Dealing with stress... when you're 5 years old

We went to a Family Fun Night at my daughter's school on Friday.  They had games, prizes, and food.  It was a lot of fun (as the name suggested).  Everything was going great... until the last game was played.

Curls (3 yr. old) got a prize that Princess (5 yr. old) wanted and Princess proceeded to pout about it.  I explained that they could share and take turns with it.  That went over fine, and then we left the classroom to head out to the van.

On the way out Princess sees her best friend (who's a boy... that she really likes), and she wanted to say hi to him.  At the same time she dropped one of her prizes, one of those tiny bouncy balls (of course).  It bounced away from her, and she immediately went into meltdown mode.

There were lots of kids and parents walking in the hallway, and there was my daughter... scrambling across the floor, the tears starting to come down, trying to get her bouncy ball back.

She recovered her ball but by then was so worked up that she couldn't say hi to her best friend.  He had walked by right after it happened, probably seeing the whole thing, and meanwhile my daughter was hiding behind me because she didn't want anyone to see her (she gets like that when she's crying or upset).

So then we get to the van and she's in complete distress because she didn't get to say hi to her best friend.  She cried and sniffled the whole way home.  And even after getting home she was still upset and couldn't be consoled.

So we ordered pizza... and we talked.  About how she could've handled the situation differently and not immediately reacted as if it was the end of the world.  And to just ask me for help if she needed it.  And that even though she didn't get to say hi to her best friend, she would see him again at school on Monday, just a couple days away.

*         *         *

Understanding that our kids are going to get stressed is important to remember as a parent. We have to use our "superpowers" to see into the future.  We need to anticipate how they're going to react in a situation and try to avoid unnecessary stress.

In this situation I could've brought a bag for the girls to put their prizes in or carried the toys myself.  Knowing that a toy in the hands of a child is more likely to be dropped and lost. Unfortunately though, you can't always avoid situations from happening... your child is still going to get stressed, and then they need to know how to handle it themselves.

I found some great articles from the following websites that talk about teaching your child how to deal with stress:

• Teach Kids How- Teach Your Child How to Deal with Stress
• Kids Health- Helping Kids Cope With Stress
• Center for Effective Parenting- Helping Children Cope with Stress

And this is important stuff to know, because if my daughter is getting this stressed over dropping a toy and not being able to say hi to a boy at 5 years old, what's going to happen when she gets to 15 and is dealing with hormones and boys?!  I shudder to think about it!  But hopefully I'll be better prepared by then.

Saturday & Sunday Blog Hops

Here's a fun Saturday blog hop for anyone who wants more followers and wants to find new blogs to follow.  You also get to pick one of your favorite blogs that you want to spotlight each week and add it to the linky.
I follow and read lots of great blogs, but this week I decided to spotlight The Lucas Zoo.  I fell in love when I first came across this blog a few months ago.  Jessie is the mom of 3 adorable girls (just like me), and she takes amazing pictures.  I also love how easy to read all of her posts are... so go check her out!

And don't forget to link up with the Spotlight Saturday and link up someone you enjoy reading.  :)
Sunday Hops:
          

SOOC Saturday- Take two!

A couple weeks ago for SOOC (Straight Out Of the Camera) Saturday, I had posted a picture I took using the self-timer in which it turned out blurry and dark (view here).  I thought I'd post another one from that day after I had changed some settings on the camera- success!

This post is linked up with SOOC Saturday {or Sunday} over at Marvelous Mommy

Looking forward to Spring!

I hate this part of winter, after Groundhog Day, after we've had a warm spell... a little taste of what's to come.  It's seems as though Winter has been going forever (it's actually snowing as I type this).  I am so looking forward to Spring- no more snow and cold!

One of my favorite things to do with my girls is head to the park and have a picnic.  The fresh air and sunshine, having a snack and playing... there's nothing better!  And generally I would just throw what we needed in a tote bag or try to fit it all into our small cooler bag.  But I would love to have an actual picnic basket to hold everything and keep it in its place.

You can get picnic baskets for 2 or picnic baskets for 4, and they come with everything you need to get started (minus the food).  You get glasses, plates, flatware, and napkins.  So it's ready to go when you are... just add the food and drinks and be on your merry way.

