I swear, some days it feels like I just had my sweet babes. They sure were right when they said time flies when you’re raising kids.
I wish it would slow down.
I’ll tell ya what though, we have been BUSY. Busy busy with life and learning the new stage of “activities”
My son and I just went to kindergarten round up. Cue the waterworks because I can’t believe it, my mama heart is not ready! Even though I am so excited for him but secretly a little scared too.
T-ball sign ups are this week!! Let’s hope for some grass stained baseball pants and lots of fun.
Also, my two year old daughter has such a loud personality and needs to be busy so let’s throw in a fun dance class for her this Spring! I mean why not?
I just find myself all the time asking lately how did we get here already!?
What happened to the middle of the night bottle feeds and the sweet sweet smell of newborn baby.
I have loved every stage of motherhood no matter how hard it can be and I know I am still just at the beginning stages but I can’t help but feel sad about how big my babies are getting already.
At the same time though, it is so exciting experiencing all these firsts.
Motherhood is such a whirlwind.
Watching them become their little selves and learning and growing is such a gift.
I am just embracing this season of life.
Trying to slow down as much as I can and give my all to my family.
That’s what matters most to me.
So yay for early dinners because we have to get to practice and uniforms to wash.
Bring on this new season of parenting!
This mama is ready to take on the new title “sports mom”
I’m struggling with the fact that I have a preschooler.
Where did the time go?
You were just a little rolly polly baby asleep in my arms yesterday, I swear.
Time is such a thief.
Even at a young age, you try to give your child all the tools they will need to succeed in any new adventure in life.
When the time comes to use the tools though, it’s both exciting and scary.
I feel like a tiny part of your innosence will be chipped away as we enter school age, even if it is preschool.
Yet, I want you to flourish and meet new friends and learn all you can at the same time.
Bring me home all the fun crafts you do each day to display, I hope I see a big smile at the end of each day and hear nothing but re-telling of fun things that happened while you were at school.
I know drop off’s will be hard and pick up’s will be exciting and it’s all apart of growing up for both you and me.
I swear, being a mom is the biggest emotional rollercoaster there is.
But just know mama’s, your baby will be fine.
I’m here to convince both you and myself.
Trust the teacher’s.
Trust that you raised a brave, smart and fun little one who will be nothing but great and kind.
And know it’s ok to cry, just hold it in until after drop off as to not scare them.
Know that they are ready, they have all the tool’s you’ve given them.
I know the hardest part will be getting yourself ready though.
I know how hard it is to let them grow, and even harder to let them go just a tiny bit.
Let’s get through the first week of preschool together mama’s!
We’ve got this and know as always, we are in this together.
Oh my goodness, I have found theeee best football season dish to make!
If I didn’t love sliders already because Hawaiian rolls are life, I love them even more after making this recipe.
BIG MAC SLIDER’S!
Yes, I said it. Big Mac sliders and they are absolutely delicious. I cannot wait to make this for all the big football games we watch as the Fall season is upon us.
Let’s talk ingredients
Ingredients:
• 3/4 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped and divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 6 slices American or sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup iceberg lettuce , shredded
• 1/4 cup pickles , sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Hawaiian rolls
You could also add sesame seeds to the top to make it a true Big Mac type slider but this particular day I did not have any on hand.
The true star of this show though is the sauce. Definitely chefs kiss. It did not make it soggy at all either which was a relief.
Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons relish
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Now let’s assemble.
Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• In a large pan on medium-heat, add the ground beef, half of the diced onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Cut the rolls in half lengthwise.
• In a bowl, combine the mayo, relish, mustard, ketchup, onion powder and garlic powder and mix. Spread half of the sauce on the bottom layer of the rolls.
• Top with the cooked beef, sliced cheese, lettuce, and pickles. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top and place the top half of bread rolls on the sliders.
• Brush the melted butter on top of the sliders.
• Bake the sliders for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
• Cut the sliders into 12 individual slices.
Seriously I can’t wait to make these again! They were delicious and will definitely be a party favorite.
Let me know if you’ve tried these! And if you do try this recipe share with me how it turned out 🙂
You want to know what I think one of the biggest blessings in life are? Mom friends.
