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Slow return to the life of norm

I have taken a rather long break from blogging. It wasn’t intentional really, I just kind of lost my mojo over time. I wish I could say I was ready to jump back in full swing but this is real life. So let’s be honest here, I am a single mom to three kids (a teen, a pre-teen and one that may as well be a pre-teen already) I work full time, have two kids in band, two in a sport and then there’s all the stuff in between. Do I struggle? Hell yes I do, but that doesn’t mean I don’t give my hardest every day.

Time really is a luxury I don’t have most days, and relaxing pffft, that is a dream. This is my life, yes it can be damn stressful and tiring at times, but I would not change it for the world. Tooting my horn here…I am doing it on my own and you know what? I am pretty proud of that.

That being said, I do want to get back into writing. I have missed that along with photography. Those were always two passions of mine. And over the years they have fallen to the wayside. I think I’ve waited long enough to bring them back….slowly of course. So here I am, laying it all out, my busy crazy life is my priority but I’m going to attempt to bring this part of my life back as well. Whether that be by simply sharing photos, which if you know me, that is how this whole blog thing came about. Or sharing recipes, reviews, maybe just me blabbering. Who knows. Either way, I am determined.

So with that being said…

 

 

 

 

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Be Positively Prepared for Back to School This Year

I have received information and materials from JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER, Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division, LLC. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. #PositivelyPrepared #BacktoSchool #CollectiveBias

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It’s that time of year when parents are running around trying to make sure they have everything they need for Back to School. Whether it be new clothes, backpacks, shoes, or supplies to be dropped off at back to school night. We all know the hustle. It’s one that we look forward to yet dread at the same time. But there’s one thing we as parents don’t really think about when you think back to school. Our health. The kids as well as ours (the parents). It’s important for the whole family and I think way too often that gets pushed to the side.

Going back to school means the spread of germs throughout the eight plus hour day while our children are there. Sure, the sickies find there way to us when they’re not in school but they seem to run rampant those first few months. I have two children in elementary and one in middle. Luckily it seems my oldest, who’s 12, has kind of outgrown the get sick at the drop of the hat (or germ) the older he gets. But sadly my younger two, 8 and 9 have not. Because of this we made a trip to Target and bought some extra supplies for the home. I have a game plan in place this year!

First step, expect the unexpected

Not everything goes as planned. Whether it be a change in plans, a unexpected rainy day, or health concerns such as the common cold, flu, headaches. With kids you just never know. You know it’s coming, that first fever of the school year. So why not stay on top of it by keeping some Children’s MOTRIN® on hand. Not only is Motrin nice to have on hand for fevers but it can also help with symptoms from the common cold, flu, headache and sore throats. All of which I am sure we will experience this school year. A nice thing is it comes with three flavor options, Bubble Gum, Grape and Cherry.

It's never easy seeing your babies under the weather.

It’s never easy seeing your babies under the weather.

Second step, always be prepared.

My mother always told me you could never be too prepared. Naturally I didn’t believe her until I became a mother myself. Now I know better and plan for everything. If things aren’t planned out it can lead to stress on the body. Stress comes in many forms. For me it’s muscle aches and pains and it is something that I have dealt with for many years. Recently my oldest started to get horrible growing pains, I have never experienced them so I had no idea what was happening when he would suddenly wake up crying in pain. The pain would stop him from playing and doing normal day to day activities. Ultra Strength BENGAY® Cream will soothe minor aches, muscles soreness as well as joints pains such as a backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and even sprains. Luckily someone suggested Ultra Strength BENGAY® Cream to me and it has been so helpful for us that I even keep a tube in my purse.

Third step, get a good nights rest

Being a single mom of three growing kids while working a full time job is rough enough as it is, but suffering from migraines and a bit of insomnia makes it bit harder at times. TYLENOL® PM is a two step process, it helps to relieve pain as well as helping you fall fast asleep and STAY ASLEEP. This is a sleep aid I actually feel comfortable using as it is non-habit forming when used as directed. I’ve decided it’s time, and you know as they say, you have to take care of yourself if you expect to take care of your babies.

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Since my oldest is 12 now and in middle school he has a harder work load then my other two children. His backpack is bigger then the backpack I had in high school. Now add in a three inch binder filled with school work as well as all of his school books and a bike lock, its heavy. That kind of weight can put a strain on anyone, especially a growing boy. Since he can use the adult versions of medications, I keep a kit just for him separate from the two little’s. Here is an example of what I have set aside.

