Canton Chaos

My full time job is still "Mom of 2 little ones." But I recently became employed part time with a company called ExploreLearning. It allows me to use my teaching experience and knowledge of math curriculum, and I'm able to stay current in the world of education and keep something on my resume. I'm a Certified Trainer, so they send me to train teachers to use their online "Gizmos." And sometimes, it involves travel.  This week, I had the craziest trip that unraveled in such a way that I couldn't resist re-telling. I call it- 

Canton Chaos

So everything started out fine. Boarded my flight in DFW with the bare minimum packed, a few good books, and the People magazine with wedding photos of Brangelina. We hit heavy turbulence that scared me quite a bit but it probably only lasted 5 minutes- which felt like a lifetime. We landed late and took forever taxiing which resulted in me sprinting to catch my connection in Chicago. Or so I thought. First I had to stand in line to wait on the shuttle that took me to a different terminal. Then I sprinted. Only to find that my flight was delayed due to mechanical issues. Scared to leave the gate and miss my chance to board, I dealt with the fact that a bag of peanuts would be my dinner.  This flight was much more smooth, and the weather in Canton, Ohio was a breath of fresh air. 

At 10:00pm I was renting my car and trying to find my way out of the airport, which was NOT clearly marked. And where were the streetlights?! Talk about a fish outta water. I was flailing like one, that's for sure. My GPS finally got me to my hotel destination (and I made a drive through McDonalds too!) 

After an "only ok" nights sleep, I was looking forward to a hot shower to wake me up. Unfortunately, the "mysterious shower gremlin" had other plans. I turned the water on to the red/hot side, undressed, and went to check the water and turn the dial to get the temp just right. Only...the nozzle wouldn't turn! What? That can't be right. After using all my might, I tried turning the nozzle several times.....only confirming that my shower was stuck on steaming hot water. It would not budge.  Calling the front desk and maintenance center didn't help, because both lines were busy. So I threw on my clothes, ran down to the front desk and told the manager my story. She came to check it out and said that the maintenance crew wasn't available yet.  It was now too late for me to shower, so I gave up on that idea (especially since there was no other room in the entire hotel available). As my room continued to fill with hot steam (causing my naturally-curly-but-straightened-hair to frizz!) I decided to take my hair and makeup kit to the public bathroom to get ready for the day. And pray that my deodorant would do the trick! (Since perfume can't be packed in a carry-on bag!) 

After breakfast, I made my way to the school where my training would take place. The morning went well from there. Lunch was just what the doctor ordered. And then...."Aunt Flow" decided to show up in the middle of my afternoon session! Luckily I was fully prepared (benefits of birth control!) and our scheduled break was perfect timing to run to the ladies' room.  (Sorry if this is TMI for you. But we all know Aunt Flow has the potential to insanely ruin someone's day!) The training ended and I made my way to the airport with plenty of time before I was due to board my first flight. I devoured an Arby's sandwich (even though it was4:30) in preparation for what might be another close connection. And Lord knows I would need food in my tummy this time. 

As I was sitting there, thinking everything was on schedule, my phone's Weather Alert beeps with a Tornado Warning. "Seek shelter" it read. Honestly, I didn't panic. I seriously almost laughed out loud. I knew that if there was an immediate threat, the airport would announce for us to seek shelter. And they didn't. They calmed us by telling us that the weather was off to the north and they were watching it closely. In fact, it didn't even cause a delay for my flight. But something had to....right? I mean, I wasn't gonna get off easy after the trip I've been on. And on cue, 15 minutes later, they announced that my flight was delayed due to mechanical issues. 

My immediate thought was, "Well, I won't be getting home tonight. No way I can make my connection now! No possible way!" As the line formed at the info desk with people having the same issue, I sat still. I called my hubby to tell him my next piece of "good news." He suggested that I go to a different desk, because any of them can help me. So I wandered to the gate just 200 feet away and patiently waited my turn. Little did I know that they had just finished boarding a flight to Atlanta. It was my turn, and I told the girl my situation. She was typing furiously and then asked if I wanted the 9:00 flight to Dallas out of Atlanta. (My original connection was supposed to be in Detroit) I said yes! She printed my new boarding passes and told me to run! The flight attendants were literally closing the doors to the plane as I ran up to it. Imagine your favorite "winning" movie scene- you know, one with victory music and a champion celebrating his win in slow motion.  That was me. 

