I'm back!

I took a little break in blogging.  Unexpected things in life happen.  But I'm back !  I'll be catching up with blogging.  I'm now a Stay at home mom/working mom in my house/homeschooling! I'm busy 24/7, no matter what life throws me I can survive it! I'm strong and teaching my girls how to be the same way!

HG awareness day

http://www.wect.com/story/18240472/special-report-when-morning-sickness-gets-out-of-control

Please take time to read.

also visit www.helpher.org for more information!

homeschool lessons outside

Sometimes everyday things can be used as a lesson.   We went outside today and the girls collected leaves off of the bush.   They started with the yellow ones.  So I decided to make a lesson out of this.  I told them to collect the yellow ones off the bush they did, and put them in a cup holder.  They collected a few green and brown.  I made them sort the colors and then count how many leaves they had.  they had so much fun doing this!  We had 31 yellow, 4 browns and 3 green leaves!

How people can't understand sensory issues

I am still amazed after I tell people that Pozzy has sensory issues, they brush it off.  Act like it's all in my head or they will not take time to understand that she has sensory issues!!! I don't know if some family is in denial or if its an old school thing where they just don't get it.  I have no idea but my child is different , i don't treat her different but somethings she does , she does need a little different treatment.  Ugh it just irritates me!!!

30 minute whole chicken...

I had a pampered chef party a month ago and i got the deep covered baker dish (stone) and you can make a 30 minute whole chicken in the microwave. It was amazing!!!

I brushed olive oil on it and then rubbed lemon and pepper rub on it. You can use whatever flavor you want. I do love cooking in the stove and you can use your stove but it was 89 degrees today I didn't feel like making my house hotter. Then i stuck it in the microwave for 30 mintues, it took mine about 40 min. since i got a little over 4lbs.

It came out so juicy !!! Next time I make it I will take a picture of it well better one. The juices just smelled like broth it filled about half of the dish , the kids just loved it.

If you ever go to a pampered chef party , i recommend getting it (or hosting a show to get it 1/2 off) which is what i did. It's been well worth the investment!!

Stay at home mom and dating.

Okay when I say dating... I mean dating other SAHM's ;) .. It's a tough world, esp when you move and you have nobody. Or you don't go to work and can meet people that way. The only way besides going to church, story times or having lived in one place or know some people it's really impossible. I have turned to the internet as there are groups all over ! Thanks to technology :) , but every time i go on a "blind" date as i call it I get nervous. I love meeting people but come on you know you have to "click" with that person.

It's almost like dating? don't you agree?

If your new into a new place how do you meet people. I don't got to church so scratch that, my oldest daughter is in preschool and yes i have met people through there, but then again we haven't really "clicked". Other then that I tried a meet up group for a moms group but it didn't go well like my NJ group did.

It's a very hard time to meet moms. Do you ever feel like your going on a date with another mom? I feel like we have to click , have some same interest. It's really nerve racking if you ask me :) . Seeing as we are only 6 months new to the area, I have tried a lot and I'm just missing that void of my friends.

So tell me how do you meet other SAHM's?

Vacation

Mommy free vacation YAY for 2 days! I'm so excited.

Summer time is coming up

So for that .. I made a new header!!!

Getting me in the mood for flip flop season and beach days!

Bacon, Linguini & Tomato Toss

We made this at my pampered chef party and it was a hit. My husband loved it and so did my kids! Just to warn you this makes enough to feed about 10 people , so you will have plenty to freeze. I Just cut down halves and it still made enough for my husband to take to lunch and plenty for me tomorrow.

Ingredients:
12 slices bacon, divided
4 cups (1 L) chicken broth (just buy a big thing of broth)
2 cans (14.5 oz each) Italian-style diced tomatoes (3½ cups/875 mL)
1 medium onion
4 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp (2 mL) crushed red pepper flakes (optional) (i didn't use this because it would be to spicy for the girls)
16 oz (350 g) uncooked linguini pasta
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) loosely packed fresh parsley, divided
16 oz (125 g) cream cheese - Recipe only calls for 8oz but its better with a whole package
1 oz (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
Halved grape tomatoes (optional) (def. recommend this )

1. Slice bacon crosswise into 1/4-in. Place into (12-in./30-cm) Skillet; cook over medium-high heat 8-9 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from Skillet; drain on paper towels. Drain Skillet, leaving 1 tbsp (15 mL) drippings in Skillet.

2. Meanwhile, place broth and diced tomatoes in Large Micro-Cooker(R). Microwave, covered, on HIGH 6-8 minutes or until hot; carefully remove from microwave. On clean Cutting Board, finely chop onion . Return Skillet to heat; add garlic pressed with Garlic Press and pepper flakes, if desired. Cook 10-20 seconds or until fragrant. Add onion; cook 2-3 minutes or until onion is tender. Carefully add broth mixture, pasta, half of the bacon and salt. Simmer, covered, 9-10 minutes or until pasta is almost cooked but still firm, stirring occasionally.

3. Finely chop parsley ; reserve 1 tbsp (15 mL) for garnish. Cut cream cheese into cubes. Grate Parmesan cheese using Rotary Grater. Cut grape tomatoes in half, if using. Remove Skillet from heat. Stir in remaining parsley, cream cheese and grape tomatoes, if desired. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened. Serve with remaining bacon, Parmesan cheese and reserved parsley.

Serve with garlic bread :)

(step 2) if you don't have the micro cooker which most don't just boil it on stove top in a separate pan

ENJOY!!!

