NEW BOOK = Confessions of a Scary Mom

This book looks so ENTERTAINING!!!  I'm placing my pre-order for April 3rd right now!  Read the description of the book and you'll already be hooked to starting reading the day it arrives on your doorstep! :)

 

"If I can’t survive my daughter as a toddler,

how the hell am I going to get through the teenage years? "

  

"I clock out of motherhood at 8 P.M.

and hide in the basement with my laptop and a beer."

 

*** Confessions of a Scary Mommy: An Honest and Irreverent Look at Motherhood: The Good, The Bad, and the Scary ***

STOP! DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOK UNTIL YOU RECITE THESE VOWS!

1) I shall remember that no mother is perfect and my children will thrive because, and sometimes even in spite, of me.

2) I shall not preach to a fellow mother who has not asked my opinion. It’s none of my damn business.

3) I shall maintain a sense of humor about all things motherhood.

Get your copy today and enjoy some great laughs together!

 

Spring Cleaning Time

Spring is here and its time to CLEAN!  I don't know about you but raising twin toddlers has me running around chasing my girls every day.  I try to plan fun activities to tire them out for long afternoon naps (breaks for me) and good night rests but that means one busy, busy day!  In the evening, I'm exhausted and just want to surf the Internet, watch a movie, read a good book, and pass out!  One thing that I notice but try to ignore as I look around my house is that our family is in need of a good spring cleaning.  Clothes are outgrown, toys are not being used, carpets need a deep clean, and the daily chores just need to get done.

I love to read my friends blogs and surf Pinterest.  Lately I've been seeing a ton of fabulous "Spring Cleaning" & "Get Yourself Organized" ideas.  Now its time for me to implement these great tips!

Here's a few that are on my agenda to complete that might be helpful for you too.

1) I'm going to be less overwhelmed by the routine household cleaning that I need to do with a simple post-it-note on my fridge.  My friend, Judy, blogged about this fabulous idea to just right down the few cleaning items that must get done each week.  Pick a day, write it down, and just do it! 

2) Those out-grown clothes & unused toys are going to be thrown in a plastic box then stored in my garage to sale at the next EMOM's Toys & Togs Consignment sale.  That way we wear the clothes that fit, sale or donate the clothes/toys that are unused and I've de-cluttered my kids closet & play areas.

3) I'm going to put my Pinterest "Pins" to use and start to follow all those tips I've saved on my "Organization" board <Use this link to see all these ideas: http://pinterest.com/aliciaperkins/organization/>  The first task I might complete is the "21 DAY ORGANIZING CHALLENGE" that you can start at anytime.  Just pick a day, print the list, and follow the task assignment for a clean house to make you smile.

4) My last task to keep track of all my areas I need to clean/organize or to just remember the to-do list that is spinning through my head, is to update my Cozi calendar.  If you haven't seen this program its awesome and FREE!  The best part is you can use the calendar, shopping list, menu list, to-do list etc on any computer, cell phone, AND your husband's cell phone can sync with your account so that he knows the shopping list to pick up on his way home from work to surprise you with that task being done! Check-out www.cozi.com for more details on a 'simplified' life.

Spring is here and it's time to clean so that we can play outdoors when summer finally arrives!  Good luck to you and just know that you'll be so happy when you're done!

Keep checking www.parents-2-parents.org for more helpful tips & follow our Pinterest boards for creative ideas to get you motivated http://pinterest.com/aliciaperkins/organization/.

iPhone Tip

Got an iPhone? Add emotions Image keyboard by going to

----> setup - general - keyboards - international keyboards - add new keyboard "emoji"


Have fun!!!

Arts & Crafts Supplies

We have two fabulous sites that we have to share!

The first one is a blog called Play at Home Mom. She (the main contributor) is a former pre-school teacher who now has 3 kids and STRONGLY believes in the power of play. She has endless amounts of ideas on what to do with your babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Whenever I need inspiration or motivation to be more creative with my kids this is the first place I go! She explains the education behind every activity and the supplies she uses are easy to find and really creative. This blog introduced me to the next site that I have to share....

Discount School Supply! We just ordered a ton of stuff like, washable tempura paints, liquid watercolors, refillable bingo markers, sponge stampers (perfect shape and size for little hands), and lots of cups to hold our paint in. The prices can't be beat and since you get a high quantity of items you could even split the order with a friend! I have 3 little ones of my own so I know we'll be going through the supplies ourselves!

