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Why does Cleaning Make My House Look Worse?

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Thu, 1 May 2014 18:45:00 -0700

Untitled Document

I wake up early, run around 
Put the toys in place

All my efforts are a fail
My house is a disgrace

Sure if I never cleaned
Or I never tried

I would understand my plight
Wouldn’t ask... now why?

The further I dig into things
Try to organize

The bigger mess seems to ensure
Cleaning seems unwise

I know the storm before the calm
Worse before its better

Wish I had a little more hope
I won’t get a failing letter

Listen To This Podcast Episode

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We’ve been really trying to dig in and clean. Find the root problems to why messes seem to haunt our home and pull the problems up at the root.

Leaving the cereal box within reach... big problem lol

I’m excited about this process… Ok that's a lie. I’m not excited… I’m excited about having a beautifully organized house so I never have to clean again. But the problem is that every time we pull things out to rethink our process. It creates a heaping disaster!!

Top Ways to Make Your House Look Worse While Cleaning:

Pulling out things without time to actually solves the problems.
Trying to organize things when the basics of the house are undone.
Trying to tackle too many areas at once
Taking apart the old system for organizing (even if its a bad one) without a new one to replace it. Example… Not using our coat rack for all our coats, so now the extra coats are ending up on the couch or floor while we decided on new coats hooks etc.

Maybe if I got my coffee back I'd be better at cleaning lol

How do you rethink problem areas in your house without creating a monster in the process?

I can’t wait to hear your ideas!

Life Through The Eyes of a Child

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Are you kids ever jealous? Not of other kids or toys, but of your relationship with your husband?

There is a whole new perspective we can learn on life if we look at things through the eyes of a child.

I always thought it was odd that my son would fuss and wiggle his way in anytime my husband would give me a hug or try to sit next to me on the couch. It was funny… he didn’t want to share his mama. Sometime he would even push my husband away. Not to say that he doesn’t love his dad… he just didn’t like papa monopolizing mama’s attention.

Then walking out the door for work the other day my husband commented on something. “Charlie sees us leave together every morning…” (We only have one car and both work, so we leave together each morning)

For all he knows we are just going and having fun without him all day. Little does he know that we are simply driving off to work. When he sees us come through the door at night he’s thinking, “Dad you’ve had her all day… now its my turn!”

I have to sympathize with the little guy! He’s thinking he’s being left out while in reality every moment of our day outside work is spent with him… We rarely even go out on a date without him because I don’t want him left any more than necessary.

Do you ever stop and think about why your kids act a certain way? No, it may not be logical to you as an adult… But what is their kid logic behind how they are acting?

Can you share a story about a time when you were surprised by how your kid was thinking of a situation? Can’t wait to hear! I love your comments.

A New Way to Clean - Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 04:44:00 -0700

Does the task of cleaning often overtake you? It absolutely does for me, so I invented a New Way to Clean. You can read about the initial idea here.

Basically I decided that I would rather have 12 super intense weekends a year… than have it looming over me constantly.

Listen To This Podcast Episode

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Rules for A Super Clean Weekend

No Smiles, No Fun… These are cleaning weekends!
Easy meals. Aka order pizza
Wake up early - Before the birds
Lots and lots of coffee

Our ideas for the project were a hybrid of The House That Cleans Itself and personal thoughts on not taking too long on any particular area.

For weekend number two we decided to tackle two main areas, my son’s clothes and the livingroom.

We started by describing the problem areas are and writing down ways to solve them.

Issues we discovered:

Charlie out grew the Brilliant Baby Clothes Organizer, so instead of perfectly organized clothes, we had a giant heaping mess.
While perusing Walmart, I discovered wonderful treasure chests.
These were the perfect size to organize his much larger big boy clothes.
- Chest #1 All Shirts
- Chest #2 Pants and Shorts
- Chest #3 Onesies, PJs, and Socks
- Chest#4 Random - Suits, Bowties, Sweatsuits, and everything else that doesn’t have a place in the above.
We have way too many toys. I already struggled emotionally with the question of wondering Am I A Bad Mom If I Throw Out Toys? Your support was awesome knowing I can put a few things away.

