tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65882908290242786252024-03-13T08:14:32.182-07:00The huswife's guide toHomemakingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-30660509833949487672015-08-07T14:47:00.000-07:002015-08-07T14:47:09.090-07:00Surviving very long road trips with kidsOur family made a recent cross-country road trip to visit some relatives. The destination? The town I grew up in where the oldest three children were born - we moved away from just shy of two years ago. It's been an emotional week for us but the most taxing part has to be the 16 hour drive each way. I do admit while my children travel very well there were still 5 of them. Here's some of the ways we made it to and from our destination with some sanity left.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDeI-11HF1w/VcM0WSA8zBI/AAAAAAAABKo/Hg2FeN57EfY/s1600/roadtirp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDeI-11HF1w/VcM0WSA8zBI/AAAAAAAABKo/Hg2FeN57EfY/s400/roadtirp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
First of all, relax.</h3>
It really is going to be OK. It might take a little longer than you had planned, you might have to listen to a lot of screaming, and you might feel like driving off a cliff but before you know it the trip will all be over and you'll start planning something for next summer... Don't we ever learn...<br />
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<h3>
Plan ahead</h3>
As soon as you start planning the trip start a checklist of everything you need to bring. If you're leaving in the morning don't wait until the last minute to pack up the car, it's always going to take longer than you think. The night before get everything loaded into the car including blankets, toys, and anything the kids need. Lay clothes out the night before. Anything you can't bring out until the morning should be put somewhere handy so you can find it. Go over your list.<br />
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<h3>
Explain your expectations beforehand</h3>
Before we even pull out of the driveway I give the kids a rundown of what's expected of them and what they should anticipate during the upcoming drive. Some of my rules include that I get to pick the movie so there's no fighting, we don't ask for snacks at convenience stores, and do not constantly ask me for food. There are also some basic stuff like no yelling, fighting, kicking, and other typical kid behaviour. I get more lax on these rules once we've been travelling for over 6 hours and they basically go out the window when I'm trying to keep everyone calm around hour 12.<br />
<h3>
Be ready to stop... A lot</h3>
Most kids will need to use the bathroom every 2 hours or so. If it's getting close to the 2 hour mark and you have a good place to stop take advantage of it - it will take less time than hunting for a bathroom later. Ideally, make your stops at parks or other areas the kids can have some space to run around. This is especially true when travelling with kids of various ages including babies so they have something to do while you feed the infant. If you're going in the winter time fast food playplaces are your friend. We also carry a potty in case our toddler must go on the side of the road.<br />
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<h3>
Embrace the technology</h3>
Long road trips are a good time to make an exception on your screen time limits. DVD players, portable devices like the ipad, handheld game systems, or even electronic writing boards can keep kids occupied. Look for stuff that doesn't require your help to operate and games with lasting power. If you have a couple of kids multiplayer games are a good way to help them interact without having the space to play.<br />
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<h3>
Keep the same routine</h3>
Little ones who normally need a special blanket, toy, or ritual before bed might struggle to sleep in the car if these aren't present. Make sure to pack these items and have them ready just around naptime so they can fall asleep on their regular schedule. It's also important to make sure the kids eat somewhat healthy foods around their regular meal times so help prevent the low blood sugar tantrums. Of course you'll never be able to keep kids completely on their regulars schedule so be prepared for some battles.<br />
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<h3>
Have a few new tricks up your sleeve</h3>
A couple new toys, books, or games that you know your kids will be interested pulled out at just the right time can break up the monotony of a long car trip. If you have a DVD player new movies are always a hit. Older kids can also enjoy some low key games like travel bingo and filling out mad libs while the little ones might prefer something like a small tub of play dough or magnetic drawing pad. It's also not a bad idea to pack a few treats along with your normal snacks to offer at gas stations so the kids are asking for overpriced crap.<br />
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<h3>
Pack extra</h3>
Take the time you think it will take to get there and pack for about double when it comes to consumables like food, drinks, diapers, formula, and so on. When it comes to things that your kids are dependent on, like pacifiers, make sure to grab a few spares for when one rolls under the seat or goes missing in a gas station. Make sure you have one pair of clothing for ever 2-3 hours of your journey especially if your kids are newly potty trained or infants.<br />
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<h3>
Play with your kids</h3>
If you're travelling with two adults that makes this one a lot easier. Games like hangman can be played from the front seat and things like travel checkers and other turn based ones can be passed back and forth. You can also pick up a multiplayer game to join in on (Mario Party DS anyone?) or even read them a book. If you're driving you can still play i-spy, point outside stuff out to them, and tell them stories. Some of my best conversations with my kids were while I was driving them somewhere.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-21189549787131104962015-08-06T03:52:00.000-07:002015-08-06T03:52:04.234-07:00I want to be worth a million by the time I'm 30This morning a proudly announced to my Facebook friends I intend to be worth a million in the next 5 years. The post got a couple of likes, a few jokes were made about inflation and my husband's life insurance policy, but most people didn't give it too much consideration. What they didn't realize is that it wasn't a joke - I have set a goal for myself to be worth one million dollars by the time I'm 30.<br />
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Why set the bar so high? I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I'm starting my own business and am working to establish multiple revenue streams so eventually my husband can quit his job and work with me. The business income is necessary to fund my other projects - real estate investment. The goal is the purchase low- and mid-tier housing and flip them cosmetically for a profit. The first few we'll sell but as we accumulate more cash flow I plan to keep a couple on as rentals. Real estate investment is where I plan to have the bulk of my net worth to come from.<br />
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The business I'm starting is just me branching out as a freelancer in the industry I already work in - web design. We're in a position where there really isn't any competition in our area and a lot of small businesses to draw from. Barring extreme circumstances it's a pretty safe bet that we'll have some success in our area, mostly because I have 6 years and my husband has 8 years of professional experience in the industry.<br />
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Then there's this blog which I am really working towards updating more. Writing is a passion of mine and I hope to make this hobby into something more. I don't intend to get rich blogging but it's a nice way to unwind so I will keep doing it regardless.<br />
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These goals are extreme on their own but much more so with 5 kids, 2 of which being newborn twins. They occupy a lot of my time but they also motivate - I want to be able to give them everything. The next step is to write out a practical plan to make this happen. Nothing is impossible! Being self employed and an entrepreneur are two lifelong dreams of mine and nobody can make those happen but me.<br />
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If you read this please leave a comment with your dreams and if you're working to achieve them. If you have a link to a blog post on it even better! Or tell me I'm crazy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-55322989216363966612015-04-05T08:43:00.000-07:002015-04-05T08:43:44.201-07:00Preparing Your Toddler For a New Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfivdv4rVBA/VSFUQ8og1OI/AAAAAAAABEA/SA6hhoHV3XU/s1600/1918763_150445341345_4178746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfivdv4rVBA/VSFUQ8og1OI/AAAAAAAABEA/SA6hhoHV3XU/s1600/1918763_150445341345_4178746_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Someone recently asked me for advice on how to prep their toddler for a new baby. Having already done this task twice they assumed I might have some kind of intimate knowledge to ease the transition.<br />
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Preparing an older sibling, especially a toddler or preschoooler, for a new baby can be one of the most stressful tasks parents face. Not only are they fretting about their newborn, they also have to mange the needs of a child who has up until now been given all the parental attention. Even with this experience I'm still worried about how my two year old will react to the arrival of the twins.<br />
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The truth is, every kid is different and there's no amount of preparation that will guarantee it to work out. Some children adapt quickly, others become difficult and act out to seek attention. There's no right way to handle the situation but there are a few things that might help.<br />
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Here are some things you can try to ease the transition for both you and your toddler:<br />
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<h3>
Before the baby</h3>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uznv6lmzia0/VSFUgsSgqAI/AAAAAAAABEI/nkSOg9XiRR4/s1600/620_10151116937807282_1333789743_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uznv6lmzia0/VSFUgsSgqAI/AAAAAAAABEI/nkSOg9XiRR4/s1600/620_10151116937807282_1333789743_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><b>Explain the baby in an age appropriate way.</b> It's a difficult concept for small children to grasp but showing them things like clothing for the baby, the nursery, and pictures of them when they were a baby might help them understand. There are also many books on the market to introduce babies to an older sibling.<br />
