Muddling Momma

04
Jan
2017

What Was Under Our Tree?

Was it just me or did the holiday season go by SUPER fast this year? I think because Mike is at the age where he ‘gets’ Santa Claus and the Christmas experience, we really had to pack in experiences. And I think we did a really great job of that with going to see the lights at Watkin’s Park and visiting Santa at Homestead Gardens.

Speaking of Santa, he heard that Mike was a VERY good boy this year! Here are the goodies he left (with some of my feedback because, well, this is my blog).

{Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar} I was really excited about this gift because I think coding is such a cool skill to have and it is even cooler that they are incorporating it into kid’s education at such a young age. First of all, this was WAY louder than I anticipated. And it is a little confusing. I know it ended up under a lot of other trees this year and we are all wondering the same thing – how can you create an obstacle course when you aren’t sure how long each component lasts? Like how long does the Code-a-Pillar go straight? Mike really likes connecting the pieces and jumping in front of it mid-path to make it stop and he called it his ‘skeleton worm’. I think this was a semi-win with a full on win in about six months when he ‘gets it’.

{KidKraft Table} Poor kid was sitting on his comfy chair pulled up to a wicker trunk we use as a toy box/coffee table to play with his stickers and Playdoh. We are a fan of the KidKraft brand and this was one of the more reasonably priced, not tacky tables for kids. I thought for sure S. would be up all night on Christmas Eve putting it together, but he was done before Mike was even asleep. I am a HUGE fan of the ‘hidden’ storage in the middle which now is where the bad superheroes are jailed. It is a nice finish, seems sturdy and blends in well with our hodge podge furniture.

{Super Hero Books} What is a holiday without books? We love board books because they are sturdy, small and usually pretty short so bedtime doesn’t last longer than it already does. These are a good size and Mike is already reading along with us. The super heroes aren’t of the ‘scary’ variety either, which is hard to find.

{Playskool Friends Mr. Potato Head Marvel} These are clearly Mike’s favorite gift this year. He plays with them all the time and is adamant that they are put together correctly. He throws all the pieces in a mixing bowl, puts them together and starts the process again.

{Superhero Dress Up Costumes} Bubbe got Mike a Batman cape and mask a few months ago and he loves it, so it made sense to get the rest of set so we could all join in! I was really surprised at how sturdy these are, clearly ready to withstand villains … and toddlers.

{Solar System Night Light} We turned Mike’s nursery into a big boy room a few months ago and the theme is space galaxy so when S. saw this, he knew Mike needed to have it. I have to admit, it’s pretty cool! It took some work for S. to mount it on the ceiling, but once it was there Mike loved it. Now he clicks the clicker so the ‘sun’ will come on and then again for the planets to rotate.

Well Mommas, were you a good girl this year? What did Santa bring you?

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18
Dec
2016

Stupid Simple Chocolate Marshmallows

categories: DIY

Looking for something stupid simple to make for holiday parties or teacher gifts? I have your answer – chocolate marshmallows. I came across these on Pinterest and have made them for a baby shower and a holiday party ultimately making me the most favorite invitee. Well, probably not, but I like to pretend. These are cheap, easy to make and SO addictive.

Ingredients:

Large Marshmallows
Dipping Chocolate (I like Baker’s brand)
Sticks
Decorations
Parchment paper

Steps:

I like using paper straws as the ‘handle’ because paper straws are pretty. I cut them in half. You can also use lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks. Just make sure you cut them to a decent length.
Stick them in the marshmallows.

Prepare the chocolate based on its directions
Then dip! Dip each one in about half way, and be patient while the excess drips off. You don’t want it to be gloopy.
Press the bottom into your decorations. I like seasonal sprinkles or chopped nuts. I did learn that sugar sprinkles don’t work well unless you are using white dipping chocolate.

Let them harden on parchment paper for about an hour and then enjoy!

See? Stupid simple. The whole thing takes about half an hour (max I would guess) and I was the hero; not only at my house, but the parties I attended! #youarewelcome

Mini Picasso

categories: Being Mom

I went back and forth with what this post could be called. I debated between ‘The Time I Called My Son a Liar‘ or ‘My Entry for Mother of the Year‘.

For about three weeks I’ve been picking Mike up from Preschool and his ‘take home’ folder has had a drawing of an obvious person. The first day I found it, I asked his teacher if it accidently was placed in his folder. I’ve only seen Mike scribble and these pictures were much more advanced. His teacher asked him if he drew it and he said yes. She then asked around to the other kids and no one claimed it. She agreed – no way he drew that. So I brought it home and tossed it in the recycle pile.

