Date Night {IN}: Sassy Egg Hunt (for him!)

Has anyone caught onto the fact that I love anything bright. flashy, sparkly, or that glows-in-the-dark?

If I were a fish I'd be a goner!  Ha!

Anyhow I'm cruising through Pinterest (another shocker.  I know) and I saw this photo:

Source: mommysavers.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Next thing I know those glow-in-the-dark eggs prompted a mental-leap to a sexy-themed egg hunt for the hot husband. I love it when that happens. I think he does too.

 Basically this date is easy-peasy and can be a PG or X-Rated as you want.

What you will need:

• Eggs (big ones) 
• glow in the dark necklaces/bracelets (Target has these in the $1 bin) 
• Stuff to put in eggs (see the caveat below) 

 What to do:

• Send your husband a text/e-mail telling him that he has a special surprise just because he makes your heart glow. 
• While he isn't around, crack the glow-sticks and bend them so one fits in each egg. Stuff the egg with other goodies. 
• Hide them. 
• When it is time, send your honey on an egg hunt. 

 The end.

 Or NOT.

 Here's what I really suggest. Don't just give your husband candy. Fill the eggs with a mix of candy, spiciness, and sassy activities. For examples, put a new pair of tiny (and I mean tiny) panties in one egg with a promise to wear only the panties to bed. In another egg tell him that you are going to kiss for one minute. In another egg have a note good for 5 minutes of you tickling his back with your hair. You could also include: massage oil, a certificate for a 10 minute back rub, a $10 iTunes card .... you get the picture.

Things I Love: Cookies that Teach about Jesus

This is an excellent recipe to teach your children that Jesus rose from the dead!  I cut this recipe out of a Christian book club magazine years ago and love it.  Sadly I can't eat the cookies because of a nut allergy but everyone else seems to like them!


Ingredients:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon or rolling pin
scotch tape
Bible

Directions:
Make these on the night before Easter!

Preheat oven to 300'.

1. Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or rolling pin.  As children break pecans into small pieces, explain that after Jesus was arrested.  He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read: John 19:1-3
2. Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30
3. Add egg whites to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11
4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27
5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us tocknow and belong to Him. Read:  Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
6. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. 
7. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
8. Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
9. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read: Matthew 27:57-60
10. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
11. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.  Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66
12. GO TO BED!  While you tuck your kiddos in, explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight just like Jesus' followers were sad when he died. Read: John 16:20&22
13. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie (for breakfast!  You'll be super mom for allowing a cookie for breakfast!).  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9
14. Turn on praise music or sing a song of praise to Jesus.  
15. Say a prayer with your kids thanking God for sending his Son to redeem the world!

What I Think About: Lessons from Children

When I think of all the "parenting rules" out there, I get pretty distraught.  I mean, I'm no where close to being super mom.

Exhibit #1--A few days ago Paxton was playing near the garbage can and emerged minutes later eating something ... bad parenting?  Nope.  I called it "morning snack."

Exhibit #2--Everyone is always saying how fun bath time is.  Know what?  I can't stand it.  Water everywhere, cleaning potty out of the water, ring around the tub ... not my idea of a good time.

While I might not be in line for an award, and I'm most definitely not licensed to give mothering advice, this mom says you can learn a lot from your little ones.

The Top Five Lessons I've Learned from My Children

1.  Sweat the Small Stuff

Did you ever notice that we aren't supposed to "sweat the small stuff" but "it's the little things that count"?  Does that seem ironic to anyone else?

To me, parents sweat the big stuff (jobs, electrical bills) but we ignore the little stuff when shouldn't it be the other way around (okay, I'm not telling you to NOT pay your electric bill but you know what I mean--right)?

My kids have done an amazing job of making me focus on what really matters--finding beauty in a butterfly, reading a good book over and over (and over), eating cookies in bed without worrying about crumbs until later.

2.  It's better to be together than to have it together

There is a huge social stigma with being a stay-at-home-mom.  I mean, since I have all this "extra" time on my hands, I better put it to good use.  So I Once a Month Cook, and buy cute clothing, and organize, and volunteer ... all to make it look like I've got it all together. 

But sometimes when I'm dusting it dawns on me I haven't laughed with my kids.  Or when I'm vacuuming that I haven't read them a story.  Or when we are running errands I'll realize it's been forever since we've gone to the park.

See my kids don't care if the house is a wreck or if I've showered or if their closets are organized by color and season and short to long sleeves.  They don't care if I've got it together.  They care that we are together.  Thank you, Pax and M.E. for reminding me that "we may not have it all together, but together we have it all!"

3.  It's okay to have BIG faith.


I was praying with my daughter the other day and she asked God to make her a chipmunk with real fish in her tummy.  I almost laughed out loud told her that might not happen but then I thought about my motivations for doing so.

If I want her to believe that God is mighty and awesome--shouldn't I?

Okay, so it isn't likely that she'll be a chipmunk but is it more important for her to have faith that God can change her if He wants to or that she be brought back to reality?

When I thought about the miracles I've seen, none of them have made sense to me.  None of them.  What a faith-based, power packed punch that prayer was.  Amazing how a child can teach you Biblical truths.

4.  You can get a lot of mileage out of a pair of good shoes.


I bought M.E. a pair of princess cowboy boots that light up.  She wore them for about a year solid.