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<b>Don't make it all about the baby.</b> While it's important to discuss and prepare for the new arrival, don't make your entire life about the baby. Try to stick to any established routines, avoid sacrificing time with your toddler in favour of baby prep activities, and open baby gifts away from your older child.<br />
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<b>Accept that you can't do everything.</b> It's important to accept now that you will not be able to do everything you did before with your older child. Pregnancy slows you down (or in my case hyperemesis gravidarum left me bedridden,) newborns require a lot of care, and your attention will soon be divided trying to manage both children.<br />
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<h3>
When the baby is born</h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPsJ1RPWLqw/VSFVGHFcLyI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Vw5fYf3qhWU/s1600/526721_10151327232626346_337004458_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPsJ1RPWLqw/VSFVGHFcLyI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Vw5fYf3qhWU/s1600/526721_10151327232626346_337004458_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><b>Have the siblings exchange gifts.</b> Ideally, have a family member take the older child to get the baby a gift to bring when they visit you in the hospital. Likewise, have something small to give in return from the new baby.<br />
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<b>Don't push your older child to be interested in the baby.</b> Some older children refuse to acknowledge the baby or even their mother just after birth. Don't take this personally or assume it will set them up for a lifetime of resentment, chances are they're just not sure how to feel about the situation. Offer but don't force.<br />
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<b>Encourage them to have fun.</b> Have whoever is caring for your older child while you're in the hospital do some fun activities with the other child to keep them distracted while you're absent.<br />
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<h3>
When you're at home</h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePDjxlGEY_M/VSFVVYEfeLI/AAAAAAAABEY/4wPQ0LHOkUk/s1600/62133_10151513392606346_858271507_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePDjxlGEY_M/VSFVVYEfeLI/AAAAAAAABEY/4wPQ0LHOkUk/s1600/62133_10151513392606346_858271507_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Encourage the older child to help out.</b> Most toddlers enjoy doing small tasks like throwing away dirty diapers, fetching things, and so on. Having them pat baby's back while you're burping them or giving them a kiss when they cry are some of the ways to help the siblings bond. Again, don't force participation and understand most toddlers will probably lose interest quickly.<br />
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<b>Have activities ready while you're breastfeeding.</b> Simple busy bags can be put together to keep toddlers busy. Think playdough, puzzles, colouring, stickers, and so on. This will allow you to have some special time to bond with the baby without your toddler feeling left out.<br />
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<b>Encourage time with other family members.</b> Especially if you're breastfeeding you'll be spending a lot of time caring for your newborn. Arrange for other family members, especially your partner, to take the toddler out for some one on one time. Don't be alarmed if your toddler seems distant from you for a bit after birth.<br />
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<b>Keep your routine. </b>It's very important to keep your toddler on the same schedule to help them feel more secure. It may seem tricky at first to manage both but it will make life much easier as baby falls into a routine. Even if you can't do as much with the toddler as you did before, try and keep one or two things that you did pre-baby. For example, a nighttime book, dinner together, an evening walk, etc.<br />
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<i>The biggest thing to remember is that you can't do it all. Be patient, especially if your toddler acts out or regresses from the transition, and understand that this difficult time will soon pass. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-13073409138988205762015-01-14T18:34:00.001-08:002015-01-15T06:58:57.433-08:00Why Staying Home With Kids is Easy<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Izs1WM2rBAc/VLcnFEyBpfI/AAAAAAAABAE/wNvfE28J15M/s1600/10407261_10152461044057282_8791697850349931490_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Izs1WM2rBAc/VLcnFEyBpfI/AAAAAAAABAE/wNvfE28J15M/s1600/10407261_10152461044057282_8791697850349931490_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I swear she does not watch TV all day... But she does love Frozen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Being home with kids, that is it being your full time job, isn't a walk in the park. Sometimes you do walk in the park and sometimes that's magical, yes, but that's not your every day.<br />
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No, every day you are responsible for vulnerable little people who can't even wipe their own asses. You cook them food. You pour them drinks. You clean up the mess that you told them not to get out in the first place. </div>
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You might go out, do crafts, learn something, bake, spend that quality time together.</div>
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You might scream as they destroy the folded pile of laundry, the 5th one you did today.</div>
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It's definitely not the stressful days that remind me it's easy. Those days, all on their own, are sometimes <i>mind numbingly difficult.</i> They're the days you sit and cry and wonder if you will ever be a good parent and know what the hell you're doing.</div>
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It's not even the good days that remind me it's easy. Sure we laugh and smile together and I might even actually enjoy my time with my kids, but I compare these days to the difficult ones and I wonder <i>why can't I be a good parent all the time</i>.</div>
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No, it's the days where I am the worst parent in the world. The ones where nothing gets done, my kids watch cartoons for eight hours, where I fall sleep and stay in bed all afternoon. The ones where my HG is acting up or I've contracted an illness or they have kept me up all night or all three. The ones where I feel my life has no value - when <i>my job is homemaker and parent and I do neither.</i> </div>
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<div>
On those days I notice my 7 year old who has caught me with my eyes closed shuts my door. On those days my 5 year old sits next to me and strokes my arm. On those days my 2 year old wakes up at my side in bed, hungry from missing lunch because we fell asleep, and smiles sweetly at me. </div>
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Being at home with your kids is not relaxing, it's not a way to be a better parent, and it certainly isn't glorious from day to day but it is something that no other job can ever do so well. </div>
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<b>It's forgiving.</b></div>
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And that forgiveness, when I don't even know how I can forgive myself for not doing enough or yelling too much or laying in bed, is what makes this job easy.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-26342569523877348142015-01-08T11:49:00.000-08:002015-01-08T14:28:28.434-08:005 common organizing mistakes<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irW5Z0E3fsA/VKw8OlsE5KI/AAAAAAAAA-o/1FCFG0hLAP8/s1600/organizingmistakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irW5Z0E3fsA/VKw8OlsE5KI/AAAAAAAAA-o/1FCFG0hLAP8/s1600/organizingmistakes.jpg" height="305" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are you not getting anywhere with your organizing? Does it seem like no matter what you do the house always winds up right back where you've started? Make sure you're not making any of these common mistakes.</div>
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<ol>
<li><h2>
You're not cutting the clutter first.</h2>
When a hoarder stores everything neatly in bins it's called organized hoarding. Don't just have well organized junk - get rid of what you don't need.</li>
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<li><h2>
You don't have the correct systems in place.</h2>
Having a can dispenser in the fridge that you never use isn't going to help you at all, neither is using the wrong sized boxes or baskets for your belongings. Plan the system to the space and what needs storing, not the other way around.<br />
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<li><h2>
You're too focused on form over function. </h2>
Sure, those baskets may fit gorgeously with your décor but if they are too cumbersome to use you wont bother. Nix the pretty lidded jars and other traps if they don't work for you.<br />
</li>
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<li><h2>
Everyone isn't on board. </h2>
There's nothing more discouraging than everything having a home and the rest of the family not putting things back in their place. Make sure they know where things go and when in doubt use labels to help the transition go more smoothly.<br />
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<li><h2>
You're not prepared for the upkeep. </h2>
Organizing is not a one and done situation. You have to continuously utilize your systems and either stop bringing in new items or purge what you have with each new addition. </li>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Remember, any house can be big enough if you have the right amount of possessions! </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-42236738104577599472015-01-06T09:42:00.003-08:002015-01-06T09:44:03.066-08:0040 Bags in 40 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrSmdeN0Rss/VKwUvkpo0VI/AAAAAAAAA-I/Flurzm-5EP0/s1600/40bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrSmdeN0Rss/VKwUvkpo0VI/AAAAAAAAA-I/Flurzm-5EP0/s1600/40bags.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
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This is part one on my upcoming series unofficially titled "we have way too much crap in our house" where I will be feverishly attempting to eliminate said crap in the house.<br />
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This is one I've seen all over the internet and presented in a variety of ways. That means it must be good right?<br />
