Before moving to where I live now, I attended a wonderful church with a lot of wonderful women who I still consider to be dear friends. There were a few who I spoke to often and frequently went to for advice.
One of them told me something a while ago, that, as a mother of a young child, really stuck with me. I really think of this particular piece of advice often.
I can't tell you what we were talking about, because I honestly don't remember, but what she told me, is to always make sure that you start instilling ALL of your values in your children at a young age. If they're old enough to understand what you're saying, say it to them. Things like, obviously our religion and beliefs, but also simple things, like how conservative we want them to dress, what kind of people she should date, and things like that. When she talks about getting married, I always make sure to tell her things like "someday, boys are going to want to date you, and when you're old enough, dating will be fun, but when you're with a boy, if he doesn't treat you as well as daddy treats you and mommy, then he won't be your prince" (she's really into princes and princesses and so we talk about those stories a lot and she talks about her "prince" and it sparks these conversations. I also think about this when we're shopping for clothes, choosing what to buy and then what to wear.
Basically when she's older, and entering her difficult teenage years, I want certain things to already be instilled in her. She's going to know what she shouldn't be wearing, the things she can expect in a relationship; but we're also instilling in her a great self esteem, which I think it so important at a young age also. I let her know everything that we love about her.
This is my two cents and the way that we're raising our daughter in these early beginning stages.
Disclaimer:My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
Read about the daily trials and tribulations of a modern mom and housewife, including tips, and ideas on crafts, and other leisure activities with your children, saving money tips, and how to deal with daily issues and situations.
Showing posts with label Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Challenge. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
3 Things I am proud of About My Personality
Writing about myself, particularly the good things is always a challenge for me, and since I'm doing a "challenge" this is probably actually good for me to do.
I love that I feel like, most of the time, I am really loving. I truly love with my whole heart. If I love you, I will tell you, and if I tell you, then I truly love you with my whole heart. I will give everything I possibly can for those I love. I believe in truly serving those I love. Not in the wait on you hand and foot serve, but doing nice things just because I love you and genuinely want you to be happy. I really think that my husband and daughter can and will attest to this, and so can family who come to visit.
I really think that I give great advice, and I feel that this really comes from my willingness to really listen and make sure I fully understand a situation. I do my research and make sure I know what advice I'm given, but more than that, my advice is truly coming from my heart. I am advising the exact thing that I would do in a particular situation. I have always really felt great when I've been able to give advice, and that's why my latest addition to my blog is going to be an advice column so to speak. I would really honestly love it if my readers took advantage of the fact that I really want to do this.
I am also very socially adaptable. I feel like I am able to really fit myself in to various groups of people without a lot of discomfort. I get along with all sorts of people. I make jokes and can easily fit into nearly any conversation that I'm invited into. I make friends fairly easily and I really don't hold any prejudices whatsoever. I form my own opinion on people and situations and as a result, I have met so many wonderful people throughout my lifetime.
Those are the first three things that came to mind that I really genuinely like myself.
Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.
I love that I feel like, most of the time, I am really loving. I truly love with my whole heart. If I love you, I will tell you, and if I tell you, then I truly love you with my whole heart. I will give everything I possibly can for those I love. I believe in truly serving those I love. Not in the wait on you hand and foot serve, but doing nice things just because I love you and genuinely want you to be happy. I really think that my husband and daughter can and will attest to this, and so can family who come to visit.
I really think that I give great advice, and I feel that this really comes from my willingness to really listen and make sure I fully understand a situation. I do my research and make sure I know what advice I'm given, but more than that, my advice is truly coming from my heart. I am advising the exact thing that I would do in a particular situation. I have always really felt great when I've been able to give advice, and that's why my latest addition to my blog is going to be an advice column so to speak. I would really honestly love it if my readers took advantage of the fact that I really want to do this.
I am also very socially adaptable. I feel like I am able to really fit myself in to various groups of people without a lot of discomfort. I get along with all sorts of people. I make jokes and can easily fit into nearly any conversation that I'm invited into. I make friends fairly easily and I really don't hold any prejudices whatsoever. I form my own opinion on people and situations and as a result, I have met so many wonderful people throughout my lifetime.
Those are the first three things that came to mind that I really genuinely like myself.
Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
My Fitness Habits -- Blogging Challenge
So, another challenge is to talk about my own fitness habits.
As I clicked "create post" and wrote in my title, I realized that this is something that's a little embarrassing. You see, the title of the prompt was "couch potato or fitness guru?" I have been a little bit of both, and a little bit of in the middle, but lately, as of now, I do believe, that I qualify as a couch potato.
I have been overweight for a large percent of my life. I go through phases of a few months at a time when I decide that I'm going to do something about it, and one of two things always happens. Either I get going, and am doing a really great job, weight is coming off, work outs are becoming easier, and I end up saying "I've lost a little bit of weight, I can take a little bit of time off of this diet and exercise routine", or the weight is just not coming off, I'm not feeling much stronger and progress is just not being made as quickly or as well as I'd like, and I get so frustrated that I just stop and quit.
That being said, I do a lot of playing and running around with my daughter (my body is just obviously used to that, since it's certainly not helping me with weight loss at all!), and I do a lot of housework, errands, and running around for my family and home, so I really don't know that couch potato is really the right word. At the same time, however, since I've started blogging, I've been spending a lot more time on the couch with a laptop in my lap!