She wears them with jeans and skirts and dresses and PJs.  She plays dolls, helps her dad with construction work, and climbs jungle gyms with them on.

Sometimes I want to scrimp and get cheap-o shoes but this lesson is well taken.  Spending some extra dough on the right pair of comfy, versatile shoes is the smart way to go.  Even if they don't light up.


5.  When all else fails, smile.

Whenver Paxton wants something he does this ear-drum breaking scream and when I look at him in horror, he gives me this darling smile and I melt into a puddle of goo and hand him whatever was worth screaming/smiling about.

When M.E. is scared she'll smile and do a nervous laugh.

The other day my kids were driving me nuts.  Nuts as in: Paxton spilled a whole container of Cherrios on the floor, M.E. spilled bubbles all over her table and tea set, and the police showed up at my door because someone called 911 "for fun."

I nearly blew my top (but you can't do that in front of the police, though I did consider begging them to take me to jail for a time out).  So I smiled.  And when the police were gone, I laughed.  Because these moments were memory makers.  Sure I could have gotten angry and lectured and dolled out time-outs but instead, I turned bad events into teachable moments.  And that's something to smile about

When it comes to parenting, I'm not perfect.  I don't have it all together.  But what I've learned is that I have a lot to learn ... from my children. I love participating in Shell's PYHO on Wednesdays!

 

Days of Play: Easter Stuff

We don't do anything Easter Bunny-ish but we sure do love a good egg hunt.  So this week while my daughter is home on Spring Break (yay!) we are going to try a few new crafts.

First up (and the one I'm most excited for.  Bring on the mess!) is Shaving Cream Painting.

Photo from Little Wonders' Days.

All you need is shaving cream, paints, card stock "eggs", a squeegee and a willingness to play!

I found this on Pinterest!  Please go to the blog Little Wonders' Days (<--click that link) for directions.

Next on our list is egg dying.  I've heard you can do this with Kool-Aid but I'm sticking with my good ol' reliable food coloring and vinegar.  I might try this though.  I saw this photo and thought ... duh!

Photo from Parent Hacks

Oh, and for dyeing, I'm excited to try this rubber band method from Inkspired Musings.

Photo from Inkspired Musings

Anyone have some awesome Easter-themed crafts they are working on this week?

Music Monday: Bad Books

In general, I really hate bad books.  The Scarlet Letter?  Vomit.  The Red Badge of Courage? Skip it.  Moby Dick?  I don't care how many people call it a classic, I still think it sucks *bleeeeeep*.

Lucky for you, I'm not asking your to reminisce the horrible books you've read.  Where bad books, literature wise, are frustrating, The Bad Books-musically speaking--are an incredible American Indie band formed in 2010.  This band has a similar sound to Manchester Orchestra (have I introduced them to you yet?  Hmmm.... anyhoo, the lead of Manchester Orchestra is in Bad Books so it makes sense that the style is similar), Bon Iver, and The Airborne Toxic Event.  Really their music is Folk/Americana/Melodramatic.

If you want to check out some free music, head to The Bad Books' MySpace page (because MySpace still exists ...).

Or hear them here (and if you like them, go buy their tunes on iTunes).

You Wouldn't Have to Ask




 I Begged You Everything

 

I'm Not Ready to Forgive You

 

What I Thing About: Hearts

Former Vice President Dick Cheney just got a heart transplant.  At 71.

Now the guy is from Wyoming and when anyone from Wyoming makes it big time it's a big deal.  I mean, we're the least populated state--we've gotta have each other's back.  Do I love all of his decisions?  Nope.  Do I wish him harm?  Nope.

If you've read a paper (or online news source) in say the last 11 years then you probably know Cheney has had some heart issues and has been hospitalized on one occasion or another for heart problems.  His heart was failing.  Some gracious donor died (but keeps living--be a donor!) and that person's heart went to Cheney.

Now people are saying that "giving" the heart to Cheney was morally problematic because of his age.

I'm sorry.  Come again.

At what age do humans stop being humans deserving of compassion and life?

Don't get me wrong, I can understand the viewpoint.  Perhaps the heart should have gone to some strapping 32 year old dad.  Maybe that does make sense.  But for Cheney's family, I'm guessing giving their dad/husband a new heart at 71 makes sense too.  Now he can enjoy his life and his kids' lives.

I've seen the data.  I know there are over 3,000 people waiting for hearts.  I know 300 die every year waiting.  I've also seen how not everyone on that list is a tissue match so even if there was a 32 year old dad out there who needed that heart, it might be possible that his tissue did not match that of the donor.

I'm deeply disturbed by the lack of respect for life--at any age--demonstrated by the "he's too old to give a heart to" mentality.  What is it in our American culture that allows us to be so callous toward our elders?  Shouldn't we be respectful and hold them in esteem?

When I hear these arguments I can't help but think--what next?  I mean, maybe we should just institute a "no medical support" policy after 65.  Think how much money we'd save on Medicare if we weren't doing open heart surgeries, chemotherapy, hip replacements, etc., on people of retirement age.  That's it.  I'm starting a lobby for an automatic DO NOT RESUSCITATE law for people 65 and older.

Because those folks have nothing to give.

Nobody loves them.

