The Kennedy Adventures!

mombo Nursing Pillow from Comfort & Harmony – a Great Addition to Your Nursery!

2013-05-15T08:00:37Z

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Comfort and Harmony for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Even though Maeve is less than a year old, there have been some new developments in baby gear since she was born.

Last month, Maeve and I got to check out the mombo nursing pillow and infant positioner.

As a breastfeeding mother, a great nursing pillow is a must have for me.

This unique nursing pillow and infant positioner, available at Babies 'R' Us, has a two-sided design twist called Firm2Soft™.

Each side offers a different experience.

The firm side is perfect for supporting baby during nursing while saving mom's back.

The soft side, covered in a neutral, touchable velour, is perfect for snuggling baby while lounging or practicing tummy time.

Want to add even more comfort?

Slip in the battery operated vibrating core to help baby drift off to sleep. The core is simple to remove when not in use.

The cover is easy to pull off and pop in the washer for a quick cleanup. You can choose from an assortment of pillow styles (Standard, Deluxe or Nude™) and a variety of slipcover fashions.

Nude nursing pillows are bare, ready for you to choose your own slipcover to compliment your own decor
Standard pillows come with whimsical patterned slipcovers, perfect for boy or girl babies!
Deluxe pillows feature Disney fashion slipcovers or Taggies monkey slipcovers

Don't forget to pick up an extra slipcover for your mombo nursing pillow so you'll always have a spare.

You can follow Comfort & Harmony on Facebook, or connect with Comfort & Harmony on Twitter.

Have you seen or tried the new Mombo from Comfort and Harmony? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment box!

10 Toys Twin Boys Can’t Destroy

2013-05-14T13:42:59Z

This post contains affiliate links

In our house, toys better be sturdy to stand up to two rough and tumble boys.

For the past five years, these are the toys that have passed the test of my twin boys.

1. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

I’ve had one of these in my house for the past fifteen years or so. My oldest daughter, now 18, had a version when she was young.

Currently, we have a pink version in our garage. The boys didn’t mind the color -it served just fine as a getaway car.

Keep your eyes peeled for these at yard sales and thrift stores. If the colors are faded, there’s all sorts of tutorials available for customizing your child’s coupe.

2. Melissa and Doug Easel

I’ve been a huge M&D fan for years. Their quality products are well loved in our home.

My husband picked up this easel for a steal at a local Goodwill, and we’ve been using it for school for all three children.

3. Little Tikes Picnic Table

My grandmother picked this table up for us while she was shopping the worlds longest yard sale. It’s been gracing our back yard for about 4 years now.

We used it to transition the boys from high chairs to a regular table, craft projects, and impromptu picnics and fun in the back yard.

4. Legos
As a mother, I’m just now learning that there are stages with Legos. First comes toddler Legos. Then, little ones graduate to Duplo blocks. Finally, your kids are ready for tiny Legos.

I bought a huge set from Lego Education for the boys this Christmas, but I think they are still a bit too young for this style. Right now, they enjoy building cars and weapons out of the duplo kit.

5. Balance Bike

A bike with no pedals? Weird, huh?

Not around here. Balance bikes grace the walls of our garage, instead of standard bike with training wheels.

You’ll see my kids zipping up and down our streets. Rachel outgrew her balance bike, then went straight to a standard bike with no training wheels.

The boys will be ready to move up to a standard bike by the end of the summer. Don’t forget the helmet!

6. Musical Instruments

Even though I’m not talented, I love to introduce my children to lots of music. We have a giant box of musical instruments that the kids love to shake, rattle and bang.

Our favorites include:

Don’t miss these free resources to teach music to children over at The Homeschool Classroom.

7. Wooden puzzles

These are great for teaching so many things: shapes, fine motor skills and more.

When the boys were small, we used these knob puzzles. As they’ve gotten older, we’ve graduated to chunky puzzles and more complicated puzzles.

8. Magna Doodle

Need a durable toy to keep your little boy (or girls) occupied at the doctor’s office, during church, or on a long car ride?

We love Magna Doodles around here. The kids get to draw and practice letters, totally mess free!

9. Plasma Car

Do your boys need to blow off some stream? Let them expend some energy with a Plasma Car — even adults can take a spin!