As I clicked "create post" and wrote in my title, I realized that this is something that's a little embarrassing. You see, the title of the prompt was "couch potato or fitness guru?" I have been a little bit of both, and a little bit of in the middle, but lately, as of now, I do believe, that I qualify as a couch potato.
I have been overweight for a large percent of my life. I go through phases of a few months at a time when I decide that I'm going to do something about it, and one of two things always happens. Either I get going, and am doing a really great job, weight is coming off, work outs are becoming easier, and I end up saying "I've lost a little bit of weight, I can take a little bit of time off of this diet and exercise routine", or the weight is just not coming off, I'm not feeling much stronger and progress is just not being made as quickly or as well as I'd like, and I get so frustrated that I just stop and quit.
That being said, I do a lot of playing and running around with my daughter (my body is just obviously used to that, since it's certainly not helping me with weight loss at all!), and I do a lot of housework, errands, and running around for my family and home, so I really don't know that couch potato is really the right word. At the same time, however, since I've started blogging, I've been spending a lot more time on the couch with a laptop in my lap!
Worst Cooking Disaster -- Blogging Challenge
Here's a story for you, as part of that challenge I write posts about on occasion.
It's supposed to be about my worst cooking disaster, which I have had plenty of, overcooking, under cooking, over seasoning, under...well, you get the idea.
Let me start out by saying, that when I first married my husband, I just didn't cook. Cooking was something that I just figured that I would never do. My husband's grandmother still gives me a hard time to this day, about my bridal shower, where I received a lot of crucial kitchen supplies as gifts (it's like they knew me or something!). Upon opening each one, I admired and appreciated each one, and then inquired about what it was, what it should be used for, and why. All of these ladies, friends of mine, friends of my parents and mother in law, family, and more all probably thought that my poor husband to be was doomed to live a life consisting of hunger and takeout, and to be quite honest, for the first year or two, he did. He cooked a little, so we did buy groceries on occasion, but most of our food money was spent on paying someone else to cook for us.
That gets expensive, so eventually, I tried experimenting with boxed meals (think hamburger helper, and those meals that come in the box where you literally take all of the ingredients out of the box, open the cans, put it all in a casserole dish and plop it in the oven.) Most of the time, I actually successfully prepared and served these items. As silly as it sounds, this started my cooking adventures (if you ask those who eat my cooking regularly now, I am actually a decent cook seven years later). I graduated to things like boxed rice shortly, and that's where one of my first memorable "cooking disasters" comes to play.
One night, my husband was working an overnight, and I decided I was going to surprise him with something to eat. I took a box of rice out of the cupboard, cooked up some ground turkey and frozen veggies, and mixed in the rice (we really didn't have a lot of money at the time, so this was a common meal for us. The leftovers lasted just the two of us for days!) It smelled good, and looked appetizing, so I put it in a container, got in the car and proudly headed to the military police company. I was proud and excited that, not only would I be able to feed my husband, but any other single soldiers that were hanging out that might like a "home cooked meal".
When I got there, I took out a paper plate and served my husband some rice. He was hungry and appreciative of this surprise meal. He bit into it, and made a little bit of a face, looked at me, smiled, and ate some more. I know my husband quite well, and felt it necessary to ask "what's wrong with your rice?" Not wanting to hurt my feelings, he just said "here, try some". I did. The turkey and veggies were fine. The rice was completely uncooked. We put it in the microwave, figuring that it would cook it to the point of edibility, but that only produced crunchy, crispy, and dry rice.
I threw the rice away, and promptly headed to the nearest drive thru to sustain my husband.
I know that there can be far worse disasters as far as cooking goes. But, have you ever heard one of those songs where they talk about "eating burnt dinners the whole first year"? Because this is that kind of story, and my husband and I still joke about it (usually while we're eating properly prepared, completely edible, and probably even tasty rice.).
It's supposed to be about my worst cooking disaster, which I have had plenty of, overcooking, under cooking, over seasoning, under...well, you get the idea.
Let me start out by saying, that when I first married my husband, I just didn't cook. Cooking was something that I just figured that I would never do. My husband's grandmother still gives me a hard time to this day, about my bridal shower, where I received a lot of crucial kitchen supplies as gifts (it's like they knew me or something!). Upon opening each one, I admired and appreciated each one, and then inquired about what it was, what it should be used for, and why. All of these ladies, friends of mine, friends of my parents and mother in law, family, and more all probably thought that my poor husband to be was doomed to live a life consisting of hunger and takeout, and to be quite honest, for the first year or two, he did. He cooked a little, so we did buy groceries on occasion, but most of our food money was spent on paying someone else to cook for us.
That gets expensive, so eventually, I tried experimenting with boxed meals (think hamburger helper, and those meals that come in the box where you literally take all of the ingredients out of the box, open the cans, put it all in a casserole dish and plop it in the oven.) Most of the time, I actually successfully prepared and served these items. As silly as it sounds, this started my cooking adventures (if you ask those who eat my cooking regularly now, I am actually a decent cook seven years later). I graduated to things like boxed rice shortly, and that's where one of my first memorable "cooking disasters" comes to play.
One night, my husband was working an overnight, and I decided I was going to surprise him with something to eat. I took a box of rice out of the cupboard, cooked up some ground turkey and frozen veggies, and mixed in the rice (we really didn't have a lot of money at the time, so this was a common meal for us. The leftovers lasted just the two of us for days!) It smelled good, and looked appetizing, so I put it in a container, got in the car and proudly headed to the military police company. I was proud and excited that, not only would I be able to feed my husband, but any other single soldiers that were hanging out that might like a "home cooked meal".