You see, I started the day thinking "someone is out to ruin this for me....and I'm not going to let them!"  That morning, the hotel manager was super surprised that I was nice to her and that I was completely understanding about the shower situation. In fact, I told her that I was worried about all the hot water being wasted. Aunt Flow couldn't ruin it.  Tornadoes couldn't even ruin it. It's all because I chose to TRUST my Savior today.  You see, I opened my Bible App at breakfast, and the verse of the day was Romans 15:13. "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."  Amazing, isn't it? I knew the Holy Spirit was with me- no matter what was going to be thrown my way. He's always with me, because I earnestly ask Him to be. 

I know my story may seem like a list of First World Problems to you. They may seem trivial compared to what you and your family is going through. But in any and all situations- no matter how big or how small- God is there for you. He will carry you through.  My mom has a now-semi-famous saying. She has used it to end her daily announcements at every school she has been a principal for. "Make it a great day or not.  The choice is yours."

ABC's and 123's for PreSchoolers

My almost-3-year-old son just completed his first year of preschool!  Now that summer is here, I will be doing my best to work with him on reading and math skills.  (We'll be utilizing our time together while little sister is napping in the mornings.)  Here are some awesome tools I use:

PreSchool Alphabet Workbook & Sticker Activity Book
I found these at the grocery store - I'm sure there are hundreds to choose from and even better selections in educational stores.  The alphabet book on the left teaches kids to draw lines first (straight, diagonal, curved, etc.) and then teaches them to write their letters.  The sticker activity book is fun; kids search for different objects that start with a certain letter.  It also involves some drawing and coloring.

 

 

Construction Paper, Markers, and Stickers

Create your own activity using materials you probably already have at home!  Pick a letter of the alphabet, draw it for your child.  Together, come up with words that start with that letter.  Write the letter in pencil and have your child trace the letter with marker.  Repeat :)  Then find stickers of objects (or characters) that start with that letter.  We did this recently with the letter M, shown below.

 

 

iPad Apps

I searched "preschool counting" and found multiple free apps with math (and reading) games!  The key here is to sit with your child and work through the app with them!!  Once they get the hang of it, you can let them go on their own and they will become more proficient.  Remember that learners need MODELING and EXPLORATION.  Mommy (or daddy) needs to spend time modeling, teaching, and talking with the child first.  Then you can let them explore and learn things on their own through the amazing technology we have available.  Below is a picture of my son practicing writing his numbers. (App shown here is "123 Tracing")

 

 

Other Resources:

Free Printable Alphabet Coloring Pages (http://www.coloring.ws/alphabet.htm)

Free Printable Letter Books (http://www.themeasuredmom.com/free-letter-books/)

 

Reading Skills to focus on at this level are comprehension and sequencing.  Check out this link to learn more about how to help your child with these skills.(http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-reading-comprehension-sequencing/)

 

Math Skills to focus on at this level include:

• recognizing numbers and counting
• exploring patterns
• sorting
• shapes and colors

To learn more, visit (http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-math/)

 

 

One more thing to remember is that your child has a short attention span at this age!  "Lessons with mom" should be short, fun, and rewarding.  Encourage them and tell them "good job!" when they deserve it.  Reward them for working so hard.  Give them a reason to WANT to spend time learning each day.

 

Happy Teaching!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 



The Cowboy and the Crawler

I love the free entertainment that my children provide for me.  My daughter is now crawling all over the house, and my son is obsessed with the "cowboy ranch" our family just purchased in west Texas.  He wears boots everywhere, he dressed up as a cowboy for Halloween, and he looks forward to Fridays because it's "Cowboy Ranch Day" most weeks.  This weekend (as a Winter Weather Warning is in effect) he went with his daddy to the ranch to "shoot those dirty pigs."  He took a BB gun and all his cold weather gear.  Meanwhile, I stayed home with little princess in an effort to stay warm.  Life is fun around here.  Although this means we are apart for a few days, I know the Male Bonding taking place at the ranch is precious.  So while the cowboys are away, I'll snuggle up with this little Crawler and listen to my Christmas music.

