Oh, the pain...

..that a mom feels as she leaves those precious children in the hands of another on that first day of school. Dramatic? yes, but this has not been easy. My kindergartener absolutely excited about school. He came home yesterday telling me how wonderful it was and how much he loves it. My 5th grader, you know, the usual complaints of all the hard work that he has to do. He's big-he can deal. My 1st grader is in a room with tons of kids-many of them that don't know that you have to stay in your seat, raise your hand, obey the teacher, keep your hands to yourself etc.It is just a little too much for his quiet personality. He must love order way more than I knew. He has been in tears the night before, the morning of, and after school. It is so hard to see him struggle. The only thing I know to do is to keep encouraging him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things.....

You know, we spend so much time sharing ideas for our children and seldom get the chance to share what we LOVE the most so this one is just for moms.

1. My favorite at home coffee--Dunkin Donuts is hands down the best that I have ever made at home!!!

2. Coffee Mate Cinnamon Bun to go with that coffee.($1 coupon on the coffee mate webiste right now)

3. Wheat Thins Lightly Cinnamon- perfect for when I want something sweet and crunchy.
(This is hidden from my kids. Come on they get EVERYTHING else in the house.)

4. Baby Spinach-on my sandwiches,in my eggs and pizza. Just seems great with everything.

5. Homemade Guacomole

6. Chex Mix

7. Sonic fountain drink

8. Caramel Frappucino from Starbucks

9. Naked Juice-the Purple One

10. Any of these plus a little quiet makes mom very happy.

Maybe next time I will list things in the NON food category;)

Shopping with Kids

Yep, I am one of those moms that takes her kids everywhere with her. Most people think I'm nuts but we DO have to go to the grocery store every now and then;) So I thought I'd give a few tips to help you keep your sanity while shopping with kids. Not that I'm the expert or anything-I've just been there a few times.

1. Early morning trips when everyone is fresh and fed work great!!!

2. We often drive 30 minutes when doing shopping so a bathroom trip upon arrival at the store is often good.

3.On the way, I usually think about what needs to be done the most and map out my plans( which store 1st, what I can't go home without etc.)

4. I always pack raisins,peanut butter crackers and such to entertain and hold them over til lunch.

5. Make a list!! When I don't, I always leave something important out. (Especially if the kids go nuts)

6. If they do go nuts, remain calm. They usually don't care if I am about to loose my mind so the only person I am hurting is myself.

7. My kids are much better when they have a job to do. When we are at the grocery store, we take turns finding what I need(older ones) and putting things in the shopping cart.

8. Love those places where there is a play area. I love the ones in the malls and so do my kids. They know that if they are sweet they will get to play for awhile.

9. If we are in a hurry, we make it a game. How long will it take us to get in and out with what we need?? They love guessing!

10. I try to make the end result something to look forward to like picking the place to eat lunch, a movie when we get home, play time in the play area. My boys really need to know that I won't make them shop for an eternity;)


Hope these little suggestions help you have a smoother trip! Please feel free to comment. I love new ideas!!!