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What you need in your home kit to ensure you can be Positively Prepared for Back to School with a Tween

  • Ultra Strength BENGAY® Cream (to relieve minor muscle aches and pains)
  • TYLENOL® (trusted relief for muscle aches and backaches)
  • Ice packs & Heat packs (to relieve inflammation from muscle strains)
  • Ace bandage (to help provide stability and relieve discomfort from strains)
  • Essential oils (to provide therapeutic relief)
  • Bandaids
  • Toothbrush (a spare on hand to ensure healthy teeth)
  • Deodorant (a must for any tween)
What a difference seven years makes. He's almost as tall as me.

What a difference seven years makes. He’s almost as tall as me. As he grows he’s learning independence and part of that is taking care of himself, the home kit has come in handy in helping him learn whole body health.

Get positively prepared with the right pain relief for you and your family at Target. Everything is conveniently located in the Health and Beauty area and all really easy to find. Tell me, what are some of your go to ways to keeping sure you and your family will have a healthy school year? Do you have kids with different medicine kits? Have you used any of the items we purchased as a way to stay ahead of the game? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

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Never run out of essentials with #AvoidTheOops

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Walmart

Every one has experienced those moments when you’re taking care of business and you reach for the um…..toilet paper, only to realize It’s. All. Gone!

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We’ve all been there. It’s one of those “noooooooo” moments we don’t like to talk about. Yet, I’m totally talking about it. Yes it’s embarrassing, yes I wish I had stock piled the darn toilet paper, yes I wish I had remembered to look at my shopping list instead of getting distracted by all the shiny things that I don’t need and will never use, yes I have hung my head in shame when I realized what am I going to do now? Alas, we’re all human, and forgetfulness happens.

So where does this leave me? I’d say up a creek without a paddle BUT there’s hope. www.avoidtheoops.com” target=”_blank”>AvoidTheOops.com can save you like it has saved me. I’m sure you’re all wondering how on earth a website can save you. Well it would be my honor to explain. Simply head on over to www.avoidtheoops.com” target=”_blank”>AvoidtheOops.com and you’ll find your essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and more.

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One of the conveniences of shopping online is not having to haul bulk items yourself through the store, up onto the check out stand then into the car. Oh yeah, then in the house to eventually put away. You can sit in the comfort of your own home and have everything delivered to your doorstep. What is better then that. And when you spend $50 or more you get free shipping. 

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So no matter if you run out of essentials or like to keep up so you don’t run out, www.avoidtheoops.com” target=”_blank”>AvoidTheOops.com is a great place to get all of those essentials you never want to run out of. Like say three different types of floor cleaners….I have a confession, I love floor cleaners. I know odd, but dude the floor can never be too clean right!

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Don’t tell me I’m the only one slightly obsessed with floor cleaners. Share, what is essential you would stock up on?

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Balsamic Quinoa with Tofu and Kale Recipe

It’s been a while since I’ve been inspired to create a new recipe. Actually it has been way too long. Today I finally broke my dry spell. I tried my hand at a quinoa recipe, but  without an actual recipe. This is all from scratch. I was a little worried as I have only cooked quinoa once before, and well like I said it’s been a while. So you could imagine my excitement when it came out amazing.

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As of late I have fallen back into old eating habits, aka unhealthy. I need to break that again and stick to it, but now I have realized it’s not just myself who has fallen into those habits, but my children as well. Overall they are pretty healthy eater, but they do love junk food.

My oldest has always been a hard one to get to try new foods. If he could live off of turkey sandwiches, hamburgers and bean and cheese burritos I’m sure he would. I will give him credit though as he has gotten a little better, which may have a little bit to with the fact that I make it harder and harder for him to pick out the good things in meals. But I hall give credit where credit is due. I’m nice like that.

My daughter has been on board with healthy eating. For being only nine I am happily surprised at this. She has always loved certain vegetable but getting her to branch out hasn’t always been easy. Plus we’re limited on a lot sine she is allergic to nuts. But if there is one kid that I know will not only help me cook up new creations, but enjoy them as well, it would be her.

And then there’s my youngest. My wee boy. He actually isn’t that small anymore but he know he’s the baby and will use that knowledge a best he n to get hi way. Little does he know I’m on to him, and have been for years. But I til play along because I do so love a good challenge. And a challenge he is. He may not have the pickiest pallet but he knows what he likes and isn’t too keen on trying things outside of his little box. He does however love salads which makes me very happy.

