ThOuGhT fOr ThE dAy

Respect. Why is it there seems to be a whole lot less of it these days? And why isn't it being taught to our children? I am huge on this and the serious lack of it. Respect for others, respect for people's property, respect for yourself. Gone it seems are the values taught to us by generation after generation and it's such a simple concept too.
Respect that other people don't think the way you do. What a dull and boring place this life would be if everyone thought exactly the same! No different opinions, no perspective from a different angle, no new, innovative, creative ideas from others.
Respect other people's things. Is it yours? Why are you touching it then? How would you like it if it was yours and someone else just took it or broke it? Exactly. Think that way as you go about your business, teach your kids the same.
Respect yourself. Respect your body, your mind, your way of thinking. Enjoy the fact that there is no one else just like you. When people know that you respect yourself, they will respect you as well.
Lastly, respect your children. They aren't just mini-you's and have different opinions and thoughts and feelings from you and respect their ability to be able to have just that. When my kids need disciplining, I don't talk down to them, or make fun of them, I am fair and honest always. I tell them why they are getting punished, tell the what behavior needs to change, and why. I also tell them afterwords how much I love them. I respect my kids as individuals...and when you show them respect...they respect you. Just a thought...

Busy, busy, busy

What Mom's life isn't these days, huh? I just realized that I never sat down and wrote a post for today...and it's no wonder I didn't find the time! I got up at 7:30ish, had coffee, supervised kids getting ready for school and then took them to school at 8:30. Got home around nine with a migraine, had breakfast, a fist full of vitamins, a Claritan, and an Excedrin before tackling a dirty house. Started a project, didn't finish a project, vacuumed the entire house and loaded the dishwasher. Picked up the family room, the formal living room, myself up off the floor. Got into the shower finally at one to hurry up and get dressed make-up and all to the fetch the kids at school at for an eye appt. at 1:45, in which we arrived at 1:55. Begged and pleaded with all the kids not getting their eyes examined to attempt to behave themselves while waiting their turns. Began threatening as the appt. shuffled over the hour mark. Ended up bribing one child with french fries to pick put a decent pair of frames. Ran errands all kids hanging off the cart at on point and ran to Wendy's for dinner, and fetched bribery fries and frosties? (What?)
We arrived home at 5:00 the man was supposed to be home at 5:30 showed up at 6:30. This after I threatened bodily harm to get clean bedrooms, for Grandma's arrival tomorrow. My man and I ventured out on date night, pushed one day ahead because of Grandma, at 7:15. Had a little too much fun just shopping without the kids...and stopped to talk to a friend for a few minutes before getting home to shuttle kids to bed (an hour late). It's now 10:15 and I am running down the list of what I need to accomplish in the 4 hours between the kids going to school tomorrow and Grandma's arrival. Whew! I'm tired just typing it all! ;0) zzzZZZzzz

Don't be so serious!

Laughter really is the best medicine for what ails you. We all have at least a little drama in our lives and if you let it get you down...what is the point in going on? I get weighed down by the woes of the world myself and have to limit myself from watching the news occasionally because of it. So much bad is happening all around us all the time and the media takes full advantage and bombards us from all levels with news of disasters, wars, death, heart-ache. That being said you can't let it wear you down and make you forget what is "good" in your life.
Having a hard time laughing it up? Pick a extremely silly activity to do with your family. We sing karaoke in our living room, not all that well either! I always make the best of not being the best songstress ever and make sure to dance badly and laugh at myself in the process. Start a water fight in your backyard on a hot day, call an all out tickle war on your kids. I tend to be quite random, which causes my kids to roll around in stitches., Burst out in silly song while driving, our pretend to munch on toes as you tuck your little one's in at night! My baby squeals as I come after his toes, snorting in momster fashion. I love to catch my man off guard and knock him over onto the bed, just to get laid on and tickled. It's so funny though!
Give it a try next time you find yourself in such a serious mood. Talk in a funny accent, laugh at inappropriate times, burst into song...just because. Life's too short to be so serious! =0)

TiP fOr TuEsDaY

Don't forget to take some "Me" time. (and don't feel guilty about it either!)