They didn't serve their country or their families or make contributions.  Or maybe they did but now that they are old, they don't deserve anything because they are just wasting away, sucking up perfectly good air and resources that should be used on the young.

Want to know what's ironic here?  There was someone famous who held this exact same viewpoint on the aged and the disabled.  We refer to him as Hitler.

Life is precious.  It is precious at 7.  It is precious at 17.  It is precious at 37, 57, 71, and 97.  Life matters and we all have a right to keep living.

There is no age where medical intervention is morally unethical.  The only moral problem I see here is with people who value their elders so little that they'd suggest someone is "too old" to take proper measures to keep on living.

What I think is those people who think Cheney was too old for his new heart must clearly have first hand experience on what it's like to live without one.  I'd suggest they give lessons on how to be heartless but I don't want such insensitivity spreading.


I love participating in Shell's PYHO on Wednesdays!

 

Days of Play: Magic Numbers

I've been doing lots of math posts lately.  I'm not sure if this is to help my daughter with her math skills or if it is to help me brush up on my math skills before she starts to learn about fractions (which, by the way, happens before 2nd grade here.   What?!).

When I was a kid we played car games.  I know what you are thinking--we played car games because we didn't have dvd players in the car.  But you are wrong. My mom had this plush conversion van with a TV in it, captains seats, a bed in the back ... of course we moved about the van freely because in the early 80s no one cared about seat belts.  Seat belts, sheet belts ... psh.  One time, that TV fell out of its place and landed on my chest.  This might be why I need a boob job ...

Okay, car games.  Anyhow, today's intentional play is perfect for the car AND can be used with older and younger kids.

To play, pick a number any number.  That number is your "magic" number.  Now, give your child(ren) a clue.  "My magic number is between 1-10."  Let them guess.  If the guess is right, it is your kiddo's turn.  If the guess is wrong, give another clue.  "My number is even." Repeat process.

For little kids (like my nearly 3 year old), you can keep this simple, "My magic number is between 1 and three."

For older kids make it a bit more challenging: My number is a prime number.  My number is greater than 17 but less than 34.  My number is a multiple of 2.  My number is divisible by 9.  You catch my drift.

Have fun playing magic numbers :)

Music Monday: Hunger Games Soundtrack

So, who went to the Hunger Games?

Did you like?  Did you hate?

The hubs and I went to the show we several other couples and afterwards, the ladies went for drinks and chick-chat.  The overwhelming movie review was that we liked it.  Katniss was a good cast.  Peeta's character was more meek and mousey than in the book.  And the cave scene was too short.

But since no film adaptation can ever capture the goodness that are books (which is why you should ALWAYS read the book), I'm willing to overlook Madge getting slighted and Haymitch not being as drunk as often.

I'd recommend watching it if you haven't already.

I tend to be a big fan of movie soundtracks and the Hunger Game soundtrack was no exception.  To be honest, when my friend Sarah told me Taylor Swift had two songs on it, I threw up a little.  Then I had to eat crow because I listened to the songs and it turns out, they are pretty darn good.  {Check outside--there must be pigs flying}.

Another friend gave me the whole soundtrack and it is an eclectic mix of the mournful bluegrass of Civil war and alt-indie sounds of Arcade Fire and The Decemberists.  I'm pretty happy about the whole thing.

Give it a listen!




Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift (This song reminds me of a foggy, rainy morning).


 Lover is Childlike by Low Anthem



  


 Tomorrow will be Kinder By the Secret Sisters (hello, blue grass)

Date Night {OUT}: Hunger Games

I read the Hunger Game book series a year ago in January and loved it.  When I found out it was being made into a movie I was thrilled (especially when I learned it wasn't a Summit film OR directed by Catherine Hardwicke ...).

The first installment of The Hunger Game movies opened last night and midnight.  Like many moms of young children, I was dead asleep by that time.  But tonight, my husband and I are getting together with four other couples to go see the movie.  Hubs has not read the books but is intrigued by the trailers.

I'm not going in costume.  I'm not eating "Hunger Game" themed foods. I'm simply going to the movies with friends.  Nothing magical about that but sometimes you don't need magic to have fun.

Are you heading to The Hunger Games (or have you already seen it??)

Things I Love: Small Appliances

Yes, yes, yes.  I am susceptible to loving small appliances that I probably don't need but like to have despite the fact that they totally clutter my kitchen cabinets.

Onion choppers and mandolins and 15 different sets of mixing bowls and measuring spoons ... I'm basically a sucker in a kitchen shop.

But, there are three small appliances that have been worth the money, honey!

Kitchen Aide Mixer:

Photo Source

I got one of these babies as a wedding gift and, hands down, I would forsake most items in my kitchen before getting rid of this!  It kneads dough, shred chicken, mixes brownies ...  I pretty much LOVE it!

Cuisinart Food Processor

Photo Source

I just got this for Christmas from my mother-in-law.  She's brilliant!  It's a veggie chopping, hummus making, cheese shredding little miracle.

Magic Bullet

Photo Source

Honestly when I first saw an informercial for one of these I thought it was a gimmick (and not just because it sounds like a sex toy).  I didn't buy one.   BUT last summer at a garage sale I found one cheap and decided to give it a go.  So glad I did.  I'm kinda of a smoothie addict and this sucker blends, pulverizes, and grinds my smoothies to yummy perfection.

