January 31, 2011

Bottle gone, paci next!

Posted by Becka 0 comments
Ok so, at the protest of my husband, who seems to want to keep the younger 2 little forever, I got rid of the 19 month old's bottle!

To recap on where the other kids were at this time, lol:

Nick gave up the bottle at 9 months, when I handed him a sippy and he refused the bottle thereafter.
Nick gave up his paci at 2.5, 2 weeks before bring fully potty trained.

Michele had a bottle until 3 (yes, 3, and yes, on the day of her 3rd birthday, I finally said ENOUGH!).
Michele never took a paci.

Wyatt never took a bottle!
Wyatt had a paci until 3.5, about 2 weeks before he was fully potty trained, see a pattern lol.

Evan is 19 months and i think he will be fine with no baba...he went to bed just fine last night without one.
Evan is a BIG paci boy, but is currently taking a nap without one. It is maddening, though, that he CONSTANTLY loses his paci's, and I think I am done with it!

NOW...lets see how strong the hubster is about this!

Wish me luck...

Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 28, 2011

Remembering the Challenger 25 years later!

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I can not believe it has been 25 years. I remember watching TV when it happened and it seems like only yesterday! This also put a 2 year hold on the shuttle program.

I was home with the flu from school. And I have never had the flu since! I was in 4th grade.


RIP Challenger crew!

Francis R. Scobee, commander
Michael J. Smith, pilot
three mission specialists:
Judith A. Resnik
Ellison Onizuka
Ronald E. McNair
payload specialist Gregory Jarvis of Hughes Aircraft
payload specialist S. Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire teacher


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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Vegan Raspberry Smoothie

Posted by Becka 0 comments

     
 
This has become a staple in my household. It is DELICIOUS and perfect for a quick breakfast, snack or special treat. Vegan, gluten-free and soy-free. 

You'll need...

- 12 ounces plain or vanilla organic coconut-milk yogurt**
- 2 cups frozen organic raspberries
- 4 tablespoons organic almond butter, smooth

To make...

Place frozen berries, yogurt and almond butter in a blender. Blend until thick and smooth. Serves 2.

ENJOY!

**Coconut-milk yogurt can be found at specialty grocers. It is made from the flesh of coconuts rather then dairy based.
 


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 27, 2011

Honey- Sugar Scrub

Posted by Becka 0 comments

This scrub is perfect for buffing away dry skin caused by the freezing outside temps. It also has anti-microbial properties, which clear up acne and antioxidants, which are great for your skin's overall health. (NOTE: please do a small skin test to check for allergies before applying to large surfaces).
 
HoneyYou'll need...

Equal parts: raw or white sugar and unprocessed, organic honey

To make...

In a small bowl, mix the honey and sugar together; mixture should resemble thick toothpaste. Add more of either ingredient to achieve the correct consistency. 

Gently massage the mixture across your skin. Allow mixture to set for as long as desired, up to 30 minutes.


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 26, 2011

Product Recalls: Phil & Teds Jogging Strollers

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Phil & Teds USA, Inc., of Fort Collins, CO and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have recalled their Sport V2 and Classic V1 jogging strollers.When folding and unfolding the stroller, a consumer's finger can become caught in the hinge mechanism, posing amputation and laceration hazards.
Recall 1/25/11

The jogging strollers were sold at specialty juvenile stores nationwide from May 2008 through July 2010 for between $350 and $450. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact phil&teds USA to arrange for the shipping of a free hinge-cover kit and repair instructions. phil&teds.com 


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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Edible Play Doh!

Posted by Becka 0 comments

Krafty Kidz
Edible Playdough
Edible Playdough
 
You'll need...

2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
Food coloring

To make...

Mix all of the ingredients together (except for the food coloring); stir over low heat. Allow dough to thicken until it looks like mashed potatoes. When the dough pulls away from the sides of the pot and clumps in the center, remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool enough to handle. If the dough feels too sticky, just cook it a little longer. Place dough onto a clean counter or silicone mat; knead vigorously until it becomes silky-smooth.

