Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
My kids are so excited that Halloween is in a few weeks. They just got their costumes. Haley is going to be “Alice in Wonderland” and Hudson is going to a minion. I just know they will be the absolute cutest and get tons of great candy.

Luckily, temperatures have been rather mild in the Northeast, so I’m hopeful that they will be comfortable Trick-or-Treating. I don’t think they will need to cover up their costumes with coats, so that’s always a good thing!

Last year, we went with friends to a street in town where they do “all out” for Halloween– detailed decorations, many homes giving out candy, etc. Because nothing can ever be easy, some of the moms are chattering about how there were things they didn’t like about the neighborhood, and that they want to try another area. I honestly don’t care! As long as my kids are having fun with their friends and get candy, I’m happy!

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the “spooky season”!

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Independence Day is upon us! And even though we haven’t officially gotten there yet, I think most of us got a jump-start on the holiday over the weekend. Over at our household, there’s been grilling, water fun, and even s’mores. It’s so fun to see Haley and Hudson get into the holiday spirit.

Haley is also nearly old enough to understand what it means for the fourth of July to be “America’s birthday.” She knows a little about the Revolution and is so pleased that “the Americans defeated the British!” I think this year, we’ll be able to delve a little deeper into history, and she can learn what the Declaration of Independence is all about.

Hopefully Haley will be interested in learning more about our great country. Maybe she’ll just want some s’mores. Either way, she’ll continue to see that this is a time of year when we celebrate our country and our freedom. Eventually she’ll know why, and she can always be proud that she did.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
We are already halfway through the week of spring break. We are enjoying the warm sunshine and laid back, easygoing days. The boys are playing outside constantly. Jack and Tate love the easy days, free from homework. They are excited to share the rest of the week with my parents, who arrive today.

We don’t have anything booked on the calendar. We may want to explore more of Atlanta or just hang out. Either way, I’m happy knowing the boys are content, enjoying the time with their grandparents and family. I’m getting some rest and catching my breath this week. It’s like we hit the pause button on the daily grind of school and sports.

Next week starts a slew of activities, reports, standardized tests, meetings, and the busy way of life. Only seven more weeks of school are left and then summer vacation begins. I will start refreshed and invigorated next week. For now, the greener grass, blossoming trees, and time with my family are the perfect combo.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Over the weekend, Haley and I made Valentines for all of the children in her class. It was a fun experience and a learning opportunity as Haley read and wrote all of her classmates’ names. She loved the Shopkins valentines I chose (thank goodness!) and figuring out which picture and message was just right for each friend.

Even though it was an enjoyable activity, it was a lot of work for a five year old. Haley used scissors to cut, glue to paste, markers to write, and stickers to stick. There were several steps to completing each card—and there are 25 kids in her class. I was really proud that Haley sat still and focused for as long as it took to get the job done.

I’m looking forward to when Haley hands out the Valentines this week. I know she will be really proud of her hard work and for her friends to see what a cute job she did. I’m sure she’ll also receive a lot of cards and candy, too!

I know people like to say Valentine’s Day is a manufactured holiday, and I get it, but I’m also a big fan of any excuse to inject happiness and fun into the lives of young ones. And to celebrate all of the love in our lives.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
We had a fabulous time during our Christmas break. My sister, brother-in-law, and their two teenage boys came to visit with us for Christmas and New Years. We enjoyed being gracious hosts. Everybody had fun opening their gifts, and we spent hours playing with our new toys. We got used to slow mornings, great meals, and the company of family at every turn, especially in unseasonably mild weather for December. However, after two and half weeks away from school and responsibilities, I am ready to get back into our daily routine.

I have a love/hate relationship with long holiday breaks. I look forward to some time off, to catch up on rest, and spend time together. Yet, by the end, it usually throws us way off schedule. The kids go to bed late and get up later, and they get tired of each other after so many days together. The warm weather is gone, and it rained the last four days. They are ready to go back to school.

Every New Year has plenty of goals and resolutions. I’m going to be realistic and focus on one or two things monthly. My first goal is to get my boys back into the routine that was working before vacation. Keep it simple, don’t get overwhelmed, and set reasonable daily goals. I hope my strategy prevails.

I wish you happiness in the New Year!

