tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061420085023409842024-03-14T02:13:49.916-07:00All You Need is Love...And CookiesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-78907983473361139442016-06-06T18:28:00.000-07:002016-06-06T18:28:08.520-07:00You Are The Company You Keep (and Other Lessons I Learned from a Superstar)<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not long ago, I wrote about how I had distanced myself from a group of friends. I find myself wondering every so often if I would be in the place I am in if events had not turned out as they did. And for the record, my heart is in a fantastic place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend, I was lucky enough to attend the Superstar Speaking Academy hosted by the renowned <a href="http://www.michellevillalobos.com/">Michelle Villalobos</a>. Here I connected and reconnected with some amazing women the majority of whom happened to be entrepreneurs. The 3 day seminar focused on monetizing your magic. What makes you special? What makes you unique? How can you find your niche market? How can you convince that market to pay you for your talents? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I will admit, for the first half of this event, I was completely lost. I'm a mom. I'm a wife. I am good at being those things. Why would anyone want to pay me money to be a wife and a mom? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They wouldn't. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Nicole on the left. That's Desiree on the far right. She is a lady truck driver trying to change her entire industry. How cool is that?!?!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I was sitting in and witnessing and celebrating and collaborating with all of these women as they had these amazing breakthroughs and "ah ha" moments. Yet here I was, struggling to find my own. Frustrated that the only things I could find value in myself was being a wife and a mom. Not that those jobs are unimportant or don't matter. In fact, they're arguably the most important jobs I have ever had. But for all intents and purposes, they didn't serve me well being without my child and my husband at this event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then Michelle said something to us that I will never forget for as long as I live.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"You Cannot read the label of the jar you put yourself in."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I wanted to have my million dollar idea, I had to dig. I had to get uncomfortable and I had to get out of my jar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it were not for the people I chose to surround myself with, I don't know if I would even be writing this blog post. My dear friend, Nicole, said "You need to be a professional team builder for companies." to which the incomparable Mary Wong chimes in "You are a creativity coach." </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Nicole on the far right and Magda, the most badass photographer on the planet.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Ah ha moment was here and I could finally focus on building my magic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what I have come to realize about myself over the last few days. As great of a wife I am, I have been a wife for only shy of eight years. For as good of a mom I am, I have only been one for four years. That does not make me an expert in either field. BUT I have been creative MY. ENTIRE. LIFE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have this dear friend, Whanadi, who is one of these goddess women who magically seems to float into a room. She's incredibly kind, wise and soulful. And on top of that, she is from South Africa and has this amazing accent (seriously, I could just listen to her say the word 'water' all day) and she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro (because of course she did) She was also at the conference. It was her birthday this week and in her card, I signed it as I do most of my messages to her: "You mover of mountains, you titan among mortals." And I realized, hey...I am those things, too! So during this 3 day conference I had promised her I would speak to this entire group of women (about 150 of them) with my intention for a new path.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The movers of mountains. The titans among mortals.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And on day 3, you bet I ran to that mic and I declared my new path. So look out, world I'm here. I'm making a playbook and I am coming for you. I would like to leave you today with what I told that group of powerful women.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hi I am Kate Teixeira and I am kind of a big deal. I have been creative my entire life and it took me coming here to realize that I am a creativity coach. And companies are going to pay me a ton of money for my ideas and to build their teams. I am a difference maker and I am a superstar. I am shamelessly awesome and <b>I am</b> a mover of mountains and a titan among mortals. Get yourself ready. Because I am coming. BOOM."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're out there and you're reading this and you keep finding yourself stuck, put one foot in front of the other. Get out of your jar. Look at who you're surrounding yourself with. As Michelle would say, are they an engine to your ship or are they an anchor? Find your crew. Make sure they're all engines. If you still feel stuck, reach out to someone. Reach out to me. Let me help you. Let me support you. Let's find your Crew. That's what I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I stopped shaking and sat down, I realized people were cheering for me and I gotta say, it was one of the best moments of my life. And I have never looked forward to a Monday so much in my life. You have all been warned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-85148267226627818152016-04-03T11:52:00.001-07:002016-06-06T17:31:42.317-07:00All Good Things<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last few months have been those of great changes. Some are very difficult to discuss. Some hard decisions were made. Some friendships were even ended. But I am happy to report that the Teixeira clan are all doing amazing and we are happy and much wiser for the ware as they say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For starters, the sad news. Things ended with my closest circle of friends. It was hard and I'm pretty sure all of us were hurt, but I took my <a href="http://youneedloveandcookies.blogspot.com/2014/12/for-ladies-5-friends-you-should.html">own advice </a>, reevaluated some choices I've made, regained some self worth and accepted that some people are who they are and that's fine. I don't judge. I don't wish anyone any ill will or harm and I hope that each of them go on to live full, happy, loving lives wherever they are. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The good news about this, I made a resolution to reconnect and nurture my existing friendships. While I have made plenty of new ones, reconnecting with old friends is always so rewarding. After all, these were the people who "knew me when." I feel like my friendships have gotten deeper and more meaningful and therefore, more fulfilling.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In more sad news, we had to give away our newest baby, Scallywag. It happened about a month ago and it is still very hard to talk about. Let me start by saying that you never go into a pet adoption with the intention that it isn't going to workout and be a lifetime commitment. Fausto happened to be home sick and took Scallywag out to get some fresh air. While they were outside (Max and I were not home), a little girl ran into our yard to see the doggie and Scallywag lunged at her. Thankfully Fau was able to pull his lead back before he bit her in the face. Fausto called me panicked and Max and I rushed home. After a lot of talking and crying (mostly from me), we made the difficult decision to return him so that he may be adopted out to a family with no children or older ones that were more educated with how to approach a dog. My heart hurts but I know he's somewhere happier running around and being loved on.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On to happier news, Max is registered for VPK...this is happy for everyone except me. I'm still not sure what I will do without my "ride or die" sidekick with me all day everyday. Max is super excited especially since he will be in class with one of his very best friends. I just can't believe that it's happening all so quickly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So with my partner in crime off to dream his big dreams and do bigger things, I have found myself at this really weird place in my own life. I'm caught somewhere between "WhatTheHellDoIDoNowsVille" and "HowDoIFillThatTimeField." Thankfully, the answers came by taking a leap of faith and yes, reconnecting with some old friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am very excited to have become a Scentsy consultant. Any of you who know me knows how obsessed with things that smell amazing.This is a great way of me to share that with the world and yes, maybe even make some extra money along the way. <a href="https://kateisgreat.scentsy.us/">You can find my page and shop here.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the real progress and thing I am currently most excited about is my opportunity to volunteer my time and work as a Difference Maker. A long time ago I taught a small cake decorating class and met this wonderful woman who just happens to run the Office Depot Foundation. I liked her immediately. We lost touch for some time but recently reconnected. Through her, I was invited to two separate conferences that were meant to inspire and lift these brilliant ladies and CEOs. Little did I know how much they would impact me. Going to these things was very much out of my comfort zone. You want me to sit with these female CEOs, Innovators, Titans of Industry and mingle? I'm nobody! But I did it. And I wake up every day so happy that I did. I had women who I never met before speak and it changed my life. I'm happier, my marriage is healthier and I am even a better mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Going to these events and, as Dr. Traci Lynn (that's her in that top photo) would say, "Stretched my wing out", I am so proud to say that I am working with a great team in assisting the Summer Internship Program at Office Depot Foundation. I haven't been so excited about something that is happening for myself in a really, REALLY long time. I'm using my creativity and helping a team inspire so many young people and it's being valued and appreciated. We're working closely with a bunch of non profits to set up events and we're really teaching the future generation how important helping your community really is. The best part is that I can bring Max who has quickly and unsurprisingly become a rockstar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also made some really good, new friends. I met a woman who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and for whatever reason, thinks I am awesome and wants to be friends with me. I met a woman who, even at a young age, has devouted herself to helping others through her love of fashion. She has literally clothed orphans and people who cannot afford to provide basic necessities to their children. She has also inspired me to buy clothes for myself for the first time in 3 years!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I'm off on some really exciting new adventures and I'm resolving to blog more to keep the few of you who read my little life blog updated. I really missed writing on the regular. I didn't start this project with any perks or freebies in mind, I started it because I truly, honestly and genuinely love to write. That's what's new with me. I'm hoping to make it through my next journey unscathed but I will keep you posted.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-38495801214744612742015-09-29T19:43:00.001-07:002015-09-29T19:43:05.668-07:00Sometimes It Pays Off<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I joke often about the trials and tribulations about parenting a threenage boy. How many challenges it makes me face that I never considered before. And yes, even how I feel like I am failing as a parent the majority of the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing is, I kind of feel like being a part the sisterhood of motherhood is sharing these feelings. We laugh at satirical blogs and memes and Facebook lists because they ring so clearly with truth. And I know I am not alone in feeling like most days I am screwing it all up and all I want it to pull the covers over my head, cry and eat ice cream. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYby5-S3Yh9XCTEOb2JLY2DlwtRz83qQn8Q8m-lmRtgiH-ASnZYcn4E7h0BZmBzqwIa-AMwPxVdvFilyYTf6hSHg8LoN5nfSpXNn7IfYfg8D4MMoafprO_mglgQrIB0Enr_UyOHesBrAn/s1600/20150919_123805%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYby5-S3Yh9XCTEOb2JLY2DlwtRz83qQn8Q8m-lmRtgiH-ASnZYcn4E7h0BZmBzqwIa-AMwPxVdvFilyYTf6hSHg8LoN5nfSpXNn7IfYfg8D4MMoafprO_mglgQrIB0Enr_UyOHesBrAn/s320/20150919_123805%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have ever met me in real life and we've ever talked about parenting, you'd know that I cannot stress enough that I love being a mom. I was born to be a mom. It is a passion greater than any craft I have ever perfected, any dish or dessert people tell me I could sell, any blog post I've ever written and any joke I have ever cracked. And if you've ever seen me in public, you may have caught me speaking sternly, smacking a hand, or even doling out a "time out" to Max. And to the people that tell me to my face or worse, whisper behind my back that I'm "too hard on him," here's the thing: I have one job in this life. It's to make sure that when I'm gone, that he isn't an asshole. That's it. End of game. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yes. I am very strict. I make him stand in the corner for not listening or hitting. I make him apologize when he's done wrong. Even if he's apologizing to the dog. I don't let him win every game. I make him let the girls in his music class walk in before him. I make him do worksheets for tot school. I make him say please and thank you. I make him clean his plate and wash the table and pick up his toys and put his laundry away and mind his manners. I make him hold himself accountable. Because that's life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I make him jump in puddles. I make him catch frogs and inspect bugs. I make him color and glue and glitter and paint all over my dining room table that has seen better days. I make him cook with me. I make him read me stories and come up with knock-knock jokes. I make him mash play doh with my potato masher and cut it with my pizza cutter. I make him listen as I use the wrong words to songs to make them silly and him laugh uncontrollably. I make him jump on the bed. I make him let me chase him around the house and poke that one spot just below his ribs that tickles him more than the rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a terrible life for a strong-willed boy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And every so often, I feel like I am failing. But not today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we had the chance to play with a new friend who joined us for tot school. She is a few months younger than Max and had no expectations about what tot school with us would be like. So when she couldn't sit for story time, it was my son, not me, who said "we sit like this and listen to mommy" as he sat with his hands in his lap and his big brown eyes looking into mine. When she wanted to grab a tray before completing the first one, it was Max, not me, who said "we really need to clean this first and put it away. That way, we have room for another game." When his friend wanted his water or his toy or his crayons, he gave them up and said "It's ok. I'm a good sharer and I can take a turn later. She's littler than I am." When we walked into the restaurant for lunch, he let her and her mom go in before us "Ladies first, mommy."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So today. Today I won at being a mom. Today, today I did my job. Today I won't feel like I failed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight as I read him one last book and sang him one last song and gave him one last hug and one (okay 10) more kisses, I thanked him. "Thank you for being so good today and setting a good example for your friend buddy." "You're welcome, Mommy. I'm a big boy now." he yawned back with the last bits of energy he had in him. "You are a big boy, Champ. And I love you." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I love you too, Mommy. You're my best friend."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-57604666869371693262015-09-27T19:10:00.002-07:002015-09-27T19:10:24.168-07:00Three is a Challenge<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whoever coined the phrase "Terrible Twos" never experienced three. As a parent, when your kid is about 10 months through two, you think to yourself "This is easy! I don't know what the fuss is all about." And you go about your happy life standing in the warmth of the sun and planning a third birthday party and enjoying the fact for this one, brief, moment in your life, you're the greatest parent on the planet. You are perfect. Your child will never need therapy because you screwed them up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hate to bust your bubble (I'm lying, I don't hate it), but my friend you are so wrong. You will spend months planning an epic third birthday party for your perfect child but what they don't tell you is this...when your kid blows their candles out, the devil comes in...you may actually see your child immediately swap their halo for a pitchfork and horns. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's true. I wouldn't lie to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it will be subtle at first. You'll think "ohhh...little Johnny missed his nap today. He's so cranky." "Oooohhh...little Susie doesn't like strawberries today because she had them everyday this week. She's probably sick of them." And all of your friends with three-year-olds will agree with you and then go home and tell their spouses and they'll laugh and laugh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong. 99.9% of the time, your kid is amazing and kind and as awesome as he/she was at two. But there is that other .01% of the time that really sticks out. And sometimes its a whole day of that .01%. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have said before that I knew so much more about parenting before I actually had a kid. I was judging you, mom in target with your yoga pants and top knot and coffee stained, smelly t-shirt as I watched you try to reason with your screaming child. I giggled as you tried to put your kid in the car as he wretched like he was a cat and you were putting him in a bathtub. But now...I get it. And...I'm so SO sorry. Which is why I'll be the first to push your kid on the swing so you can rest. I got you, momma...were in this together.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdAiLsMwgToDqxZQZUF6Hb6OVwaBGClnAmr0L3ZoztUa_fQWyqxw1O24P-pSLtUTllh6EXIna3OWJZkCa8WOX4TiqM6dTl9EwGLhHq6zTuc5jqApHMmghgRp-9D8vPCGPHEKdIjXn5CxF/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdAiLsMwgToDqxZQZUF6Hb6OVwaBGClnAmr0L3ZoztUa_fQWyqxw1O24P-pSLtUTllh6EXIna3OWJZkCa8WOX4TiqM6dTl9EwGLhHq6zTuc5jqApHMmghgRp-9D8vPCGPHEKdIjXn5CxF/s320/blog.jpg" width="218" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-34929761677411553192015-09-27T18:51:00.001-07:002015-09-27T18:51:34.545-07:00Tot School Week 3- Letter M<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week not only did we learn the letter "M," but we have all the letters of Max's name now in our arsenal. This meant that Max had a huge rite of passage this week as he successfully wrote his name several times. And like a crazy person, I naturally cried tears of pride and snapped a picture...and no, I have not erased the blackboard yet. No YOU'RE crying. And also, don't judge me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7oGAeH-Y097Li4NtVJ0vjdePqDB9cjWa7n-dzLjl8tj5OpTS6U-mfNTum9wkgNi4EN2Yq357TOHlCepZli4E0KOaBdSbsGfvDe0uKeGtpxSYUd2b5XRMx275v1bKjy1IIBpBhqlPbbfk/s1600/20150922_171144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7oGAeH-Y097Li4NtVJ0vjdePqDB9cjWa7n-dzLjl8tj5OpTS6U-mfNTum9wkgNi4EN2Yq357TOHlCepZli4E0KOaBdSbsGfvDe0uKeGtpxSYUd2b5XRMx275v1bKjy1IIBpBhqlPbbfk/s320/20150922_171144.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made an awesome game this week for Max that we played with several times. Using a hard plastic wipe container, I added paint and googly eyes to it and made it an alphabet monster. Thinking about it now, I think I'm going to add some letter stickers to it, but I digress.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6bjsH5YDY6ugusBXO4_8hES1m63XMreersNFz0ULe-5jQFRMROUsN4vhfj51E0e9IG65KVJLjbmMgmIzFj9ii1oPQ9Hby-P_RmbFo8GPiSgI1Xn3PU_fCmm6AOwkm6lJk_D0nHwt3Vy5/s1600/20150923_170019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6bjsH5YDY6ugusBXO4_8hES1m63XMreersNFz0ULe-5jQFRMROUsN4vhfj51E0e9IG65KVJLjbmMgmIzFj9ii1oPQ9Hby-P_RmbFo8GPiSgI1Xn3PU_fCmm6AOwkm6lJk_D0nHwt3Vy5/s320/20150923_170019.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, using recycled caps to various bottles, I cut out circles with my cricut (you could also use a large circle punch) and I wrote the upper and lowercase alphabet on the circles. I then ran them through my sticker maker and affixed them to the caps. Max then picked a piece of paper with a letter on it, found the corresponding cap and fed the monster. Truth be told, the matching of the paper was a bit much considering there are a lot of pieces. So moving on, we'll probably just match upper and lowercase letters. At any rate, he loved this tray and was super excited about it and asked for it several times during free play this week.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQR4x3pzXu777prhX7wQcjX-WxJO8dXRSw78UmGjUWeCyWgTU6-cH3VbRSsKA9B3hR-8Cs5PHMI3A4dwWDNw8uD-BTKnC8iUF9LyRoQQ_CNBNGudQKJQ4tCHvjppweDAeKAxfCmc6MSVG/s1600/20150923_000158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQR4x3pzXu777prhX7wQcjX-WxJO8dXRSw78UmGjUWeCyWgTU6-cH3VbRSsKA9B3hR-8Cs5PHMI3A4dwWDNw8uD-BTKnC8iUF9LyRoQQ_CNBNGudQKJQ4tCHvjppweDAeKAxfCmc6MSVG/s320/20150923_000158.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_odK0R6x3Qz_3CaNkYkVyj8LrUmuhatDuds26nS6oVthB7aMQ1PIrXcppboC6mUAl9aO1otUjUKtrzin0_ojRkAMcHN4mzmVmd-Rg_oCTgRfe5bCTTCNslI_Cuuxqq5KwhiIfpD0tHhq/s1600/20150923_170306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_odK0R6x3Qz_3CaNkYkVyj8LrUmuhatDuds26nS6oVthB7aMQ1PIrXcppboC6mUAl9aO1otUjUKtrzin0_ojRkAMcHN4mzmVmd-Rg_oCTgRfe5bCTTCNslI_Cuuxqq5KwhiIfpD0tHhq/s320/20150923_170306.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also had a lot of books this week that we loved. With Halloween fast approaching, I tried to avoid the "M is for monkey" thing and tried more for "monster" stuff which he is super into. Lucky for me, there is no shortage of kids books featuring monsters. A reader also asked me if I could write a blurb about some of our book choices so I will try to do this more often.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Letter M Books</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. The Mitten-Jan Brett: Wonderful story. This is beautifully illustrated by Brett as well. We went back and looked at the pictures several times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Maxwell Moose's Mountain Monster- Barbara deRubertis</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Maddie's Monster Dad- Scott Gibala-Broxholm: This was a cute story about a dad who works a little too hard and Maddie creates a Dad to cope. The story is a bit long but worth the read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. There Was an Old Monster- Adrian & Ed Emberley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. The Monster Show: Everything you Never knew about Monsters- Charise Mericle Harper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. The Monster at the End of this Book-Jon Stone: This book is laugh out loud funny. It features Grover who hears that there is a monster at the end of the book and begs the reader not to turn the pages. It is very silly and fun. A great book to read together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Millie Waits for the Mail- Alexander Steffensmeier</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Max the Monster - Kate Cuthbert</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. The Mixed Up Mail Mystery- Huck Scarry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. If you Give a Moose a Muffin- Laura Numeroff: This is along the same chain-of-events series Numeroff has become known and loved for. Max is a giant fan of her other books so he was especially happy about this one, We read this book on the first day of fall just so we could make muffins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which is the perfect segue to our cooking we did this week. Seeing that we read a book about muffins and that it happened to be fall, we made pumpkin cream cheese muffins. They came out amazing. Max even ran some to the neighbor the second they came out of the oven.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg320ka2qIOHWofH7BbV876e8Ioawh4agjIxvOtjXQlqi3ckDIJZA0y0uY_G_kJhuYkAOjNL1mEY4HpsNkxjdilZh287M8jrZDpt3UEJlZllnWaIslomJTQbzlMoSso_tN4R7sW5191_SoS/s1600/20150924_173746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg320ka2qIOHWofH7BbV876e8Ioawh4agjIxvOtjXQlqi3ckDIJZA0y0uY_G_kJhuYkAOjNL1mEY4HpsNkxjdilZh287M8jrZDpt3UEJlZllnWaIslomJTQbzlMoSso_tN4R7sW5191_SoS/s320/20150924_173746.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>For this you will need:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 can of pumpkin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 oz. cream cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup powdered sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tsp. vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 cups flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup vegetable oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T pumpkin pie spice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 tsp. baking soda</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm65UzFhNbUOxFG1dOOVbkIZa8tOrV6S4vs9CrqohmY2nhgYG7XduaPIfJM0aYAHaW1QyPllW31OZJ7QPhtwGUJAlGEgYYdJnqOVILQuGjnsnnGkYqpQgx2d_gb7HOeZ7lZ2vhfq42Mk1E/s1600/20150924_174631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm65UzFhNbUOxFG1dOOVbkIZa8tOrV6S4vs9CrqohmY2nhgYG7XduaPIfJM0aYAHaW1QyPllW31OZJ7QPhtwGUJAlGEgYYdJnqOVILQuGjnsnnGkYqpQgx2d_gb7HOeZ7lZ2vhfq42Mk1E/s320/20150924_174631.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In bowl, Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Put in fridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 and line 2 muffin tins </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda and spices, set aside.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOekjUtjCO5T00WmVbz2rqLndoCFL_QBRP42kWA8MMj5X4LjTKP3XqKOoCYtD8m6hA0-39PkhrqdfRQha3W1howqabSFY8R1fZuqSMmmnHOn5Jso1oVhq3Nk1Xees9LIweDNjhXHgf6E1/s1600/20150924_175119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOekjUtjCO5T00WmVbz2rqLndoCFL_QBRP42kWA8MMj5X4LjTKP3XqKOoCYtD8m6hA0-39PkhrqdfRQha3W1howqabSFY8R1fZuqSMmmnHOn5Jso1oVhq3Nk1Xees9LIweDNjhXHgf6E1/s320/20150924_175119.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended. Add dry mixture just until blended. Do not over mix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scoop a small about of muffin mix into each cupcake so that it covers the bottom. Add about a tablespoon of cream cheese mix to each. Add pumpkin batter so that cream cheese is covered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa5JVd8KF5Rhr6weNCJPYKAq-zIqJ2wFzbAiVbnZmeMmOdP7YCbK0HzPDFp4SrLZ86iR2L1BVdC2O5a8ndqXKdXL_m_vNl_LxqaqI7g_cIp6s4cFBv1walPFJ4TnJw9Rgpy3CI1M60apc/s1600/20150924_183140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa5JVd8KF5Rhr6weNCJPYKAq-zIqJ2wFzbAiVbnZmeMmOdP7YCbK0HzPDFp4SrLZ86iR2L1BVdC2O5a8ndqXKdXL_m_vNl_LxqaqI7g_cIp6s4cFBv1walPFJ4TnJw9Rgpy3CI1M60apc/s320/20150924_183140.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all enjoy these as much as we did. They really are delicious! </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuBny1eJflKq93OM8qk1RB0w9udz4kDgIi2iWybMlIX8PM1zXWjdS1iPG3JxRtTAgQ2HQ-DVwpyyISX9VoBFC_Op8-ZGDKNWVqJdXVtSYcxEGzoibRLqZ4fLrJjrn1l_T8GajfhhJTiLg/s1600/20150924_160802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuBny1eJflKq93OM8qk1RB0w9udz4kDgIi2iWybMlIX8PM1zXWjdS1iPG3JxRtTAgQ2HQ-DVwpyyISX9VoBFC_Op8-ZGDKNWVqJdXVtSYcxEGzoibRLqZ4fLrJjrn1l_T8GajfhhJTiLg/s320/20150924_160802.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a Moose. Obviously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-9368917889219885862015-09-21T16:59:00.002-07:002015-09-21T16:59:34.061-07:00Chef Max Cooks - Tangy Coconut Chicken<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max LOVES to cook. It makes sense that he came out looking nothing like me (I mean, I only carried him for 38 weeks but whatever) that he like many of the things I like. He even has an apron and a toque so it basically makes him the cutest chef ever. I get asked for recipies and cooking tips all the time and when I started this blog, I had intended on sharing many with you and haven't done so. I'd like to change that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The importance of kids in the kitchen is one that I am pretty firm on. Kids feel things just like adults and one of those feelings is pride. Also, I am very much against making a second "kid" meal when I cook meals. He eats what we eat...and if he cooks what we eat, lo and behold, he will eat just about anything. If you have a little, especially is your little is picky, take out the step stool, accept the fact that you'll have more spills, and cook with your children.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-OA1eH_2Ka0Dk5U64w6TSWf5WoeAW_SLbXytWcNwWfM9lHmI2yKVQ8333Y2NBv1CVKBxfI__YxQ94zPuRsi-ijof8WEGQiR90qmW04oof8nOjL_kHRBrcp2fqJIPjKjdStLNJBmtERm8/s1600/20150921_185249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktvIyJm7wqnK4KWCH2QNMuxn1f5zDokgmwhG6XfMrZWeG3BxE_PYvOe5DR5u48xEzd4qWGXzEmZSBAMQqWcShkIDHJmIIoPhWFtTY1b516SoRkDbuqMmHsUXR_D-ViHj6Hf2GxafYBFkP/s1600/20150921_194541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktvIyJm7wqnK4KWCH2QNMuxn1f5zDokgmwhG6XfMrZWeG3BxE_PYvOe5DR5u48xEzd4qWGXzEmZSBAMQqWcShkIDHJmIIoPhWFtTY1b516SoRkDbuqMmHsUXR_D-ViHj6Hf2GxafYBFkP/s320/20150921_194541.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight we made a family favorite, Tangy Coconut chicken. For this you will need:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>* </b>1/2 cup deli mustard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>* </b>3 Tablespoons honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>* </b>2 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>* </b>Salt & Pepper</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 400</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In small bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, salt & pepper until completely blended. Set aside</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place coconut on plate, set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dry chicken thoroughly with paper towels. Dredge in honey mixture and coat with coconut. Place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes depending on thickness of chicken.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love this recipe. I love it because it's only a handful of ingredients. The boys love it because it's actually really, REALLY tasty. Try it with ground pecans if coconut isn't your thing or with maple syrup, agave or molasses if you're out of honey. Try it with different cuts of chicken and let me know how you like it! I bet it would be delicious with hot sauce on wings...mmmmmmm! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is great with our favorite side of smashed potatoes, salad and green beans. I hope you like this as much as we do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqrEGuX2lgafYqU6BzB02uwgZ_geL7VYIdNS4ISYC6k_7kagtxJ6oDNWktqz5X6EgJCprnnNx24xaLtmRhoYDtGrVHfvlo_OVlUsNuuh-WGQR-K0vXnxzc1a0aSoC-W3tJmTpdCdUoycN/s1600/20150921_184913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqrEGuX2lgafYqU6BzB02uwgZ_geL7VYIdNS4ISYC6k_7kagtxJ6oDNWktqz5X6EgJCprnnNx24xaLtmRhoYDtGrVHfvlo_OVlUsNuuh-WGQR-K0vXnxzc1a0aSoC-W3tJmTpdCdUoycN/s320/20150921_184913.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc-hovwJEnjwHCsQYIpTucunB8umvR3FGdUvwjOUwg2o2XtcAqM1C-m3Nmw6FSb62jVB_Wq7b2jGWPQhVLssd6SQ3THSresvDMU5yCZlpN8NrwDPFt8xEArBjZgjZShbcjjdMoVFev7SG/s1600/20150921_185249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc-hovwJEnjwHCsQYIpTucunB8umvR3FGdUvwjOUwg2o2XtcAqM1C-m3Nmw6FSb62jVB_Wq7b2jGWPQhVLssd6SQ3THSresvDMU5yCZlpN8NrwDPFt8xEArBjZgjZShbcjjdMoVFev7SG/s320/20150921_185249.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-24152507227204242602015-09-20T13:14:00.000-07:002015-09-20T13:14:08.029-07:00Tot School Week 2- Letter X, #1<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, Max learned the letter "X". As I explained last week, we're learning our letters out of order and I figured I'd get a tough one out of the way. By tough I mean that there simply are not a whole lot of words that start with the letter X. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things we started last week that I failed to mention was our hand print book. I found this <a href="http://www.mrsjonescreationstation.com/handprint-alphabet-book-2/">awesome site</a> and kind of ran with it. Last week we made an alligator and this week we made an "X-Ray"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do this on standard card stock usually on Monday or Tuesday each week. Once it dries, I put them in a 3 ring binder. I also date each one so I can see how much Max grows throughout the year. Yeah. I'm sappy like that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We read a bunch of great books this week. Max picked out 12 at the library that we got through. He recently has become very interested in books that have actual photos so we read several of those. Again, there are not too many words that begin with the letter X so we had to settle for a lot of book titles that just use the letter.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Our "X" books this week were:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Xavier Ox's Xylophone Experiment-Barbara deRubertis</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Fox in Socks- Dr. Seuss</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Jessica's X-Ray- Pat Zonta</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Hattie and the Fox- Mem Fox</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Taxi Dog- Debra Barracca</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. My Mom Has X-ray Vision- Angela McAllister</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Mom Has X-ray Vision was our favorite book this week. We talked about what superpower we would have. Max said he would want to fly and be really strong like the hulk and his super name would be "Super Maxy Boy." I can't argue. Max responded really well to this book...who doesn't love a good superhero story? Since we try to do an art project with all of our books, we made daddy some new art for his office:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those are the Avengers. Obviously.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our Montessori trays this week was so successful, Max has been pulling it out all week and weekend. He thought it was a game (point 1 for mommy). I took some of his cars and labeled them with the letters and numbers we were working on in all different colors. I then labeled the tray in corresponding colors. He had to "park" the cars in their rightful spots. This seriously took me maybe 5 minutes to put together and has literally provided hours of entertainment. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also tried out yoga at our favorite place, <a href="http://www.werockthespectrumbocaraton.com/">We Rock the Spectrum</a> in Boca. If you haven't gone with your little(s) yet, you are really missing out. The class is fantastic and we will be attending every week. We even have used the breathing and relaxation techniques we learned throughout the week. Max has also been walking around the house saying "mamastay." He'll get it. :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the special events we did this week was celebrating National Play-Doh day. Play-doh is incorporated in our trays often. Sometimes we "trace" letters and numbers with it, sometimes we use a pizza cutter to build practical life skills with it, the possibilities are pretty endless. We went to a local library where they had fun activities set up for all the kids. Max and I made this awesome dinosaur flying a kite. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Side Note: People always ask me where I get my ideas for activities for Max during the week. The library is usually my first resource. Not only does it give Max something to do, it's free (my favorite price), but I take the opportunity to talk to other parents and swap ideas. I cannot reiterate enough that the social aspect of home schooling requires work on your part, but if you start doing it, you'll meet enough people where you can easily fill your week up simply by sharing ideas. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The science project that we did this week dealt with absorption. It took not much preparation but provided a solid hour of quiet (ie, laundry folding time). It's called "Walking Water." Check the pin out <a href="http://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/walking-water-science-experiment-kids/">here</a>. We did yellow and blue to make Max's favorite (this week) color, green. We were both pretty amazed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to the upcoming week. I have a lot of really really ideas and games planned so stay tuned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But before I go, every time I talk to someone they ask if they can share my blog, comment on it, etc. The answer is a resounding yes. Please, PLEASE share. Comment, post, ask me questions, give me ideas to write about or tips to try. I'm here and I'm listening. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-11971448166770102302015-09-17T16:44:00.000-07:002015-09-18T07:30:14.898-07:00World's OKayest Mom<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently bought a T-Shirt that I love. It's heather grey, looks perfect with my signature jeans, flip-flops and pony tail and reads in big, bold, block, black letters "World's Okayest Mom." I get a lot of compliments on it. "Cute Shirt." "Holy Crap! Where did you <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Okayest-Shirt-Funny-Mothers/dp/B00K7GO1GQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442531997&sr=8-1&keywords=worlds+okayest+mom">get that</a>? I need one!" Etc. Etc. Etc. To which I</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> usually reply sarcastically (also part of my signature look) "Yeah. I'm just keeping it real."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But here's the thing...I really AM just keeping it real. I'm not trying to "out-mom" you. I'm not here to debate about vaccines or circumcision or CIO versus Attachment Parenting. I'm not here to pass judgement on you because your four-year-old uses a pacifier and refuses to learn to go on the potty. And honestly, if you co-sleep (which we still do), that's your choice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're doing extended breastfeeding? Awesome! You're formula feeding? Great! You went back to work and your partner is with your baby? Fantastic! You can't bear the thought of a weekend without your little? Delightful! Is your kid happy? Good. That's all that matters. Really. Truly and honestly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ladies (and some gents). I don't get it. It's hard enough out there already for us. We have legislators (the majority of whom lack a vagina) making decisions about our personal health concerns and choices. We live in a country where just now, who you choose to marry does not rely solely on their genitalia (and that fight is still happening despite recent strides). We live in a world where in some places, if a girl dares to go to school, she may get shot. The last thing we need to be doing is bringing each other down along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I live by a very specific mantra. I don't care what color you are, what God you pray to, what your political outlook is, who you sleep with or where you graduated from. If you treat me and everyone else with kindness, respect and love, let's be friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here's an idea. I challenge all of you out there, regardless if you are a parent or not, make this the best final quarter of the year ever. Practice random acts of kindness. Everyday. Open your mind to the possibility that a different opinion isn't incorrect, just different. Open doors. Choose to breathe instead of yell. Choose love over confrontation. Go the extra mile. Support each other. Point out good work instead of pointing out blame. Speak the truth and silence the gossip. Include new people into your circle. See how quickly your lives change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to you, my fellow moms and dads, I challenge you to be the person your kid thinks you are. Stop whispering about other parents and children. Stop comparing your life to everyone else. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put away your own soap box and pedestal. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put on your cape. Jump in puddles, be a bit more patient, laugh more and worry about the spills later. It's just a phase...so don't miss it.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-34686596347182693382015-09-15T17:27:00.002-07:002015-09-15T17:27:10.461-07:00The Big Trip<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max and I recently took a big adventure to the midwest to visit my family. This was my first trip with him solo so the airport was very nerve wracking. Carrying a carseat and holding his hand was tough but totally worth it. Aside from a minor hiccup with the car rental, we were off on a really big, amazing adventure. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRO7hH99kBmOsSMmvJvWDiRUeCIIpYQjKrbJQiCPUlkcDyQN4yMB7EGQrU9vYxzCNQA4sCYdv-UlLuJQL4Sx-Dq7aefWirpVBNrQ7l9F1jnTCd5aXoawwnHH8I73urq3qmtlOYdx_iElG/s1600/20150829_150759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRO7hH99kBmOsSMmvJvWDiRUeCIIpYQjKrbJQiCPUlkcDyQN4yMB7EGQrU9vYxzCNQA4sCYdv-UlLuJQL4Sx-Dq7aefWirpVBNrQ7l9F1jnTCd5aXoawwnHH8I73urq3qmtlOYdx_iElG/s320/20150829_150759.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started in Chicago where my cousin who also happens to be one of my closest friends, Allison, lives. She recently got her first big girl, post college job and is living in the cutest little place near Wrigley. She was nice enough to open her home to us for several nights. The next day my mother's four sisters\(including Allison's mom) picked us up and brought us to the zoo. It was a bit hot but pretty amazing and much larger than our zoo back home. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ34HqK3IXFd3NUFv6ehwqLitU3DIwt0a9K8snoQw0knZvG3bTY67UgwZ8spmA2Tkj64lKM6Noaxch5Jm9J3iI-a_ADsBKzceaFg0lQBg_jyNyMml9B0DlSJIRzjS2L4MCJK3i88ZI-Ea/s1600/2015-08-30+20.35.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ34HqK3IXFd3NUFv6ehwqLitU3DIwt0a9K8snoQw0knZvG3bTY67UgwZ8spmA2Tkj64lKM6Noaxch5Jm9J3iI-a_ADsBKzceaFg0lQBg_jyNyMml9B0DlSJIRzjS2L4MCJK3i88ZI-Ea/s320/2015-08-30+20.35.32.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were then off to spend time in East Chicago, Indiana with my father's family. Including my grandmother who can still throw down some pretty amazing Polish food. The kind that sticks to your ribs and makes you sleep like it's Thanksgiving. And also you feel a bit guilty for liking it so much. Max even cleared two plates!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our adventure then left us off to Lowson, MI to visit my cousin, Juli, who has two girls, Amelia and Adeline who are around Max's age. She welcomed us into her beautiful, new home in the country. Legit country as in driving through vineyards and zero cellphone service. Which was actually really awesome. It forced us to do things like...talk. Max and Amelia hit it off like they were old friends, It was sad to go the next morning, but we can't wait to go back for a follow up visit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bfoE1x-hcjAVPjw5clxrBcDRhTYzTLxiWrIYGRlk5pp1Rm8ziokDTcF7xrskRmsZXLIZ7EO-hcb2K4QzIR5yVn0OePGUsnzTma3eoqjSV7PXWIOzDphO6WWtvWJ5kUxNHxGxIro7zMYU/s1600/20150902_092907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bfoE1x-hcjAVPjw5clxrBcDRhTYzTLxiWrIYGRlk5pp1Rm8ziokDTcF7xrskRmsZXLIZ7EO-hcb2K4QzIR5yVn0OePGUsnzTma3eoqjSV7PXWIOzDphO6WWtvWJ5kUxNHxGxIro7zMYU/s320/20150902_092907.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we headed to Chesterton, Indiana where my mom would be meeting up with Max and I to visit with her side of the family for the reminder of our trip. This also included a super fun adventure in Chicago again for some real sight seeing. We visited Millennium Park, home of the famous Bean, a brand new park and a splash area. The evening was topped off with a picnic in the park and a very sleepy boy on the ride home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTr6nnNom_EsdLwON7TAtyxjnu0k5y-kSm_AJ72uczyOue3HoebcPYchXo2XsjFJCXlE8ky9c_uEmrHytNr9qJ4h3I9kkPAISYI5iKBMgL5MZG5RmkpD6HaBfAMbhH9Xl4Kn7LJFHdorL/s1600/20150903_135739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTr6nnNom_EsdLwON7TAtyxjnu0k5y-kSm_AJ72uczyOue3HoebcPYchXo2XsjFJCXlE8ky9c_uEmrHytNr9qJ4h3I9kkPAISYI5iKBMgL5MZG5RmkpD6HaBfAMbhH9Xl4Kn7LJFHdorL/s320/20150903_135739.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXwXj3Ggsast_dvcEwbFBzdYSb-rNP5-vDIj9Kjmn50BNGzLlvnO7Uyp2bqyqQjTpRVF9q18xbQMx6A6wYWVaaKxD-tQNND-E5fc-6zOABeoMBwYxLPbzgEggVqzmK6jSunlwv8-lATlw/s1600/20150903_122909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXwXj3Ggsast_dvcEwbFBzdYSb-rNP5-vDIj9Kjmn50BNGzLlvnO7Uyp2bqyqQjTpRVF9q18xbQMx6A6wYWVaaKxD-tQNND-E5fc-6zOABeoMBwYxLPbzgEggVqzmK6jSunlwv8-lATlw/s320/20150903_122909.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we visited all of my family...cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. The most important thing we did was visit my Grandmother with my mom there. She's in an Assisted Living facility and time seems to be going too fast these days. It's important to me that Max gets to know her in person. He always knew who she was through stories and pictures, but I wanted him to have some solid, concrete memories of her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a saying that goes "Do not send flowers to my funeral. Do not come and visit my grave. Do not mourn for the conversations we never had. Send me flowers today for me to put on my table. Visit my home and listen to my stories. Call me and talk to me when you have a moment. Time is cruel and unrelenting. Today is beautiful and I am here." That has been sticking with me more in recent weeks. While we may not have had the funds, I simply explained to my husband that I will regret every chance I never took to get a four generation photo. Being awesome and supportive, he made that whole week happen for us. And I was able to get this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98f50HEwtiy6ghyphenhyphenWT_yeOyU66t50kBXdjWmf7RyfSpnphbkEEUd88A-Zbs0AFmfrCAVwHd0uLbVQ5eCkPCMcA7PcUDp8bzxGrW7qQdXqQTmtk4s4h9u45eum0MzJrkrnJ8xw1Y_tzdNmd/s1600/20150902_185103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98f50HEwtiy6ghyphenhyphenWT_yeOyU66t50kBXdjWmf7RyfSpnphbkEEUd88A-Zbs0AFmfrCAVwHd0uLbVQ5eCkPCMcA7PcUDp8bzxGrW7qQdXqQTmtk4s4h9u45eum0MzJrkrnJ8xw1Y_tzdNmd/s320/20150902_185103.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worth. Every. Penny.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-79649966442076732612015-09-15T16:55:00.004-07:002015-09-15T16:55:45.971-07:00Tot School Week 1- Letter A<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week Max and I started our latest adventure...Tot School. Basically it's the entire curriculum his older friends in VPK are learning with some twists along the way. So far, we're both loving it and Max wakes up excited to see what activities we're going to do. I figured in the words of Julie Andrews "let's start at the very beginning. It's a Very good place to start." So we started with the letter A. I (thankfully) got some fantastic advice about teaching the letters out of order so if you were expecting a post on the letter B next week, you'd be wrong. BOOM. Mind=BLOWN.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL99aQhjxC2S_D4cNYtukHhLNtipoozpeEGHEi61-CMpRO3cuVHydZajjhZLBsfmgNlayl7to2WyYlusWlp4tTLDXuxMnhjzuAMOmlNlUaRCO-yYDkdInFa0kxD4nvhYli-wy2valcIFa/s1600/20150908_083915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL99aQhjxC2S_D4cNYtukHhLNtipoozpeEGHEi61-CMpRO3cuVHydZajjhZLBsfmgNlayl7to2WyYlusWlp4tTLDXuxMnhjzuAMOmlNlUaRCO-yYDkdInFa0kxD4nvhYli-wy2valcIFa/s320/20150908_083915.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.pbclibrary.org/">Palm Beach Library System</a> is awesome for starters. I can go online, request the books I want, they put them together and I pick them up at my preferred branch. They even take care of transferring books between branches...so one trip and I have all of my books for the week. Minus, of course, the 10 that Max will pick out on his own. And if you're a parent reading this and considering tot school, or if you have kids in general, get your child his/her own library card. It teaches them deadlines, borrowing and responsibility. I highly recommend it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F8RC37y-PB3Svv9pDuCIKcgvm8Iw-BKSCWyYvrydlK1Sp8eo4H3MRKpzq2kxdzRLNM7iFP9qwXbk-8Q51XDNVZpTAy1kvo3m8BUd_4TQAd6Pf39LbeiFP9tw1XhKTgKpeZQG8Lxvac0v/s1600/20150822_111516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F8RC37y-PB3Svv9pDuCIKcgvm8Iw-BKSCWyYvrydlK1Sp8eo4H3MRKpzq2kxdzRLNM7iFP9qwXbk-8Q51XDNVZpTAy1kvo3m8BUd_4TQAd6Pf39LbeiFP9tw1XhKTgKpeZQG8Lxvac0v/s320/20150822_111516.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to books. I picked eight books for the week at two per day (it was Labor Day so we only did four days). All of the books had "A" words in them. As Max and I have a goal to read 1,000 books by spring break, I'll be numbering all of the books we read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. There's an Alligator Under my Bed- Mercer Mayer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Zack's Alligator-Shirley Mozelle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Zack's Alligator and the First Snow-Shirley Mozelle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Hey Little Ant-Phillip & Hannah Hoose (this one has a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj6Xuyr7DDQ">song</a> to it.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World-Marjorie Priceman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. The Apple Pie Tree-Zoe Hall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. The Lady with the Alligator Purse-Mary Ann Hoberman & Nadine Bernard Westcott</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Alexander Anteater's Amazing Act-Barbara deRubertis</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alexander Anteater's Amazing Act is part of the <a href="http://kanepress.com/animal-antics-a-to-z/">Animal Antics</a> series. I just recently discovered this and while the stories are a bit long, We really enjoy them. There are 26 students in Alpha Betty's class and there is a book on each of them. All of the books have an alliterated title such as this and come in really handy for less frequently used letters like Q, W and X. They're super cute books so if your little enjoys longer stories, I highly recommend them. They're awesome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We try to do at least one art activity to go with each book. I'd show you our egg carton alligator, but it's truly embarrassing. as in my 3 year old said "don't take a picture of that, mommy." embarrassing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to Books and Art, I have incorporated Montessori style "trays" into our daily routine. While I don't fully agree with Montessori style teaching for older children, it has its merits in tot and elementary schooling. That's just my opinion please hold off on the torches and lynch mobs. The trays vary from sensory, fine motor skills, to literacy and mathematics to practical life skills...I cannot stress the importance of that one. I try to set out between three and four trays a day. He can do them in whichever order he chooses, but he must do them all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So prior to the week starting, I made a bunch of rainbow rice. It's pretty simple, 1 cup of rice, 1 Tablespoon of vinegar and a few drops of food coloring. Mix it all up in a ziplock bag and dump it on a cookie sheet. Let it dry for a bit and put it all in a bin. Good times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then buried small "A" items in the bin. Decorative apples, toy airplanes, acorns, etc. I handed max the bin with a spoon and a shovel and told him to have at it. Seriously hours of entertainment. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zYU3QGAzdlnwUeHMoq5PD-zWOiNMEsN_ZboLVEOEMI2dz2ZaDCLzkQgZfnw2qJGHsdST8SmP5qJ3p8CYRjTN3lFIJdFKff2m9YdFXe_SQVdieVvaygr7V00_w13hIV1pkcNoJ_iWgvCA/s1600/20150910_104326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zYU3QGAzdlnwUeHMoq5PD-zWOiNMEsN_ZboLVEOEMI2dz2ZaDCLzkQgZfnw2qJGHsdST8SmP5qJ3p8CYRjTN3lFIJdFKff2m9YdFXe_SQVdieVvaygr7V00_w13hIV1pkcNoJ_iWgvCA/s320/20150910_104326.