The next few days I continued to find pictures of people in Mike’s take home folder. His teacher and I ultimately decided that someone was sticking them in there by accident. All I could imagine was some poor parent whose kid was coming home without these drawings.

Then yesterday I grabbed yet ANOTHER picture of a person with a note from Mike’s teacher – “Yes! Mike did draw this. I watched!!”

Well shit.

Apparently my child can do something other than scribble and for the past month I rolled my eyes when I asked if these were his drawings and he replied yes. I wonder what other skills he has that he is telling me about and that I am ignoring.

The Christmas Boot

categories: Unrelated

I was talking to my Mom the other night about our lack of Christmas decorations. I feel like we talk about this every year, but I was really able to pinpoint what was missing – the warmth I felt of Christmas at my house growing up. I felt like things were special and different and cozy. I love my house, but it doesn’t feel cozy at Christmas time.

After sharing this with my Mom she was, of course, happy I had that feeling and memory of Christmas’ growing up. But she also mentioned how in the early years she thought her Christmas decor was haphazard and mismatched. I disagreed with her and brought up some of my favorite items. Obviously the toy train set that we had under the tree, the collection of stuffed animals, and my Mom’s snowglobe collection she kept on the record player on homemade ‘lifts’. But what I most remember was The Boot.

I don’t know why I didn’t find it odd at the time, but it was a small glass Santa boot that had perfume in it at one time. It’s just one of those things that sticks with you. It took some Googling to find a picture to jog Mom’s memory, but then it all came flooding back; the big wax carolers and especially the wax sleigh. Mom remembers being so proud to have purchased those as a young wife and started her Christmas decor. Of course, the boot and other Avon treasure are long gone now and her decorating tastes have changed.

But today, a package from EBay arrived on my step and it was a vintage Avon box with, you guessed it, a Santa boot filled with perfume. I might classify my Christmas decor style as ‘kitschy’ or ‘whimsy’, but that boot will always have a place on my mantle.

You never know what your kids will remember!

An Attitude of Gratitude

categories: Family

Happy Giving Tuesday! I absolutely love this new campaign that focuses on supporting charities and non-profits. S. and I do this year round with groups like the Caroline County Humane Society, soon Brave Trails and, of course, the 12 For 1 Diaper Drive. I am hoping we are starting to impress upon Mike how important it is to give of time or talent to organizations that hold our values.

I have such fond memories of volunteering growing up, my parents did an amazing job of reminding me that when much is given, much is expected. Every Christmas we adopted a family to shop for, even when money was tight. Then my Mom managed a mentoring program for a few years while I was in college. Seeing that labor of love and helping with activities left an impression on me to this day.

I am asked every once in awhile how to start fostering an attitude of gratitude in children. I think it is SO easy when you remember that little eyes are always watching all the time- if they see YOUR attitude for gratitude, then they will fall in step. But there are also ways for them to ‘get their hands dirty’ and get involved. Here are a few suggestions:

{Visit} There are so many places kids can visit and spread some love and give time. Of course, this depends on the kid, but there is always nursing homes that need people to play games, animal shelters that need snugglers and hospitals that need visitors. Make it a family or neighborhood event and go caroling!

{Create} If in person visits are not an option, there is always a need for handmade goods. Have your kiddo make cards to drop at the nursing home or create decorations for the local hospital.

{Donate} This one is the easiest, especially before the holidays when the idea of more STUFF is coming soon. Encourage your kiddo to pick some older (but still in good condition) toys to take to a shelter, weed out lesser read books to take to a library or children’s hospital or old linens to take to an animal shelter.

{Buy} There are so many opportunities to purchase things for a charity. Take your kiddo to the grocery store to buy some canned goods for a food drive, ask your friends to bring candy canes to your holiday party and take them to a hospital, pick out some toiletries to take to a women’s shelter or adopt a family for the holidays. A lot of organizations now have wish lists on Amazon, like Brave Trails!

{Do} There are so many options for things kids can DO as acts of kindness. This is a great way to start the conversation with older kids about what they are passionate about it. Homelessness? Hunger? Childhood Cancer? The Diaper Gap (see what I did there?)? There are opportunities to volunteer at shelters and hospitals, or volunteer to host a local diaper drive! Younger kids can put the canned goods in the box, put the coins in the Salvation Army bucket, or pick up trash in the neighborhood.

