Any Complaints?

My first thought on complaints...I don't complain. I just listen to complaints. Ummm...then again, that's not quite true. I just went upstairs where my husband had bathed the kids (don't give him too much credit yet...I was cleaning up dinner and making his lunch for tomorrow). I "tagged" him out as he brought them into their room to get their jammies on and teeth brushed so he could go play work in the yard with some new yard tools. After prayers were said, books read, multiple requests granted and denied, covers tucked and so on, I finally left the girls. I entered their bathroom to replace their toothbrushes from the counter, and I discovered clothes on the floor, the tub still filled, toys littering the floor and the tub, shampoo open in abandoned in the tub of water.

Did I complain? Yep...marched my five foot feisty self outside and tried to yell my complaints over the weed eater only to find that he still couldn't hear me between his singing and the IPod turned up to unbelievable decibels. Then, I complained that he is too old to be listening to music that loud. (My husband suffers from the delusion that he is a teenager at times rather than a man in his thirties...most of the time~emphasis on most~ I love that about him.) However, after discovering the bathroom mess was not a moment where that love for his lust at youth was inspired!

Did it do any good? Nope...not at all. Did I exemplify a servant’s heart? Nope...not at all. Did I feel better? Nope...maybe for a minute. Actually, I probably could have cleaned it up faster than going out to complain about it. Then, I find myself wondering where my kids learn to complain...about it being too hot, or being bored, or some food they don't like. I guess tonight I answered my question. I also remembered a Bible verse that I haven't thought of in a long time.

Do everything without complaining or arguing (Ph. 2:14).


By the way, I went outside to snap a shot of him with my camera during his yard work and loud music escapade. He didn't even bat an eye. Without even inquiring as to why I was taking his picture, he stopped, looked at me, let me take the picture, and continued singing and weed eating.

What can I say? Thanks God for the lesson!:) Seems like I'm learning several this week...

Have you ever wondered what your life would be life if…?

My goal lately has been to live in the moment. This lesson was a Bible study that I heard several weeks ago that has been on my mind. How often do you live in the moment? I mean fully live in this exact moment? When you are sitting in church listening to the sermon, are you making your to do list in your head rather than taking in that exact moment? (I am.) When you are driving in your car from place to place, are you living in that exact moment? (I am usually struggling to entertain my children, focus on driving, and talking on my cell phone.) When you are with your children, do you drink in every drop of that moment? (I don’t. I am usually saying, “I can only play for one more minute. Then, I have to get dinner started.”) Wow, are there really that many moments that I miss? Are there that many moments that I do not take full advantage of by living in it completely?

I had always thought that my multi-tasking ability was one of my best attributes. Now, I am not so sure. That attribute might be in part responsible for making my mind race and wonder when I should be living my fullest life in every moment. Do I sometimes make wrong decisions or wrong turns in life because I am not in the moment? Would I have the opportunity to enjoy life and my children more if I was in the moment? Would I hear and feel God more within those focused moments?

James 4:14 says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Regardless your religious preference…we most believe in one thing: life is short here on earth.

We know life is short. We know we are not promised tomorrow, yet I allow my moments to get stolen.

It is difficult to focus on living within each moment. My brain has been trained to multi-task, to rush through each activity to get to the next, to be productive, to make my decisions based on a quick response not giving myself time to consider what I think and feel or meditate on God’s desires. Try it. Try to be consumed with each and every moment today. IF you are talking to your preschooler, put your entire self into that conversation. My preschooler talks so much that it is really difficult. My eyes glaze over after a while. Do you know my biggest flaw? My most difficult thing I overcome every day? To focus on a task. My mind wanders while I write. It wanders while I fold clothes. My mind wanders and races so I venture into another task or thought. Would I actually be more productive if I lived within the moment? Would I actually (gasp) enjoy or actually complete putting away laundry?


What would my life be IF I lived within every moment? I wonder…

A Mama's List of "I nevers"...

Things I thought I would never do...

• *bribe my kids (I am the one who opens things in the grocery store in order to let my kids snack so I can make it through my list.)
• *obsess about poop (the color of poop, if they are pooping too much or not enough, how to get them to poop in a potty...and so on.)
• *breastfeed in public (you do what you have to do when your baby is screaming).
• *hold a toddler/baby and still go potty myself.
• *say bye bye and pretend like I'm really leaving in order to persuade my child to actually leave or come wherever.
• *count to three...(seriously, we all know that we'll go beyond three to get our kids to give in. my kids probably think that I can't count past three).
• *talk baby talk. (it's just really cute when LaLa says "whirld" for "world" and Little Bit says "kukay" for "okay")
• *miss working.
• *love anything/anyone as much as I love my children.
• *be naked in front of people and not care...(once you're in labor, you lose all sense of modesty).
• *eat at McDonald's (I'm a picky fastfood eater).
• *love to eat gerber fruit snacks (they don't stick in your teeth.)
• *get bored as a mama (mentally).
• *get lonely as a mama (even though I rarely get to go to the bathroom or shower alone).
• *coupon (it's now an obsession).
• *not keep up to date scrapbooks for my kids.
• *let my kids watch tv...even non-educational cartoons
• *try to be "domesticated". (is that a word?)
• *be able to cook (the teachers I worked with early in my career would be impressed. i didn't know how to make kool-aid when I first got married.)
• *carry 2 kids at once.
• *change a toddler/baby's diaper on my lap. (LaLa was the first diaper I ever changed without help.)
• *clean up spit up/vomit...(still not my strong point. i have thrown a towel on it and waited for my hubby to get home before.)
• *not take a shower.
• *go (well, let's just say "a long time") without shaving my legs
• *spend all my money on my kids' clothes and not me...not at all. (i think this is a mama habit that most of us do. we become way back on our list of necessitites.)
• *compare myself to others.
• *wipe a nose with whatever I can find...and I mean whatever.
• *leave my house with something mysterious stained on my shoulder...spit up, snotty stuff, who knows?
• *question my decisions and actions.
• *be able to sing the Elmo theme song.
• *know all the Wiggle's dance moves.
• *want to "peek" in the windows everytime I drop my kid off at school (ugh...those mamas used to drive me crazy as a teacher. i get it now!:))
• *miss going to school (I'm a nerd.)

What have you done as a mama that you thought you would never do?

I Want to Be a Princess...

Okay, so this is my random post for today. I have to say it was thought provoking for me as my three year old innocently made this comment over the weekend. First is my disclaimer: I know that this is often a sensitive issue so please take it as a child's completely innocent thought and a comment that should create inspiration or be a thought provoking statement to anybody...of any background.