Beautiful Mess

Let's face it - Motherhood is messy.  Before our little angels were born, we dreamed of the day we'd be rocking them to sleep, singing lullabies and whispering sweet "I love you's."  Once they arrive, we hit freak-out mode with every minor decision that gets thrown our way.  Their cute, cuddly nature melts our hearts and fills our camera rolls.  The special bond we share is stronger than Superman's powers and the depth of love we have for our children is unsurpassed.  No matter how hard we try to follow society's rules or steps for successful parenting, we always feel like we fall short in some area.  We battle post partum depression, exhaustion, tantrums, diapers, bottles, nap schedules, outings, carseats, etc.....wondering when we'll get a chance to shower, or at least brush our teeth.  Life with little ones gets messy - but I wouldn't have it any other way.  The love I have for these little ones is the most BEAUTIFUL blessing of all.

Technology Overload

In today's world, technology surrounds us 24/7.  Between the iPhone, iPad, iPod, TV, radio, computers, and kiddie toy gadgets ...  I get lost.  Just one of these devices is enough to make me crazy if I spend too much time with it.  Don't get me wrong - I love me some technology!  My father is a tech-guru.  I've learned alot from him.  I would be a junky if I didn't put a limit on myself.  But the point is - I've put a limit on myself. 

My 2 year old can use the iPad just as well as I can.  One day soon, he's going to be teaching me how to use an App he's downloaded...it's crazy.  And as much as I want him to be technology literate (because his future demands it) I also want him to know how to survive without it.  I want him to explore the world the old-fashioned way.  As great a tool as computers are, there's still nothing like taking a nature walk and exploring the world around us without an iPhone attached to our hip.  As fun as it is to keep up with people through Facebook, there's still nothing like face to face interaction with people. 

I challenge you:
Turn your phone off and try to spend 3 uninterrupted hours with your kids with NO technology allowed and see what happens today.

TechniColored Dreaming

See this article at
http://ktuttle625.blogspot.com/2013/06/tecnhicolor-dreaming.html

Feeding Frenzies & Diaper Dances

Welcoming Baby #2 brought me such joy on April 1.  My son was the first visitor to meet his new sister after she was born.  Watching him love and accept her warmed my heart.  Our new family dynamic would prove to be more challenging once we brought her home and Big Brother realized that Little Sis took some of the attention away from him.  Nevertheless, the blessings abound! 

Caring for baby #2 sure seems alot easier.  I'm more at ease; I know what I'm doing.  I know it's ok to let her cry.  However, returning to the days of feeding her every 2-3 hours and changing diapers at the same frequency has left me WEARY.  I get some sleep, but never more than a few hours at a time.  Having experienced this before, I knew it was coming.  But I had forgotten how much it drains you!  And I often wonder how I survived teaching full-time the first time around. 

For those of you experiencing the same weariness, let me offer some encouragement that I recently found in Psalms.  (including some personal commentary)

You've probably seen or heard this one numerous times-
Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT)
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

My first thought, "Rest in green meadows, along peaceful streams?! That would be nice right about now! I'll take rest in a barn if it just means I could sleep more than 3 hours at a time."  But suppose its a metaphor. How do I find rest and peace? God does provide opportunities for it...I just have to change my attitude, open my eyes, and take notice of the blessings surrounding me.  I can take advantage of the kids' naptime to take time for myself.  Ideas?  Put off the laundry 10 minutes and go sit outside by my pool, close my eyes, and enjoy the breeze....in silence.  NO iPhones allowed!! 

Psalm 40:8 says "I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart."

