Five Question Friday

Ahem, for the past two Fridays since we have decided to participate in Five Question Fridays at My Little Life, I have had the King and I Song: Getting to Know You, stuck on repeat in my head. I am instantly transported back to Middle School music class...

Getting to know youGetting to know all about youGetting to like youGetting to hope you like me

Getting to know youPutting it my wayBut nicelyYou are precisely
My cup of tea
Getting to know youGetting to feel free and easyWhen I am with youGetting to know what to say

Haven't you noticedSuddenly I'm bright and breezy?Because of all the beautiful and newThings I'm learning about youDay by day

Hopefully I have sufficiently transferred the tune to your head--of course I'm not there to sing to the tune for you so hopefully you know it. This way,  I won't be alone in humming/singing it all. day. long. today.   - Christine
Without further ado, here are this week's questions---pick YOUR favorite and let us know in the comments: 

1. What do you enjoy doing the most with your spouse?

Christine - I love being silly with him.  He can always make me laugh, so when he is in a good mood and gets to joking, it is always a great time. I love our date nights, even if it only means a kid-free trip to Lowes. I also like working with him. We have had fun completing projects around the house: Painting, our fire pit, and we just put some hardwood floor in our master bedroom. It is so nice to be able to stand side by side with him and admire something that we worked on together. I also love when we are all together as a family--eating dinner, snuggling on the couch, wrestling the kids--normal family stuff. 

Janene - Oddly enough, talking before we go to bed.  It is such a quiet time and I love sharing it with him.  It's the only time we can really talk about things without little ears around or someone needing something.  I feel like we are solving the world's problems when we have our little before bed chats.  I always feel more connected to him when are able to have 10 minutes to ourselves.

2. How do you eat your taco? From the top or from the side?

Christine - Is it even possible to eat a taco from the top?  Who does that? (Watch, Janene will be a top eater) Seriously, it seems abnormal to me to eat a taco from the top--like something a Mexican-food-loving beaver would probably do. So, from the side, definitely from the side. Sorry, if i managed to offend the cross-culture that eats their tacos from the top. You don't really look like a  Mexican-food-loving-beaver. Unless you have some really, extremely, large front teeth too. 

Janene - Hmm - I never really thought about how I eat a taco but I would say it is kind of both.  I start at the top . . . because I want to kind of "trim" the taco to the place where all the good stuff is.  Then, I start eating from the side.  I'm going to say, then, that I'm an ambidextrous taco eater.  My teeth are pretty much normal size, though - at least I think they are!   

3. Have you ever shut off the basement light and ran like a fool because you knew someone was down there and would get you?

Christine - For sure. But odder still, I have flushed the toilet and run like a fool because I was convinced some sort of something would rise up from the demonic depths of that swirling hole and get me. Anyone else? No? By the way, I would never shut off the basement light and then run.  I would make damn-sure that there was a light on down there. And if you aren't sensible enough to have a light switch at the top of your steps, so you can turn the light off when you get there,  then you deserve to be snatched away in the darkness--you also deserve the high electric bill that you get after I just leave the light, freakin, ON. Consider yourself sacrificed for the protection of everyone else. 

Janene - Yes.  My parents have a door with a window on it that I use to have to walk past when going upstairs from the basement.  It use to scare the CRAP out of me.  I hated walking past that door.  I was convinced that someone was standing on the other side of that door like Jason from Friday the 13th . . . just staring in the window waiting for me to walk past so that they could break the glass and pull me through the window. 

4. If you could change one thing about you what would it be and why?

Christine - I wish that I wasn't so indecisive. I think it comes from being a very open, think-about-it type person.  I like to hear all of my options before I make a decision.  I often feel conflicted by my in-convictions--like all the political ranting on Facebook?  I read it with interest, but I honestly have very little idea about how I feel. I always find myself saying--well she makes a good point and then in the next breath her polar opposite opponant ALSO makes a good point. I don't like it that I am so wishy-washy at times. It would make it a lot easier to decide what we should have for dinner too. 

I also would change my social awkwardness. My husband has a wonderful talent for breaking the ice, always knowing what to say. When I am a stranger in a strange land, I tend to stand there like a mute with my mind going a hundred miles a minute searching the database for some sort of opening comment.  It is so stressful.

