Hurray! Saturday! Park day!
Diapers. Check.
Snacks. Check.
Extra clothes just in case. Check.
Baby chewed on rubber stamps. Call doctor. Okay, he’s fine.
Portable potty. Check.
Grocery bags to fit into portable potty. Check, check.
Kids. Check.
Carseats. Wait.
Carseats? In other car with husband. Somewhere else.
Borrow Mom’s. Sister will bring them by.
Whew.
Keys. Keys? Keys in house.
House locked. Must crawl into unlocked window and get them.
Alright. We’re good. Got keys.
No! Van won’t start.
Cram in sister’s car with her kids.

Jammin’ to the park in the clown car. Please, no one throw up or cry. Or find the kazoo I just saw rolling under the second seat. And don’t let the cops stop us. (Especially since Husband Dear is actually at driving school right now.)

Ladies, this story is real. And since you’re all moms, you have probably lived it yourself on more than one occasion! That’s why you need to create time for yourself this weekend. To breathe. Listen. Laugh. Eat. Laugh some more. And remember that you matter. And you’re not alone.

We promise that you . . .

• will be able to go to the bathroom uninterrupted by little whining voices and sibling rivalry. (And without being asked all kinds of embarrassing questions from all-too-inquiring minds and wide-open eyes.)
• don’t have to share your food or drinks with any little grabby hands and bellies.
• will be refreshed.
• will remember why you’re here and what you’re really doing during these important years of motherhood.
• will be glad you came.

Because you do have to go home again . . . eventually! But you’ll be equipped with the necessary tools to start plugging away at it again – this time with a new mindset and focus.

Don’t worry that children never listen to you;
they are always watching you. ~Robert Fulghum

This week, my not so baby, will get his license. For the last 8 months he’s been driving with his permit. It didn’t take me very long to pick up on the fact that he’s been watching me drive for the last 15 years.

Here are some of the fabulous habits I’ve taught him without even knowing it!

• Music sounds best when it’s turned up really loud and the windows are down.
• You really only need one hand on the steering wheel; this allows the other one to be free to eat, drink or use the phone.
• Speed limits are suggestions depending on your mood or the urgency in which you need to get somewhere.

This reality was completely frightening to me, at the least! It doesn’t matter what I tell him is the proper or correct way to drive. The fact is he’s been watching me. Driving this way could have some serious consequences.

I started thinking about what else I may be modeling that could have even more serious
consequences? Clearly some of what he picks up is positive and some of what he learns from me is less. I accept that I’m imperfect and do the best I can to model things I want him to learn.

Our kids are watching us; they are sponges, absorbing what we pour out through our actions. Yes, our words are important, but what they see us do, is what they imitate.

As a mom, there are so many things I want him to see. I want him to see and hear me praying for him. It’s a joke, but true, he knows I pray that if he’s doing something wrong, that he gets caught. I want him to see me help others who may be in need. Sometimes that may mean he doesn’t always get what he wants. I want him to know our family time together is important; we make it a point to be together.

My hope for my children is that they see something in me that they will also desire, and it has a lasting value, well beyond my influence.

What is it that your children are learning while watching you?

By:  Courtnie Lawrence  (www.myitalics.com)

This December, amidst all of the other celebrations going on, I am reminded of a different kind of anniversary my husband and I are facing. This month marks the three-year anniversary of trying to have another baby. Certainly no one would celebrate infertility. That’s just weird. But I am convinced that God has redeemed this time by giving me a perspective to share with others out there who are still waiting for something.

Basically, at any given moment – and at every given moment – we will be waiting for something. Dating. College. Career. Marriage. Kids. For the kids to grow out of the terrible twos or the know-it-all fours. More kids. Bigger house. New job. New car. Or maybe just for dinner to be ready or waiting for your turn in line at the grocery store. You get the picture. You will always be in the process of waiting for something. And there will always be something you want that you don’t yet have. Which means that by nature, we humans are ever in the process of wanting something else. Sad thought, huh?

So here are four things I’ve learned about waiting:

• It is important to grieve. Be honest with yourself about your disappointment and let yourself walk through it instead of denying it and thinking it will just get better with time. Don’t downplay it by comparing it with others who are going through something worse. If it’s a big deal to you, then it’s a big deal.

• Don’t blame God. It’s not His fault. He’s a God of order, a God of peace. A God who sees. One who understands. After all, He’s been through more than we could ever imagine. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Don’t take the easy way out and just say it’s God’s fault. We do have an enemy who is a liar, a destroyer. A stealer. A killer. It might be time to take a stand against the forces of darkness and claim your rights as God’s child. More than anything, you need God’s presence when you’re walking through the valleys. And you can’t feel that when you’re all puffed up with anger.