When I got there, I took out a paper plate and served my husband some rice. He was hungry and appreciative of this surprise meal. He bit into it, and made a little bit of a face, looked at me, smiled, and ate some more. I know my husband quite well, and felt it necessary to ask "what's wrong with your rice?" Not wanting to hurt my feelings, he just said "here, try some". I did. The turkey and veggies were fine. The rice was completely uncooked. We put it in the microwave, figuring that it would cook it to the point of edibility, but that only produced crunchy, crispy, and dry rice.
I threw the rice away, and promptly headed to the nearest drive thru to sustain my husband.
I know that there can be far worse disasters as far as cooking goes. But, have you ever heard one of those songs where they talk about "eating burnt dinners the whole first year"? Because this is that kind of story, and my husband and I still joke about it (usually while we're eating properly prepared, completely edible, and probably even tasty rice.).
Friday, June 29, 2012
Blogger's Challenge -- Favorite Guilty Pleasure!
So, one of the challenges was asking what, other than blogging, was my favorite guilty pleasure
I have a lot of vices, some of which I have shared with you. But a "Guilty Pleasure" is something that I believe to be fun, and enjoyable, that don't hurt or harm anyone, including myself. My vices really aren't that.
My most "guilty" pleasure though is the kinds of things I enjoy on television.. There's a huge range there. For example: I actually ENJOY watching iCarly and Victorious on Nickelodeon. I have caught myself watching these shows while my daughter is asleep on more occasions than I'd choose to admit.
I also have one soap opera that I watch on a daily basis. Days of our Lives. I started watching this show with my grandmother well over 20 years ago, and it has just stuck. I record and watch it pretty religiously. Very rarely do I not see a show.
And finally, I also really like the "strange" documentary/reality types of shows. Shows like Intervention, and Hoarders, but also shows like My Strange Addiction and Strange Sex. All of those things seem to peak my interest for some reason. My husband thinks I'm crazy sometimes, but, I guess maybe he's a little right.
Disclaimer: My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
I have a lot of vices, some of which I have shared with you. But a "Guilty Pleasure" is something that I believe to be fun, and enjoyable, that don't hurt or harm anyone, including myself. My vices really aren't that.
My most "guilty" pleasure though is the kinds of things I enjoy on television.. There's a huge range there. For example: I actually ENJOY watching iCarly and Victorious on Nickelodeon. I have caught myself watching these shows while my daughter is asleep on more occasions than I'd choose to admit.
I also have one soap opera that I watch on a daily basis. Days of our Lives. I started watching this show with my grandmother well over 20 years ago, and it has just stuck. I record and watch it pretty religiously. Very rarely do I not see a show.
And finally, I also really like the "strange" documentary/reality types of shows. Shows like Intervention, and Hoarders, but also shows like My Strange Addiction and Strange Sex. All of those things seem to peak my interest for some reason. My husband thinks I'm crazy sometimes, but, I guess maybe he's a little right.
Disclaimer: My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Blogger's Challenge -- Picture of something that makes you happy
Another Blogger's Challenge Post -- A Picture of Something that Makes You Happy
I spent a LOT of time looking through pictures. I started out by looking through pictures of my daughter. She obviously makes me really happy.
I looked through pictures that I have of my husband. He makes me really happy.
I looked at pictures of other family members and friends, who also contribute to my happiness.
I even looked through some of my pictures of sunsets and nature. I didn't want to do something obvious. I spent a LOT of time looking through all of the pictures that I have in my home and on my Facebook. I found a picture, that, upon first looking at it, will appear to be a completely random photo, but while thinking about it, I decided that it incorporated a LOT of things that truly make me happy.
Let me explain! Obviously, I like to eat sweet things, but that's honestly not why I chose this picture.
I love the holidays! There is just not a happier time! I love when I am given great reasons to reflect on my blessings. Plus, Christmas is the birth of the Lord!
I love doing things with my daughter. I love activities where we're making something. I love the proud look in her eyes when she's doing it and once she's done. I love teaching her new things and seeing her figure them out. This was from my daughter's second Christmas. She was just starting to be old enough to help me with things like this (albeit only a small bit), and we had a blast! In fact, when I saw this picture, the first memory that came to mind, was after it was finished and serving as a centerpiece, catching my little one sneaking numerous chocolate chips off of the roof, and the mischievous look on her face when she got caught, and the sly smile she got immediately after not getting in trouble!
I love doing crafts, and I love baking! These are two really enjoyable activities that I love doing!
So, yes, to you, it is a random picture, but for me, it brought back memories of the day we did this and the small amount of extra enjoyment that it added to our wonderful holidays!
Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.
I spent a LOT of time looking through pictures. I started out by looking through pictures of my daughter. She obviously makes me really happy.
I looked through pictures that I have of my husband. He makes me really happy.
I looked at pictures of other family members and friends, who also contribute to my happiness.
I even looked through some of my pictures of sunsets and nature. I didn't want to do something obvious. I spent a LOT of time looking through all of the pictures that I have in my home and on my Facebook. I found a picture, that, upon first looking at it, will appear to be a completely random photo, but while thinking about it, I decided that it incorporated a LOT of things that truly make me happy.