Divide the dough into balls for coloring. Add food coloring. Work the dye through, adding more as necessary to achieve your desired color.
The dough is now ready to play with and is completely edible.

adapted from fun.families.com


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 24, 2011

My baby is growing up too fast!!

Posted by Becka 0 comments



I can not believe that Evan is already 19 months old! he is such a sweetheart, and is always keeping me busy!!! I was hoping, being my last baby, that he would stay little for a lot longer...guess not :(

He loves playing with Wyatt all day, he loves bringing books to me, and loves when we sign and sing. He plays in the playroom alone, which is more then Wyatt did lol. Though, Evan DOES seem to be the only one that needs a lot of attention...the other 3 were never like that! It's ok, he is my little baby!!

I was trying to compile all the words and phrases (both signed and spoken) he has, but apparently, unlike the other 3, I am slacking there! I guess once I figure it out, I need to update his page on my site :)

Here is what I have up to now:

Evan 19 Months Old:

Spoken Words (85)
Hi, bye, dog, no, cat, sit, sleep, Nick, Chele (Michele), Wy (Wyatt), dada, mama, Chip (dog), kiss, bed, baba, cup, change, car, eat, more, thank, you, toy, milk, juice, welcome, up, play, down, go, out, yum, mine, show, me, key, hat, coat, banky (blanket), walk, cold, hot, wet, chair (high chair), love, shoes, truck, boat, sign, sing, there, tub (means bath), now, ouch, hurt, boo, poop (I know you all wanted to know that one!), TV, bowl, spoon, fork, tray (high chair tray), shirt, phone, talk, plane, what, ball, OK, yea, yes, OH, case (likes to play with the game case, he's easily enertained), tool (thanks Handy Manny and Mickey!), bink (binky), crib, foot, hand, eye, ear, mouth, toe, fish

Signed Words (More then listed here, will add when I remember!! He is talking more then signing now)
more, please, hat, coat, dog, mama, dada, eat, cold, phone, hot, dirty, help, hurt, cat, socks, juice, car, milk, up, down, yum, change, time, diaper, wet, what, ball, cereal, boat, music, sing, sign, dance, jump, gentle, show me, key, I love you, shoe, play,  boat, bath, want, plane, today, now (these 2 are similar), medicine, fish

Spoken Phrases
Thank you Mama (dada, Nick, etc...), my baba, more milk please, more juice please, more eat please, welcome, mama (dada) up, mama (dada) down, go out, go car, go bed, hi mama (dada, Nick, etc...), bye mama (dada, Nick, etc...), go up there (means playroom, bed, etc...), mine toy (I love this!!), tub now mama (dada), talk phone, no no mama (dada) (did not think this one would come so soon!!), here go (giving something to us)

Signed Phrases
Mama (dada) hurt (when he gets hurt), mama (dada) more milk please, more please, thank you, eat more yum please, want more cereal please mama, dirty sock (ok he did this as I was typing, because he spilled on his sock!!)


I know there are more...I really need to get on it and write them down when he says them more then once! Bad mama lol He adds more every day!! Can't wait to update in June!! (or before)
Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!




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January 22, 2011

Congratulations!

Posted by Becka 0 comments
Congrats to Dawn, Daria and Shilpa. All won a gift card of their choice (from my list) for my latest blog contest!

Enjoy your shopping!

Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 14, 2011

40 Things You Should Know by the Time You're 40

Posted by Becka 0 comments
Saw this on Twitter and had to share!

1. Honesty is not always the best policy.

2. The good die young, the rich get richer, and children are life's biggest blessing.

3. Taxes are a form of discipline.

4. Driving the speed limit saves time, money and lives.

5. Being known as a "good drinker," i.e. "she holds 'er likker real good," and "that girl can drink anyone under the table," is an indication of immaturity.