Sensory day

I had plans today to take pozzy out but it never goes as planned. I love my child to pieces. But sometimes I don't think other people get me not going to playdates. It really wasn't a problem until she turned about 18 months. It's just not enjoyable for me or for her. Unless its a playdate where I am supposed to bring something then I will come . But sometimes I have to back out (which I HATE) . I hate felling like a hypocritical person about not showing up , but I do try to tell people ahead of time that my daughter has bad sensory issues if she doesn't have the right sleep or eats something she should not. We really try to keep her on a normal schedule as much as possible.

the other day we went to open gym and she did amazing! For it being crowded but she had a great sleep and was loving it, it was packed too . About 20 moms which is a lot.

I really hope people understand the struggles we deal with. I'm just not going to push my daughter for a playdate if she's going to have meltdowns and meltdowns and then me have a meltdown myself.

Today was just one of those days' where i knew i had to stay home.

Home made play dough

We had to make play dough for pookies school. Green for March ! Here is the Recipe.

3 cups water

3 cups flour

1 1/2 cups salt

3 TBS. oil (baby oil , scented oil is fine too)

6tsp cream of tartar

Food coloring.

I had Pookie help with all the measuring and dumping. Put all ingredients in a sauce pan (non stick) and cook on medium heat until the mixture leaves the side of the pan. I did whisk until it was smooth for at least 3 minutes to stir it all together. Make sure its dry and clumps together. Spoon out on your counter and knead until smooth and the right consistency. wait to cool completely before storing in an airtight bag ( i did 8 balls ) and put them in a zip lock baggie. May be kept in refrigerator for long term storage. Enjoy!!! makes a lot !!!!!

(before i kneaded it) (finished product)

I hope their class likes them!!

Kids eat free March 5th-7th chilis

http://campaign.chilis.com/marchtochilis/

Rainy sunday

rainy Sunday, hubby is out with the kids right now grocery shopping so I thought I would catch up , take a shower and blog a little.

I'm about to head to Barnes and noble later on today. Pookie has to do a passport to Ireland! I'm so excited! So I have to shop for some magazines so we can cut them up!

I just ordered some Irish flags for her to hand out and some shamrock pencils. So much fun! We got it on a good month because i could get a lot for St. Patrick's day.

We are also going to make homemade play dough for her class. (Green for st. pattys day) I'll let you know how it turns out!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Fit for fun

I have to say how much i love fit for fun (during the week anyways). I have only taken my 2 year old and she loves it!!! We haven't gotten sick, the staff is super friendly and for 4.00 you get snack and a drink with your stay!!!

there is so much to do and they change their activities all the time.. They have an outdoor place which we love. I can't wait until i take the 3 year old there. Its for ages 6months-5 years! I am so happy we found this place its right near pookies school so we can go after!!!

http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/community_services/recreation/fit_for_fun_center.aspx

A weekend of nothing

I think for a change we have a weekend of just relaxation , except for a triple date night with friends tomorrow :) I'm so excited about !!!

What are your plans this weekend?

A give away

I don't have too many followers :) but I would like to give away one free day into the childrens museum :)

All you have to do is share this on FB and then comment I will be drawing on March 7th :)

new look

I will be having a new look to my page soon :) stay tuned.... Monday/tuesday it will have a new look :)

karma will come...

The other night our car got broken into . well i left my car unlocked, I don't know why. I'm really careful since I know a few people that got their car broken in and their GPS out of it.

I had my purse under the seat. My daughter on the other hand , had a little gingerbread purse (full of 1 dollar bills) 20 of them to be exact. Someone came in stole those and stole 400 worth of gift cards I keep in a plastic baggy to Toys r us for our "rainy day fun day" they have collected through the year. I was going to put it towards a swing set.

So whoever did it, stole from a 3 and 2 year old. That is very nice of them! I rather them take from me , not my kids. I didn't report it because I thought they just took 20.00 and that was it, I can deal with that, but when i came to think about it, I looked on my shelf in my car and the plastic baggy was gone :( . Now 2 days have past , we did tell our HOA. Just pathetic .. like stealing candy from a baby!!!

A day in my life on school days.

7:00 alarm goes off

7:05 - Still laying in bed (usually cuddled next to pookie)

7:10- out of bed, grab my pepsi start making lunch

7:15- Get pookie up and make her get dressed (this is like a 20 minute progess)

7:30- Wake up Pozzy (if she is still sleeping my husband will come home to take pookie)

7:30-8 Get shoes, jackets, get Pozzy ready (diaper changed, most time she comes in Pj's)

8:05 (no later) go to drop her off.

Get home by 8:40

Depends how Pozzy's sensory issues are doing. If she's tired, we tend to stay at home and do homeschooling some things. Like make finger paints, play outside a lot, go feed fishes she loves that. I'll sit outside while she plays and I check my morning emails , moms groups, FB, other sites, blogs, websites.

11:30-12:30 we watch tv to wind down this really helps her if she's overstimulated , I also make lunch .

12:30 she has lunch

12:45 nap time

12:50-1:15 i check my emails , FB , Etc.

1:15-2:45 I take a nap (its great ) the days I don't i clean up the dishes.

3:00 I go pick up pookie she gets picked up at 3:30.

3:30-5 they play outside if its nice, I do the dishes, clean bottles, cups. Plan dinner. Lately the hubby has been doing dinners but i sure do miss cooking. But I will prep it and get the kitchen nice and clean :)

6:30 we eat dinner (always eat as a family ) most times unless i'm doing a moms night in that starts early we always eat as a family. When hubby isn't here, we do the same sometimes we might have picnics in the living room. Or if i'm away he will do the same. We find it important.