Let me explain! Obviously, I like to eat sweet things, but that's honestly not why I chose this picture.
I love the holidays! There is just not a happier time! I love when I am given great reasons to reflect on my blessings. Plus, Christmas is the birth of the Lord!
I love doing things with my daughter. I love activities where we're making something. I love the proud look in her eyes when she's doing it and once she's done. I love teaching her new things and seeing her figure them out. This was from my daughter's second Christmas. She was just starting to be old enough to help me with things like this (albeit only a small bit), and we had a blast! In fact, when I saw this picture, the first memory that came to mind, was after it was finished and serving as a centerpiece, catching my little one sneaking numerous chocolate chips off of the roof, and the mischievous look on her face when she got caught, and the sly smile she got immediately after not getting in trouble!
I love doing crafts, and I love baking! These are two really enjoyable activities that I love doing!
So, yes, to you, it is a random picture, but for me, it brought back memories of the day we did this and the small amount of extra enjoyment that it added to our wonderful holidays!
Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.
Blogger Challenge -- Nicknames and why you have them.
As an adult, I really don't have any "nicknames" per se, however, there are things aside from April that I am called on a daily basis. In fact, sometimes I think I might forget what my actual name is, because I am so rarely actually called it.
As a stay at home parent, my husband and daughter are the two people that talk to and address me more than anyone else.
The first one, is obviously mommy. I am actually called mommy more often than I'm called this more than anything else. It's really my favorite "nickname" because of the sound of the beautiful voice saying it. There are so many meanings behind this name that are so very near and dear to my heart and touch the core of my soul. I am her mom, her caregiver, friend, teacher, mentor, chef, doctor, planner and so much more. I truly love the name mommy, and I put my heart into deserving this name.
My husband rarely uses my first name as well. To him, I have a few names, and April is very rarely one of them. Schatzi, baby, babe and cutie, are the most common.
Schatzi is the most common. It is a German term of endearment that he learned from a married couple that he used to spend a lot of time with (she is German, and he served in Germany with the Army, and for a long time, him and my husband were very close friends.), before we were married, he started calling me this, and in an effort to be flirty (and a little annoying) he told me that I had to find out what it meant myself. Well, once I found out what it was (I believe it originated from the German word Schatz, which means Treasure, and Schatzi is basically like an American "Sweety" or "dear". If there are German speaking readers out there, please absolutely feel free to correct me if I'm wrong)
I am sure in my younger years, that I have had more nicknames, none of which followed me into adulthood, or are even memorable to me now, but those are the two names that I carry, other than my own, that I love and will always be with me.
Disclaimer: My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
As a stay at home parent, my husband and daughter are the two people that talk to and address me more than anyone else.
The first one, is obviously mommy. I am actually called mommy more often than I'm called this more than anything else. It's really my favorite "nickname" because of the sound of the beautiful voice saying it. There are so many meanings behind this name that are so very near and dear to my heart and touch the core of my soul. I am her mom, her caregiver, friend, teacher, mentor, chef, doctor, planner and so much more. I truly love the name mommy, and I put my heart into deserving this name.
My husband rarely uses my first name as well. To him, I have a few names, and April is very rarely one of them. Schatzi, baby, babe and cutie, are the most common.
Schatzi is the most common. It is a German term of endearment that he learned from a married couple that he used to spend a lot of time with (she is German, and he served in Germany with the Army, and for a long time, him and my husband were very close friends.), before we were married, he started calling me this, and in an effort to be flirty (and a little annoying) he told me that I had to find out what it meant myself. Well, once I found out what it was (I believe it originated from the German word Schatz, which means Treasure, and Schatzi is basically like an American "Sweety" or "dear". If there are German speaking readers out there, please absolutely feel free to correct me if I'm wrong)
I am sure in my younger years, that I have had more nicknames, none of which followed me into adulthood, or are even memorable to me now, but those are the two names that I carry, other than my own, that I love and will always be with me.
Disclaimer: My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Short Term Goals for the Next Month -- Blogger's Challenge
I have had so many other things going on lately, that I have been COMPLETELY neglecting this challenge. I am changing that today, so you will see a LOT of posts about this.
What are my short term goals? That's a really great question. I don't know if anyone out there can relate, but since I have been staying at home, it's been harder to keep myself goal oriented, so thinking about this is always a great thing. In fact, this blog, period has really helped me to remain focused on a goal.
Over the month of June, there were a few big goals accomplished. The first major one was potty training for my daughter. She has gone enough days (during the day) without any accidents that I have actually lost count.. We're still working on nighttime, but I'm not as worried about that, because she does, indeed wake up MOST mornings dry and clean.
This month, I also feel like we have gotten my blog to a place where I'm starting to feel a lot more successful. I had a lot of help with the layout from a fellow blogger, I've continued working on it, my page views are going up, and I'm really happy with the progress that I've made.
The reason that I shared our recent accomplishments, is because a lot of them seep over into my future goals for the next 30 days or so.
I want to continue growing my blog, and am going to do the things that I need to do in order to do so. I want more people to come and read, which means I have to make sure that I am producing content that people WANT to come and read. I also want to try, in some way, to add more interaction to this site as well. I really want to hear from all of you about everything! I want to take things that I hear from you and use them to add even more content that I know you want to read because it's come from you!
Another goal I have, (and I've already started accomplishing this over the next week or so), is to start generating a little bit of an income from this site. Now, before anyone thinks that I'm doing this for the wrong reasons, because I am not, however, the opportunity for it is there, so I want to take advantage of that.