What I Think About: Men as Children

Refereed to my husband as a baby when he gets a man-cold?  Guilty.

Yes that is right, I've made silly snide comments about how needy my hubby gets when he is sick.  But that is the extent of me comparing my husband to a child.

Honestly, I get super irritated when I hear women compare their men to their children.  How devaluing is that?!?!  Seriously, just because your husband leaves his pants on the bedroom floor, and has to be reminded to make the bed, and has a messy closet does NOT mean your husband is childlike.  In fact, it likely means he has a lot of other "adult" thoughts and stresses on his mind to really care about something petty--like whether the toilet paper roll should go over or under.  (FYI--OVER!)

Now we all know I'm in favor of married couples dating and I've gushed enough that I'm certain you know how much I LOVE The Dating Divas.  However, last week they had a "marriage builder" idea that just left a bad taste in my mouth.

Called "The Sure Wife Chart," the purpose is to "reward" one's husband every time his wife asked him to do a chore and he said "sure" (and then did it).

Photo property of The Dating Divas

In general, I'm not a fan of reward based systems like this anyway but this one left me particularly perplexed.  I do NOT want to treat my husband like a child or feel that I have to use "carrots" to coerce him into helping with chores.

There's a good chance that this is just a sensitive subject with me but I simply would NOT use this chart.  Of course it could be used in a sexy way--like every time he got to the smiley face he'd earn a sexual favor but still, I don't like the message.  I have to manipulate you to help?  No thank you.

What I think is that if my husband used this for me, I'd be hurt and offended.  The Dating Divas have great ideas on strengthening marriages but this is not one of them!

Would you use this with your spouse?


 I love participating in Shell's PYHO on Wednesdays!

 

Days of Play: Card Math

Is anyone else a little freaked out by how much math kids know at a young age?  Seriously, I'm pretty sure math and subtraction started in first and second grade but my kindergartner is doing math problems like crazy.  At this rate I'll be teaching her about fractions by fonduing next year.  

A bit overwhelming.

As much as possible I like to compliment and support what my girl is doing at school.  Thus, card math.

What you need: A deck of cards with jokers and face cards removed and a large playing space.

To Play:

Spread the cards out all over a table.  Pick one card (for instance, a 7 of hearts).  Now, have your child find other cards whose sum would be seven (a 3 and a 4; a 6 and a 1; a 5 and a 2, etc.).  

With older kids you can modify this by using subtraction, division, multiplication, etc.  For instance, pick a 7 and a 2 and have them be 72.  What numbers multiplied equal 72?  If you can't remember it's okay.  You are a parent.  Kid fog takes away math abilities.  

To modify for younger children, have kids match numbers.  You pick a 2, they find another 2. 

Math can be fun. 

Music Monday: Goyte

It doesn't happen very often that I get on to regular radio stations and hear a song I like (or one that is also played on stations I like). The last time this happened it was with Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People.

 Now Goyte has been around for a long time (like since 2000) but his music is just now hitting that mainstream popularity coveted by musicians. I'm pretty happy about it :)

 So Goyte. If you think this is pronounced similarly to Boy-Tea, you are wrong. Goyte is actually prounced Gore-Tee-Yeah. Weird I know but Goyte means "Walter" and since Goyte's nickname (not stage name) is Walter, I guess it all makes sense. It a weird, "only a musician would think of this" kind of way.

 Goyte's voice is really unique and rich--kinda like the Peter Gabriel of 2000!

 Someone that I used to Know (this song is SUPER hot right now!) Heart's A Mess Thanks For Your Time

The sunnny weather

Seventy and sunny are sometimes overrated in my book but not in March in Wyoming after a hideously windy winter.

Right now I'm simply too intoxicated by vitamin D and park playing to bother much with blogging.  I will return to my regularly scheduled, overly opinionated nonsense next week.

Happy weekend, dear friends!

What I Think About: Preparing for Baby {Guest Post}

Things to Plan Before Baby Arrives

While the birth of a child is an exciting time for an expecting mother, it can also be a time that comes with a lot of nerves, even if it is not the first child in the family.  There are many decisions and preparations that can be made to help a nervous expecting mother feel more confident and ready for childbirth.  Here are a few easy tips that a mother can do before the baby arrives to ease their worries in the days before and after delivery.

Healthy and Fitness

When a mother first finds that she is expecting, it is important to meet with an ob-gyn to begin tracking the pregnancy progression as well as to discuss how a woman should manage her diet and fitness routine. Exercise used to be thought of as a cause for miscarriages. However, through research exercise has actually been shown to be beneficial to expecting mothers as well as the baby. Exercise, along with a healthy diet, can help a mother avoid excess weight gain; when eating for two, some women begin to consume unhealthy choices and unnecessary portions.

Stock the Home and Hospital Bag

Stock up on baby essentials ahead of time, such as diapers, wipes, toiletries and paper products.  Make sure the pantry is filled with easy to eat foods, such as nuts, pasta, canned soup and tuna.  Take advantage of the feelings of nesting and cook and freeze casseroles for quick meals in the weeks following the baby's arrival.  Pack an overnight bag well in advance as well, so when a mother goes into labor, she can grab it and head to the hospital when she needs to.  The bag should contain all of the important medical information, like health insurance cards and identification. Pack a few changes of clothes for mother and baby for their stay and for when it’s time to go home. Pack any other items to help during labor like a favorite movie or music.

