It's Still Relevant...

I cannot be the only one...who is off Spring Breakin' this week! We've packed every belonging that would fit in the back of the Hubs car and are hitting the road for some sunshine, lots of are we there yets, and plenty of over priced souvenirs.  I'll be taking notes and return with a few "I cannot be the only one" moments: vacation edition.

While I am off slathering on the SPF, I offer you a post from a couple of months ago that is about a common occurrence in our house, the decision of whether or not we should eat the meal that I prepared because of...well, you'll see.

So, enjoy the post, leave me your "should we eat this" moments in the comments, and enjoy your week!

Link to: Should We Eat This

Click here for post: Should We Eat This?

Anthropologie Style Inspirations

I cannot be the only one...who is in enamored with the styling of the store Anthropologie, but disappointed when I look at the price tags of their fabulous wares. Then I started seeing a trend on my social networks of Anthropologie inspired crafty projects and thought, "Once again, I know I am not alone." Other Mama's love the panache of this mall anchored store and are also put off by the expensive costs, so they decided to DIY it, and do a fantastic job at it.

Here are my favorite Anthropologie inspired crafts, please visit these artistic geniuses and dress yourself and home in dazzling style for less:

DIY Rope Bracelets (Anthropologie inspired) by Made in a Day
These rope bracelets are so simple with so much style.  What a great way to add interest to an outfit, not to mention that conversation piece accessories are always a personal favorite. Check out this DIY Rope Bracelets craft and tons of other inspiring ideas at: Made in a Day.

photo credit: http://madeinaday.com

Atom Art Bowls (Anthropologie inspired) by Lolly Jane
I am a fan of festive bowls, bowls with character, and I love these hand decorated bowls by Lolly Jane. Imagine how much more cheerful your next scoop of chocolate ice cream will be when you are spooning it out of one of these lovely bowls.  For all the down-low on these bowls, please visit Lolly Jane.

photo credit: http://lollyjane.com

Inventors Bell Jar Lamp (Anthropologie inspired) by Made in Crafts
This is no joke, this industrial style lamp looks so cool, and the how-to tutorial is very comprehensive, even I may give this a try.  I think this lamp would great on a side table next to a plant, what an awesome juxtaposition of nature and industry.  Check out all (and I mean all the instructions) at Made in Crafts.

photo credit: http://madeincrafts.com

We are officially off on Spring Break...maybe I'll give one of these Anthropologie inspired crafts a try during our mini vacation...please be sure to visit one or all of these artisan bloggers and save yourself a buck by crafting your own style.

Until next time....

5 Things Kids Do Too Long

I cannot be the only one...who has suffered through one day too many of their child's whining and began to wonder, how long is this whining phase going to last? Some of the things my six year old does seem to never change, perpetuating for what feels like forever.  With this in mind, I decided to list the 5 changes Sonny Boy has been reluctant to make, and, in the name optimism, the changes that happened so fast, I missed them while they were happening.  I am sure you will be able to relate, so here we go:

5 Things Kids Do Too Long

1. Throwing tantrums. 

Do I really need to say anything about the horror of the extended shelf life of tantrums? Sure, the tantrum changes from laying on the floor, kicking their feet, and screaming, to outright refusal to comply, snarky attitude or sulking, but no matter how the tantrum manifest itself, it's really all the same.

2. Picky eating.

The pure look of disgust on Sonny Boy's face when I bring anything to the table, with the exception of Dino-nuggets or grilled cheese sandwiches, has been happening since the day the highchair hit the donation center. I keep waiting for his taste to mature a little, I am not talking reduction wine sauces, but at least a cheeseburger would be change in the right direction.

3. Wiping of the nose on the back of the hand or sleeve.

Really?

What is this disgusting habit? This is not a habit learned by watching the parents (at least I hope not). I keep tissue at the ready at all times, but there is something about that back of the hand or sleeve that is just to tempting to resist for our youngsters.

4. Babbling to them self.

Half the time I am not sure if Sonny Boy is even talking to me, and if he is talking to me, is he speaking a different language? The constant noise making that comes out of my child's mouth is exhausting, and the babbling has not changed since the blessed day of my child's birth.