Obviously I want my daughter to be completely potty trained, night and day, with minimal reminder. We're close, but I want to be complete.
I want to work on my own time management, hopefully enabling me to do as much work on my blog as I have been doing, maybe more, and still keep up with the laundry and housework that I've been neglecting a little more than I should in the process.
Thank you for reading. Do you have any goals that you want to share? Feel free to comment!
Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.
What are my short term goals? That's a really great question. I don't know if anyone out there can relate, but since I have been staying at home, it's been harder to keep myself goal oriented, so thinking about this is always a great thing. In fact, this blog, period has really helped me to remain focused on a goal.
Over the month of June, there were a few big goals accomplished. The first major one was potty training for my daughter. She has gone enough days (during the day) without any accidents that I have actually lost count.. We're still working on nighttime, but I'm not as worried about that, because she does, indeed wake up MOST mornings dry and clean.
This month, I also feel like we have gotten my blog to a place where I'm starting to feel a lot more successful. I had a lot of help with the layout from a fellow blogger, I've continued working on it, my page views are going up, and I'm really happy with the progress that I've made.
The reason that I shared our recent accomplishments, is because a lot of them seep over into my future goals for the next 30 days or so.
I want to continue growing my blog, and am going to do the things that I need to do in order to do so. I want more people to come and read, which means I have to make sure that I am producing content that people WANT to come and read. I also want to try, in some way, to add more interaction to this site as well. I really want to hear from all of you about everything! I want to take things that I hear from you and use them to add even more content that I know you want to read because it's come from you!
Another goal I have, (and I've already started accomplishing this over the next week or so), is to start generating a little bit of an income from this site. Now, before anyone thinks that I'm doing this for the wrong reasons, because I am not, however, the opportunity for it is there, so I want to take advantage of that.
Obviously I want my daughter to be completely potty trained, night and day, with minimal reminder. We're close, but I want to be complete.
I want to work on my own time management, hopefully enabling me to do as much work on my blog as I have been doing, maybe more, and still keep up with the laundry and housework that I've been neglecting a little more than I should in the process.
Thank you for reading. Do you have any goals that you want to share? Feel free to comment!
Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.
The Meaning Behind The Mom Show -- Blogger Challenge
The Mom Show is the name of my site, and one of the Summer Blogger's Challenges was to write up a post about the meaning about our site name.
I don't really have some grand story behind choosing this name, so this post may not be the most exciting.
When I first started this blog, just like now (It has only been three months, afterall), I was a full time mom.
Becoming a parent really kind of takes over all aspects of your life, and I have always figured that most of my writings would always be about my parenting. I also knew that, like a television show, I would have a lot of different topics within that main "genre" (I mean, there really are a lot of aspects of parenting, aren't there?) I have the occasional ad, affiliate, or sponsored/paid post, so like a television show, there are ads, commercials, if you will. So, like a sitcom, every time I write, it's about something new (usually, but if not, even sitcoms run reruns sometimes.).
It's revolving around my life as a mom. It's not just about my child, but also about me, the mom. There is a little bit of romance here and there, a good amount of kids stuff, but a healthy amount of "me". I know that there are people who can relate to the fact that, as a mom, there really isn't much out there that's "about me" anymore. I knew this when we first decided to expand our family, but it's nice to have this outlet of something that I'm writing for me, and for you. This is something that revolves around my family, only in that I write about them a lot, but that I'm doing for me. I hope that if you were ever wondering, that this will clear it up a little, but if not, feel free to comment with questions!
Disclaimer: My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products.
I don't really have some grand story behind choosing this name, so this post may not be the most exciting.
When I first started this blog, just like now (It has only been three months, afterall), I was a full time mom.
Becoming a parent really kind of takes over all aspects of your life, and I have always figured that most of my writings would always be about my parenting. I also knew that, like a television show, I would have a lot of different topics within that main "genre" (I mean, there really are a lot of aspects of parenting, aren't there?) I have the occasional ad, affiliate, or sponsored/paid post, so like a television show, there are ads, commercials, if you will. So, like a sitcom, every time I write, it's about something new (usually, but if not, even sitcoms run reruns sometimes.).
It's revolving around my life as a mom. It's not just about my child, but also about me, the mom. There is a little bit of romance here and there, a good amount of kids stuff, but a healthy amount of "me". I know that there are people who can relate to the fact that, as a mom, there really isn't much out there that's "about me" anymore. I knew this when we first decided to expand our family, but it's nice to have this outlet of something that I'm writing for me, and for you. This is something that revolves around my family, only in that I write about them a lot, but that I'm doing for me. I hope that if you were ever wondering, that this will clear it up a little, but if not, feel free to comment with questions!
Disclaimer: My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products.
Friday, June 15, 2012
15 Tips to Get Through Life
So, I got behind (more behind than I already was!) on my Bloggers Challenge, so today, you will see a few posts from that from me. Yesterday's prompt was to give my readers 15 tips to get through life. This one is a little challenging because I, by no means whatsoever, consider myself to be any sort of expert on "life" (I mean, who is, really?)
So, that brings me to my first one:
1.) Always remember that life, in general, is a learning experience.
2.) Take time for yourself, at least a little, every day.
3.) Remember how much you love the people that you care about, even when you're angry.