Janene - This very second I would change the fact that I feel like I got hit by a bus because of this cold.  However, I'm sure that isn't what was meant when asking this questions.  If I change one thing about myself it would probably be that I would like to have bigger boobs.  Can I say that?  Oh wait, I just did.  Seriously, though, I didn't get much in that department.  I know that Jerry has NEVER complained but I think I would feel a lot more confident if I had size C or D cups instead of B.  I know that I could get bigger boobs if I wanted to but I don't want to deal with the healing process.  I don't have time to deal with that because I'm WAY too busy for it.  And for all of you who might be thinking that what I would change is kind of vain, oh well . . . I don't think the boobs would be the only thing that would change.  I think my self esteem would improve, too.  Which is a shame because I shouldn't need bigger boobs to improve my self esteem . . . but it would.  Just keeping it real.  hehehe  (Maybe the meds I took for this end of summer cold is really doing the talking here . . . maybe)

5. What age do you think is appropriate to have the "bird and the bees" talk with your children?

Christine - I don't know about boys, but I will probably try to have it just before my girls get their first period.  So when is that these days? 11ish?  I'll just be on the lookout for those signs of change and go with the flow (Ew. Literally). I'm not too worried about it. I have a couple of years to figure it out. We've already had dialogue about our bodies, so I don't think it will be extremely difficult to transition to that sort of talk. I feel like my husband has really lucked out in this department.  But I'm wondering now, if there might be a benefit to having dad give part of the talk to his girls. And mom giving part of the talk to her boys.  I know that there are single parents that have to do it--I hope they don't think they can shirk it!  There is probably some benefit to the girls hearing his point of view on the matter, right?

Janene - Yeah . . . umm . . . I'm going to agree with Christine on the "girl" side of the issue.  I also think that I will probably get "stuck" talking to my boys about it down the line, too.  I'm thinking middle school?  6th or 7th grade?  I know that we got the "talk" at school when we were in 5th grade so maybe around there.  As of RIGHT now (with me not having put much thought into it because I don't have to yet) the plan is probably to have some kind of book to help get the conversation started and then just answer questions.  I will probably let them take the lead and answer their questions the best I can.  I don't want to scare them with too much info but I do want them to know enough that they won't be clueless.  

If you want to play along, head on over to My Little Life and join in the fun!!

Book Club: The First Annual Grand Prairie Rabbit Festival

For August, We read:

The First Annual Grand Prairie Rabbit Festival by Ken Wheaton

Are you reading along? Well, what did you think?  

Our group met this week to discuss the book and our overall assessment was mixed, with a majority of the group enjoying the book. Most found it funny (Some were waking up their bed mates with guffaws, chortles, and laughing fits during parts of the book) and well written, with like-able and fleshed out characters who are realistically flawed.  A few of our readers reared up about the book's protagonist, who is a Catholic priest.

It so happens that a majority of our readers are Catholic or have a Catholic connection, so the irreverent portrayal of a man in a priestly position was at the least a bit of an eye opener and at most shocking to the point of rage. The bottom line for me was that Priests are people too. Imperfect, not immune from temptation, and certainly struggling with falling into sin with the rest of us. Of course many of them are quite successful in their roles as shepherd of the flock, counselor, leader, business man and holy man of the cloth--but not a one of them is perfect. Does this book do good things to erase the stigma attached to Catholicism? ...Well, it doesn't. Does it make me want to turn from my faith or love it less?  Of course not. 

So rather than condemn Father Steve for his shortcomings, let's accept him for what he is: a character in a fiction novel.  That is exactly what our group tried to do as we moved into discussion about the novel.  There was plenty to talk about and we used the reader's guide found at the end of the novel to frame our discussion.

Our discussion was lively! And here are some questions that we considered:

Should priests be allowed to marry? Is there merit to having them serve unmarried? Do you think that Catholic priests will ever be allowed to marry?

This is surely not a dilemma that would be solved around the table by a bunch of bookworms, but it was interesting to hear varying opinions of our members. And the answers ranged!

Is the practice of living a life of celibacy antiquated? Is there merit to that practice?

Some of us could see the merit in it although many of us agree that it is a difficult thing to expect of our religious. We all agree that it isn't for everyone and a certain discipline is required to achieve it, but some of us stated that marriage, and sex for that matter, have a complexity of their own that require focus, discipline and attention in order to thrive.  Can a person dividing their focus between marriage (and family) and leading a church truly give all that is required to their flock?  Surely, we can see many examples of successful protestant churches putting this into practice, so it becomes an interesting debate.  Does it simply come down to "this is the way it always has been and always will be?"

Do you think Father Steve was ever meant to be a priest to begin with?  Did he enter the priesthood for the right reasons?

Most of us believed that Father Steve misread his calling and was a little dense to begin with.  We don't think he was ever meant to be a priest and thus his resolve to his calling was not strong and he then became more prone to fall into the temptation surrounding him.  He was merely escaping from failed relationships and a lack of any future prospects.

Do you think that he ever had a chance at resisting Vicky? At what point do you think he was a goner?