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When I first set out on this quest I had a lot of questions. For example, should I use one of those giant Costco trash bags or a kitchen bag or a grocery store bag? Boxes? What is the cubic volume of the bag? Truthfully it doesn't matter what your clutter receptacle is as long as you're happy with it. For me it's medium size black trash bags that I had laying around and a few boxes for breakables. There will also be times where there will be large pieces that can't count as bags. Don't be a slacker and choose tiny bags but also recognize there will be times you simply cannot fill a bag. Just <i>try. </i>If you get hung up on the details you'll get stuck and never accomplish anything.<br />
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Anyway. What do you put in the bags? Well that will depend on you!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2PSukHAmSUadXBXS1F6ZEEyMkU/view" target="_blank">You can download this handy chart I've created to keep track.</a></h4>
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For now just start jotting down, in any order, places you know need a little visit from a trash bag. Don't be afraid if there's actual trash to throw out, that's clutter too!<br />
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Here are some ideas. Keep in mind you may need more or less bags for each task. I'll bet we could easily fill 3 bags of toys!<br />
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<ol>
<li>Kitchen - Plastic stuff</li>
<li>Kitchen - Appliances</li>
<li>Kitchen - Fridge/Freezer</li>
<li>Kitchen - Everything else</li>
<li>Kid closets</li>
<li>Kid rooms</li>
<li>Master bedroom closet</li>
<li>Master bedroom</li>
<li>Bathrooms</li>
<li>Blankets and linens</li>
<li>Living room</li>
<li>Office</li>
<li>Craft stuff</li>
<li>Purses/backpacks/bags</li>
<li>Junk drawers</li>
<li>Coats/outerwear</li>
<li>Shoes</li>
<li>Board games</li>
<li>Holiday/seasonal décor</li>
<li>Books/magazines</li>
<li>Kids books</li>
<li>Toys</li>
<li>Laundry room</li>
<li>Garage</li>
<li>Furniture</li>
<li>Paperwork</li>
<li>Garbage</li>
</ol>
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Don't worry about completing your list before starting, just get a few ideas down. You may come up with ideas as you go! Leave a comment if you have any locations to add or to share your results. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-61447266432475069792014-11-28T13:10:00.000-08:002014-11-28T13:10:22.341-08:00Hyperemesis Gravidarum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVJ9QklxOQ8/VHjh49iEZDI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Zx37w6lDKVM/s1600/4d9e51b48959783a729e26bebf593c6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVJ9QklxOQ8/VHjh49iEZDI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Zx37w6lDKVM/s1600/4d9e51b48959783a729e26bebf593c6a.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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We have twins due May 31st putting me over 13 weeks pregnant at the time of this post. For the past 8 weeks or so I have been dead to the world, barely able to get out of bed let alone function as a normal human. I'm suffering from a pregnancy condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum - often describe as acute morning sickness. Yes the one that the princess has.<br />
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This is my fourth time being sick during pregnancy. Vomiting daily was to be expected but in the past I had always been able to pick up and keep going - no debilitating nausea weighing me down. I took medication in only one of my three previous pregnancies. It sucked but I continued to work, cook, clean, and care for my family. The sickness improved around 14 weeks and was gone by 20.<br />
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Now I throw up multiples times a day with no relief. If I miss a dose of medicine I can't even eat. In the past month I lost weight and am still just hovering around what I weighed at my last doctors appointment. I force myself to eat and do everything in my power to hold down what I do. This would be considered a <i>mild</i> case of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Many woman spend weeks in the hospital and eat nothing for months.<br />
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I have managed to stay out of the hospital, although there have been a few times where I should have gone in and didn't.<br />
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The worst part isn't the unbearable nausea, the vomiting, the dehydration, the soreness, or the headaches - it's the guilt. I've been completely useless to my family, can't spend any time with my children, and my husband has to make up for everything I'm unable to do. I spend a lot of my day laying on the couch or in bed. Movement will most often lead to vomiting.<br />
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I'm just ready to eat, to feel normal again. I know it can't last forever which helps but I don't know how to tell people that I've been sick. They think I'm dramatic or just have morning sickness. This is also why the blog updates abruptly stopped.<br />
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Now excuse me while I go lose my lunch.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-31351635966700518012014-09-21T08:29:00.000-07:002014-09-21T18:14:31.934-07:00{30 Days of Fall} Day 3 - Spooky Hot Chocolate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HHqNEKwbi0/VB935iCYYVI/AAAAAAAAA7A/QKi1-9i_U5U/s1600/fall3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HHqNEKwbi0/VB935iCYYVI/AAAAAAAAA7A/QKi1-9i_U5U/s1600/fall3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The days are getting colder and what better way to warm up than with a nice cup of hot chocolate. By picking up the Halloween themed marshmallow Peeps you can make it most festive in seconds. This treat is a definite win with the kiddos.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIzBuV14Qlk/VBr6JZN9nSI/AAAAAAAAA5c/NrM7XiSmFpA/s1600/m2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIzBuV14Qlk/VBr6JZN9nSI/AAAAAAAAA5c/NrM7XiSmFpA/s1600/m2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnHOuDndbyA/VBr6JEhELFI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/vb6gIpUMVGQ/s1600/m1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnHOuDndbyA/VBr6JEhELFI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/vb6gIpUMVGQ/s1600/m1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Also, I adore these mugs! They're both colour changing, going from black to red as hot liquid is poured in - perfect for the kids!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-55965058056231248992014-09-20T08:25:00.000-07:002014-09-20T08:25:00.294-07:00{30 DAYS OF FALL} DAY 2 - Corn Maze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBil7-8o75U/VBr5B0q6QGI/AAAAAAAAA5M/YIwkcY7Qk40/s1600/fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBil7-8o75U/VBr5B0q6QGI/AAAAAAAAA5M/YIwkcY7Qk40/s1600/fall.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We spent two hours on the weekend getting absolutely lost in a corn maze. The one we went to also featured a tower of hay to climb and a petting zoo. Souvenirs included farm fresh cucumbers and of course - SWEET CORN!<br />
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We ended up bailing half way through the maze - after an hour of wandering the kids were definitely done. Even still, it was a perfect activity for a chilly fall day. Maybe we'll come back when it's all decked out spooky for Halloween - <i>maybe</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMcPwViMkec/VBr4VnJ3ZKI/AAAAAAAAA5A/wr070vRMVPY/s1600/c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMcPwViMkec/VBr4VnJ3ZKI/AAAAAAAAA5A/wr070vRMVPY/s1600/c1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7o8Z00CtJ7Q/VBr4VGU9kjI/AAAAAAAAA40/cslEG6YZioc/s1600/c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7o8Z00CtJ7Q/VBr4VGU9kjI/AAAAAAAAA40/cslEG6YZioc/s1600/c2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrG2tx-w-P0/VBr4UrLCQ5I/AAAAAAAAA4w/X3PLWHSFjTE/s1600/c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrG2tx-w-P0/VBr4UrLCQ5I/AAAAAAAAA4w/X3PLWHSFjTE/s1600/c3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-13837390091007975532014-09-18T07:57:00.002-07:002014-09-18T07:57:48.495-07:00{30 Days of fall} Day 1 - Fall Wreath Craft <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nLTwrol-iY/VBrypvbGf6I/AAAAAAAAA3g/TT_Nhu4dL9c/s1600/wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nLTwrol-iY/VBrypvbGf6I/AAAAAAAAA3g/TT_Nhu4dL9c/s1600/wreath.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a short summer and a colder than average winter looming ahead fall is in full swing here. To get things started here's a simple, seasonal craft that requires little prep work and is perfect for kids of all ages.</div>
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<b>Start with a simple paper plate.</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O2rOb0TiYb8/VBrtvT0fa-I/AAAAAAAAA2o/Le5yCorJN4A/s1600/f1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O2rOb0TiYb8/VBrtvT0fa-I/AAAAAAAAA2o/Le5yCorJN4A/s1600/f1.jpg" height="320" style="padding: 5px;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Cut the centre out of the plate and prepare some white glue and dollar store leaves. You could use real leaves too but fake will last longer.</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4wiC6tfqjE/VBrtwJhNJQI/AAAAAAAAA2w/MByrMMV-7Vk/s1600/f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4wiC6tfqjE/VBrtwJhNJQI/AAAAAAAAA2w/MByrMMV-7Vk/s1600/f2.jpg" height="240" style="padding: 5px;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Decorate!</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9JR2z-xbeY/VBrtv_RhvaI/AAAAAAAAA2s/dn_hftgNCvE/s1600/f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9JR2z-xbeY/VBrtv_RhvaI/AAAAAAAAA2s/dn_hftgNCvE/s1600/f3.jpg" height="320" style="padding: 5px;" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WinhSwvrTc8/VBrtw8rN6bI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Qf2NbnIPSKk/s1600/f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WinhSwvrTc8/VBrtw8rN6bI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Qf2NbnIPSKk/s1600/f6.jpg" height="320" style="padding: 5px;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwwiPHjMh7I/VBrtwTPYI6I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/giXpCweFjRg/s1600/f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwwiPHjMh7I/VBrtwTPYI6I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/giXpCweFjRg/s1600/f4.jpg" height="320" style="padding: 5px;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>I used command hooks to hang them on the kids' doors.