There are so many ways to get involved in your local community with your kids. They are going to be the ones to change the world, so it is important to start the conversation with our kids and as they grow move them to action.

Happy #givingtuesday!

A Politically Free Thanksgiving

categories: Printables

I can almost smell the turkey and cherry cheesecake! I love Thanksgiving and have such great memories of having a house full of family. But with a divisive election still fresh, I know a lot of my friends are dreading sitting around the table in ‘mixed company’.

How can you avoid the political talk, even after a few glasses of wine? Easy – remind everyone to check politics at the door. I made this printable as a friendly reminder that doesn’t come off as rude. Feel free to stick a few around your house to keep the discussion light.

Now, if only I could help you avoid family questions like when you are getting married, have kids or why you ruined your life with a neck tattoo.

politics-free-zone — Click Image to Print

Dear Mike: Election Edition

categories: Dear Mike, Unrelated

Dear Mike –

You and I had an eventful morning! We headed over to our polling place to vote for the next President of the United States. We waited in line for over an hour and you were SO patient! I know at 3 years old you don’t have much of a clue what is going on, but this election is a really big deal. It’s the first time a female was on the ballot AND the first time a man with no political or military experience was on the ballot. I didn’t think it would bother me, but I told Geema today – I am just feeling out of sorts.

I am so happy I have been able to take you to vote since you were born, even the midterm elections! It’s our right as Americans and one I don’t ever want you to take for granted. I want you to grow up watching the debates, asking questions about the issues and making an informed decision even if it is different than my decision. But for now I am thankful you are only 3 and you didn’t have to witness the nastiness that went on for the past 20 months. BUT if you were old enough to see what is going on, I would use this opportunity to talk to you about some heavy issues Donald Trump has brought forward.

{Locker Room Talk} Baby, I have never been in a locker room full of men, but from what I hear – the ‘locker room talk’ excuse is crap. I know Daddy agrees. Real men do not about women as objects, they don’t call them names and they certainly don’t stand for anyone else to speak that way either. In our house BOYS WILL NOT BE BOYS. They will be kind people.

{Consent} Guess what? If someone, anyone, says stop – you stop. I don’t care if you are waving to them or engaging in intercourse. No means no all the time. You keep your hands to yourself. And we expect you to stand up for anyone who isn’t able to consent. This is going to be an ongoing conversation in our home.

{Bully Goat} We have been reading Llama Llama and the Bully Goat recently and that’s what Trump is – a bully goat. He likes to call people names, and make fun of them. He tells his supporters to do bad things to Clinton and wants to keep people out of our country because of the color of their skin. He says things about women that I can’t even bring myself to write, things that literally makes my mouth drop open. He is a bully goat. we don’t want you to EVER be a bully goat and we want to respect everyone regardless of their ethnicity, orientation or the color shoes they wear on Thursdays. We also hope you won’t stand to see other people being bully goats.

we-need-not-think-alike-to-love-alike

The polls aren’t closed yet Bug, but Daddy and I are going to stay up late and see who wins this election – who will be our leader for the next four years. We are hopeful we wake up tomorrow with a President we will be proud of. We don’t have to think alike to love alike. And just like generations before me have said about my generation, I hope your generation is the one to get it right.

I’ll eat you up, I love you so –

Momma xoxo

Dear Marcie Jane

categories: Family

My Dear Marcie Jane –

Welcome to the world! I’ve written this note to you dozens of times, but I am not sure how to tell you how excited I am that you are finally here. Uncle Sammy and I got to visit you in the hospital and all I could see where your long skinny feet. I can picture you slipping on your ballet shoes in a few years. Or cleats – whatever you want sweetheart!

marcie-jane

You are in for such a treat sweet girl – you were born into a family that is loud, funny and so full of love it can be overwhelming. You are one of the luckiest girls I know and I can’t wait to love on you and take you to the American Girl Store.

Love you,

Aunt Jay Jay xo

Dear Mike: IOU

categories: Dear Mike

My dearest Mike –

I owe you a bunch of back letters don’t I? Things have been BUSY. I feel like I say that in every letter, but this time it’s for real. It’s BUSY. So this letter is going to be just a snapshot of you right now. My achingly sweet, compassionate, stubborn 3 year old.