Not a chance and from the start.  When you aren't where you are supposed to be, the universe has a way of realigning itself so that you get to where you are meant to go.

In addition to these questions we also examined the various relationships in the book i.e. Steve and Miss Rita, Steve and Mark, Steve and B.P. etc.

Whew! Care to weigh in on any of these? Do so, in the comments section and feel free to tell us what you thought of this month's selection. 

And now for a bit of housekeeping...

Next month we are reading:

The Bronxville Book Club by Pamela Hackett Hobson

Book club recap posts will go live on the Wednesday after the last Monday of the month.

Why do we do that? Our book club meets in the "real world" on the last Monday of the month and I like to post about the book after we meet and talk about it! If you are local and are interested in joining our book club for our monthly meetings, send us an e-mail and we can give you the details.


You can purchase your copy The Bronxville Bookclub  in The More Than Mommies Shop or see our other monthly selections HERE. And then come back next month to join in on the discussion.

If you are just joining us, Welcome. You can learn more about The More Than Mommies Book Club HERE.

Happy Reading!

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My Finds Monday - Back to School Edition

Welcome to a "Back to School" edition of My Finds Monday.

I have an iPhone.  I remember not too long ago when I had a BlackBerry and my husband had a Droid. All I wanted was an iPhone.  I suffered through 3 years of BlackBerry nonsense and finally got my iPhone 4 . . . then (about 2 months later) the iPhone 4S came out and my husband got one of those.  I'm due for an upgrade in January . . . so expect the newest iPhone to roll out sometime in March or April, just saying.

Anyway . . . what's my point?

The BEST thing about my iPhone is that I can get any information that I may need no matter where I am.  There are also a TON of useful apps out there for helping to keep me organized.  I'd like to share some of my favorites with you today!

Christine has been a longtime user of Cozi and I recently started using it a lot more, too!  It's great for keeping all of the family on the same page and for having access to your info from different places - such as your iPhone, or Droid, Kindle, iPad, computer, laptop or even through texting!  

Cozi offers a calendar, to-do lists, shopping lists and even a family journal!

Best of all it's FREE to start out and use the basic features!  Cozi also offers a Gold Membership but I haven't sprung for the $49.99 per year upgrade, yet . . . I'm thinking I will if I find myself using it as much as I think I am going to, though.  

Check out Cozi!

This next app is one that I JUST discovered on Pinterest yesterday but am SO incredibly excited about I just HAVE to share it!!!

It's called ARTKIVE.

The basic idea of ARTKIVE is that you take pictures of your children's artwork and then you can use it to create other stuff - I'm thinking about the coffee table book myself - and then you don't have worry about throwing them away or them getting ruined, crinkled or taking up too much space on the fridge!

I think it's brilliant!

I hope you enjoyed this "Back to School" edition of My Finds Monday!  If you have any cool apps that you like to use or anything that makes your "Back to School" a little easier PLEASE share!

We are linking up here today!  Check it out!

The Sunday Sip: Fill Up Your Cup with Lydia at Five 4 Five Meals and More

Ahhh ~ the Sunday Sip!  Did you miss it?  Last week we didn't do a Sunday Sip because we revealed our Ad Shop (Go check it out!  Right up there where is says "Sponsor Us")

I thought I would let you all in on a little secret, since this is The Sunday Sip and I was just talking about the Ad Shop . . . More than Mommies has decided to give our future Sunday Sippers some Ad LOVE on our blog!!!  So . . . if you are interested in being featured in The Sunday Sip, now is a GREAT time to contact us at morethanmommies@gmail.com and get on our list!

This week we are talking to Lydia at Five 4 Five: Meals and More!  You will definitely want to check out some of the yummy stuff she has on her blog and send her some comment love while you are over there!

  

Good Morning, Lydia!  What's that you have in that mug there?

 Coffee. I am a coffee lady. If I could get coffee in an IV while drinking it at the same time I would. I am a full fledged addict. 

Mmmm . . . coffee and I are good friends, too!  What would you like to tell our readers about yourself?

I am Lydia Senn. I am Jesus lover, mother, wife, writer, blogger, cook and scatter brain who has piles and piles of unfolded laundry scattered about my house.

A woman I can relate to!  I have no idea where the laundry in my house comes from but it is EVERYWHERE!!!

The title of your blog is very clever!  How did you pick "Five 4 Five: Meals and More?

 Well, it started because I was making cooking videos with the baby. (Speaking of which I need to upload one now.) The concept was that I would take 5 minutes to make a meal for four people and the cost would be under $5 a person.

Cost effective, quick and yummy?  Sounds awesome!

So, what is one post that you want everyone who comes to your blog to read and what was your inspiration for writing that post?