</b><br /> </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-47511596611660875992014-03-09T14:16:00.003-07:002014-03-09T14:16:41.636-07:00Best Toys for Sand, Snow, and MudWith three kids we have gone through a lot of beach toys. Everything from cheap dollar store shovels to expensive licensed character sets have been thrown in the garbage broken and useless. Until now it has been a fact of life that every year we need to pick up new sand toys then I discovered Sandig at Ikea. These toys are strong and don't break after heavy use. They are also very affordable and give a variety of play options.<div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhmSlbkORPw/UxzXIomtK5I/AAAAAAAAAts/l020M8nIT2E/s1600/sandig--piece-baking-set__0087007_PE215947_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhmSlbkORPw/UxzXIomtK5I/AAAAAAAAAts/l020M8nIT2E/s1600/sandig--piece-baking-set__0087007_PE215947_S4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>SANDIG 5 piece toy baking set for $2.99. </b>The perfect thing for making mud, sand, or snow cakes. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp9yAqdpMvY/UxzXIjJxdkI/AAAAAAAAAt0/wCK7qh3NppU/s1600/sandig--piece-ice-cream-set__0087008_PE215948_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp9yAqdpMvY/UxzXIjJxdkI/AAAAAAAAAt0/wCK7qh3NppU/s1600/sandig--piece-ice-cream-set__0087008_PE215948_S4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>SANDIG 10 piece toy ice cream set for $2.99. </b>My kids were kind enough to share this with other kids at the beach, one of which I watched take a bite out of a sand ice cream cone.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-630HcEG6gsE/UxzXIvvsapI/AAAAAAAAAtw/U_KQjMftQW8/s1600/sandig--piece-sandbox-set__0087010_PE215949_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-630HcEG6gsE/UxzXIvvsapI/AAAAAAAAAtw/U_KQjMftQW8/s1600/sandig--piece-sandbox-set__0087010_PE215949_S4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><br />SANDIG 4 piece sandbox set for $3.99. </b>A classic set with a sturdy bucket that's harder to knock over than standard pails.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Z9dwYT0Rs/UxzXJM2IFTI/AAAAAAAAAuE/mhDegvESlqY/s1600/sandig-spade__0083374_PE209552_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Z9dwYT0Rs/UxzXJM2IFTI/AAAAAAAAAuE/mhDegvESlqY/s1600/sandig-spade__0083374_PE209552_S4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><br />SANDIG spade for $1.29 each. </b><span style="text-align: center;">These large shovels hold strong for deep digging in sand, dirt, mud, or snow. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><i>Not only have these toys held up for all seasons since we bought them they also look as good as new. For the same price as a cheap multipack of sand toys you will not be disappointed! </i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-27058900602724361332014-03-07T12:38:00.002-08:002014-03-07T12:38:58.735-08:007 Places To Cut Clutter This Spring (And Tips To Do It With Kids!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn_FJfi1B3c/UxouNcZEUCI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/gf-F-oQTt7M/s1600/clutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn_FJfi1B3c/UxouNcZEUCI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/gf-F-oQTt7M/s1600/clutter.jpg" /></a></div>
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I am trying to put my house in recovery from it's awful binge and purge cycle. It fills up with stuff - from garage sales, birthdays, and god knows where else until it drives me so mad that I have to get rid of stuff. Get rid I do - I'm still working on my most recent purge where I have a dozen large bags and boxes stacked in the garage to sell. It's my goal to stay on top of the clutter and end the cycle but right now it's time the purge.<br />
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When it comes to purging you need to really think about what you want out of life. Purge as much as you can while still being able to function. If you run the dishwasher daily and have one kid you don't need 30 plastic cups.<br />
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Here are places I cut clutter:</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNcRyAnKqYM/UxonU28mppI/AAAAAAAAAss/GF3QJAjVAR8/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNcRyAnKqYM/UxonU28mppI/AAAAAAAAAss/GF3QJAjVAR8/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Clothes and Shoes.</b> I ended up cutting out about half of everyone's wardrobe without anything being missed. Start with what doesn't fit or is no longer wearable and then work on keeping pieces you truly need or love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUIzY9Vr1XQ/Uxoom1hX8PI/AAAAAAAAAtA/Y4EQpkKxQz0/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUIzY9Vr1XQ/Uxoom1hX8PI/AAAAAAAAAtA/Y4EQpkKxQz0/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br />Kids toys</b>. I took out so many kids toys about a month ago and no one has even noticed. Since then they've been playing more and making less messes so it's a win-win!<div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVbb54pdf3k/UxonTWHS3QI/AAAAAAAAAsg/eMVQPmCcdBM/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVbb54pdf3k/UxonTWHS3QI/AAAAAAAAAsg/eMVQPmCcdBM/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br /><b>Linen closet</b>. It was time to purge the baby blankets, ratty quilts, and worn out bed sheets. I rearranged the closet so it's all neat and tidy. I kept out one set of sheets and one change of blankets for the kids' beds just in case of nighttime accidents and threw the rest in storage downstairs.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8MOfznlUsc/UxonVDRaNAI/AAAAAAAAAs4/zMj9Jmwtj6s/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8MOfznlUsc/UxonVDRaNAI/AAAAAAAAAs4/zMj9Jmwtj6s/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br /><b>Books</b>. We love our books and we still have quite a few but we cut out the ones that no one had read in a long time and weren't special. (This is a very small selection of our large collection.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hryRBcDyLCs/UxonSp85rnI/AAAAAAAAAsk/n4l5ckRGF9c/s1600/IMG_2963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hryRBcDyLCs/UxonSp85rnI/AAAAAAAAAsk/n4l5ckRGF9c/s1600/IMG_2963.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br /><b>Pantry</b>. Throw out anything expired and stale, toss or give away anything you won't use. Afterwards my pantry felt huge!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6eSvyjUSX8/UxonR1SYLOI/AAAAAAAAAsM/SD2urCNvfBY/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6eSvyjUSX8/UxonR1SYLOI/AAAAAAAAAsM/SD2urCNvfBY/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><b>Kid kitchen stuff. </b>So many plastic cups that no one was using so we saved the favourites and eliminated the rest. The same went for divided dishes and containers of odd sizes that no one uses. I added a drawer that I was using somewhere else (and no longer needed because of decluttering) for the kid's bento supplies.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9uYxzlR7PY/UxonThwxDKI/AAAAAAAAAso/5oWH1qWfL04/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9uYxzlR7PY/UxonThwxDKI/AAAAAAAAAso/5oWH1qWfL04/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><b>Kitchen utensils.</b> Half a set of measuring cups and one of three sets of measuring spoons were included in what was kicked out of this drawer. I sorted using cheap Ikea dividers and also keep frequently used stuff on the counter next to the stove.</div>
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Tips for cutting clutter with kids:</h3>
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<li><b>Let them make decisions on some stuff.</b> You can pack away the two small t-shirts and toss the broken toys at the bottom of the bin but let them have control of their own things.</li>
<li><b>Set limits/goals.</b> After you give them control they may want to keep everything. Give them a number of how many things they can have, or in a specific collection, or how many to get rid of.</li>
<li><b>Offer an incentive.</b> After the house is decluttered they can have a friend over, make money selling their stuff at a garage sale, whatever motivates them.</li>
<li><b>Embrace a "one in one out policy".</b> Daughter has 15 Barbies and gets a new one? Time to toss an old one. </li>
<li><b>Stop shopping.</b> Don't buy stuff for your kids and try and discourage others from doing the same. Encourage them to ask for activities rather than things when someone is looking for a gift idea. Instead of buying everything they ask for have them save up for it on their own, they'll have longer to think about it and appreciate it more.</li>
<li><b>Box it up. </b>When kids are truly uncooperative about giving stuff up don't force them, it could be traumatic. Instead place some of the items you'd like to get rid of in a box. Tell them the toys can come out when you need them. If the kids ask for specific items, give it to them, but don't show them what's in the box. At the end of three months or so get rid of whatever they'd forgotten about. </li>
<li><b>Rotate toys. </b>If you still have too much stuff but the kids play with it all try rotating the toys every month or two so they always feel new. They may ask for less too. </li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-57531799023184312272014-03-04T09:18:00.002-08:002014-03-04T09:18:57.387-08:0030 Ways to Cheer Up From -30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQFX9xQnFDE/UxYK5mEl_jI/AAAAAAAAArk/FO77NHF6pVA/s1600/30WAYS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQFX9xQnFDE/UxYK5mEl_jI/AAAAAAAAArk/FO77NHF6pVA/s1600/30WAYS.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's been winter FOREVER this year and if you're reasonably far north you've probably spent most of it surrounded by the polar vortex. We've had double the normal amount of days below -30 this year and woke up to -48 with the wind chill on Saturday, MARCH 1ST! Nerves are taxed and spirits are running pretty low right now. Here's 30 ways to brighten your mood when it's too cold to go outside with little or no prep work. These can be done with or without kids.<br />
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<li><b>Bake. </b>Anything you like! Do it with the kids! Eat it all yourself or give it away.</li>
<li><b>Dance. </b>Stick on some upbeat music and get moving. The exercise will lift your spirits and warm you up.</li>
<li><b>Watch a Movie</b>. Snuggle up and put on something with a motivational or feel-good plotline to help cheer you up.</li>
<li><b>Declutter. </b>When spring hits you'll want to be outside so why not start the cleaning now while you're trapped indoors?</li>
<li><b>Plan your summer vacation.</b> Even if it's only something small take a look at where you're going to go and what you might be doing. So what if plans change, it will be nice to have something to look forward to.</li>
<li><b>Read books from your childhood or classics. </b></li>
<li><b>Make something. </b>Knit, crochet, sew, build, scrapbook, kid's crafts, whatever!</li>
<li><b>Learn something new. </b>A language. Quantum physics. How to cross stitch. Or teach something new to the kids that you're passionate about.</li>