Car Seat

Along the same lines, don't procrastinate on installing an infant car seat. Make sure it is installed properly or visit a local police or fire station for assistance in installing it properly. Most hospitals will not discharge a newborn without verification that a proper car seat is safely installed to transport the little one home. 

Post-Delivery Decisions

When the baby is born, a mother will need to have already picked out a pediatrician to come and take the baby’s measurements and administer the tests and screenings necessary before the baby goes home. Speak to both OB/GYN and pediatrician before delivery day about options such as circumcision and cord blood banking. These are important question regarding the future health of a child. Cord blood banking is where cord blood is collected after birth and stored as a potential medical resource in the treatment of a future medical disease. Parents who wish to participate should make arrangements with the cord blood bank of their choice ahead of time and notify the delivering doctor that the cord blood will be collected, since he/she will be doing the collection.

A bit of advance decision making and organization will help make the last stretch of pregnancy more relaxing.  An expecting mother will have less on their mind and more time to enjoy the baby and celebrate their birth.

This article was written by Alan Cassidy, an active writer within the blogging community covering maternity and childbirth, and always advocating for infant and children’s health. Connect with him on Twitter @ACassidy22

Days of Play: I Spy

What did the baby tree say to the mommy tree?

Geometry (gee, I'm a tree).

Sorry about that.  Sometimes junk like that just slips out.

Anyhow, it is really helpful for young children to be able to identify shapes.  To help your child learn (while playing), play I Spy: Geometry.

To play, simply find an object that is visible.  Give a clue about the shape.  The other person gets to guess what you are describing.

For example:

I see something oval.

I see something oval that is cushy.

I see something oval that is cushy, cream, and green.

(By the way, the answer is: the cat bed)

Take turns trying to stump each other!

Music Monday: Fun.

Remember my whole sob story about missing Panic! at the Disco?  Ya well it gets significantly worse.  Fun. (yep, their name is stylized with a period.  I'm not making that up) opened for Panic that night and since I missed Panic! I also missed Fun.  It sucks to miss out on the Fun.

It's also kinda fun to say Fun.  Fun.

Fun is really gaining popularity (since their music was featured in a Super Bowl ad) which makes perfect sense because they are, well, fun.  American Indie pop is pretty sweet.

Give 'em a listen.

We Are Young

 


All the Pretty Girls
 


 Walking the Dog

Fashion Friday: Ankle Pants

Spring is just around the corner.  At least, that's what I hear.  In Wyoming Spring doesn't officially start until mid-June.

But for the rest of you, spring is right around the corner.  I'd be jealous but I live in Wyoming.  Rolling prairies, the Tetons.  The Wind Rivers.  The Big Horns.  Open spaces, hot springs, abundant wild life.  I'll take that over your dreamy weather any day!  Well, except maybe on those really windy days when my car gets 3 MPG on my commute.

Anyhow, ankle pants are making a huge splash this spring and I'm pretty excited about it.  I got a cute pair of black ankle pants from Gap.  Love them!  Now, if you don't want to buy this new staple, consider hemming a pair of pants or rolling a pair of skinnies.  Either way, you'll be super trendy, comfy, and cute.


Black ankles with wedges and cardie for work

Source: bodenusa.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Fun pattern ankles with flats for fun

Source: chictopia.com via Jana on Pinterest

Colored ankle pants with socks and boots

Source: freepeople.com via Meg on Pinterest

Make ankle pants by rolling skinnies!

Source: pearls-curlsandasoutherngirl.tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Ankle pants--you love?

Things I Love: March Abness!

During February I kept seeing this "Fab Ab February" workout plan everywhere.

So I did something crazy.  I did it.  I addition to my regular workout schedule, I added extra planks, sit ups, and push ups.  It was amazing.  I loved it.

Lucky for me the creator of this awesomeness made another one for March.  Hello side planks, crunches, and pushups.

The crazy thing is how "slow" it starts.  I mean 14 crunches after rocking 100 sit ups?  Not even a challenge.  So I took it a bit further.  I don't start counting until I start feeling the burn (which means I'm doing more like 70 crunches) but still, I love this!

Won't you join me?

Please note, I did NOT create this plan/calendar.  I take NO credit and claim no copyright.  I found this on Tone and Fit.  I do, however, take all credit for finishing it :)

What I Think About: Knowing When to be DONE (advice ladies!)

A funny thing happens to people who have same sex children.  A couple of friends, for example, have two daughters and people always ask, "are you going to try for a boy?"  I'm sure this happens with people who have boys too.

In fact, one of things I love about one of my fave bloggers--Shell at Things I Can't Say--is that she states "Mom to three boys.  Not trying for a girl."  Do you hear that?  She has 3 boys and calls that a family? Sheesh.  What's wrong with her? ;)

For me, I have a boy and a girl so no one asks me this question.  People just assume this is the "ideal" family make up so why screw it up now? Right?

Families look so different. Some people are happy with one.  Some people want 19.  My thought is, how do you know when you are done?

When I was young{er} I had this grand vision of 4-5 children.  I'm a teacher; I love kids.  But then I had a hideous pregnancy followed by a traumatic c-section and all of a sudden that 4-5 went to three.  MAX.  Trust me, being sawed in half three times is my limit.