And look, I’ve gone off an ramble about my loves when I was supposed to be sharing a recipe. If you have a vegetarian in your house, this recipe is completely vegetarian. I hope your family enjoys this one as much as we all did.

Balsamic Quinoa with Tofu & Kale
Serves 6
Handfuls of kale, mushrooms, onions paired perfectly with quinoa and balsamic vinegar
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup quinoa
  2. 6 mushrooms diced
  3. 1/2 red onion sliced and quartered
  4. 2-3 cups sliced kale
  5. 3-4 cloves Garlic (1 tsp)
  6. Sea salt (two turns of the salt grinder)
  7. Pepper (1/4 tsp)
  8. Cayenne Pepper (1/8 tsp)
  9. Balsamic Vinegar 1/2 cup)
  10. 1 Vegetable bullion
  11. Olive oil
Instructions
  1. First start with cutting up your tofu. I halve it, then cut into strips then cut again in the other direction to make three across cubed tofu squares.
  2. Coat your pan with the olive oil and cook the tofu on medium high heat. Make sure to mix it every few minutes. While that is cooking chop up the remaining vegetables and set aside.
  3. In a small pot combine two cups water, one cup quinoa and one vegetable bullion. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a summer, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  4. I always add a slight brown to my tofu to give it more texture. Once you see it starting to brown add the onions and mushrooms. Cook for approximately more ten minutes. Add garlic and stir for a minute. Next add your kale, stirring again.
  5. Now my favorite part, add the balsamic vinegar. Stir for one more minute and remove from heat.
  6. By now your quinoa should be done. If all the liquid has cooked out pour it into the large pan with your tofu and vegetables.
  7. Mix together well so the balsamic coats evenly.
Shanamama http://www.shanamama.com/wp/

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Make Memories & Travel Safely with the Toyota Tacoma #Giveaway

This is a sponsored post. I received compensation in exchange for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.

There are many reasons to buy a new vehicle. Looks, interior, special features, etc. But for me, the most import thing in purchasing a new car would be the safety features and how they relate to our experience. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma comes with a plethora of safety features.

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See I live in Oklahoma. Land of the unknown and crazy weather. This year we have already experienced an ice storm. While I am sure most of the native Oklahoman’s aren’t too effected by this type of weather, this little ole California girl gets quite nervous at traveling the roads during snow, ice or any type of major weather circumstances. So anything that helps keep my babies safe while I brave the roads is a huge plus in my book.

While I know a defroster may not be a big deal for some it’s big for me. To have a fully functioning defroster that not only works, but works good is an amazing thing when it is freezing cold outside, and half your vehicle is frozen solid in ice. The same goes for the mirror defrosters. Um genius!

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I have a serious love hate relationship with technology. I love the endless possibilities it brings, but I don’t like the distractions they can cause. But I have to gush about the technology in the Tacoma for a moment. With every new vehicle comes a new blind-spot to get used to. But that was not something that was an issue with the Tacoma because of the Blind Spot Monitor & Rear Cross-Trafiic Alert. It pretty much eliminates those heart racing moments we’ve all had when you may accidentally merge into a lane and not see a car in your blind-spot. A warning light will illuminate on your mirror should this situation arise. And then there is the back up camera. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert will sound off if you are too close to an object or a car.

I think too often we get stuck in the hustle and bustle of daily life that we forget to slow down and enjoy. Toyota helped give that moment to my daughter and I. We were able to attend our first college football game. Not only was this a first for both of us, but it was also her birthday! Now while I may get shamed for going to an OSU game and LOVING it (I live in Sooner land aka Norman), we were just in awe of feel and experience. It is something we will be able to look back on for many, many years to come.

 

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Toyota would like to help you create your own memories. Enter for a chance below to win one of three Visa gift cards.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Getting over the block, writer’s block

How does one bring a dying blog back? After my divorce my site all but went poof. I want to bring it back but writers block has me stuck.

blockUsually when I sit down in front of my laptop words just flow. I don’t even need to think about it they just come to me. As of late….actually this year, the words have all but stopped. I sit and I stare. Nothings there. Words don’t come to me. Ideas don’t flow. It’s all but stopped. I’m just like everyone else, I am not immune to writers block but I’ve never had a block this big stand in my way before. I’ve perused Pinterest, cooked new recipes, did fun and exciting things with my kids but it just isn’t there anymore. My creativity has left the building.

poofThis time last year I was looking for a new home, eating healthy, keeping my kids entertained during summer break and exercising. A lot has changed in a year. Now I work full time so there’s a lot of boredom going on for my kids which leads to bickering. Constant bickering leads to stress. Stress leads to less of a healthy menu (pizza is a family favorite and I shall not admit how many times we’ve eaten it as of late), and exhaustion hence the slacking on the exercising. It feels like an all around fail on my part. 

failFeeling like I have failed not only my children but myself is a hard hurdle to get over which no doubt, has hindered my situation. So what is a girl to do to get over this? 

