Small wins...

For most of October and November, my kids were rattling off ALL the things they wanted for Christmas.
ALL of them.
I am not sure they actually UNDERSTOOD what they were doing.
I think it just seemed like THE thing to do.
When it finally came time to sitting on Santa's lap and telling him their deepest, darkest, desire...they drew a blank.
Nothing.
Nada.
Zilch.
In fact, since the holidays launched into full swing, I haven't heard a single thing about what they want.
What I have heard is about what they want TO GIVE.
I am not sure why or how this became their focus, but I am very very thankful.
I am so pleased they are focused on giving. And even on making the gifts themselves. And on helping others in need.
Now if we can just keep this up all year long.

Christmas Rush

This year, I did it.
Yes, I did.
I finished my Christmas shopping EARLY!!!
The goal was to enjoy Christmas. Enjoy baking cookies. Enjoy sending cards. Enjoy seeing Santa.
But I realized something.
Shopping is big part of Christmas.
It is something I enjoy.
So next year I won't be done early.
And this year...well, the kids may get a few more homemade gifts.
Homemade?
That's right.
I make them homemade gifts each year. Towels, blankies, and this year...a fairy castle watercolor quilt for the girls' room. I can't wait to give it to them.
In lieu of gifts for some family members, we adopted 2 families this year. The kids were part of the present buying, wrapping and delivery.
Now that feels more like Christmas.

Happy Holidays EVERYONE!!!

Halloween!

Yes, just a few more days until Halloween. And, I don't know about you, but that has me thinking about the holidays.
And the holidays has me thinking about turkey.
And turkey gets me thinking about Christmas.
And Christmas = presents.
So, yes, I am already doing my Christmas shopping.
Of course, I looked no further than the LG.
Beach Towel for each kid. Check.
Baby blankets for niece. Check.
Lovie for another niece. Check.
Hair clips for older nieces (with more hair). Check.
Getting my shopping done BEFORE the rush. Priceless.

First FAC

The Friday Adventure Club met today to kick off Summer 2010! yeah!
6 Moms
15 Kids
1 young Teen
A summer filled with activities on Fridays...including a camping trip and 4th of July barbecue!
We made tie-dye t-shirts for the kids (the moms will be wearing pink shirts from Old Navy) and had a fun day playing in water....
A good time was had by all.
Next week, we go to Into The Fire in Arvada to make pottery for the dad's for Father's Day! Yahoooo!!!

fAC gets ready

The Friday afternoon club is almost ready for summer. We r looking for suggestions.
We have the mom shirts.
We have the kid shirts
we have the schedule.
We r thinking of safety now.
We r thinking of ID bracelets for the kids.
Maybe a buddy system?
What ideas do you have?

Braces. ...again

So at age 36 I am doing it. Yes I am doing it.
It!
No. Not sex.
You know.,.it
braces!
Again!
Invasalign to be precise.
And I am sooooo excited.
My teeth have slowly been shifting for decades.
Yes decades.
No, they are not awful. And it is just the bottom.
But I figure in another 20 years and it will be awful.
So time to fix them.
Yahooooo

Friday Adventure Club

The Friday Adventure Club (FAC) has made the summer schedule!
Woo-hoo!
Every Friday in the summer we have scheduled activities for the moms and kids. It is quite flexible - if we can make it - great and if not, no problem.
To make it more special this year, the first Friday we will be making tie-dyed shirts for the kids to wear each Friday.
AND....(drumroll please)...the moms will all be wearing the same pink shirt from Old Navy!
Fun!
Here is our schedule. Join us if you want!
Activity Date
Decorate T-Shirts – Stacey’s house June 4
Arvada Water Feature – Near Library June 11
Into the Fire/D-Note June 18
Denver Zoo June 25
Beach off c470/Morrison July 2
Georgetown Loop July 9
Splash July 16
Boulder Reservoir July 23
Lake Arbor? July 30
Camping Weekend – Golden Gate Park? August 6
End of Summer Party! TBD…. August 13

Easter treats...

Today, my daughter informed me their her kids (she is only 5) will get treats for every holiday. She went on to say she - and Jake (her future husband)already discussed this.
LOL. I think that was a hint for Easter. And I STILL need to do that.
But, she continued, if they take a treat when they aren't supposed to, they will get a time out in their room.
LOL again.
And they need to "think" about what they have done. That came from Jake.
I almost had to pull the car over I was laughing so much.
Then she wanted to why people SHOULD get married BEFORE having children.
That was a longer discussion...