We had family over most of the last week for the holidays. You know how it is...where you have to recover after having company and a holiday. Kids have been off schedule, excitement has been brewing, house is in disarray, and so on, but the memories always outweigh the chaos. As we were recovering from all of this holiday fun, I am so glad that I didn't miss this particular comment LaLa made. Have you heard of the new princess movie that is coming out in December? I believe it is the Princess Frog. We really enjoy Disney, the movies, and...well, everything else...especially with two princess-obsessed girls...and my husband-the Disney fanatic of them all! We have really been anticipating this movie coming out.

Well, the commercial for the movie came on the television. LaLa looked up at me and said, "Mama, I don't have that princess dress. I want to dress up like Tiana." I said, "No, we don't have that one. Maybe that can be something you ask Santa for." LaLa responds, "Yeah, mama, that's a great idea. I just need her beautiful dress, put my hair up, and hey, mama, can you paint my face brown like that?" Now, this response caused me to pause a minute. First of all, I didn't realize what she was talking about at first. Then, I realized how innocent children are to issues such as race. I wish adults could be that innocent as well. After that, I wasn't sure how to answer. I can just see her wanting me to paint her face brown, dress up like the beautiful princess, Tiana, and insist on wearing her costume on an outing. Honestly, I wouldn't mind doing it because I know it is just part of her imagination. However, can you imagine? She would definitely cause quite a commotion.

However, ultimately, it made me realize that lots of little girls from other races have probably felt the same way. I guess that little statement from LaLa made me realize that children are innocent and sincere. All they know is they want to be a princess...white, yellow, red, or black. If the princess is different from the way you look, they innocently want to be different to look like a "princess"...or the way the princess is portrayed.

So, first, I applaud Disney (although I wish it was done a long time ago) on varying their princesses to look like all the different little girls of the world that desire to be a princess. Princesses aren't just one color...and it has to be hard for little girls that mostly see princesses as one color. More importantly, I also encourage all mamas to really encourage their little princesses to know that it's what is on the inside that makes a true princess.

I remind my girls...Christ is our Heavenly Father and King of Kings...that makes us all princesses...don't let anyone ever tell you anything different!

Mama Drama Rule #79: Your kids will often teach you more than you teach them in life! I know my kids do!

Can I just hide in a closet and take a quick nap? Do you think my kids would notice?

Our newest drama is sleeping. Yes, sleeping. I've always been a napper and a late owl. I am most productive late at night, but I would always take a good nap the next day. Well, kids obviously throw a wrench in this theory! My kids have never, ever been good sleepers. I have all of the books on children sleeping. I've actually read them, highlighted parts, and implemented them. Let me just tell you....It doesn't work on my kids. Something will work for a little while. Then, just when I start becoming human again after gaining much-needed sleep, they start waking up again. I remember time after time sitting in a restaurant or church admiring a sweet little baby. Their parents would comment on how their baby is sleeping 8-10 hours a night already. I smile, but I am really yelling at them profusely in my head. If your baby sleeps, don't tell a sleep-deprived mama!

I remember before children (BC) not being concerned with the lack of sleep that children caused. I would come home from teaching and take a nap. I remember hearing other coworkers complain, but I never truly understood their need for sleep! I thought my husband and I would alternate on taking care of the kids so we could both sleep. What was I thinking? My husband suddenly became capable of sleeping through a tornado when we had our first daughter. I thought, I will just hire a nanny or a sitter to take care of them during the day so I can rest. Again, what was I thinking? Did I win the lottery? I was one of those that had never been around babies or small children (younger than school age). I, seriously, had no idea. I guess that is why I have learned so much as a mama!

I became very scared when I realized that life with children was so much different that what I had envisions BC. I had to learn quick and learn well. Thus, became my obsession with these books! I love school. I know, I'm a nerd. I loved getting my doctorate. It was new and exciting. Surely, someone with a doctorate, with a background in child development, can get their child to sleep. I'll just read some more books. I'll just write this author. Perhaps the author has some valuable information that they did not disclose in their book. Let me just tell you, my kids still do not sleep regularly. I think it's a myth that other parents tell each other just to make you jealous...and insane!

Our current sleep situation is odd, but it is working for us right now. LaLa is currently sleeping on this little pull out sofa the girls have on the floor of Little Bit's nursery. I'm serious. She has a queen size beautiful bed in her room, but she insists on sleeping in her sister's room. Getting them to sleep takes some threats, some incentives, some coddling, a lot of patience, and some time. Little Bit stands in her crib saying, "No, no, LaLa. Bye, Bye, LaLa." I think in baby language that is "Get out of my room you crazy sister! I want to go to sleep. Don't make me climb out of my crib again and kick you out." Eventually, though, they both go to sleep. Once they are asleep, they are staying asleep until the morning.

At that blissful moment, when I know both girls are asleep, I take the biggest sigh. I might even do a giddy dance around the house...or maybe just in my head because at this point I am usually too tired to do anything! I just want to know what happen to my BC dreams of rocking a sweet child to sleep, singing a lullaby, and waking them up sweetly the next morning after 8-10 hours of sleep??

Mama Drama Rule #73: Ignorance can be bliss...until reality hits!

A High Flying Movie Night!

(This post didn't show up on Sunday for some reason! oops!)

For Friday night movie night, we enjoyed Disney's movie Up! that just came out last week. I loved it! Now, my husband is more of a fan of the traditional princess/prince kind of Disney movies. Remember, he is the Disney fanatic...the one that wants to be cremated and placed in the It's a Small World when he dies and the one that chose to go there for his thirtieth birthday! He's special! I loved the movie though! It held my girls' attention pretty well. I missed a small portion of the movie because I had a phone call, but LaLa was actually able to update me on everything I had missed! It has an actual message in the movie aside from the traditional happily ever after ones! The movie teaches priorities, friendship, respect for elderly, etc. A great sense of adventure is just contagious once you watch the movie. My LaLa and Little Bit played like they were "adventurers" all weekend!

The girls would both have on a backpack and tell me they were off on an adventure! Imaginations can really go wild with this little movie! For the movie night, we added a few special touches! We made a pizza together as has become a fun tradition. We also made yummy cupcakes to be our cluster of balloons! It was a great way to add in a color mixing lesson! Honestly, they were more interested in tasting the icing than catching on to the little teachable moment! However, LaLa and I were doing a craft over the weekend that involved paint, and she asked, "Mommy, are we going to mix colors to make a new color?" See, you never know when they are actually listening to you!