The Treasure Chest worked so great, I decided to carry the idea over for my toys.

Are you feeling inspired for your house yet? My house is looking better than ever, and I know yours can too!

If these ideas weren’t your cup of tea, maybe you can help me figure out how to clean like this :)

Truly, do you have ideas for keeping your house clean? I love your comments!

Stuck Trying To Lose Weight?

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:14:00 -0700

Are you drowning in quick sand? Ok not literally… but does the difficulty of losing weight seem to drag you down?

A depressing fact that we often forget about is what worked in the past may not still work now.

Listen To This Podcast Episode

Right click to download this episode

This can come in two ways for us:

The things we did that helped us lose weight or stay in shape before no longer have the same effect.
The things we were doing before still work, but we don’t have the time, energy or mental capacity for them.

A great first step in losing weight is answering the following questions:

Do your previous weight loss, workout techniques and routines no longer work?
Are you no longer doing the things that worked in the past?

I realized that I know how to lose weight. I know what it takes to be skinny… But if those things are true why is it such an impossible task?

The challenges of losing weight have been milling around in my head for several weeks now. I’ve lost a lot of weight since having my son a year ago… And although I’ve lost all my baby weight… I can’t seem to get back to my pre-marriage weight (It's like the freshman 15 except with marriage).

I started to think about the differences from my life back then until now. I used to go jogging. I rarely ate processed food… everyday I had a wonderful salad and lots of fruit. I had an abundance of sleep. I took plenty of naps.

Now I am constantly lacking sleep… even if I get a great night's sleep it was still interrupted multiple times for nursing. I rarely have an opportunity to nap. My lack of sleep is compensated for with plenty of coke and frappuccinos. I am constantly eating on the go… (think more processed food). Because I’m nursing, I’m hungry all the time… but working full time, I often only have access to snacks.

Finally the most important factor: drum roll please… my will. I am tired now… I am using the fight in me to keep going each day. Be patient even when I’m sleep deprived. Change poops… when I’m rushing out the door. Love my son even after he pinches or bites me.

Before my will was ready… I had plenty of emotional energy to put into eating great foods and working out. My will wasn’t exhausted… so although it was hard I had the umph to say yes to working out.

In Charles Duhig’s book The Power of Habit he talks about how when we have to constantly use our will power we are tired and have a tougher time embracing challenges by the end of the day.

I will lose weight! I know I can do this! But I need a new approach.

I wish I had the perfect solution on How to Lose Weight Quickly. I don’t… I’ve had some ideas that worked in 10 Ways to Lose Baby Weight. Or at least the feeling of skinny… with Skinny or at Least the Jeans.

I had problem #2. My weight loss/workout things do work. I’m just no longer doing them. But the solution was a bit more complicated...

My goal for my new approach: How can I make it less of a struggle? I’m too worn down by the end of the day. Can I move my work out earlier? Can I find some easy healthy snacks to bring along to work? How can my husband help with my son so I can steal away a few moments for working out?

It is a process… I’m not going to wake up as the mini version of me tomorrow… but, can I be a small step closer? I hope so!

How do you stay in shape while balancing a baby filled life?

In Search of Perfect Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Look in the mirror
Check out your hair

Is it quite bedazzled
Or just rather bare

Do spunk and alive 
Exude from you face

Or simply blah
That’s tough to erase

Is simple and safe 
What we always do 

Take the leap now! 
And try something new

Surprises hold mystery
Magic and grace

If you hate it 
More will grow back in its place

This moment may be 
Long overdue

Awaiting is cute,
Adorable you

Listen To This Podcast Episode

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Do you love your haircut? How did you come to your decision in choosing a style?

Even if you have the perfect hair, bad styling can keep it hidden. My hair looks beautiful when it's down… Yet I am constantly rushing around… and I don’t like it hanging in my face. So, I end up with it all pulled back in a pony… That’s alright, but it is not like I’m taking advantage of having long, beautiful hair.