Happy Easter

Healthcare and You

When my appendix decided to quit in August 2009, it was "Buy 1 Get 2" that day at the hospital. I left feeling immensely better, but with a low fever. That low fever resulted in serious complications and TWO more surgeries.
But now I am all fixed.
So what did I learn?
Which medicine to take. Which medicine makes me nauseous. Which anti-nausea meds make me sick. How to rattle off my meds/vitamins and dosages without batting an eye. And how to say No.
That's right. How to say NO to the doctor.
I learned to explain that yes, my blood pressure is low and yes, I will faint the first time I stand up and NO, I don't need further drugs. This is normal FOR me.
Too often, I am given a litany of statistics. And while I appreciate statistics, those are AVERAGES. I looked for the doctors that listened to me.
Really listened.
Listened when I said, "I realize 100 over 70 is normal, but that isn't normal FOR ME."
Same with my kids.
I LOVE their pediatrician's office. They listen. They pay attention. The listen to the kids too - not just the crazy mother.
Today I took my oldest for an x-ray. She has been complaining of tummy aches for over 3 weeks. And my doctor listened. They said, "this isn't normal" and she isn't telling stories.
So while I appreciate that our healthcare system may need some tweaking, I think it is phenomenal.
And I am willing to pay for it.
But am I willing to pay 2.9% on my 40l(k)? Am I willing to pay the exorbitant price hikes coming my way for consumer goods? Company taxes are doubling and tripling.
Did we really think this through? Or did Congress rush it through to satisfy a political agenda?
Seems rushed to me.

Moody Moms...

Remember the commercial about moms needing Jiffy peanut butter? What if your kids are allergic to nuts? Then what do mom's need?
Candy? No - too much sugar. Bad for teeth
Chips? No - too much salt. Bad for heart
French Fries? No - too much grease. Just plain bad. Although quite tasty.
Fruits and vegetables? Well, good for the body - but does it quell the "I want ice cream please mom" begging?
Life has changed from the commercial. We've become quite a judgmental society.
"That mom is giving her kid too much candy...or ice cream...or sweets...or doing something she shouldn't to calm her kids down, etc."
When did we become so judgmental? And why?
How about some balance. And letting moms do what works best for them. Stop judging whether someone should be nursing instead of bottle feeding. Stop judging about what they are currently feeding the child (that child may have had nothing but fruits and veggies for the past week!).
And remember - it ain't easy. To be a parent requires more patience than we were given. And different expectations. That takes time. And sometimes, we lose them both.
I had quite a few "ideas" about parenting before I had children.
Then I had children.
And I feel badly for ever having even one of those "ideas"...ok, judgments.
I don't see my "# 1 Mom" trophy anywhere in this house. Maybe it got lost in the mail.

Meaning of LIfe

Has anyone figured out the meaning of life?
If you have, can you email me please?
.....
Somedays I wonder if it is to test our patience - our ability to handle multiple crises at once. Other days I wonder if it is to test our ability to enjoy the simple pleasures or unexpected downtime.
Today I wondered if it was to see the world through the eyes of children. The simplicity...the wonderfulness...the wonderfulness of simple things like reading a book with mom or dad, playing outside on the first warm spring day, seeing a horse gallop along, playing the piano, singing a song, learning something new for the first time or just getting or giving hugs.

The meaning of our lives changes so dramatically as we age.
Much of the magic disappears.
Maybe that is why Disney is so successful? All the adults want to relive the magic for awhile?
For me, my children are a constant reminder - slow down. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. Take a moment. Breathe deep.
And enjoy the hugs you get from your kids. Those too will happen few and far between someday.

Summer Activities with Kids

Last year, a my friends and I started the Friday Afternoon Club. During the year, we meet on Fridays, as schedules allow. As the kids get older and are in different school systems, it is a great way to get together. For summer, we spice it up a bunch. Before summer officially starts, the FAC sets up a schedule of activities for each Friday, starting at 9:30 (not technically the afternoon but the time works best). We brainstorm activities at the end of the school year and develop the calendar. It is wonderful to have something planned that is flexible. On the first Friday, we make t-shirts - I embroider FAC on the shirt and the kids will decorate them. Many activities are free or low cost and it is a great way to spend time with friends without any hassle. We plan swim dates, park dates, a trip to the zoo and this year are adding a camping trip. I will blog about our activities this summer - read about it. Post your ideas. Share your tips for spending the summer with kids.