• Don’t begrudge others. Would you really wish your troubles on them? Absolutely not! You can be free to truly be happy for others, even when they get what you want. Let’s put on our big-girl pants here. God is a redeeming God, and even if He did not create your current situation, He is right there with you in the midst of it. And He is going to redeem it. So don’t waste time and energy refusing to rejoice with others over good things happening in their lives. As my daughter’s teacher tells her, “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit!”

• Don’t let life slip away. Let’s be honest here. If I never see the fruits of my prayers fulfilled, if I never welcome another child into this world, I want to know that I still chose to live life with gusto. That I opened my eyes wide and took a look around at all of the blessings I do enjoy.

If I had spent the last three years in mourning (or pouting, while we’re being honest), I would have missed:

• 1095 days getting to know my husband better, the contentment of a solid relationship
• precious time with sisters and girlfriends
• celebrating the births and milestones in the lives of five nephews and a niece
• opportunities to serve others and learn more about myself
• the decadence of a freshly baked chocolate something-or-other
• the wonder of getting lost in an amazing novel
• three fall seasons of watching the glorious colors ripen and fade
• three Christmas mornings, when the air is so thick with excitement, you can feel the electricity
• warm days where the sun bathes your skin and relaxes your body
• shopping with my Mom and sisters and experiencing hilarious moments – like Mom banging her head on the toilet paper holder at a Mexican restaurant and getting so disoriented that she wandered into the restaurant’s kitchen trying to find our table!
• 36 months enjoying the sweetness of holding my daughter’s hand and kissing her soft cheek
• my daughter’s potty training
• her first day of Pre-K
• her first friends
• first trip to Disney
• writing her own name
• being able to converse with her like an adult
• watching her kick her thumb-sucking habit and the official retirement of her well-loved baby blanket named Alby
• the end of naps (and the beginning of room time)
• the opportunity to share with others and encourage them during their times of waiting

There is such beauty in our lives everyday. I pray I’ll always see that instead of allowing my focus to be skewed by an obsession with getting what I want. You see, I could share this struggle after I conceived another baby, and we’d all clap and shout and run out to Babies R Us. We would celebrate that victory. But I started thinking, what a testimony it is to praise God when I don’t see an answer. And I have that victory already. Not so much that I’m holding what I want in my hands but that I can truly see what I already have. There is a higher reality than the one we see with our physical eyes. God sustains. God fulfills. Nothing can separate us from His love! If He is for us, who can be against us? Whatever you need, He is.

When my daughter prays at night, instead of begging God for a baby sister, she simply says, “Thank you for hearing our prayers for a baby sister.” And that faith, that simplicity, so inspires me. So I’m sharing this in hopes that you, too, will be inspired. May you be encouraged today that God does see you and He does care, whether or not you feel it with your physical senses. The truth is the truth regardless of how we feel. And in this season of thanksgiving, I am so fully grateful for that.

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).

No, not that kind.

Think … shedding excess junk in your life. Letting go of people and activities that are dragging you (and your family) down.

Somehow unhealthy things quietly slip into our lives. It usually shows up disguised as innocent and labeled “good” so we don’t mind it at first. Then, seemingly out of nowhere we find ourselves completely drained, frustrated, and anxious. We’re left wondering where our peaceful lives went.

We often justify the new stress as something “normal” that comes with our aging children. Or we might explain the new tension as “positive stress” because we’re doing something “good” for someone else. Truth is, we are denying ourselves peace and fun times with our families all because we fall for the old trick that “one more activity won’t matter” or “if I don’t do it, no one will.”

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m the first person to respond to a friend with a true need and I do want my kids to have opportunities to learn new skills. But there needs to be a line. When we take on things we weren’t meant to have on our plates, no one wins. We’re not setting good limits on ourselves and we’re not setting a good example for our kids to follow.

• Choose wisely.
• Periodically take inventory of your activities, your kid’s activities, and your friendships.
• Begin stripping away the ones that are draining so that you make room for the good stuff.

At the end of the day…. Stripping does any body good.

Take a second and comment with a favorite family activity that you would never “strip” and you could win a Starbucks gift card. Contest open until April 6.

I remember reading a story about a 3 year old little girl who would play pretend and always wanted to be the mommy and for her mom to be the baby. After a while she didn’t want to be the mommy anymore. She wanted to be the Daddy. When her mom asked, “why?” She simply said, “Mommies always have too much to do!”