Then baby #2 (the often-coveted son ... remind me why this is so?) came along after a delightful pregnancy where I was all but prescribed a diet of whole-fat ice cream but another c-section.  Suddenly that magical 3 number seemed all wrong.

Holding this baby in my arms I just felt like I was finished.  Our family felt complete.

My son will be 3 in May and I still do not have a desire for another baby.  4 of my closest friends all had/got newborns this past fall/winter and while I loved holding and snuggling those little treasures, I am all too happy to give them back to their moms.  Just last Friday night I watched one of those babies, 7 week old baby girl H.  I swaddled and rocked and cuddled and fed.  And I looked at my husband and stated, "if this was it--if this holding and kissing was it--I'd have another in a heart beat!"

But the truth is that holding and cuddling isn't it.  Having a baby is hard work.  Babies change everything.  You need more gear, a bigger car, and more stamina to work full time with your other kids while running on something like 45 minutes of sleep.  Being a mom is tough.

I don't want to sound selfish but I just feel done.  I feel done with not sleeping through the night.  I feel done with sore breasts and smelling like spit up.  I feel done with putting my budding career on the back burner.  I feel done with diapers and spilled sippy cups and 3 am pacifier hunting.

Don't get me wrong, I love and adore my children.  One smile from them makes everything worth it but in the end, I'm not sure another child is best for our family.

So I'm on the birth control pill--again--which I promised my mother I'd never do.  I just don't know what else to do.  I don't want to count days (I'm not good at math so I know that method will get me child #3).  Matt and I have contemplated permanent fixes but those just don't feel right either.  I'm mean, we are 99.9% certain we are done but that .1% keeps us from taking drastic steps.

I'm so confused.  I feel done.  I feel like our family is just right for us.  But I'm not ready to take any drastic steps so every month as the arrival of Aunt Flo nears I have these panic attacks of "what if."  I don't want to feel that way.

What I think is that I'm done having children but I'm confused how done I am.  I'd love your advice!

Are you done?  How did you know? I love participating in Shell's PYHO on Wednesdays!

 

Days of Play: Show me the money!

Learning about money is inevitable so you might as well start now.

Go on a coin hunt and find change from around the house.  Look in pockets, couch cushions, etc.  Give a high five to the person who finds a coin in the most random place.

Now, have your children sort the coins based on how they look (color and size).   Create a chart and make down how many of each coin you have.

Give your child a piece of paper and let him/her draw what the coins look like.

Tell your child what the coins names are and how much they are worth.

Now, put the coins in a bank :)

Music Monday: Walk The Moon

For my birthday Matt got me tickets to the sold out Young the Giant show in Denver.  I nearly died.  But I didn't which is good because it'd be a real shame to die BEFORE seeing one of your current band obsessions live ... right?

One more total side note--Cough Syrup by Young the Giant was featured on Glee (Blain was singing it while Krofsky attempted suicide).  So happy to hear that song and SO happy with that episode.  I continue to love Glee.

I was going somewhere with this.  Where?

Um ... oh ya, the concert.  Okay, so this cool indie-rock band opened for Young the Giant.  The band was called Walk the Moon.  They were so freaking amazing.  I've never expected so much awesomeness from Ohio (because let's face it, Glee--although based in Ohio--isn't actually about Ohio).  Walk the Moon did not disappoint.  Having a great opening band before the band you actually paid to see is sort of a bonus.

Anyhow, here is Anna Sun--a song symbolizing youth.  Crazy random video. It makes me happy.




Lisa Baby (this one was my fave live one!)

Things I Love: Dessert for Breakfast (that's healthy)

I'm pretty sure I've already blogged about my smoothie obsession.

Well today, I'm confessing: I found a new recipe and the obsession has gotten epically worse.

I couldn't be happier.

So this great little smoothie is loaded with vitamins, protein, and chocolate.  Yep chocolate.

Did I mention it's totally vegan?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

What you need (per smoothie):

• 1 T ground flax seed
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 T peanut butter (almond butter, sunflower seed butter)--More or less to taste
• 1 c. chocolate almond milk (can also use plain almond, soy, or coconut milk and add 1T cocoa powder)
• 1 handful of fresh spinach (what?? trust me--you get all the nutrient benefits without the taste!)
• 1/5 cube of silken tofu (hello protein)

What to do:

In a blender, combine flax seed, almond milk, and tofu.  Blend a few seconds.  Add in peanut butter, banana, and spinach.  Blend again.  Add in ice.  Blend.  Pour into a glass.  Drink.

Why do I blend in batches?  Mainly because my blender is not awesome and will give up if I put too much stuff in at once.  Can you throw all this into one blender and have at it?  Sure, if your blender is awesome you can.  But don't brag about it because no one likes a braggart.  Ha!

Ice or frozen fruit?

Okay, there are people who swear that using ice in a smoothie ruins them.  I'm not one of those people. I love ice :)  But if you are anti-ice, then use frozen bananas--the result will be a creamy, cold delicious breakfast that tastes like dessert.

What I Think About: Sexpresso

Yesterday my husband sent me a link to a news article to read. (<--Click that link to see the article) In it, he called this a "possible business venture."  So, I clicked the link and behold, a scantily clad Le Cafe owner is causing a problems because she likes to serve drinks in barely there outfits (FYI--There is ZERO possibility in this being a business venture for me!).