7:00-8:30 we play with the kids, they either get 2 TV shows until 8 and then we have family story time on our blanket. it's so much fun and I love the tradition that is starting.

8:30-9 the girls get ready to go to bed, someday's it changes as if they are ready for bed at 8 or if they didn't have a nap or longer nap . 9:30 is our max. the girls are allowed up till 9:30-10 on weekends because they sleep in better .. Win win for mama and dada.

9 its mama's time, shows, and computer time until about 12:30. Then its off . I'm glad she doesn't have school tomorrow ;) i can deal with sleeping in until 8:30 :)

Have you ever really timeline your day out ? I always feel like I got nothing accomplished in fact I just now noticed how much i did when I did this post. I still haven't even mentioned I take the dog out, change about 10 diapers. I have a busy day afterall . I wonder why my mind doesn't shut off, I'm still trying to think of what needs to be done tomorrow :)

Great winter

It has been a beautiful winter!! I think I can only tell you a number of times it was too "chilly" to really spend the day outside. Today we spent the morning afternoon playing outside.

I forget that living down south is different.. I am sure i wont be saying this when summer comes :) but then again it will be lots of beach days for us :)

Enjoy the little things in life.

Sometimes we are always busy with work, kids, etc. Things get in the way.

I just wanted to say that life is to short just to always work!

I took the girls on a mini vacation this weekend by myself to bond a little better with them. Sure I spend every day with them, but taking them away for a day just helps us bond. I love the smile they got when we enjoyed the resort , with all the pools and the beach view.

I love the memories they will have , sure they are only 3 and 2 but they will have pictures and the laughs that we shared today (even if there was a lot of meltdowns from the 2 year old) it was still worth every moment!

Snacks for preschool.

So we have to do "healthy" snacks at Pookies school. I have looked on pinterest and i found a few ideas but most take time to make and prepare for them so I thought of a snack.

Trail Mix is as follows:

Chex mix

Cherrios

Craisins

Raisins

Dried Fruit (we did dried banana's and pineapple)

What we are doing is we gave them 6 containers to dump it in, spoons in each container.

Each kid get's two scoops of the cereal and then one scoop of the craisins, raisins and dried fruit.

Since everything has to be packaged and store bought, we thought this would teach the kids how to prepare the snacks and make their own :) We hope her class enjoys pookies snack, she also picked out all the stuff she wanted in it. I'll have them take some pictures of it when they do it.

Homeschooling

To homeschool or not too ?

I have googled and done my researched my option on homeschooling. I read an interesting article the other day.

http://12most.com/2012/02/07/compelling-reasons-to-homeschool-children/

Me and my husband have been discussing homeschooling for many reasons. I love the concept of homeschooling, you can go the rate that my kid wants to, we can travel when we want too. My kids don't have to be embarrassed to ask questions if they are getting behind (like I was) . We also move a lot due to hubby's job so we would have more options .

I also feel like a lot of people bash parent's that home school their children. We will not be homeschooling because we have schools around here that we really like , also my oldest daughter's Montessori school goes for another couple of years. They are even thinking about making it past kindergarten which would be an amazing thing since we love the Montessori teaching and it fits for our oldest. Will it fit for our youngest, we wont know until she turns 3 years old so we have some time, in the mean time I do teach and have always practice Montessori in our house.

I also feel like homeschooling does not make your kids a weird outcast for society. People get this impression that kids home-schooled are introverted, socially awkward, become some serial killer or something. Kids really if you think about it don't get as much social interaction if you think about it. You have homeroom or go straight to class. Can't talk during class unless your working on a group project .. wait you might get to socialize 5 minutes before class starts if your not running from one class to another down at the other end of the building. You have your 45 minutes of lunch that you can hang out in. So we have almost an hour of socializing. Then you have gym class , and you might have a few other classes were you can socialize. But if you think about it 2 hours of day maybe 3 isn't that much. So what you "sit" in class with other kids is that really socializing? Homeschooling has a lot of groups in your area, also you can travel to meet up with other homeschooling groups. You can put your kids in sports just like any other kid, you can put them in church groups, you can sign up for other homeschooling and make playdates. There are so many more options plus you can do stuff doing the week days, etc. Plus if you think about it, there's always that "lonely" kid that sit's by themselves at public school that nobody talks to or wants to talk to. Maybe he/she would do better at homeschooling.

I really feel that each kid is different , some might do great at homeschooling, some might do better in a private school, some might do better in public. I have had friend's kids that have begged their moms to home-school. In fact I would have loved to have been homeschooled. I hated the "clique" in my school. I came from a very small small town , everyone knew everyone, it was so cliquish. I even wanted my mom to switch me out of schools. I think I would have done better but I had two parents that worked. My mom had to work for benefits , my dad owned his own business. I will never resent them from being a public school child. I just wish I could have maybe had the option.

Maybe someday I will home school my girls as I would love to, if I had the patients too! I think I need to learn that, plus both of my girls learn very differently .

I am 100% supportive of parents that want to home school their child. More power to them! If your keeping your kids active and they are learning things and being successful in it then it's wonderful!

Just do your part to look into public , private and homeschooling options. I think as a parent you make the best decision you can for your kids. We also know that in this economy that 2 people mostly have to work so they can't. This blog isn't meant for anyone to feel bad about not homeschooling. I just wanted to make a point that there is more to homeschooling then just a kid sitting in the house all day long not getting interaction. If a parent is very serious about homeschooling they will have their kids socializing , plus I know of a few families that get together daily and people take turns teaching different things.

