling, and played my little pony's with her. Not only did it make me love her more but it also helped with her behavior.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Monday June 11th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Hope you had some me time today. I did not. It's been a crazy day but I'll get it tomorrow.
Today's Activity: Film your kids playing today. From what I hear we will all some day miss their noises and messes so we may as well document it.
Evaluate: I filmed Samuel and Elese playing. Elese was playing with her dress up dolls and using her imagination. Samuel was playing with big legos and jabbering to himself. I don't know that we will ever sit and watch this short little video but I was glad that I took a break to stop and watch them play.
Today's Activity: Film your kids playing today. From what I hear we will all some day miss their noises and messes so we may as well document it.
Evaluate: I filmed Samuel and Elese playing. Elese was playing with her dress up dolls and using her imagination. Samuel was playing with big legos and jabbering to himself. I don't know that we will ever sit and watch this short little video but I was glad that I took a break to stop and watch them play.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Saturday June 9th, 2012
Monthy Goal: Don't forget about your me time!
Today's Activity: Make a yummy summer time treat.
Evaluate: I have to admit that this wasn't a super interactive activity for me today. It ended up being a really crazy day but I did make the time to make the kids some Brazilian Limeade but with Lemons because that is what I had. It was yummy.
Today's Activity: Make a yummy summer time treat.
Evaluate: I have to admit that this wasn't a super interactive activity for me today. It ended up being a really crazy day but I did make the time to make the kids some Brazilian Limeade but with Lemons because that is what I had. It was yummy.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Friday June 8th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Don't forget to make time for yourself today!
Today's Activity: Take the kids bowling. FREE: Get out some disposable cups and set them up like bowling pins. Use a ball to knock them down.
Evaluate: My kids loved going bowling today. They used the bumpers and the ramps. Max (8) got 1 spare and Elese (5) got 2! She beat him but I just kept telling them that the goal is to be better than yourself the next time. I marked down their scores so that next time we go they can have a goal of improving their last score. They have been SO competitive lately and I'm hoping that this will help them realize that we all just do our best and sometimes it's not as good as others and that's OK. Sam and I sat by and watched and he loved hearing all the loud noises.
Today's Activity: Take the kids bowling. FREE: Get out some disposable cups and set them up like bowling pins. Use a ball to knock them down.
Evaluate: My kids loved going bowling today. They used the bumpers and the ramps. Max (8) got 1 spare and Elese (5) got 2! She beat him but I just kept telling them that the goal is to be better than yourself the next time. I marked down their scores so that next time we go they can have a goal of improving their last score. They have been SO competitive lately and I'm hoping that this will help them realize that we all just do our best and sometimes it's not as good as others and that's OK. Sam and I sat by and watched and he loved hearing all the loud noises.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Thursday June 7th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Today for my me time I took a little nap on the couch. Who knew that could ever happen. Max was watching a movie, Elese was at a friends and Sam was taking his afternoon nap. If you can find the time for a quick power nap I highly recommend it.
Today's Activity: Make a trip to your local library. This will be a weekly thing.
Evaluate: We love going to the library and we do it every week. Now that Max can read he is always needed something new to read. Also, by visiting on the same day every week we very rarely occur late fees. I just go to the library website on the day we visit and either gather up whats due or renew it for a few more weeks. Today the library was very quiet. I'm sure it wont stay this way all summer but today it was actually kind of relaxing.
Today's Activity: Make a trip to your local library. This will be a weekly thing.
Evaluate: We love going to the library and we do it every week. Now that Max can read he is always needed something new to read. Also, by visiting on the same day every week we very rarely occur late fees. I just go to the library website on the day we visit and either gather up whats due or renew it for a few more weeks. Today the library was very quiet. I'm sure it wont stay this way all summer but today it was actually kind of relaxing.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Wednesday June 6th, 2012
Monthly Goal: I haven't had my me time yet today but for the first time in a while the kids are going to be in bed on time AND my to do list will be complete. Plus my hubby is working late so me and my bowl of ice cream are going to spend some quality time together watching Master Chef.
Today's Activity: Surprise your children with a visit to their favorite summer spot. Today is the last day of school for my kids so this will be the perfect start to summer. We will be picking up some of their favorite shaved ice. FREE: make some home made Popsicles or their favorite cool-aid or lemonade.
Evaluate: I'll let you know. School doesn't get out until noon.