You know the old adage, "If Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy!" Have really ever thought about how true that really is? Nobody wants to slave away unappreciated ALL the time! So, set apart a little time in your day to do something for just you! I have a friend (hero, actually) who has 5 kids, 2 not in school yet and has time to work on her passion as well! Click here to see! It makes me want the same in my life. I "reward" myself for accomplishing whatever household chores I got done that day with a little computer time, or painting , or playing music, or taking pictures. Not only does this make me feel better about tackling the never ending dirty laundry piles, but it helps me be me. You know, the happy version...not the Momster (as my kids call me, ha!) version who is grouchy about cleaning the table for umpteenth time today! I actually told my daughter the other day that she was making me grouchy...she answered with a, "what do you mean making you?" as if to say I already was...hmmm...
Now who says Moms don't deserve some "ME" time too? Take some time...the laundry will still be there when you get back! Ha! Here's your tip for Tuesday, it works for me...maybe it'll work for you! =0)

tHiS iS wHaT i LiKe

Lysol Disinfecting Spray!
Did you know that this versatile product can be sprayed on almost all hard surfaces, as well as, soft? It sure can! What Mom doesn't appreciate this product? I mean really...if anyone is sick in my house, I immediately wash the offenders bedding, clothing, and spray down all surfaces (including the pillows and mattress) with Lysol! I spray door knobs, I spray counter tops, I spray a fine mist over the computer key board. I spray the insides of shoes, I spray the inside of my garbage cans, I spray the furniture as well! Lysol is also great for preventing mold and mildew as well, who knew? Just clean and wipe dry your shower and spray with Lysol, you will significantly inhibit the mold from coming back. I use it on the outside of shower door in the joints where mold loves to grow and it seems to help, so hey i just keep doing it! Okay, so you'll have to excuse me I have to Lysol a smelly boys room now...but, this is what I like! Try it, I'll bet you'll like it too! =0)

ThOuGhT fOr ThE dAy

I love you. Three small, but powerful words. They have the power to make someone's day, they have the power to heal. These three small words can begin an entire journey and tuck your little one's in at night. "I love you Momma", as my baby hugs me tight. My load is lightened, my insight refreshed...all the things that weighed me down during the day have suddenly been erased by three such small powerful words. Take the time to tell your spouse this today and mean it! Take the time to tell each one of your kids as you tuck them in tonight. I love you today, I love you tomorrow, I love you into the vast unknown that is our future. I wanted you before I knew, I needed you in my life, I'll love you till we meet again. Wield the power of the most powerful phrase known to the English language...I LOVE YOU. Just a thought. =0)

One of THOSE days...

Do you ever have one of those days? You know what kind I mean...one of those days where you feel no matter hard you try to keep your head above water, you find yourself drowning? I know I have. Sometimes housework and bickering kids and grumpy spouses and just life in general gets pretty overwhelming. I've had a few of those days recently and sometimes the outcome isn't pretty. The other day was one of them and I'm embarrassed to admit, I didn't fair all that well. It was just enough to remain upright that day as it was and piled on top of it a misbehaving child, an uncommunicative/very late working man, a me...who should have been a little more thoughtful and I ended up with a very large tear soaked mess. Unfortunately incidents such as these force everyone to open their eyes a little wider and make a real conscious effort to change their ways.
Last night we ate dinner together as a family, without the TV and without me growling at various bad mannered children (I tried really hard not to!). When we were all done the kids donned pajamas and I set up a place on the counter for them to paint a craft project and we spent time together...media free. The adults talked to the kids, the kids painted and got along and after the kids went to bed, the adults kept the TV off.
Small things are just that, small. Imagine if you pile up and entire room full of small things and suddenly the small things become huge and overwhelming. If you are having one of those days...stop. Take a minute to take a deep breath and think about why all those small things are getting the better of you. I'm a firm believer of if things aren't going your way, look at yourself first and make a small change. Watch the tone of your voice, ask please always and be sincere, don't expect things to get done by wishing it so. If you need help, be direct and ask for help...no one is born with mind reading ability (especially men!), if you are so very overwhelmed seek help. Don't fall victim to one of those days.