And if you're looking to be romantic, they have picnic baskets that even hold a bottle of wine and also come with wine glasses, corkscrew, cheese knife, cutting board, and salt & pepper shakers.  You can go with a traditional look or a more modern on-the-go look.  Now where's the wine and cheese... I am so ready for Spring!

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 1001 Shops.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Congrats to the Winners...

Neem Therape Cleansing Bar                                   Five Little Bunnies book w/ CD
67. Jennifer said...                                                  10. AnneLoyd said...
GFC follower                                                             I subscribe to emails.

And if you missed the giveaway, you can now get 20% Off all the products at Organix-South til March 4th (makers of the Neem Therape Cleansing Bar)

How do you carry your laptop?

So I recently blogged about my laptop and how I wanted to smash it to bits... but then I didn't.  What, haven't you ever felt that way?  We've since patched things up and are trying to work on the relationship.

But seriously, I do like having my laptop- I can take it anywhere and stay connected... it's my lifeline.  On nights when I would go to my Grandma's house, I would often take it with me. Only problem was I didn't have the proper bag to carry it in.

I was trying to shove it into a bag that wasn't quite the right size for it.  If only I'd had a  laptop messenger bag I wouldn't have been worrying about it falling out and smashing on the ground.  Oh wait- wasn't that what I wanted to do to it anyway...

Ok, bear with me this post is going somewhere.  I am lucky enough to be doing another review for CSN Stores (yay)!  And maybe, just maybe I'll be reviewing a nifty new laptop messenger bag... on the other hand, we do need a new light fixture in the playroom... hmm, decisions, decisions.  Of course with over 200 stores to choose from it could be something else all together.  But I'm pretty sure I've decided, and I'm thinking there will be before and after pics.  Stay tuned...

My vacuum sucks... er, make that DOESN'T suck!

I've had my vacuum cleaner since we moved into our house five years ago.  It started off great... a whirring, sucking, cleaning machine.  But as the years have gone by it's slowly become a loud whirring, non-sucking, anti-cleaning machine.  I know the time is coming soon when I'm going to have to replace it.

But I'm going to hold off just a little bit longer, at least until the LG Vacuum giveaway over at Mommy Katie is over with.  This would be an awesome replacement and then I could finally kick my old vacuum to the curb!  If you'd like a shot at winning this for yourself, you'll have to hurry and enter- the giveaway ends 2/27.

Wordless Wednesday- Fun in the Snow!

This is how we spent part of our long weekend...

making snow angels,

drawing snow art, 

...and having "snow" much fun!

This post is linked up with 5 Minutes for Mom and Shibley Smiles 

Artificial or Real... Which do you prefer?

If someone came over to visit, what would they see at your house- real or artificial flowers?  I generally prefer the look of real only because fake flowers tend to look, well... fake.  But artificial plants and flowers have come a long way.  You can now buy artificial ones that look just as real as the real thing.  Unless you actually touched or smelled it, you'd probably never know.

And of course if they're not real you don't have to worry about allergies, messes, or watering. With 3 young kids, I have found myself choosing artificial plants and flowers over real the past several years, and now with better choices I don't have to worry about them looking fake to guests.  I definitely think real fresh flowers are nice every once in awhile, but they don't last long, and with my kids artificial is my day to day pick... how about you?


Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 1001 Shops.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Potty training... woe is me!

I've been through this once before, our oldest daughter was completely potty trained by 2 1/2, both day and nighttime.  There was no going back once she got the hang of it, she never wet the bed... every parent's dream when it comes to potty training.  But Curls on the other hand, my almost 3 yr. old, has other ideas when it comes to potty training.

Translated to: she just doesn't want to do it... PERIOD!  I've tried the same techniques I used with her older sister but they aren't working.  My oldest two girls are like night and day- complete opposites.  Everything I learned from parenting my oldest girl, I had to re-learn, or rather I was taught by my 2nd daughter.  She had a different way of doing things... different wants and needs, and she does things in her own time.