It took a lot of courage to bust out and try a new style without the safety net of pulling it back in a pony or sock bun. I couldn’t be happier, I feel like I lost 20 lbs.

If you are concerned about trying a new style, find a stylist that will work with you. In addition to having my haircut I had her write me a list of weapons I need to purchase to control this new beast. Then I went back the next day to have her style it for me and teach me her ways.

I am happy to say I was able to style it myself with her tips and instruction and it looked as good as when she did it.

Tips for having the perfect hair:

Be bold. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Your favorite haircut may be just around the corner.
Find a stylist who understands you. I went in hopelessly without a plan. I explained my twofold problem of not wanting the same old thing. I really wanted a bold haircut stacked in the back… but I was concerned about not knowing how to make it look right. We decided on a swing bob, with the thought I could always go more extreme once I learned how to style short hair.
Buy actual beauty supplies… I tend to always be saving money, so I’ll buy a cheap curling iron doesn’t really work. This time I went to Sally’s… and asked what straightener to get. It was $47 on sale… I almost had a stroke! For a second I contemplated skipping the whole thing, but I already had the haircut so I went for it. It is amazing… using it I was able to get that “perfect hair” look. All this time perfect hair was only $47 away :)
Take the time to learn. I love reading Kate’s hair advice… yet I found after a year, I never actually watched any of her hair tutorials. My problem was that I was alway reading the blog at times when I couldn’t watch a video. I spent about 40 minutes watching videos that I specifically thought would help with my new style. It may have been the most valuable 40 minutes I’ve ever spent on my hair.
It isn’t magical. As much as I wish the Jettson’s were true that you could just wake up and your shower would do your hair for you… it does take time.
Speaking of #5… What will it take to give yourself the time to spend on hair? I needed to get up a little earlier. Yet, I hate morning… So I found listening to the Frozen Soundtrack made things a little easier.

If all else fails pull a Jane Jettson…

How do you stay happy with your hair?

It Takes Two to be a Mommy

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

It takes two to make a mommy.

It is a simple fact, Grandma’s have immeasurable wisdom! While talking with my grandma recently about my blog I got to receive one of those pieces of wisdom.

She commented on how while she loved all the pictures of me and my son… it takes two to make a mommy. She missed seeing my husband in the pictures.

That got me to thinking. There can’t be a Mom in the Making without papa. Reading and enjoying mommy blogs is awesome! I can savor and enjoy mommy son moments, plus receive and share encouragement with other mothers about the joys and struggles that come during this time in our lives.

Both my boys in peaceful sleep!

But without papa this all goes away. Natalie, The Busy Budgeting Mama did a cute example on her about page when she said first come love, then comes marriage… then she shows her kiddos. It was a cute play on the song.

Before I ever had the joy of being a Mom in the Making… I was a wife :) This is so important to remember. As a mom my days and nights become so full with nursing, diapers, story time etc it is a great joy, but our fun as a couple gets lost.

Recently, we moved up the little man’s bedtime so we can spend time together without him. It has been wonderful… whether we’re playing Monopoly Deal (a quick card game version of monopoly), or laughing together watching a show. It is fun having some us time… not just always being mommy and papa.

And the more time we spend together as a couple the better parents we are!

How do you find time to be a wife?

Dance to your Alarm Clock

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 18:54:00 -0700

Beep Beep Beep! Your alarm is sounding… like a rooster at dawn announcing that morning has arrived. What is your reaction?

#1 Finding a brick to crush your alarm clock

#2 Burying your head deep under the pillows hoping it will stop

#3 Bounding up and starting to dance!

When we don’t enough sleep somehow morning seems to lack that magical flavor. But do we let that define how we begin our day?

I think we can learn from the joy and innocence of a child on how our day should begin. Each morning when my alarm goes off and I scramble for option #1 a brick to crush my clock yet my little son jumps up and begins to dance!