4.) Take time often to act like your children. Be silly with them. You're only as young as you feel, right? So this has to help!
5.) Pray, hard and often.
6.) Run around and play outside with your kids. It's good for you in so many ways!
7.) Remember all of the things that you love about your spouse, even when life isn't as easy as it used to be.
8.) Something that seems so simple, but I am still terrible at, "clean as you go", it makes a difference in how long it takes you to clean your house later (like I said, I am bad about this... working on it though.)
9.) When they're old enough, definitely give your kids chores! I can't wait until my little one can do a little more!
10.) Take plenty of time for snuggling!
11.) Keep a journal. You'd be amazed at how much better you feel when you're able to get anything off of your chest, at any time, even if you can't or don't want to talk about it.
12.) Take lots of time for adult conversation and interaction.
13.) Get plenty of sleep!! (this is a challenge for me too!)
14.) Do your best, always, but also give yourself a break once in a while and don't be too hard on/critical of yourself.
15.) Do whatever it is, that you feel you need to do to love yourself. Try to see yourself in your child and spouse's eyes, because they obviously think you're great!
Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links.
So, that brings me to my first one:
1.) Always remember that life, in general, is a learning experience.
2.) Take time for yourself, at least a little, every day.
3.) Remember how much you love the people that you care about, even when you're angry.
4.) Take time often to act like your children. Be silly with them. You're only as young as you feel, right? So this has to help!
5.) Pray, hard and often.
6.) Run around and play outside with your kids. It's good for you in so many ways!
7.) Remember all of the things that you love about your spouse, even when life isn't as easy as it used to be.
8.) Something that seems so simple, but I am still terrible at, "clean as you go", it makes a difference in how long it takes you to clean your house later (like I said, I am bad about this... working on it though.)
9.) When they're old enough, definitely give your kids chores! I can't wait until my little one can do a little more!
10.) Take plenty of time for snuggling!
11.) Keep a journal. You'd be amazed at how much better you feel when you're able to get anything off of your chest, at any time, even if you can't or don't want to talk about it.
12.) Take lots of time for adult conversation and interaction.
13.) Get plenty of sleep!! (this is a challenge for me too!)
14.) Do your best, always, but also give yourself a break once in a while and don't be too hard on/critical of yourself.
15.) Do whatever it is, that you feel you need to do to love yourself. Try to see yourself in your child and spouse's eyes, because they obviously think you're great!
Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Blogger's Challenge. 15 Facts about me
Summer Blog Challenge: Catch Up:
15 Facts about myself:
One thing I'm noticing about this challenge, is that it's challenging me to think about and look at myself a little more than I might normally, and if I'm going to be completely honest, I like it. I have to try to think up 15 facts, interesting, no less, about myself.
1.) Before I was married, I was a jazz and contemporary music student. I played jazz trombone. I had dreams of being a professional musician.
2.) My husband and I had a "quickie" courthouse wedding a few months before our actual "real" wedding (which is the anniversary that we celebrate, and our recognized wedding day)
3.)I suffered from Post Partum Depression after my daughter was born. I don't know that it ever really completely went away.
4.) I am extremely insecure.
5.) I completely recognize and know, that I take care of my family, and almost completely neglect myself. I need to work on this, and I am really not quite sure how.
6.) This summer, I realized how much fun fishing is, and now I love to go fishing! I am actually competing with my husband to see who can catch the most fish, and so far, I'm winning!
7.) I am seriously considering taking up jogging. (I have been for a while.. but... see #5.)
8.) I am so way beyond terrified of spiders, bees, snakes and other creepy crawlies. Six months ago, we moved into a brand new home, that used to just be woods. So there are a TON of them!
9.) I love watching Days of our Lives. I used to watch it with my grandmother when I was young, and now watching it makes me think of her. But I would watch it anyway, because I like my daily dose of drama!
10.) I LOVE writing. I like writing prompts and challenges. My writing style makes writing professionally something that I don't know that I can't really do.
11.) I am really not good at it, but I LOVE to sing. I absolutely love singing along to songs that I'm listening, and when I'm alone, I really pretend that I'm good at it!
12.) I'm really a TERRIBLE house keeper. I do my best to pretend, but I'm just not your typical housewife I guess.
13.) This is probably the most I've shared about myself in a long time.
14.) I dislike winter and rainy days, purely and simply because I can't wear flip flops. I LOVE my flip flops and wear them on every day that it's physically possible.
15.) Back in 2010, I started developing my relationship with God. I read the Bible frequently to learn more about Him, and I'm trying to bring myself to live more in the way that He wants me to.
Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links.
Summer Blog Challenge: Worst Injury I've ever had
Summer Blog Challenge
Worst Injury I've ever Had:
The worst injury that I have ever had is a tough one. I had a lot of serious injuries, both as a child, and as an adult. As a kid, I have fell down stairs, and I even put my whole arm through a glass door once. As an adult, I have burned myself cooking, sprained ankles, I broke my hand in a car accident once, and once I sprained my thumb breaking up lettuce for a salad (yep, figure that one out!).
Today, I am going to write about a time, when I got second degree burns by splashing hot oil out of a skillet and onto my fingers. I have to tell you, this was definitely one of the most painful injuries that I have endured yet.
