Timeout for Mommy!

   There are some days in raising 3 young girls that I feel like pulling my hair out or banging my head against a wall... about 500 times!!  And it's times like these when putting a child in timeout is just not enough.  The only thing that takes the stress away is to put yourself into timeout!  I've learned that it's okay (as long as kids are safe) to walk away and close myself into another room.  Just to take a short break, a breather... anything so I don't explode!

   My girls are my life & I love them beyond anything I could ever imagine but I tell you- they seem to know just how to push my buttons!  The oldest two don't know how to share and are always fighting over toys, the youngest needs to be held on an almost constant basis & doesn't take naps.  She's a cat-napper which makes it really hard to get anything done during the day.  So there are days, like earlier today, when I go into the bathroom or bedroom & shut the door.  The kids are safely in the baby-proofed living room watching Dora (or some other kid-friendly program)... and I am getting my sanity back!   

Spring is in the air!

    Ah, splendid spring!  When the birds & bees are buzzing, flowers are blooming, & the kids can start playing outside again!  Now that the weather is finally warm, the girls want to be out in the yard whenever possible- playing on the swingset, blowing bubbles, riding bikes.  All the things they are deprived of during the winter time.  They are so excited to be out in the grass, frolicking with the bugs (oh yes, those bugs are out in full force already).  And finally, for the 1st time this season, my husband is uncovering the grill!  Oh the delicious hamburgers, steaks, and hot dogs... I can almost smell them.  So bring on the warm weather- we'll be enjoying it while it lasts!!  Since those in Michigan know that it could turn back to winter temps. at any time unexpectedly!  HAPPY SPRING!!

   

Shopping with 3 kids (under the age of 5)...

   Well it isn't easy I'll tell ya that!  We went out as a family Friday afternoon and it seemed the rest of the city was out shopping as well.  Of course, shopping on any holiday weekend isn't recommended, but there we were out in the crowds anyway!

We still had to find 1) Easter outfits, 2) basket stuffers, & 3) dessert for dinner on Sunday.  Yeah, we pretty much still needed everything!  And it seems whenever we go shopping, as soon as we get to the store, a certain someone (ahem, 4 yr. old) says "I'm hungry".

So we wind up using precious time having to fill belly's before we can even do any actual shopping.  And by the end of the shopping trip, we never seem to have accomplished everything we set out to do. 

So what do you suppose I'm doing on Saturday?  Why shopping (again!) of course, and by golly I will remember everything I have to get... I hope!

     

Easter Baskets...

Want to go green & save some green this Easter?  Try filling your kids basket with recycled paper instead of the plastic Easter grass from the stores.  Shred colorful junk mail, flyers, & old school papers  for an eco-friendly basket lining.  For your eggs why not skip the chemical dyes & use different colored foods to dye eggs?  Or even use some old silk ties to make some creative and beautiful Easter eggs.  I used neckties my hubby no longer wore, then wrapped them with a piece of old t-shirt, and secured with a rubber band.  Boil with vinegar and voila... unique & stylish Easter eggs.  And forget all that sugar candy, opt for healthier snacks & small toys/animals for your kids to play with.  However you choose to celebrate Easter, have fun and cherish the moments with loved ones!

Happy April Fool's Day!!

That's a phrase you may hear today, if you're one of the unfortunate ones who get pranked.  April 1st- it's the day people pull your chair out from under you, saran wrap the toilet, & tape the kitchen sprayer.  Be on the lookout for sneaky folks or things that look out of the ordinary.  And don't believe everything you hear as some people like to 'make things up' as their joke for today.  So please, be careful out there and here's hoping you make it through the day without losing your digity!