He likes the music that my phone plays as an alarm. He is excited to start another day. He will smile and try to “talk to me” wondering all the while why I am not joining in his morning dance.

We each have so much to be grateful for as every new day begins. Even if we’re not ready for a dance each morning, let us try remember the joy of a child and begin knowing the day in front of us is a gift.

Do you begin your mornings with dance?

Striking down Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Do you ever feel like you’re having a really bad day?

I still remember this particular day... it was bad from the moment my alarm went off. Stress at working, running late, Little Charlie was on a nursing strike… which then made him incredibly cranky for the babysitter… My head felt like it was going to explode!

Only it didn’t stop with that feeling… As the afternoon progressed my forehead started to hurt… and a volcano started to erupt on my face! Just what I needed for a bad day was a giant zit screaming look at me!!

(Ok, I guess it wasn’t that bad…) But it reminded me of how much our bodies reflect our attitude. I was stressed so lunch was a wash and instead of consuming some healthy options, I enjoyed a variety pack of candy bars after returning from the office ranging from crunch, crunch crisp, twizzlers…

Pumping in chocolate at that rate no wonder my face was exploding! My only consolation was that I did move my water jug closer so I drank a small ocean.

Stress isn’t leaving, so finding a good way to move forward with it is very necessary. Even though I made a few poor choices with the candy bars, I moved towards a better goal as I dove into my water bottle.

The day’s not over till we fall into bed, so get back up smile that’s what I said!

How do you handle stressful days?

How to Change Diapers While Traveling

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Do you think changing diapers while traveling is a nightmare?

How do you find a livable solution?

I found I never really used public restroom changing stations...I always find them gross Instead I am always changing Charlie on the seat or my car or looking for a small patch of grass. Don’t worry I've learned from my mistakes on changing diapers in a car.

I also don’t use the diaper changing pad... you lay it on a gross surface so you’re not putting your kid on it sure, but then you take all those germs and put them in your diaper bag.

If I’m not changing him in the car, or outside on the grass... I have decided to use a blanket so I can wash it once I’m done!

How do you change diapers while traveling?

5 Things I learned while Nursing

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 18:22:00 -0700

Were you able to nurse your baby?

I am incredibly blessed that I was... but it wasn't without a rocky start or lots of struggles along the way.

What was your experience? As the sad time for weening has come, I wanted to reflect back.

Things learned while Nursing.

#1 It is possible to work full time and nurse... without bottles. You can master Nursing Faster Than Pumping.

#2 Nursing is a miracle. One bonus if you struggle to begin nursing is that you will have an incredible appreciation of its beauty.

#3 When problems arise with nursing, the solutions can come in unlikely places like the grocery isle.

#4 Nursing is an Adventure... Both for you and your baby. My son used to think he should go running while I nursed.

#5 Don't give up when biting starts. It does get better.

What did you learn while trying to nurse your baby?

Does your House Scare you?

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Wed, 9 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Landry's piling up

Ahh what will I wear

Food inside the fridge

Is growing like a bear

Bills left on the counter

Start to pile high

Stress is overwhelming

Reaching to the sky

Sure I can fix

If it is just one thing

But all of it together

My ears begin to ring

Things never happen

With space to spare

But come like an avalanche

I start to despair

What can I change

If I only have today

Tomorrow I’ll begin again

Its the mommy way

Do you ever find yourself trying to do everything? I know I'm guilty of this all the time.

Jon Acuff recently had an amazing tweet.

Though at times I wish it wasn't so, your ability to gain anything is intricately tied to your willingness to lose something else.
— Jon Acuff (@JonAcuff) April 5, 2014

I'm still pondering this question.

What do you need to cut out to have a peaceful and joyful life?

Is it too Early for Sunscren

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 7 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

I hate sunscreen! But I burn like crazy!

I know summer isn’t hear yet… but can you tell I’m getting ancy. I recently found my favorite sunhat and couldn't help but take a few fun pictures.