Today's Activity: Surprise your children with a visit to their favorite summer spot. Today is the last day of school for my kids so this will be the perfect start to summer. We will be picking up some of their favorite shaved ice. FREE: make some home made Popsicles or their favorite cool-aid or lemonade.
Evaluate: I'll let you know. School doesn't get out until noon.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Tuesday June 5th, 2012
Monthly Goal: Don't forget to take some extra time for yourself. Boy did I need it yesterday! Schools not even out yet and I'm loosing my mind.
Today's Activity: Ask your children what they want to do this summer. Then work out a budget and figure out what sort of things you can make happen. You may want to up for "fun money" for the summer months.
Evaluate: My kids have gotten so used to may saying that the fun stuff we do can't cost anything that they just mentioned free (or $1 store) things. The threw out ideas like water guns, climb the tree, play on the play set and blowing bubbles. This year we set aside some extra cash and bought the Pass of All Passes. It is a local pass that you can use at a bowling ally (shoes are not included), a couple different fun centers, a water park, and it even gives you tickets to some local sporting events. So...you may see a few of those things on the summer activities because I've already paid for it and I got an incredible deal. Hmm....I wonder if I could work a deal for some of my readers...I will look into that.
Today's Activity: Ask your children what they want to do this summer. Then work out a budget and figure out what sort of things you can make happen. You may want to up for "fun money" for the summer months.
Evaluate: My kids have gotten so used to may saying that the fun stuff we do can't cost anything that they just mentioned free (or $1 store) things. The threw out ideas like water guns, climb the tree, play on the play set and blowing bubbles. This year we set aside some extra cash and bought the Pass of All Passes. It is a local pass that you can use at a bowling ally (shoes are not included), a couple different fun centers, a water park, and it even gives you tickets to some local sporting events. So...you may see a few of those things on the summer activities because I've already paid for it and I got an incredible deal. Hmm....I wonder if I could work a deal for some of my readers...I will look into that.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Monday June 4th, 2012
Monthly Goal: With the kids around more for summer break it's extra important to get in some much needed "me time". Find 10 minutes each day where you can focus on you. Use that time to meditate, read, take a power nap or just sit and stare at the wall. If you don't think you have 10 minutes then wake up 10 minutes earlier.
Today's Activity: It's time to make your summer rules and goals. Talk to your children about chores, summer time school work, bedtimes and remind them of the summer rules.
Evaluate: Max (8) is going to water the lawn (we don't have a sprinkler system), work on getting his Wolf badge in cub scouts, practice his handwriting, and read 20 minutes a day. He will also get to move his bed time to 8pm and even later if he is playing with friends, if he is in mom and dad's face saying, "I'm board" then he will go to be before that.
Elese (5) is going to wash the walls, practice her letters and learning to read, and learn to tie her shoes. Her bed time will be moved to 7:30pm and she has the same stipulations that Max has.
Samuel (14 mo) will eat, sleep, play and be better about brushing his teeth. Ok, I'll be better about brushing his teeth.
Each day they all get 10 minutes of alone time with me and rotate 10 minutes of alone time with Daddy.
Today's Activity: It's time to make your summer rules and goals. Talk to your children about chores, summer time school work, bedtimes and remind them of the summer rules.
Evaluate: Max (8) is going to water the lawn (we don't have a sprinkler system), work on getting his Wolf badge in cub scouts, practice his handwriting, and read 20 minutes a day. He will also get to move his bed time to 8pm and even later if he is playing with friends, if he is in mom and dad's face saying, "I'm board" then he will go to be before that.
Elese (5) is going to wash the walls, practice her letters and learning to read, and learn to tie her shoes. Her bed time will be moved to 7:30pm and she has the same stipulations that Max has.
Samuel (14 mo) will eat, sleep, play and be better about brushing his teeth. Ok, I'll be better about brushing his teeth.
Each day they all get 10 minutes of alone time with me and rotate 10 minutes of alone time with Daddy.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
I'm BACK!
I'm not sure if all of you have missed me as much as I have missed doing this website. I've really noticed a difference in my kids over the last year. With my website dieing and the baby I haven't had the motivation to play with them. This is going to be a great summer and I'm going to do something with my kids everyday. It may not always be something really "fun" but we will do something together every day. I hope you join me and that we can all improve our relationships with our children. Come back tomorrow morning for the days activity. Also, I will eventually make this website a little cuter and add my logo.
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