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other bins he really responds well to are the practical life skills. Things like cutting zigzag lines out of paper, using a broom to sweep beans onto specific areas, pouring liquid from large containers to smaller ones (learn from my mistakes and put a towel down first). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also did a lot of sorting. This can be as simple as taking a handful of Fruit Loops and having your child sort by color. Just be prepared for them to ask you every 30 seconds if they can eat them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also get pretty creative and make puzzles...and yes, even apple shaped PB&J. That's just how I roll.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7u9LQdbon2b1zPjl4sumZFdvJSMXC_XNZYqOHbMG3hS6QrkL0Tb5orI6oKrH8yDm3hCTAN4SDzO8kjAeEPuKjy0oGBv8g70_VO4BDnLSFx0rOdDXxJmPKDS51hHem5j0KfR9VXOFbFWv/s1600/20150909_125153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7u9LQdbon2b1zPjl4sumZFdvJSMXC_XNZYqOHbMG3hS6QrkL0Tb5orI6oKrH8yDm3hCTAN4SDzO8kjAeEPuKjy0oGBv8g70_VO4BDnLSFx0rOdDXxJmPKDS51hHem5j0KfR9VXOFbFWv/s320/20150909_125153.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have many people asking me about his socialization. This takes some work but it's imperative to homeschooling. Max is currently in a music class...and let me tell you, dear reader, you have not LIVED until you have spent your Monday mornings in a room of two to four-year-olds in an instrument parade. It's as louder than you're imagining. I also take advantage of many of the free events around town and at the various libraries in my area. Last week for example was National Teddy Bear Day and a local library was having a Teddy Bear Picnic where every child could bring their lovies, hear stories, have snacks, sing songs and do crafts. So yes, this part requires real planning and effort on your part, but you've come this floor. The dishes and laundry can wait. Go play and learn.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr70Mjgj0WDG4coTxoolT-4ZVsqqm0BZE-2oNL8ufNdGgcnolzjKT0OdJoz8k96EuaiYZSFYWGF33whg5KQs4q3E4QOfvP11FWKY_gbT4zp7Ax1kLO2YyNW7qEfzARXlwoL7P2tKuMNeC/s1600/20150909_140855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr70Mjgj0WDG4coTxoolT-4ZVsqqm0BZE-2oNL8ufNdGgcnolzjKT0OdJoz8k96EuaiYZSFYWGF33whg5KQs4q3E4QOfvP11FWKY_gbT4zp7Ax1kLO2YyNW7qEfzARXlwoL7P2tKuMNeC/s320/20150909_140855.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-39762807023024724362015-08-21T14:18:00.001-07:002015-08-21T14:18:13.729-07:00My Happy Place<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Max,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently you have become very concerned with my favorite things and if they change from day to day. "Mommy. what's your favorite color? Is it yellow today like yesterday?" "Mommy. Is playing with me your favorite thing to do today?" "Mommy. Do you like to do crafts today?" And very recently you asked me what my happy place is and I gave you several answers and you were puzzled that I couldn't give you one, definitive Happy Place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I understand this is so confusing for you. "Mommy. <a href="http://www.werockthespectrumbocaraton.com/">We Rock </a>is still my happy place today. Is We Rock your happy place today?" So many places make me so happy for so many reasons.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFcWkE1aKX4fwmkPMzt4eNaF6STpMU83Cc5i4fCPYCrLo7MdURxcMYpEw-8xopBQ4tr58H5LjReIHl2ba2wzEiiAYUhJE_28S5T1GjiYy-CIFeM3FQzsS_oMsfcVd2ge47CO4B-Zc52vN/s1600/20150813_093903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFcWkE1aKX4fwmkPMzt4eNaF6STpMU83Cc5i4fCPYCrLo7MdURxcMYpEw-8xopBQ4tr58H5LjReIHl2ba2wzEiiAYUhJE_28S5T1GjiYy-CIFeM3FQzsS_oMsfcVd2ge47CO4B-Zc52vN/s320/20150813_093903.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you, anything having to do with the fall in New England was my happy place. Not Pumpkin Spiced flavored everything, but real fall. The air when you could feel the last rays of the summer sun slipping away. The crunching of leaves on my shoes. The smell of wood stoves and cinnamon and apples. The taste of real cider at <a href="http://www.bfclydescidermill.com/">Clydes</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you it was lazy days in the pool. It was long sips of wine and fancy dinners with your dad that lasted hours...and we both got to use both of our hands to eat as opposed to coloring on the backs of menus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you, it was long road trips with playlists not featured in a Disney/Pixar film. Stuck in a car with snacks and friends and figuring things out along the way. The boardwalk in Atlantic City. A trip to the Beach off of Savannah Tybee Island. A jaunt to the original KFC in Kentucky. A hike up a mountain in Tennessee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then you came. And my concept of favorite was forever changed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's brushing the sand off of your legs and feet after we went treasure hunting on the beach. Paying for another ride on the train at the zoo. Waiting in line for 30 minutes for you to meet a character at Disneyworld. It's your little hand that so earnestly wraps itself around my index and middle finger for protection. It's home. It's the nightly routine of you taking a bath and making up stories for your toys. Of it being 90 degrees outside and you telling me "I'm freezing" so that you're 'forced' to lay heart to heart with me as I breathe in your shampoo and you fumble my necklace and we talk about our adventures. It's the sleepy face you give me as you beg me "One more story." "please sing me Rainbow Connection/Over the Rainbow/Imagine one more time mommy." And I always relent. It's the amazing, glorious, wonderful sound of your squealing laughter as we 'race' to see who can make it to the ice cream first or when I tickle you so hard you seem to not be able to breathe. It's the times when only my kisses can cure your boo boos and worries. Where my hugs solve all of your big problems. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so my sweet, amazing little boy. My happiest place is you. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing. That is my new happy place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you. As you are. Completely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mommy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-65712787436871595162015-08-06T18:29:00.000-07:002015-08-06T18:33:02.923-07:00We Rock The Spectrum<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For any of you who follow me on any sort of social media or anyone who has talked to me for more than 15 seconds, you should know by now that I take mommyhood seriously. I don't mean the "let's debate about vaccines and carseats until we hate each other" seriously, but the "let's find fun activities and play and learn together" kind of seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And every once in a while, I come across a real gem of a place to take Max on an adventure. Thank you to Macaroni Kid, I found <a href="http://www.werockthespectrumbocaraton.com/">"We Rock the Spectrum" </a>right in Boca Raton. (P.S. If you have yet to meet Joyce or sign up for Macaroni Kid, if you're a stay at home parent or not, you're missing out and get on that <a href="http://www.boyntonbeach.macaronikid.com/">here</a>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The moment we walked into "We Rock The Spectrum," I knew we stumbled into something really special. As the name suggests, the kid's gym is well equipped and prepared to handle every child on the spectrum. Their motto is "Finally a Place Where You Never Have To Say I'm Sorry" is something they also take very seriously. Far too often as parents we find it necessary to apologize for our child's behavior. "I'm sorry. He's tired." "I'm sorry, She is going through a phase." "I'm sorry. He was sick last week/going through a growth spurt/teething/Autistic/ ADHD/Non Verbal/Too Smart for his own good." I was reminded gently several times simply that "He's 3. stop apologizing." And while all of us tend to apologize for our child simply because we expect perfection, it's nice to be reminded that there are a lot of people in the same boat as us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were greeted by a warm, energetic and friendly staff. The "coaches" as they're referred to, are above all else, patient and kind. If I have never mentioned it before, it takes Max about 20 minutes to warm up to new places. But at "We Rock," he immediately was ready to go. He was interested in their zip line and one coach helped him by holding him and walking slowly with him down the line. After about four or five tries this way, Max was riding by himself at full speed...and unfortunately for that coach, he ended up riding about 40 times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is also a large trampoline, plenty of toys to share, an Arts & Crafts corner and a bevvy of swings. There is even a hammock that was very tempting for this momma! The best part is hands down the crowd. I've taken Max on more than his share of adventures and never felt as immediately welcomed as I was at "We Rock." And not just by the staff which is saying a lot. Several of the other parents and nannies were equally as kind as the staff and happily stuck up conversations with the new people. It was really refreshing to have such a wonderful experience. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyk2LPl0ooAft-JzBzmgvnEOAPgiHfiOvNanM4BdZ7Z7g8K8SzGJbypbJqtCvYbHUnjfAlF2b8OaEFUb-7X9q2BaBcsqj4uVZBPRwBuzvtLWxFrcINrps9J3CF7XGUu6Kbjp2rhpaZeq4/s1600/20150805_101759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyk2LPl0ooAft-JzBzmgvnEOAPgiHfiOvNanM4BdZ7Z7g8K8SzGJbypbJqtCvYbHUnjfAlF2b8OaEFUb-7X9q2BaBcsqj4uVZBPRwBuzvtLWxFrcINrps9J3CF7XGUu6Kbjp2rhpaZeq4/s320/20150805_101759.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We Rock the Spectrum is open everyday and runs specials on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays with all day open play. They often offer fantastic deals on membership for their classes and will be offering music and story times in the very near future. Siblings are also discounted. They also host many events and update their social media frequently with upcoming specials, events and all around fun. You should <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bocaratonwrts?fref=ts">follow them here</a>. Then pack a lunch and some socks and meet us there.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeQntO6qSxhYRElbSYOvZww1JIyOvVkDCLN01W2LUuYJ-OB-spFbscHXjZxOL79eWmPryTuytd-EVTExkyDJilKe-t0iBexvz0teT0HOTOE5EJCLa90TSj3WaOjJ5ScwC2jFFbkbvQTuJ/s1600/20150805_120205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeQntO6qSxhYRElbSYOvZww1JIyOvVkDCLN01W2LUuYJ-OB-spFbscHXjZxOL79eWmPryTuytd-EVTExkyDJilKe-t0iBexvz0teT0HOTOE5EJCLa90TSj3WaOjJ5ScwC2jFFbkbvQTuJ/s320/20150805_120205.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max With Owner, Gail.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I laid Max down tonight, I kissed him and as usual, he asked me if we were having an adventure tomorrow. "Of course buddy. Do you want to know where we're going?" He sleepily nodded yes. "We're going to go to the gym with the zipline!" "Mommy! I love that adventure! I have so many friends there and it's so fun and I love it and thank you!" I think it's safe to say, we found our new happy place.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Lytd169aANY8hInIule43k6KUhwo2wBizS0iazw2JentXS0hE4i2n7J_d7hZhfrjRtkrZmSO4qxQwh0na7XayPg_OcCd_B9w8oDwPnEjUuMNBUujRm4XNNvtOmMzh9xCNVISJiSXoYSC/s1600/20150805_120138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Lytd169aANY8hInIule43k6KUhwo2wBizS0iazw2JentXS0hE4i2n7J_d7hZhfrjRtkrZmSO4qxQwh0na7XayPg_OcCd_B9w8oDwPnEjUuMNBUujRm4XNNvtOmMzh9xCNVISJiSXoYSC/s320/20150805_120138.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max and two of the coaches at We Rock</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-21254677386965935612015-08-02T08:15:00.001-07:002015-08-02T08:15:46.436-07:00Enough is Enough<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember when Fausto and I first started dating. I remember when he asked me to move in. And I remember immediately after that, the "when are you two kids getting married" questions started. Not that we hadn't talked about getting married, but we didn't need other people reminding us that it was an option that we had clearly forgotten about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember when he proposed. On one knee, in the bedroom of our half of the apartment we shared with his brother with a red box tied with a perfect white bow. I remember planning and registering and the shower my friends threw. I remember getting our own place and getting our first puppy. I remember walking down the aisle and that whole amazing, spectacular time being so blurry and crazy and I remember thinking "This is happy. This is the happiest I will be. Ever. It doesn't get any better than this."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwtbrEaYc1FPD9OYZDUlfCLiOlfmX9KSgaZLMopo3O0YE7OfzlvTsTkri-tIJbADLvIzC6l82PO8tGLrOr2FwKrKUatvEoOznOO2ZMBQXoAuxlMiwac2KHvJiDbU9gD0hzL6ymMBI9o_f/s1600/wEDDING+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwtbrEaYc1FPD9OYZDUlfCLiOlfmX9KSgaZLMopo3O0YE7OfzlvTsTkri-tIJbADLvIzC6l82PO8tGLrOr2FwKrKUatvEoOznOO2ZMBQXoAuxlMiwac2KHvJiDbU9gD0hzL6ymMBI9o_f/s320/wEDDING+1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then the "When are you two kids going to have a baby" questions started. Immediately after the ink was dried on the marriage certificate they started. Not that we hadn't spoken about starting a family, but everyone seemed to be in a real rush for it to happen. We started trying a year later and had success. And then loss. And while we were mourning, we were greeted with good intentioned people reminding us "you can just try again." Like it was placing an order for pizza. "Oh, I asked for pepperoni...can you just make this again?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And after exactly a year, we got pregnant again. And on May 5, 2012, our beautiful son, Max was born. We were parents. Finally. He was here. Our family was complete. Until Max was about a week old when the serious inquiry of "When are you having another one?" started to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it still comes. Every playdate. Every family visit. Every Holiday. It comes. I usually make some sort of joke about it. "Not on purpose. No" "Not anytime soon. No." "Sweet Lord, Why? No!" Is it THAT strange that I'm okay with one kid?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a saying that goes "I knew so much about being a parent before I had kids." And it's totally true. Even while I was pregnant with Max, I always figured we'd have two, maybe even three children. I'd even say things like "When he turns one, we'll try again." Yeah one comes REALLY fast. Like a year later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max just turned three and the answer is still No. Not now. Maybe not ever. And there is always going to be the one (or 20) people who ask...no..tell me "he needs a brother or a sister" but shouldn't the notion of bringing a second (or third or fourth) child into the world be based on what we decide is enough for our family and not some idea that Max needs a built in playmate? You do realize that babies come out not potty trained and ready to play legos, right? That's why he has friends.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6dr6mSmlU_4wevSynwi_U1KoGM6bziQtIn2l6_8zEVjFlG_-GbQDEkaxa9HbiM3BJO7ljQhyphenhyphenAUslNE_hVdw8KUiLagoV_75HORaeXhiHVYpYVq6oiAHNosXVkPFa3eOoBBWHY-rd3jNu/s1600/20150530_130315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6dr6mSmlU_4wevSynwi_U1KoGM6bziQtIn2l6_8zEVjFlG_-GbQDEkaxa9HbiM3BJO7ljQhyphenhyphenAUslNE_hVdw8KUiLagoV_75HORaeXhiHVYpYVq6oiAHNosXVkPFa3eOoBBWHY-rd3jNu/s320/20150530_130315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So for right now, let it be clear that the answer is a resounding NO. As of right this second, Team Awesome is complete. We have enough. And please allow that to be enough for you. And if you are reading this and you're feeling pressure to get married or move forward or have kids, don't. Take your time. Evaluate what your happy looks like. Trust yourself and when your enough is full and not dictated by that pressure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your answers will come. Your happy could be around the corner. Your heart and your gut will never fail you. You are enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-55229792765417532062015-08-02T07:40:00.003-07:002015-08-02T07:40:20.417-07:00Breaking the Silence<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been quiet on here recently, I know. It's not that I haven't had anything to say, on the contrary, I have had plenty to say but little time to write. But as part of my year of monthly resolutions, I am choosing August to start more writing so stay tuned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love to write. I really, honestly, and truly love to write. When I was young in fact, I wanted to be a writer. I guess this counts, right? So I am looking forward to committing to do one thing that I love to do for myself more regularly. I've been caught if this common shuffle of laundry and playing and teaching and adventuring and nurturing and serving and taking care of everyone but me. Not that I am complaining at all...I love my life. I have a great family and good friends. I'm in a great place but I just never find the time for myself these days and the older I get, the more important it seems to have a commodity like alone time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have many adventures in parenting failures and successes to tell you about. There is much to discuss so stay tuned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-21742933305875105702015-02-13T20:24:00.001-08:002015-02-13T20:27:23.499-08:00Dear Max...Things you Should Know About Your Mom (part 1)<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Max,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You look at me with those sparkling eyes and sometimes I don't have answers for you. I don't understand why people can be mean. And, when it happens to you, it makes me want to cry for your hurt and have words with whomever caused you pain. Sometimes you'll chase an older kid around who, simply, does not want to play with you. Later you'll tell me that it makes your heart sad. And I'll tell you that you're wonderful. That I will always play ball with you. That you have a million great qualities that I want the world to see and know about you. I'll tuck you in bed, kiss your cheek, and then cry alone for your hurt heart. And sadly, your heart will hurt another day for another reason. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I worry about the world. I worry about this place where practicing kind acts randomly is considered a big deal instead of the norm. Max, it is important that you do your best to always be kind. It requires a little more work but the blessings that come and the light in the dark that guides your heart is worth the effort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I worry that one day you'll come across someone who will tell you that it isn't OK to like princesses and Tinkerbell because you're a boy. It is TOTALLY OK to like princesses and Tinkerbell. They are brave and funny and smart. And they make mistakes. And they learn lessons. They're great friends and they sometimes take unpopular positions because it's the right thing to do. These are fantastic qualities in a hero...male or female. They're great qualities to keep in your heart. They're qualities I want you to have as a man. (However, they have set you up for a lifetime of unrealistic hair expectations.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I worry that you don't know that when I am upset with something you did or you're standing in a corner being punished, that you don't understand it's because I love you. My job, my soul purpose for breathing and being on this planet is to be your mom. Being your mom means keeping you safe and raising you to be a decent adult. And the enormous amount of pressure that comes along with that responsibility sometimes leaves me without breath. And when you're standing in that corner for the two minutes that seems like a lifetime to you, I am struggling to fight my own tears and find words to make your heart understand mine. And sometimes I won't get them right. And sometimes you'll think I'm too strict. And that's OK, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because there is so much light in the worry. There is you. There is that hair that I pay to have cut every month that you shove under a baseball hat whenever possible. There is the quiet you so desperately enjoy. There is a boundless and colorful imagination that I see in the "shows" you put on for your stuffed animals. There are the stories you tell me when you wake up from naps about pirates and fairies. Every piece of paper you find is a "treasure map, mommy!" and every out-of-place pebble, shell and feather becomes something to be collected and put in your treasure box. The big dreams that you dream are fantastic and amazing and you should always dream them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there are those two big brown eyes that look up at me longing for all of the answers the universe holds. And all I can muster is "I love you. So much." But the funny thing is, I think that IS the answer. To everything. The dark and the light. All of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you. Completely. As you are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mommy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-72388204356927364912015-01-22T19:49:00.003-08:002015-02-13T20:27:03.121-08:00There Goes Mother of The Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's January and I am out of the running for Mother of the Year already. Yep. Me. Out. Done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Yes, I am my worst critic. I feel like I fail my little buckaroo everyday. I'm not as patient as I would like one day. I'm too busy doing the floors to color the next. I even have corrected his hitting a friend of me by lightly slapping his hand or his bum, which, even typing it, I can see is highly illogical.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> (Side note: I have stopped this. Standing in the corner is the new form of discipline in Casa Awesome).</i></span> But as frustrated as I get at him for not listening, I forget that he, in fact, hears everything...even the muffled, under-my-breath utters that I hope he isn't hearing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to warn you before you continue, while this is a funny story, I do not think it's "cute" and I'm really not proud of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a few days ago. Maybe a week. Max and I were running errands. He had his ziploc of Pirate's Booty, sippy cup, and his Woody the Cowboy and stuffed Mickey Mouse in the seat to keep him company. We came to a stop light and we were two or three cars deep. The lane to my left was a turning lane. This lane got their green light before our own lane. Well, the first driver in the turn lane who now had a green arrow took more than a second to put their car in gear. This prompted the driver behind him to obnoxiously start honking their horn. As the horn sound died, from the backseat of the car, I hear "Relax, Asshole."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just like that, being the mom every mom aspires to be in 2015 went away. In January. I am ruining my kid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I said "Max, we don't say that word." To which he replied "You and dada say that word." So I made a promise to stop. And holy crap is it HARD! If you know me, you know that I have the type of potty mouth that would make a drunken sailor blush. But alas, the selective hearing of a toddler has come back to bite me in the butt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yes, there is the possibility that I am being really hard on myself. But I can tell you this. Being a parent is like having a giant mirror follow you everywhere you go only it only shows your back fat and arm waddle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what it boils down to, I have only been a parent for as long as Max has been a kid. I learn something new about it everyday. I learn something new about myself everyday. And I learn that my baby will go to bed tonight and tomorrow will be a new chance to be better. To do better. To keep new promises. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the interim, if you happen to be a mom or dad in the same boat as me, and you can relate to me at all, then posting this truly embarrassing story has been worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to my dear Max. My little Buckaroo. One day you're going to read this. And we're going to laugh about it and yes, I will tell it to your future partner because that's what moms do. And I am promising you now, I'm trying hard to improve for you everyday. And I know I put a lot of pressure on myself and that affects you. I'm going to try to stop that. Every time you tell me "no" or throw a tantrum, I'm going to tell myself that it's you screaming the words "I'm a kid" at me. And in turn, I'll lower my expectations for perfection...for both of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see baby boy, all I want is for you to know that I love you. All I want is for you to be the happiest you that you can be. Whatever that means. I will support and love you no matter what. Even if you hate me for telling you no or keeping you safe. That's my job. And I plan on doing it better every day for every breath that I take on this earth. Even when you really don't like me, I will still kiss you every night and tell you to go dream your big dreams because that is all I really want for you. And yes, darling boy, I am going to make mistakes. And then we'll hold hands and you'll be equally holding mine as I do yours. And we'll go to be and tomorrow will be a new day. I love you. All the colors you have inside have not been invented yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-56350664279345135612014-12-26T21:42:00.000-08:002014-12-26T21:42:16.556-08:00For The Ladies: The 5 Friends You Should Probably Break Up With<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have all gone through a breakup that leaves us crying into a pint of Ben and Jerry's wondering what we did wrong. Drowning sorrows and feelings into a bottle of wine (and by bottle, I mean case. Let's get real). And yes, we turn to our girlfriends who convince us that it's their loss. He/She'll come around and realize what they lost and by then, you will have moved on. That you're good enough, smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like you. But what if it's one of those girls who has seen you at your lowest, runny eyeliner low that needs to be broken up with?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep. I'm talking about the friend breakup. I hate to be a traitor to my gender, but ladies, we're insane. Yes, even you. And yes, definitely me. And I am here to tell you, sometimes it just needs to be done. Here are the five friends you will probably, and sometimes sadly, break up with in your adult life. What better way to start off a New Year?!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Relationship Hermit: </b>We all know her. You go to every birthday party, happy hour and dinner event together. And then she gets a new boyfriend and becomes completely consumed. You fail to exist. All of this friend's conversations start with "Oh My Gosh! It's been forever." Not, of course because you haven't tried to reach out to her, but because her new boyfriend/girlfriend needs her constant and undivided attention. While I'm sure she's trying to get all Beyonce on him/her to "Put a Ring On It," remember we have all been THIS friend. And if you're reading this and it is you, you're listening to the wrong pop star. In the illustrious words of the Spice Girls "If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends" (in a non creepy sexual way).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Toxicity Level: 6</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Deal: Ride it out if you really enjoy your time together. Consider how much you hate heels and tulle if she asks you to be a bridesmaid. </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The One Sider: </b>You've attended every birthday party for her over the past 5 years and spent time tracking down the perfect gift that makes her bawl immediately upon seeing it. But she hasn't remembered the month you were born in let alone the specific day, ever. She has bailed on plans so many times that you deliberately double book knowing she isn't going to follow through. She always says "We need to catch up/Hang out" But can answer a text/call/email. Listen. We're too old for this. Everyone is busy. No one has time for this. You're better than this friend. Promise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Toxicity Level: 9. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>How to Deal: Follow boyfriend/girlfriend breakup protocol. Unfollow on all social media, do not respond to communication. Kill friendship with fire. Drink Wine. LOTS of wine. Try not to drunk text.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Put-You-Down: </b>Okay. Can I just ask this? Why do we put up with people that make us feel bad about ourselves? Seriously! What is it? Here's the beauty of being a grown up. You don't HAVE to be friends with anyone if you don't want to. (and also you can eat ice cream for breakfast.) This is not high school, folks. If you are with someone who makes you self conscious because they put you down for what you look like or who you are, this is someone you do not need to be around. Find people who couldn't care less if you put on weight or decide to go sans makeup to the supermarket or wear yoga pants to target. Your life will immediately begin to improve once you remove people who poison your psyche with negative things about yourself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Toxicity Level: 8</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>How To Deal: Wake Up. Be Awesome. Repeat Daily.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The 'I can't believe she has other friends': </b>There's an old saying that goes "Any friend of (insert name) is a friend of mine." It would be ADORABLE if that's how it worked in real life. And, I hate to say it again ladies, but why can't we just welcome other people who happen to have vaginas into the flock? If I have a friend who I hang out with everyday and that friend or I move away, I don't expect my good buddy to wait for me to come out to visit before she checks out the social scene. I have met some of my closest friends through other close friends. But yet, some ladies cannot handle the notion that you're hanging out with new people. I hate to say it, but this is one of those things from High School that seems to follow us into adulthood. I didn't understand it in high school and I certainly do not understand it now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Toxicity Level: 4</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>How To Deal: A real friend will likely get over her own issues and maybe even start to like your new peeps. If she doesn't, drink wine. LOTS of wine.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Old Jeans: </b>Everyone has them. They fit just like sweat pants but you can wear them in public. You can pull them on without dealing with the button or the zipper and there is a threadbare area in between the thighs where your chub rub is (no? Just me? well, then fuck you!) But let's face it. They haven't fit you right for years. Your back pocket is at your calf and the bottoms are completely frayed. But we keep them around for comfort. But every. Move. They. Make. is COMPLETELY annoying and makes you furious. But you have been friends for SO long that you can't toss them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Toxicity Level: 2</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>How to Deal: Suck it up, Buttercup. This chick has too much dirt on you for you to walk away quietly. You're in it for the long haul. May I suggest the Pinot?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Poor Me/Lucky You: </b>The worst of the worst. They can never be happy for you because they're focused on their own sadness. Perfect example: I had a friend who was going through a terrible divorce a few years ago. It was incredibly sad and she leaned on me a bit for emotional support. I felt awful for her. Towards the end was my own wedding. The happiest day of my life. She (for starters, and believe me, I am paraphrasing) guilted me into making her a bridesmaid, got upset when she was told she was not the maid-of-honor, and then to top it off, wanted to update me on the latest with her ex husband. At. My. Reception. *sigh* Then it all boiled over when she told me she was taking her kids and moving somewhere out of state. I didn't hear from her in months. Then I get a random text "HI! Guess what? I'm pregnant! And I am getting married. Isn't that awesome?" Nope. Thought you were laying dead in a ditch. We're done being friends. I have wine to drink.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in short, if you have someone in your life that can't celebrate your highs without bringing you down with their lows, cut the cord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Toxicity Level: 10</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>How To Deal: Live a happy life. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In closing I would just like to say that I really am blessed to have the greatest group of girlfriends. Ladies, You know who you are, keep on being insanely awesome. And please...PLEASE let's just stick to drinking wine. A LOT. OF. WINE. (Here are a few) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-88920317754181470142014-12-05T20:18:00.000-08:002014-12-05T20:25:56.336-08:00The Kitchen Set<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week we were gifted with a toy kitchen for Max. It has lights and sounds. It has an oven and a microwave and a sink and a prep counter. It's adorable. We are very thankful that our neighbors thought of us as they were making room for Santa. I immediately brought it inside and handed Max a wooden spoon, a small cake pan, bowl and a pot that never gets used. He asked to put his apron and toque. We didn't hear from him for hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was disturbed that only a day or two later on one of the mommy sites that I read someone asked "Moms of daughters. At what age did you give her a kitchen set?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holy. Shit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where do I even start?!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here is my open letter that that mom:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Dear Sexist Mom,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hi. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Get your head out of your ass.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It's 2014.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sincerely,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Kate Teixeira</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in all seriousness, what are we teaching kids? That cooking is women's work? Or that we should teach our girls that at a certain age her role is in the kitchen and to serve?