So the other day I attempted (yet again) to use the 'put 'em in big kid underwear' technique. I put a vinyl cover over the undies of course in case of accidents.  What I wasn't ready for however, was that Curls would hold her pee... and hold it... and hold it.  For 8 hours she held her pee, while I was pushing her to drink water and juice thinking I could get her to use the potty.  But alas, she held it, every time I put her on the potty she just sat there... and sat there... and sat there!  Until we were both exhausted and stressed and I finally gave in and put her back in a diaper.  And then what did poor Curls do?  She fell asleep before even eating her dinner and slept thru the whole night.  :(

I guess we'll try again another day, or next week or even next month.  I don't necessarily want a 3 year old still in diapers, but kids don't always do things the way we plan them.  Better get to the store and pick up some more diapers, she's almost up to a size 5... oh, woe is me!

Wanted: New @HP_PC Computer from @Crissy

So after I had posted my Color Splash Sunday post yesterday morning, my laptop (the only computer we have) decided it wanted some extra special attention.  It went on a kirk-out session, making it so I had to spend ALL DAY trying to get it to work right.  Deleting programs, adding files, rebooting, getting error message after error message... AAHHH!!

And then... finally, by the end of the night I had it running somewhat smoothly and didn't actually have to smash it to bits on the floor take it to a computer repair shop.  So I was checking my emails and tweets from the day, when what to my wondering eyes should appear?  That Dear Crissy is giving away an HP TouchSmart 310!!!  Say what?  I want to win this sooo badly!!  *fingers crossed... and toes... and where's my lucky rabbit's foot... and four leaf clover... and maybe I'll see a shooting star tonight so I can make a wish*  (ok I'm done now)

Find Local Deals, Coupons, and Discounts {$25 Restaurant.com Gift Card Giveaway}

Finding deals and coupons online is becoming easier than ever by just doing a simple search. But do you know there are hundreds of "Deal" websites on the internet?  Checking them one by one is simply impossible, who has the time?!  But Social Deal Map makes it easy to find all of those deals in one convenient place!

It's super easy to use, just enter either your city & state or zip code and Social Deal Map will pinpoint all the deals in your area.  These deals are added and updated everyday, or even every few hours.  And most of the deals are a discount of 50% or more.  The map is very similar to a google map- you can move, zoom the map or search a specific location and check out what is available nearby.

You can check out the deal by either looking at the info bubble that shows up on the map, or if you prefer, you can check the left hand side, which contains all deals within the map.  You can also view it as text links by clicking on your state at the bottom of the site, then find your city and the deals will be listed for you.  You'll also have the opportunity to subscribe via RSS or newsletter specific to the place you choose so you never miss out on a deal near you!  They also offer an Affiliate Program that lets you place a widget on your site that is location specific to your readers.

Social Deal Map would be great to use when you commute or travel too.  Just by browsing the map, you can find out what is available on your way to your destination.  So when planning your vacation you can find out which restaurants near your hotel have bargains, and you can easily cut your eat out expense in half... you'll never want to pay full price for a restaurant bill again!

WIN IT:  Speaking of eating out... 1 lucky reader is going to win a $25 Restaurant.com Gift Card!!

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Social Deal Map and tell me a deal you like or a company that has a deal in your area

Extra Entries (do any of the following, leave a separate comment for each entry, mandatory entry must be done first):

• Follow Social Deal Map on Twitter and Retweet one of their deals +2 entries
• Like Social Deal Map on Facebook and leave comment on their wall +2 entries
• Follow my blog publicly via GFC
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like my Facebook page
• Subscribe via Email
• Enter any of my current giveaways (+1 for each)
• Post about this giveaway (Facebook, Cafemom, Blog, etc.) +5 entries, leave 5 separate comments
• Tweet this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link in comment)

Enter to #Win a $25 Restaurant.com Gift Card from @socialdealmap and @susiebhomemaker http://bit.ly/giabJX #Giveaway ends 3/6

U.S. ONLY

This contest ends on 3/6/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only.  The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn.  Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s). 

Disclosure:  I was given this post opportunity in exchange for my honest review.  No other form of compensation was received.  The opinions and thoughts I’ve shared with these products are 100% my own and yours may differ.