I feel like a I spent my life being told to wear sunscreen to avoid skin cancer… yet now everyone seems against it because sunscreen = poison!! All I know is that if I am out in the sun without a sun hat or sun screen I turn out looking like a fried red tomato! (not nearly as nice as fried green tomatoes)

So I enjoy floppy sun hats, the shade, and the poison of sunscreen while in the sun…

How do you keep from being burned?

Why Mom's Crash

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Fri, 4 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Yes, yes I can do

Sure I’m on my way

Anything to help a friend

No matter night or day

Making meals, hanging out

Lending a kind ear

Doing projects, cakes and crafts

Of course that’s why I’m here

What is sleep, who needs it

If I stay up all night

I grab a coffee, espress beans

That will make it right

When does my saying yes

Start to mean no

For the things I really love

My dreams are a no go

This is really hard for me

I think no is bad

I want to be super mom

Missing things is sad

But when I see my sanity

and life slipping away

I have to cut a few things out

to make it day to day

Where do you draw the line

‘tween craziness and fun

So you have those golden moments

To spend with your son

I love being involved in everything! Spending time with family, friends, going for walks or writing for my blog. There is only one tiny problem... my house, bills, and the 'boring' things in life suddenly pile up so I can no longer do the things I love.

I've been enjoying Crystal Paine's book Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, she talks about why is it sometimes good to say. Check out more about that on my podcast episode Setting Goals, Great Books, and Much More!

How do you balance things in your life?

Why do we Second Guess our Looks

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Wed, 2 Apr 2014 03:00:00 -0700

When do we learn to second guess our looks?

Last week I was talking about How to Avoid Fake Smiles… As I flipped through the our photo shoot I really enjoyed looking at my son. Everyone of his photos was great.

#1 He’s a little kid so he couldn’t look bad if he tried.

But secondly he had no reason to look funny. He was just excited to be playing outside after a long winter spell. Running through the hills while the wind whipped around him, nothing could make him frown.

When do we learn to think twice about how we look in photos? Now I agree, some photo do just catch you at a bad moment like when you’re shovin’ a cupcake in your face (but truly did it look that nice in real life).

As moms we need to strive to be confident in our looks. Sure my pictures inspired me to lay off the m&ms and start running. But eating junk food is a choice that I make, complaining about how I look as a result is never productive.

We are an example to our children, our friends, and other moms. When we complain about how we look it doesn’t only hurt us, but make others feel bad too. (I think our natural reaction when we hear someone complains about a photo is “if they think they look bad I must really look bad!”)

I believe half the reason kids look so great in photos is they don’t know any other way to look. They haven't learned to be squeamish and muster fake smiles.

Let’s learn from them and celebrate life and with authentic joy and smiles in all our photos. (I can't reveal the good photos from that day yet because I'm redoing my about page...coming soon!)

How do you avoid second guessing how you look?

Is Blogging Stressful or Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:09:00 -0700

Blogging stressful

it makes me lose sleep

Yet I find without it

I just want to weep

It can be creative

It can be so fun

Making little projects

till the day is done

Now I’m back at blogging

Blogging act take II

Ready for Adventure?

I am are you?

I jumped headfirst into blogging while on maternity leave… it was great. It gave me a sense of purpose as I burned the midnight oil every single night!! But somewhere along the way a problem arose… yes my little guy still wakes up all night. But he goes to bed at around 8:30 so instead of catching some sleep while he is resting, I’ve been on the work till midnight on the blog kick.

Plus being back at work took away all my midday nap opportunities. I continued to struggle though… but when some medical things came crashing my way that did it. The blog died!!! I simply couldn’t do it all.

So I’m back… We’ll see how things go. I’ve got some fun ideas for reviving the blog. Maybe less link parties, more planning in advance.

I missed the community, seeing nice comments at the bottom of my posts. Getting to meet other great bloggers.

How do you find time to do the things you love... While still getting sleep and raising a little one?