Even more specific, mom friends and coffee dates!
Seriously, it’s so nice to have someone to talk to who knows what you are going through, or at least has been there before. Everything just seems a bit more manageable when you have someone there that is deep in the trenches of motherhood just like you.
Sporting those messy buns, dark circles and weird stained clothes because for some reason, I don’t know about you but I find a weird stain from my kids yucky fingers on something I am wearing almost daily? Hope I’m not alone in that one.
Anyways, you just feel less alone! And let’s be honest here, motherhood can be extremely lonely.
A walk to a cute coffee shop, sunshine and some chit chat with a friend though? Could cure the soul I swear, even with kiddo’s tagging along.
Marissa and I did just that yesterday, she was kid free but I instantly squashed that when my little’s had to make the trip with us to an adorable coffee shop in our town, The Electric Coffee!
It’s such a cute spot with a fun seating area to chat, work or read a good book!
I just feel like I can take a deep breath when I get myself ready for the day, get outside in the sunshine and have an iced coffee in my hand. It sounds so cliché’ I know but in my life it really is the little things that make me the happiest.
So let’s talk about 5 ways to make yourself get out of the house and call up your mom friend because who says kids are the only ones who get to have play dates!?
Go for a walk.
One of the easiest ways to both enjoy your kids and friends is defiantly taking a walk. Find a trail to get some exercise. Walk your downtown area. Grab the bikes or rollerblades to make it extra fun for the kids.
Visit your favorite coffee shop.
Coffee dates are the best, chatting over coffee is one of my favorite things to do. It’s so relaxing and it is a great way to meet up with your friends and catch up.
Wine tasting.
Something I love as much as coffee? Wine! Wine nights are so fun and if you enjoy wine, I feel like wine tasting is the perfect moms night out!
Workout together.
Take a workout class together! Yoga or Zumba are always fun. Take a hike somewhere you both enjoy walking. Join a gym and plan weekly workouts.
Start a book club.
I love reading and so do a lot of my mom friends! So why not start a book club? You get to do what you love and share your favorite or least favorite parts with your friends.
So make sure to connect and make some time for yourself and your friends. They are so needed to survive this crazy adventure of motherhood.
Most importantly enjoy your favorite cup of coffee at your local coffee shop and chit chat a little, I promise you will feel refreshed! 🙂
For a patient person, my patience is thin and you know what? It’s ok.
Do I feel guilty about it? Sure.
Do I wish that every day could just be rainbows and butterflies? Absolutely.
This motherhood journey is not all rainbows and butterflies though, and boy don’t we know it.
The other day both my kids were crying. One because he couldn’t have a snack right before dinner and the other just because her big brother was crying and she thought she needed to as well.
A glass of wine and a bathroom break with the door actually shut and not being opened or pounded on sounded so amazing at that moment.
I feel like sometimes the pressure just builds up for us with every cry or every tantrum and it’s tough to not be bothered.
Throw in a long day at work and I am just exhausted thinking about it.
It’s hard to keep your head up as a mom.
I think sometimes we just feel beat down. Weather it be a rough night of sleep, a bad potty training day, a crying baby you just can’t seem to soothe, a guilty day of work when you just wish you were home, a sick kiddo that has you feeling miserable as well.
The list goes on and on.
It’s all ok though and I really hope you know that when you feel this way, how great of a mom you are.
It’s the toughest job in the world that you show up for every single day. But the reward? It’s the greatest of all time.
Keep your head up, make sure you take the breaks you need.
Take time for yourself, use your tribe of people when you need the help and DO NOT feel guilty about it.
Take a deep breath and know that the guilt will subside and there will be far more better days than bad ones.
Just know that you’re a wonderful mother and we are all in this together.
I think if you asked anyone though, they would all have something different to say about what happiness and success means to them.
For me? Happiness is a slow Saturday morning with my family. Breakfast, coffee with my husband and a morning routine that went as smooth as a babies bottom. Success would be living simply but being able to provide for my family everything they need and be able to give as much as I can to those in need.
Everyday life though, It can defiantly take a toll on how your mind perceives things. One thing I don’t like is negative thoughts! I like a clear, free, happy mindset and it’s defiantly hard to accomplish but it’s one thing I take pride in having.