My first thought, "Being a mommy and carrying out all the duties that come with it is God's will for my life.  I should take joy in ALL of those duties."  I'm learning to find that joy in the countless feedings and diaper changes through the midnight hours.  I used to roll out of bed so begrudgingly, but this sacrifice of unconditional love is great in God's sight.  It also helps me bond with my baby when all else is quiet...something very rare now that there's 2 kids around here. They grow up too fast and this will only last a short season. I'll turn around, she'll be going to prom, and I'll be wishing she was back in my arms wanting to simply eat and poop at 4am. And then fall asleep cuddled up on my chest :)  So I will choose JOY in EVERY moment that I'm blessed to share with her.  (Same goes for my son...through terrible two tantrums and all.)

Attitude is everything.  When my attitude starts to stink, I've learned to open Psalms and read a prayer of thanksgiving and praise.  It's amazing how quickly my outlook begins to change.

Anticipation

My baby girl is due in 2 weeks, 4 days.  As I wait (as patiently as humanly possible) for her to make her debut, I also have alot going on that keeps my mind busy....like a 20-month-old son that never stops.  His new favorite game is "hock sticks" - aka hockey.  Daddy bought him his very own hockey stick and started teaching him recently.  So fun!  He's also obsessed with "mommy" right now.  I'm soaking in every moment I have with him before my attention has to be divided.

In great anticipation of welcoming this new bundle of joy into our lives, I've been doing some creative writing as well.

BIG BROTHER

How did I get so lucky?  How am I so blessed?
Sleeping like an angel, but soon to wake & make a mess,
This little boy in front of me has stolen my whole heart.
As he becomes Big Brother soon, I know he's perfect for the part.
Humorous and inquisitive, he amazes me every day,
I cannot wait to watch him shower love on Reese Elaine.

 

LITTLE GIRL

Little girl inside of me,

You bring me so much joy.

I want to meet you, hold and kiss you,

Prayers for your health I greatly employ.

You enjoy dancing in my tummy

Day and night and night and day!

I anticipate the talents God will bless you with;

He will soon show you the way.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” He promises,

And I can clearly see

That this hope for a bright future

Is in store for you and me.

May you grow to know His unending love,

And never do forget

That this same love of the Savior

Is the kind I’ve had for you before we met.

 

 

 

 

 

Not-So-Terrible Twos

As my son nears the age of 2, we are starting to have those moments of "gotta have my way" tantrums.  However, if we stick to our guns, tell him No, and ignore the tears (and red-faced loud cries that accompany them) then he usually realizes that we mean business and he stops.  It's amazing how quickly those tears turn to giggles if we say or do something he thinks is funny.  In fact, "funny" should probably be his middle name.  This kid can make me laugh all day long if I chose to sit and be entertained.  He must've gotten the "goober gene" from his Diggy (my dad.)  I'm telling you- he is the happiest, most charming, well behaved (for the most part), cheeseball (who will pose for pictures), talking, singing, & dancing-est 19-month-old on the planet.  I also happen to think he's the cutest and smartest....but keep in mind this is coming from a mom who's hopelessly devoted and in love with her child.  I'm pretty sure every mom has the same opinion of her child....as you should!

Most days, I sit back and think to myself, "How did we get so lucky?  We have the most amazing kid."  But let's be realistic here too - there are times when I want to pull my hair out.  There are days when the reality of "stay at home mom" gets the best of me....because it comes with some really repetitive, mundane, tiresome tasks that can suck the life out of you....if you're not careful.  To name a few:  cooking, waitressing, cleaning, budgeting, grocery shopping, teaching, picking up toys, reading (the same books over and over), rocking/soothing/fighting naptime....and then realizing you haven't brushed your teeth (much less showered) today. 

So I've acquired a few ideas that MIGHT help put the fun back in motherhood for you.  And they might make those Terrible Twos not so terrible after all.

1.  Shake up the routine every now and then - you don't have to live and die by a schedule.  Be spontaneous - if the weather is nice, go to the park.  Yes, kids need structure....but they also need surprises.  They need to know that mommy can have fun too.  It's ok to put the laundry off until tomorrow - clothes can wait.  Your baby won't be a baby very long.