Yep, that’s us…. way too much to do! Getting your spouse on board can be challenging, but it really can happen. Here are a few quick tips I’ve learned:

• Stop the blame game. If you use guilt to try to accomplish your goals, you’ll likely get a grouchy spouse and undone tasks.
• Woof-woof. Barking orders is more for marine platoons and packs of dogs — asking goes a lot further than telling.
• There is no “I” in team. Your husband is a human being, and human beings who feel like you’re on their team are a lot more likely to play by your game plan when you are likely to play by theirs.
• Be specific. Try not to blanket your statements saying you need more “help”. Unfortunately that doesn’t give him much direction of what is needed. To get more response, try to be specific in what exactly is need. For example: “I need more help with.. homework, giving baths” etc. Another option is making a list of everything that needs to get done and asking dad which tasks he’d like to do.
• Timing is everything. Be sure to discuss things …
  1. When the kids are in bed or have been farmed out for the evening.
  2. Over a meal and after you’ve both unwound from the day.
  3. In a way that explores solutions without jumping to conclusions.
  4. With an opening mind and listening attitude.

Remember, the goal is not just getting these day-to-day tasks done. Life isn’t perfect and neither are we. The goal is to try and create a balance in the chaos so you can enjoy life. These kids grow up fast! Hopefully this puts you in a good direction to change the atmosphere in your home and take some of the “motherload” off.

I’d love to hear how it goes!

This month’s topic is “Conquering Clutter”.

Learn techniques to help you de-clutter in a day, get a handle on paper clutter for the last time and receive tips on helping your children be clutter free forever! (well, maybe not forever!)

Can’t get out of the house? Not to fret – Join us online as we stream it LIVE.

Here’s what you do:

1. Go online to http://www.ustream.tv/ and create a free account.

2. On the day of the event, login and click on the link we post on facebook, the website or twitter.

3. Watch the segment LIVE and chat with your questions and meet other moms. Remember, this is a LIVE event, so we suggest you login at least 15 minutes before so you get all the instructions and can make the best of the hour.You can stay for the whole time or just a few minutes, but we’d love to have you!

4. Enjoy some laughs together with those who actually made it out and those at home.

It’s a great way to connect and it’s FREE!

If you CAN come out:

Meet us at Clover Hill Christian Academy at 12310 Bailey Bridge Road, Midlothian, VA 23112 from 7:00 pm until around 8:30pm. Go ahead and email the Assistant Director at the Preschool at CClark@cloverhillag.org if you are coming that night to help them prepare.

So… Who’s in?

Children’s Consignment Sale
February 24-26, 2011
http://www.theclothesline.biz/home.html

Bon Air Community Center
8725 Quaker Lane, Richmond 23235

Public Sale Hours
Thursday February 24, 2011 4:00 to 8:00p
Friday February 25, 2011 9:00a to 8:00p
Saturday February 26, 2011 8:00a to 2:00p

Infant/Children/Teen seasonal clothing in gently used or new condition
Boutique brand clothing
Seasonal outerwear
Dance and gymnastics garments
Dress-up clothing and accessories
Accessories such as socks, hair bows, ties, hats, belts, etc.
Seasonal shoes in excellent condition
Cribs, toddler beds, and pack-and-plays
Children’s dressers and other furniture
Changing tables
Bedding sets for babies or children
Nursery or children’s room decor (lamps, pictures, decorations, frames, etc.)
High chairs and table booster seats
Strollers – all types and sizes
Baby-carrying backpacks, slings, and front carriers
Infant swings, bouncy seats, exersaucers, walkers, jumpers, Bumbo seats
Boppy pillows and covers
Bottles, feeding dishes, and utensils
Bathing items (towels, washcloths, etc.)
Baby blankets, quilts, swaddling wraps
Cloth diapers (with very little staining) and cloth diapering covers and accessories
Diaper bags/backpacks in very good condition
Homeschool materials
Books, videos, DVDs, CDs
Video games and equipment
Toys, games, and puzzles with all pieces included. (Batteries must be included & working)
Bicycles, tricycles, riding toys, scooters, skateboards, etc.
Children’s motorized vehicles
Outdoor toys such as wagons, slides, swings, sandboxes (without sand!), Little Tykes, etc.
Sports equipment such as balls, bats, gloves, skates, shin-guards, etc.

Today’s Project: Ledge Shelves (inspired by www.ana-white.com)

Use: You can use these versatile shelves for books, picture frames, spices, etc…..the sky is the limit!

Supplies Needed:
Two 1×4′s cut to the length you want your shelf to be
One 1×2 cut to the same length
Sand paper to sand down any rough spots and get rid of splinters
Hammer
Power Drill
2″ wood screws
2″ finishing nails
Wood Glue
Paint of your choice

Step 1:
Cut your wood to the desired length (if needed)

Step 2:
Line up your bottom 1×4 and your back piece 1×4 and pre-drill holes for your screws.  Glue your two pieces together and then put in your screws (about every 6 inches).

Step 3:
Line up your front 1×2 piece.  Glue and then tack it on using your 2″ finishing nails (one every 4-6 inches).

Step 4:
Sand down any rough spots and all corners and edges.  Paint if desired.

Step 5:
Hang it up!  Just screw through the back of the shelf right into a stud in the wall.

Check out a modified version that one of our readers, Leigh, made to hold her spices!