<li><b>Put out (or make) spring decorations.</b> Show winter who's boss by covering your house with pastels, it will lift your mood and make everything feel more spring like.</li>
<li><b>Rearrange the furniture.</b> Change is good.</li>
<li><b>Try out a new recipe.</b> Get the kids involved or spend the day creating something elaborate.</li>
<li><b>Sing</b>. There's something about singing that lifts the spirits. If you play an instrument do that.</li>
<li><b>Connect with a friend.</b> You may not have seen them in forever but hop on to Skype or Facebook or pick up the phone and dial someone who's voice makes you happy. </li>
<li><b>Try on all your summer clothes.</b> Purge what you don't want anymore. This is a good reminder that summer exists.</li>
<li><b>Clean your house.</b> The act is not fun but sitting in a nice clean space is definitely mood lifting.</li>
<li><b>Eat healthy.</b> When fruits and vegetables are not in season it's tempting to go for processed foods over fresh but it has a negative effect on our moods, so when possible reach for a healthy snack and add lots of veggies to your meals.</li>
<li><b>Sip a warm beverage. </b>Take your time, relax, and enjoy the moment.</li>
<li><b>Have a beach day.</b> Turn up the heat, put on summer clothes, and relax in the living room. Have a picnic and maybe take a dip in the bathtub, bathing suit and all.</li>
<li><b>Plan your garden.</b> Even if you don't have a huge space you can still plant stuff indoors or on a patio. Do you want flowers? Herbs? Veggies? If you order seeds online now's the time.</li>
<li><b>Load up on positivity</b>. Look up inspirational quotes and write them down or display them. I like <i>"May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live."</i></li>
<li><b>Play social games.</b> Board games, video games, online games - whatever, as long as you're doing it with other people and having fun.</li>
<li><b>Entertain</b>. Invite guests for dinner or a play date. Nothing fancy needed but being around other people will help.</li>
<li><b>Make a summer bucket list.</b> List all the things you want to do this summer with friends, family, or kids. Try something new!</li>
<li><b>Get out.</b> Even though it's too cold to be outside try and go for dinner, to a museum, or take the kids somewhere for indoor fun.</li>
<li><b>Check the long range forecast.</b> Knowing we only have another two weeks before the weather starts going into the positives (and some snow melts!) is really inspiring.</li>
<li><b>Soak up the sun.</b> On a sunny but cold day sit by the window and enjoy the warm rays, like a cat.</li>
<li><b>Think about the good in your life.</b> It can be easy to lose sight of what's important when you're depressed and stuck inside. Thinking about what you have to be happy about and thankful for can lift your spirits, at least enough to keep going.</li>
<li><b>Do some indoor exercise.</b> Even if you don't have fancy equipment you can still do body weight stuff or yoga.</li>
<li><b>Cheer someone else up.</b> Talking to and helping others with their problems can help give you perspective on what's upsetting you.</li>
<li><b>Take time out to do something you love. </b>Make some time for your interests and passions and don't let them slip away into the winter blues.</li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-59228464225107207232014-01-22T09:04:00.000-08:002014-01-22T09:04:36.122-08:00Sibling Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u28ZAfO3y0/Ut_5fVa0lNI/AAAAAAAAAqE/6ftl9xJq4tA/s1600/marcusandamelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u28ZAfO3y0/Ut_5fVa0lNI/AAAAAAAAAqE/6ftl9xJq4tA/s1600/marcusandamelia.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
Last night I was up with the baby for 2 1/2 hours. It felt like forever. I tried everything to get her to go back to sleep, including just letting her cry... A decision I later regretted when I had all three kids up instead of just one.<br />
<br />
Sharing a room with my 4 1/2 year old son means that he was the one up first and longest. He also wet his bed so I put the (cranky) baby down in her crib to change it. He started talking to her to keep her from crying.<br />
<br />
For some reason my younger two have a very close bond. The oldest and middle child are only 22 months apart, and the middle and baby are 3 1/2 years apart. It's surprising.<br />
<br />
Anyway, there we were, 3am, and he says "I love you baby, I love you forever."<br />
<br />
He just adores her and lavishes on the affection. It's so comforting to know that she'll always have a big brother to look after her and it absolutely melts my heart.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-62229412972673476182013-12-02T09:09:00.000-08:002013-12-02T09:11:51.887-08:00How I Held a First Birthday Party for Under $100 (Including Gifts)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HoMq2HcR36c/Upy-SasOgYI/AAAAAAAAAos/khRU7QALahs/s1600/bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HoMq2HcR36c/Upy-SasOgYI/AAAAAAAAAos/khRU7QALahs/s400/bday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So my littlest one turns one this week and we celebrated her birthday yesterday. It was a small party, we had four adults, two teens, and three kids not including my own and it was a lot of fun. I also didn't want to spend a lot of money on this party and tried to keep it under $100. Here's how I did.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIaV6Qm0Cts/Upy-S1Bc4kI/AAAAAAAAAow/XVDrsA6GKeU/s1600/IMG_2735+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIaV6Qm0Cts/Upy-S1Bc4kI/AAAAAAAAAow/XVDrsA6GKeU/s400/IMG_2735+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Food - $45</b><br />
We served chips, crackers, pretzels, strawberries, grapes, apples, three types of dip, homemade doughnuts, homemade cookies, and of course cake and cupcakes. We only served water as drinks and only used our regular dishes.We saved money buying no name food and making everything ourselves. The dips were Sunset Gourmet which was a bit of a splurge.<br />
<br />
<b>Decor </b>- <b>$20</b><br />
Everything I either already owned or purchased at the dollar store. Table cloth, plastic bowls, cupcake stand, cupcake toppers, snowflakes, ONE decoration, trees, and balloons. Almost everything came from Dollarama!<br />
<br />
<b>Gifts - $25</b><br />
I picked up a Melissa and Doug Puzzle on clearance a couple months ago for $5 and added in some second hand finds for another $5. I then let my older two kids choose some books from my gift collection in the basement, but since I can't remember what I paid I just added on $15 for those (they were probably less).<br />
<br />
<b>Activities - $3</b><br />
My mom picked up a Pin the Nose on the Snowman game along with the snowman table cloth at the second hand store on bag day, so I estimate that at $1 total. We also bought a box of snowflake ornaments for the kids to decorate which cost $2.<br />
<br />
<b>Total - $93</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
So there you have it - birthdays are possible to be adorable and frugal! Can't wait for our frugal Christmas!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOhKuOleLBY/Upy-VAe1DzI/AAAAAAAAAo8/8-CvW2jxbhw/s1600/IMG_2751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOhKuOleLBY/Upy-VAe1DzI/AAAAAAAAAo8/8-CvW2jxbhw/s400/IMG_2751.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-53088466201910763912013-12-02T08:11:00.001-08:002013-12-02T08:11:41.076-08:00Holiday 2013 - Frugal Advent Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvM83Ba7jik/Upyt2S49tVI/AAAAAAAAAoc/0jGcn-PQ3ZY/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvM83Ba7jik/Upyt2S49tVI/AAAAAAAAAoc/0jGcn-PQ3ZY/s320/books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was super busy day yesterday with my littlest's first birthday party so I didn't get a chance to post this, or even take a good picture, but here it is.<br />
<br />
The easiest, most frugal, least fattening advent calendar ever. The ones with activities are super cute but we just don't have the time. My youngest is allergic to chocolate so it wouldn't be fair to buy the chocolate calendars. We do have a lot of Christmas books.<br />
<br />
So what you need to do is just <b>wrap up Christmas books</b> and set them under the tree! I didn't number them so the kids can have fun picking. We did 23 since we always open one present on Christmas Eve and I found out one of the books was a repeat (two copies of The Night Before Christmas).<br />
<br />
By using wrapping paper I bought on sale last year this project cost less then $2 and our story time last night was lovely. I think this will be out new holiday tradition.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-25186033471712505452013-11-25T09:08:00.001-08:002013-11-25T09:08:14.691-08:00Resisting Temptation on Black Friday WeekendHere in Canada, <a href="http://tmvtv.blogspot.ca/2013/10/printable-activities-to-keep-kids-busy.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> came and went in October, and Black Friday has always been an American thing. We get Boxing Day sales instead. Over the past few year's we've also been lucky enough to get Cyber Monday sales over here. This year is different - not only will I be a short 3 hours from Fargo this year for these sales, but almost everywhere major retailer in Canada is offering some kind of Black Friday deals. Granted, they're not quite the same as the states, and we certainly won't get as many interesting trampling stories, but half priced EXPEDIT shelves from IKEA is <i>very </i>tempting. But of course, I'm on a budget so...<br />
<br />
Black Friday is the "official" start to holiday shopping. Here in Canada we've been thinking Christmas since November 12th, out Neighbours to the South had to wait to give thanks. Now that they're so appreciative of what they have, it's time to go shopping! Seems kind of wacked to me, but then again, so is the Canadian "we just got a bunch of presents yesterday let's go shopping!" Boxing Day mentality. I typically only pick up wrapping paper the odd Christmas decoration for next year, but I digress. Black Friday occurs at a time of year where we're all motivated to buy.<br />
<br />
You don't even need to be close to the stores to shop. Online retails offer free shipping and insane discounts with no lines. Most places have started posting deals this week to get you to order now, then again on Friday. They want your money.<br />
<br />
So this year while you're being bombarded by the awesome sales and Black Friday marketing, remember these questions:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Do I really need this?</b><br />
If the answer is yes, it's a real need, then maybe it's a good time to buy. Half priced mittens if you kid doesn't have any is a fantastic deal. If you already have three pairs it's a waste.<br />
<br />
<b>2. How badly do I want it (or will they want it if it's a gift)</b><br />If you don't need it move on to this.<br />
<br />
<b>3. What will have to sacrifice to get this?</b><br />