The best part of the night that really got us all in the adventure spirit was the balloons! While the girls were napping, my mom dropped off clusters of balloons in various colors! They loved the balloons! I was able to get so many things accomplished because they were completely amused with playing with all of the balloons! I'm learning the longer that I become a mama that the littlest things become the most important things to children. Fifteen dollars for a few dozen balloons made my little ones so happy and so amused! I think it was the surprise factor that was involved and the number of balloons...even I had to smile when I looked at all the balloons all over the house!

Now, in the movie, the house floats away with zillions of balloons attached to it! The goal is to get to paradise lost. My husband jokingly said to LaLa that maybe we should attach all of our balloons and make our house float away. Just so you know, three year olds do not think this is funny! They are very literal, and she was very concerned about our house floating away after that! My husband, after discovering this unbelievably hilarious, continued to joke with LaLa. He said maybe we could attach balloons to Little Bit, and she would float away. From then on out, LaLa would only let Little Bit hold a few balloons at a time out of concern that she was going to fly away! At least she loves her sister! I would have probably tried out the concept on my little brother when we were kids...just to see if he would really float away!

We had to experiment the next day to see what the balloons could really lift! LaLa felt better about the balloons when she realized that it would take a lot more balloons than we had to make anyone or anything actually float away! ooooh! Another teachable moment...they just pop up everywhere when we're looking!



Mama Drama Rule #72: Kids get excited when the adults are excited! Excitement is contagious!

My Lost Love

My lost love was once so near to me...

I loved when we had time together, sharing our memories, and enjoying all the details.

I remember when we treasured each moment.

A day didn't go by that I didn't think of a time we could share some more time together.

So many memories and treasured moments have now gone by...without a chance to share them with you.

No chance to pull out my cardstock. No chance to pull out my embellishments. No time to plan pages.

Now, every time I walk by your section in a store, I wince at the lost moments and how far behind that we have gotten. Every time I develop pictures and haphazardly put them in boxes to get to later, I feel a sad, but empty feeling. I know they deserve a special place on an 12 by 12 page, surrounded by journal notes, and cutouts and embellishments.

Yes, my lost love is missed. It's something you know you should have invested more time in, but then time went by and you got so far behind that it just seems a lost cause now.

Other hobbies and interests invaded my world. Small little children took over my extra time.

Yes, my little scrapbook corner sits there with dust collecting, calling my name. Poor Little Bit's baby scrapbook is only an idea...LaLa's is pretty cute--to bad it's only her first year...and she is now almost four! Maybe when both of my girls in college one day, I can knock the dust off, open their neglected scrapbooks and begin again to reconnect with my lost love--scrapbooking.

Mama Drama Rule #67: The plans you had of all the wonderful things you were going to do for and with your kids often change once the kids actually come! Although it's difficult, try not to hold yourself to those BC (before children) expectations! I try to remember that making the memories are much more important than having them scrapbooked in a cute album!

Encouraging Kid's to Have a Giving Heart

Encouraging our kid's to be giving and have a kind heart is my husbands and my new goals. I'm sure you are thinking...Oh, Tammy, that's easy. My kid is so kind and thoughtful. Let me just tell you...I said the exact same thing. Now, try testing your theory. We tried to think of some ways to really reinforce having a giving heart to our girls. One way, we decided upon was to participate in Operation Christmas Child. I thought this was right on their level, especially LaLas! We would give her 8-10 dollars and go shopping for items that this little child may need, write a note, draw a picture, wrap it, take it to donate, and a great lesson learned! Aw, I should know better!

Then, I realized that my husband and I often give. We volunteer in various things. We always adopt a family at Christmas or donate food to the local food pantry, BUT what we don't do is involve our kids. They have been spectators. I guess I can get partial credit for at least setting an example; however, I can see where it failed them to have the opportunity to participate and learn by doing. I just thought they were too little, but if I would've started with these concepts with LaLa at Little Bit's age, I think she would grasp it all a little better.

My husband and I did our research and collected pamphlets and such and sat down with the girls. I believe Little Bit was chewing on her sleeve so I'm not so sure how much it really impacted her! LaLa was all ears though. I thought we explained it all so well. We even showed the pictures! The children look so pitiful and then so happy when they get their boxes! Nope. She said, "That's okay, mama, I'll just buy my family gifts. I want to get my sister something and my friends...and the list went on." We tried to redirect the conversation, but she just didn't grasp it. It's our work in progress. Hopefully, the more we talk about it, the more she will understand and be on board!

She just cannot fathom that people do not have stuff like she does. Is this normal? Have we spoiled our little ones? She shares well. She loves openly. Does she give....well, not if it's hers! That brings me to the next issue! We tried recently to emphasize that we have a lot of toys...especially stuffed animals! We explained that some kids don't have toys, and our neighborhood was doing a collection for a charity. Why don't we choose 2-3 toys each that we don't play with to give to a little boy or girl that doesn't have toys? You would have thought that we were trying to take her dog away from the child! She said among sobs, "no, their mommy can buy them a toy." After further discussion with her daddy on the topic, she was trying to debate why people were mean to these kids and they weren't given toys. We, honestly, gave up and secretly did it when they were sleeping!

What do you do? I don't remember this in any of my education or psychology classes! I'm at a loss, and again, I'm just accepting that it's something we have to work at. I know she has a kind, giving heart, but I am learning that it's on her terms, which is something we have to improve! I'm learning that we should have made giving a participating activity rather than a spectator sport for the kids. I'm learning that we probably should have started these concepts earlier! We did make some progress today. Our local food pantry was broken into, and absolutely everything was taken. She seemed to somewhat understand and picked a few things to donate from our stockpile. I was feeling giddy over this improvement...just as my husband pointed out that she didn't have a problem donating our stuff to people in need...just not her stuff. Good point, but progress is progress with a three year old!

Mama Drama Rule #63: Be careful not to make giving in your family a spectator sport. It's great to teach from example, but your kids can learn so much, especially when the reward is something intrinsic, when they are active participants!

If you are looking for ways to get your children involved in getting, let me share with you these great ideas!

(If you're local) Food Pantry in Henry County (There are food pantries in almost every county. I'm sure with our current economy and during this time of year, they could benefit from your giving. Use your "extras" or your overages if you use coupons! It's a great way to donate and give if you currently have a tight budget yourself!) http://helpinginhisname.org/index.php

Operation Christmas Child http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

Toys for Tots http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys.asp

I'm learning that even the little things help such as making a card for someone sick or letting them help when you make a family dinner after an illness or a new baby. I'm also learning that small children are very literal and concrete with their thinking!

Just admit it...you hear voices in your head too!