Color Splash Sunday (PlayDoh) & other Sunday Hops

Here's my photo for CSS, a favorite playtime activity around here... playing with Playdoh!(please ignore the peeling wallpaper in the background, that used to be a favorite playtime activity too)  ;)

Here's some other Sunday Blog Hops I'm linked up with today, thanks for stopping by!

Growing Old...

I've had much of this post floating around in my head for several months now, but have been having a hard time writing it.  It's a difficult topic, no one really wants to think about it let alone talk about it.  Yet we all know that it's inevitable... we will eventually grow old and die.

My Grandma recently passed away and while I was helping to care for her before she did, it got me thinking about growing old.  Seeing her at the end of her life made me think about when other loved ones will pass, like my own Dad, and eventually it'll be me and my husband at that point.

It made me realize that I want to have everything in place and all taken care of for when it does happen.  In addition to senior life insurance of course, I also specifically want to have burial insurance for seniors to cover the cost of the funeral.  I don't want our children to have to worry about any expenses on top of the stress and emotions they'll already be feeling.

A typical funeral can cost between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the kind of service and the choice of casket and funeral plot. Even for people that have life insurance policies, these costs can create a great burden that can add onto the stress of losing a loved one.

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy, but I want to make it as easy as it can possibly be.  I don't want to put my kids in debt trying to give me a proper burial.  I know the inevitable is coming, but in the meantime I can live my life to the fullest and be sure to utilize a site like BurialInsurance.org when my husband and I get to the 'senior' age.


Disclosure Policy

FREE Parenting Webinar!

Amy McCready’s FREE Parenting webinar last September was so popular, it “sold out”, so they're bringin’ her back!

EasyLunchBoxes has partnered with Amy McCready from Positive Parenting Solutions to offer a FREE live training webinar on Tuesday, February 22nd from 9-10 pm Eastern / 6-7 pm Pacific.

The session is…Get Kids to Listen without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling and I think it’s a topic that all parents can use!

• why kids really misbehave – it’s probably not what you think!
• how your personality may actually fuel misbehavior
• the 5 R’s of Fair & Effective Consequences so kids listen the first time you ask
• training resources to reduce your parenting stress & stop nagging, reminding & yelling

The webinar will be fun and interactive.  You can type your questions into the chat box and Amy will make them part of the webinar.  All you have to do is RSVP and then kick back and learn the proven strategies to Get Kids to Listen without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling!

Webinar seating will be limited so learn more and RSVP today!

Invite your friends too! Share this on your FACEBOOK page by clicking here!

More info on the EasyLunch BLOG

80's Night... Totally Awesome (SOOC Saturday)

I'm linked up with Marvelous Mommy for Straight Out Of the Camera Saturday.  I couldn't resist sharing these- it was for a friends 80's themed birthday party.
SO... MUCH... FUN!  LIKE, SERIOUSLY!!

PARTY HARD DUDE!

Chicken Rice Casserole- Easy, Cheap Recipe

Chicken Rice Casserole

Ingredients:
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cups Instant White Rice
1-2 lbs. Chicken Tenderloins or 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Directions:  Pre-heat oven to 350°.  Mix can of soup with 1 can of water in 13 x 9 baking pan.  Add in the Instant Rice and set in the chicken.  Bake for 30- 45 mins. til most of liquid is absorbed by rice and chicken is cooked thoroughly (no longer pink, 160° in center).    Serves 4-6

You can also add in a couple pats of butter and some lemon juice for flavoring.

 Before

 After

Side dish ideas:  mixed vegetables, green beans, salad
                           bread and butter, garlic bread, dinner rolls

Cost of main dish:
Soup- .89¢ for store brand
Rice- $2.98 for store brand box, I used 4 servings so approx. .66¢ worth
Chicken-  $4.10 ($2.99/lb.)
Total (will vary depending on food prices at your local store)- $5.65

Family Bonding!

Guest post written by Kim Lawry

For the past several years, my daughter has helped me go shopping on the weekends.  She's such a doll, she knows how much I hate the place, so she goes so we can spend time together and knock out that necessary evil every week at the grocery store.  Luckily, I have such a great daughter who is always willing to help her mother out.  She's such a fantastic girl!  I've honestly enjoyed the time with my daughter since she started coming over to help me, and I often look forward to the weekends to be able to spend some time with and catch up.  She recently became engaged to a wonderful man from North Carolina, and she's had so much to tell me.