I try to do little tasks that help get me there and I am even trying to incorporate new ones this year to help keep my mindset positive even more. I am here to share with you 6 ways to help change your daily mindset to be your best self each day.
Positive Morning Routine.
I am starting off with one I am still working on. Mainly I am just not a morning person. I have found though that your morning really does set the tone for the whole day.
Create a relaxing morning routine that helps bring positivity to those early wake up’s. Make your favorite breakfast, sip your coffee slowly. Plan out your day.
Or even make this into your evening routine if you need to.
Do A Weekly Or Daily Brain Dump.
These help so much. Get out your favorite notebook and write down all your thoughts or things you need to do or want to do. Sometimes my mind gets so boggled with ideas and I love putting pen to paper and jotting them all down.
It does not have to be pretty, it’s just a way to help you get things off your mind and put into perspective what you want to accomplish. I love brain dumps.
Get Outside.
Need to clear your mind? I always say the best way to do it is to get outside. Fresh air is just so good for you.
I love a long walk to help alleviate stress or negative thoughts.
I love getting outside and playing with my kids, it feels freeing for myself and for them I am sure. Fresh air is a wonderful cure of a mindset that needs some clearing.
Less Is More.
Another work in progress for me is decluttering. I never realized what a toll clutter can take on you.
It creates so much stress, always having to pick up things or move things or organize things. It takes up so much time and energy.
I am going through one room in the house whenever I get the chance and it has felt so freeing creating a less is more atmosphere in my home.
Find A Hobby You Enjoy.
This is a big one. I love hobby’s. They are such an outlet to a more positive mind.
Find something you enjoy doing and use it as a way to be happy.
I love reading, writing and doing fun DIY crafts with my kids. They make me happy and I always feel better after finishing a good book, writing up a storm or making something fun with my kids.
Find something you love.
Erase The Negativity.
Remove negative things from your life. It may be hard sometimes but it’s worth it.
Listen to positive Podcasts, life yourself up with encouraging words.
Give yourself the strength to end the negativity and bring only positive into your life.
I think this is something we could all work on as human beings in general.
Your mindset is so important and I hope this has helped you find something to help make you happy!
If you have your own ways to stay positive and keep the joy flowing in your life please share them below with us all!
Do you ever remember the rejection you felt when you were younger and someone didn’t want to play with you or sit with you or even just talk to you?
It was the worst getting your feelings hurt or feeling left out at recess or not having a partner for a fun activity.
I think about that way more often now that I have children.
I wish someone would have told me to make sure you play with them whenever you are asked. That advice is actually worth getting.
When I’m busy and feel like I have so much to do and a little voice comes up behind me and says “mommy, will you play with me?”
A far too usual reply ends up being “in a minute, let me just finish this really quick”
Sometimes do you even look behind you at the little face so eagerly waiting for you to be done when you are busy with your tasks? I’ll be honest, not always.
I feel like we think because they are so little, they won’t understand. But trust me, they do.
A bad day or a sad day could easily be cured by simply sitting down on the floor with your children.
Let them take the wheel, trust me their imaginations are enough to sweep you up into their worlds.
Sit on the ground and be present.
Let them bring you things, let them dance around you and zoom across the living room.
The laundry can wait to be folded and put away.
The dishes can stay dirty for a little while longer.
The floors don’t need to be swept right this minute.
The housework never goes anywhere, but these little moments with your children do.
Give them your attention.
Let them make you laugh and be silly.
You need it just as much as they need it.
My favorite is when my son tells me he had the best day ever with me when all we did was play for a little while or went out and about as a family.
So the next time you hear that little voice come up behind you asking you to play or to talk or to sit with them.
I know for me rainy days can sometimes be a blessing and relaxing! I love curling up with a good book or finding my favorite movies on TV. The gloomier the better!
But for kiddos!? Not so much! Spring/Summer time can be tough to keep these little ones from going crazy with all the back and forth weather. I know here in Michigan it’s 80 degrees one day and then 40 degrees the next!
So I’m sharing 7 rainy day activities that kids will love!