Family Fun Day

As my sister says, "every day is family fun day in Colorado".
I think she is right.
Yesterday - we went to D-Note for pizza (great place for kids - price is right too), then stopped by DSW on the way to Tangelwood Park...where the kids ate ice cream and played for hours.
Today we are going to have a picnic at the zoo, and maybe go downtown to ride the bus on te 16th street mall.
Why is "every day family fun day" in colorado?
Here are my top 10 reasons:
1) The weather is condusive to being outside almost all year round - no/low humidity and LOTS of sun
2) The culture supports family acitivities
3) The activities are condusive to families - the zoo allows you to bring in your own food and have a nice picnic
4) The work culture supports family activities. People work hard. The work gets done. But it is ok to be with your family - not frowned upon like some parts of the country
5) There is tons to do, inside and out
6) People are active. Running...skiiing...golfing...hiking...walking...biking...whatever
7)Lots of things are free - not cost prohibitive
8)We are trying to spend time together as a family
9)It's fun to be with the kids
10) Why not?

Usual Objects in Unusual Places

There's a toy in my toilet, dear mommy, dear mommy,
There's a toy in my toilet, dear mommy, there is.
Then fix it dear daddy, dear daddy, dear daddy
Then fix it dear daddy, dear daddy fix it.
With what, dear mommy, dear mommy, dear mommy
With what, dear mommy, dear mommy, with what.
Take it apart, dear daddy, dear daddy, dear daddy
Take it apart, dear daddy, dear daddy, take it apart.
I did, dear mommy, dear mommy, dear mommy,
I did, dear mommy, dear mommy, I did.
Is it stuck, dear daddy, dear daddy, dear daddy
Is it stuck, dear daddy, dear daddy is it stuck
yes it is, dear mommy, dear mommy, dear mommy
Yes it is, dear mommy, dear mommy it is
Then buy a new one, dear daddy, dear daddy, dear daddy
Then buy a new one, dear daddy, dear daddy, buy a new one
Stephen should pay, dear mommy, dear mommy, dear mommy
Stephen should pay, dear mommy, dear mommy, he should
Put it on his tab, dear daddy, dear daddy, dear daddy,
Put it on his tab, dear daddy, because there'll be more...

Mid Life Crisis

Is 36 too young for a mid life crisis?
36? I hope that doesn't mean I am meeting my maker at 72.
But I did it. Look!
I played for 15 years before going to college. Then I had college. No pianos in the dorms.
Then I got married.
No pianos for newlyweds.
But after 16 years together, and 11 years of marriage, we did it! My husband was WONDERFUL and soooooooo ENCOURAGING.
Forrunately he thinks I play ok and loves hearing me. He just doesn't know how bad I am. That's ok.
Fortunately for me. my husband is sharing this midlife crisis.
Of course, he will probably ask for a Porsche mext week...

Being a Princess...

Do you girls love to watch princess stories?
Do they dream of being a princess?
Do they dress up (and change) all day long?
Mine do. They LOVE dress up. Dresses that TWIRL are the best.
But what is it about being a princess? When I ask my daughters, it is about being pretty. About the dress. About the prince. About the fairytale.
Obviously this worried me.
So I pressed further.
Do you feel pretty?
Yes.
Do you feel as pretty as a princess?
Yes.
Why?
Because of the dress?
Are princesses nice?
Yes.
Are pretty princesses nice?
Yes.
What is the princess is mean? Is she pretty?
No.
So you have to be nice to be a princess?
Yes.
Do you want to marry a prince?
Yes. Like you and daddy.
Phew.

children with allergies

Another nut allergy in our house.
My second child - Ashley - is - at the very least - allergic to peanut butter. I waited until her THREE year appoint - a year after the "advised time" to try nuts. I waited because my first child is allergic to ALL nuts. Well, she had a minor reaction to peanut butter at the doctor's office. Nothing a little benadryl couldn't cure.
Time to get tested.
But I am amazed at having 2 kids with nut allergies.
And then there is the king. The boy. Number 3. Only 16 months but the doctor said "with him - just go straight to the allergist."
Guess we won't be doing any "at home" experiments.
Thankfully, the schools are WONDERFUL. And, the older they get, the better children get at understanding what they can and cannot eat.
My 5 year is better. Not great. But better.
Time to teach the 3 year old.

Jury Duty in Colorado

The last time I was called to serve on jury duty, I had just graduated college.
That was 14 years ago.
The process is a little different here in Colorado.
very friendly. Very kind people working in the court system.
So I sit here, waiting for my name to be called.
Waiting...
Waiting...
But that's ok.
It is an exciting process and I am actually happy to serve on a jury.
Of course, that is barring the $150 in daycare I would have to spend each day to serve.
No reimbursement for that, unless you are in EXTREME hardship.
The longest trial is 4 days.
$600 in daycare seems extreme to me.
But still, happy to do it.
The reimbursement would be nice though.