Of course there are pro's and con's to everything! I just wanted to send some support to all my friends that home school , I feel that most of my friends get bashed at homeschooling their kids. You as a parent you know what is right for your child and we all do what we think is the best!

I also wanted to add that we shouldn't judge a parent by their decision!

Pampered chef.

I love cooking and baking, their products are wonderful and so high quality. I can't get enough of them.

I'm having a cooking show.

Their stone ware is just wonderful, we like to do pizza's on it!!!

http://www.pamperedchef.biz/amygibson?page=host-search-results&showId=3526294

If you would like to order from me please do so :) The closing would be this Friday.

Thanks.

What was our weekend like?

our weekend was pretty much normal, except that doesn't always happen. A dr. apt with a sensory issued child went into 2 hours . She did really good but ugh it was a handful to tell them what i was there for when she was having meltdowns. Then i came home and had my other daughters valentines party/winter celebration . They got to serve us snacks.. show us crafts, play with cool whip snow. and most important sing love songs :) made my heart melt.

After that I had a Moms Night in but it got canceled but then they did a MNO which i was fine with because they started later. So in the meantime I got to have my family dinner. I think that is so important.

We had a best friend of mine from baltimore only an hour away from me so we did downtown and went and had a double date , which was so nice!!! i wish i had the babysitter a little bit longer but we had a great time. Today was family make cupcakes from scratch and decorate them. They came out so cute.. when i can get the pictures I will add them. My laptop is broken so i'm trying to find the best deal. they came out really cute! The kids enjoyed decorating them. was a fun family thing to do .

Pookie helped measure and pour everything in. Pozzy helped decorate and sit on the counter and watch.

Today was a great day, i love days that are like this. They don't happen much but the memories I hope my kids will hold onto.

A few of my blogs this week will be about more sensory issues things we are doing to helping pozzy. one was making homemade paints! Was fun I'll blog about that later.

Sensory and full moon

Since Pozzy has been acting up with her meltdowns upon meltdowns this week. I've been keeping a journal of things that it could be. I took her into the doctors cause I thought she had another ear infections that's usually her key to having one since she had a nasty cold. Her ears were perfectly fine. Last month she did the same thing, around the full moon.

Could your sensory issue child react or behave a different way to the moon phases? I'm trying to figure out where my little happy girl went too , and it only happens for about a week. They said she might have a moular or two coming in . Which could be she did turn two and she is a horrible teether.

I'm still sticking to my theory of the moon phase has a little to do with it. What do you think?

GIve away!

I can give away either a melissa and doug toy my choice (will be about a 10.00 value)

Or I can give away $5.00 Amazon Gift card.

Rules are simple you must share one article with someone get them to follow. Then come and comment and have to say who sent them. I will pick a winner at the end of this week . Enjoy and have fun. If you get more friends to follow then the better chances you get to win . I will be making a spreadsheet .. then pick from random.org :)

So please let's spread around the internet !!! Remember

1. they have to follow me (if you already do just leave me a comment)

2. They have to comment and tell them who sent them

ENJOY and have fun I will pick a winner either Friday or Saturday will be a surprise!

Simple as that.. the more people you get the more chances you get!

Pinterest

Are you addicted to this site like I am?

I have found some great things to do at Skye's school to mention. Like the garden tubs, and stuff. I also have found a lot of sensory tubs and things to do.

Have I mentioned food? the food on their is unbelievable (even some i couldn't do) but it looks so delicious.

Home decor. I LOVE decorating a home and since we rent it really limits what we can do. So it gives me good ideas.

I love searching and just seeing what i can find.. photography idea's , vacation spots.

I do go a few days without going on and then get sucked in for an hour or so!!! It's just so much fun, i have people following me now , its just really cool.

Pookie high in the sky

Pookie learned how to swing all by herself. She has been working on this task at her Montessori school for 3 weeks . Today they sent me a picture of her high up in the air! 3 years old and pumping her legs getting up high! I'm amazed at how much more things she does.

She get's her self dressed (well was before school started, this was one thing i was teaching her) , puts her socks, shoes on all by herself, can button up her jacket.

She tries to pour EVERYTHING that is in a pitchers.

I'm really proud at how she has taken to the school and all the changes , this week she was super sick but went back today. She missed her friends, tomorrow she will be with them most of the day for a birthday girl pookies best friend "e" .

Lot's of blogs today from me!

Disciplinary for sensory issued child

I'm having issues here.

Pozzy is a happy happy child. like i have stated in the past that its rare anyone would see her "melt downs" but when she has them she lashes out.. Hits only us (sister, me, dad) , now we have tried to spank (not hard) or a swat on the hand , she just hits back. Sometimes when she's just having a bad over sensory day she lashes out at us (esp her sister) and grabs her hair , we just pull her away and get her away from the situation. It seems to work sometimes but then she goes crazy. She has this super melt down . We try time out she wont sit (why would she , she doesn't sit for more then 3 minutes) she will kick , bite, whatever she can to get out of time out. I'm thinking about putting the pack n play up or finding a little gated area she can just be in with nothing in it.

Does anyone have any books they could recommend? Any suggestions? I'm really running out of options. I have been pretty good with all the stuff that comes with the sensory but her lashing out and meltdowns i'm not prepared for.