2.  Turn off the TV and play together.  I have a rule that we only watch cartoons or talk shows until 10 am.  After that, we play, we read, we go outside, we snack....and we don't need the TV as background noise that fills our head with more junk.  If you need some noise, turn on some music.  (This might encourage a dance party!)  Lack of TV will encourage you to get creative.  And most importantly, it will allow you to interact with your children.  (Something a television can NOT do.)  Play with them, talk to them, teach them something.  You may simply need to teach your child HOW to play.  (Kids don't naturally know how to play with new toys....until it has been modeled for them.  They play "make believe" because they're mimicking adult behaviors that they learn from watching you.  Think about it.)  When you make yourself get on their level and play WITH your children, you will find the inner-child in yourself.  You will remember what it was like to be young and care-free.  You will get more joy than any household task (or TV show) could offer.  That's a promise.

3.  Search for educational, age-appropriate activities and free field trips. (Hello, Pinterest lovers!  Don't just pin it...try it!)  Go to your local library.  Go to the park or take walks on nice days.  Plan playdates with friends. (The pictures below were taken at Barnes & Noble and home. My son loves books so we took a trip to the store and I let him pick out a new book. He chose a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse box set of 12 small board books...and he hasn't put them down since we bought them!!) Figure out what type of activities trigger your little one's love of learning and foster that.

As an experienced educator, I don't claim to have all the answers.  But I do have some insight about Discipline during the Toddler Years, because discipline strategies are similar at every age.  I've always relied on Love & Logic.  Show your love by giving your children the attention they need when they need it.  When they're tugging at your leg, hitting, yelling or screaming, they're asking for your attention.  Be as patient and calm as possible when you talk to them about whatever it is they need.  Don't get physical or loud back to them, because that just enforces their behavior that was so frustrating to you.  Be logical in your response to their request.  It's ok to say no.  If they keep screaming, don't give in.  Remain firm.  Ignore their bad behavior and simply walk away.  If you choose to give in after initially saying no, then they win and they own you.  (This only makes matters worse!!)  It's also ok to say yes.  Give in sometimes when they least expect it.  Let them play outside if they want to.  It may require you to stop what you're doing and go with them....but that's ok!  The key here is - let your yes be yes and your no be no.  Consistency is key.

 

Precious Preggo Moments

Robbie Mac, almost 19 months now, is warming up to the idea of having a baby sister arrive soon!  We're teaching him how to "be gentle."  We're reserving the word "baby" for true little babies, because now he's a "big boy."  He knows exactly where Reese is (he points to my tummy) and he likes giving her kisses.  He even likes going into her room to play...even though there are no toys on hand and he's surrounded by purple, lime, and pink ;)

At one point, I was looking through a bag of fun girly hair-bows that a friend passed down for Reese, and Robbie decided to spread them all over her floor.  All I could do was laugh...and soak in the moment.  Since they will only be 21 months apart and my attention is about to become split (or diverted, from Robbie's perspective), I'm trying to make the most of every moment that I have with my son before my daughter makes her debut.  He's such a Momma's Boy that I know we will continue to bond, even when Reese is here.  My life-balancing-act will become a tad more challenging...but bring it on!  Life is about to get even sweeter.  And I can't wait to watch it unfold!

 

 

 

 

Girly Girl!

I'm expecting our second baby in 3 months and I was over-joyed to find out that my son would become a big brother to a little GIRL! Don't get me wrong- I love boys and would've been over-joyed either way. And honestly, I suddenly became more nervous about raising a girl than a boy. Mainly because of the way our society idolizes sex and makes girls feel like they have a standard of beauty and size to measure up to. When I recently started decorating her nursery (so fun!) I wanted to find a way to instill God's Word and His everlasting love. So the theme of her room will be:

Love and Beauty

I've attached some pictures of things I've bought and made for the room. Can't wait to get it all put together!! More pics to come...

 

 

Glimpse of Heaven

Babies.  A glimpse of heaven in the real world.  (Reminds me of a song I used to jam out to.)

Kids sure do bring JOY to those around them.  As their mother, sometimes we get busy rolling through the daily routines.  Sometimes their screams in the grocery store make you want to drop the full basket of items at the door as you run for the car.  Sometimes their terrible-two-moments at home (when no other adult is around to witness this devil-ish behavior!) make you wonder how mothers have been staying sane for centuries.  But when they put on that smile, that giggle, that cutesy thing they just learned yesterday.....we get a glimpse of Heaven. 