One trick I have learned when it comes to storing and keeping crafts organized is to use over the door shoe organizers. I have stored all my paint supplies in one of these and it has been so great! I think I'll have to get a couple more, THIS is the one we ordered from Amazon. I like that it's black and is a good quality product. We also ordered a large roll of packing paper to tape down to the table, my twins are 2 and need a big canvas to paint and stamp on!

Have fun with your kids & art projects with us!

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary D. Chapman

Valentine's Day will soon be approaching.  Do you know your spouse's "Love Language?"  After reading "The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts" by Gary D. Chapman my husband and I realized our "Love Languages" were complete opposites!  I thought I was showing him that I loved him through my "Acts of Service" and "Quality Time" together.  However, that's what I needed to feel loved and all he needed was "Words of Affirmation!"  READ this book to learn about each other's love language and re-light those sparks!

"Marriage should be based on love, right? But does it seem as though you and your spouse are speaking two different languages?

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman guides couples in identifying, understanding, and speaking their spouse’s primary love language.

1. Quality Time
2. Words of Affirmation
3. Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

By learning the five love languages, you and your spouse will discover your unique love languages and learn practical steps in truly loving each other. Chapters are categorized by love language for easy reference, and each one ends with specific, simple steps to express a specific language to your spouse and guide your marriage in the right direction. A newly designed love languages assessment will help you understand and strengthen your relationship. You can build a lasting, loving marriage together."

*** The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts ***

 

Did you know there's also a book to explain your Child's & Teenager's Love Language too?

 

We LOVE these books and hope you give them a try too.

Need Sleep Tips?? Call Julie Kennedy, Certified Gentle Sleep Coach

Need any sleep advice to start the New Year off right???  Struggling to get your kids on a sleep schedule?  CALL Julie!!  Her tips helped my 22 month old girls go back to sleeping through the night.  We had a couple rough months of waking to eat "yummies" during the middle of the night then staying up for 2hrs to play.  Her tips taught us to retrain our girls to sleep through the night again.  Thank goodness!!

 Julie Kennedy is a local Eastside, WA, mom of Twins that specializes her business in consulting with families to discuss sleep techniques. Email her with any questions: gentlesleepcoach@hotmail.com 

Julie Kennedy, MA, LMHC Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Julie's mission is to provide education and support to parents to help their children sleep well and wake up happy!

 

Julie Kennedy, MA, LMHC

Certified Gentle Sleep Coach

http://www.sleeplady.com/juliekennedy/

facebook.com/sleepconsulting

e-mail: gentlesleepcoach@hotmail.com

cell : 509.939.8356

Description

	As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Gentle Sleep Coach, I provide education and support to families with children – ages newborn to 5 years of age. Each consultation may include - • Education on the sleep basics • A personalized gentle sleep plan based on your families individual case history and desired goals • A 1-1.5 hour in home visit • 8 telephone follow up support calls
Address	1313 183rd Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98008-3110 · Get Directions
Phone	509.939.8356
Website	http://www.sleeplady.com/juliekennedy/
Hours	Mon - Sun: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

New Year's Sleep Tip:

Make sleep a priority this year. Work around your baby's(ies) and older children's nap times, even if it means telling friends and relatives that you're not available to visit or get together (for now). Just tell them you need your sleep!
Also try to get everyone home in the evening for plenty of time for dinner, bedtime routines, and lights out. Remember sleep begets sleep and well-rested children make for happy, well-rested parents!

5 Days of the FLU!

We've almost survived 5 straight days of the flu in our household.  Yup both girls and us spent the last five days in misery.  We finally gave-in and went to the Dr today to just confirm that the stomach virus is going around and to keep everyone hydrated.  We're back to counting wet diapers (3 in 24hrs or immediate Dr visit).  The girls didn't want to eat much of anything so we are so thankful for pedialyte freezer pops!  These popsicles were getting their nutrients in their little bodies to keep us hanging on and getting through the start of the New Year.  If you are facing the stomach virus in your household, run to the local grocery store and try these.  We were told infants will take the pedialyte juice but toddlers (like ours) think its too salty and will refuse it.  Another good product is watered down Gatorade for the electrolytes.  During this illness we were told to focus on the hydration versus getting food in the bodies and its working.  :)

Happy New Year everyone stay HEALTHY!!!