Weekend already

What a week it's been, Pookie brought home her first School germs ;) so we had a week of relaxing but the weather was so nice we had picnics and playing outside!  I did keep her home the whole week , except today. They traveled to Australia this week and I didn't want her to miss out on all of the fun.  Plus the Dr. gave us the go ahead to come to school.  I really just don't want to be that mom that sends her school sick and since I stay at home anyways it was no big deal.  She didn't really have anything big but i wanted to make sure.  

So the weekends here, superbowl and pookies best friends birthday party which she is So excited.  she told the dr. yesterday she had to get better for "E" birthday party!

I hope you all enjoy the weekend, as we will be doing crafts and having a superbowl party!

Friends Blog

I'm linking my Friends blog up to mine!  Show her support and start to follow her, she really wants to get her blog out there.

http://parentingwithaspergers.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Such overload today

We went to open gym after we dropped the bigger one off at school.  This was my first time going, not so bad but there was a little girl that kept hitting Pookie, now I know my child isn't the best but when she took a toy out of a child's hand i would take it back etc.  I guess grandma had nothing better to do then sit on her phone and watch her grandaughter hit my child.   Hitting is one of Pookies sensory things.  If she is angry she hits me, nobody else.  I'm glad she doesn't hit other kids (except her sister of course) .  I just knew it was going to be a day of overloads.  She was fine at first and then it got busy, if she has no sleep or her sleep pattern changes she is just "out of it" so to speak.  She's not my happy girl , she's fussy, stomps.   We only stayed an hour and half because I had to take her out of the situation of the crowd.  

So if you have a sensory issue child can you just sense when the day is going to be bad for them?

Weekends I love

This weekend has been wonderful, great weather. I do have to say I miss snow just a little but loving going to the beach, it's amazing in January , who would have thought!     This weekend, we had a playdate with "E" , we played outside for most of today, riding our bikes, chalk , collected leaves, feeding the fish in the pond across the street oh and to top it off we did talent shows , which were just so adorable.   Just a great weekend, hubby and I have had an amazing weekend as well together.  Since we moved down here we hired a babysitter.  We have had more date nights then I think most couple  do:) at least every other week we try to do something.   This weekend we went out with with Pookies school, we went to this latin bar to eat, was okay.  But the company was the best.  We could only stay because I had Bunco night and our babysitter could only stay an hour.   But we made it work and it was an amazing warm night we left a little early and walked downtown to enjoy the sunset which was amazing.

The next night we went and had another just us date nights!! It was so much fun, we always have fun when we go out.  We got this one bar we go to they have a couch , we just people watch.  Was so much fun, we only go for about 2 hours , just enough to unwind and remind ourselves it's important to take time for each other, even if it's just to a local restaurant.   Even an hour!  We have an amazing babysitter and we are glad she is a part of our family now.  The girls just love her, in fact they try to kick us out early.. lol.

I'm enjoying learning about the whole Montessori teaching so I can keep it going at home when she isn't in school for the 2 days.   Plus Pozzy is really interested in doing it.  I'm going to start buying some more Montessori learning.  

That's about all we did this weekend! Was fun filled, we are trying to limit TV and do more outdoor things or projects we can work without the TV.    Although there are a few days I just need to clean and need to pop in a movie or cartoons to get things done!  Except we did learn that pookie just LOVES cleaning, she has OCD at 3 I know it .. :) To end our weekend we had a Pizza party ( we made pizza) and then had a coloring party for about an hour, coloring as a family around the family table is just a great time to talk and laugh!!!

CHEERS to the Good weekend!!!

Updates

There's been some updates.

Sensory issue Pozzy.  We are trying to work with someone to work with her, pookies school does work with sensory issue kids, and we are loving that, just have to get her potty trained.  We have been nothing but thrilled with the school.

My car broke down this week, and laptop.  A 800 fix for both and we will be good (which we don't have) we did get the car done and waiting on the laptop.  My amazing husband is letting me do work on his computer.

I was really really homesick about a month ago , I don't know what it was , some sort of depression. Glad i finally got out of that funk.  It was a tough month, but as a family we got through it.

School is going great for Pookie, she loves it, we love the teacher, skye loves her new friend I will call her "E' , that's her best friend.  The one moms group that I run has been taking off but then the other one I am on is going great so I feel like maybe we could be settling.  Plus Pookies Parent's night out was super fun.  I loved it. Even if only 4 couples showed up .

But I miss my friends, I see their facebook status and pictures and miss them so much.  I wish i could just have my cake and eat it too by having them by me.  I do have some Hg sisters that are near me that I love.   I also have an amazing husand that has been great with this adjustment.  We have moved all over the place but never any where the kids were older then 1.   So it's a big deal.

I do miss my Baltimore frineds, I miss my mom and dad (which he is not getting better) but loving the weather and I feel like we have the most amazing school we could for pookie.  I still want to write about the things I would love to do around Wilmington.  I will get to those very soon, just life is getting in the way and my depression had a lot to do with it also Pozzy was dealing with a lot of sensory issues and 'm sorry.   But i'm back .   I keep trying to blog at least 3 times a week.     If you have any questions for me please  ask, or if you want me to blog on anything please let me know.

I'm hoping you guys are still following.

Montessori and loving it

Montessori is a wonderful fit for our daughter! I think each time I go , I fall in love with it even more.  Now if they could just find their own building we would love it even more.  I feel bad they are just sharing a church room and its very small and they have to take out everything each week and then redo it.   So it's a lot of work!

My daughter has made such progress even more so, like she actually takes her dishes to the sink now after dinner without us asking, she wants to help more.  We have always encouraged in kitchen help with cooking, even if its just stirring.  A child can learn a lot in the kitchen.    She cleans up her toys after she's done playing with them, this used to be a battle with us everyday.  Now when she doesn't do it, she will go back without me even asking.