When I say "heaven" what I actually mean is this:  a visual picture of God's amazing love for us.  As Thanksgiving and Christmas draw near, stop and thank the Lord for giving you a glimpse of heaven.  Thank Him for the gift and honor of being a mom.  And pray for the women out there who are enduring vicious cycles of fertility treatments or adoption processes.  They would give anything for the gift of motherhood. 

You are blessed to be a mom.

The Imperfect Mom

As I lay in bed this morning, my mind on over-drive and unable to shutdown, I just started thinking to myself, "I need an outlet!" 

Do you ever have those moments?  The little stresses all come together and make you want to run...you dream of booking a one-hour massage, thinking that will give you the fix you need.  Just one hour by myself, in a quiet room, with no possibility of disturbance, to relax.  (I mean, really, I can't even use the bathroom without my 16-month old following me in there!) 

At first, I was going to title this blog post "Outlet your Inlets" or "Outlet Shopping."  I was going to write all about taking time for yourself to rejuvenate....because you can't take care of your kids if you're not taking care of yourself....something we've all heard before.  Then I came across a small devotional book for Moms that I inherited and found a chapter that seemed to be calling my name.  It was titled, "The Imperfect Mom."

You see, I tend to get to that point of over-stressed whenever I start thinking about all my imperfections.  It's then that I start thinking of ways to "better" myself.  And that leads to more stress because then I have this long to-do list of items that I think will make things "better."

Allow me to share this prayer with you, from Richard Exley's Straight from the Heart for Mom.

"Lord, Thank You for giving me an imperfect mom,
for using her to teach me that love is more important than perfection,
that kids are more important than things,
and that it is more important to do things with your children
rather than just for them.
Bless my children, Lord.
Fulfill Your purposes in their lives
in spite of my parental blunders."


I hope that you find as much encouragement from this prayer as I did. 

By the way, I found my outlet without having to look far.  I simply got out of bed earlier than normal so that I could have some quiet, alone time to think and pray and write.  (Because writing/journaling happens to be a pretty darn good outlet for me.)  If you don't have one already, find an outlet for yourself.  And pat yourself on the back for being the best mom you can be.  Nobody is perfect.

Free & Fun Activities

As the weather turns nicer, we can FiNaLlY take nice long walks around the neighborhood and go to the park more often!! Walking is great exercise for me, it helps me de-stress, and Robbie loves the stroller ride. Park time is still quite interesting...he's not big enough to climb and slide without me hovering and helping, but he sure thinks he is! I love his adventurous spirit :)

We also love visiting the public library. We're fortunate to live right down the street from our city's new, state-of-the-art facility. The children's area is awesome!! Robbie is at the age where he can enjoy the interactive features, and he already loves for me to sit and read with him.

Check it out!!

New Mom, Crazy Mom?

This is an article I wrote awhile back when my son turned ONE.  You can view the article at:
http://ktuttle625.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-mom-crazy-mom.html

Batters Up!

We love Texas Rangers Baseball! (and sports in general) So naturally we can't wait for our little man to be big enough to join some type of organized little league team....be it soccer, t-ball, or whatever his wish. Daddy taught him to swing a bat last weekend, and ever since he has been totally fascinated by this fun game. He can already kick and throw a ball but sometimes he gets easy entertainment by watching mommy and daddy throw the ball across the living room to each other. It's like keep-away but he doesn't try to grab it from us yet. He just watches in amazement and laughs as we become little kids again with our antics. I know one day I will be the cliche mom yelling, "Take the ball outside! No practicing in the house!" but for now, it's 100% approved :)

It's never too early to teach your babies whatever you feel the urge to teach them. At this age when their brains are little sponges, give them every opportunity to soak up the knowledge! Physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual knowledge.

The saying is true:
Knowledge is power.