Should Homes have Secretaries

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 05:40:00 -0700

I look at a business

Efficient and on cue

Bosses have their minions

Like our great friend Gur

The head creates a vision

A pie in the sky

People make it happen

He lets out a sigh

Tasks big and small

Theres always someone there

To do the work take the time

Better to prepare

Sure to run a business

I’d agree its big

But trying running a home

Now that’s a real gig

Where is my secretary

To keep my head on straight

Bills are paid, like you said

“Wow, you’re looking great!”

I’ll start a revolution

Mom’s need help today!

Even a few hours

Could change the way we play

I noticed something while starting at the ceiling feeling overwhelmed after a long hard day. At work things get done so quickly because there is a team. Plus all the bosses have secretaries. They come up with the big vision and someone else figures out the 10000 little details to make it happen. Wow! My house would be so different if I had someone to help me like that. Even just the organization things, like

“Ok… I filled out those thank you cards can you, my secretary, please address and mail them.”

(I filled them out the week after my son’s bday… 2 ½ months later they sat next to the door waiting for stamps).

Maybe a secretary isn’t the solution… But wouldn’t it be nice to have someone who just helped organize your thoughts, house, and your mile long to do list.

Has anyone figured out a good solution to this? It seems like every other job on the planet gets a support team, but motherhood and housekeeping are like being dropped into ponds of snapping alligators.

Please share what you are doing? I would love to try some new ideas...

Frozen: Can Parents Go too Far?

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 18:44:00 -0700

When does protecting our children actually hurt them? This question has been mulling in my brain as I’ve been singing Frozen at the top of my lungs. I fell in love with the songs long before I actually saw the movie. My sister came to visit and was singing them constantly so I had no choice, but to join the fun.

It was funny not seeing the movie, but singing the songs daily because I gradually learned the story as I paid attention to the songs.

Not being able to wait till it actually came out on DVD we bought it early on Google Play. (spoiler alert… if you haven’t seen the movie yet, I do give away some details)

But I had a really hard time watching the movie. Elsa and Anna were best friends! But when Anna gets hurt the parents lock Elsa away as if she is cursed… Like a child she is filled with fear which only makes things worst.

I thought of my own son at this moment. My friend will watch him while I’m at work and he is best friends with her boy. They are wonderful together! But there is a moment that is frozen in my mind.

When both boys were just learning how to walk, and they had also just learned their favorite thing how to give a hug. One morning my son was particularly happy to see his friend. He jumped down from my arms and ran (as fast as a 10 month old can) to give his buddy a hug. Instead of a warm hug, he caught him off balance, and BAM! He took him down like a linebacker…

I’m not sure who was more scared… the poor little guy getting tackled or my son as he crashed him down and saw his friend burst into tears.

That was Elsa playing with Anna. Sure I was scared my son hurt my friends kiddo… but I can’t imagine locking him in his room forever because he might do it again…

I want to be there by my son at all moments. If there are challenges, I want to be there to support, understand and encourage him.

Here are the happy boys... in Summer!!!

Spring returns because Anna had the courage to do what her parents lacked… she showed Elsa true love. She stood by her even if it would cost her life.

So even though I’m still dancing in halls, asking my son if he wants to build a snowman… my heart is dwelling on a deeper topic… Making sure to always stand by my son, even in moments of struggle.

Did Frozen make you think about your parenting style?

How to avoid fake smiles

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Do you ever find it hard to smile for pictures?

Its not that you’re unhappy, but suddenly when it is time to shine in front of a camera you’re filled with self-consciousness…

I think this happens to all of us at least from time to time. And it really is a tragedy. Because as moms we pass this on to our kids or others who look up to us. I went out to take a bunch of pics for a site redesign. I desperately need a cleaner look for my blog… but as I got ready to take pictures I just couldn't seem to do it.

I was either squinting, had my eyes closed, had a fake smile because I was trying too hard to make sure I was smiling. Eventually I just started making some funny faces trying to relax and those were some of my favorite pictures. Last year I wrote a post about How to Look Beautiful in your pictures… Now I just need to figure out how to relax and smile for pictures!