  • Serious brainstorming
  • Talk it out
  • Have a meltdown
  • Cry it out
  • Write it out

SUDDENLY

Ding ding ding, folks we have a winner. I’m writing it all out. While I’m sure the others work just as well, for me writing it seems to be helping. Hey look at that, I’m actually writing. Putting it out there for the cyber webs to see. You. Are. Not. Alone! Writers block happens. Life happens. Stress happens. Yes it gets me down, way down sometimes but you/I can’t dwell or it will eat you alive. Side note…. the fun little comic bubble’s are helping a bit too. They’re pretty fun to make.

So here we go, my first post to help me kick this writer’s block. My future posts may be a bit random but I am okay with that because I am a random type of person.

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Conquer Enuresis with UnderJams #ConquerBedWetting

dielikidsI know you may all be wondering what I am doing writing about Enuresis (bed wetting) when my children are older, but my case is not a typical. I have three kids (pictured above)  so I may be what some consider as a veteran to the potty training game. All three of my kids got potty training down in their own way and at different ages. My youngest seemed to be the easiest. It was literally as if he woke up one day and was done with wearing diapers and never wet again. Who knows maybe it was a third times the charm type of deal. I like to say it’s his determined personality.

My daughter was also fairly easy to potty train. It took a few months but once it clicked with her she never let it go. She is my emotional child and even at the young age of two, she would be herself up over having an accident. She didn’t like feeling like a “failure” and that for my ex husband and I was our biggest struggle. Helping her understand it was not something she failed at.

Now my oldest….he’s the reason I wanted to write about this topic. He is now eleven years old and has been potty trained since he was about three. It was a difficult process going through potty training with him. I think part of the reason was we moved around so lot while he was younger and the constant change of home affected him in more ways than one. He used to have night terrors which would inevitably lead to regression. Then we would move and he would regress. We would go for periods of six months of completely dry, no accidents at night at all, and then he would wet the bed every night for two weeks.

This has been a consistent patter for a few years now. It’s not something he really likes to talk about much so I am here to be his voice. One of our biggest struggles was making the decision to continue keeping him in underwear at night or moving him back to a night time diaper of sorts to help him. It was something I didn’t want him to be ashamed of but I also didn’t want him to feel like he had failed. He is such a deep sleeper he would sleep through what the rest of us would wake up from. Whether it be the need to use the restroom or a storm outside. When he is out, he is out. I have also read that it may or may not be associated with bowel movements. How frequently your child takes them, or more importantly how infrequently.

Making the decision to go ahead and put him in some sort of night time protection was one I wouldn’t take back. Not only did it help his peace of mind but it helped mine as well. Know that he wont get down on himself for having an accident was a relief but it made morning times a little easier as we weren’t having to do laundry every morning on his bad weeks. I think the decision to use night time protection is not something we alone face. I am sure that many parents struggle with the idea of “taking a step backwards”. I don’t believe it should be looked at it like that anymore, I believe if it something that can help not only your child but yourself it could be a wonderful option. I wish they had Pampers UnderJams eight years ago when we first started going through this. One of the biggest things we ran in to while trying to find some type of protection for my son was finding them in his size. He is by no means a big kid, he is my lean machine as I call him but he is tall. The very first thing I noticed about UnderJams was that they start in a bigger size, size small/medium fits from 38-65 pounds and size large fits 58-65 pounds. UnderJams also offer these benefits:

  • Night wear leakage protection that features a NightLock ultra-absorbent core.
  • ComfortWear quiet, cloth-like materials for privacy.
  • Low waist so only your child knows they are wearing them!

With Pampers UnderJams you and your babies (totally not trying to confuse you all, it’s just that it doesn’t matter that he is eleven, he will forever be my baby and I still call him that every day) sleep with the peace of mind in knowing that even if enuresis were to happen…it is okay!

