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Here's a little "Kid Quiz" for you all. What do you see when you look at this picture?
What happened?
Who did it?
What went on?
I'll tell you the answers tomorrow.
(Aren't I mean that way?)
Teeter Totter ~ Finding a Balance Between Me-Hood and Motherhood
Gender: female Date of Birth: January 01, 1973 Member Since: September 11, 2007 Last Signed In: November 07, 2009 Blog Views: 14485 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend
Disney’s A Christmas Carol – A Mom Review
Making it Easy on Yourself When It Rains… You Are Here Halloween with Older Kids FEARS! Your Sacred Space Clever Dad! The Fat Lady Sings Luscious Time September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 Teeter Totter Finding a Balance Between "Me-Hood" and "Motherhood" In this blog I'll be covering as wide a variety of subjects as the duties of a real mom in today's culture. From raising special needs children, family vacations, marriage, relationships, sex, cooking, local to-do, school (both for you and the children), working, hiring a daycare provider, arts and crafts, decorating, holidays, to well... EVERYTHING! No holding back. 
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My point in blogging about this art project was to see if anyone said “I SEE A BIG MESS!” Sadly, a lot of parents feel that way about art. “Eewwww, messy!” and that keeps them from exposing their children to some important devolvement. At work I spread out butcher paper (and some blank posters) and taped it to the table. I then poured some child-friendly primary colored paint (plus black and white) and various size brushes. I then took away all the chairs (so more children could fit around the table). They were as anticipatory as dogs waiting for sausage to drop on the floor! Our room had three pumpkins and I decided to add those to the table as well. What did they learn/do? -They received multi-sensory stimulation due to the varying objects they painted (bumpy, smooth, flat, round…) -They SHARED the supplies. -They mixed their own colors (orange, purple, pink, turquoise) just like magic! -They used fine motor skills with the brushes and gross motor skills (using their hands and arms) -They learned problem solving. (running out of paint, sharing a brush, running out of pumpkin space.) -They also learned hygiene (by washing up properly after!) So where adults may see a mess, a teacher should see exploration and developmental opportunity! If you saw it as a positive experience, good for you! The next time you pick up your child from school or daycare and they’re “a mess,” GOOD! That means they learned a lot and made new neurological connections. Here's a little "Kid Quiz" for you all. What does it say about your day when your entire makeup bag decides to take a swim in the toilet? Being as cheap as I am, I actually salvaged some of it. Should I just toss it all and call it a loss? Should I just go back to bed and try again? I hate those kinds of days. I personally hate the stressful frenzy of consumerism that seems to weigh down on everyone like a Hummer truck this time of year. It also seems to start earlier and earlier! Now you just don’t want to have the best looking winter holiday house, but you must have all those Halloween/fall goodies as well! Well, I’m not playing. Just like last Halloween, I enlisted the help of my son to come up with some imaginative front yard decorations. If I couldn’t make it, or get it at the Dollar Tree, it didn’t go up. Yes, the lure of Target was great (they have THE BEST Halloween stuff!) Yes, it was tempting, and no, I didn’t buy anything. I want to set an example to my son that you can participate and have fun, without breaking your budget and impulse buying. I’m proud to say my aunt has also gotten into the spirit of things (see that! I made a pun), by spray painting inexpensive thrift store finds and playing with moss and glue. Her house looked amazing and she just uses the same decorations every year. No need to lose your mind in Target (and blow the budget.) Just get cheap and creative! Once again we’ll be doing the handmade holiday gifts with my in-laws for Christmas, but this year I’ll be buying for my family. Last year my family SAID it was a great idea, then bought things anyway (making me feel cheap and irritated.) On the plus side, I’m once again wrangling up my son for the handmade gifts and we have something AMAZING planned. More on that later… The joys of trying to keep balance in your life. Ahhh yes, now there’s a topic we can all relate to. I knew when I signed up for three classes this semester AND started a new job teaching at a preschool that I was biting off a whole lot. Of course, I proved myself right. Luckily, I was self aware enough to know that I was definitely going to have to drop some things not only by the wayside, but also kick some to the curb. Church? I sadly have zero time till after the holidays, jewelry making and selling? Had to go as well. School? VERY important. House? Not so much, the boys either step up to the plate and help me more, or things just don’t get done and we live in a hovel (it varies from week to week.) Work? I had to cut down my initial four days a week to two (and felt my stress meter instantly go down.) Its been a tough Fall and although I am FAR from perfect when it comes to balance and juggling it all, here’s some things that helped me keep