Space? Money you don't have? Work more? Dinner out?<br />
<br />
<b>4. What will happen if I don't get this?</b><br />
Usually nothing.<br />
<br />
Just because the sales are short term, think about everything you're buying! Don't let the pursuit of stuff get in the way of your goals.<br />
<br />
<i>Better yet, don't shop at all. Don't look. Just spend time with your family.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-7696950769203732692013-11-21T09:10:00.000-08:002013-11-21T09:10:01.372-08:00Holiday 2013 - 24 Movies to Watch In December<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Finally my kids have hit an age where they can handle kid movies that are not animated, hurray! We just watched Jumanji and are watching Muppet's Treasure Island tonight. Here are our favorite holiday movies that we'll be watching with our kids throughout December.<br />
<ol>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Elf<br />
</b></li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TQZrvW1SlI/Uo43dO0-ytI/AAAAAAAAAmY/WMj1ph7zRws/s1600/elf-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TQZrvW1SlI/Uo43dO0-ytI/AAAAAAAAAmY/WMj1ph7zRws/s200/elf-movie-poster.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas<br />
</b></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMAs6poIAOE/Uo44beOaklI/AAAAAAAAAmg/roSiB25Ae4E/s1600/Beautyandthebeastchristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMAs6poIAOE/Uo44beOaklI/AAAAAAAAAmg/roSiB25Ae4E/s200/Beautyandthebeastchristmas.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>A Charlie Brown Christmas<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx8E283nws8/Uo43Wqc4gBI/AAAAAAAAAl0/_ko0dYb99S8/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx8E283nws8/Uo43Wqc4gBI/AAAAAAAAAl0/_ko0dYb99S8/s200/download.jpg" width="178" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer<br />
</b></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><b>An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf<br />
</b></li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lpC7AOPUv58/Uo43UQPp0LI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/mNGFmCSNJtA/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lpC7AOPUv58/Uo43UQPp0LI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/mNGFmCSNJtA/s200/download+%25282%2529.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Muppet's Christmas Carol<br />
</b></li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7Eu7eBTuXE/Uo43SK1q1gI/AAAAAAAAAkw/f6mlcBCqssM/s1600/Muppets_Christmas_Carol_Soundtrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7Eu7eBTuXE/Uo43SK1q1gI/AAAAAAAAAkw/f6mlcBCqssM/s200/Muppets_Christmas_Carol_Soundtrack.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>The Santa Clause<br />
</b></li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh0KxtciZXw/Uo43Ut37qWI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Lyt2Rwws9ic/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh0KxtciZXw/Uo43Ut37qWI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Lyt2Rwws9ic/s200/download+%25283%2529.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Jack Frost</b></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3x2vSFE51Zs/Uo46byck4SI/AAAAAAAAAms/M2LjL3iUvX0/s1600/images+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3x2vSFE51Zs/Uo46byck4SI/AAAAAAAAAms/M2LjL3iUvX0/s200/images+(2).jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Frosty the Snowman<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVEvPgN7NmU/Uo43brCPoKI/AAAAAAAAAmI/bcRy3rRqTy8/s1600/frosty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVEvPgN7NmU/Uo43brCPoKI/AAAAAAAAAmI/bcRy3rRqTy8/s200/frosty.jpg" width="160" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Frosty Returns<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njqG2HQlUtQ/Uo43R3M_bsI/AAAAAAAAAko/XUQpXiBKLTE/s1600/51Kl2HXyaKL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njqG2HQlUtQ/Uo43R3M_bsI/AAAAAAAAAko/XUQpXiBKLTE/s200/51Kl2HXyaKL.jpg" width="111" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Santa Claus is Coming to Town<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bbRvVshfvM/Uo43XhUzBCI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Kx9bAFxPs28/s1600/download+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bbRvVshfvM/Uo43XhUzBCI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Kx9bAFxPs28/s200/download+%25281%2529.jpg" width="142" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>The Year Without Santa Claus<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1r8Qyf1Go-g/Uo43V972GzI/AAAAAAAAAlk/AkUp0SpbryE/s1600/download+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1r8Qyf1Go-g/Uo43V972GzI/AAAAAAAAAlk/AkUp0SpbryE/s200/download+%25286%2529.jpg" width="140" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>The Santa Clause 2<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFbW6MOW9OM/Uo43S6984tI/AAAAAAAAAk8/7E9XIqhkH7Y/s1600/Santa_Clause_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFbW6MOW9OM/Uo43S6984tI/AAAAAAAAAk8/7E9XIqhkH7Y/s200/Santa_Clause_2.jpg" width="135" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Rise of the Guardians<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIN47Ag0O2o/Uo47YvSWW_I/AAAAAAAAAm0/66tRjXmWoGY/s1600/images+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIN47Ag0O2o/Uo47YvSWW_I/AAAAAAAAAm0/66tRjXmWoGY/s200/images+(3).jpg" width="134" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>The Nutcracker<br /><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2fQeAsdhI4/Uo43VZJ-ALI/AAAAAAAAAlo/viu2GBoZL98/s1600/download+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2fQeAsdhI4/Uo43VZJ-ALI/AAAAAAAAAlo/viu2GBoZL98/s200/download+%25285%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a></b>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Mickey's Christmas Carol<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8Z6VcRagsA/Uo43bMeT0gI/AAAAAAAAAmE/UpcFyEPbXTw/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8Z6VcRagsA/Uo43bMeT0gI/AAAAAAAAAmE/UpcFyEPbXTw/s200/images+%25281%2529.jpg" width="140" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GclkCg75oUc/Uo43T3oy1oI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Xhd3XULX1X4/s1600/Winnie_the_Pooh_and_Christmas_Too_Coverart.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GclkCg75oUc/Uo43T3oy1oI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Xhd3XULX1X4/s200/Winnie_the_Pooh_and_Christmas_Too_Coverart.png" width="120" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>The Nightmare Before Christmas<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmYJPB9O9mY/Uo47isPuO1I/AAAAAAAAAm8/_TLc7AmllTo/s1600/download+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmYJPB9O9mY/Uo47isPuO1I/AAAAAAAAAm8/_TLc7AmllTo/s200/download+(7).jpg" width="137" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>The Santa Clause 3<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gcm8NMjaMQg/Uo43VFtsCSI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WYCJq_hexQ4/s1600/download+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gcm8NMjaMQg/Uo43VFtsCSI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WYCJq_hexQ4/s200/download+%25284%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>The Polar Express<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8WROv9mRCw/Uo48LGNN55I/AAAAAAAAAnc/PY3OiyeE-Xk/s1600/download+(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8WROv9mRCw/Uo48LGNN55I/AAAAAAAAAnc/PY3OiyeE-Xk/s200/download+(8).jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Miracle on 34th Street<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_g6tLlv8ew/Uo479irS1zI/AAAAAAAAAnE/OcYHFiThzVE/s1600/images+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_g6tLlv8ew/Uo479irS1zI/AAAAAAAAAnE/OcYHFiThzVE/s200/images+(4).jpg" width="140" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Mrs. Santa Claus<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rG1XubJBWds/Uo43SEF9ckI/AAAAAAAAAks/VvIwPSPkFWM/s1600/MV5BMTExOTQ1OTcyMTleQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU3MDQxNjE2MTE%2540._V1_SY317_CR1%252C0%252C214%252C317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rG1XubJBWds/Uo43SEF9ckI/AAAAAAAAAks/VvIwPSPkFWM/s200/MV5BMTExOTQ1OTcyMTleQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU3MDQxNjE2MTE%2540._V1_SY317_CR1%252C0%252C214%252C317_.jpg" width="135" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>A Christmas Story<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZVDGwIPUS8/Uo479z7UW9I/AAAAAAAAAnI/ekZJeJwgWOM/s1600/images+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZVDGwIPUS8/Uo479z7UW9I/AAAAAAAAAnI/ekZJeJwgWOM/s200/images+(5).jpg" width="133" /></a>
</b></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><b>How the Grinch Stole Christmas<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smf-8lWV3gk/Uo479tflkDI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/vIln-u1jDUc/s1600/grinch01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smf-8lWV3gk/Uo479tflkDI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/vIln-u1jDUc/s200/grinch01.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></li>
</ol>
<div>
Bonus: Mom and dad shouldn't forget to watch Die Hard 1 and 2 - both fantastic Christmas movies! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-91549469743529837832013-11-19T11:32:00.001-08:002013-11-21T08:01:01.601-08:00Holiday 2013 - Christmas Gifts for 3 Kids Under $300<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0HX7ItXtz0/Uou8c3OyusI/AAAAAAAAAkM/k4VY23feLvY/s1600/gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0HX7ItXtz0/Uou8c3OyusI/AAAAAAAAAkM/k4VY23feLvY/s1600/gifts.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This year I'm trying to tone down the usual craziness and limit the store bought gifts while remaining as frugal as possible. I've put much more thought into gift selection for my three kids this year. Here's what will be arriving under the tree:<br />
<h2>
Skylanders Giants and 2 extra Skylanders </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEKX9WcerZ8/UouU9XNUfDI/AAAAAAAAAis/z5X2kphcVn8/s1600/skylanders-starter-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEKX9WcerZ8/UouU9XNUfDI/AAAAAAAAAis/z5X2kphcVn8/s200/skylanders-starter-box.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEKX9WcerZ8/UouU9XNUfDI/AAAAAAAAAis/z5X2kphcVn8/s1600/skylanders-starter-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<div>
$48</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I picked up Skylanders Giants and two extra Skylander characters back in September. They were on sale at Walmart and this is something the kids have been begging for. <br />
This will be from Santa Claus for the older kids and is one of their most asked for gifts.</div>
<br />
<h2>
