Monday, May 28, 2012

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

Friday, May 25, 2012

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!




Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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