10. Anamalz

I picked the kids some Anamalz for Valentine’s Day this year and fell in love. They are made from wood and have bendable legs. The boys’ favorites are dinosaurs, but we also have horses and a rhino, too.

I’d love to hear your ideas for boy proof toys! What has lasted in your house? Be sure and leave your thoughts in the comment box!

Have a Top Ten Post of your own? Link up with my good pal Angie over at Many Little Blessings for Top Ten Tuesdays.

I’m looking forward to the next 10 weeks! For the next few weeks, I’m joining my friends at iHomeschool Network for our 10 in 10 Series – 10 amazing weeks of top ten posts on homeschooling topics. It’s going to be so much fun!

Sign up for email updates so you won’t miss a thing!

10 Ways I’m Not a Perfect Homeschooling Mother

2013-05-10T04:49:13Z

Years before I made the decision to homeschool, I read homeschooling blogs.

Ladies like Carisa and Jolanthe delighted me with their creativity, organizational skills and pictures of their homeschool days.

Watching these women from afar, I became jealous.

“If they can do it, why can’t I?”

“Are these women superheros?”

Shortly before I headed to the 2:1 conference last year, Carisa poured her heart out and gave us an intimate look at her struggles.

This made me realize that we’re all human. We all have our stumbling blocks. As my dear friend Kathryn reminds me, “We’re just showing folks the highlight reel.”

The areas I need improvement spill into all areas of my life, but I become painfully aware of my shortcomings when faced with teaching small children. When they exhibit behavior that I don’t like, it’s often a mirror to myself.

Think I’ve got it all together? Heck no. Our homeschool is far from perfect, and here’s why.

1. I’m not a morning person

Oh, boy.

Years ago, I actually had a full-time job that started at 5:30 AM. I struggled to get there on time, and warned folks not to talk to me until 9.

I’m so much more productive if I get up and get going long before the kids. It’s an ongoing challenge for me.

2. I’m a great planner, not a great finisher

In August, I’m filled with loads of ideas about field trips, lesson plans and more. By Christmas, I’ve given up a few of the projects.

At the end of the school year, I’m just trying to plod through to the end. I contemplate year round school, but I reach a point where I JUST want to be FINISHED.

3. I am terribly impatient

I’m sure that comes as no surprise.

After discovering that I had five children, a patient at work said, “Oh! You must be so patient!”

Heck no. Not even close.

It’s a constant struggle for me not to throw my hands up, run out of the house yelling, “FORGET IT!”

4. I’m not very organized

As we speak, I have homeschooling paraphernalia in the following places:

The living room
My bedroom
My bedroom closet
The kitchen (if we’re counting the printer as a homeschool tool)
The boys’ closet
The girls’ closet
The basement

Either I have far too much stuff (good possibility), or I need to organize the stuff I have in a reasonable fashion.

5. I’m a wee bit on the lazy side

Ahem.

I’d much rather be reading a book, or writing, than cleaning house or planning a meal. True story. (I’ve just embarrassed my grandmother to death.)

6. I tend to fill my plate too full

I’m a bit of an extrovert, so I can become consumed by all the fascinating things to do in our area. I have to sit on my hands to keep myself from signing the kids up for every single soccer league, science class, or art adventure in town.

My children need white space on the calendar, just like me.

7. I don’t like to be wrong

I don’t take criticism very well, unfortunately. My poor husband has to duck if he tells me I’m taking the wrong approach with the children.

8. I compare myself to other mothers

Blogs and Pinterest can be wonderful resources for me to help me plan my homeschooling days.

I’ve got to be careful. If I linger too long, little seeds of doubt are planted. I start longing for skills I simply don’t have, instead of celebrating my natural talents.

9. I second guess my decision to homeschool

When the going gets tough around here, I lament having my children at home. There are days where I want to pack the children up, drop them off at the local public school, then come home and cuddle with the baby.

Not exactly mature.

10. I’m the same as everyone else

We all have fears.

We all make mistakes.

We all wonder if we’re doing the right thing.

Many of us end up on our knees, begging God for help with raising our children.

I need to remember Mother Teresa’s famous quote:

God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try.