(http://www.five4fivemeals.com/food/2012/3/22/mama-and-baby-cook-panko-crusted-tilapia-taco.html)

I made fish tacos with pico de gallo and peanut sauce. It was a restaurant quality meal that costs less than $2 per serving. That's the concept behind the blog, you don't need fancy things in the kitchen. You just have to get in there, experiment and have fun. But keep it simple.

Fish tacos?  Would you believe I've never had one?  That recipe makes them look easy enough that I could see myself having time to make them!  (Great video, by the way!  Cutie patootie helper you have there! Not a bad looking taste tester, either!)

When we checked out your blog we saw it as a place to read about some awesome recipes and giveaways along with some personal stories thrown in the mix!  Was this what you intended when you started your blog? What made you decide to start blogging? Where do you see your blog going and growing to in the future?

It was what I intended.

Before my son was born I was a seriously stressed out newspaper reporter. I wanted to keep up my writing and my portfolio, but I also wanted to try something new. Blogging lets me continue to write, but it has also allowed me to meet some new people and make new friends. I hope to get more subscribers and turn it into an online magazine of sorts.

Finally, the question I love the most in our lineup, what makes you "More than a Mommy"?

 I am a reader. A big reader, like a two-book a week reader. I am also a writer and editor. I run a small PR business where I assist people in their marketing and writing materials and I handle their social media needs. So on and so forth. Also, I am writing a novel.

You are one busy lady!  Thank you so much, Lydia, for dropping by and we wish you the best of luck with your blog and video series!  I'm off to add some Panko and Tilapia to my grocery list!

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Taking a Break On Saturdays

Beginning next week, we will be starting our new fall schedule for the blog. We usually post on Saturdays, but with school starting, we decided to give the blog a break during the weekend so that we can enjoy the time with our family! Don't worry, you'll still get plenty of fresh content from us on the regular, including our Sunday Sip Feature!

*Speaking of the Sunday Sip, If you are interested in being featured send us an e-mail with "The Sunday Sip" in your subject line.  And as a special bonus we are offering all of our future Sunday Sip Featured bloggers an exclusive deal on ad space on our blog--so jump in the queue today!*

Today I'm linking up at Harvesting Kale and This Amazing Day, where they give us a theme and we write about what we are "currently" doing with each of those themes. Visit her cute little blog to link up and see what everyone else is up to:

I am missing: My hubby. He worked hard all week and was up early today to head to the hardware store for a tool we need for a new project in our master bedroom. We are putting down some hardwood! Can't wait for him to get home so we can get to work!

I am craving: nothing, amazingly. I have had a head cold: stuffy nose and scratchy throat, for the past couple of days and food just doesn't taste good right now.  I guess I am craving the ability to breathe out of both nostrils at the same time.

I am anticipating: wonderful things happening on the blog very soon. I love writing here and while I've enjoyed the leisurely summer schedule I am excited to focus on our blog's growth this fall--and really happy that you all are a part of it!

I am thinking about: everything I need to get done today--the household budget that I was supposed to balance yesterday and a grocery list that I would like to have completed ahead of schedule!

I am singing: The theme song to the Disney Channel show: Gravity Falls (humming it actually). For some reason that cartoon makes me chuckle. I actually don't mind watching it over and over and over and over and over again (as is the case, when my girls find a show they like).

So, what are you up to currently?

Five Question Friday!!

Janene and I thought that our amazing readers might like to get to know us a little better. So we've decided to participate in a popular link-up every Friday to make new friends and entertain our old ones. 

This week we are visiting at My Little Life and linking up with Five Question Friday.  This week's questions are posted below. We hope you'll have fun reading our answers.

1. If you could have been (could be) any profession you wanted (brains and $$$ no problem) what would it be?

Christine - From the time I was knee-high, I always wanted to be a singer. It's not about the fame and money for me. In fact, I'm not really interested in fame and the invasion of privacy that comes along with it, nor am I interested in stepping over anyone else in my race to the top. Nor, am I interested in the sometimes chaotic/crazy/partying ways of Hollywood. (Perhaps that's why I never seriously went down this career path)  But I love to sing and be on stage. Really, I love all the creative arts. I would love to be a quadruple threat of sorts: Singer, Actor, Artist, Writer. I've dabbled in all of these over the years--never to make a living, but purely for my own enjoyment. 

Janene - When I was little I wanted to be a Beautician . . . but I quickly learned that I totally suck at doing other people's hair.  In all honesty, I am actually in a profession that I love, teaching.  Now . . . my DREAM job it to be a college professor.  It has been since I was in college.  I haven't given up hope.  I'm thinking that once the kids are a little bit bigger I will see what I can do about making that dream job become a reality.  Until then, I am actually loving teaching 3 year olds and being a SAHM.