Do you have five thousand million zillion (not sure that' even a number!) things running through your head that you would like to do, should do, or need to do? I think it's in a woman's nature to have these things running constantly through our minds. It's even worse for a mama. We walk through our house and trigger after trigger goes off. For me, I walk in a room, and I think I have to clean that, I need to put up the laundry on the chair, I need to change the sheets, I need to update those pictures, did I remember to schedule pictures, what will wear for the pictures....that's just walking to my closet through my bedroom.

Then, I finally get to bedroom, and I begin thinking...what am I going to wear today, is it cold, is it hot, I want to take the kids to the pumpkin patch, they would look cute in little orange monogrammed dresses, I should make those, what would they wear under it, what does LaLa need for her fall party, I need to keep working with her on writing her letters, what letter are they on this week, this pair of pants don't fit, (I'm still in my closet trying to find something to wear), I need to go through my clothes and purge, should I give away my variety of sizes (I have everything from 2 to 12 as I go back and forth between pregnant Tammy and regular Tammy), should I just keep them, should we have more kids, I'm too tired to have more kids, I need to go shopping and get some fall clothes, oh, yeah, the girls still need some dresses for cooler weather...oh, I hear someone up...what should they wear? Yeah, by this point, all this has gone through my head and I'm still not dressed.

That is what's wrong with all of us. That is why we can multi-task better than men. If a man had these same thoughts running through their heads, they would curl up in a fetal position and cry. In fact, in some ways...they do this already. It's the times that they call us or insinuate that we are nagging...we're just giving them a small impression of what we hear constantly. They can't handle it so we must go through this world on our own with our thoughts running in circles!

How do we manage this chaos in our heads? Well, for me, I don't think I have an off switch. I just eventually collapse and sleep so hard that I can't hear the thoughts! A better alternative is to make a list and prioritize. What is it you HAVE to do? What is it you WANT to do? What is it you SHOULD be doing? Then, make goals and deadlines for each ones...go ahead and make them cushy deadlines. Publish and Post them so everyone knows what you are working toward! It makes you accountable if you publish and post them in your house! Plus, when you divide all these thoughts into these three columns, it makes you realize what really has to be done. If we let the thoughts continuously circle in our heads, we rarely get anything done and still find ourselves completely exhausted and frustrated at the end of the day!

My list changes constantly because what was a priority last week may change. Do I have to clean out my closet? No, I can live with it...despite my husband's complaints. Should I clean it out? Yes, it would probably save me time and sanity in the long run. So, I'll set a goal and a deadline to get it done! Even if you don't plan on using your prioritized list, it's a great form of release. It's like taking charge of all those thoughts in your head that you just can't ever master! Keep working at it...and accept that it's part of being a woman...and becomes even worse as a mama...then, you have your own thoughts, as well as the thoughts of your kids' well being and needs running through your brain!

Mama Drama Rule #53: All those thoughts that run through our head constantly telling us everything we should be doing, need to be doing, and really want to do in our lives is often like clutter in our homes. It can take over and take control of us. It can squelch our spirits and our joy. So, take charge...or as a last resort...just admit you hear voices in your head and maybe somebody can help out! I haven't tried that one yet, but I haven't ruled it out...

How to Organize Coupons...when you're facing the crazy mama world with kids!

Okay, a couple people have asked how I am organizing my coupons. Yes, I get giddy when I get to organize, but since coupons have stumped me through my last few weeks as I'm learning how to do it best, I have tweaked and changed my organizing. This was one of the first questions that I asked my coupon friend (aka. the wizard-this is the nickname I gave her b/c she makes it all look so easy!) and the coupon lady from the class. Both of their techniques were very different! I have even asked random people as I see them in the stores how they organize their coupons. A couple friends on the blog have even sent me links and ideas on how to organize too. I love all of this...because then you get to steal a little from everyone to make what works best for you! Like I said, mine is a evolving process as I learn more of what I need, where I need it, and when I need it, but I'll be glad to share my ideas so you can steal too!

I got a little carried away with searching and printing coupons yesterday...so I was literally sitting in the midst of coupons. My entire guest room/office/embroidery room/scrapbook room was covered with coupons and here I was sitting in the middle. I told my friend, the wizard, that it was like the island of Tammy in the sea of coupons...my kids really got into that concept too and it kept them off the coupons...and threw in some vocabulary words that most little ones wouldn't know! (i.e. sea, island, etc.) See, who knew coupons would be so valuable to my family...educational and thrifty!

Honestly, I love all of the already set up coupon books, but they are expensive...and the whole point of coupons is to save money...so I tried to use what I had here...so it's not the cutest thing, but it totally serves the purpose! I'll get a cuter one when I get a coupon for it!! Search ebay, etsy, couponizer (i think that's the name!), and even google "coupon organization or organizer" for ideas!

Okay, this is like coupon organization for dummies...because I'm such a coupon dummy still and I'm sharing my insight from a dummies standpoint (that made sense, right?) First of all, I started cutting all coupons out at the beginning...this is a no no. Learned that the hard way. You want to keep booklets and inserts together by dates...this is the way you will need to look for them later. So, this is my first need to organize. I took this idea from several others...but most of it is from my friend, the wizard! I went on a search...yeah, I even had the kid's "we're going on a bear hunt" singing in my head...to find various things--a box/crate to hang folders, hanging folders, and file folders, rubber bands, sharpee, and paper clips, and a pen. Like I said earlier, it's not cute because I used what I could find (I'd love to have some cute folders--resist and be thrifty!).

The numbered objects are what is labeled on my hanging folders. The * objects are what is labeled on my file folders. If that doesn't make sense, tell me and I'll try to explain more!
1. Red Plum
*dates of every Sunday. I insert the red plums from the paper in the appropriate folder. I also write the date on the outside of the insert because I tend to be bad about putting them back when I am on a quick search. If I have a lot of them, I rubberband them within the folder or paper clip ones that may be loose if I have already cut one of the sides.
2. Smart Source
*Same as red plum...
3. Publix
*Advantage buy
*Weekly Ad-I will put the ad and usually print out advice from the wizard, a friend's recommendation, a blog, southern savers, or hotcouponworld advice when I see it so I don't have to search for it when I go shopping. I put my list in here too b/c with kids I usually start it and get interrupted 500 times...so I can just pick up where I left off later.
*Other-Baby club coupons, magazines from publix, mail outs, etc.
4. Kroger
*Same as Publix...but with Kroger items...I haven't had much luck at Kroger so I don't spend too much time in this section! But I will check prices against Publix's.
5. CVS
*Weekly Ad-same as the concept for Publix...
*Extra Care Bucks-I am on the fence about moving this to my notebook...
*Other-includes coupons the email me, etc. If you go on their site and take a quick flu quiz you get 5 dollars off your next 25 dollar purchase!
6. Walgreens
*same as CVS
7. Baby
*This is where I put all my Carters, Children Place, Kohls, Pictures, Osh Gosh, etc coupons...again, I am thinking about moving them to my notebook that way I would have them if I just decide to go buy the stores...on the fence though!
8. Savvy Shopper
*This is a magazine/mail out that has local coupons. I mostly just put them in the folder, but I do have couple folders that I tend to pull out of this book b/c we visit them more frequently:
*Local-jumpy place, chuck E cheese,
*Zoo-We are members and will get mailed coupons. That way I can grab them when we go.
*Stone Mt.-Same as above.
*Atlanta-all museums, etc. that we may visit
9. Restaurants
10. Other