None of us are perfect, despite what we may see on our favorite blogs or Pinterest. Come join my friends at the iHomeschool Network as we share our imperfections and keep it real for you.

Five Favorites: Keeping it Real

2013-05-10T12:33:17Z

This post contains affiliate links

I forgot about Five Favorites this week, but chatting with @camppatton on Twitter reminded me that Grace was guest hosting this week.

Without further ado ….

1. Time Alone

I love my little ones to the depths of my soul, but sometimes, I just want a break. When I’m grumpy and snippy (like this week), I know I need a bit of an escape.

2. A Bed to Myself

Following on the heels of ‘time alone’ is room to spread out. My husband and I often joke that out children are bed gnomes. They go to sleep in one spot, then wake up in another.

I’d love to wake up without tiny feet planted in my back, or in my face.

3. Grape Vodka

Let me introduce you to your new summer drink – the Sweet Tart, inspired by Molly Malones.

Three Olives Grape Vodka (Bacardi Arctic Grape Rum works well too)
San Pelligrino Limonata
Ice

Mix, and pretend you’re on a tropical vacation while you watch the kids in the sand box.

4. Peanut M&Ms

I just might have snuck these in my cart when I was supposed to be shopping for allergy medicine. Don’t judge.

5. Wright Bacon

Seriously.

Brown Sugar Bacon? In a cast iron skillet? Do I have to even say anything more?

Head over to Camp Patton today and see everyone else’s picks. They aren’t all vodka swigging bacon lovers like me.

Affiliate links help pay for my coffee — thanks for your support!

Finally! A Good Night’s Sleep with ZzzQuil!

2013-05-10T13:56:48Z

This sponsored post brought to you by ZzzQuil. All opinions are 100% mine.

As a busy mother of five, I’m going from sunup until sundown. When I finally hit the sack, there are days that I simply cannot sleep. I can’t turn off my brain and rest. I’m jealous of my husband, who falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.

I toss and turn, thinking about how much I have to do the next day. As a result, I wake up exhausted.

Thank goodness, the kind folks at Proctor and Gamble were kind enough to send me a product sample ofZzzQuil. It’s designed for occasional sleepiness – just what I needed!

ZzzQuil is available over the counter in liquid form and LiquiCaps®. With the active ingredient diphenhydramine, it’s safe, effective and non-habit forming. Just follow the package directions.

Since I hate swallowing pills, I opted for the Warming Berry liquid. After bathtime, reading to the children, and tucking them into bed, I took a dose of ZzzQuil.

I brushed my teeth and hit the sack. Instead of lying awake, I was able to fall asleep easily. Bonus? I stayed asleep all night long.

The next morning, I even woke up before the alarm! I was wide awake, not groggy, and ready to start my day off right.

Want to find out more about ZzzQuil?

You can follow ZzzQuil onFacebook or connect with them on Twitter. Don’t forget to share your experiences on the #ZzzQuilNight hashtag.

Do you suffer from insomnia? Have you tried ZzzQuil? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section.

10 Things I’ve Learned While Homeschooling Twin Boys

2013-05-07T07:25:14Z

I don’t make it a secret that I was a very reluctant homeschooling mother. When my husband mentioned homeschooling eight years ago, I thought he was a crackpot.

Thank goodness I listened to him.

As we begin to wrap up our second year of homeschooling, I’m amazed at how much my children have learned.

Even more amazing? The lessons they have taught ME.

We chose to take our twin boys Adam and Thomas out of the local preschool this year. The plan was to teach them at home, just like I was doing with Rachel.

I thought I could teach a precocious first grader, rambunctious twin preschool boys, and manage a new baby. All while managing a household and working outside the home.

Pretty lofty goals, no?

On paper, I’ve been a failure.

The preschool lesson plans and workbooks I poured over in late August are unfinished.

The boys can’t write their names, but they can rattle off a dozen species of dinosaurs and tell you about their herbivore/carnivore status.

They struggle with a pencil grip, but will sit by the creek and watch tadpoles and worms for hours on end.

Check out the lessons I’ve learned while teaching my identical twin boys this year.