2. How often do you clean out your car?

Christine - Not often enough.  I have a plastic shopping bag stuffed into the console of the van to stash the trash, But if I don't remember to bring a replacement bag into the vehicle with me the trash is left to overflow and collect.  About once a month the stars align and I remember to bring a new bag down so that I can gather up the debris that is scattered throughout the van , stuff it into the old bag, and replace it with the fresh one.  Vacuuming the car, dusting the dash, washing the interior windows?  Ummm... never mind.

Janene - More often than my husband thinks.  I tend to get the trash out of it daily, although you wouldn't be able to tell.  I probably empty the whole thing about twice a month.  About once a month (or every 6 weeks) I end up driving to the car wash to vacuum it out and have it washed.  The one thing that I have been meaning to do that I haven't gotten around to is clean the inside windows, especially the sliding doors!  They are disgusting!

3. Do you wish there was such a thing as fashion police or are you deeply relieved?

Christine- I'm extremely relieved.  Although, if there were, they would probably whip me into shape.  I don't think I am guilty of anything too flagrant.  I don't really shop or like to spend money on myself. (Does wrangling four kids through the mall sound like an appealing shopping trip to you?) I get something new for special occasions and I'm usually happy with the results...but my everyday wear? It's very worn.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I wear things until they are ridiculously thread bare--and even then, I usually throw those things into the PJ pile--that's right, my husband finds the "pauper-look" quite sexy. Not really. I need a fashion class, kid-free shopping time, and a debit card with no limit.  Anyone?

Janene - Hmmm....like the one that buys you a new wardrobe if yours is outdated or the one that would actually fine you for being in sweatpants?  If it is the first one, BRING IT ON!  I would totally have a different wardrobe if I wasn't always buying things for my 4 kids.  :)  If it is the second one then I am with Christine . . . my everyday wardrobe is probably enough for a life sentence.

4. What's your go to food/drink/activity when stressed?

Christine - To be honest, I'm not a stress eater. In fact in times of great stress, I loose my appetite.  My problem is eating out of boredom. When I am bored I reach for a spoon of Nutella first and then I rummage around to see what other unhealthy snack options are available to me. 

Janene - Chocolate.  I LOVE chocolate.  Now . . . as far as drink goes, I'm usually good with a nice glass of wine.  Activity . . . well, ahem, is that REALLY something you want to read about?  :) - after all . . . I DO have 4 kiddos!

5. If you had twins, what would you name them?

Christine - This is tough and only because I keep thinking of the names of twins that I already know and it is clouding my judgement.  I hate to say it, but I am all out of girl names. It was hard enough coming up with the last two, let alone two more.  My Grandparents have 28 great grandchildren ranging in age from about 14 to a few months old--and we all see each other pretty often...so all of my favorite names have been snatched up by cousins over the last decade! I have to cop out on this last question. I like to choose original names--no juniors here....So if there are twins in my future: Baby A and Baby B? (Sorry, kids!)

Janene - Dean and David.  I LOVE my twins names.  I wouldn't change them...well, I did want to make it David and Dexter but both of their grandparents had small issues with me naming my son after a fictional serial killer . . . even if he only kills bad guys.  So, we kinda, sorta named Dean after Dean Martin.  At least it wasn't Francis Dean (you know Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin) it's Dean Arthur and David Jerome.  Arthur because it is my dad's first name and David Jerome is actually the closest thing to a junior we were going to get.  Jerry is a junior, so both he and his dad are Jerome David . . . . so, we flipped it around and got David Jerome!

Now, pick your favorite question, and tell us your answer! 

We LOVE comments!!!

Potty Training Tips from a Pro

It seems that since I have successfully potty trained three kids to this point that I might be considered, in some circles, a "Pro."  But it is here that I must interject that because every child is different, no two potty training experiences are the same, and therefore it doesn't matter how many times you have successfully conquered "the porcelain throne," everyone is a novice! I am reminded of this, EVERY time I brooch the subject of potty training with my youngest.  When you consider a child's individual personality, their readiness, and then couple that with your own motivation (or lack thereof), you get the recipe for potty training.  The key to a successful potty training recipe is making sure that you have balanced all of the ingredients.

What Motivates Your Child?

You know your child and their personality best.  What get's them excited? What motivates them?  For some the promise of a gold star sticker would do it. For others, like my oldest, the promise of a new dress was enticing bait. You could try introducing "big kid" underwear with their favorite characters, giving out an M&M, cheering your little one on, keeping a new toy on a high shelf, bribing them, begging them, tricking them, and tying them to the potty chair. Well, you probably shouldn't tie them to the chair.--although in the eighties, otherwise known by my mom as "the potty training decade," when she successfully potty trained five kids--we had a potty chair that had a tray over our laps so that we could sit and snack while we tried our best to make something happen. Because, you know, everyone likes to eat and drink while they are going to the bathroom.