Baby #4

No, I am not pregnant.
No, it is not my husband.
It is beautiful.
It is 6'4" (again, NOT my husband).
It is polished black.
It has 88 keys and no locks.
And, it plays beautifully.
Yup - we are looking at pianos. I haven't had one in my home (aka college, apartment or homes with the hubby)since heading to Cornell in 1996. And now, the time has come.
I fell in love with one today. A 6'4" Boston. Yummmm...
The sound was magical. The base rumbled. And the tune hummed.
The house would be lovely with another baby.
And this one won't cry or keep us up at night.
Nice.

Girls' Dresses

My girls LOVE dresses - like most girls.
They love them so much, they change MANY times a day.
Again, like most girls.
So, I have taken to making their dresses.
And I finally hit a stride.
I have made these beautiful dresses out of the sweetest fabrics. And I put their names on them. Now - they NEVER want to wear anything else or take them off.
Check them out. They will be on the LG site soon - personalized, sweet dresses for sweet girls...

Happy Birthday

Last night, at bedtime, I told a story.
Not a book, but a story.
A princess story...about Princess Ashley.
About how she arrived in our hearts and home 2 days early. About how she had her dad driving 80 miles an hour to the hospital before I told him "it doesn't happen like the movies. This baby isn't going to slide out."
About how dad wanted to "revisit" the names on the way to the hospital.
About how they said "it's a girl" at about 4:54 in the morning.
And about how she has been absolutely precious - albeit sometimes a turkey - ever since.
Princess Ashley arrived 3 years ago today in our house.
Happy Birthday Ashley.
In our house, you get to choose the dinner on your birthday. For example, my 5 year old recently chose salad, buttermilk pancakes and mac 'n cheese.And that is what we all had. Friends too.
Ashley wants rice. And quesadillas.
Maybe she will learn Spanish when she grows up? That would be cool.
And a heart cake too. Not sure why it has to be in the shape of a heart, but I think I can manage that.
I hope.

Being a single parent...

Being a single parent - well, that I am not.
When my husband travels, and I am home alone with the kids, and someone gets sick on the day the sitter is coming because I need to be at a meeting or at school, well..life just gets tougher.
Being a single parent - I am not.
I am not good at it. I am exhausted by 9. I work hard at keeping my composure.
Where would there be time for myself? And dating? Forget about it.
But to all those that are single parents - I admire you. I appreciate your hard work and your sacrifices. It is amazingly tough with a partner. I can't even imagine what it is like without one.
You are the parents to admire. Your children may not appreciate you now, but they will someday.
Now THAT is the toughest job of all.

When your heart stops...

Today in Costco I lost my daughter. Ashley. Age 3.
Yes, I did.
Sign me up for "Worst Mother in the World".
I was looking through something to find a size. Probably had my head down for about 20 seconds. When I looked up, I had only 2 kids instead of 3.
I looked around.
I called her name.
Nothing.
Panic sets in.
I run to the front and ask them to watch for a little girl in a purple dress.
They call out to all employees to find the little girl in the purple dress.
I run around some more.
We find her.
Playing in the toy playhouse.
Happy.
The whole episode lasted about 5 minutes tops.
Longest 5 minutes of my life.
After getting cinched in the shopping cart and being subjected to her baby brother's incessant pulling of her hair, we talked. And talked.
Did she get it?
We have talked before. We have had consequences before for not staying "with mommy".
Did she get it?
Probably not.
To her, everyone in the world is nice. Sweet. Kind and awesome.
Especially the Costco employees.
So we need to keep talking.
Too bad this world isn't as sweet as a child imagines it.

Safety and Kids

Our newest offering is ALMOST ready - Play it Safe...
What is that, you ask?
An activity book design to help children learn safety through discussion with parents/caregivers and practice (through repetitive writing).
Let me give you an example....
How many children can recite their phone number? Address? Doctor's name? Who they should call in case their parents ARE NOT available???
Each page asks these important questions, provides a space for the answer, and several rows for the child to practice writing the answer.
The result?
1) Children who know important information about themselves
2) Children how learn through discussion and writing
3) Important discussions that take place between parents/caregivers and children to better protect children
WOW!
Play it Safe will be available by March 1 at www.thelookingglassonline.com.

Boys vs. Girls

I started with 2 girls.
My furniture survived fine.
My doctor visits were about well-checks and minor infections.
The blood spilled was relatively minor at best.
Then I had a boy.
He climbs EVERYTHING.
He has NO FEAR.
My furniture is complaining.
My doctor visits are not about loose teeth and split lips.
I am cleaning blood out of clothing and off the floor.
But he is still sooooooooooo sweet and gives great kisses. And he LOVES his sisters too. And they love him.
We'll keep him.
We'll just get new furniture...=)

Baby hair...