I'm not saying that Montessori is the right fit for everyone, in fact I know of three people that their kids needed more structure.  I'm just glad that it is working for us and we are pleased with it.  I'm hoping to put Pozzy in there, she seems to love it when we drop Pookie off every morning.   She will even go sit in the line if they are, it's really great.  The teachers are wonderful and so into getting to know the parents.  They really are on top of communication as they text, email etc.   I'm hoping I start teaching ballet there very soon!

I haven't blogged in a few days, i'm thinking of other blogs I can come up with to keep my fans a reading!!

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Lazy weekend :)

Sometimes I just like having Lazy weekends, you know where you don't have 100 things planned and only get 1/2 finished.

I had a fundraiser for a great moms club here today, we got our make up , hair done and it was super fun , I can't wait for the photos.

The kids did nothing but played outside , one nice perk to living in the south, it feels warm to us in 48 degree weather.

I have to figure out some more things to blog about! Until then, I hope you enjoyed your weekend! If you did anything fun please leave me a comment.

Oh I did get a photo backdrop stand, i'm really excited to start using it !

Montessori School paying off already.

So we sent our daughter to a Montessori school. 2 weeks ago, first week was 2 days, now up to 3 day's and next year full 5 days!

So far we have noticed a difference like today she practice mat rolling and she's getting better at spelling. Amazing really. I can't believe it 3 years old and loving to spell and remembers what she spelled.

The school is great by sending us text pictures during the week, which I think is amazing. Since I can't be there to watch her interact. My daughter is super shy!!! It has helped her open up more at parks and today we actually left her in the day care at the Y while we went. I was a little nervous but they did great!!!

We also have noticed our parenting style changing because we are trying to bring the school into our house. We make french toast everyday, so now she helps measure, pour things, stirs it. She also pours her own drinks now. She is just opened up and blossomed over the last few days. I'm so thrilled with the school. It is a bit of a drive but it's totally worth it!

I'm so excited to see what the rest of the school year will bring for her, what she will learn. This week she learned.

Japanese brush painting, geometric cabinet, red rods, labynth walking, color matching/clarification , moveable alphabet.

She was interested in Math bead frame and art area. this changes each week i'm so excited to read her Friday report card to see what she was interested in that week.

Her goals.. continue work with moveable alphabet/ building words

working on opening lunch container solo.. at home she does them just fine ;) i think it's her shyness.

She already has a best friend "A" that she talks about all the time. The school said she had an AMAZING day on Friday.

“Little children, from the moment they are weaned, are making their way toward independence.”

zumba

No I don't make New years resolutions because I just end up breaking them. But this year me and my hubby are trying to get fit and healthier. We really can't afford to live "healthy" we all know that healthier foods are expensive, but we do try our hardest. So one of the things is we got a membership to the Y . We love it, free child care, all the classes are free (swim lessons) anything you can imagine is there.

I tried Zumba for the first time today, I used to dance and yes it's not the "same" it still brings me back to the days I used to Dance. It's a great work out, you look like a fool doing it too. I am not going to lie I prob had no coordination, it's been years since i even had to do dance. Was a great work out. I think I sweated off 6lbs.

This year I will try to tell you how we are eating healthier on a budget and try to lose weight. My husbands goal is 30-35lbs and mine is 15lbs and to get toner and it's just makes me feel better to be in great shape. Everyone that knows me asks why I need to work out, anyone can use a work out, helps you out more then you realize. Even if you just walk a few day's a week it will help.

Here's my journey on a healthier me!

Dance

I took Dance from the age of 4 - 16 years old. Along time I know. I love it, it's always come natural to me. Tap is my favorite by far and jazz or hip hop .

The preschool want's do do aftercare activities next year, such as music class, Violin (which i would LOVE pookie to learn) . they also want to do dance. I told them I took it for 12 years or so and I have been out of it , but would take some classes to get caught up (i'm sure things have changed) .

They asked me today if i would be interested in teaching. I used to teach it when I was a teenager, which meant i was an assistant . You have no idea how this would be a dream job for me. I always wanted to go to college to open my own dance studio up. If my dance teacher never sold her studio and put in someone I didn't like I would have continued with it and I know my dance teacher would have kept pushing me. Anyways, I would have to take some dance classes somewhere just to learn the basics again and I would teach!! I would love this!!!

Sensory issue child.

Have you ever noticed yourself as a parent how some try to "ignore" things? I was a very smart child growing up but always had problems with English. My parent's just said I wasn't trying hard enough. Of course back in the70's/ 80's/90's if you did certain things you were okay. My strong subjects were always math and science, I was in above average classes so they thought nothing was wrong but failed English all the time. Struggled was in 11th grade English in 12th grade, it was not fun, it was embarrassing. I always wondered if my parents were to get me more help how much I would have succeeded. It was never until I went to go do college where they give you test that they caught that I was Dyslexic. Most can tell in my writing but I will never stop writing it's one thing I love.

Onto the subject of this blog, is how parent's can ignore some of kids issues. Are they in denial? Are they embarrassed there child will not be "normal" . Can you tell me what a "normal" child is?! Is normal just average? Because having a gifted child is not normal either but yet parent's love to brag about that. Pozzy has sensory issues , always have . Most people don't know because I don't tell them, because you really can't notice unless your around her a lot , and it's not like i'm embarrassed, I just try not to treat her differently. I have noticed them since she was about 4-6 months , starting with her eating, she would not eat baby food, no "adult" food smashed, I even tried making it homemade. We just let her run her course and she just drank bottles for her first year with a few fruits in between. She always had belly issues too since she was a week old. Had to be on Elecare, which if you don't know what it is special formula. She was a spitter upper since day 3. She finally started eating foods around 15 months , crazy I know but it was her sensory issues. We had told our pediatrician since 4 months, she was not concerned, her weight was good and blood work was good. She said if she wasn't eating foods by 18 months then we will get her in.