A Book For Each Kid</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlO8Y4Lv5gQ/UoumYSzw05I/AAAAAAAAAjg/WaMiLtHdpvk/s1600/books.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlO8Y4Lv5gQ/UoumYSzw05I/AAAAAAAAAjg/WaMiLtHdpvk/s200/books.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Madeline ($14) for my 6 year old, Duck! Rabbit! ($15) for my 4 year old and A Christmas Carol - Bablit book ($10) for my 1 year old.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We're very much into books right now so I went for choices that they would love to hear and I would love reading to them. I could easily spend the entire budget on books but I think they're expecting to at least get -some- toys.<br />
<h2>
<br />
Board Games for the Big Kids</h2>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WWWvHdqnt0/Uouk5s4yc_I/AAAAAAAAAjM/xTn6fXJf3NY/s1600/games.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WWWvHdqnt0/Uouk5s4yc_I/AAAAAAAAAjM/xTn6fXJf3NY/s320/games.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
I'm getting pretty tired of playing Scrabble Jr. and Loopin' Louie with my kids so it's time to get them some new board games. Doc McStuffins Operation ($25) will be for my 6 year old and Chickyboom ($17) will be for my 4 year old.</div>
<div>
<h2>
<br />
Counting and Sorting Farm</h2>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9XzWLV1jLo/UouleCvJ4iI/AAAAAAAAAjU/A29Z-PWoNwY/s1600/51W5P1CGT8L._SL500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9XzWLV1jLo/UouleCvJ4iI/AAAAAAAAAjU/A29Z-PWoNwY/s200/51W5P1CGT8L._SL500_.jpg" width="190" /></a>$31</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I picked this toy because it has a lot of versatility for play. There's the option to just fill and empty the pens, which my daughter loves to do, and of course the learning aspect as she gets older. She could also just play with the animals like a farm playset too. This one will be from Santa too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Super Mario 3D World</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dk4WQRISFmM/UopQyUhQSpI/AAAAAAAAAg8/e4SEbBaumT8/s1600/Super_Mario_3D_World_box_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dk4WQRISFmM/UopQyUhQSpI/AAAAAAAAAg8/e4SEbBaumT8/s200/Super_Mario_3D_World_box_art.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
<div>
$60</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With its 4 play co-op the whole family can play this game together. We opted to get this over toys this year because the kids will be getting more toys from family and they already have so many.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://tmvtv.blogspot.ca/2013/11/christmas-2013-10-best-new-release.html" target="_blank">Check out some more kid-friendly video games here.</a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Skip Hop Dunks Stacking Bath Toy</h2>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx16eFhTkHs/Uout5Y8Z6nI/AAAAAAAAAjw/FxTMCQMB3kI/s1600/81IuWzS9I6L._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx16eFhTkHs/Uout5Y8Z6nI/AAAAAAAAAjw/FxTMCQMB3kI/s200/81IuWzS9I6L._AA1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
$12.50</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These little duckies are going to be for my 1 year old who doesn't own a single bath toy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Second Hand Finds</h2>
<div>
I have an additional $25 budgeted towards hunting the second hand stores and swap pages to find some great used toys for the kids. I'll be hunting for board games, books, puzzles, and toys. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Stocking Stuffers</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJsQ618BN7o/Uou6AIcefbI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Qa67Wkz4A-o/s1600/pTRUCA1-13469975dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJsQ618BN7o/Uou6AIcefbI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Qa67Wkz4A-o/s200/pTRUCA1-13469975dt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
$30<br />
<br />
Along with the Skylander in the picture for my 4 year old, I have quite a few items in mind for stockings. These include trinkets and treats from the dollar store, baby-friendly markers and crayons for the 1 year old, homemade sewing cards for my 6 year old, and possibly some small toys from the second hand store.<br />
<br />
They will also find a goodbye letter from the Elf!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Adding in tax and any extra expenses that may arise this list sits around $300 for everything. If I shop well at the dollar store and the second hand stores the kids will be quite spoiled again this year, but at least it's not quite as costly.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-29206848963281151262013-11-17T12:22:00.002-08:002013-11-17T12:22:53.205-08:0010 No-Fuss Ways to Play in the Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tDeVrx3uT4/Uoklg3eTnSI/AAAAAAAAAgE/NyorIAq1LYI/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tDeVrx3uT4/Uoklg3eTnSI/AAAAAAAAAgE/NyorIAq1LYI/s1600/snow.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It snowed buckets here in southern Manitoba this weekend! Here are some ways to keep the little ones outdoors during those not too cold winter days without much prep-work or involvement.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Snow Spray-Painting</b><br />Grab some plastic spray bottles and fill with water. Add a few drops of food colouring to each one. Any colour will work but make one of each red, yellow, and blue for some colour mixing fun.<br /></li>
<li><b>Shoveling</b><br />My kids love to shovel. Have them see how high they can build a tower or dig a hole, or grab some bucks of various sizes for them to fill and dump. Use kid sized snow shovels or your beach toys!<br /></li>
<li><b>Snow Shapes</b>Have the kids make all kinds of shapes in the snow - snow angels, tracks, circles, elephants - whatever.<br /></li>
<li><b>Snow Maze/Path</b><br />Stomp out a maze or path for the kids to follow through the snow.<br /></li>
<li><b>Pull Out the Sled</b><br />Kids have fun pulling the sled around the yard and filling it with whatever they find.<br /></li>
<li><b>Make a Snow Fort</b><br />Kids of any ages will have fun building up snow walls and making a little snow fort or house.<br /></li>
<li><b>Examine Snowflakes</b><br />See all the different shapes they have.<br /></li>
<li><b>Play Archaeologist</b><br />See what you can unearth under the snow.<br /></li>
<li><b>Look For Tracks</b><br />Seek out animal tracks in your yard. Try and guess what made them.<br /></li>
<li><b>Build a Snowman</b><br />It wouldn't be winter without building a snowman!</li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-47266663897794027632013-10-22T11:09:00.002-07:002013-10-22T11:09:37.606-07:00A Letter To My Spirited Daughter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvPIFZrPDvc/Uma_O7XeIZI/AAAAAAAAAfc/DIk182M9sNk/s1600/1235929_10151549392807282_87578143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvPIFZrPDvc/Uma_O7XeIZI/AAAAAAAAAfc/DIk182M9sNk/s320/1235929_10151549392807282_87578143_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She wouldn't stop taking off her diaper but refused to potty train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
To my daughter,<br />
<br />
Although you are only six now, and you feel so grown up, you are still so so small and so so young. There is so much about yourself, about me, about the world in general that you have yet to learn. So much of it is going to break you heart and bring you to tears but one day you will realize that your natural determination and stubbornness will pull you through.<br />
<br />
You were the child I waited my whole life to have. Granted, I only waited seventeen years to bring you home, you were wanted, oh so wanted, and brought into more love then you could possibly imagine. Your entrance was dramatic and you refused to breastfeed but I didn't care, I was so happy. We bonded. It was love at first sight.<br />
<br />
People told me babies were a lot of work and you were remarkably easy. Sure, you didn't always sleep, sure some days I held you non stop, but you were happy, you were healthy, and you were perfect. It was for that reason you were only 22 months when your brother was born.<br />
<br />
You were always a bit of a handful. You used to run away from mommy and me dance class from the first day to the last. You loved it. You wanted to go. You just didn't want to listen. People said it was normal, that it would come.<br />
<br />
Then you were three and more challenging. I was in a constant state of exhaustion and have a complete memory gap of that entire year. I can't remember anything from when your brother was a baby. I can't remember what kind of child you were at three. I regret this daily.<br />
<br />
Then you were four and you were the most smart, beautiful, and awful four year old I've ever met. I remember there was a car accident and you hoped everyone was OK. I remember you could write your name and count and knew the whole alphabet. I remember you throwing things at me while driving because you didn't want to come home from the beach.<br />
<br />
And as you became the world's most challenging four year old I became the world's worst mother to you. For that I am sorry. I am sorry for the times I slapped you, even when you spit in my face. I am sorry for crying to you at one in the morning asking you why you couldn't be normal. I'm sorry for the yelling, the spankings, locking you in your room, and not taking you anywhere because I was afraid I couldn't handle you. I made so much of your life worse. I fought with your dad over discipline. I was depressed. I was pregnant with your baby sister. I couldn't play with you. I couldn't help you.<br />
<br />
I didn't cry when I dropped you off at the first day of school. I was too scared to cry. I was worried you wouldn't handle it, that you'd meltdown, and you did. It took you a month to get the hang of school. Then you were perfect. You were never in trouble, and still aren't. I cannot believe it still, but I am more proud of you then I could ever express in words.<br />
<br />
Life with you now is so much more manageable. You are so much more cooperative. Other people may look at you and think you are misbehaving but to me these are good days. We can enjoy things now. We have fun.<br />
<br />
Now I fear that one day your friends, which you have so many of, no longer forgive your explosive behavior and you fight. I fear that people won't love you as much as I do and break your heart. I fear that one day you'll be a teenager and more trouble still. I worry that I wont be there to protect you, to talk you down, to tell you everything is OK.<br />
<br />
When I look back on your childhood I won't think about the three hours of screaming it took to get you to bed each night when you were three, I won't be reminiscing about all the things you destroyed, all the walls you coloured on, all the food crushed into the carpet, or even the way you thought it was funny to spit whatever you were drinking onto the floor. I will remember the nights you fell asleep to me singing, insisted on helping me with whatever I was doing, and always helped your brother when he needed you.<br />