Is hair an issue in your house? Well, it is in mine.
Child #1 - age 5 - "NOOO! Don't EVER cut my hair. I want it to be LOOOOONG."
Child #2 - age 3 - Bangs were in her eyes. So she cut her OWN hair. Will take a few months to grow back.
Child #3 - age 1 - Please child #2 - Don't cut his hair. It is beautiful strawberry blond locks and curls that mom wants to cherish forever. I don't care if he can't see and is walking into everything. DON'T CUT HIS HAIR!
And that is how it goes at my house. Trying to keep the scissors out of child #'2's hands is an all-day affair. She is a do-it-yourself-er after all - a real problem solver. The other day, on the way to school, her hands were cold. So she took off her socks, put her shoes back on her bare feet, and put her socks on her hands.
Problem solved.
I am going to be reading a birth order book a friend recommended. But right now, I seem to have 3 of the same - very independent, very outspoken.
No wallflowers here.
Must be like mom and dad, no?
Minus the hair of course.

Olympics at our house

What is it like watching the Olympics with kids at your house? At our house, my girls LOVE ice skating. They think the women are so pretty...
Pretty like Princesses.
So, as you can imagine, skiing isn't as exciting to them. The clothing is different.
But they do like the downhill skiing - they think that is fast and exciting. They keep asking if Daddy can do that?
They know better than to ask if mommy can...
But they do ask to watch it everyday.
We try to explain the different countries. What is neat, to me at least, is that they DON'T get it. There are no differences to them.
Everyone LOOKS the same...
Everyone SEEMS the same...
Everyone IS the same...
No differences at all.
How sweet.
Now THAT'S the Olympics to me.

Morning Routine

How is it that some mom's look perfect when they drop their kids off at school? How is it they had time to workout, make 5 lunches, get all dolled up, have their kids look clean and adorable AND aren't late?
I don't think they sleep.
At all.
I was up at 6:15. We leave here in 10 minutes for school. The kids look clean and adorable (of course). They have lunch. They even have their snow gear in case they go sledding.
But a workout for mom?
Not yet.
A shower for mom?
Not yet.
Maybe someday....

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Down Time

Do you ever wish for a little down time? you know, NO activities...NO errands...No cleaning...No nothing?!?!?
I tried for that today. Down time in our house is comprised of LESS. Not nothing...just less. Only 1 errand - Costco (took 2 hours but hey, better than multiple errands) and 1 activity for the kids this afternoon. In between, cleaning and cleaning.
Ok, so it isn't exactly nothing. It is more like SOMETHING. But, not A LOT. Know what I mean.
It's still down time.
And it's nice.

Baby and Wedding Showers

After a great weekend of skiing, it is time to get back into the swing of things - the swing of life, that is. It's time for showers!
Baby showers!
Bridal Showers!
Gifts galore!

For bridal showers, we love love love our towels for home. Get them personalized for the happy couple - something to cherish forever.

For baby showers, we love love love our collections. Especially Angel Dear - soft, cuddly and cherished by babies the world over.

Check it out.

Skiing and Kids

We're in Winter Park with the family having a wonderful time. Both my 5 year old and 3 year old are skiing! And doing great. The 3 year old is fearless (as you would expect) and just bombs down the mountain. Really, she just hasn't figured out turning yet. But she loves it. We were concerned but one thing I have learned from my children - these fears are mine.
Not their's.
Kids are resilient. Fearless. And adaptable.
Sometimes, as parents, we project are fears and can unwillingly or unknowingly minimize these admirable traits. We impose our fears (sometimes justly, based on our knowledge of the world) in a way that can inhibit their experience - cloud it for them, so to speak.
For example, I am the one concerned they will kill themselves, run into people, run into trees, cry, throw a temper tantrum, hate the snow, etc. But what do they do? Make snowballs! Eat the snow. And love it.
Awesome.
I certainly have a lot to learn. Good thing they are here to teach me.

Valentine's Day and Kids

We instill Valentine's Day in our children very early on. As I plan my week (and start to hyperventilate at the number of valentine's dards the "kids" need to create), I realize it is one constant celebration.
First - a party with our mom's club
Second - a party at preschool
Third - a party with playgroups
Fourth - my oldest asked if I had gotten them presents yet..

It's like a birthday!

The good news is that - in addition to writing a gazillion V-day cards - they do learn the spirit of kindness and giving. At the same time they ask for presents, they are making gifts for their siblings and parents. I already got a lovely 16 x 20 inch painted heart that is up in the kitchen. And I will tresure that for a long long time.
More than a Picassos.
Really.
Even if it is due to some mass marketing and, well, let's face it...it's a reason to have a party. But, nonetheless, it is sweet. Without the candy.