5. Needing Mama to do everything for them.

Changing diapers and feeding your little bundle if joy is completely understandable, but there comes a point when your kindergartner is still calling to you from the bathroom in need of bottom wiping, that something has got to give.

In honor of being the type of Mama that likes to say the juice box is half full, I now offer you the following: 

5 Changes Our Kids Make Too Soon

1. No longer calling you Mama or Mommy.

The sad day comes, ready or not, that your sweet baby will start referring to you as Mom in place of the endearing Mommy or Mama you've grown so fond of hearing.  Sometimes the "Mom" will be in the form of a whine, others it will be a frustrated grump, but either way it's not the Mama you've loved hearing.

 Laughter, I just stubbed my toe.

2. Stop thinking your funny.

Those days when crossing your eyes and puffing up your cheeks is all it took to elicit unsurpassed laughter, quickly come to an end sadly. It becomes harder to get that kiddo to squirt milk through their nose, and, if by some chance you do get a hearty laugh out of Junior, well, it will most likely be at your expense (you trip, spill something, or say a bad word under your breath after stubbing your toe will always crack a kid up).

3. Hugging and kissing you goodbye are no more.

The days when your darling clung to your leg and kept you coming back for one more smooch goodbye, those days that you would wonder how long am I going to have pry these sweaty hands off my pant leg, come to end faster than you will like. Dropping off at kindergarten was a stressful event for the first month, the goodbyes were overflowing and endless, now I am lucky if Sonny Boy even remembers to wave to me as he follows his classmates into their classroom.

4. Taking naps go the way of the dodo.

The one luxury of motherhood is nap time. That hour, half an hour, heck even just ten minutes, whatever the length, that peaceful time when your head hits the cool pillowcase, you close your hot and heavy eyelids, and fall into a peaceful midday nap is glorious. This beautiful rest time is a short lived indulgence. Nap time stops becoming guaranteed daily and eventually peters out to a maybe, if your lucky, sort of thing. Naps stop happening too soon!

5. Stop needing Mama for everything.

One day you offer to pour the sweet child a juice and they tell you, "I can do it." They can do it? This is just the beginning, the next thing you know they can magically wash their own hair and pick out their own clothes (and not just stripped shorts in the middle of winter or a hockey jersey in the dog days of summer), their sweet dimpled faces stop needing you for everything and that is a bitter sweet day for Mama.

Science, Cookies, and Songs

I cannot be the only one...whose past week was even more overwhelming than usual, although, I possibly think that about every week.  I was informed that my kindergartner would be participating in a Science Fair, we had multiple t-ball practices, and a bout of insomnia, all making for a joyous household. 

To escape my disgruntled state of mind, I took to the world wide web and found a little science, answers to my sweet tooth, and songs to help take the edge off. I offer you my favorite shares from this past week:

Simple Science for Kids by Kids by Mess for Less
After finding many kid friendly experiments that take an abundance of ingredients, could possibly blow up my house, or make a mess like I've never seen, I stumbled upon this Balloon experiment on the blog, Mess for Less, and was ready to tackle the Science Fair with Sonny Boy.  Please visit Mess for Less for even more great kids activities.

photo credit: messforless.com

The Ultimate Girl Scout Cookie Inspired Recipe Round Up by Create Craft Love
Considering the week I've been having, I am in need of a little sweetness, and when that sweetness is delivered in the form of cookies, it is not just needed, it becomes necessary.  These recipes, inspired by our favorite Girl Scout cookies, are a great place to gather some cookie inspiration. Visit Create Craft Love to acquire all the sweet details for these cookies.

photo credit: createcraftlove.com

8 Spring Songs for Kids by Let's Play Music

I don't know about you, but in our house when things get a little tense, music usually lightens the mood.  We sing at bedtime, in the tub, in the car...yup, we are singing fools.  These 8 Spring Songs for Kids are fun and educational, check them out at Let's Play Music.

photo credit: letsplaykidsmusic.com

This past week has been crazier then the craziest of weeks, trying to hold down the fort while adjusting to the new t-ball schedule and planning our upcoming science fair has shortened my patience (and probably my life by an hour or two, but whose counting). Please stop by these blogs to grab some science, sweets, songs, and possibly what's left of your sanity. 