1. I’m impatient

It’s no surprise to my friends that I’m an impatient person. I’m a jump to action kind of girl, with a choleric spirit.

Trying to teach a little one how to hold a pencil while nursing a baby has been a challenge for me. At the end of many days, I’m on my knees, asking for grace, patience and a forgiving spirit.

2. Not everyone learns like me

Not tooting my horn, but I was a model student. No one had to tell me more than once about assignments, or remind me to study for tests. I was organized, studied every evening, and breezed through high school and nursing school. (Nerd alert, right?)

It’s a lesson in humility for me to attempt to figure out how to explain concepts to little boys as they jump around my living room.

3. My boys thrive on encouragement

Once Rachel learned to read, there’s been no stopping her. She KNOWS she’s a good reader, and doesn’t need me to tell her.

My boys aren’t as confident. I’ve heard ‘I can’t do this!’ many times from them this year. I have to encourage them again and again.

4. I need to stop evaluating them based on checklists and guidelines

I try very hard not to judge my children based on ‘standards’ but it’s not easy. Once people find out you homeschool, the questions begin. “Do they know how to read?”
“Are they skip counting?”
“Are you all working on science?”

My boys are still young. Much of our day is playing, balanced with life skills and chores.

5. I’ve learned how to encourage fine motor skills without a pencil

My boys both hate to write, so teaching them letters and numbers has been a bit of a challenge. I’ve given up (for now) trying to teach them a proper pencil grip.

Instead we work a lot with scissor skills, lacing beads, pegboards and writing with chalk.

6.They learn by watching and listening

I’m amazed at what the boys have picked up, just by sitting near Rachel while we work on science lessons. They hear much more than I give them credit.

7. Books are gender neutral

Years ago, storytime with my twins was pretty torturous. They would chatter, grab books or hang upside down off the bed.

As they’ve gotten older, storytime is my favorite part of the day. Brett takes the children to the library often, where they check out DOZENS of books. They sit engrossed in stories for an hour, no matter if it’s Alice in Wonderland or How to Train Your Dragon.

8. Boys are only still when they are asleep

This shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me.

My guys are simply not built to sit still in a desk. When we do school, all the kids spread out on the floor and do their work.

I’m also careful to work with them in short bursts, giving them plenty of time to run outside and burn off steam.

9. I need to tackle my fear of crafts

Thomas surprised me one day.

‘You know what? I miss going to school. We did lots of crafts there.’

That took the wind out of my sails. It’s time for me to get my act together and add crafts into our routine.

10. This is the best decision for our family

Even though I’ve second guessed myself so many times, I know that homeschooling our children is the best decision for our family. By being able to spend more time with them, I’m blessed with being able to learn them.

Our days homeschooling are loud, messy and chaotic — I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Have a Top Ten Post of your own? Link up with my good pal Angie over at Many Little Blessings for Top Ten Tuesdays.

I’m looking forward to the next 10 weeks! I’m joining my friends at iHomeschool Network for our 10 in 10 Series – 10 amazing weeks of top ten posts on homeschooling topics. It’s going to be so much fun!

Sign up for email updates so you won’t miss a thing!

Stay Ahead of Pollen with Allegra Allergy Solutions

2013-05-10T15:11:52Z

The following is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.

I’ve been suffering from allergies since I was a child. During the spring, when the flowers are blooming, you’ll often find me sneezing, with itchy, watery eyes. Allergy symptoms make my head hurt!

During allergy season, I’m grumpy and miserable. I’d love to go for a run outside, or take my kids to the park, but when the pollen count is up, I’m cooped up indoors with my tissues.

ACHOO!

Thank goodness for the folks at Allegra. They provided me with the opportunity to visit CVS and pick up some Allegra for everyone in my house. (Don’t miss my shopping details over on Google +)

I was also able to check out MyAllerGenius, Allegra’s brand new interactive website. It’s a treasury of information for both adult allergy suffers, as well as parents looking for relief for their children. I found the pollen text alerts incredibly helpful.

I can plug in my zip code and get a 4 day pollen forecast for my area, including the particular allergens. The current forecast looks great for me, but I know I’ll need to make sure I have Allegra on hand when the ragweed counts are up. If pollen counts are high, I’ll know to plan to hit the library or science center to avoid the allergens outdoors.