The middle child

Being the middle child has its advantages...and disadvantages.
ONE - you miss the boat on being THE first born - the attention, the parades down Main Street USA and all the NEW stuff
TWO - Your parents no longer rush to every cry, scream, wimper, beck and call
THREE - You have an automatic playmate - sibling #1 is anxious to play with you
FOUR - Your reign as the NEW baby is short lived - IF number 3 isn't far behind
FIVE - You can be a BIG sibling AND a little SIBLING
SIX - You usually have a wonderful personality full of fun, love and general good-naturedness
SEVEN - You get the benefit of less anxious parents - they don't turn you into a worry-worty early on
EIGHT - You have more of a laissez-faire attitude towards life
NINE - The toys are ALREADY there - no need to wait until they arrive for the next holiday or birthday
TEN - I am sure there is more - I am just drawing a blank. I was NUMBER ONE after all - not the middle child

And sometimes, just sometimes, you get NEW stuff. Today my middle child got a brand-new PURPLE DORA ski helmet. And number 1 was JEALOUS. Usually, number 2 gets the hand-me-downs and NEVER complains. It was nice to see her be number ONE for today...

Acting out...

Yesterday, the girls jumped on the couches and landed on a lamp - proceeding to break it. Of course, that qualified for some quality time in the bedroom. But my middle one was soooooo angry at having a consequence, that she pulled her decorative giraffe (about $80) off the wall - with some paint along with it. That resulted in an early bedtime, as I was now getting worn down. While the girls were "quietly" going to bed, they were actually pouring water all over their beds.
But they were asleep by 8.
After the house was REALLY quiet, I had a candy bar. Three. One for each transgression.
It was a full moon - do you think that was it?
I hope so.
I am sure today will go much better.

Realizing What's Important...

Six times a year, I have the dubious distinction of being the "teacher helper" in the pre-K class. Today just happens to be one of those days. In order to make it to school by 9 (not good to be late when you are the teacher helper), the alarm banged me on the head at 5:55. After getting showered and dress, child #1 woke, then 2 and then 3. It is not 8 am and I need to leave in 15 minutes. I am not sure where the past two hours escaped? Could be breakfast, brushing teeth, getting dressed, laundry, taking dinner out or, obviously, writing blogs. So instead of being happy I am stressed. I am stressed that I have 15 million things to do and I am losing 5 hours today to school. I need to clean, shop, run errands, etc. And I know I should be happy.
But child #1 - Katelyn (in pre-k) asked to dress the exact same (jeans. uggs and a fleece), do our hair the same and bring the same lunch. Then she just exclaimed that we would DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER today in class. Now how can I be stressed about that? How did I get so lucky to have such a great kid? What a great lesson.
I am happy.

Sleepless in Denver

My oldest child - age 5 - gets up at least two times a night. We have exhausted every idea in the "parenting 101 books". But the child needs sleep! And so do I! Although she is up only for a few short moments - to go potty and ask me to tuck her back in, or to tell me she had a bad dream (and ask me to tuck her back in) or tell me there is something scary in the hallway (and ask me to tuck her back in), I am up for quite a bit longer after that. Short of drugging her, I need a few more ideas. I am going to re institute nap time for her. School makes it tough but the child needs her sleep. Small bumps during the day become major calamities (for her and me). Anyone else experiencing this issue?

Well intentioned kids

Earlier today (before lunch), my oldest - now a BIG 5 - said, "Mom, sit on the couch. I will be the waiter today and take care of you." First I thought - how sweet, she wants to take care of her mom and let me rest. But upon further consideration, I reflected up on the word "waiter". Someone who waits on others for little pay and tips. That is how she perceives my role? I furrowed my brow until I remembered what she wrote at school - she wants to be a MOMMY when she grows up. So that job can't seem all bad. Plus, the tips (hugs, kisses and laughs) are wonderful. Despite that fact that it is not dinnertime and I have yet to sit on the couch, I don't mind being the waiter...

Sleeping in...

Ahhh - I remember the days (pre-kids) when we slept "in". For my husband and me, that meant sleeping until 9. That was about as late as we could do. Now, I'd give anything for 7. My kids seem to think getting up between 6 and 6:30 is a great time to start the day. Of course, they get to nap during the day. I keep thinking that we will nap when they nap, but somehow that becomes the time to power through some chores. Chores that would go faster without extra help, if you know what I mean.

And I imagine there will be a day when I am begging them to get up - or serving lunch before I see hide nor hair of any of them. And I imagine there will be a day when they won't want to cuddle with me in the morning, or the afternoon...and even getting a hug will be a great feat. And I imagine there will be a day when I am clamoring for even a half hour of their time.

So I imagine that for now, I should be happy we are up at 6.