What happened, was, while I was cooking dinner one night, (I was trying to make spaghetti with sauce.) I apparently put too much (WAY too much) olive oil into the pan to heat before putting the meat in. I was in a hurry, dinner was really late. I plopped the meat into the pan really quickly, and at least a quarter cup of hot oil splashed up onto my ring and little finger. It burned immediately, and my initial reaction was "hey, towel!" so I tried to wipe it off (if you are ever in a similar situation, don't do this!). That HURT terribly. Then, as I was trying to run my hand under cold water and cook my ground beef at the same time, which wasn't working very well. Finally, my husband arrived, looked at my finger, got me some medicine to put on them, helped me take my rings off (my fingers swelled up pretty badly), calmed me down, and took over dinner.
I don't know how much detail you want to read about the extent of my injuries, but I will suffice it to say that the healing process was fairly long, and that the skin on those fingers is mostly new, and now a little scarred.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Playing Catch up -- Why are you doing this challenge?
This is my second post. For everyone else doing the blogger's challenge, this was their day one. I just found out about this group this morning, and in hopes of getting the most out of it, I am going to try to play catch up.
The question on their first day was "Why are you doing this challenge"
I love writing, I always have. I think that it is therapeutic. It is a combination of that fact, and the fact that this is a wonderful source of "adult conversation", per se, that was the motivating force behind this blog. It is a wonderful outlet for me, I feel like I can share a lot of different things, and I have been hoping to eventually, perhaps, make a bit of money off of it as well. That last part hasn't really happened as of yet, but someday,hopefully.
Back to the original question, though, why am I doing this challenge.. Well, I remember being in high school, in addition to doing some of the normal things that teenage girls do, when I was going through a difficult time, or things weren't going right, I would write. I remember talking to friends, and instead of gossiping, I was asking them for writing prompts. I would get their ideas, and write the story, article, essay, whatever, and then have them read it and tell me what they thought. This is why the idea of blogging was just so attractive to me, as I can basically ask you guys the same thing, and someone will throw out what they'd like to read about. I am able to come up with my own ideas as well, obviously, but I really enjoy the challenge of someone else telling me what they'd like to read about, working on it, and sharing it with them, and everyone else.
So, when this was brought to my attention, I jumped on it, and joined. I am thoroughly looking forward to writing about various different topics of someone else's choosing every day.
The question on their first day was "Why are you doing this challenge"
I love writing, I always have. I think that it is therapeutic. It is a combination of that fact, and the fact that this is a wonderful source of "adult conversation", per se, that was the motivating force behind this blog. It is a wonderful outlet for me, I feel like I can share a lot of different things, and I have been hoping to eventually, perhaps, make a bit of money off of it as well. That last part hasn't really happened as of yet, but someday,hopefully.
Back to the original question, though, why am I doing this challenge.. Well, I remember being in high school, in addition to doing some of the normal things that teenage girls do, when I was going through a difficult time, or things weren't going right, I would write. I remember talking to friends, and instead of gossiping, I was asking them for writing prompts. I would get their ideas, and write the story, article, essay, whatever, and then have them read it and tell me what they thought. This is why the idea of blogging was just so attractive to me, as I can basically ask you guys the same thing, and someone will throw out what they'd like to read about. I am able to come up with my own ideas as well, obviously, but I really enjoy the challenge of someone else telling me what they'd like to read about, working on it, and sharing it with them, and everyone else.
So, when this was brought to my attention, I jumped on it, and joined. I am thoroughly looking forward to writing about various different topics of someone else's choosing every day.
The Best Day of My Life -- (long post!)
Let me start by saying, that I just joined a blogging challenge (They were already 11 days into it, so for the next ten days, I am going to be doing two a day to catch up. This is the one for today. I will follow it up with day one a little later.) where they give a topic each day, and we each write about it.
The day 11 topic, was The best day of my life. This is a toss up, because in my 27 years, I have had a great many wonderful days. the toss up is between my wedding day, and the birth of my daughter. I am hoping that it isn't against any rules, but, bouncing around a little, I have seen that birth of a child. This is still my biggest milestone, so I am going to write a little about both, because they are absolutely intertwined.
First, I will write about my wedding day. Let me start, by writing about our history a little bit. My husband and I went to grade school together, so we have known each other forever. We met when I moved to his home town in the fifth grade. We were ten. We were friends throughout that time. We finally went to our senior prom together, as friends, of course. But over the course of that night, and the weeks to follow, chemistry grew between us. I really think that I fell in love with him on prom night, even though that couldn't have been further from my intention. As they say, I think I had "friend zoned" him a long time prior. But if you remember your senior prom (and try to remember it as a 17 or 18 year old girl, mind you), you will remember that it was a magical day. Anyway, we started "officially" dating the weekend after graduation. It wasn't long after that, when we were inseparable.
Fast Forward about six months, and my boyfriend, at the time, the boy, that I was certain, already, that I was going to marry, made a life changing decision (with my support.. eventually..) that he was going to join the Army. I was in college at the time, and had high hopes of being a professional musician, so I wasn't willing to give up my education (and we had to go through his training anyway), so we ended up separated (physically) for over two years. We made the decision that we were going to maintain our relationship through our training, and until I was in a position to move to be with him.
Two years later, I decided to try to transfer schools, this decision was solidified on Christmas Eve, when my husband, after inviting both of our families over for Christmas Eve dinner, got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Of course, a few days later he had to hop on a plane again, leaving me here, but I knew we were going to be together really soon.