It was nice though having my hubbie take the pics to say ok… that’s a face smile try again.

How do you keep your pictures cute, but real?

Am I a Bad Mom if I Throw out Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Do you have a problem with too many toys?

(if you don't, continue reading then, go help a friend who is disorganized, they will appreciate it).

Where do your toys come from? In general, toys in the house have been a gift from someone or something that we have bought. Consequently, we love all of them. Sure there are some that we use more than others or are a particular favorite, but each toy has a story.

If each toy is so great the natural answers seems to be that we should keep all of them! However by saying yes to all the toys a natural hurricane seems to ensue... Instead of having a bunch of wonderful toys there is suddenly a heap of colorful things.

This is where the problem arises, if I get rid of the toys, I'm a bad mom for depriving my child. If I keep them all he can't possibly enjoy them in the mess.

The golden solution: I've decided to divide my toys. I was ruthless and put away the ones that he is truly too old for to save for the next baby. At the same time I put away the toys that were slightly above his level, so I'm not sick of them by the time he grows into them.

Then I split the toys up keeping them in different rooms so there are only one or two options at a given time.

Lastly, I put a few toys away that I will rotate in every few weeks to give it is a nice change up. Although it was excruciating putting away so many toys for seemingly good... we actually enjoyed playing with our cars tonight, there was plenty of room and they were an obvious option given the open space.

Do you feel bad about getting rid of toys?

A New Way to Clean

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Are you ready for a house cleaning break though...
(then we'll recap the week)

#1 I am super excited to try a new idea for cleaning the house. It seems like we are "always cleaning"... yet things are never actually getting clean. So starting today we are going to do our first Super Cleaning Weekend. I typically sleep in super late on Saturdays! But we've agreed my husband will get up at 6:00 get himself ready... then drive to Starbucks and get me a triple shot! Greet me with a kiss and coffee at 7:00 AM (ahhhh!) at which point we're going to power clean for the next 12 hours. No fun! No friends! Just cleaning. Sunday morning (rinse and repeat...)

Now this may seem crazy... I hate morning, and hate cleaning... but I couldn't be more excited! I can totally get more done with coffee and I am committing to 24 days of 7 AM 12 hour cleaning days for the next year. The lingering unknown of being stuck cleaning forever is unbearable... I'd rather give it my all for 288 hours... wow that does sounds like a crazy amount of time... then to constantly feel it nagging on me.

Obviously there is other cleaning that will happen throughout a regular week... but our hardcore setting up systems and getting things done will be concentrated into a few key times.

I probably won't have pics throughout the day... (no blogging just cleaning), but hopefully I can let you know how it went.

Now for the rest of the week...

#2 I've been enjoying a little bit of nice weather to bust out the skirts and flip flops.

I just couldn't help taking a pic as I celebrated my toes being free!

#3 "Life isn't a fairy tale, but you're definitely living the dream!" I finally settled upon a new tag line for my blog. I spent days tossing around different ideas. I wanted to express that motherhood can be messy, challenging, but overall super rewarding! I really want A Mom in the Making to be a place where you can find real motherhood in it's glories and struggles. Sweet poem about this!

#4 Taking advantage of the warm weather I went for my first spring run... (so I didn't take any pics... I was rushing out the door, but you can imagine I looked something like this... except outside)

How can I replace my spinach leaves?

#5 Finally, can you have too much of a good thing? I think I may have officially overdone it with spinach. I adore my green smoothies, but I think I need to mix it up. I guess you're supposed to switch up what greens you use if have them everyday? Does anyone know good suggestions, I'm not a fan of Kale... so I don't what to choose next?

Giving Grey some Pzazz!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 03:00:00 -0700

The world is going green, and I am going grey…

As I surveyed my closet I noticed one thing. Everything is pink! Pink heels, pink flats, pink blouses, pink scarves, pink suit coats… While I love my pink, I think my outfits begin to blend as one. In trying to become more fashionable I have been studying Pinterest, my favorite blogs, movies… and I noticed something. Grey can be great!

