Even the best Mom-"Me"s need a Pep Talk

If you are anything like me, sometimes you find yourself on the computer, watching one of your shows on TV, reading a book and telling your kids to be quiet, or not right now, or to hold on a minute.  Well, this is not the parent I want to be.  We are only given so much time on this earth, and our kids are only kids for so long.  It is my goal to seize these moments while I can, no regrets.  I mean really, is it all that important who will be the next American Idol? when you could be reading a book with your daughter?  or building a lego skyscraper with your son?

So, in an effort to become a more effective parent, to become the mom I have always wanted to be, I have written myself a letter.  I have printed it out, taped it to my bathroom mirror, to remind me what is important in my life and why it is important.

Dear Tiffany,

Good morning!  Today is a beautiful day that you get to spend with your precious children.  They truly are precious.  They will not be children forever.  As you have witnessed, the years are already flying by!

Why did you become a mom? Why did you dream of being a mom for all of your life?  To enjoy your children, to make them happy, to give them moments to cherish every day.  They may remember those special trip or special projects, but they will remember a happy childhood because you made everyday special, just by being there, listening, playing, learning together and loving each other.

I know that some days you may need a break, but just think of your precious girls all grown up and moved out of your house.  Play with them TODAY.  Listen to them TODAY.  Love them TODAY.  Cherish them TODAY.

Today is a day to make a memory.  You never know what small gesture will touch your child, make your child who they are.  So go ahead, give your babies the best day you can!

Sincerely,

You

2012 Summer Bucket List

Lately I have seen several varieties of Summer Bucket Lists. Beyond thinking they "Bucket List" was physically terribly adorable, I also cannot get over what a great idea this is! I mean, let's face it, I want to do fun things with the kids, but when it comes down to it, I can never think of anything. So setting aside time to brainstorm this and get it all together at once is genius! Now, when we have an unfilled moment we can just grab one of the clothespins from the bucket, completely the ridiculously fun task, and toss the pin in the bucket! I am uber excited to see if we can fill our bucket up before kicking the bucket!

OK, so I haven't "made" the bucket yet, but I am plans to snipe this idea from Delia Creates. So, the list you've all been waiting for:

2012 Summer Bucket List

Places to Go:

Go to a water park

Go to an amusement park

Go to the beach

Go to Sea World

Go to the Space Center

Go to a Children's Museum

Visit the aquarium

Go to the zoo

Go to the arboretum

Go bowling

Play Putt Putt

Go to the library

Visit indoor play place

Go to a movie

Go to the Splash Park

Go to Sonic for Happy Hour

Go see a play

Go to a bounce house place

Go berry picking

Go to the playground

Go for ice cream

Go for a picnic

See fireworks

Things to Make:

Make popcicles

Make a craft

Do a Science Experiement

Have a Themed Dinner Night

Bake/Make Cake Balls together

Make a tie-dye t-shirt

Pick Flowers

Press Flowers

Paint Rocks

Make a Time Capsule

Blow giant Bubbles

Make a Windchime

Make Lemonade from scratch

Make a Summer Scrapbook

Build a Sandcastle

Plant Flowers

Create Sidewalk Chalk Art

Make your own moon sand

To Do around the House:

Have a water balloon fight

Play Frisbee

Wash the car by hand

Go for a bike ride

Invite a friend over

Star gaze

Go on a scavenger hunt

Fly a kite

Play in the rain

Take an after dinner walk

Play with Play-Doh

Face paint

Homemade manicures and pedicures

Complete the library summer reading program

Send mail to our cousins

Things to Learn:

Learn Soccer (Pete and Repeat)

Learn to swim (Pete)

Learn to use the Big Girl Potty (Repeat) Join us this summer as we tackle our first ever Summer Bucket List!



Less than 2 Weeks!

Well, for those of you who don't know me (which is probably everyone since I am new to the blogging scene), I am currently an Art Teacher and Mom to two little princesses, Pete 4 and Repeat 2.  In less than 2 weeks I will be a stay at home mom.  It is safe to say I am not the cleanest, most organized person in the world, but I sure want to be.  Just don't drop by my house unannounced, I need some time to shove our mess into the nearest closets.  But that is Mom-"Me" now.  Follow me as I attempt a transformation of epic proportions!

Here are the goals in no particular order:

Goal #1:
Get my humble abode cleaned up and keep it that way!

Goal #2:
Homeschool Pete and Repeat.

Goal #3:
Make amazing childhood memories with my kids and enjoy these years (I know it's cliche, but geez are these years going by to fast!)

Goal #4:
(I am also starting a business in the midst of all this change)  Grow my Rhea Lana business!  www.rhealana.com

So, what do you think?  Can I do it?  YES I can!  I would love to hear your advice.  Between followers and Pinterest, I may just make it out alive.

                                                               Pete                      Repeat