Allegra makes it a piece of cake to stay ahead of pollen. You can sign up to have pollen counts delivered to you via text alerts or email.

Ready to check it out for yourself?

Until May 31st, you can catch sale pricing on Allegra at CVS. Save $2, $4 or $6 with coupons at My AllerGenius. For maximum savings, all you’ll need is a CVS ExtraCare Card®.

Come check out the #MyAllerGenius Twitter party on Tuesday, May 15th from 1 to 2pm Eastern time. You’ll be able to learn more about allergy resources, surviving allergy season and saving money. If you RSVP, you’ll be eligible for one of five $100 CVS gift cards.

Catch Allegra on Twitter (@AllegraOTC), follow them on Facebook and keep up with the #MyAllerGenius hashtag.

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and ALLEGRA® #cbias #SocialFabric

Free from Anxiety: Saints and Scripture Sunday

2013-05-05T06:48:25Z

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

Each week at Mass, as we hear a version of these words during the Prayer of Peace, I feel a huge sigh escape my chest. Listening to this prayer is a balm to my busy spirit.

Anxiety is a wave that sweeps many of us up in its path, scattering us like driftwood. It renders us ineffective, crippling us with self doubt.

Reading over this passage again, I’m reminded of how many times God reminds us that fear is useless. What we need is trust in God’s plan for our lives.

As I struggle with staying on the path God created for me, I took a peep at the calendar of the saints.

We just celebrated St Catherine of Siena’s feast day in late April.
She’s the namesake for my youngest daughter, and one of her famous quotes emboldens me each time I see it.

Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.

I’m also inspired by St Rose Venerini.

Teacher? School Administrator? Yup – those are some of my titles, too. Encouraging women to unite and grow in our beautiful faith?

That’s an area where I need some help, as I become the point person for the Mom’s Club at our parish.

What about you? Do you struggle with anxiety, like me? Or are you setting the world on fire?

Staples, Pneumonia and Derby Festival Time: iHN Homeschool Mother’s Journal, 7 Quick Takes Style

2013-05-03T07:47:41Z

— 1 —

In my life this week ….

I’d like a do over, please.

The little girls both ended up in the ER this past week.

Laura called me Saturday night while I was at work. “Umm. I think I need to bring Rachel to you. She fell and bumped her head, and I think she needs stitches.”

No worries, right? I’m an ER nurse, Laura’s an ER nurse. What could go wrong?

We seriously underestimated the amount of crazy Rachel could bring up in the ER. We had to bribe her to even let the doctor look at her head. Then, I had to literally chase her around the room, finally calling another doctor in to help us hold her down to put numbing medicine on her head. Last, she scared all the other patients in the ER by wailing like a banshee — after the staples were done.

Phew.

Monday, Maeve was not herself. Feverish for a few days, coughing, and no appetite. Darn it! I called my friends at the ER for a chest x-ray. 1 hour later, we found out she had pneumonia. ARGH! I’m just thankful that we didn’t have to stay at the hospital. So far, she’s slowly improving.

Enough already!

— 2 —

In our homeschool this week …

We’re trying to plug through til the bitter end. Rachel learned about synonyms and antonyms this week. Next week, we will cover homonyms and ABC order, wrapping up our first grade phonics for the year. WAHOO!

What’s left? Math, spelling, and cursive writing. I’m hoping to finish up by Memorial Day.

I’m slowly starting to plan for next year. We will actually still be doing a wee bit of school over the summer, like science and Bible studies. I’m planning on using Memoria Press again, with a few things added/switched around. That’s information for a whole ‘nother blog post.

— 3 —

Something I am ogling or have my eye on ….

Another book, of course. I’ve stopped reading fiction, except for the children’s books we pour through. Most days, you’ll find me with my nose in a book about my faith, or books about blogging. I can’t wait to get my hands on this beauty.

My sweet pal Colleen and the iHomeschool Network brainy beauties have created a masterpiece of blogging tips – everything from photography to SEO to how to balance marriage and blogging. (better star that one) I know what I’ll be reading by the pool in a few short weeks!