Okay, since this post is getting SO long, I will add the notebook portion this weekend! This is where I organize all those coupons from blinkies (you pull out of the fun machines at stores), tearpads, peelies (peel off of objects), printed coupons, and loose coupons. I hope this inspired you though! Even if you are not a huge couponer, organizing the ones that you randomly get will still save you money! The problem is they just pile up and we lose them or forget about them because they aren't in a certain spot!

On a side note, October 1st created new coupons for you to print at http://www.coupons.com/ and http://www.smartsource.com/. From what I was told, they only allow a certain amount to be printed so print them today before they aren't available anymore!

Mama Drama Rule #50: Saving money and saving time are great as long as it doesn't cause me to lose my sanity. As with anything, babysteps! That's hard for me to remember with clearing out my house's clutter and keeping my family on routines and organized and starting my venture into pure coupon crazy challenge and chaos...it all takes babysteps!

A Mama's Trauma: Am I Being Punked??

I have got to tell you about my experience Friday. I thought I would use Friday to get some things done at our house...you know when the cable guy or the bug man or whoever gives you this random, ridiculous range of time that they plan to maybe come to your house and provide their service. Well, that was my day. I took a day, after I picked LaLa up from Preschool, and made my entire afternoon and evening available to these appointments. Well, the last one left was the bug people to do our monthly service. We've had a lot of rain in Georgia lately, and from what I understand that is why I keep seeing sporadic little ants on my kitchen tile. Hmm...don't care why...just don't want them here!

So, I have an appointment from 2-4. No problem, right? Well, you would think. A friend of mine has an emergency of sorts. And, because I worry about her (she tries to take on the world...all the time) & because she has that super mama syndrome (where she never lets friends help her...hope she's reading this!) and begged her to let me watch her two little girls while she had to run to the doctor. Her girls are both my girls ages so it's perfect playmates. We did puppet shows & played outside...crazy with two one year olds and two three year olds, but it was a lot of fun.

Well, the wonderful bug..let's say technician...had not arrived by four so I called the office. After being transferred twice, they contacted the tech to say they were running an hour late. Well, great, thanks for letting me know! So, we wait. An hour and a half late there is a knock on my door. It was an individual that was so tall she literally seemed to duck walking into my doorway...she wore a uniform bearing the companies name....long braided hair...had a deep voice...seemed kinda stocky, etc. I didn't think twice about it. She asked me what was the problem...I said, "Well, it's our regular monthly service they do, but I have seen a few little black ants on my tile in the last couple weeks and they won't go away." She asked probably a dozen ridiculous questions. Then, she asked, "Are all of these (referring to the children playing behind me) yours?" I explained that two were and two were a friends that had an emergency. She said, "they are just everywhere...talking about the kids." Let me point out that she still hadn't entered the house.

I won't go into the whole ordeal, but she basically told me that she couldn't spray inside because of the kids and couldn't spray outside because they would get chemically burned potentially for the next three weeks. Now, I have had this service for three years so I was concerned she was full of it or they had been doing this at the risk of my family. She asked us to leave...so we left to play outside...again...while she sprayed three rooms...maybe four of my house. Then, she went outside and we came inside. Four different times, she asked me to come outside to discuss bugs. Seriously, one time there was a dead beetle of some kind on the edge of my driveway. She came in, requested I come outside because she had something to discuss. I've never discussed so much with any bug tech ever! I grab one baby on each hip with two concerned preschoolers behind me and follow this person outside to see a cluster of ants on this beetle....seriously!

One time, she had me come outside and see that there were ants near my trashcan that we roll down the driveway. Hmm...imagine that. My husband drove up about then, and she had him move it. He moved it a few yards away looking confused at the chaos he drove up into. She said speaking to me, "See mam, this is why I think you need to have more ant knowledge if you have an ant problem. Sir, (to my husband) move it farther from your home." I told her I have a doctorate degree and ant knowledge was obviously left out of it...but if I had ant knowledge then I wouldn't need her! In response to her comment, my husband looked at me and moved the trash can another few yards away INTO the lot next door where they are building a house...I don't think they're going to go for that either. Our trashcan has been there for six years, and it's never been a problem. Probably because we pay her company to spray monthly!

She wanted to know why I had fences in my house...referring to the child gate at the bottom and the top of my stairs. She said she's never been in a house with fence. Odd person. The list of odd things, which I won't bore you with, continue until the grand finale!

Since we are trying to avoid being in the house...you know because she scared us to death of being in our house after she sprayed for our ants (seriously, I have seen maybe 10-20 in three weeks). We decided to take the kids...all four...for a walk. I didn't want to leave this odd person alone in my house so I asked if she was finished (as she was putting her equipment away)....I asked if she sprayed the exterior of the house...she said she wouldn't because I have kids! (They have every month for three years...never telling me it's dangerous...by the way, I called and it's not.)

Let me emphasize that four little ones are vying for my attention during all of this. I had already discussed with the tech that our former tech that consistently came out, Kevin, never mentioned these concerns, which made me concerned on what was reality. I look at my husband and say, "Kevin never told me any of this. I can't imagine that it's dangerous or why in the world would they have been doing this service for the last few years."

I continued to say to my husband, "Did he ever mention it to you." The tech turns around and says... I kid you not..."I don't appreciate being called a HE. I'm a transgender, and I've worked very hard to overcome being a HE to be a SHE." WHAT?! Let me repeat...WHAT?! I said, "excuse me?! I don't care if you are a he or a she. I care about the safety of my family and the service that you are here to provide. Your gender is your business, but I was referring to our former tech, Kevin, who was a HE. You are mistaken and you are obviously insecure with whatever you are or were. I'll have someone else come and finish my services." Then, when she/he left...I had to ask my husband what in the world a transgender was. Wow, was I shocked. At first, I thought it was a man dressing up as a girl...just a guess...I don't know!?! Yes, I'm sheltered.

