So Mondays are always my least favorite day... it always means the end of a weekend and back to the daily (sometimes boring) grind of my life as a Mom to L & C. It's good to get back to the normalcy of life, but I/we really enjoy the time that we get to spend as a family. Now that we have kids, family time is so much more precious to both the hubs and I.
Anyway, since Mondays are kind of blah, I just wanted to see how you all feel about them...
Spill it!
Monday, February 27, 2012
In:
Baby Daze
,
Everyday Living
,
Simply Stated
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
In:
Baby Daze
,
Decisions
,
Labels Schmables
,
Life Lessons
,
Twins
::Different Parenting Styles, Best Friends?
I was reading this article on parents.com about whether or not people with differing parenting styles can be friends. This is a topic that I struggle with sometimes now that I'm a parent and my eyes have been opened up to how other people around me parent their children. One aspect that the article touches on is that usually it's not the parenting style that you may not like, but rather the person. The parenting style is a side effect of the person. This was revolutionary in my thought process in regards to this topic. It's funny how people change once they have kids. I've experienced many situations where a person is one way, but when they get pregnant and become a parent, all of the sudden they are very different that what I once knew.
Personally, I think that parents can do whatever floats their little boats in regards to how they raise their children. However, I do NOT like it when these parents try to force their new-found parenting styles onto people like me. I don't like labels. I don't associate myself or my family with "attachment parenting" or whatever other labels are out there that these new age parents cling on to. I raise my kids the way my husband and I decide is best for our family, not how some doctor or group of people thinks we should. Now, I'm not saying that I don't see what other parents do around me and not have an opinion or judgement in some cases. We all do. In fact, I think it's healthy to see and understand things that we do or don't want to do as parents with our own kids. I just don't push my ways of doing things on other people. If someone asks me my opinion, I'll be the first to share it, or to try and offer up some suggestions for those who want them, but I've learned to keep my big mouth shut in most cases.
In any case, it's funny to see the division of friends within my own life, but also the life of those around me and how parenting styles play into it.
Personally, I think that parents can do whatever floats their little boats in regards to how they raise their children. However, I do NOT like it when these parents try to force their new-found parenting styles onto people like me. I don't like labels. I don't associate myself or my family with "attachment parenting" or whatever other labels are out there that these new age parents cling on to. I raise my kids the way my husband and I decide is best for our family, not how some doctor or group of people thinks we should. Now, I'm not saying that I don't see what other parents do around me and not have an opinion or judgement in some cases. We all do. In fact, I think it's healthy to see and understand things that we do or don't want to do as parents with our own kids. I just don't push my ways of doing things on other people. If someone asks me my opinion, I'll be the first to share it, or to try and offer up some suggestions for those who want them, but I've learned to keep my big mouth shut in most cases.
In any case, it's funny to see the division of friends within my own life, but also the life of those around me and how parenting styles play into it.
Monday, February 20, 2012
In:
Baby Daze
,
Blessings
,
Everyday Living
,
Labels Schmables
,
Life Lessons
,
Twins
::Spoiled Brats?... I Don't Think So...
Have you ever had someone tell you that your kids are "spoiled" or that you "give them too much"? I've heard this said to many people (and even though it myself at times) and even though my little babes are only a mere 1 year old, I've gotten those comments (in so many words) from others around. Yes, I'm one of those Moms that doesn't want to think that her sweet little angels are spoiled brats. One question I have is: What exactly is spoiling your children?
I'll be the first person to admit that my kids have waaaaaay too much stuff. Stuff like toys, sippy cups, take and toss containers, pacifiers, more toys, utensils, bibs, clothes, walkers, even more toys, activity toys, and the list goes on an on. However, I must also say that the reality of it is that the hubs and I have only purchased maybe 20% of all the crap that we have (and that's a generous estimate). The vast majority of the "stuff" that we have has come from other people who love them (and us) and have generously given our family many things as their own children have grown out the using them. Anyone with kids knows that 95% of the stuff that they need is used for about 10 minutes, and then they grow out of it. Pretty much everything I have in storage from the last year is brand new. Some of it still has tags on it because they never got the change to wear it or use it. Fortunately for me, I have 2 sisters that haven't had children yet, so I'm saving all my loot for them (or for myself if I ever dare to have any more kiddos).
My theory on why people have been generous with giving our family so much stuff is because we are grateful for their giving hearts and appreciative of the fact that they love us so much that they want to give us these things rather than selling them on Craigslist or what-not. I'm flattered and thankful that people forfeit making a few bucks to help our family out. The hubs and I aren't poor or anything, but with two babies, things get really expensive really quick, and we aren't too proud to take hand-me-downs from friends and family that are willing. I hope that we are in the same position down the road where we can bless other families the same way we have been blessed.
Bottom line is this: if you are grateful and appreciative, people will want to do things for you. If you are too proud, inconsiderate and rude, you'll end up doing everything on your own (and probably without any friends or family around). Every day when we wake up, we have a choice. We can choose to be happy, humble, grateful and appreciative,or we can choose the opposite. Either way, it's a choice, and choices have consequences, good or bad.
Make today a good choice!
Friday, February 17, 2012
In:
Baby Daze
,
Blessings
,
Family Ties
,
Twins
::One Year Wonderful!
My little baby boys are ONE year old now!!!
I've been preparing for a house full of people, shopping, organizing, planning, etc all for L & C's first birthday party. It was a nice, intimate little celebration with our family, many of which flew in from out of town just to spend time with us and celebrate. Our theme was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and I had so much fun with it! Here are some pics from our little party...
I've been preparing for a house full of people, shopping, organizing, planning, etc all for L & C's first birthday party. It was a nice, intimate little celebration with our family, many of which flew in from out of town just to spend time with us and celebrate. Our theme was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and I had so much fun with it! Here are some pics from our little party...