Until next week...

The Great T-Ball Argument

I cannot be the only one…who has been mid-argument only to stop and realize that the argument isn’t really about what the bickering is focused on, but rather something else all together.  This was the case when the Hubs and I were arguing about the Sonny Boy’s upcoming T-ball schedule.

The Sonny Boy is ready, but I am stressed.

The Hubs wants Sonny Boy to play T-ball, he needs Sonny Boy to play T-ball, he has enough enthusiasm for all three of us when it comes to T-ball, so he took the plunge and signed Sonny Boy up with the local little league.  I let my Hubs know that I was glad to help out with the scheduling, but because of my many other obligations (college classes, work, and keeping them from starving to death) I couldn’t be responsible for taking the aspiring T-Baller to all the required practices. The Hubs was understanding and ready to take on the T-ball season, letting me know that he had the whole thing under control.

Well, if by under control the Hubs meant he would fall back on me for ninety-nine percent of the T-ball obligations, sure, he had it under control.  After returning from the first little league team meeting, the Hubs avoided giving me the low down on what the league scheduling was like. He kept himself busy in the garage sweeping up an unrivaled dust cloud and suspiciously feeling the need to do a load of laundry for the next hour or so, until he finally came into the house with a look on his face like the cat that swallowed the canary. 

Opening day (only 8am-12pm on Sat).

When he decided to face the music and let me know the particulars of Sonny Boy’s upcoming triumph on the little league field, I was dismayed to hear of the amount of commitment he had signed ME up for.  After many interruptions by him while I tried to run through the laundry list of all the responsibilities I was going to have move around to make this T-ball career a reality, I realized what was really getting under my skin about the argument. 

I wasn’t upset about the rough road of reorganizing our lives to make the T-Ball playing possible, but that the Hubs has the ability to make a plan without knowing all the particulars because he has a big, reliable, and dependable safety net securely placed under his life, in the shape of me.  I took a minute to imagine what that life must be like knowing someone has always got your back, someone’s always there to pick up the pieces, and that someone’s going to support you regardless of their other obligations, and thought how freeing that must feel. That is a freedom I definitely don't have.

The Sonny Boy is playing T-ball and I am sure when he makes the winning run at one of his future games he will thank his Dad for signing him up to play, while I smile and bite my tongue.

New Kicks, Quinoa, and Rainbows: Just Another Week

I cannot be the only one....who loves sharing their latest finds and I've got some great ones to share this week. Last week I stumbled upon a list of Rainbow Crafts to help decrease my Sonny Boy's boredom, a new Quinoa recipe, and of course a little something-something for us Mamas.  These are my favorite posts from last week that I shared on Google+ and Twitter, please visit these blogs and gather a bit of inspiration for your meal plans, kid wrangling, and closet updating.

7 Rainbow Crafts...and Learning Activities by Buggy and Buddy
Cotton balls, an old CD paired with a flash light, rainbow lanterns, and homemade kazoos- what else could you possibly need to keep grumpy boredom away?  These rainbow crafts are inventive and easy to manage, I love that. Please visit Buggy and Buddy to get the details on all 7 of the rainbow crafts.

photo credit: buggyandbuddy.com

Quinoa Salad Recipe with Radish: Easy on-the-go Lunch Recipe by Our Family World
While I am a lover of Quinoa, I have no skills what-so-ever when it comes to creating a dish with it, so I could use all the Quinoa recipes I can get. Also, I feel like the radish is highly underrated, it's a cute root with some kick, what more do you want people? Please visit the Our Family World website for all the Quinoa details.

photo credit: ourfamilyworld.com

Mizuno Hitogami Running Shoes by Parksdale
I am a runner, and as any runner knows when you find a good pair of running shoes you try like crazy to keep them for as long as possible, but that fateful day always comes when it's time to throw in the towel (or in this case shoes) and get a new pair.  These Mizuno Hitogami running shoes WILL be my new pair.  I also love running shoes because you can go as bright as you like and they never make your feet look big (unlike some leggings and my bottom).  Check these kicks out at Parksdale.com.

photo credit: parksdale.com

This is it for me this week, I shared my dislike of school fundraisers (5 Reasons I Loathe School Fundraisers) and my favorite post, not so bad for a overwhelmed Mama with a demanding six year old. Please visit these websites and get inspired to craft, cook, and get in some calisthenics.