Build An Indoor Fort.
My son is obsessed with this lately. He loves building blanket forts and playing with his toys in them. For older kids it’s fun to build one and read in them or even play games or watch a movie on a tablet. So many possibilities!
Paper Airplanes/ Crafting.
Who doesn’t love making paper airplanes? You can either have a paper airplane toss or even make those paper footballs and click field goals. Anything paper crafting is so fun for all ages!
Board Games.
Always a classic. My kids are still very young but I always say I can’t wait for the days until we can have family board game nights! Something I always enjoyed as a child and even as an adult.
Play-Doh or Sensory Bins.
This is geared more towards the toddler age like my son but play-doh and sensory bins can keep him busy for a while! Kinetic sand is always fun as well.
Library Day.
If you must get out and about, I think the library or a bookstore is such a great rainy day activity! Nothing better then finding a good book to bring home and read the rest of the day! Plus sometimes your local library has fun things going on.
Indoor Bowling.
So fun! If you have some plastic cups laying around and a ball you are good to go! I love bowling in general and bowling toys or making your own are so fun.
Baking.
I love baking and I plan to get my kids involved when it comes to baking and cooking as much as possible! It keeps you busy, plus it’s just fun and the outcome is delicious of course.
I hope these ideas help you for the next rainy day coming your way this Spring.
What are some of your favorite rainy day activities?
When your baby is teething, and you’re going through the stages of teething, it can be tough not knowing what to do.
Many questions come to mind, like what if he stops chewing for a week or two? Can food allergies cause my baby doesn’t enjoy his food anymore? Will my baby have bad breath because of her teeth coming in now?
Like so many other things in life, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Here are some tips to help your baby through teething.
Signs Your Baby is Teething
If your baby is teething, you may notice a few signs. Wet cheeks from drool and more chewing on toys in the mouth are common. Some babies might get fussy, want to nurse more than usual, or wake up more at night.
You can also look for swollen gums and a red rash around the mouth. Some babies develop a fever when their teeth start coming in, but that’s not always the case. Here are some signs of teething to look out for:
Drooling
Chewing on things
Gums that feel swollen
A minor fever of 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit (rare)
How Long Does Baby Teething Last?
There is no set age for teething to begin because every child is different. However, most infants start teething between six and twelve months old. There are rare cases of early teething where babies can cut teeth as young as three months old or as late as fourteen months old.
There is also no set amount of time that teething lasts because it doesn’t stop until a baby’s teeth have all erupted through the gums. Teething may last up to three years in some children, but the average length is six to nine months.
During this time, your baby may go through several weeks or even months between cutting teeth. Once your baby has all twenty primary teeth, they will stop teething altogether, which means you won’t have to worry about it again until they get their permanent teeth at around age six or seven.
Use Teething rings and toys.
Your baby may feel relief by biting on something hard or cold. Try a rubber teething ring, a chilled washcloth, or a spoon cooled in the refrigerator (but not frozen).
When choosing a teething toy, make sure it’s soft and flexible, so your child doesn’t hurt himself if he falls while holding it. And be sure to choose one that’s BPA-free. Never tie a teething ring around your child’s neck or attach one to his crib — he could choke on it or become entangled in it if he rolls over while wearing it.
To soothe an older baby who can chew on solid food, try giving him a firm, unsweetened teething cracker to gnaw on. It also may help with drooling because your baby will swallow more saliva instead of dribbling it out as much as before.
A chilled pacifier or teething toy may provide extra soothing for your baby during the day (if you use pacifiers). Or try putting cooled boiling water from the tea kettle into ice cube trays and freeze them for homemade teething rings!
Cold food.
If your teething baby tends to grab whatever you’re eating and put it in their mouth, offer chilled foods such as applesauce or yogurt. You can also give frozen bananas, which some babies love.
You can also try cold liquids such as water from the refrigerator. Frozen fruit juice bars (made without sugar) are another option.
Don’t be surprised if your baby rejects solids during this time, even ones they usually enjoy. Most babies go through a stage where they lose interest in solids when they are around eight months old. It is called the “baby food strike.” It’s frustrating, but most babies come out of it within a few weeks on their own.
Rub your baby’s gums.