Here's one of the tamer offending outfits.

Photo Source

Anyhow, this cafe owner is practically becoming a celebrity in her neck of the Italian woods ... but not every one is happy about it.  And when I say "every one," I mean women.  In fact, the women in her refusing to let their partners go to Le Cafe for a drink.

This sort of news story always gets me.

For starters, how is this news again?  I mean, she's wearing more clothing than women on the beach AND she's 34 which isn't under age so I don't get why this is such a shock.  Plus, she does work in a bar (which is not exactly a beacon of morals to begin with).  So we have dirty politics, inflation, unemployment, war, disease, poverty, and a sexy bar maid.  How is this news again?

Secondly, really?  I mean on one hand you have to give this woman some credit.  Talk about brilliant advertising.  But on the other hand, does a "really" brilliant and successful woman have to show her breasts to be successful?  I don't know.  Let's ask Hillary Clinton, Irene Rosenfeld (CEO of Kraft) or my mother.  Yes, I do think I could get some sort of skeezy business off the ground in my town if I hired young, ample breasted women to strut their stuff but in the end, I prefer to be successful based on my hard work and abilities.  Not my ass{ets}.

I could insert some sort of diatribe here on the sexualization of women but I won't.  I'll save that for a whole other week.  Stay tuned (and you're welcome).

Finally, I love the power play of women folk not letting their menfolk go to this bar.  I guess this is on par with not letting your man go to a strip club.  Or walk past a Victoria's Secret store.  Or go to the beach.  Or turn on the TV. Or watch a movie.  Aren't there half-naked women everywhere?  I'd feel like a real hypocrite saying, "you can't get a beer from a girl in a low cut shirt but how about we go to Cabo--even though that means we'll be sharing the sand with 20-somethings in thongs ..."

What I think is that if Matt wanted to go to this place I would NOT go with him.  But I wouldn't fight him on it either.  I guess I'm lucky that I married the sort of guy who does not go to Hooters because HE thinks it is degrading.  But would I ban?  Nope.  I have enough confidence in him and our marriage to know that one barmaid's breasts aren't going to ruin anything.

What do you think?  Would your let your significant other go to this bar? Are the women jealous or on the right track?


 I love participating in Shell's PYHO on Wednesdays!

 

Days of Play: Patterns

Preschool and kindergarten children really work hard on creating, identifying, and extending patterns.  Even adults do this, to a great extent.  Think about the pattern you notice in your checkbook when you go to Starbucks too often or the pattern you notice when your child doesn't get enough sleep.

Patterns are everywhere.  Help your child recognize, create, and extend them.

Activity #1

Find patterns in your house.  Go on a "pattern hunt" and try to find patterns on clothing, blankets, painting, games, etc.

Activity #2

Create a pattern.  Gather objects of all sizes (buttons, coins, water/soda/juice lids, pasta shells, etc. and make a pattern.

Describe your pattern to your child and let your child describe his/her pattern to you.

Create a pattern and have your child extend it (or continue the pattern for you).

Extend your child's pattern.

Music Monday: Panic! At the Disco

I only know two types of people: the people who think Panic! is brilliant and the people who think Panic! sucks the joy out of life.

I'm not sure why this band seems to inspire such passionate love or passionate hate but they do.  Lucky for me, I'm on the love side.  I think Panic! is one of the most underrated bands.

Last summer I was supposed to go to a Panic! concert but instead I got to spend time with the sinister knife man and my husband's friend went to the concert.  Rats.  He did buy me a T-shirt but I feel like a total impostor wearing it.  You should only wear concert T-shirts to concerts you've attended (unless retro).  It's a rule.

Did you not know that rule?  Sheesh.  Amateur ...

Without further ado, my beloved Panic!

Nine in the Afternoon




 I Write Sins Not Tragedies (offended by people saying G. damn? Skip this one).

 

 New Perspective (my fave!)

 

Friday Fashion: For the Fellas

I know some folks have partners who aren't into fashion.

That is NOT my partner.  In fact, Matt happens to be a better dresser than I am AND he buys me amazing clothes and accessories.  I love that my husband has such great taste (especially when it comes to choosing a life partner ....).

Anyhow, here are some fashion trends for the fellas.  Seriously, most of these make me think:

Source: Uploaded by user via Reagan on Pinterest

BASICS!

Layers for work:

Source: carouselinparis.tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Leather:

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Denim:

Source: swipelife.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Plaid:

Source: quiksilver.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Oxfords:

Source: randomitus.tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Details!!

Pattern Mixing

Source: thefinerside.tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Cologne

Source: google.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Hats and Vests

Source: images.google.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Skinny Ties

Source: imchuckbass.tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

RayBans (and scruff!)

Source: Uploaded by user via Reagan on Pinterest

If my husband wore this, I'd cry.  A lot.

Source: fashionista.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Things I Love: Closed Roads

I woke up this morning to closed roads.

Shoot.  Now I can't commute to work and school.

Darn it.  Now I have to go to a play date at the mall.

And while I'm there I'm going to be forced into buying this cute little sweater dress (for $12).  I might even twist my arm and go to the fabric store so I can re-cover some throw pillows.