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the thing. You're not raising kids. You're raising adults. And for the love of all things holy, you're not raising a princess. Don't you want your daughter to have a little more self worth? How do you expect her to dream big dreams and have a partner that (gasp) RESPECTS her? That (shock) treats her like an equal? And (aghast) values her as an individual? What if your daughter prefers a race car or a science kit to a kitchen? Would you be gravely disappointed? Kitchen sets are great. They're awesome for pretend, don't get me wrong. But they're great because we're not going to be around forever and you probably want your kid to know how to fulfill the basic need of feeding themselves. So yes, girls, play in the kitchen. But play with a science kit, too. Play in the mud and collect bugs and play wiffleball and skin the shit out of your knees. Wear dresses and eye shadow and perfume. And yes, cook. But date a man that cooks for you, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could rant and rave about this all day. I really could. But I will just end with this. Pink is a color. Blue is a color. Neither is a gender. Boys like to cook. Girls like to cook. Neither is a career to pursue based on what is between your legs. We can do better. We need to do better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-1909115223005468082014-11-21T20:56:00.000-08:002014-11-22T07:46:10.522-08:00Good Eater/ Picky Eater<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I often get asked why Max is such "good eater." Or I get told "you're lucky he eats everything." As I stated in my opening blog post, I promised to write periodically about things I get asked about. This is by far, the topic I get asked about the most. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I figured I would open with a story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite stories my husband tells from his childhood is the time his brother, Joey, decided he wasn't going to eat his dinner. It started off with his brother saying "I don't like (insert food item here)." His mother, Maria said "Fine." Cleared his plate and his brother left the table triumphant in his win against eating whatever fare my mother-in-law had cooked (By the way, she is probably the best cook I know of in real life).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later that evening, Joey was hungry. Maria, being as savvy to the human psyche as she is a pork shoulder, offered Joey his dinner plate that she had carefully wrapped in plastic and returned to the fridge. Joey immediately changed his mind and convinced himself he could hold out to breakfast. This was a battle of both wits and stubbornness. He's bound to win, right? No one is going to starve their own child because he doesn't want to eat his dinner, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning, the boys woke to a breakfast spread like they had never seen. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, the works. They were called to the table. My husband and Father-in law were served a hot, fresh meal. Joey's place had his dinner from the previous night at his place at the table. Maria then gently explained "This is going to rot in a few days. I suggest you eat it now."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It goes to show how much a generation has changed parenting in the area of eating habits. I bring up this funny story because while Maria's methodology may seem a bit harsh, it is certainly effective. While I may not go as far as she does, here are some do's and don'ts about getting your kids to eat better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Have them Cook: </b>I'm not telling you to hand your toddler your Henckels Santoku knife and a deep fryer and saying 'Have at it.' But what I am telling you is that there is plenty that your child starting at age two can help you with in the kitchen. You measure, they pour type of things. Chop your veggies and have them put them in a glass bowl before you saute them. Have them test the noodles and tell you when they're done. And with the plethora of kid friendly recipes on sites like <a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/crafts-and-recipes/recipes">Sproutonline.com, </a> There are literally hundreds of ways to involve your kid in cooking. For example, Max can handle making things like English Muffin Pizza with very little help from me aside from cutting the muffins and putting them in the oven. There's even Masterchef Jr. now! And please <b>Don't </b>stress about the clean up. Your kitchen will be messy but who cares! It's fun and your kid(s) will LOVE cooking for the family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Eat as a Family: </b>Start young. Even if you're eating steak and your baby has just started on mushy foods, Puree whatever you made and feed it to them (as soon as you've ruled out allergies of course). I SWEAR this is why Max will eat everything we give him. And ok, maybe not steak, but you get my point. When we were kids, there was no "Option B because I don't like option A." so that should not be the case now. I often get asked "Wow. Max likes fish. Why is that?" Well, because we eat fish a lot. When I make fish tacos, Max eats fish tacos. Dinner time is family time. And while I admit, yes, sometimes we end up sitting in the living room watching Ellen while we eat dinner, everyone's plate looks the same. Protein, starch, veggie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Implement the "No Thank You Bite" Rule: </b>There is a reason your mother used to tell you "How do you know you don't like it when you have never tried it?" and that's because it's true. BUT new tastes and textures can be scary for kids. So here at Casa Awesome, we are huge fans of the "no thank you bite." So far (knock on wood), Max has only hated one thing: beets. So, we don't serve him beets all that often (though he does have to try them when they're offered. Their taste buds change.) Before you appease your kids and run to the kitchen to improvise a meal that they will eat, have them try what you cooked first. You may be pleasantly surprised on the new foods they add to their repertoire. But (and this is important) <b>DON'T </b>give in. If they're unwilling to at least try, don't rush off to heat up those nuggets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Make a Meal Plan: </b>Everyone knows children thrive more when you set expectations and follow through with them. If they expect chicken on Monday and pizza on Friday, follow through on those things on those days the best that you can. Include them in the process. What do you want want for dinner that is good for everyone? Is there something you liked and we haven't had it in a while? Talk. To. Your. Kids. I cannot stress this enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Let them win once in a while: </b>Max is happy to sit down and eat an avocado with a spoon, but you know what else he loves? Hot dogs. And Mac and cheese. And tater tots. And PB&J. And the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pièce de résistance of toddler food: The chicken nugget. And guess what...I love them too (don't you judge me...judgey mcjudge face). So every so often, That's what we have. And you know what? It's delicious. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>DON'T</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Don't "Hide" food: </b>Just stop. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for. Lie to them about Santa and the tooth fairy. Not meatloaf laced with sweet potatoes and quinoa. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Be a Hypocrite: </b>Don't tell your kids how important eating your veggies is and not choke them down yourself. I promise, your kid sees you tossing your peas away while he was scolded for not eating his. Not. Cool. Maybe try a new way to prepare them that everyone likes. Peas for example, are better sauteed in some coconut oil with salt and garlic than they are steamed. Try it. Thank me later.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Forget YOU'RE THE PARENT: </b><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> While Maria's method may seem unorthodox now, I think there is some valuable merit in it now. She, and you dear reader, are the boss. As my own father would say "When you have a job, make money, do the shopping and contribute to the household funds, you can decide what we eat. Until that day comes, this is what we got." If you're constantly cutting the crusts off of sandwiches and making a second meal because "She won't eat that" then you may be underestimating a child's ability to manipulate the system. They're not dumb. They're not going to starve themselves. Promise.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">I'm not here to tell you what to do to get your picky eater to eat. These are merely the methods we use and have worked for us. So I am crossing my fingers and hoping that they work for you, too. Remember that food can be fun. So get messy, get involved. Get fun aprons and make it an event. Even if you start once a week. I promise, your kid will light up and have so much fun just being with you and you'll have some great memories. And who knows, you may just be raising the next Gordon Ramsay.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-43490136391768659842014-11-18T18:59:00.001-08:002014-11-18T18:59:20.055-08:00While You Were Playing<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Dear Boy,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been home together for a year now. We have had some trying times, you and me. But like everything, we figured it out together. We have had more playdates than I can count. We have read every book you own five times at least. We have fed ducks and gone on boats. We find turtles in our pond and we make crafts. We go on long walks and you hold my hand and I hold yours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my favorite thing to do is to watch you play. It's when you don't think I am watching you that I get to glimpse at the type of person you are going to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I proudly brag that you are smart and funny and sweet and obviously take after me, I see so much of your daddy. You have his eyes and his smile. And of course, that dimple that everyone falls in love with is also his. But I see the type of man you will be and I already am bursting with pride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see you watch cautiously at a park or playscape. You size up every baby and teenager in there before you jump in. You're content to watch your friends and cousins jump into activities with reckless abandon as you smile on the sidelines to yourself. Perfectly content without the spotlight on you. Always with that dimple in clear sight so I know you really mean it. Just like your dad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see you stop what you're doing when you hear another kid cry. I watch you run over to say "It's ok" and rub their backs. While you point to his or her parent and get their attention. I see you wait until that child is in safe hands before you resume your own play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see you running. Always behind the pack. Not because you're the slowest or a follower, but because it takes you the extra second to join the group and be yourself. To let yourself go and be the silly boy that you truly are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see your friends want to play princesses and you take your dinosaur to the tea party. Because while you are part of the group, you never let go of the things that are important to you. And when your friends decide to do something you have no interest in, I see you again, content on your own, reading to yourself or stuffed animals. Unphased by the fact that your friends have gone on without you. Completely and totally happy. And I hope you never lose that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may be okay not being in the spotlight, but you're the star of my show. You're confidant and sweet like your mom. You're cautious and just the right amount of shy like your dad. You're our son. That's for sure. And sometimes...just sometimes, I catch a glimpse of myself in your smile. And then I see that dimple.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you. The way you are. The way you will be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go Dream Those Big Dreams,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Momma</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-39784616877197108332014-11-06T19:53:00.002-08:002014-11-06T19:53:35.940-08:00Growing Pains<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a week of growth and changes here in Casa Awesome. (Yeah, that's what we call our house. Don't you judge me.) A week full of the youngest of us deciding that he makes his own choices and is no longer a baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all started on Halloween. We had a costume all picked out. He was going as Clark Kent. I bought him a four piece suit for $12, a pair of play glasses for $1 and called it a day. He would simply wear everything but the vest over his superman shirt. I would slick his hair down and that would be it. It was a great costume and we gave it a dry run for Boo at the Zoo the week before Halloween.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable, right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As actual Halloween approached, I got VERY excited about the upcoming Holiday Season. Mainly because this is the first year my little man is starting to get the concept of the Holidays. We talked about Halloween a lot. He was excited about the prospect of getting candy and wearing a costume. He loves playing pretend these days and seriously, who doesn't like candy? So when the evening before Halloween came and I reminded him that tomorrow was the big day, imagine my immediate panic when he said "I don't want to be Clark Kent anymore. I was already Clark Kent." (sigh) What was I going to do? Run out the day before Halloween to a party/seasonal shop for a costume? I'm crazy, but I'm not THAT crazy. Frantically I searched Max's closet and then his dress up box. In which I was reminded that my sister had made him a black cape with "Max the Great" on the back and he also had a black top hat at the ready. So off momma went to spend an additional $1.46 for a wooden dowel to paint and this was the result:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crisis Averted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days later, I was in Target looking for a replacement dining room table. Something on the cheap as we are planning a move and I didn't want anything I would have to schlep up north with us. While I didn't find what I was looking for, I came across a sale on toddler beds. This had been a topic of conversation in the house for several weeks. We had one of those fancy schmancy 4-in-1 cribs where you simply buy a conversion kit once you want to "upgrade" it. Fausto and I both knew we were never going to get around to it so instead, I found myself picking up a big boy bed for my baby. Something I wasn't planning on for at least another month or so and therefore was not emotionally or mentally ready for. But there it was in my red cart. A box that undoubtedly had a 25 page step-by-step guide and an allen wrench was being hoisted into the trunk of my Civic. I let Max pick out a set of sheets (Mickey was his choice) and there it was. A whole next phase that I wasn't ready for that was happening with or without me like so many other aspects of raising a young man. Max clapped his hands and kept telling everyone "I have a big boy bed!" I muttered that it made me a little sad and he said "You can be brave momma." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days later, Max officially turned 2 1/2. First the costume switch, then a big boy bed and then an official half birthday. It was too much growing up in such a short period of time. Seriously where do the days and years go. Didn't I JUST have him? Wasn't I just in that recovery room arguing with a nurse who insisted I "get some rest" before they brought my son in to me? Wasn't it just a week ago that I was singing him "Sweet Caroline" in a dark hospital room at 4 AM when the rest of the world seemed to stop and it was just he and I? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But no. That was 2 1/2 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then there was today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I swear it started off like any other day. Max woke up. Fausto woke up and told me to go catch some extra sleep before he left for the day. They would do "guy stuff." Fausto woke me up as usual on his way out the door assisted by Max's "Momma! I miss you! Wake up!" I peeled myself off the bed, kissed the husband and asked my baby what he wanted to eat. I poured the cereal, turned on Tinkerbell (AGAIN) and Max and I were left to our own devices. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then it happened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max darted off to his bathroom where I heard him flushing his Elmo potty. "Baby. That is not a toy. You can flush that when you decide to go potty on it." Elmo potty made it's way to the living room and Max said "I'm going to try now" as he pulled and wretched his way out of his dinosaur pajamas and diaper. And right there in my living room with all of his stuffed animals and Tinkerbell, Max decided that he uses the potty now. Just like that. And I was completely unprepared. Thank GOD for leftover Halloween candy to use as rewards, speakerphone, and an awesome group of friends family that makes a huge deal out of these milestones as everyone got called and told our latest news. Daddy came home from work and Max said "I potty now. Then I eat lollipops." And there it was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As if it was something he woke up and said to himself "Well. Today is the day." As if he had this on his mental calendar for months and failed to tell me. So yes, there was a rush to Target to get the cutest little underpants you ever did see and a bag of M&Ms which are a far more realistic reward. And then there is the little part of my heart that aches for the baby that is completely dependent on me for feeding and clothing and diapering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And like holding his bottle on his own or taking his first steps or sleeping in a toddler bed, Max is doing the guiding. And it is all happening really fast for his mommy who wants to hold on just a little while longer while knowing that you have to let that baby grow into those big dreams that they dream. You have to let that baby fall and skin their knees. You have to let that baby have friends and share secrets with someone other than you. You have to let that baby HAVE secrets. You have to let that baby decide they want "privacy" and "I can read myself, mommy" moments. Then you blink and that baby is a full on little boy. And I hear that little boy voice that reverberates in my head "you can be brave, momma." Yes baby, I can be. You have to guide me though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until Soon,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-91338683267977327422014-10-28T20:11:00.000-07:002014-10-28T20:11:12.967-07:00Pirates and Mermaids<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend was the third annual <a href="http://www.bbpiratefest.com/">Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate and Mermaid Splash Festival</a>. This resembled much of your traditional Renaissance Faire but focused on...wait for it....Pirates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you know, I have a two year old and one of his many obsessions aside from Tinkerbell and Elmo, is Pirates. Jake is his favorite show, when we practice our alphabet, his goes "Q, Arrrgh, S" and so forth. We were very excited about this and ended up dedicating an entire day to the event which covered a few blocks of the downtown Boynton Beach area on Ocean Ave between the library and the <a href="http://www.schoolhousemuseum.org/">Schoolhouse Museum</a>. We went in the morning for the start and the afternoon (post naps) for the end and had a wonderful time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max started the day in his Jake shirt and was excited to have an event to wear his stuffed parrot to.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs_w3SUtyErIS5BW-TiWz99iq_t565ovfiWdpVgMt8wat70pzcgi_qqfKYo1OW-iUVkNwrFDvwXMoUPHj2GtF0-AyYRQBocqO8147hqgR78UGeNdPjxRr6rbLpNkwXIeX2j0hfX17vixo/s1600/20141026_102823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs_w3SUtyErIS5BW-TiWz99iq_t565ovfiWdpVgMt8wat70pzcgi_qqfKYo1OW-iUVkNwrFDvwXMoUPHj2GtF0-AyYRQBocqO8147hqgR78UGeNdPjxRr6rbLpNkwXIeX2j0hfX17vixo/s1600/20141026_102823.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoever thought of putting a parrot on a wristlet is a GENIUS.</td></tr>
