Mommy time

I have been trying to save money for a family trip to Europe so I have not been taking any weekly outing trips by myself in order to curb my desire to spend money. However, I am realizing that I do need that time out by myself. Watching my favorite show while the kids are sleeping is nice but it is not the same as going somewhere on my own! And there are ways to indulge a little without breaking the bank (I am drooling over a pair of cowboy boots that I do not need so I will control myself): for example I could head to Starbucks and read a book while enjoying a hot chocolate, I could take a quick run in the neighborhood, or go enjoy a dessert or appetizer somewhere. Go with a budget in your mind so you do not feel guilty and end up not enjoying your special time to yourself. I have noticed that I am a more patient mom and wife if I have regular child free time. So take the time to schedule yourself some "me time" which I will make sure to plan in my week from now on.

Daily to do's

I love routines, to do lists and feeling like I have accomplished something during the day. I have been lacking lately in my oldest son's routine. He asks to watch a show or play computer and often time I will say yes just so I have a little time to myself (I do limit it to 30 or so minutes, well sometimes an hour).This summer I made a chart to remind him of daily chores and work as well as fun choices we could make.

So here I start again with a large chart to remind him of his choices and the few things he does need to do when he gets home. I have found that visual reminders help us both and that after a few weeks we do not need the chart because the routine is established.

I am that mother!

Oops! So I got a call this afternoon around 2:35 because I didn't show up for M.'s parent teacher conference! Now I knew that I would forget about it so I added it to my calendar on my phone but I forgot to add a reminder before the time I should be at school. The teacher had kept M. at school so I went there in a hurry! I hope that I was as gracious as she was when I taught! I can't remember that far back but this little mishaps reminded me to not judge others!

Instead of saying no, teach to share

So I realized this weekend that I have been telling M. (my 6 year old) not to play with his brother's toys (J. 20 months). M. has been frustrated because he can't play with the big legos, the riding toy or other toys. Now this could be a good opportunity to teach J. to share and take turns. Next time, J. screams because M. is playing with one of his toys, I will set the timer for a few minutes and the boys can practice taking turns: M. will get to play with his old toys and J. will learn that just because he is little he can't always have it all!