Skiing in Colorado

Most people think of Colorado and think "snow". But that is only the high country. Living in the front range or west of Denver is like living in a vacation land. Over 300 sunny days a year (you don't know what it's like NOT to have sun until you come here), practically zero humidity and beautiful mountains to gaze at all day long. 30 degrees here is not like 30 degrees to the east. You barely need a jacket. Whenever we visit family and friends back east, I can't wait to come home. I have become "soft". When I am east, I miss the sun, I miss the dryness and I can't stand all the bugs and rain that goes with it. We only get 12 inches of rain here in Denver. The rest is snow. And the amazing part is that one day it is cold enough to snow but the next it is 20 degrees warmer so it all melts. It is snow you can enjoy - rarely messes up driving and is just beautiful on the trees.
And skiing on fresh powder is a huge improvement over the icey slopes back east too. If you ever get a chance, please come visit. You will love it.

Over-scheduled children?

Kids' schedules are amazing. We wonder, as adults, where we get to the point of having only 24 hours in the day to accomplish 15 million things. I think we start as children. We want our kids to be well-rounded. So we enroll them in various activities. One - to get them to try different things and TWO - to figure out where their interests lie. But am I the only mom going crazy going from one activity to another? I doubt it. I have now tried to find activities that span the age differences - to streamline the number of different places I am driving during the week. The girls are in gymnastics together. The boy goes to music class while his sisters are in school That is 2 activities a week instead of 3. But my understanding is that as they get older, it just gets worse. As moms, we do our best to raise well-rounded, socially responsible, kind and gentle humans. There must be an easier way...

Jon Bon Jovi in Denver

Bon Jovi is coming to Denver! Let me say that again. BON JOVI IS COMING TO DENVER!!!! You can take the girl out of NJ but you can't take NJ out of the girl. Of course, I haven't lived in NJ for 18 years (half my life) and I work quite hard on LOSING the accent, but one weekend back in NJ and it all comes back. It's like riding a horse. I know what exits to take, which highways, and what malls to go to - without even using my Nav system.
We (one other NJ girl and a few other Bon Jovi fans) are going to have a wonderful girls' night seeing him and reliving our youths. Of course, things change as you get older. When we were "young", we would wait in line for hours scrambling for any tickets possible. Remember when your parents drove you to the ticket line? That was BEFORE the internet. Now - getting tickets online makes life much easier. Besides, who wants to wait in line with their kids? And, depending on your financial status (aka babysitting jobs), we would pay for whatever tickets we could afford. Now we are going to try and see him from a box - with food and plenty of space for dancing. Of course, Bon Jovi would be great from any seat and any angle. Like wine, both his music and the band have gotten better with age.

Viewing the World Through Children's Eyes

My daughter (3) took a shower this morning. When she got out, she exclaimed, "Mom! The shower is all wet!" Once I stopped laughing and asked her more about it, I learned she was concerned her baby brother would go in and get his feet all wet. How sweet and wondrous at the same time. Yesterday, she cut her bangs. VERY short. I laughed, asked her not to do it again and then looked at her baby brother with his amazing strawberry blond hair and curls. Then I politely asked her not to cut his hair. EVER. I may never be allowed to have his hair this long again. So I am postponing the first haircut for as long as possible.
On the other hand, her older sister (5) has a new catch phrase: "Mom! I have a great idea. Let's..." She is learning the art of persuasion early. Maybe she will be a consultant or lawyer. Right now, she wants to be an artist like her Aunt Heather. That would be FABULOUS. Aunt Heather is super talented. Other days, she watches the Foot Network and then turns to me and says "Let's make that..". Some day she will realize I am no Paula Deen.
My one year old just repeats "mama" all day long. Which, of course, is a synonym for "gimme".

press, mommies with style, the mom buzz, tot trend weekly

Read about The Looking Glass in the press! Mommies with Style, The Mom Buzz and Tot Trend Weekly all highlighted our special offerings.

Football Playoffs

I have long maintained that I could provide great color commentary for Football games. Commentary that audiences - especially women - would understand. For example, last night's Saints Vs. Vikings game provided lots of materials. Here would have been my advice:
1) Coach should have given Adrian Peterson a glass of wine to calm his nerves. If doctors can prescribe red wine to pregnant women to slow pre-term labor, then it would have worked for him.
2) How many times does Brees lick his fingers before passing the football? I can't even walk into a hospital with my kids (who was their hands multiple times a day) for fear of passing on diseases, but he is licking the football and then handing it off. Yuck.
3) Everyone wondered why Favre didn't run the ball on that near-last play instead of passing it and getting picked off? What's to wonder? He didn't want to get HIT. He's tired. That hurts.
I was rooting for the Vikings but the Saints pulled it off. Now I am rooting for the Colts. Why? Peyton Manning of course.