6. Referring to parents as mommy and daddy should be reserved for use by actual children.

7. Broadcast your beliefs. Go ahead, be who you are.

8. Recycle, reuse, repurpose, and resource. It's smart.

9. Know thyself.

10. Having ready-made, all-occasion smiles in your personal repertoire will save your butt in awkward and uncomfortable situations. Smiles prevent many a disaster.

11. Picasso stole Cubism from Braques.

12. Exercise haunts you, whether you do it or not.

13. Books are life-long friends.

14. Music is the staff of life.

15. A superb omelette is hard to find; know how to make one.

16. Art is subjective. Duh.

17. Down comforters are like sleeping in a toasty cocoon, take up less space than bedmates do, and never snore.

18. Home is where you feel safe.

19. Taking after your dad or your mom, in some way, is inevitable.

20. Old people are not actually as sweet, kind and harmless as we once thought.

21. Animals feel pain and pleasure but they do not reason.

22. Americans do have it pretty damn good.

23. You only need money when you don't have it.

24. Your mouth is a sadistic weapon which you can refrain from using.

25. You are not a sex toy.

26. Do what makes you happy, the rest will wait.

27. Make peace with your family history.

28. Love is not the end-all, be-all in a marriage.

29. Compatibility, compromise, and compassion are the cornerstones of meaningful relationships.

30. Retirement is as retirement does.

31. Girls cannot do everything boys can; boys cannot do everything girls can.

32. Some people who think they are pretty cool now will be burning hot on Judgment Day.

33. A hug from someone who loves you is worth more than words can ever say.

34. Jobs are jobs.

35. Money IS everything, if you constantly seek material goods.

36. Who you are inside is always a bit of a secret.

37. In America, eating to excess is an acceptable pastime, but it directly contradicts the Thin Agenda.

38. Every day is another day which will have its night; learn to be at peace with the night.

39. Hope is an attitude.

40. Life is precious. You only get one.
 

Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 13, 2011

Kidz Kafe

Posted by Becka 0 comments


 

Potato & Corn Chowder      
        Potato & Corn Chowder
 
This hearty dish is great for lunch or dinner, especially during these cold winter months.

You'll need...

1 1/2 cups  green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup green onions, chopped and divided 
2  cups  frozen corn kernels
1 1/4  cups  water
1  teaspoon  Old Bay
3/4  teaspoon  dried thyme 
1/8  teaspoon  red pepper flakes
1  pound  baking potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1  cup  half-and-half
1/4  cup  chopped parsley
3/4  teaspoon  kosher salt
1/2  cup  (2 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

 
To make...

Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Coat pot with cooking spray. Add bell pepper and 3/4 cup green onions; sauté 4 minutes or until lightly browned.

 
Increase heat to high; add corn, water, Old Bay, thyme, red pepper flakes and potatoes; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

 
Remove from heat, and stir in half-and-half, chopped parsley, and salt. Place about 1 1/2 cups soup in each of 4 bowls; sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons cheese and 1 tablespoon green onions

 
Nutrition:
Cals- 343 
Fat-10.2g. 
Carbs.- 53.3g

from cooking light


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 12, 2011

Product Recalls: Baby Socks and Leg Warmers with Heart Appliqué

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Recall 1/11/11BabyUnited LLC dba BabyLegs of Seattle, WA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have recalled their baby socks and leg warmers with heart appliqué. The leg warmers and socks have a heart appliqué that can detach, posing a choking hazard to small children.

The socks and leg warmers were sold at www.babylegs.com and independent retailers from August 2010 to November 2010 for about $11 per pair. Consumers should immediately take the recalled socks and leg warmers away from children. Consumers can remove and discard the heart appliqué to eliminate the hazard or contact BabyLegs to receive a full refund or a coupon to be redeemed on the BabyLegs website.babylegs.com


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 10, 2011

Quick prayer request!