Pozzy's speech was a little delayed (comparied to pookie) so we were worried there, as parents you hear of other's talk about when their baby talked, etc. All of a sudden around 18 months Pozzy just started speaking very well, better then pookie in somethings. Of course you hate to compare kids but it happens. Pozzy also get's overstimulated when there are crowds, or when she is super tired. She needs to decompress herself if she gets a little fussy, and she has learned to take herself of the situation and take her bottle and just go chill. She stomps her feet a lot , and will bang her head into things if she's mad or wants attention. If things aren't her way then forget it. You can just tell she is a little quirky and you know what I'm fine with that, but will not ignore the fact, even if the doctors say she's fine. She is the happiest child you could ever meet , so outgoing , friendly , and love's attention! She get's a lot of peoples attention when we are out because she is just so happy!

Most doctor's don't live with you to see the whole thing, which then get ignored. I'm hoping we can find a great pediatrician down here that will work with sensory issues. I love my kid no matter if she's quote "not normal" if she is a little quirky, it just might mean we have to work harder, which is a challenge but as a parent you have to be up for a challenge because we all know parenting is not an easy thing.

I will not stop bragging about the things she accomplishes either. We all know we hate those "bragger" moms like my kid is better then yours and I try not to do that , but sometimes your just proud and that is okay. One might be normal and one might not but they are both normal in my eyes!! But please as a parent , try not to ignore signs of your kid. You know your kid better then anyone else. I wish my parent's would have listened to me when I said I was trying harder in things when they wouldn't listen to me.

Preschoolers need learning too

I'm a big one on teaching my kids things. There are a few people that can't afford preschool, in fact when I was a kid, I never was in preschool. I don't even know if there was any preschools in my town it was so small. But I had an amazing babysitter , called her my grandma, still am in contact with her after 29+ years ;) She taught me everything, cooking, baking, playing piano, how to write cursive before i was 5, tied my shoes (which was a big deal back then ) .

My whole point is kids can get ahead of the game even if you can't afford preschool. Only reason we can do a lot now is because of our transfer and living somewhere a lot cheaper then we used to. When we decided to move I knew Pookie wouldn't be in Preschool for awhile, there is a lot of waiting list down here. I knew I had to start teaching her . I looked online at homeschooling now legally you can't "homeschool " until age 7 i think in NC. But I wanted to do something with her instead of watching TV , reading books. First I went online and googled some homeschool preschool things. There are tons out there for printing out worksheets (must have a printer or go to library ) . http://www.education.com/worksheets/preschool/?cid=55000.0068267007&s_kwcid=TC|8363|free%20preschool%20worksheets||S|b|5489161015&gclid=CPHKuY2Mwq0CFQ9Y7AodQEaE_Q

I then went to the dollar tree (my favorite place to get things started) I never knew my daughter was obsessed with scissors, got her a writing pad (sometimes they are hard to find in the start of the new year) got glue sticks, construction paper. I just let her go to town :) it was fun !! markers, crayons (except i only get crayola ) but the rest come from the dollar store. They even have preschool books. only 1.00!!! I grabbed a BUNCH of them!! I even found some cute ones at walmart for 1.00 with stickers and they had to match the pattern. Pookie did them since 18 months old and figured it out , she loves them. What I'm getting at if your son or daughter is ready to learn , start teaching them (even 20 minutes) .

We are working on Spelling, I bought a bunch of Melissa and Doug toys this Christmas that are really good with educational . I have to say the work I have done with her has really paid off, even my husband tells me all the time, the teachers were. I'm glad that I continued on it. If i had the patients for homeschooling I would love too but for now I have Pozzy I can teach for another year or so :) and maybe volunteer at Pookies school!

Some activities you can do to make them learn without them knowing

1. Let them put on their shoes (or try)
2. Help you clean up
3. Watch you cook dinner ( a lot of thing are taught in the kitchen , math such as measuring
4. Help stir things if they need to be.
5. Help sort clothes and count the socks.
6. The matching game , you can even make some . great fun way of learning matching and memory . dollar store has a memory game too.
7. Playdough / Painting / Even make your own playdough (super cheap and easy)
8. taking walks and collecting things (even if its rocks)
9. Reading a book at least 3 times a day .
10. I let the girls feed the animals , it make them feel more important and independent .

Those are just somethings that aren't really "traditional" learning but it will help them!

Limit your TV time and i'm not saying not all day , we all need those days where an hour here and there . Instead of TV time we used it as Music time (mostly 80's music..lol) . I'm not saying my way is right and that's it. I'm just telling you I get compliments and there are cheap and easy ways of doing preschool in your home even if you think it's pointless it's not! They will be read for Kindergarten.

“It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to teach child the chance to fulfil his potential possibilities.”

Getting over the blues.

I'm very adaptable to things, such as moving. The very first time my husband said he was putting into this job not one time did I say no.. In fact I said YES , i was excited but knew our chances were low.