Of course on days like this someone is bound to make me drink hot cocoa and to read a book.  Oh, and I'm guessing I'll have to play with my son and read "Wolf's Coming" for the 9,825 time since yesterday.

Darn those closed roads ...

What I Think About: 10 Foods Kids Need

Top 10 Healthy Foods for Growing Kids

The best way to get kids to eat healthy foods is to serve them a healthy diet from birth. Although it may seem difficult to come up with healthy foods that kids will like, here is a list of ten foods that most kids enjoy. These foods are high in fibre, low in saturated fats, and contain lots of vitamins and minerals that will help them to grow up strong and healthy.

 1. Milk – From birth, babies and toddlers love milk. But as they get older, many kids drink less milk in favour of sugary soda or juice. But milk is a healthy source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein that helps them build strong bones. Unless they have a milk allergy, kids should have at least 2 glasses of milk a day – for example, one with cereal and another to complement their lunch or dinner.

 2. Apples – Apples are a great healthy snack, full of vitamin C and fibre. Kids love them because they are juicy and sweet, yet they are low in calories. However, don’t be tempted to replace a whole apple with applesauce or apple juice, as these can contain more sugar and less fibre.

 3. Peanut Butter – Peanut butter is a good source of protein that can go in a sandwich or serve as a dip for apples or celery. Although it is high in fat, the fat found in peanut butter is unsaturated, which isn’t as bad as the saturated fats found in many processed foods. You can also purchase peanut butter with reduced fat or added vitamins.

 4. Yogurt – Along with milk, yogurt is another healthy dairy product that kids love. Avoid yogurts targeted at kids, because these often contain extra sugar. Instead, choose low-fat yogurt with “love active cultures” to help your children’s digestive systems.

 5. Tuna Fish – Tuna fish is a good source of vitamins, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help brain development. Although some parents may be concerned about mercury contamination, tuna fish is fine to eat in moderation – perhaps once or twice a week.

 6. Cereal – Breakfast cereals can provide your children with many vitamins and minerals to start the day. Instead of sugary cereals, choose cereals that are made with whole grains. You can even add some chopped fruit to your child’s cereal for extra nutrition.

 7. Eggs – Eggs are another healthy breakfast choice. They contain lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Although they do contain cholesterol, they are not high in saturated fat, which is the main factor that raises cholesterol levels. Eating eggs every other day is a healthy choice.

 8. Carrots – It’s hard to get kids to eat vegetables when they’re young, but many kids like carrots because of the fun colour and sweet taste. They are also high in fibre, vitamins A and C, and potassium.

9. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is a good breakfast food and a healthy snack ingredient. It’s best to have traditional oatmeal rather than the quick-cook kind with added sugar, as it contains more fibre. You can always add honey, peanut butter, or fruit to a bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal can also be used to make healthy cookies or snack bars.

 10. Sunflower Seeds – When kids are old enough to eat seeds without choking, sunflower seeds are a healthy snack for them to enjoy. They are high in fibre and contain lots of iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E.

What I Think is that our children deserve the best foods we can offer.  Help them eat healthy by offering wise snack options.

This article was written by Erin McKinney, who is a licensed nurse practitioner. Erin also owns the site Masters of Nursing for students interested in getting an advanced degree in the nursing field.

Days of Play: More or Less

Number recognition is important for kids in preschool and elementary school.  This game helps children identify numbers AND determine if a number is "more" or "less".

All you need to play is a deck of cards with face cards removed.

Deal the cards so each person has the same amount.  Now, count to three and flip the cards over.  Have your child tell you what cards are faced up (a 6 and a 2, for example).  Once your child has identified the numbers, ask which is more (a 6) and which is less (a 2).

If you want this to be a competition, decide that whoever has the "more" card takes the pile.  At the end, count who has the most cards and that person "wins."

To make this easier for younger children:

• count together
• play red/black to help them identify colors

To make this harder for older children:

• Have children add the cards together 
• Have children subtract the cards
• Have children multiply/divide the cards
• Have children turn cards into fractions (add a 1 over the card so 2 becomes 1/2 and 8 becomes 1/8).  Then determine which card is more/less.

Whatever you do, have fun.  So many kids have math anxiety; this is a great way to encourage a love of math!

Music Monday: The Naked and Famous

Clearly this post has nothing to do with me.  Seriously, being naked and famous are two states of being to which I never aspire.  If I could shower fully clothed without being deemed worthy of a straight jacket, I totally would.

The Naked and Famous (again, not me) are an indie band from New Zealand.  Complete side note, my husband would love to move to New Zealand because of the lack of snakes.  He's so afraid of snakes he'd move to another country.  Actually, he's so afraid of snakes that if he was out watering trees at his parents house with his girlfriend of a year and a bull snake came slithering along, he'd throw said girlfriend toward the snake and take off running and screaming into the house.  But that's a whole different story. And I still married him :)

Off topic . . .  again.

The Naked and Famous--what can I say?  Great music!  Listen.  Love.  Buy!



Young Blood (Super popular right now!)


Punching In a Dream




 Girls Like You (my fave!)



If you are a Naked and Famous fan and you live in Colorado then you should know that The Naked and Famous will be performing in Denver. If you buy me a ticket I'll be your concert friend. I'll even let you buy me a concert T.