Speaking of iHomeschool Network ….

— 4 —

I’m grateful for …

An email I got late last night from Amy and Jimmie, co-founders of iHomeschool Network, inviting me to join their amazing network of homeschool bloggers.

— 5 —

Things I’m working on …

I’ve got a load of stuff coming up next week! You’ll see posts on how we deal with allergies, how I cure my insomnia, and the nursing pillow I think needs to be on every baby registry. If that’s not enough for you, I’ll also share the ten things I’ve learned about myself through homeschooling. Phew!

— 6 —

My kiddos favorite thing this week was …..

See that little blonde cutie in the teal shirt?

That’s Rachel, riding on a float in the Kentucky Derby Festival parade.

If you’re not from Louisville, it might be hard to imagine what the big hoopla is all about here in the spring.

This is our city’s time to shine, with over two weeks’ worth of family friendly events, all leading up to the Crown Jewel of Horse Racing – The Kentucky Derby. (can you tell I’m just a little proud?)

— 7 —

A photo to share …

I’m a firm believer in ‘everyone should go to the Derby at least once in their lives.’ What’s not to love? (only the horribly overpriced drinks!)

This photo is one of my all time favorites — if you’re a regular reader, you’ve seen this picture before.

Circa May 2005, this is my husband and I at the beautiful Churchill Downs on Derby Day. Seriously, this is the day I decided I was going to marry the man. (he just didn’t know it yet!)

Drop by my friend Jennifer’s place to congratulate her on a new baby and see her 7 Quick Takes. You can visit more of my friends at the iHN’s Homeschool Mother’s Journal.

This post contains affiliate links – thanks for your support!

Wiggly Baby? HUGGIES® Little Movers Slip-On® Diaper Pants to the Rescue!

2013-04-26T02:20:22Z

As the mother of 5 children, I’ve changed a lot of diapers in my time.

When babies are tiny, diaper changing is a piece of cake. Tiny babies can’t go anywhere, but as your little ones grow and get bigger, diaper changes can become wrestling matches.

As soon as Maeve could roll over, look out.

Diaper changes were not for the slow or weak willed at my house. You’d better have your supplies gathered, lightening fast hands, and earplugs to block out the wailing.

Just when I thought I had things figured out, she started crawling, then pulling up and standing EVERYWHERE.

Look out, world! Diapers are even more of a challenge for us now. If I position the tabs to fit while she’s lying down, sometimes they are too tight or bunch up while she’s crawling.

When she’s pulling up and standing at the table, sometimes conventional diapers can droop, sag, or even pull open. ARGH!

Help!

Thanks to Mom Central Consulting, we were blessed with samples of HUGGIES® Little Movers Slip-On® Diaper Pants to try out on Maeve. Even as a seasoned mother of many children, this product was something brand new to me. I was intrigued, since I was pretty tired of wrestling Maeve into diapers all.day.long.

Check these out!

No more diaper change struggles! I just grab a diaper, sit Maeve on my lap, and slide the diapers up just like underwear!

The sides are pre-fastened and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-y, which means I don’t have to worry about getting the fit just right while fighting to keep Maeve on the changing table. The soft flexible sides don’t leave any marks, even on super cute fat baby thighs.

When we’re ready to change the diaper, it’s a piece of cake. They have easy open sides and grip tabs, so you can roll the diaper up for a quick and easy disposal.

Huggies trusted Leak Lock® Protection means that there’s nothing escaping these diapers … even when she’s chasing her big brothers and sisters!

Maeve is NOT a skinny girl — so I was a little concerned about the fit.

I’m thrilled to report that HUGGIES® Little Movers Slip-On® Diaper Pants handle her tiny rolls without a hitch. You can see here that they don’t gap, fit her snugly around the booty, and even eliminate that gap at the top of the diaper where blowouts can escape. Hooray!

Ready to try these diapers out for your own growing baby? HUGGIES® is offering a coupon for $2 off on any one package of HUGGIES® Little Movers Slip-On® Diaper Pants. If you share this with three friends, the value increases to $2.50! Woo hoo!

Do you have a wiggly baby at home? What are your tips and tricks for easier diaper changes?

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for HUGGIES. I received product samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.