I digress. What I'm trying to say is that you've got to find "the thing" that works for you and your child. Just because your son got excited about a new Thomas train doesn't mean the same thing will work for your daughter, who may be more motivated by singing a potty song and cheering wildly. I've tried a combination of things for all of my kids before settling on the one thing that really started to work for them.

Is Your Child Ready?

Just because your niece was fully potty trained at 18 months does not mean that your baby is ready at 18 months too.  This is an area that I struggle with myself. It is sometimes daunting when you are scrolling through your Facebook feed to see that your friends with kids younger than yours are having potty training success while your own is still happily pooping her pants in the corner with a sippy cup in one hand and a toy in the other.  Nothing brings out the Mommy-Eye-of-The-Tiger quite like seeing your best bud post "Little Jill hasn't had an accident in three days!" or "No more DIAPERS!" or "Potty Training is going great!"

Of course, I would never begrudge any parent and child their moment in the sun. Potty training is a HUGE deal, probably the toughest milestone to conquer, so success should be celebrated!  But if we want to be successful in our own potty training ventures we MUST not compare our success or failure on what the neighbor kid is doing. The same thing can be said about comparing older siblings' potty training timing with a younger sibling.

Your child may be ready if they come to you and ask to be changed when they are wet or soiled. They may be ready if they show an interest in the toilet (Wiping themselves, flushing, washing hands). They may be ready if they are able to pull their diaper or pants on and off with little to no help from you. Or they might not be. I like introducing the potty early--without any expectation that the child would use it. Just to get the concept planted into their head.

For potty training to be successful, you've got to let your child take the lead.  If they are showing no signs of interest in the potty then it might be best to wait a month or two before trying again.

Are You Ready?

If you know what motivates your child and they are ready to give potty training (PT) a shot, the last key to success is your own motivation. Successful PT takes dedication, consistancy, and time. If you are not ready or able to give it your all then you cannot expect a smooth and easy experience.

I've struggled with dedication and thrown the potty training balance out of whack. Could any of my children been fully trained sooner had it not been for my lackluster efforts?  Maybe so. I know it is difficult to manage a household and then add potty training into the mix.  Potty training weeks are exhausting: Never ending trips to the toilet; cleaning up accidents; trying to stick to a bathroom schedule; keeping the machinery running by constantly refilling sippy cups; an increase is smelly, wet, dirty laundry; changing sheets; following through with rewards; staying positive in the face of discouraging results; and the fear of leaving the house and dealing with potty-training-on-the-go. If it seems like too much? That's because it IS a lot. But moms and dads and other care givers have been doing it for decades and we can do it too!

I want to tell you, that you don't have to be perfect at this!  Kids will have accidents. You will forget to reset the timer. You will clean poop from a place where poop should not be. Don't let your distractions, frustrations, absentmindedness, and accidents keep you from trucking on in your efforts.

Some Things That Could Help

I love Alona Frankl's book Once Upon a Potty (there is a version for Girl and Boy). It is a good way to introduce the concept of "the potty" to your youngster. There is an App for Kindle Fire that allows your little one to interact with this story (it auto plays) and there's a cute potty song to listen to and sing along with.  I've used the App to keep my little one seated on the potty for an extended period of time.

Get a timer.  I use a simple timer app on my Kindle. You can use a timer on your phone, microwave, oven, alarm clock, or get one specifically for potty training. I start at 15 minute intervals and as my child had success I slowly increased the times by five minute intervals. A timer has been a MUST for me. Otherwise, I completely loose track of time and then everything goes to...well...literally...crap. Also, check your app store for potty training apps. I've heard that there are some pretty good ones with interactive timer features (like calling your toddler on the phone when it is time to "go"), but since my phone has zero space on it, I haven't been able to download one to try for myself. 

Character Underwear. Generally, I am not a fan of clothing with characters on it. I usually try to contain the "character wear" to pajamas. But when it comes to potty training, character wear is A-Okay by me!  My kids get really excited about characters on their underwear and I use it to my advantage by making claims and commands like: "Merida doesn't like to get pee-pee on her," or "Don't poop on Mickey. He wouldn't like that."  Our little ones don't want to let their favorite characters down.  The only downside to this is that sometimes your kids can't help it and they will have an accident right on their hero.  And then there might be a melt down...so use your own discretion and try to keep things positive. 

Are You "Brave" Enough?