I've always written off grey as a rather blah, without pzazz... it turns out grey is a great base for bold accents!

Initially the grey snuck into my closet with my fabulous maxi skirt! Receiving it from a friend it was everything you want in a skirt, flattering, cute, stylish, free… Only after wearing it for weeks did I realize it was grey! This is a new thing for me.

Later when purse shopping, I felt like I already owned all the pink options or at least the twin sister of them. But somehow I was drawn to the grey option. Simple and subtle… two things that NEVER make it into my vocab. I love it. It goes with every outfit, it blends.

Now my popping statement can be my hair, new lipstick, or scarf vs. my bright purse stealing always the show.

What are your favorite grey items?

Are you a great Mom?

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Hours spent on Pinterst

My heart gives out a sigh

Could I ever be that good

Nope its a lie

Everything is perfect

Sparkling and in place

Then I look around my house

It lacks that simple grace

What’s meant to inspire

Can sometimes just depress

I’m guess I’m just a failure

As I look at my mess

The way you begin a word

Can really say it all

Inspiration vs Aspiration

Our success or make us fall

When you look at Pinterst or mommy blogs do you feel inspired or defeated? My goal for A Mom in the Making is to inspired you. Yes motherhood does have perfect moments. But those moments are perfect motherhood are often followed by chucks of crayon in the diaper, or scrubbing the carpet from an unexpected mess.

Perfection is wonderful but I try to love the little moments with my son. When he says "I love you", or simply enjoying Story Time together.

How to do you stay inspired in motherhood?

High Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 03:00:00 -0700

What a beautiful week.

#1 Finally after a long cold winter we had a melt... Here's my little guy enjoying some well needed sunlight outside.

#2 With my Green Smoothies I feel I'm already getting into the spirit for St. Patty's day this year. (last year was a cake this year a green smoothie...this year is already off to a healthy start)

#3 I've been enjoying fielding a lot of breastfeeding questions lately... Now that I've pasted the 12 month mark everyone wants to know..."when will you quit!" While that question is for another day it did inspired my post, Should you breastfeed after Biting?

#4 I discovered PicMonkey! I can't believe I've been blogging for a year without. It is amazing how easy it is to add text to my pics now.

#5 I am praising God for my health and all the blessing my family has received. A friend and blogger Natalie has been in and out of the hospital for over two weeks but is finally home and recovering. Praise God. I think sometimes get caught up in the little trouble of life and can overlook my many blessing.

Today I just want to thank God for the gifts of today!

What were the highlights of your week?

Should you breastfeed after Biting?

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 03:00:00 -0700

Chomp! Ahhhh!

While the moment you see that first tooth breakthrough should be a moment of sheer joy... for a breastfeeding mom it is like reaching the hill at the top of a rollercoaster. Although you are excited there is sense of terror as you know that first time he bites you may come at any time.

Keeping going! I know I have heard from many moms that the quit breastfeeding at the first moment of teeth... It does get better. I feel like there is the initial stage when they are cutting teeth... they bite everything! (including you) but at least for me it seemed to pass after a while.

I have found he tends to bite when he doesn’t want to nurse... and is messing around. Other mom’s have told me that if their baby bites, they quit that nursing session.

How do you handle biting with nursing?

Enjoying linking up with Inspire Me Please with House of Rose.

When jeans make us dance!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 03:00:00 -0700

"Michael love’s his jeans!"

I will never forget the opening scene of The Office when Pam talks about how much Michael loves his jeans. If you haven’t seen it, they show Michael dancing around the office, up on his desk showing off how great he looks in his jeans!

That was me! On a whim I decided to try on my pre-pregnancy jeans… and not only did they fit, but they were big! I felt like a million bucks!

I was basically dancing around the room in grand celebration!

It was such a success to finally be in normal clothes again! And jeans are so comfy… I just wanted to wear them all day everyday.

Do you have an outfit that makes you feel great?

Enjoying linking up with Inspire Me Please with House of Rose.