my sanity and family together. -Plan it out! Keep a weekly family calendar large and where everyone can see it. I like a big dry-erase board in the kitchen that also serves as a shopping list and menu for the week. This way, we all know what’s going on. Write EVERYTHING down. -Find what works and stick with it. Nothing wrong with a regular time for doing things! If taking the whole family grocery shopping with you on Saturday morning works, then make that a regular weekly deal. -Don’t sweat the small stuff. Will the world end if you don’t vacuum for a whole week (or two?) No, but it will if your kids don’t get fed. Prioritize and learn to let things go. -Don’t forget about you! Watch that junky TV show, or get your nails done, or go for that long, alone walk. Do what you need to do to recharge your own batteries (and quit feeling guilty about it!) -The family that works together… stays together! Have dad pick a night to cook (if you’re the one who usually does it). Split the house up into duties for everyone to pitch in. They’re never too young to learn a little about helping out. Have a teenager? You’re in luck! They can be taught how to do just about anything. -Say NO! Don’t over commit. This is the easiest way to get in over your head. If you belong to too many groups, ask yourself what you get out of them? If you can answer positively, then great! If your answer is more of “nothing but needy hands grabbing at me!” Then maybe it’s time to re-evaluate that one. Saying “no” is much worse in your head than doing it. I promise, no one will think less of you in the end! -Keep stress at bay. Breathe, walk, stretch, eat good. Be a good example to your family on how to take care of yourself. Don’t put yourself last or let that stress get out of control. My husband and I recently lost our minds (it’s the only way I can explain it) and decided it was time to take our 14 ½ year old man-cub to his first concert. After a little research we found out that Flogging Molly was playing an all-ages show at the Radisson in Now let me just interject here and say that it is very common for parents of special needs kids to sometimes forget, and think that they have a typical kid. This is what happened to us at the concert. Let me just share that ear-shattering noise, packed, sweaty crowds, people flinging beer and Autism do not mix (just in case you may be thinking of taking your own Autism Spectrum child to a general admission concert with no chairs and no escape.) On the plus side, he likes Flogging Molly, considers himself to be VERY Irish and is a pretty open-minded kid when it comes to experiences. He also had a hood up the whole time and two large parents to protect him. Poor man-cub was so miserable waiting for Flogging Molly to finally come out. The opening bands sucked and they seemed to take forever to start the real part of the show. Swells of people kept coming and squishing their way into us (never again will I do a general admission, no-seat anything!) Ask my son what his favorite part of the concert was and he’ll say “FENDING OFF ALL THE CRAZY DRUNK GUYS IN THE MOSH PIT!” Well, it’s good to know these things in life guess! We left early and on one got hurt. Flogging Molly was actually really great. Next time however, I’m standing in the back. The pictures are before the concert (and us looking punk) then the concert (mobs of people!) There are times in your life when you may find yourself doing the unexpected. This may be something a little as NOT going straight home from picking the kids up, but stopping off for ice cream on the way (for no reason of course), or taking the kids to the grocery store with you at night when it’s empty for shopping (a must-do if you’ve never do it by the way.) I know I personally get really sick of routine and love it when life throws something fun my way, even if it doesn’t seem fun at the time. Case in point, my son’s busted backpack and binder. Oh yes, only a few months into school and his backpack already snapped a strap and his “core class” binder split up the spine. I decided to rush and replace them while man-cub was at piano practice. Sadly, our Office Max didn’t carry backpacks that weren’t under $100 or “High School Musical 3!” (Don’t even get me started on that. High school is not, never was and never will be a sunshiny place filled with fresh-faced lilting, friendly kids.) When I picked up man-cub I was still short one backpack. “What will it be?” I ask. “Target” he replies. Twenty minutes later we have a beautiful black backpack for… $2.28 (God I love Target. On clearance, normally $38.99.) At this point we’re both thirsty (from laughing at their giant “poo” looking candy cardboard thing that’s all over the store. I really have no idea what it’s supposed to be, but it looks like poo with a face!) and I decide that we must go to Sonic. We pull into the car delivery area and munch on our dinner with the moon roof open and a lovely Fall breeze. Who knew you could have such fun shopping for a backpack and binder? Rather than just go home that day and “deal with it on the weekend,” we had a little unexpected journey together. My husband sent me an interesting e-mail from a site called "Blog Action Day." I've never heard of them before, but the concept is very interesting... I'll give you the 10cent tour. The point is to get everyone who owns, or types on a blog to write about the same important topic on the same day.