Now in NJ i meet great friends (some fake, but some really nice ones) not only did I have my NJ friends I had my baltimore family 2 hours away that was all !!! I miss them.. Being as someone how has moved in 4 times in the past 3 years i'm sick of moving but done so well adapting. I started a moms club here and also joined one. They are going great. But most places are already "clicky" and that's expected , wilminginton is a BIG town just too big but small at the same time. Everyone knows everyone. i'm a social butterfly, mostly for my kids, I want them to have friends etc. Most importantly I want friends. I have made some nice ones.. But I like to go out at least once a week (not to get shit faced) but just social get out of the house.

How do you get over your hometown blues?

Last two weeks i've been a little down. I miss my friends, I hate when I move to a new place where I don't know anyone. Thankfully i do have a few friends only 2 hours away that get me and know me.. Sometimes I just wish things were different I could have my cake and eat it too! Like they could all move down here ;) were we could all afford it ..lol. I miss you guys, and you know who you are !!! Thankfully for Facebook, being able to talk to them a few times a week and then text. Don't really have time for phone calls as the kids are always in the way . But to my friends I miss please know that i am always thinking of you even if I don't always say it!!

What do you Stay at home moms do?

I am just wondering what crafts and easy things do you do at home to keep your kids busy. We listen to a lot of music now. Only having a few hours of TV on now. Right now, the kids are busy playing pretend with their Melissa and Doug toys. My one daughter is spelling things and my other daughter is cutting cookies. I am having my down time to write a little while we are doing this. We are listening to music right now also (which we do a lot of ) .

We also play a lot of pretend dress up stuff!!! I go after Halloween and get a lot of stuff on sale , and for Christmas we asked for dress up clothes for the girls they love it.

we also love finger painting ! I would love a great recipe for easy paint to make. Also we are going to make some homemade play-dough i loved doing this as a kid and my kids are getting to the age where they are playing a lot more with it. I love homemade stuff because it doesn't dry out as easy as the store stuff.

We also love memberships to places such as the aquarium and the children's museum (keeps them busy for hours) , library for story time.

Now that it's getting a little chillier out I would love more in home activities to play if you have any ideas!!

Preschool update.

I think Daddy had a harder time then anyone in this house , oh wait i think Sissy did. She didn't know what to do without pookie being around. Anyways, we started out the morning at 7:15, got her bathed and made a little bagel for her breakfast on the way there. She is not a morning person, anyone that knows us, we stay up late and sleep in late, it's just our life. She did fantastic.

School starts at 8:30, we got there around 8:20, she was excited until we got in there and wanted me to hold her, made my heart melt. I walked her over to story time after getting her coat and shoes off (pozzy was not happy that pookie was doing something she couldn't do) . She has never been away from us for this long, so it was a big adjustment. I took her to story time and showed her the name tag. Her teacher was just amazing!!! Took pookies hand , talked softly to her and asked her to do a special project. (we warned her Pookie was very shy!!) Pookie still wanted me but i knew I had to just let her go. Her teacher just took her for me and put her in her lap while they sang. I have to say I was okay with it, I walked out the door and the look of fear in Pookies eyes were there. I was scared and nervous, I didn't want to call the teacher and be "that mom" to make sure my little baby was okay.

I got home and started to play with pozzy all by herself , was weird to have one on one time. About 2 hours later her teacher called, my heart dropped a little, she was calling to tell me she was okay and that if we didn't want to pick her up at 12 like we had said to transition her we didn't have to, that pookie was doing great and making friends. I said okay call me back if anything changes. I got pozzy lunch, we played dress up , I actually got laundry and dishes and picked up the house( amazing what i can accomplish with just one kid) . Pozzy took a nap, I thought I would have too but I didn't, I actually *get this* ate lunch, quietly !!! At 1 pm I get another call, pookie was napping!! She said to see us at 3:30!! we never would have expected her to do so well but are so happy with our choice of school!!! We went and picked her up about 3:20, the teacher gave her nothing but good things to say! She thinks she's going back tomorrow ;) but she's not until Friday.

I didn't get really too many pictures as pookie was a little nervous when we got there didn't want a camera in her face.. So here's a picture of her school room.

Pookie starts preschool?!

Tomorrow is the big day , Pookie starts preschool. I can't believe it, I mean I can when we lived in NJ she was ready for September, September 20th she would have started or around then. We loved the school and I would diffidently give them all the props and I never even went there, just by our tours and phone calls we loved them. I know at least 5 of my friends in NJ that used them. Anyways , months have gone by and we just been so busy moving getting adjusted to more family life. At one point I wanted to homeschool Skye . I still really would love too but she need school in more ways then I can give her.

Anyways, we found the best preschool after 2 months searching. I'm even driving 20 minutes to take her to it! We found the best one is a Montessori school . We love the teacher(s) . There are 12 "friends" in her class and 3 teachers , some days up to 5 teachers that is a great ratio per child. It will really help!

The school also does a lot of parents nights each month. This month we are going out to dinner to get to know the parents in the class. I think that is very important. Most schools we check into doesn't do anything like that!

:

I'm very excited for my baby girl to start her new adventure, she is so excited. I'm sure I will post some pictures!!! Daddy is having a hard time ;)

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world

Beach in January?

Since we have moved down here, we are beach lovers, always have been beach lovers. Any chance we can get we are there!!! The kids loved it and the dog even loved it just as much . During Nov.1st - April 1st you can have them without a leash . It's really great exercise. I can't believe we have been outdoors so much. We saw dolphins today, they were playing, only about 50ft off shore! It was a really neat experience.

We got pookie a bike she is amazing on that thing!!! Runs around in circles all the time. Was a wonderful day to spend!!