It's okay to STOP. If you cannot remain positive during the potty training experience, it is okay to stop. It is better to stop.  There is a limit to the number of accidents one can clean up with a smile and if there is little to no success during a day--then maybe you need to re-evaluate whether or not your child, and you, are actually ready for potty training. The minute you begin to feel frustrated and start to loose your cool, take a break. Try again tomorrow, or next week, or next month. Take a break until you are again smiling about the prospect of diaper-free days.  

Share your suggestions, tips, tricks, frustrations, and successes in the comments below so that we can thank you, cheer you on, or commiserate. 

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Memory Making on a Sunday

Sundays really are days that I feel should be reserved for family.  I know that there is the occasional Sunday where you have to do something you don't WANT to do and it isn't always possible to just spend the day with your family, but as the weather cools off just a little bit and I start to hear the sound of football coming from the TV, I can't help but start to look forward to the Sundays that are coming up.  I am already thinking about spending an entire day in the kitchen with my daughter, Danika, on a Sunday and baking up a storm.  I'm looking forward to Jerry making his "famous" chili and devoting one afternoon to making The World's Best Lasagna . . . it is honestly THE best - I've made it 3 times and all 3 times it was AWESOME!  I can't wait to make munchies for watching the game and some yummy drinks to go along with them.  I already getting excited about the memory making that is going to take place this Fall!

Today, though, can't be overlooked because it was a memory making day both in and out of the kitchen.

My day started bright and early with the twins and Danika getting me out of bed.  My family was having the first family reunion we have had in several years and I still had to make something.  Although we weren't really told what to bring or even asked to bring something, my mom taught me it is rude to show up empty handed . . . so I searched and searched for a recipe that was both EASY and YUMMY!

I found it HERE!

Lazy Cake Cookies . . . sooooo good!  Danika helped me make them this morning and I have to say it was a lot of fun.  I wish I would have taken pictures of her because I really started to see myself in her.  For example, she sticks out her tongue when she is concentrating . . . I do, too!  I also noticed that she likes to hum when she is working, me too!!

Since the recipe is so easy to make, I pretty much let Danika do a batch by herself while I worked on my own batch.  Both batches turned out fantastic (I just had to taste both of them!!!).

My extended family really enjoyed them, too!  It was an awesome Sunday - the start to quite a few on the horizon!

So . . . if you are reading this, tell me what kind of foods you have cooked with your kids.  Do they like to cook?  Is baking easier with kids or more fun?  I'd love to hear about how you make memories in your kitchen with you children!

PS - have you heard?

 

Well . . . the GRAND Opening was yesterday but you should still check out our Ad Shop for some great Ad options and give our sponsors a little love, too!  

Plus, for today and tomorrow, using code 25OFF will give you an awesome discount on ANY size ad spot you choose. Don't wait! We'd love to work with you!

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Ad Shop Grand Opening! Discounts for You!

As I mentioned before, Janene and I have been busy gearing up for fall, back to school, and a bloggy boom! Sure, we took it easy this summer (did we?), but as the kiddos hit the books our lives will return to a more scheduled routine. That means more time for blogging. (Yippee!)

So in preparation for all the good things we have lined up for this fall, we decided that it might be time to set up shop.  Did you notice that new tab at the top of the blog?  Good for you, if you did spot it before this post went live--we added a Sponsor Us page!

What does that mean, exactly? Well if you click that little tab up there you'll be able to read all the deets for yourself.  But for us it will be a way to connect to other bloggers, etsy shop owners, and fab sites on the web. It will be a way for our readers to discover some other great bloggers/products out there. Soon, you'll start to see sponsor buttons popping up on our sidebar and one special sponsor at the bottom of our posts.  These bloggers are approved by More than Mommies and if one of those little buttons strike your fancy--go ahead and give them a click! 

We are not trying to become millionaires off of our blog by selling ads--let's be realistic here--but we do want to grow.  Because we plan to build community with our sponsors, we think that our new Ad Shop has wonderful potential to be mutually beneficial for our growth. And hopefully, will provide us a little income allowing us to make the blog every bit as good as we dream it can be! 

Okay, sounds like a plan? Right?

Well, that's not all. In honor of our Grand Opening we are offering some wonderful specials that we know you will want to take advantage of:

RIGHT NOW! You can snag an ad spot from More Than Mommies for F-R-E-E!

That's right the first 6 people to respond will receive a free ad on our site.

We are giving away 1 "The Whole Kit and Kaboodle" Spot, a $25 value! -- Use code: K&KFree

We are giving away 2 "All That and More" Spots, a $20 value! -- Use code: AT&MFree

We are giving away 3 "All That" Spots, a $10 value! -- Use code: ATFree

But don't despair if you aren't one of the lucky sponsors to snag a free ad, because for the rest of the day today you can use code: HALFOFF to get a 50% discount on ANY ad you choose!