The topic for today is POVERTY. My gut reaction when I think of poverty is to feel uncomfortable. No one likes to talk about it, hear about it, or see it. It is however, a very real issue all over the world. Here's some startling statistics for you. ~According to UNICEF, 26,500-30,000 children die each day due to poverty. ~Around 27-28 percent of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted. ~Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. ~Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn’t happen. ~Number of children in the world 2.2 billion - Number in poverty 1 billion (every second child)
Thanks to the Regan administration closing down the mental hospitals, most of the homeless you see out on the streets are people with mental disorders who can't take care of themselves and aren't getting their medication. This is a fact. So, what can you do about it? Short of building a shelter in your own backyard or adopting a million children? 1) Next time you eat out and have leftovers, give those leftovers to the first homeless person you see (if you are in a major city, you'll see dozens before you even make it to your car.) 2) Volunteer any spare time you may have to serve your community. Soup kitchen? Yeah, they're still around. 3) When you see a coat drive for children, give a coat. It's not that hard to do people! 4) Research any organization you donate to thoroughly. Many only give a small percent of what they receive to the actual cause. Be smart and cautious, or better yet! Just get hands-on and make a difference yourself. 5) Behind someone in line who is short what they need to pay? Pay for them. 6) Offer to start a "salad bar" or healthier hot lunch option at your school. Even if your child brings healthy foods from home, the low income children are stuck with the crap they get for free from the government. Is isn't good people, flys wouldn't eat that swill! 7) Many cities have clothing donation centers for women who are trying to get out of a bad situation and always need help, and/or donations. Same with the battered women's shelter. Pick up that extra pack of pampers next time you're at Costco, then drop it at your local shelter. You'll feel great for helping out! Same with those little travel soaps and shampoos when you're on vacation. Bring a zip lock bag and take them home to donate. 8) Go to a rally, write a letter, send an e-mail to our law makers telling them that we DEMAND better education for all children. Did you know that janitors make more and have better benefits in the USA than the average early childhood teacher? What does that say about our priorities in this country. The people who wipe your kids butt and kisses away boo-boo's in preschool get less money than the one who cleans the floor. If we all took time to do simple little things and care for one another how we would want to be cared for, perhaps poverty would be a thing of the past? No, I’m not talking about over scheduling your kids, or the importance of play on child development (though these topics are also near and dear to my heart.) I’m talking about making time for YOU to play. When was the last time you played? I mean got out the Lego’s when no one was looking, or made some Oooblick just for you, or bought yourself a Barbie (only because you “collect” them of course.) Can you answer? Do you remember? Last weekend while on our anniversary adventure, my husband and I decided to stop by our local Toys R Us. Since our son is now 14 ½, we haven’t been to one in years. While there we bought some new family games and my husband suggested we get some Playdough. I was thrilled at the idea of getting to “play” Playdough with him and of course thought it was a great idea. We picked the Nostalgic Canister (and maybe added a few other Playdough goodies on our way to the check-out.) When our son saw what we had got he was shocked. “What’s with the giant can of Playdough?” He asked in that “I’m too cool and old so if you bought it for me you were wrong old woman” kind of way that he’s mastered. “That’s mine and Dad’s.” I reply. “Oh” he That night we all sat down for some family Playdough. We each picked something to make then we all made one of each pick. My husband picked “cartoon animal,” my son picked “vide game character,” I picked “birthday cake.” Sadly my camera battery was dead and my cell phone ate some of the pictures I took, but I did manage two. My husband had the best animal “Peanut Butter Yeti,” my son took best video game character “Final Fantasy Fight Scene,” and I took best cake (I even had a slice served on a plate with a silver goblet of Playdough wine.) I know I really kicked their Playdough butts, but it’s more fun if everyone wins. This was a GREAT family activity and a fun memory that we will all have. I encourage you to reach out to your inner child and wake it up from the Rip Van Winkle nap. Go play this week and if your kid is interested, let them join you and make it a playdate! ------------------------------------------------- ---- Click Here to see an amazing adult Lego Artist! The pictures are my husband playing Playdough and my three creations. Funnily enough, my husband picked Pac-Man for his video game and I made Ms. Pac-Man (w/o each other knowing it) Dang were old and in sync!   About this time every year (when I take Fall classes) I start to feel like a stunt double. Not just any stunt double, the one from Indiana Jones who was chased by the giant boulder. In short, I have too much going on and my to-do list is the giant boulder. Each week I successfully dodge it (and grab my hat), only to be placed back at the start like some sick reloading video game to be chased all over again.