Lately, I've had some difficulty hearing my daughter, and I've had a hard time hearing some of my friends at the grocery store, as well.  This weekend, before we go out shopping, I am going to ask my daughter if she wouldn't mind taking me to a place where I can find the best hearing aids around.  Social time is a little rarer these days, and it's very special.  I don't want anything coming in the way of it.

Win an EatSmart Digital Scale

@EatSmartScales is celebrating hitting 1000 Twitter followers with a giveaway of 2 of their Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scales!

I won one of their digital bathroom scales last month and love it!  Their products are well-made, slim and sleek, and accurate.  This is definitely a contest worth entering!

You can find more information on their Twitter page, Facebook page, or click here to directly view contest details and enter to win... good luck!

Wordless Wednesday- Valentine's Day Goodies

Sweets and treats from our Valentine's Day... hope yours was super sweet as well!

This post is linked up with 5 Minutes for Mom, Shibley Smiles, & A Beautiful Mess

In need of a table or two...

So if you read my post yesterday, you know that we're lacking in the lighting department at our house, and we need more table lamps in our living room.  Of course what I forgot to mention is that we also need the accent tables to set them on.  *blush*  In our defense, we did just get a new couch right before the holidays.  So we're a little slow in getting the rest of the furniture and accessories... that's normal right?

I can definitely see some nice wood accent and cocktail tables in our near future.  There will be room for some beautiful table lamps on top and maybe some cute accessories on the cocktail table.  Of course, on second thought, maybe we'll skip the cute little knick-knacks until our youngest is just a wee bit older since she still enjoys pulling everything down that she can get her little hands on.  ;)


Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 1001 Shops.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Do you Have a Big Event Coming Up? {Pear Tree Greetings $20 Gift Code Giveaway} Ends 2/28

Are you planning a spring or summer wedding?  Pear Tree designers worked hard over the winter to bring you their new Save the Date cards and Save the Date magnets.  I think these are all simply adorable.  I love the magnet idea too... no excuses for anyone losing the card and forgetting the big day!  Any bride-to-be will love the unique selection of Save the Date Photo cards, postcards, magnets and die-cut cards.
                    

                        
There are also great posts to read on the Pear Tree Greetings blog for Save the Date Etiquette and Wedding Planning.

Or maybe you're a parent with a senior graduating this year?  The Pear Tree blog has great posts for you too, to help you organize a memorable graduation party.  They have everything from ordering your Photo Graduation Invitations to planning the graduation party to writing the graduation thank you note.

BUY IT:  Check out the Pear Tree Promo Code page for all their latest coupons and deals, including a $10 off savings on Save the Date Cards and 10% Discount on Graduation Invitations.  Plus FREE shipping thru 2/28/11 when you purchase $50 or more of anything on their site.

WIN IT:  1 lucky reader will win a $20 Gift Code to use on anything at Pear Tree Greetings!

Do any or all of the following to be entered to win (leave a separate comment on this post for each one you do):

•  Visit Pear Tree Greetings and tell me an item you might get if you won
•  Follow Pear Tree Greetings on Twitter
•  Like Pear Tree Greetings on Facebook
•  Follow my blog publicly via GFC
•  Subscribe to my blog via Email
•  Follow me on Twitter
•  Like me on Facebook
•  Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
•  Post about this giveaway (Facebook, Cafemom, Blog, etc.) +5 entries, leave 5 separate comments
•  Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link)

$20 Gift Card #Giveaway from @PearTreeGrtngs and @susiebhomemaker http://bit.ly/hb3Ni4 Ends 2/28

U.S. ONLY

This contest ends on 2/28/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only.  The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn.  Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).  Giveaway will be in the form of a gift code good thru 3/31/11.

Disclosure:  As a Pearista for Pear Tree Greetings I am occasionally sent product in exchange for my review.  No other form of compensation is received.  The opinions and thoughts I’ve shared with these products are 100% my own and yours may differ.