August of the following year, he came to our hometown, and we were had our wedding day. We were celebrating, not only the fact that we were becoming husband and wife (because, really, how awesome is that?!) but we were beginning a life, together.. I mean, really, physically, actually together. Same state, same city, same HOME!
Now, I would love to tell you, that our day went down without a hitch, but, things happen, and we had our issues. Such as our band (I went to music school, mind you, so I thought of all things, this was DEFINITELY covered), who cancelled on us the night before. (like, at 9pm the night before) so we were going and grabbing up music, and calling our photographer (who I worked with at the time) if she'd double as a DJ for us.. Not as many people showed up as we had hoped. But looking back, I just remember the magic and love of that day. Nervousness was there, we were only 20, after all, and this is definitely the biggest life change I think you can make at that age. But, his military uniform, our dresses, the family and friends. It was a magical day. I still look so fondly at pictures, and remember that day with such wonderful memories. I truly, and honestly love my husband just as much, maybe even more, today, than I did then, (not that I ever would have thought it was possible at the time.
If you fast forward about three years, we endured the saddest day of my life, and that is a day, when I had a miscarriage. I was so excited to be pregnant with our first, very planned, extremely wanted, child. I felt like my dreams were crashing down around me.
Two months later, I found out I was pregnant again. I was scared, but nine months later, after a mostly successful pregnancy, I had the most beautiful night of my life, and that was the night (I say night, because it was after enduring 28 hours of labor and a C-section, and it was evening time when she finally decided to grace us with her presence.). I tell you, hearing that first cry, was the most relieving sound ever. It suddenly says "after all of that, look, I am here and I am healthy". Holding my daughter, watching my husband hold her, and fall in love with her. See all of our friends and family come to meet her and watch each one of them fall in love with the miracle that my husband and I had just brought into the world, was an amazing experience. Transforming into a mother, while difficult, is one of the best things that I have ever been blessed to do.
The day 11 topic, was The best day of my life. This is a toss up, because in my 27 years, I have had a great many wonderful days. the toss up is between my wedding day, and the birth of my daughter. I am hoping that it isn't against any rules, but, bouncing around a little, I have seen that birth of a child. This is still my biggest milestone, so I am going to write a little about both, because they are absolutely intertwined.
First, I will write about my wedding day. Let me start, by writing about our history a little bit. My husband and I went to grade school together, so we have known each other forever. We met when I moved to his home town in the fifth grade. We were ten. We were friends throughout that time. We finally went to our senior prom together, as friends, of course. But over the course of that night, and the weeks to follow, chemistry grew between us. I really think that I fell in love with him on prom night, even though that couldn't have been further from my intention. As they say, I think I had "friend zoned" him a long time prior. But if you remember your senior prom (and try to remember it as a 17 or 18 year old girl, mind you), you will remember that it was a magical day. Anyway, we started "officially" dating the weekend after graduation. It wasn't long after that, when we were inseparable.
Fast Forward about six months, and my boyfriend, at the time, the boy, that I was certain, already, that I was going to marry, made a life changing decision (with my support.. eventually..) that he was going to join the Army. I was in college at the time, and had high hopes of being a professional musician, so I wasn't willing to give up my education (and we had to go through his training anyway), so we ended up separated (physically) for over two years. We made the decision that we were going to maintain our relationship through our training, and until I was in a position to move to be with him.
Two years later, I decided to try to transfer schools, this decision was solidified on Christmas Eve, when my husband, after inviting both of our families over for Christmas Eve dinner, got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Of course, a few days later he had to hop on a plane again, leaving me here, but I knew we were going to be together really soon.
August of the following year, he came to our hometown, and we were had our wedding day. We were celebrating, not only the fact that we were becoming husband and wife (because, really, how awesome is that?!) but we were beginning a life, together.. I mean, really, physically, actually together. Same state, same city, same HOME!
Now, I would love to tell you, that our day went down without a hitch, but, things happen, and we had our issues. Such as our band (I went to music school, mind you, so I thought of all things, this was DEFINITELY covered), who cancelled on us the night before. (like, at 9pm the night before) so we were going and grabbing up music, and calling our photographer (who I worked with at the time) if she'd double as a DJ for us.. Not as many people showed up as we had hoped. But looking back, I just remember the magic and love of that day. Nervousness was there, we were only 20, after all, and this is definitely the biggest life change I think you can make at that age. But, his military uniform, our dresses, the family and friends. It was a magical day. I still look so fondly at pictures, and remember that day with such wonderful memories. I truly, and honestly love my husband just as much, maybe even more, today, than I did then, (not that I ever would have thought it was possible at the time.
If you fast forward about three years, we endured the saddest day of my life, and that is a day, when I had a miscarriage. I was so excited to be pregnant with our first, very planned, extremely wanted, child. I felt like my dreams were crashing down around me.
Two months later, I found out I was pregnant again. I was scared, but nine months later, after a mostly successful pregnancy, I had the most beautiful night of my life, and that was the night (I say night, because it was after enduring 28 hours of labor and a C-section, and it was evening time when she finally decided to grace us with her presence.). I tell you, hearing that first cry, was the most relieving sound ever. It suddenly says "after all of that, look, I am here and I am healthy". Holding my daughter, watching my husband hold her, and fall in love with her. See all of our friends and family come to meet her and watch each one of them fall in love with the miracle that my husband and I had just brought into the world, was an amazing experience. Transforming into a mother, while difficult, is one of the best things that I have ever been blessed to do.
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