Posted by Becka 0 comments
Please pray for my friend Holly and her family. She is on bedrest with her second child, and is 19 weeks along. Her first child, a happy, healthy and awesome almost 8 year old, was born at just 25 weeks! Praying that all goes well and her little girl stays in there for a lot longer!

Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!




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AT&T Brand Ambassador : they redeemed themselves!

Posted by Becka 0 comments
So, apparently, the guy that I was emailing with has not been with them for about 2-3 weeks! Explains the lack of communication.

So, finally, I got the phone exchanged, and the new contact info for the program.

Though, I am still trying to figure out the other part...I was supposed to get a SIM card with the phone and a year of service. Not too concerned about it, since I would have to use a different number, or carry 2 phones, for a year...too much of a pain.

But for the minutes used since December 13, as well as APPS, data, etc... it would be nice to be compensated.

But since I can now use the phone AS a phone...I am feeling a little better about the program! Though, because I am IN LOVE with this phone, I think I will stick to the rewards programs, and not another phone review!! (Unless it is another Windows phone like this one!)


And now...my son has a permanent iPhone...which is usually being playing with by the 3 year old and usually dead because, well, he really doesn't USE it! Weird kid!

Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 7, 2011

Helicopter Parenting: EBeanstalk

Posted by Becka 0 comments
Got this in an email and thought it was great!


Helicopter Parenting

By Barbara Greenspan, OT, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
As parents today, we would like to think we are doing a better job at parenting than the generation that preceded us (a polite way of saying our parents!). We like to think we are smarter, better educated and more in touch with our children’s needs than they ever were. While this knowledge is usually a good thing it sometimes leads to parents becoming overbearing with their children.
Recently the term, “Helicopter Parenting”, has been appearing in print and on TV to describe such parents. This type of parent rushes in to prevent any harm or mishap from befalling their children, no matter how insignificant. While these parents are helping their children in one way they are also not allowing their children to become more independent and to learn from their own mistakes. They are so named because, like a helicopter, they hover closely overhead, rarely out of reach whether their children need them or not.
While this term is often applied to parents of older children particularly with regard to school work and grades, it applies to the parenting of younger children as well. The baby who has his bottle held for him, the toddler who is fed by an adult, the preschooler who has his hair brushed for him, the school age child whose mother picks out his clothes and dresses him and the pre-teen whose babysitter makes toast for him. These are all examples of children who are capable of doing these tasks for themselves, but have become used to having the tasks done for them.
The job of parenting is a very serious one and probably the most important job in the world. Perhaps the final goal or outcome that parents have in their minds is to raise a child from a dependent baby to an independent functioning adult who is capable of taking care of themselves and others. Below are just some ideas of what you can do as a parent of a young child to encourage independence and growth.
Next time, let your child….
  • Hold the bottle by himself
  • Wash his hands
  • Wash himself with a washcloth in the bathtub
  • Shampoo her hair by herself
  • Brush her teeth
  • Brush his hair
  • Feed himself
  • Help make the bed
  • Help put the toys away when finished with a game
  • Carry groceries in the house
  • Wash the dishes
  • Make toast in the toaster
  • Help with the laundry
While your child may not succeed on the first try, it is important to keep encouraging independence with self-care tasks. To see that sense of achievement on their face is priceless!


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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Picture Friday

Posted by Becka 0 comments
Last night the kids decided I needed to play inside the Thomas tent! I tried to take pics with my phone, but because kids are not known to stay still, they are not perfect...but I had to share!
















Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!


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January 5, 2011

Wyatt...

Posted by Becka 0 comments
Decided to play a fun game with sorting bears and a number worksheet!


and another



I forgot we had these, since I put them up because Wyatt was too little to play with them. Apparently he found new ways! 


Stay at home, business owning mom of 4 young kids, Nick the Sportsman, Michele the Princess, Wyatt the Wild One, and Evan the Baby.Bachelor in Early Childhood Development and Education, with 20 years experience. I could not ask for anything more!



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