Five Reasons I Loathe School Fundraising

The "Fun Run" t-shirt.

I cannot be the only one…who completely understands the need for school fundraising, but hates it just the same.  During our first year enrolled in a public school there has been a fundraiser of one sort or another happening every month, whether our children are being asked to peddle wares from a catalog or participate in a hoola-hoop marathon, there has been no lack of fundraising activities.

This list consist of my top 5 reasons I loathe school fundraising, they are in no particular order, I am annoyed by one reason just as much as I am by the next reason. 

1.     School Fundraising Pledge and Donation forms are deceiving.           

Our latest version of school fundraising was the “Fun Run,” in which people could pledge a dollar amount per lap your child runs, with the run consisting of 36 laps. Problem was on the pledge form the only donation amounts listed were: $1, $5, or $10 per lap.  We didn’t participate in this “Fun Run” fundraiser because the Sonny Boy was unable to get anyone to pledge a minimum of $36, of course when all was said and done, other families told me that they crossed out the dollar amounts and wrote in what they were comfortable with, fifty-cents a lap or a flat donation amount. Sorry school, but because we followed the rules of the pledge form, we didn't raise any funds.

2.     The products the kids are asked to sell are EXPENSIVE.

One catalog the Sonny Boy had jammed into his backpack was glossy and full of professionally crafted photographs of many things a person will most likely never need.  We took the catalogue to Grandma’s house, she sat down and browsed through the ten-dollar motivational plaques and twelve-dollar coffee mugs with finches on them, and when she got to the last page she decided she could maybe use a spoon rest with a whimsy squirrel painted on it, for the not-so-fair price of eight dollars and ninety-five cents.  Unfortunately, we couldn’t guilt anyone else into placing an order for a twenty-dollar set of pot holders that feature a spring flower montage, even with the Sonny Boy’s perfected sad puppy dog eye look.

3.     School fundraising is really just one more chore for Mama to do.

You cannot convince me that the school expects our children to go door to door in their neighborhood, with their trusty pooch at their side pulling a wagon, and ask the friendly-faced neighbors to buy whatever it is the fundraiser is selling, in the world we living in today.  It’s the parents driving their kiddos from place to place or making the phone calls to the Grandparents and in-laws (what a joy), so the kids can hem and haw over exactly what the fundraiser is about and what they are selling. Not to mention, it’s the Mamas and Daddys managing and collecting the money, what kind of maniac would expect a kindergartner to be responsible for the money they raised? Not this maniac, that’s for sure.

4.     The so-called prizes the children receive for their fundraising efforts are cheap and awful.

Sonny Boy is blinded, just as any six year old would be, by a stuffed raccoon key chain he would be awarded when he makes his first sale or receives a pledge. I know the idea is to motivate the children into wanting to participate in the school’s fundraising efforts, but when you dangle something shiny in front of a kid as an incentive to sell, the entire philanthropic motivation is lost.

5.     The people in our family network all have their own fundraising kids, significantly shrinking our begging pool.

My family is well stocked with kids, with all the grandkids, nieces, and nephews, there is no shortage of pint sized Willy Lomans hitting the adults up for money to support their school, t-ball, or soccer team.  Every member of our family has at least two (sometimes three) kids with a fundraiser happening at all times, we completely understand when our cause get’s turned down in favor of their own child’s current cause, but we’ve run out of people to ask, so once again, I issue an apology to the school.

The lap count from the "Fun Run."

Let me finish up this numbered rant by saying one more time, I understand the need for fundraising, but I wish there were better ways.  I know that traditional bake sales are no longer viable because of the peanut allergy revolution and that most households are made up of two income earners, which makes gathering volunteers to help create fundraising events difficult, but there must be a better way….