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<br />The event was full of vendors. There were people selling corsets and hats. Max oped for a $2 foam sword that was confiscated several times during the day. The mood was immediately set by amazing costumes and groups of "sailors" everywhere singing pirate shanties. Max was completely amazed. Then we came upon <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KidsPiratePartiesSouthFloridaTheAvenger">The Avenger</a>, a wooden pirate ship playground. The cost was $5 for the entire day and totally worth it. It had steam cannons, hammocks, a steering wheel, ladders and slides. I kind of want one for the house. Don't judge me. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5004vfkmVm4c6msGF4_KaY6urXIyXzp55sJWf7RR6zsLR-ikRhBC_AqSEjPqsQ0BqpqgjAtTz_ZscgoCRKSBCuRUeWNm5V1x21jYoZfWPrXkCqOoNPvi1bjwo2Wl3KKPBGU3klpudHs7r/s1600/20141026_111804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5004vfkmVm4c6msGF4_KaY6urXIyXzp55sJWf7RR6zsLR-ikRhBC_AqSEjPqsQ0BqpqgjAtTz_ZscgoCRKSBCuRUeWNm5V1x21jYoZfWPrXkCqOoNPvi1bjwo2Wl3KKPBGU3klpudHs7r/s1600/20141026_111804.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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While the mermaid was really cool looking, the presentation left something to be desired. Her reveal was opened by two showmen who did mainly slight-of-hand tricks which were easily figured out for anyone over the age of 10. Their antics carried on for a bit too long for the large group of kids that were waiting to see the mermaid and once the curtain was drawn back, there was a mad rush of kids and parents to the tank to get pictures. The problem was that they rushed everyone into taking their pictures and anyone stuck in the back (my shy kid for example) never got a chance to really see her because they were closing up shop. So basically I had to explain to my 2 year old that we waited through the 10 minutes before the show to start, plus the show that carried on way too long that his reward was basically to see the top of a tank of water. I was able to get this one decent shot on the walk out. The mermaid is pretty impressive looking, I will give them that! It was just poorly organized and executed for the masses.</div>
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While we remained unimpressed with the mermaid show, there were two that we enjoyed very much.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighFlyingFools">The High Flying Fools</a> are a comedy type duo that also happens to do some impresses feats of strength on several apparatuses. The show was great at including kids as well as making jokes that were meant for adults. A good time was had by all for sure. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious Kazoo playing.</td></tr>
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Ichabod Wainwright, better known as "The Wheel Walker" is the show you want to see. We were lucky enough to see him two years ago at Ren Fest and his performance is still as amazing as it was then. I strongly suggest you check out his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWheelWalker">facebook page</a> just to see his HD Point-of-view videos. Simply amazing. If you get the chance to see him in real life, this is the one show your kid won't ask you to leave every 20 seconds. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE9QNotYUNDirHjYqiOlT1kvMeqG_71T-7Eh61m6MGVTNDMtqrOOaym50R0AMWyhdqH4yRyhyd-cLh4cSiRCa0cxFsIHkJAftL0zWVbhTG9Tc0Fu312ogQer_gEI9UMrJltCJTHZtin6T/s1600/20141026_183643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE9QNotYUNDirHjYqiOlT1kvMeqG_71T-7Eh61m6MGVTNDMtqrOOaym50R0AMWyhdqH4yRyhyd-cLh4cSiRCa0cxFsIHkJAftL0zWVbhTG9Tc0Fu312ogQer_gEI9UMrJltCJTHZtin6T/s1600/20141026_183643.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate, Ichabod and Myself</td></tr>
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We were very happy to see a lot of local breweries represented all together. Especially from our friends at <a href="http://www.duesouthbrewing.com/">Due South.</a> The little brewery that could is consistently getting rave reviews (especially of their Caramel Cream Ale and Cat 5 IPA). If you have yet to stop in for a pint or a growler, you my friends, are seriously missing out.</div>
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As exciting as it was to see craft beer represented, I was pleasantly surprised to be introduced to Mead by the <a href="http://royalmanorwinery.com/index.php">Royal Manor Vineyards</a>. Owners and operators Wanda and Joe were on hand to not only give out a variety of samples, but knowledge of their product which, understandably, they take a lot of pride in. As for their wines, most of the grapes and fruits that they use are grown by them or locally sourced which only adds to the amazing flavor. While many a wino may find the meads to be a bit sweet, the wines themselves were crisp and smooth. Or as I told them "dangerous." My friend (also named Kate) bought us a round of their Sir Carlos after sampling all of their offerings (don't judge us. We hang out with toddlers all day. We can have a little mommy time!). The San Carlos is made with the vineyards white grapes. Served chilled, it was incredibly crisp and light and perfect for a hot night as the festival was winding down. We were so impressed, Kate ended up buying an entire bottle. The prices are incredibly reasonable ranging from $16 to $20. If you come across them, please check them out. You will not be disappointed!</div>
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The night ended with some very tired kids who still cannot wrap their heads around all the fun they had. I can't wait to attend again next year and I only hope that the local community continues to support this growing event. If you missed out on the fun this time, I implore you to get out next year!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-82143131324525168732014-10-23T20:31:00.000-07:002014-10-28T20:13:07.433-07:00The Five Things You Gain When You Have A Kid<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trying to explain what it feels like to be a parent to someone who has not experienced it firsthand is like learning everything you can abut Rome without ever going. Sure you can read books and view pictures and with the advent of live streaming, you can actually watch Rome all day, everyday if you wanted to. (I may have had the Abbey Road Livecam streaming continuously for days on end. Don't judge). But no book or blog or story from a friend can compare with stepping off of that plane and breathing in that air and touching that architecture. Parenthood, much like your fantasy of Rome, is the same way. I read every book, blog and magazine. I talked to every person I knew who had kids and asked every question I could. I was as possibly prepared as I could be. And still, nothing prepared me for what it was really going to be like. The real, nitty-gritty, glitter and glue and body fluids that are probably not yours all over your clothes, REAL part of parenting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sure it's everything cliche everyone can tell you it's going to be. "You'll never know love until you hold your baby." "You'll forget what your life was like before him/her." "It's like having a second heart that isn't yours walking around in someone else's body." It is all of those things. But much like baby weight and an extra chin, you gain so much more.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From my experience, here are the five things I have gained in my time as a mother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>#5. Anxiety</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is terrible, but we really need to be talking more about this. I promise, the rest of this post will be happy and light. stick with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was an anxious person before about things. But add a kid?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HOLY. HELL. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have not watched the news in 2 years because I would immediately put myself and Max in whatever terrible story they were going on about. I also had to stop watching "Survivorman" because what if Max and I were stuck n the Alps and the car broke down and we had to take apart the seats to keep warm? Totally realistic, right? Yeah. It's not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And once I started opening up about it, I found that I wasn't alone. I still have a hard time watching the news. Don't get me wrong, I am up on current events, but I prefer the news on Canadian Networks or the BBC. Short, sweet, to the point and not drawn out. I know. Completely unpatriotic of me, but seriously, the Sandy Hook tragedy left me without sleep for almost a month. So how do I deal now?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I tell myself the same thing I tell Max when he is frustrated/mad. "Right now you feel anxious and that's ok. But anxious is a feeling like happy or sad. And like all feelings, it will pass." I say it over and over again until I drift to sleep. So if you're out there and you feel like this, you're not completely nuts. I promise.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW3oKUsJZXA7yYvTg_M55OjxcOUNE2SPXrp77ymuAZm0ccQW1Xpo-WgBIzL5r4zI9URh8qDi41ropm1Po2WsF26C4XsvbW69O2hXmThe0XPOhjOae3Giesg4zoXVIe4ofUdZcHVcRwuO8/s1600/20140611_182456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW3oKUsJZXA7yYvTg_M55OjxcOUNE2SPXrp77ymuAZm0ccQW1Xpo-WgBIzL5r4zI9URh8qDi41ropm1Po2WsF26C4XsvbW69O2hXmThe0XPOhjOae3Giesg4zoXVIe4ofUdZcHVcRwuO8/s1600/20140611_182456.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously? Heart attack waiting to happen.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>#4. New found Love for your spouse/partner</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband is awesome. He always has been. He's kind and patient and smart and funny. He's always happy to help anyone who needs it, to hold open doors for old people, reach the high shelves for total strangers while we shop, he even cooks on occasion. He's really a true gentleman and I consider myself lucky to have found one since they continue to be an endangered species. He's like a unicorn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the years of our marriage go on, we have gotten comfortable like most people do. I forget to shave. He thinks his bodily emissions smell like cotton candy. You know how it goes. But while our rolls in the hay are less frequent, my love for him only grows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then we had a kid and holy ravioli did I have a whole new love for him as he did for me. From watching him hold our tiny son in the hospital room when he was only a matter of hours old to coming home from work now and Max getting so excited "Momma! It's Daddy! He is here!" has been an experience that makes me fall in love everyday. Even if I know his work day was long and exhausting, he comes home and does "guy stuff." Just my boys. Sometimes they cook. Sometimes they make forts. Sometimes they just go to get the mail. But everyday, there is time for just his boy. And that time, makes my heart almost burst with happiness. And to watch my husband look into a face that looks so much like his own, to look into his own eyes and fall in love in a way that we made together, is the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed. If it were possible to touch beautiful, that would be it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>#3. Big Girl Panties</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a parent is gross. Your laundry will never be done. Your floors will never be clean. You'll look at your own shirt at least twice a day and say "What the hell is that?" There will be all sorts of yuck in between car crevices and couch cushions. Get used to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my god. There will be pee and poop and vomit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basically anything that grossed you out prior to having kids will now be the Kardashian of your existence. You just can't go anywhere without dealing with it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Case in point, I am what you would call a sympathy puker. If we are friends and you drink too much, I will hold back your hair until I get a waft of your puke and then I will help you out by puking on your head. You. Are. Welcome. But hey, at least you're not alone. I'm here for you. And for the record, there are a lot of great qualities I posses as a friend, being your go to guy to hold your hair is just not my strength.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then you have a kid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when you see them choking on a mouthful of carrots or goldfish, you put your cupped out hands under that little chin and you catch every drop. Yep. Glamorous. And not gonna lie, you feel pretty gangster after.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>#2. A Backbone</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Believe it or not, I bit my tongue a lot prior to Max. Especially if it involved my feelings being hurt or being upset in general. Now it has dawned on me that your kid sees EVERYTHING. Even when you don't think they do. They see and hear it all. So I had an epiphany not too long ago that Max may grow up never sticking up for himself if he never saw me do it. So I dug deep and what little filter I had before is now completely gone. It comes down to this really:</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I don't ever want Max thinking he needs to be around or put up with people that do not make him happy or make him feel good about himself. So it's simple. If I'm not happy being around you, I'm just not going to be around you. That is an okay decision to make. And as the adage goes "If momma isn't happy, nobody is happy." So while I still don't like confrontation per say, I'm not afraid of it like I used to be. So ladies and gents if you are reading this and being a doormat is your issue, please, I implore you, pick yourself up by the bootstraps and frankly, cut the shit. Your kids are vulnerable</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and impressionable. It is up to you to show them not only good manners, but to stand up to themselves and not be bullied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't mean to teach them to throw a right hook, don't get me wrong. What I mean is that it's also important that they know that it's not ok for other people (adults included) to make them feel less than and devalued. I owe a debt of gratitude to Max for teaching me this one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>#1. Perspective</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is hands down the greatest thing I have gained since being a parent. While becoming a mom has gifted me a ton of new things to worry about (mostly Max), it has also granted me the gift of allowing me to see that all of the big stuff before was really small. Seriously. Not too much sets me off these days. I don't stress about family drama or "needing" things like a newer car or name brand anything. It just does not matter. Looking at the world with new, innocent eyes makes me realize that it's the little things that are actually the big things. The tiny hand that grips mine when we walk through a parking lot. His thumb strategically placed just under mine. The two little arms that wrap around my neck in the morning with a "hi momma. I love you" sleepily spoken in my ear. The little head that rests against my shoulder as he says "no nap please" as he drifts off to dream his big dreams. The little legs and feet that seem to grow everyday. It's the teeth that need to be brushed, the hands that need to be washed and the baths that need to be given. It's the endless doling out of goldfish crackers and stepping on blocks. It's wiping away tears and explaining that saying "no" is to keep you safe and not to be a bad guy. It's sleepless nights when you're not feeling good but putting on a smile in the morning and being the best damn parent you can be for them. That, my friends, is what it is all about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-65219912668332951912014-10-21T20:13:00.001-07:002014-10-21T20:17:13.734-07:00The Other Woman<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been very fortunate in my life to be blessed with many friends. I'm not just talking about acquaintances or people you meet randomly at a party or a wedding or through a friend and then you follow each other on various forms of social media. I mean real, call-at-4AM-to-cry friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite friends is Erin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVO03Hci4cgCnrNHAMJ5rPg79Bz3keXVhQQfKd3KPi0M6FsI5Zveu728F-EHGgSkoAGNYLPRaRDtRQdw-XmO1Wml1r7wLSkGQIhbwhx4Xs_62bJrE4KwNG1Yq32SeBFSKkly_PdA9gdtT/s1600/20140913_235124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVO03Hci4cgCnrNHAMJ5rPg79Bz3keXVhQQfKd3KPi0M6FsI5Zveu728F-EHGgSkoAGNYLPRaRDtRQdw-XmO1Wml1r7wLSkGQIhbwhx4Xs_62bJrE4KwNG1Yq32SeBFSKkly_PdA9gdtT/s1600/20140913_235124.