<br />
One day you're going to need that spirit, hang on to it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-4833055279814355632013-09-29T09:12:00.003-07:002013-09-29T09:12:55.214-07:00My 1 Year Old's Holiday Shopping ListChristmas shopping starts early in our family and I'm already thinking of the holidays. This is doubly true for my baby who turns one December 5th, so we've got double presents for her. We are trying to keep things simpler and more thoughtful this year since the kids already have too many toys. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.starsnstuff.com/" target="_blank">My store</a> carries the Janod line and I plan on ordering more of their fantastic wooden toys for Christmas. That means I can put a few of them on our wish list. The baby is also severely lacking in books so we are focusing on them too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHsmWTqcLKg/UkhKIRj-C1I/AAAAAAAAAdI/eXecrJIq6Tk/s1600/j07023_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHsmWTqcLKg/UkhKIRj-C1I/AAAAAAAAAdI/eXecrJIq6Tk/s320/j07023_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janod wooden forest puzzle. I like that the chunky pieces can stand independently. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2siX058yzI/UkhKIfT5phI/AAAAAAAAAdE/PJBSBtftZAo/s1600/j07055_1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2siX058yzI/UkhKIfT5phI/AAAAAAAAAdE/PJBSBtftZAo/s320/j07055_1_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janod wooden farm puzzle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuwYiRN4WZI/UkhKJDUjzII/AAAAAAAAAdU/WVyxzc6RPC0/s1600/j08156_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuwYiRN4WZI/UkhKJDUjzII/AAAAAAAAAdU/WVyxzc6RPC0/s320/j08156_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janod wooden magnets. Baby loves magnets!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbSEwraZfvg/UkhKrMOtk_I/AAAAAAAAAdo/qa_cIm1iRbA/s1600/board-book-classics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbSEwraZfvg/UkhKrMOtk_I/AAAAAAAAAdo/qa_cIm1iRbA/s320/board-book-classics.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babylit books. I saw these last time I was at Chapters and fell in love. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkyjbqeT1Kg/UkhPti8WyUI/AAAAAAAAAeI/xVr6376Vk28/s1600/pTRUCA1-4039693dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkyjbqeT1Kg/UkhPti8WyUI/AAAAAAAAAeI/xVr6376Vk28/s320/pTRUCA1-4039693dt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant crayons so she can colour with the big kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eviYUD5IY1g/UkhQjeBNX-I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/uuejpfyGU_Y/s1600/879674011151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eviYUD5IY1g/UkhQjeBNX-I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/uuejpfyGU_Y/s1600/879674011151.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skip Hop Owl pull toy. Baby will be walking then.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAtcH5MvJvU/UkhKrgx1xkI/AAAAAAAAAds/cT7alblBMIM/s1600/51gbt082KtL._SL500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAtcH5MvJvU/UkhKrgx1xkI/AAAAAAAAAds/cT7alblBMIM/s320/51gbt082KtL._SL500_.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found this at the local library and baby absolutely loved it. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28vnP_2aB4A/UkhN3S2DXkI/AAAAAAAAAd8/3VVPf_PhgRU/s1600/61qrNDBYr6L._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28vnP_2aB4A/UkhN3S2DXkI/AAAAAAAAAd8/3VVPf_PhgRU/s320/61qrNDBYr6L._AA1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Stella is perfect for little ones and you can get one with dark hair!</td></tr>
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II love shopping for babies, it's so nice when they don't ask for anything and I can still choose their toys. We're still working on stocking stuffers and I'd like to get some kind of bath toy. I'm really looking forward to having three happy children in a brand new house this year! Christmas is my favourite! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-13263899028377297252013-09-08T14:24:00.002-07:002013-09-08T14:24:32.687-07:00Free Printable - Fall Word Activity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWP7rsV3hc0/Uizp5rUppwI/AAAAAAAAAbE/UuuDdnFo0nw/s1600/fall.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWP7rsV3hc0/Uizp5rUppwI/AAAAAAAAAbE/UuuDdnFo0nw/s320/fall.PNG" width="269" /></a></div>
This fall printable is for children preschool and kindergarten age. The package contains three sheets - A word list, matching, and fill-in-the-blanks. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://angry-gamers.com/public/tamoulinvatropvite/fall%20words.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to download the Fall Word Bank Printable (PDF)</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-12424187221552274012013-08-06T12:25:00.001-07:002013-08-06T14:42:33.355-07:00Teaching Kids About Money'When a friend announced dramatically that she was taking on a second job and would be working 7 days a week I confessed that I would prefer to stay in the debt we're in then work that often. I've done the Mon-Fri evening thing and it was hard to be away from my husband every night. It most certainly put a strain on our relationship and made it hard to do anything. I also cut back on a lot of expenses that she has - satellite, diapers (I use cloth), only owning one vehicle, and activities for the kids.<div><br></div><div>Everyone's way of life is different and I admit that with my upcoming "get out of debt" move I do have a bit of an unfair bias. There was just one point she made - that they needed to be out of debt so they teach their kids proper money management and don't wind up in debt later in life like her parents. I don't believe those two are mutually exclusive. My parents were in debt, I have a good understanding of money, and my mother just turned 50 very close to being debt free. </div><div><br></div><div>I am teaching my kids about money. Here's how:</div><div><br></div><div><b>1. Give the kids an allowance.</b></div><div>We do $1 for every year of age. Yes that means my 5 year old gets $5 per week. </div><div><br></div><div><b>2. Don't tie money to chores... Exclusively.</b></div><div>The children have chores they're expected to do. If they complete those tasks they're allows to do bonus paid chores. The hope is to teach them working harder then what's expected gives positive results. Hopefully this turns into jobs later.</div><div><br></div><div><b>3. Force them to save up.</b></div><div>I love to buy my kids whatever they want, but now that they have their own money I'm making them save for any toys they want. Waiting also helps them consider their purchases more carefully.</div><div><br></div><div><b>4. Reminding them why mom says no.</b></div><div>When I say no to the kids I remind them why - we need that money to buy food and we're saving for a trip to Disneyland. It reminds them that we have to prioritize. I never tell them we can't afford things because I don't want them to think we're poor or that we don't have enough money. We have enough for everything we need, not everything we want.</div><div><br></div><div><b>5. Show them value and cost.</b></div><div>Now that my oldest is understanding numeracy better I can say "that shirt is $20, that's too expensive." Or "That shirt is only $6 and comes with a hat, what a great deal.". I am also teaching them to shop second hand and explaining how much money we save there. We're fighting the "new is better" mentality too.</div><div><br></div><div><b>6. Keep the conversation going. </b></div><div>We're always talking about money and good uses of it. We point out cost, why we work, and the things that cost money. When they get older we will go into more detail. At 14 my mom sat me down to explain how mortgages and CMHC work. </div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday my 5 year old told me her tea party would have lots of guests because it was free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I45He5t3Yi8/UgFtxwpPD1I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/rxEM3gMyIMw/s640/blogger-image--1845721503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I45He5t3Yi8/UgFtxwpPD1I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/rxEM3gMyIMw/s640/blogger-image--1845721503.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Look how much my kids got for Christmas this year!</div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588290829024278625.post-68396622483077797032013-07-19T10:05:00.003-07:002013-07-19T10:05:50.682-07:00Long Distance FamilyToday was a sad day for my husband and little ones. My mother in law and her sister (they're twins and live together so my husband is very close with both) visited for the past four weeks and just went home today. They are not expecting to see the kids for two more years.<br />
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My husband and I met online and he moved here from Australia in 2006. Over the past almost 6 years of having children we have seen his mother 4 times including this last trip. She came for our wedding in 2007 when my oldest was 9 months, another visit in 2010 when my oldest was 2 1/2 and my middle son was 10 months, we visited Christmas 2011 with 4 and 2 year olds, and now they were here summer of 2013 visiting the three kids ages 5, 3, and 7 months. That's about as often as any of us have been able to afford to come and visit and take the time off of work.<br />
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It's really sad to me whenever they go. So many different stages of development are missed and they basically don't get to see the grand kids grow up. I can't imagine what it's like for my husband being so far away from his family, especially his mother. My mom lives in the same town as us and will be moving when we do. I like being close to my family. <br />
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I also feel a bit guilty - it is my fault. I'm the reason he moved up here in the first place. It's also getting harder for the kids as they get older and understand how long it's going to be before the next visit. I'm in the process of trying to talk them into moving to Canada, but so far no luck. It's too cold.<br />
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Soon I'll be moving away from a lot of my close family too. My half sister is the same age as my daughter (a whole 'nother story) and the two are best friends. They'll go from being 6 hours away from each other to 12-13 hours away. <br />
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It's a good thing for technology. At least we have Skype, iPhone Facetime, and online gaming to keep connected. It definitely makes the separation feel a bit smaller.<br />
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Amelia, who even cries for my mom, really did love her Nana visiting.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603300620203570257noreply@blogger.com0