On Monday and Tuesday use the code: 25OFF to get a 25% discount on ANY ad you choose!

Then for the rest of August use the code: 10OFF to get a 10% discount on ANY ad you choose!

We are sending out a great big thank you to all of our sponsors and we know that you will make our "Grand Opening" a success!

Please share this post with you friends so they can take advantage of our Grand Opening Deals as well.

A Few Pointers for School's Start

Apparently, I have a lot of patience when it comes to dealing with children.  I know I have more patience when it comes to dealing with other people's children than I do when it comes to dealing with my own.  My husband, on the other hand, is a little bit different.  It's not to say that he has NO patience with children but he has a lot less than I do.  I'm not bragging.  It's just a fact.

 Not only do I deal with my children EVERY day - because I can't seem to find anyone who wants to "borrow" them a few days a week - but I'm also getting ready to start a new school year.  That means I will be leaving my chaos to head to some very *ahem* organized chaos that involves me spending time with 17 little 3 to 4 year old darlings at a time (34 total)  for 2 and 1/2 hour stretches at a time.

Funny thing is . . . it is a break and I do love it!

I've been teaching preschool for 4 years now and I feel like I've finally gotten the hang of it.  Before teaching preschool, I taught 3rd grade.  COMPLETELY different in every way.  I've been blessed to find a preschool (actually . . . they found me) that focuses on the child and not the final outcomes.  I had no idea how diverse the abilities of 3 year olds could be until I started teaching them.  I've had 3 year olds who are just developing their vocabularies to the point where you can understand them most of the time . . . and I've had 3 year olds who speak clear as a bell with vocabularies that would put some NFL players to shame.  (Fantasy football draft tonight . . . it's on my mind)  I've had 3 year olds who are struggling with the frustration that comes with developing your fine motor skills to the point where you can cut on a straight line and hold a crayon "properly" and I've had 3 year olds that can legibly print their first name.  Diverse doesn't actually do the gap justice.

All that being said . . . I would like to give a few pointers to any parents that are headed into their first year of preschool (or really any year of school) with their kiddos:

1. Don't compare - just because your sister's kid was reading by the time she was 4 doesn't mean that your kid will or that she has to!  Focus on what your child needs to improve on that is realistic and developmentally appropriate and help them improve.  4 year olds really aren't all suppose to be able to read and your child will learn to read when they are ready.  Relax and realize that it's about your "baby" and not anyone (or anything) else.

2. Let your child take the lead - it's not always an easy thing to do . . . especially for us moms who are use to just taking care of things on our own and getting them done quickly and correctly.  However, you have to make sure that you are letting them do things so that they learn a little independence.  It is so hard to break the cycle of dependence if it goes too long!  Help your child realize they CAN do things without you and give them the tools they need to do them well.  Help them succeed but don't do it for them because that is just setting them up to fail when you can't be there.

3. Ask questions - ANY time you aren't sure about something or you are worried or you forget a procedure or something ASK about it!  Remember to go to the right person, too!  If you heard that there was some strange guy at school who was putting on masks and making funny noises . . . ask the TEACHER about it.  There is a great explanation about it - Fire Safety week!  So, before running onto facebook and posting, "Does anyone know who the strange guy at ***** school was today? My son said he was putting masks on." Go to the source and avoid causing any drama for the teacher.

4. Talk to your child - It's tough with 3 year olds to get them to say ANYTHING about their day.  Have a list of questions that go beyond yes and no answers to help you find out what they did while they were away. 

• What did you have for snack?
• What book did you read today?
• Who did you sit next to during calendar?
• What color was your teacher wearing?
• What did you play with in the play room?
• Who did you play with in the play room?
• What songs did you sing?

5. Finally, remember that your child's teacher is on YOUR side!  I hate to see when a parent attacks a teacher for something.  Granted, there are teachers out there who probably deserve it but give your child's teacher the benefit of the doubt and start the school year off together (as a team).  Listen to your child but also listen to your child's teacher and remember which one has more incentive to lie to you . . . or at the very least change a few of the details.  Take the teacher's side when you get the opportunity and show your child that you are a team.  Support at home and parents and teachers that work together instead of against each other is an amazing recipe for success in school for your child!

There you have it . . . hope it wasn't too preachy.  

Remember that you are your child's only consistent teacher - all of the other teachers will have them for such a short period of time.  Make sure that you show them how important education is and help to build their strong characters early!

I'm getting really excited about all the learning that is getting ready to take place with my kiddos AND at the preschool!  It's going to be a GREAT year!

Good luck!

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*artwork by my daughter Danika!  :)