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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We have a very normal friendship. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We live far apart, but when we call, we pick up where we left off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have spent weekends together and gone out for meals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We talk about our kids and love lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We talk about sex, bathroom habits, weight issues, things that annoy us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been drunk together, we have cried on each other's shoulders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have done all of those things "normal" girlfriends do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it came time to have her children christened, she gave me the honor of naming me Godmother of her oldest son, Jack <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(not his real name)</span> who is now 14 because I had been involved in his life for so long. Because at one point, I was engaged to Jack's father. And I met his father, when Jack was 8 weeks old.</span><br />
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I'll let that sink in for a minute.</span><br />
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Yes. I was the other woman.</span><br />
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I could go on for hours about how messed up and crazy my relationship with Jack's father was. But it doesn't matter and that is a post for perhaps another time. What I want to talk about today in these days of what seems to be woman versus woman in every catty sense of the phrase, is real strength.</span><br />
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It took a long time for Erin and I to become friends. Obviously and with good reason, she hated me for a very, very long time. She didn't want me around Jack. She didn't want my ex to see me on weekends he had Jack. She made the beginning part of a new relationship very hard and now that so much time has passed, I totally get it.</span><br />
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As time went on, maybe Erin figured that at least on weekends when Jack was with his dad, he was being loved and cared for by someone since he was rather incapable (and that is the last I will say about him). Maybe she finally got over the fact that I was sticking around despite the rocky start. Maybe Jack went home to her and said how much fun he and I had that weekend. Maybe there are a lot of reasons. But whatever happened, she started to like me. And when I finally left Jack's dad, is when I started to love her.</span><br />
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Maybe I stayed in a bad relationship for a bit longer than need be because by then, I loved Jack. We were part of each other's lives and at the time the relationship ended, he was nearing 6 years old. Old enough to know who I was. To ask questions. And more importantly, want truthful answers. But it was Erin, not Jack's father, who gave me the final push to leave when she said "it isn't my business, but if you want out, Jack can stay in your life."</span><br />
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Think about what kind of woman that takes. Think of the complete selflessness it took for her to share her baby that had no blood ties with another woman. To have to share her time with not only Jack's father, but now myself independent from him. Think of the maturity a woman in her early twenties had to show to say "maybe I don't like you. maybe at one point I even hated you. but my son loves you and that has to be enough for me." </span><br />
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It's funny now when we go out in groups and someone always inevitably asks "So. How did you two meet?" and we give each other the "Ok. So this is happening" look and one of us inevitably responds with "How much time do you have?" When we are together, it really isn't something I think about anymore. I think of things that only she and I share. Memories of when Jack was small with a full head of curly blonde hair on his big head. I think of the wisdom she has given me in raising my own baby after she married and had three more. I think of sandwiches and apple picking and watching Jack grow up. We shared tears on his first day of kindergarten and his birthdays that seem to come quicker every year. We share frustration when he gets lazy with school or does or says something that teenage boys say or do that we know are stupid.</span><br />
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So yes. While it's more conventional to have friends that you have known all your life or met in college or work, I'm thankful that I have this one. And while I regret the hurt I may have caused her at the time, I don't regret the friendship I gained from being the other woman. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZTJlLJ7j-Dih0qzYxr19_VsI4hHV8VmleudyoB6wVW4LuDsIFSf-gXHxq8Vq1XAGmKVNe8RP48TZxNcEzKrQgl7stGfi7TyIixU91BbMwrg6mrpnXElXtprsGqtoGvyTRivTvnJdS5TB/s1600/20140913_235150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZTJlLJ7j-Dih0qzYxr19_VsI4hHV8VmleudyoB6wVW4LuDsIFSf-gXHxq8Vq1XAGmKVNe8RP48TZxNcEzKrQgl7stGfi7TyIixU91BbMwrg6mrpnXElXtprsGqtoGvyTRivTvnJdS5TB/s1600/20140913_235150.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826497764073957902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306142008502340984.post-3265562767235728352014-10-17T20:50:00.000-07:002014-10-17T21:26:22.884-07:00The Mother of All Baby Showers<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night I had the honor of attending "The Mother of All Baby Showers" with my friend and fellow blogger, Lindsay Joly of <a href="http://youaretheroots.com/">You Are The Roots </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To say it was fun would be the understatement of the year. The event was held at the Young at Art Museum of south Florida and I cannot WAIT to go back for a visit with Max.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being around all those pregnant, excited women and other moms was a really positive and uplifting experience. And even though Max is only two, it seems like bigger and better things for babies seem to come such a long way since my own pregnancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were greeted by the amazing <a href="https://twitter.com/JennBrown">Jenn Brown</a> from American Ninja Warrior fame who is expecting a little boy in December. She was asking moms for advice and mine was "Don't let people scare you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Tangent Rant: Why do women do this to each other? As if we see a pregnant woman and, after finding out this is her first rodeo, we say 'Hey, you must be terrified! Let me tell you a horror story to help you along.' SPOILER: NOT. HELPFUL. Why don't we spend more time uplifting and supporting each other and welcoming new moms into the fold with open arms and honesty? Would that really be so hard? End Rant.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh3BpeW-p-bxQGn-dPeD38UwEb0maL2zjbhBajKPFWqOkYPt7GdwMPDxahkK9dK3ArWMDWN3RoPOav1crvqNB_-Ukum7KMd-v5OyrdxbrHM_hRakLAQl538mLZnZzCbrwoRG-lO6pVSv7/s1600/jenn+brown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh3BpeW-p-bxQGn-dPeD38UwEb0maL2zjbhBajKPFWqOkYPt7GdwMPDxahkK9dK3ArWMDWN3RoPOav1crvqNB_-Ukum7KMd-v5OyrdxbrHM_hRakLAQl538mLZnZzCbrwoRG-lO6pVSv7/s1600/jenn+brown.png" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lindsay, Jenn Brown and Myself</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were all also given a copy of <u> Sh*tty Mom</u> with the authors <a href="https://twitter.com/TodaysMoms">Mary Ann Zoellner</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AliciaYbarbo">Alicia Yababo</a> from the Today show on hand to sign copies and chat with all us mommies. I am already four chapters into the book and it is laugh out loud funny. Get your copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=shitty+mom">Here</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtV1Zzr1H3yZsDrQAar0tkBHQvD8fmZGcQ2JmXqzOFYU50yb1fNv9Ko0kmOVIRty1RBTrIsbefTZIKaomSpJu0q-Z1nRr3f4Unu8sRHSB75Ue_wpuCfzd24O9jMdv-cOcYXvs9622GMx1/s1600/shitty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtV1Zzr1H3yZsDrQAar0tkBHQvD8fmZGcQ2JmXqzOFYU50yb1fNv9Ko0kmOVIRty1RBTrIsbefTZIKaomSpJu0q-Z1nRr3f4Unu8sRHSB75Ue_wpuCfzd24O9jMdv-cOcYXvs9622GMx1/s1600/shitty.png" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, I know. This stuff is all very sweet and nice. You want to know about the swag and what new inventions and fun things there are for your baby/toddler/kids. One more side note: Why can't I ever think of anything as cool as this stuff?!?!? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without further ado, here were some of my favorites of the evening:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.soothejewels.com/">Soothe Jewels</a> are wearable teethers for your little one. the beads are large enough to not cause a choking hazard, but stylish enough where mom can wear one of the many necklaces and bracelets to soothe baby without carrying one more thing or worse, forgetting the teether. There are even Soothe Jewels for dads! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmU_dhIOZaa0Nhve_T2xhGRlakr1yQ2vZ1QcPH3aPJUID8xq3ROmSTLJOIg7ce_l38g20jZOg7TzAq4tihmtZOi-ty5MNhulZtxG-_Wm6zEP20gCLmqCw6OB8HEbVN_ZLMHINBKcHRTW1/s1600/soothe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmU_dhIOZaa0Nhve_T2xhGRlakr1yQ2vZ1QcPH3aPJUID8xq3ROmSTLJOIg7ce_l38g20jZOg7TzAq4tihmtZOi-ty5MNhulZtxG-_Wm6zEP20gCLmqCw6OB8HEbVN_ZLMHINBKcHRTW1/s1600/soothe.png" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaFqicFlq2V6X1l-EubLis_133PIgztLzg6RwqdD1tGOiOwWa6GqHN6lYtQGjUVVlofzatxXPhc-9GejHSGagrbfTABWxSE2dElFzMvB9ZRJ8n7Vc1i-kM9sLxuDzezQBZBPVocqeUM10/s1600/oreos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaFqicFlq2V6X1l-EubLis_133PIgztLzg6RwqdD1tGOiOwWa6GqHN6lYtQGjUVVlofzatxXPhc-9GejHSGagrbfTABWxSE2dElFzMvB9ZRJ8n7Vc1i-kM9sLxuDzezQBZBPVocqeUM10/s1600/oreos.png" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mean come on! They're little oreos for your baby to wear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It does not get much cuter than that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.kuddlecoat.com/">Kuddle Coat</a> was designed by Sandy Smith who was incredibly friendly and enthusiastic about her invention. Oh, and by the way, it's brilliant!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a lightweight garment that comes completely sterile and with the assistance of soap berries, manages to stay that way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The material itself is very thin (think of one of those paper gowns you wear at the doctor) with soft patches on the arms and shoulders. This way when your new baby is greeted by a barrage of visitors in those first few, crucial weeks, they are protected from things like the common cold or RSV. (I told you it was genius). The garment is then washed in the soap berries (yeah, they're a real thing by the way) the KuddleCoat maintains it's sterility, antimicrobial, antifungal and all around awesome properties.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY2Wwe-ZeJstXgrOzHmbH1XpA_tS2hdT1LsqXvg6DYmO2x4FXYKh7j2PqAr4Uz6BJ6JlBpEZ3fq4EzFyaeHLrFmvIsWt4_5uaOxNEu3MH32o78go3U9tBXflZUKbjNRgYKVPEW5npFDN8/s1600/kuddle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY2Wwe-ZeJstXgrOzHmbH1XpA_tS2hdT1LsqXvg6DYmO2x4FXYKh7j2PqAr4Uz6BJ6JlBpEZ3fq4EzFyaeHLrFmvIsWt4_5uaOxNEu3MH32o78go3U9tBXflZUKbjNRgYKVPEW5npFDN8/s1600/kuddle.png" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD_ImVgufbsSWl6mR-SLLcwsPrTIlFnb4N8ps4cF3WpseQAz5LRSU9MlYfes8QR8bVt-z2XHSxzOakcGqAC6ftaxhjIgwUiGtc27t1F697J4DfjVzO7ATigy3Dz5uSpsgwYcXU5nNk73I/s1600/berries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD_ImVgufbsSWl6mR-SLLcwsPrTIlFnb4N8ps4cF3WpseQAz5LRSU9MlYfes8QR8bVt-z2XHSxzOakcGqAC6ftaxhjIgwUiGtc27t1F697J4DfjVzO7ATigy3Dz5uSpsgwYcXU5nNk73I/s1600/berries.png" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hold on to your seats parents of little boys. I give you the <a href="http://lilmarc.com/">Lil Marc</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You. Are. Welcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lil Marc is a potty training urinal that empties as easily as a glass of water. It comes with a stand but if your boy happens to be a bit taller than average, there is a wall mount included. The opening is very wide to avoid splatters and "almost-made-its." Lil Marc even includes a progress chart and reward stickers to make toilet training fun! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy8OdCfhfuvHdGQ78uh4wAFg3MV6sbmDSDrM6WE5hYPU50k4b2O5jCYkTctZU7rRSUznD4KkA84xwtUaovO1_9fKkOUVJNSba_I5TEeKVAnXM-pzB3qj7DDJAzcr8BFh8tBk106X6a54o/s1600/urinal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy8OdCfhfuvHdGQ78uh4wAFg3MV6sbmDSDrM6WE5hYPU50k4b2O5jCYkTctZU7rRSUznD4KkA84xwtUaovO1_9fKkOUVJNSba_I5TEeKVAnXM-pzB3qj7DDJAzcr8BFh8tBk106X6a54o/s1600/urinal.png" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every single mom I spoke to who had one of these said that their boy was fully trained in a matter of a week or two. Pretty impressive. I actually think I need to buy one! Max has recently shown interest in the toilet, but more for the flushing than anything else. As for the Elmo potty I got him (and paid $40 for!), he makes his Mickey go on it or hides blocks and cars in there. Solid investment, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were a ton of vendors at this event and all of them were equally amazing and excited. It would be impossible for me (and incredibly boring for you) if I spoke about each and every one. However, I do have to mention that I made a new artist friend, Nava who paints portraits of kids and pets and everything else you can think of. She is also the mom of the twins in the cute painting below. She puts them in hats...I mean really, wouldn't you? You can view her amazing work <a href="http://petportraitpainting.webs.com/">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQQTP_GR-AJt_XAtqW4AMqosJyAJfFFaVgBUvsHy_4jeURn8AVrqLjLuYFIz6Qnw29KjxVY3gBMk1dTyDdNtEZQ699kXf3NBRR6BuqIbk4k2Aattqb1FxuPqTAspmCQ2KZ-x1GUtT_lmz/s1600/nava.png" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQQTP_GR-AJt_XAtqW4AMqosJyAJfFFaVgBUvsHy_4jeURn8AVrqLjLuYFIz6Qnw29KjxVY3gBMk1dTyDdNtEZQ699kXf3NBRR6BuqIbk4k2Aattqb1FxuPqTAspmCQ2KZ-x1GUtT_lmz/s1600/nava.png" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what would any event be without the panels. Thanks to <a href="http://www.chicco.com/">Chicco</a> (<i>By the way, did you know it's pronounced Key Co? Yeah. Me neither.) </i>and <a href="http://www.britaxusa.com/">Britax </a>who were both partners with the event, I feel both very informed and paranoid about my carseat. They had a lot of great information and I found out that three out of every four car seats is installed incorrectly. Can you believe that? 75%! We can and should do better. So if you're reading this, make an appointment with your fire department and get yours looked at.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> One more thing I should mention and then I promise I will stop, is I was extremely impressed that there was not only a dad's area with beer courtesy of <a href="http://www.26brewing.com/">26 degree brewing</a> (the pumpkin porter is delightful) and basketball, there was also a Dad panel. Now I know I am lucky and being a dad came naturally to my husband, but believe me, I know I'm lucky. So ladies and gents, please, take the time if you are expecting or if you need help supporting your child and your partner outside of finances, Please check out resources at your local hospital or place of worship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can check out all of the amazing event vendors <a href="http://www.sflmotherofallbabyshowers.com/p/partners.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cannot express my thanks and gratitude for the privilege of attending this event. I sincerely cannot wait to attend many, many more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Until Soon,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
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