Now, I have a different person coming out next week to do my exterior...at this point...what's the point?! I contacted someone...in California...who laughed hard at the story. I am not at the point of laughing at the situation quite yet! I'm sure I'll get there. I also have supervisor names and corporates phone number...and now, additional stuff to do on my Monday list. Hopefully, at least my friends can get a laugh from my mama trauma! Frustrating to say the least, a learning experience...maybe...made a Friday evening interesting....absolutely!

Mama Drama Rule #47: Sometimes being sheltered can be a blessing in disguise! Remember that with your kiddos! Filter what the world teaches them...there are times at my age I even wish I had a filter from the world's lessons too!

What's Your Wish?

I am completely adopting this concept from a cute, little book that I just read. I haven't been able to sleep lately...mixture of stuff running through my head (man, I need an off switch), my little bit teething, and allergies for me...so I thought I would pick up an easy read to pick up in the middle of the night to get me to go back to sleep. Sounds like a good plan, huh? It didn't work because I completely got into this book.

The author is Debbie Macomber. From what I can tell, she writes happy, easy reads for women that are uplifting and sweet. This particular book is Twenty Wishes. It's about these women who join this book club. They are all widows from all walks of life that become great friends. One of the characters come up with the concept of 20 wishes.

Twenty wishes are a list of things you want to do, go, meet, etc. one day. They may or may not be possible because they are simply wishes of your heart. You have to be careful not to include goals...just wishes. The wishes gave these women that had lost hope and experienced pain and loss a bigger purpose and perspective for their life. It helped them see beyond the present...and into the potential of the future.

Think about it. What would be on your list of twenty wishes? It was harder than I thought to come up with twenty, and once I started thinking about it, they were more interesting than even I thought they could be. I have only thought of a few, but how neat would it be to compile a list of twenty wishes...to let your heart dream and your mind not put reality into the realm....just your heart.

Try it. Make a list of the first few wishes that pop in your head. A list...actually writing them down...makes the wish real in a sense. I so often scrapbook my children and letters to my kids or about my kids. I rarely include something about me, but how neat would it be if I included my twenty wishes in their scrapbook or their baby book!? So, that's my plan! If you need a quick, sweet, easy book, this book is just what you need...regardless, go write your twenty wishes down!

Mama Drama Rule #46: Sometimes our hearts hold more of our dreams than our minds ever will. The goal is to give each one--your mind and your heart---the opportunity to be heard.

Family Organization: Central Message Center...finished!

Progress has been made! I worked on my "central message center" today! It's been a work in progress through researching and making my goodies. I decided I had to split it up because it would look too "cluttery" together, which is exactly what I'm working on fixing in my world! So, I put the family things here beside our "main exit" where our garage door is. Here we also have a hook for our bags and jackets. I included our family calendar, a clipboard with our menu on it, a clipboard with our shopping list, a cup for pens (I like certain pens for certain events on the calendar, OCD, I know!?), and a dry erase board assigned for each family member. For example, tonight, I put "take out the trash" and "please hang picture" on Robert's (hubby). Then, technically, I didn't have to ask (or nag in boy world) him, and he just knew what needed to be done...and better yet....did it! Yeah! I also put a small magnetic dry erase board on the garage door for things to remember to take when I leave...I have issues here...so hopefully this will help!

My next thing to work on is to add a bulletin board above our desk with our daily kind of stuff (who goes where) and to work on LaLa's chore chart. I'm on a hunt for a chair for our desk too...yep, our desk is "chairless"! Makes it difficult to do a lot of productive stuff, but I guess it helps you lose weight and get fit while you are on working because you have no choice but to stand!

Let me just tell you what I learned through this little project! I have perfectionist issues...seriously. I can hear the people that know me going...um...yeah, did you not know this?! But, hear me out. My perfectionism gets me in more trouble than anything else most of the time. I always thought this as a great aspect of my personality or at least a quirky part of what made Tammy special! Did I mention that Tammy means PERFECTION. See, my parents destined me for this obsession long before I had control of it...or that's a good excuse anyway.

As I was researching all of this clutter control and organization on the websites that I listed yesterday, I read, in almost all of them, that a great hindrance in getting and staying organized is becoming sidetracked or distracted. For me, I get sidetracked or distracted because of my kids (of course), my trying to be too much of a perfectionist, and by being crafty (yes, it can be a negative aspect too!).

I missed the focus of the project...to give my family a central location for information...to alleviate my brain holding or forgetting all things in our world. Instead, I spent valuable time spray painting a clipboard, covering one clipboard with cute scrapbook paper, painting a bulletin board for over the desk, punching out cute letters and gluing them on magnets, and researching...boy, time flies on the computer, huh?! Did you notice the cute ribbon that I embroidered for the pen cup? So cute...see you can use embroidery anywhere and everywhere, but...once again, my craftiness took over the focus! Hey, Rome wasn't built in a day...so I guess I will have to be a work in process just like my goal to organize and be more efficient! Ultimately, I'm happy with my project, but I need to learn to release my need to be perfect and focus on how it affects my family!


Mama Drama Rule #40: No mama can be perfect...make this your mantra...and just do your best and keep your focus on what's important!

POSTS Coming Soon:

**I lost my double stroller. It is now found, but yeah, I actually lost a stroller...long story...lots of drama...I think I may be losing it...fortunately, I remembered the kids...just not my stroller.

**Tidbits from the coupon class.

**Ideas of how to survive football season with little kids & your big kids. How to make everyone in the house happy and able to watch in peace!

**Okay, upcoming post is serious! I have been discussing and debating, according to your perspective, vaccinations (especially the N1H1 (swine flu) vaccine)...with lots of friends and family lately. First of all, let me state, you're the mama, you go with your gut! It's overwhelming and scary at the same time. I'll share my research & my opinion...feel free to share yours...it's all part of this mama's drama...and probably yours too! So, check back in soon...

Where is my peace?

I have talked to friend and family today...one after another...who is just struggling so much. My heart and love goes out to them! There is so many unanswered questions and concerns in this crazy world of ours! It may be struggles in our families or financial problems or health issues or just daily drudge that makes our hearts feel heavy and our minds overwhelmed. We cannot control everything. We try so hard, yet time after time things happen that reminds us that we can't control this crazy world. The harder we try...the more frustrated we get. I hope these verses & quotes encourage you...whatever you are going through...and whenever you go through it! Grab onto encouragement in anywhere you can. Hold a friend. Listen to a child laugh. Take a bubble bath! My grandmother used to always say...this too shall pass!