Pedialyte Freezer Pops Oral Electrolyte Maintenance Solution, Assorted Flavors , 16 - 2.1 fl oz (62.5 ml) pops [1 qt (1 lt)]

Pedialyte, Strawberry Flavored, 1 qt 1.8 Fl Oz. (33.8 oz)

Product Features

• Help prevent dehydration
• Balanced electrolytes to replace fluid losses
• Provides glucose to promote sodium and water absorption
• Contain grape, cherry, orange and blue raspberry flavor pops

Probiotics for Kids!

When the girls were newborns our friends constantly told us to start them on probiotics.  We gave in and have used these two brands to boost their immune systems and feel like we've dealt with fewer colds and ear infections since.  Read these articles on Probiotics to see if they are right for your family too:

Articles

• "Benefits of Probiotics in Children by Livestrong.com"

• "Probiotics for Children by Livestrong.com"

• "Probiotics For Children: Only When You Must Provide The Best For Your Children : A Healthy Life "

• "Children May Benefit From Probiotics, Prebiotics"

  

Products

*** Culterelle Probiotics for Kids ****

Product Features

Helps to reduce digestive upset.  Natural probiotic supplement with lactobacillus GG.  New dairy-free formula

*** Primadophilus Children by Nature's Way 5 Ounces  ***

Product Description

Primadophilus for children is designed to deliver helpful bacteria to the gut. These microorganism strains are essential to maintaining healthy intestinal flora. Under normal conditions, trillions of bacteria exist in the intestines. As part of the body's defenses they help maintain good health by preventing harmful microorganisms from infiltrating the body. Medications taken to combat illness or infection can reduce the number of beneficial bacteria as an unwanted side effect. To maintain the healthy balance add Nature's Way Primadophilus for Children to your child's daily health regimen.

Saving for College - Review Different 529 plan options

Looking for the right 529 plan to invest in for your child's future?  Check-out this site below that rates each state's 529 funds by graduation caps.  Funds with 5 black caps are the best option per this site.  No matter what investing option you choose, the best choice is to start saving now for your child(ren)'s future education.

Saving for College

http://www.savingforcollege.com/5_cap_ratings/

 

 

 

For WA State the only 529 plan sponsored by the state is the "WA GET Program."  However, you can review the list above and invest in any 529 plan that is open to non-residents.

 

Click here for more info on the -> Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET)

 

or visit the official site -> http://www.get.wa.gov/

Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET)

Washington

Each unit acquired in Washington's Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) prepaid tuition program is worth 1% of the resident undergraduate tuition at the highest-priced Washington state public university and may be redeemed at any eligible educational institution in the country.

Initial year of operation:  1998

Enrollment period: November 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012. Parents with children under 1 year of age may enroll at any time.

State agency(ies): Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board, with the State Treasurer as a member of the GET committee that oversees the program.

State residency requirements:  The account owner or the beneficiary must be a Washington resident at the time of program enrollment.

 

 

Five Great Places to Take Family Photos

Are you searching for ideas for your next family photo? Get out of that boring studio and step outside! Taking pictures at one of these great spots will give provide you with a beautiful photo memory that will last forever.  For more photography tips check-out Lauren Phillips' site **Photography Degrees.**

 "Five Great Places to Take Family Photos"

1.       The beach: Have everyone in your family where a light-colored button-up or t-shirt and khaki shorts or pants or a khaki shirt. Sit on and around a rock on the beach or sit in the sand by some foliage along the shore. Have the photographer take the photo from a low angle, so the beach, water and sky show in the shot.

2.       Your local botanical garden or arboretum: Find a flower bed, tree or other lovely spot to gather around. Have some family members sit on their knees in the grass while other family members sit up on their knees behind them. In this scenario, have the photographer take the photo from a mid-angle so as to include the flowers and trees in the shot.

3.       The front steps of your own home: If you have a lovely set of steps or stairs leading up to your front porch, use them as a great setting for a family photo at home. Place some potted flowers or plants on the porch by the steps. Have your family sit down on the steps and gather around one another. The photographer should take the photo from the front yard or sidewalk so that the surroundings can be included in the photo. However, this photo should be taken with the surroundings slightly out of focus for effect.

4.       In a downtown park: Find a park bench, and have some family members sit in it while others stand behind them. Include the city background in the shot. Like the front step shot, the background in this photo should be slightly out of focus, as well.