{Preschool} Man. If you got superlatives in Preschool, you would be most likely to be a Cruise Director. I was able to go with you on your FIRST field trip – Papa John’s Pumpkin Farm. It was such a treat to see you interact with your friends and teachers. You serenaded everyone and basically talked non-stop. You had Miss Amy and Miss Theresa in stitches! Out of everything on that farm – animals, pumpkins, and gourds – you were most taken with the cotton plant. You carried that tuft of cotton around for days. You said it felt like magic! I didn’t have the heart to tell you I have a bag of 100 tufts of cotton in the linen closet.

But in all seriousness Bug, you are thriving in preschool. You really have taken to singing and music and according to your teachers you are sweet and polite.

{Polite} Speaking of manners – good grief. I am not sure we can take credit for it, but someone is raising you up right! You talk to strangers all the time telling them to ‘have a nice day’ and that is ‘nice to see them’. You invite people to sit down, ask how they are doing and are such a little gentleman. I am SO proud of you in public when you say please and thank you without prompting.

{Favorite Things} Right now you are obsessed with:

Halloween
Skeletons (you are going to be one for Halloween)
Cat in the Hat
Space
Peppa Pig
Riding your balance bike
Super Heroes (Batman specifically)
Watching videos on Momma’s iPad

{Compassion} I can’t think of a better word to describe you – COMPASSIONATE. Daddy had his heart surgery and you have been so gentle with him while his ‘boo boo’ heals. Even when it is covered up you ask if it is still there. If someone indicates they are hurt you are the first one to ask if they are okay and give them a kiss. You accidently poked me in the eye with a toy and I got kisses, face pats, side hugs and numerous apologies. There is no better quality for you to have and I will do what I have to do to make sure you keep your compassion for others.

Well my love, I write for days about how things have been going the past few months, but at the end of the day all you need to know about this time in your life is you are stubborn, independent, sweet and active. On those days when I can’t wait for you to go to bed I still love you so much my heart might burst.

I’ll eat you up I love you so,

Momma xoxo

Where Are They Now?

categories: Being Mom

Each night I lay in bed and think about what I need to do the next day and blogging is always on the top of the list. Then as the day goes on blogging falls closer to the bottom of the list. Life has gone a little sideways recently, but we are meeting those challenges head on. So where are we now?

{S} I have mentioned a few times recently that S. was recently diagnosed with a genetic heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which impacts 1 to 500 people. Most people don’t even KNOW they have it but there are a handful that have symptoms like chest pains, shortness of breath and general exhaustion – S. was one of those people. A few weeks ago S. finally had his open heart surgery at Johns Hopkins and they ‘shaved’ down the extra heart muscle that was blocking his oxygen intake.

The surgery went well, but ultimately a few days later it was determined he needed a pacemaker extending our hospital stay and then a lung infection that followed. At the end of the day we were at the hospital of 8 days. Now he is home and recovering for the next few weeks, but is on major restrictions like lifting, driving and movement. He’s being SUCH a trooper, but understandably getting restless. I am going to have some upcoming posts about this soon!

surgery

{Mike} My little preschooler is becoming SUCH a little old man in the cutest way. He is overly polite to everyone we meet by greeting them and being his charming self. He knows Daddy has an owie and he has to be gentle. His favorite thing right now is riding his balance bike and watching Peppa Pig.

He has taken to his new ‘school’ like … Peppa Pig in muddy puddles. He loves his teachers and they seem to be very taken with him as well. His language has EXPLODED. He is asking what things mean, singing nursery rhymes and remember things. It really is like waking up each morning and finding out a new part of his personality has developed overnight.

Speaking of nights – someone is sleeping in a bed now! That transition has been pretty seamless except for naptime. But bed time might take a little longer, but he has stayed in bed all night and actually slept. I see that as a big win.

mike

{Muddling Momma} This Muddling Momma is just trying to keep up these days. A week after S. came home from surgery I was relieved of my duties at work which means spending my days at home job hunting. While I won’t ever lie, it stings and was a surprise, I firmly believe it was probably for the best though the timing could not have been worse. However, the silver lining is I can spend time with S. and help with his recovery (which usually means telling him to go take a nap).

On the positive side, I was FINALLY approved to be on the Chick Fil A Mom Panel this year so that was a bit of good news! I am still learning about my ‘duties’, but I am excited to eat some chicken and share some feedback.

There you have it! Like I said, life is a little sideways but I think we are going to come out on the other side and wonder how we survived. But we did and that’s the important part.

jackie

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