Phil. 4:7
Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Helen Keller
Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness.

Mama Drama Rule #33: Although the skies may look cloudy, a sunny day is just around the next corner!

Kindness Counts

Mama Lessons…Kindness

To continue our topic of virtues we are working on in our house…kindness would be right at the top. It is rather difficult to explain kindness to little children. I believe they are also working on being kind in Sunday School because LaLa asked me if I told her teacher about “being kind”. I told her that everybody knows about kindness…not just mama. LaLa is an expert at pointing out when someone is NOT being kind. Now, we just have to get her to understand the RIGHT way to be kind to others!

Last night, we were sitting down to dinner, and LaLa was leaning over and taking food items off of Little Bit’s high chair tray to put it in her mouth. Little Bit was completely amused by this for a little while. However, eventually, Little Bit had enough of LaLa feeding her. She was starting to get mad swiping at her big sister’s hand and pulling away. LaLa sternly told Little Bit as she was trying her hardest to stuff a pea in her mouth, “Now, open your mouth and let me put this in! I am trying to be kind to you!” It was a great opportunity to AGAIN explain the concept of being kind…at poor Little Bit’s expense! I am still not sure LaLa grasps the concept of being kind, but then again, we, as adults, often miss the concept of being kind as well! We want to be kind….the way WE want to be kind…when it’s convenient…when it’s noticed…when it’s our way. We miss so many opportunities to be kind that way. Not only that, but we like LaLa, are totally missing the concept of kindness.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Author Unknown

Mama Drama Rule #31: Don’t force your way of kindness on people. Look for opportunities and show kindness willingly and openly. And, remember, the golden rule applies to all…even grown ups!

Project Updates for the Fall: This is so bribery...or incentive...if you remember that post!:) BUT, I will so bribe you with 10% off your entire first order of embroider stuff if you become a "follower"! That way I know you will come back to visit! Awww...sweet bribery!

Teaching a Child Patience...and Mama's Learning as we go too.

Mama Lessons…Patience

How difficult is it to be patient? We do not like to wait. We have become accustomed to quick gratification and wonder how we ever use to wait on things…like making a phone call when we got home or to a pay phone, waiting on dial up internet, using snail mail rather than email.

As teenagers, we exemplify impatience. Your teenager may be at this stage now. Can’t wait to be eighteen, to graduate, to go to college, to drive, to move out, etc. We as adults, often struggle with patience too. How often do want what we want and we cannot fathom the concept that we may have to wait and be patient. I’m patient, for the most part, with people…especially children. However, I have a great need for patience when it comes to wanting what I want when I want it.

A man’s wisdom gives patience. Proverbs 19:11.

We have really been working on patience & kindness in our house. Who would think that a toddler and a preschooler could make these two virtues so interesting?! Sometimes, we miss opportunities to be patient because we’re in such a hurry to do it our way….right away!
The other day, LaLa came home with green paint all over the back of her white uniform shirt from preschool. I asked, “LaLa, how in the world did you get green paint on the back of your shirt?” It looked like little finger prints in various places. She said, “Mama, I was trying to get my paint shirt off and the buttons are in the back.” I asked her how she managed to get it off…LaLa continued to explain, “Well, my teacher finally helped me and she said my mama must have a lot of patience.”

You never know with LaLa if this all really happened or if she puts several events together in her preschool mind & combines it into a story. Regardless how the event happened, what came out of her mouth was absolutely hilarious…and oh, so true! Her mama DOES have a lot of patience!

Mama Drama Rule #30: Patience is a virtue that we all need more of…the best way for a woman to learn patience is to become a mama!

Where Do You Run?

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. (Psalms 46:1-3 NKJV)

Little Bit is officially 13 months old now and I just can’t believe how fast time is going. Everyone constantly asks if we are going to have another, and I keep thinking Little Bit is such a baby…are you crazy?! She is so animated now and full of life and curiosity. She is an absolute joy to watch as she discovers new things and tries to keep us with her big sister. The thing that is just completely cracking me up now is when she gets scared of something…like the garage opening or closing or the dogs barking…she looks like one of the Flintstones. You know the part where they stay in place for a minute with their feet moving and the body stuck in place before they run off? It is the funniest thing. I have tried my hardest to catch it on film…but after the second time you start to feel guilty for startling her just for the sake of a video! So, I gave up on that one!

More importantly than what she looks like when she gets startled or scared…is where she goes when she is scared. She runs immediately with her arms lifted up in the air, grabs my legs, and waits for me to pick her up. It is the best feeling in the world for me. I snatch her up and she nuzzles into my neck with both arms around me. Little Bit knows that no matter what it is in the world, her mama will keep her safe. She is the same way when she is hurt. She runs to mama. I’m sure your little one does the same thing. Can you think of anything in the world that you wouldn’t try to protect her from?

Now, where does a mama go when they are scared or hurt? Where does a mama go when they need comfort? I know where I should go, but I have to admit that I often forget and don’t do it. Now, my feelings would probably be hurt if Little Bit didn’t come running to me. I wonder if God is the same way? Does his feelings get hurt when I do my little Flintstone run and head the opposite direction of His comforting arms? Probably. So, here I am again…again…learning that I can’t do it all. Imagine that!? I do have Someone to go to when I need comforting or encouragement. I just have to run that way.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)

Mama Drama Rule #29: When you’re in need of encouragement, rest, comfort, or security, make sure you run the Right Way! God is waiting there with His arms open wide.

Coupon Update: There is a coupon class in McDonough, Georgia on (as of now, if there is enough interest) on September 19th. It is ten dollars & the class lasts for 2-3 hours, and from what I understand you leave with all kinds of goodies! Just being on this lady's email list has been great! She sends all kinds of neat "saving opportunities". If you are interested, please let me know ASAP!

A Snapshot of Perfection is Only That!

Don't you just love going into blogs, tv shows, and articles where you see these snapshots of peoples' lives? It exhibits the perfect family, the perfect moments, and the perfect way it should be. I find myself often saying, "I want a kitchen like that." (kitchens are a touchy subject right now in our house!). "I want my house organized like that." "I want to be a mama like that." I'm learning that life isn't really like that. Those are actually snapshots of that perfect moment...and there are actually perfect moments...just no perfect families, no perfect ways...life is just not that way! Our kids wear us down at times. Our house is in chaos at times. We get tired of being tired at times. Our husbands make us roll our eyes at times. Our to do lists overwhelm us at times. All in all, things can seem completely imperfect and we long for those perfect snapshots that we see.