5.       On a dirt road: This will give you a nice perspective shot. Find a dirt road (preferably one that is lined with trees or a simple fence or wall. Have your family stand side-by-side. For example, if you have five members of your family, have two people stand slightly turned to their left on one side, two people stand slightly turned to their right on another slide and one person stand in the middle facing forward. This almost creates a slight semi-circle but don’t bend into a semi-circle form. Try to stand in a straight line. You can also do an action shot of everyone walking down the road, too. Have the photographer stand about twenty feet away and shoot at a high angle so as to get a perspective shot with the road behind your family. Keep the foreground in focus and the background slightly blurry.

 

 

Lauren Phillips has been a professional event photographer for 16 years and also owns the site Photography Degrees. She likes to write articles about everything photography.  We highly recomend you check it out for GREAT tips!!

Other Recent Posts:

• 20/10 : The Top 20 iPhone Photography App Blog Posts and the Top 10 Android Photography App Blog Posts
• 100 Resources for Teaching Your Kids About Wildlife Conservation

 

Laundry Tip -> Get that Candy Stain OUT!

Laundry Tips

Candy Stain Removal:

1. Brush the excess stain off the surface of the fabric. 
2. Rinse in water to dilute the stain. 
3. Pretreat with detergent. Pour on to cover stain and let set for 20 minutes. 
4. Wash in warm water. 
5. If stain remains, repeat steps before drying. Before treating any garment, refer to the instructions on the care label. Always test solution on a hidden area first. If treating washable silk or wool, follow basic instructions, but hand wash

Looking for a "Mom" necklace from your kids?

My Stella & Dot initial charm necklace arrived today!  I'm soooo excited!  I love it!  This necklace contains the initials of my two twin daughters that are always on my mind.  I've seen a bunch of my Mom friends proudly wear this necklace and I've always thought it was very special.  I now have my own & highly recommend this necklace to any Mom *OR* Dad looking to find that unique gift!  (Order details are below...)

Stella & Dot Personalized Initial Charm Necklace!

 

 

If you want one too, go shopping at this page:

http://www.stelladot.com/wendyneedham

To get this look search for:

- "Initial Charms"

- "Signature Heart Charm"

- "18" Delicate Chain Necklace - Silver"

Thank you Wendy for being such an awesome Stella & Dot stylist & so helpful!

 

Sharing the "Truth" about Santa - Article

Are your kids asking about "The Truth About Santa??" READ this article for a creative way to share the truth...

*** Sharing the Truth about Santa ***

What do you do when your kid asks for the truth? You tell it, of course, doing your best to figure out a way that keeps at least some of the magic intact.

Q: Are you Santa?

A: The answer is no. I am not Santa. There is no one Santa.

I am the person who fills your stockings with presents, though. I also choose and wrap the presents under the tree, the same way my mom did for me, and the same way her mom did for her. (And yes, Daddy helps, too.)



According to our friends it seems around 2nd Grade kids start to ask this question when they hear different messages from kids at school.  This article provides a creative way to answer that question.

Thanks Cozi for this article!

Would your Kids hear the fire alarm?

Have you ever wondered if your fire alarm in your house went off if it would wake-up your kids?  NBC did a study with a family with 5 kids and only 2 woke up after 20 minutes of the alarms going off!!  Pretty nerve racking!  Good reminder to educate your kids about what the fire alarm sounds like & what to do.  Watch this video!

"Meri-K Appy of the Home Safety Council explains the issue of children, smoke, fire, and waking. Also talks about the benefit of installing wirelessly interconnected smoke alarms that tell you the location of the fire or carbon monoxide leak."

WATCH THIS video for more information!
Meri-K Appy Smoke Alarms to wake up your Kids

WATCH -->      http://youtu.be/t5Q5GZGWqzc

First Alert - ONELINK Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Tips:

• Complete a family fire drill ONCE a YEAR
• Educate your children about what the fire alarm sounds like & what to do
• Pick a family meeting place (ie. across the street)
• Understand that most kid sleep through noise because they spend more time in a deep sleep, watch this video for a stronger understanding
• Consider buying the First Alert "Interconnected smoke alarm" that are wirelessly connected so when one goes off the rest do too
• Place a fire alarm on each floor of your house AND in each child's room

DID YOU KNOW?

• Smoke Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms should be replaced every 5-7 years.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends replacement to ensure the most effective protection and prevent nuisance alarms.When was the last time you replaced your alarms?

http://firstalert.com/

http://www.firstalert.com/detectors/battery