Creating a Daily Soundtrack

Since we've cancelled our cable TV subscription- to make family our focus- I've come up with an alternative "outlet."  I LOVE music!  And I LOVE Pandora radio!  I pay a few bucks a month for Pandora One on my iPad, and it's commercial-free.  The past few days, I've found myself desiring different types of music to be playing in the background at different parts of my day.

Below is a sample of what my Daily Soundtrack might look like on a given day.  It changes daily as my moods change, but I've come to realize that encouraging, uplifting music can keep the mood light and lifted. 

• Early Morning (breakfast time): Hymns 4 Worship
• Later in the morning, whenever I need a better tempo to get us going: Praise & Worship
• Playtime, Snack-time, and/or Lunchtime: Toddler Radio, Radio for Kids, Disney Children's (or CDs of choice with kid songs)
• While Robbie is napping, I listen to Piano Solos while I work on the computer or around the house
• In the afternoons (or on morning walks) I like 80's Pop or 60's Oldies
• In the evenings while I cook dinner and wait for hubby to get home, I prefer Phil Collins, Hall & Oates, or Frank Sinatra
• On the weekends, we enjoy Classic Country, Patsy Cline, and a number of other stations that I can't even think of right now.

Obviously, we all have very different tastes in music, and your personal soundtrack will be very different from ours!!  Just keep in mind that you want to be careful what your children are internalizing.  This is why I always start off with Worship music.  And if I'm using the "old fasioned" radio, I keep it on 94.9 KLTY Christian radio the majority of the time.  Another kid-friendly station seems to be 98.7 Oldies.

Turn off the TV!

Our cable box has been broken almost TWO WEEKS now!  This may sound strange, but I'm not so sure I want it fixed this Friday.....we've found other activities to keep us occupied and we've been happier!  This free time has allowed us to be creative with our time.  And when my son goes to bed, my husband and I pick up the iPad or a book.  And we TALK!  (Imagine that.)

I want to share a poem by Roald Dahl, famous children's author and poet.  Simply food for thought :)

TELEVISION
The most important thing we've learned,
So far as children are concerned,
Is never, NEVER, NEVER let
Them near your television set --
Or better still, just don't install
The idiotic thing at all.
In almost every house we've been,
We've watched them gaping at the screen.
They loll and slop and lounge about,
And stare until their eyes pop out.
(Last week in someone's place we saw
A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)
They sit and stare and stare and sit
Until they're hypnotised by it,
Until they're absolutely drunk
With all that shocking ghastly junk.
Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,
They don't climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch,
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink --
But did you ever stop to think,
To wonder just exactly what
This does to your beloved tot?
IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK -- HE ONLY SEES!
'All right!' you'll cry. 'All right!' you'll say,
'But if we take the set away,
What shall we do to entertain
Our darling children? Please explain!'
We'll answer this by asking you,
'What used the darling ones to do?
'How used they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?'
Have you forgotten? Don't you know?
We'll say it very loud and slow:
THEY ... USED ... TO ... READ! They'd READ and READ,
AND READ and READ, and then proceed
To READ some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!
One half their lives was reading books!
The nursery shelves held books galore!
Books cluttered up the nursery floor!
And in the bedroom, by the bed,
More books were waiting to be read!
Such wondrous, fine, fantastic tales
Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales
And treasure isles, and distant shores
Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,
And pirates wearing purple pants,
And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching 'round the pot,
Stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be?
Good gracious, it's Penelope.)
The younger ones had Beatrix Potter
With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,
And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and-
Just How The Camel Got His Hump,
And How the Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul,
There's Mr. Rat and Mr. Mole-
Oh, books, what books they used to know,
Those children living long ago!
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticks-
Fear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They'll now begin to feel the need
Of having something to read.
And once they start -- oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen
They'll wonder what they'd ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.      

House becomes Classroom

Robbie's not skilled enough to eat at his toddler table yet, so we use it for art projects.

We have a big driveway and use sidewalk chalk to practice our letters and words.

I have lots of books set out within his reach so that he grabs them (almost) more often than toys.

Confessions of a Sleep-Deprived Mom

You can view this article at
http://ktuttle625.blogspot.com/2012/09/confessions-of-sleep-deprived-mom.html