One of the primary side effects of teething is gum pain, and if you’ve ever had any experience with this yourself, you know that rubbing your gums can often provide good relief.
Your baby’s no different in this respect, so getting in there with a clean finger or—if your little one’s more averse to having fingers in their mouth—a wet gauze pad for a gentle massage may be all you need to give them some comfort.
(Bonus: This can also toughen up their gums for when their teeth start cutting through, so it’s worth doing on the regular even before they start teething.)
Pain Medications
Several different medications are available over the counter and by prescription to help relieve pain. However, it’s important to remember that before giving any medication to your baby, you should always consult with your pediatrician. Even natural pain relievers like teething tablets or acetaminophen can be dangerous if not used properly.
For example, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug widely available over the counter and in generic form. While it won’t cause harm when used properly for short periods as directed, ibuprofen can have serious side effects for infants who are given too much or for too long. Too much of this medication can cause kidney failure in babies, and some studies have even linked high doses of ibuprofen to childhood asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
Try a little white noise.
In a quiet room, do you hear the sound of your refrigerator humming? Is the heat turning on? The coffee pot beeping when it’s done brewing? These are examples of white noise. White noise can also be played through recordings, like using a fan or an app on your phone.
Babies are used to hearing white noise while growing inside their mother’s womb because there is constant background noise from the mother’s breathing and heartbeat. White noise can help calm and soothe babies by blocking out new noises in their environment and helping them sleep.
You could try using a humidifier for added moisture and white noise in your baby’s room. If you’re out of town or flying with your baby, downloading an app that plays white noise might be helpful to keep them calm too!
Final Thoughts
Teething can be very stressful for many parents. Still, it’s essential to realize that teething does not inherently mean your baby will cry inconsolably or suffer from explosive bouts of rage. Sometimes, teething is just a part of growing up.
Children go through spurts at various stages in their lives, including when they are teething. No matter how your baby behaves during these times, it’s always important to look for the signs that something is off before assuming the worst.
Author Bio
Andrea is currently the head of content management at SpringHive Web Design Company, a digital agency that provides creative web design, social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is also a blog contributor at Baby Steps Preschool where she writes storytime themes, parenting tips, and seasonal activities to entertain children.
Since becoming a mom, I feel like sometimes Mother’s Day is more hectic than some normal days! Anyone else!?
Sure you get some relaxation, maybe breakfast in bed or a delicious dinner but sometimes it just ends up being a busy day in general and that’s not always a bad thing.
Lately though, I’ve just been feeling burnt out. Between mom life, work life, wife life, never ending housework. It’s a lot to keep up with.
So this Mother’s Day, fingers crossed I get to sleep in!
I wanted to share my favorite “Me Time” indulgences that keep me sane through this hectic wonderful life. Maybe they will inspire you to do something relaxing for yourself on this upcoming Mother’s Day weekend!
1. Reading
I have always been a big bookworm and it’s by far one of my favorite “me time” indulgences. Lately a couple times a week when I’m lucky enough to get the kids to bed early, I’ve been grabbing a good book and pouring a glass of wine.
2. Binge Watching Shows.
It doesn’t happen often, but when I get to sit down with my favorite snack and binge watch some shows it’s a great day! What are your favorite shows right now?
3. Self Care Days.
I am such a self care advocate and I really don’t do it as often as I should. Lately my favorite self care indulgence has been my new Auraglow teeth whitening kit.
I am an avid coffee drinker and it’s honestly helped so much, I was starting to get self conscious! If you would like to know more on my thoughts let me know and I can do a separate post.
4. Writing.
Sure I’m a blogger but one fun tid bit about me is I’ve always loved writing short stories. I’ve once thought about putting them all together into a short stories book but….dreams. Sometimes they are hard to follow. Writing is so soothing to me though, especially pen to paper.
So moms, let’s find some time to crunch in more “me time” in our days!
Let’s throw out the pressure, let’s throw out the guilt, let’s throw out the “I have to do everything” attitude and take some time for ourselves.
We deserve it and I hope all you moms out there have a wonderful Mother’s Day and know that you are doing an amazing job!
Quirky Workin' Mom's 