Also I did want to bring notice to the Pampers UnderJams site. They have a lot of useful tools, tips and educational information regarding enuresis there that might be helpful for you and your child in conquering bed wetting.

Have you and your child experienced enuresis? How did you guys conquer it together? I would love to hear your stories and thoughts on helping your children through this stage.

  • Sandy

    Came across this article from Google.

    Very informative and important. Millions of normal older kids struggle with bedwetting. Its a shame there’s a stigma for something so common and frankly normal.

    Its also a shame that nighttime protection has its own stigma (“diaper”)

    My son is 15 soon still bedwetting and using a common brand of the nighttime pullup protection options.

    Always great to see these stories so we are assured we’re not alone. This issue deserves to be given people’s attention. Thanks

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Spring Cleaning has begun #SmellsClean

This post contains sponsored content.

Oh yes, I looooove this time of the year. The birds start chirping, the flowers start to bloom. Yay for allergies but it’s so pretty you can’t help love it. It’s almost like a new beginning even though were a quarter of the way through the year. Another awesome thing about spring time is spring cleaning. Not many people would look forward to that tid bit. In fact I used to be one of them but this year, this year I am loving it!

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With the cleaning out of unnecessary items brings about cleaner houses and we all know that when the house is clean, mama is happy. Less mess equals less cleaning. Who wouldn’t be happier about that. But getting it done early is the key. That way you have more time to be outside enjoying nature with your family. One of my many ways to keep a fresh house is by using air fresheners. I never knew that there were other people who thought this too!

Air fresheners are a natural part to the cleaning process. In fact many people think that a home isn’t clean until it smells clean. I am one of those people. Sure seeing a clean house is amazing but walking into a house that smells absolutely amazing is beyond wonderful. It just adds an extra oomph. A friend of mine came over a few weeks ago and when she walked in she said “your house smells like you”. I must have given her a funny look because she immediately said it was a good thing. When she used to come over to my old house she said it always smelled amazing and she said it was refreshing to come to the new house and have the familiarity of my favorite scents throughout the house.

So yes, in addition to going through some major spring cleaning lately I have been burning candles and melting wax like it is going out of style. I think others in my town are of the same mind set because last time I visited Walmart the air care isle the shelves we’re almost cleaned out. I think from the new line, Glade Hello Spring, there may have been two or three of the oils left. All the candles and wax melts were completely gone! Color me bummed. It sure is a good thing that I stocked up the other week or I wouldn’t be able to walk into my house and smell one of my new scent obsessions. Currently I have two. The first being the Poppy Groove wax melt. Being from California and smelling the poppies every year when we would go see the fields of them I wasn’t sure what to expect. But oh my yum, this scent is delicious. Yes I used delicious to describe a wax melt.

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Eeek, now that I see my wax burner up and close I realize it could use a bit of cleaning as well.

My other obsession is the Peach Daiquiri candle by Walnut Candles. I have a few of their candles and if you have never checked them out I highly recommend it. Walmart carries a huge selection with over 700 different candles you’re guaranteed to find at least one that you will fall in love with.

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So what are you waiting for? Go visit your local Walmarts scent isle and browse Glade’s new Hello Spring line and Walnut Candles vast selection. If you do be sure to let me know what your favorite scents are to bring in the fresh start of the season into your home!

 

 

 

 

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Hello to 2015!

I am not going to lie or sugar coat things. 2014 was a horrible fucking year. Oh my, Shana just dropped the F bomb. Why yes, yes I did. What ever would posses you to do that? Well I did warn you that I wasn’t going to sugar coat it! Last year was one of the hardest years of my life. And it will go down in the memory books just as that. Going through a separation and divorce isn’t easy peasy lemon squeezy. No it’s emotional, stressful, heart breaking at times and one of the most raw things a person an go through. If you are one of the lucky one’s to end up with a civil divorce I applaud and congratulate you and think you guys are awesome. If you can end up civil and friends in the end I will do the same as previously mentioned and hug you. Ugliness is just that, ugly and it doesn’t do either party any good. And even more important is it doesn’t help the innocents….your children (if you have them). Well look at me rambling on here. That was not my intent of this post. Anywho, if you are going through a divorce I am wrapping you in giant hugs and I offer my shoulder in support to you.