I was just visiting one of my favorite blogs, Melissa Hester. She is one of my heroes and my version of a Christian/Martha Stuart/Paula Dean/supermom...did you get all of the slashes??? She is a combination of all that and more. As I was reading one of her comments that a reader had left, it really hurt my heart for that reader. She said something to the effect of...I wish I had a family like that. It's "flawless & perfect"...I "long for a life like that"...

Well, we all LONG for a life that is flawless and perfect, but that's not found in this earthly world of ours. Our "perfect" will be heaven. I believe that the author of this particular blog would even be one of the first people to tell you...life looks perfect in a snapshot. She works to add pieces of perfection to her world and the world of her kids by adding "loveliness" as she calls it, but it still isn't always perfect and how you plan for it to go. She shares with us ways to make it memorable and special...not perfect and flawless. I try to work toward the same goals. I often "steal" a lot of ideas that she shares and our lives are enriched because of it!

I think planning for perfection is the wrong route to go. The imperfections and flawlessness is what makes it even more special! Plan for a memory. Work out of love. Live for the moment rather than living for what you want. All of those wonderful cliche's work so well! When our friends and families and even some of us are being so effected by the economy and the sadness of the world, it is our opportunity to share some of our Christian love in whatever ways we can. If that is baking cookies, bake cookies. If that is sending a note, send a note. If that is being a mom with a positive heart, be positive. If it is being a supportive and smiling wife, smile and support! When you look at the snapshots of another families' "perfect" life or even "over the fence" at the neighbor's "perfect" life, remember you don't see it all...and their life is not perfect either...it's filled with as much mama drama as we have in our lives!

Mama Drama Rule #28: Remember, don't compare yourself to your neighbor. Their yard may only look better because they fertilize it with... a lot of...poop* (*I altered the last word, but feel free to add your own!) Focus on your own "yard" and work for it to be as wonderful and special as you can...not as perfect as you can!

Oh the Drama of Red Balloons on a Rainy Day

Friday was "B" day for LaLa at preschool. She was so excited that she had thought of taking balloons for her class for show & tell. She was just so animated and cute as she "practiced" her showing and her telling. We woke up Friday to an very wet day! When I woke up the girls, I told them it was a good sleepy day. I just wanted to climb back into bed and listen to the rain. It had rained all night, and the torrential downpour that morning didn't seem that it was ever going to let up. LaLa said, "balloons make everyone happy even on rainy days!"

We rushed off to preschool with the balloons in the back. Several times, she asked, "mama, are the balloons okay?" I'd assure her they were just fine. We make our way with several helium balloons, a backpack, and a three year old into the foyer of the school only to find that her red helium balloons were now dragging on the floor! LaLa exclaimed, "what happened to my balloons? they aren't floating anymore." Then, after thinking a minute, she said, "i guess they didn't like the rain and decided to go back to bed too! My friends will just have to get sleeping balloons on a rainy day."

The mama worry in me couldn't let it go. I thought the balloons may perk up once they dried off, but I didn't want her to have "sleeping" balloons for show and tell. So, off I went to Publix (which is very expensive where balloons are concerned) to buy another 8 balloons. This time they were just the green latex balloons, which I had the balloon lady put into two bags to ensure they would stay dry. The balloon lady told me that the helium will shrink when the balloons get cold, but they would expand when they warm back up. Now, I have had A LOT of schooling! AND, I do not remember anybody teaching me that in any of my schooling! It would have been very helpful on this rainy, wet, stressful day trying to make my three year old's show and tell on B day happy!

I arrived at the school, signed in, and proceeded to take the green FLOATING balloons to her classroom. It was during snack time. LaLa ran to me and threw her arms around my legs saying, "Mama, you brought me balloons that are awake! My heart is just so happy!" Well, that made my excursion on a wet and gloomy day very worth it...even the ridiculous amount of money I had spent on balloons! By the way, the red Mylar balloons were still "sleeping".

By the time I got home, I had forty five minutes before we had to load back up and go get LaLa. It was just one of those days! As Little Bit and I waited in the car pool, we start to see LaLa's little class coming out of the door under the awning on such a rainy day with two floating and "awake" balloons each. As soon as LaLa saw me she said, "mama, the balloons woke up. Now, we have two!" Oh well! At least there were happy children on a rainy day....even if this mama was exhausted and wondering how I possibly missed the helium lesson growing up!

Mama Drama Rule #27: Just accept that we, as mamas, will do the craziest things to ensure our children's happiness...even if in the long run, it didn't even matter in the first place!

Forgive and Forget- the Love of a Child!

I know I have mentioned before that we can learn a lot from our kids, but I still become amazed at how many "little" lessons I learn from them daily. If we watch closely, their innocence gives us so many life lessons. Today, I took both of my girls to this thing called "open gym" at a kid's play area. They had the opportunity to play on jungle gym structures and gymnastic type of things. LaLa saw a little boy that was trying so hard to do several of the tasks. She followed him around...a complete stranger...and explained it to him and cheered him on the entire way.

I couldn't have been prouder, and I realized there a lot of little opportunities where I could be doing the same thing! At my daughter's birthday party, one of the girls received a green ball. Later, when another child started playing with it, LaLa just had a melt down. Now, I know she hadn't fallen desperately in love with this little green ball so quickly, but she was seriously upset with this little boy! In her little mind, this little boy had violated some sort of kid code by playing with her new green ball.

She eventually calmed down and became distracted by something else! Days later, my daughter was still talking about this little boy. She asked, "Can he come over and play? Can I write him a letter? Where does he live?" The questions just continued. I was thinking, What is her obsession with this little boy?! A friend of mine pointed out how funny it is that she had become so attached to this particular child after she was so upset about this incident at the party!

Kids forget and forgive. They take each other openly and honestly without any barriers. When they don't like something, you better believe they'll let you know! When they do like it, they tell you that too! I want a friend like that! Actually, I am blessed to have a few like that, but I really want to be like that...and wouldn't mind if all my friends were like that! (Colossians 3:13-14)

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look with becomes a habit.-Peter Ustinov

Mama Drama Rule #24: Show the same unconditional love that small children show to each other by focusing on what people do right rather all the little things they do wrong!

Coupon Update- I am still collecting, filing, and organizing coupons from the smart saver, red plum, sunday papers, and anywhere else I can find them! Hopefully, when I get a good solid collection, I will be ready to go! I'm still diving into hotcouponworld.com and coupon blogs! I'll keep you posted! I have discovered the penny mystery item at publix...can't go wrong there!:)

Project Update- About to post baby projects that I've been working on! I have a dozen projects buzzing in my head this week! I saw so many neat little things in Florida that I actually started making a list of things I wanted to try to make or copy!