This weekend I was able to take a short time-out from this insane pace I'm struggling with to raise a glass of vino with my husband in celebration of our 14th wedding anniversary. We donned our snazziest clothes and hit the town. It was a lovely day full of window shopping and pretending we were rich (while buying very little.) Topped off as any good celebration should be by a giant plate of sizzling meat. Mmmmmm, meat. The week is half gone however and I find myself running once again from that dang to-do list. Counting the days till my boulder becomes a pebble.
Then we turned the next isle. Now as I remember it toy stores have always had their “girl” section (dolls and doll accessories) and the “boy” section (action figures, race cars), but there has always been an “EVERYONE” section (legos, tinker toys, art supplies, etc). I was entering what I thought was the EVERYONE section only to find… “Girl” Tinker toys, “Girl” Megablocks, “Girl” art supplies!!! What the heck! I was in such shock I had to take a picture of the “Girl” Tinker toys. The barrel on the Tinker toys says “Specially designed for girls.” Ok, just what does that mean? They only like douche colors (because EVERYTHING “Girl” looked like a tampon box to me). They are smaller and lightweight because girls are weak with small hands? How can a Tinker toy be “specially designed for girls?” Why do girls need special pastel building blocks and art supplies anyway? This worries me greatly. Toys are toys. Play is play. Of course girls and boys will do it differently and prefer different items, but to create a whole sub-category of toy just to “appeal” to girls? Do the marketing people behind these monstrous creations really think that little girls won’t play with a primary colored toy, or a game with un-girl pieces like a hat and car? Where’s the outcry of disgust from the consumers and parents? Will we have a whole generation of “Paris Hilton” type girls who didn’t finish school because their books weren’t “designed for girls?” I hope you’re all as disgusted and outraged and I am at this.
As I gazed at the pile of my husbands clean shirts laying atop my “homework” chair I realized… there is no where in this stupid house that is just for me! My son has his room (of course), my man has his own “game room,” the biggest room in the house to cozily hold all his collections. Me? I have attempted to squeeze out some space that was “just for me” many times through the years. An art space that my son would then decide to fill with his supplies, a teaching space that would also become my son’s homework space… You get the idea. I thought I finally got it right when I squeezed a small table and chair into our bedroom (next to the laundry hamper, but I’ll take what I can get.) just for my school work. However, when I saw my husband using that space as his “I know you just did my laundry for me but I can’t put it away right now OR get a basket to put them in so I’ll dump them on your work chair” space, I wanted to scream. Now, I’m making my husband out to be a beast, so let me clarify. I often put my own clean clothes on that chair and I think he assumed it was the “clean clothes chair” by my example. Not “MY SPACE, MY CLOTHES!” Also, I don’t mind him having a whole room for his stuff. BUT when he has the whole room, PLUS oozes onto my space that I try and carve out for myself, I get irritated. The “newlywed me” would have just kept moving his clothes assuming he would eventually connect the two. The “married 14 years today to this man me” talked to him the second I started feeling irritated about it. “Can I ask you a favor?” I said when he got home last night. “Could you please not put your clean clothes on my desk chair?” That’s all it took. I’m not sure why most women naturally try and avoid “talks” like that. I was for sure one of them (once upon a time.) I’ve lived and learned and luckily for me, so has my husband. I didn’t share this story to harp on him, only to bring out a real common problem. Moms, wives, women tend to do everything for everyone else and leave themselves on the back burner. Living your life that way has consequences that aren’t good for anyone. I’ve found it is so much better to address these little feelings and issues before they boil over into something bigger. On a high note, today is our 14th wedding anniversary. We’re meeting for lunch and I can’t wait! My aunt will watch man-cub for us this weekend while we do a nice in-town celebration.
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