Now, to the point of this post….HELLO 2015!!! A new year, a new beginning. I never really paid much attention to New Years resolutions and such. Yeah sure I made them in the past but I never stuck to them because really, what was the point. If someone wants to make a change they should make it, why does it have to be at the new year? Yes part of me is a cynic. Shhh don’t tell anyone. With all the changes 2014 brought I want to start 2015 right.

So here we go, my list of things I want to change, I’m going to try and change but I will not call them resolutions so that may help me stick to them longer hah.

1. Don’t stress so much over the state of the house

Yes it get’s messy. Yes the kids will pretend to clean when in all actuality they’re making it worse but why stress over it? Why waste that time getting upset when you could be spending it with your babies doing something fun like…I don’t know a food fight. Wait what?!? Okay maybe not a food fight but something as simple as coloring with them can make their day. Do it!

2. Wake up earlier

Ugh, so not happy about this one but it’s got to be done. Getting into a new routine with the kids has been rough and it doesn’t help that you’re constantly running late and barely making it to school then work on time. You have got to do this the right way. Get up earlier, feed those cranky heathens breakfast, shove all your faces out the door and get to school/work on time. Don’t worry….you got this!

3.  Don’t forget to play

Whether it’s outside or inside, and no I don’t mean on the computer, iPad, etc. I mean together. Okay despite my fighting on this I will cave and save the WiiU does count cause we can play it all together and laugh at each other so that totally counts as play time and together time. Just spend time with those babies and soak it all in. Pull out those games that are collecting dust in the closet and do a weekly game night.

4. Assign chores

Hey this is a weak point for me. Not a small one but a big one. I do EVERYTHING. While I am a single mom and duh it’s kind of in the description I still shouldn’t be doing everything for my children. They need to learn independence, responsibilities. You know all the fun stuff. Start out small but a chore chart needs to be done. They’re all old enough that this should have happened years ago but there’s no time like the present so snap to it girl.

5. BREATH

You only have one life. Remember to breath. Stop and enjoy the special moments,  if you don’t you’ll look back and realize all that you missed. Don’t over process, don’t over complicate. Just breath.

There it is. My list of things to work on. I’m so gonna do this, for myself but especially for these three loves of my life.

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2015 is going to be an amazing year!

 

  • Jamal

    You have shared an excellent post, Thank you for the advice. it's an amazing year so far.

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Our Kid Free Trip To Disneyland

Thank you to the Disneyland PR department for sending me two park hopper tickets to facilitate this post.

I love Disneyland. I mean who doesn’t? But I never dreamed of going to Disneyland without kids. Well maybe prior to having children but after becoming a mom it just seemed….mean. When I was presented with the opportunity to go without kids my initial reaction was no, absolutely not. Not going to happen. But everyone dreams of taking a trip to Disneyland because no matter how old you are you can never deny the magic that is known as Disney. So with a little extra encouragement from some friends I brought up the idea to my husband and we decided we had to do this. We just couldn’t pass an opportunity like this up. So on Christmas Eve off we went!

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First let me say this dude….I really did not think it would be so crowded the day before Christmas. I went on the assumption that people would be 1) traveling or 2) at home with their families. I think it was quite possibly the exact opposite though. I have never seen it so crowded, and that’s including all the times we used to go way back in 2005 when our oldest was just a wee one. We would go every week, rain or shine. School days or vacation days. It didn’t matter we still went. But never did we see it as crowded as it was that day.

So let me tell you about the FastPass. Um, best only thing ever! They allow you to bypass the long lines and get to the ride faster. And it’s really quite simple.

  1. Look for the FastPass sign near the entrance of an attraction
  2. Insert your ticket to the park
  3. Take FastPass (pay close attention to the time printed on the pass as that is the only time you can use it!)
  4. When it’s time go to the entrance of the ride show your ticket to the Cast Member and whala, enjoy the ride with a seriously reduced  wait time

And if you weren’t aware, the FastPass is available at both Disneyland AND California Adventure. Speaking of California Adventure…..I haven’t been there since right after it opened and WOW has it changed! The biggest change I noticed was the addition of the CARS rides and fun things to do all featured around the movie CARS. We are a huge fan of both CARS movies. I can’t wait to bring my kids back so they can see Lightening McQueen and Mater in person…they will flip!

Disney Collage2

I never in my thirty something years (didn’t think I’d reveal my real age there did yah hah) dreamed of taking a trip to Disneyland with no kids but you know what? I am so glad I did. I got to spend one amazing stress free day with my husband that was filled with fun, smiles, love and memories I will never forget. 

 

 

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