Kids Helping at Home

My kids LOVE to set the table? Why? Because of the personalized napkins we use at EVERY meal. They make move them around to change where everyone sits, and it helps them learn their names and spelling. Also gets them very excited to set the table. Check them out: http://www.thelookingglassonline.com/kids-c-86/mika-bu-napkins-p-206

Saturday mornings

Saturday mornings with young kids are special. They come bounding into your room before the sun rises, ask for waffles from "scratch" and can't wait to start the day. They ask "what are we going to do today"? I am sure in a few short years when I am dragging them out of bed and BEGGING to make box waffles for them just short of noon, I will miss these days dearly.

Denver Health and Newborns in Need

The Looking Glass is supporting Denver Health's Newborns in NEed program. Denver Health provides healthcare to more people below the poverty line in the Denver area than any other hospital. Their Newborns in Need program provides new items for mothers that cannot afford to buy anything for their children. It gives them a real head start and some hope. We created a gift basket of our wash cloth, night gown and receiving blankets at 20% off PLUS free shipping for this wonderful program. Please help these mothers out.

Healthy kids

Being back at school after Christmas break means being back in the swing of things. And back in the swing of germs. Only 3 weeks in, and all 3 of my kids are sick. One with bronchitis, one with a double ear infection AND bronchitis and one with strep throat. $90 later, everyone is on antibiotics and on their way to being healthy...I hope. How long will it last? Our healthcare system may need revamping, but it isn't broken (if you have insurance, I realize). You can choose your doctors, change your mind and change your mind again. The practice I go to is AMAZING. Right on top of everything and a great bedside manner. Do I believe healthcare should be free? No. It is a service and not one to which I believe I am automatically entitled just by existing. But I can pay for it. Do I believe people who can't pay for it should have access to healthcare? The same quality as me? Absolutely. Everyone deserves to have healthy kids and not see them suffer unnecessarily.

Wash 'n Wear

Thank goodness for washable kids' items. Where would we be without it? We have been "sharing" viruses in our house for the last month (yes, time for the doctor). And everything that is well "loved", keeps getting washed multiple times - and still looks great. The Angel Dear baby blankets and lovies, or SwaddleDesign hooded towels really stand up to the test. Now, if only my kids were as easy to wash and stay germ free...

So much to do, so little time

With 3 kids ages 5, 3 and 1, plus my own company, keeping up is the name of the game. Thankfully, technology makes it easier, well, when things go wrong. Easier to reschedule, easier to cancel, easier to call ahead and change a reservation - you get the idea. I still love my old fashion Franklin Covey calendar. Of course, it only keeps me organized as often as I use it. Some days are better than others.
I need a new car radio and am busy searching different sites for the different components I need to get the job done - nothing is all on one site. This is taking a lot of time - mostly when the kids are playing or napping.
That is why a website like The Looking Glass is perfect - all the brands I love in one place. Makes shopping easier. Plus, I can add a personal touch and get free gift wrapping. The gift arrives the way I would want it to - if I had time.

Just when you think you're ahead....

...someone in the family gets sick. Then another. Then another. You fall like dominoes. As the kids get older, it gets easier. They know how to "find" the toilet. It is the one year old who throws up at will. But, what can you do? This too...shall pass. So, to pass the time, we are snuggling with our cozy blankets from The Looking Glass, sleeping and watching movies. What else is there?

Family Time

Well, stomach bugs are no fun. We got one when we were travelling east for the holidays and I thought we would be healthy for awhile now that we are back in Colorado. Unfortunately, we "got" another one. Must have come special delivery. But at least they come and go and don't linger. And, there is yet another benefit - family time. We have to cancel all plans while we "quarantine" our sick little ones until we are all better. So what do you do in the house all day? Some Wii, some TV, some rest, but all in all - some family time. Time to talk. Time to cook. We are using The Looking Glass cookbook - You Look Thin...Eat! to create some recipes. For dinner, we are making another family treat that isn't in the cookbook but who knows...after today, it might make it into version 2 - You Look Thin...Eat More.

Organize the House After The Holidays

Well, it took me until mid-January to get my house in order from the holidays. With the influx of "stuff", I needed to get rid of "stuff" to make room for more "stuff". This took some organization. I bought a bookcase off of Craigslist and used those canvas bins from Target to sift through the toys. And you know what? The girls loved it - they thought it was a great game to go through EVERYTHING and decide what they wanted or didn't want. They had to be reminded of their baby brother from time to time - some stuff was worth saving. But most wasn't. We had a huge bag to give away. Now, the new :stuff" fits in and life feels de-cluttered again.