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
I know you’re all busy installing batteries in new toys and eating leftovers, so I’ll just say a quick Happy Holidays to all of our readers. As we head into the New Year (and contend with kiddos who are off from school), remember that the days are long but the years are short. It’s bittersweet, but their childhoods will indeed come to an end. Enjoy every moment you can, and forgive yourself for the ones that are difficult. We have all been there.

Wishing you and your children health and happiness in 2017!

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, so the last thing anyone wants for Christmas is a virus. Our household started the season off miserable. The boys were both sick with a nasty cold that I eventually caught, too. I got it last, but I got the worst of it. My husband was out of town for several days, so I had to keep the household running, which was no easy task. Thankfully, the boys healed more quickly than I did.

I had many things to get done while the boys were in school, but getting some rest took priority. I missed events at school that I really wanted to attend, but I didn’t want to spread my germs. It was a bummer, but completely out of my control. Jack and Tate were very understanding, and I think they appreciated that I stayed home . Fortunately, I still have a few days to play catch up before Christmas.

The good news is we’re all on the mend and getting back into the holiday spirit with cookie baking, holiday lunch with friends, wrapping gifts, and caroling through the neighborhood. I’m thankful to be relatively healthy this holiday season and spending the remainder of the year with loved ones.

Happy Holidays to all!

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Jack and Tate are halfway through their last week of school before the holiday break. Things are extremely busy around here, but as I mentioned in last week’s post, I’m trying to take it all in stride. I am trying to appreciate the reason for the season.

Currently, I’m on the hunt for the perfect gifts for the kids’ teachers. Over the years, we’ve given our teachers small holiday gifts. This year, however, I overheard parents talk about giving high value gift cards to teachers. Between Jack and Tate, they have a total of 8 teachers this year. Unfortunately, our budget does have limits.

I truly appreciate all the teachers do for my kids on a daily basis, and I’m happy to give them a gift to show our gratitude. I’m sure my kids’ teachers will be thankful for whatever the kids place on their desk. Do I feel guilty I can’t get them all gift cards? Sure, I do. However, Jack and Tate plan to make them each a card and give them a little sweet something. Will they be able to go on a spending spree? No, but a gift from the heart is always sure to please.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
The Christmas season is in full effect at our house. Earlier this week, we dug out all our old Christmas decorations and added some new ones. We decorated our house inside and out. Jack and Tate are both giddy with holiday spirit. They have festivities at school, holiday TV specials, and new Christmas traditions in our new town. My favorite mom moment, so far, was listening to them both sing or hum carols while playing with their Legos.

I’m trying to not get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. I’m hoping to find little moments of joy throughout the month that are reminders of how special this time of year truly is. I cherish the simple moments, like when the boys get excited unpacking an old ornament, and they recall when and where we got it, when they pick Christmas books to read at bedtime, and I’m most proud when they share the spirit of sharing and giving with others.

Our kids are growing up quickly, and I’m pretty sure the Santa Claus years are almost over, but I’m happy to see the excitement that I remember growing up. I’m very happy to be able to share those same experiences with my children.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
With the holidays fast approaching, just about every parent is trying to figure out which toys their kids should receive this year. I always go into it with the best intentions. I realize my kids have plenty of toys and don’t need any more. I try to focus my shopping on books and clothes. Then, inevitably, Haley will ask for some specific things, I’ll see great online deals, and the nagging feeling that I want the kids to have a wonderful Christmas will lead me to buy way too much.

Earlier I had finished a roll of gift wrap and I gave the kids the empty cardboard tube. They had a ball with that thing, when they weren’t fighting over it! Children don’t really need much to be entertained. A little creativity goes a long way. They love being challenged to use their own imaginations. And still, I go out and buy a Mickey Mouse this and a Monster High that. I can’t blame it all on them. There is a sick consumerist pleasure in scoring that item, even when it’s not something you yourself want.

I would love to hear any strategies for paring down the holiday craziness. Do you limit the number of toys your children receive? Do you have a spending cap? Do you reserve a certain amount of money for savings or charity? Another looming issue—when you set up these rules, do their grandparents follow them? I’d love to hear your experiences!

Happy Shopping and (Hopefully) Saving!