The winner of a free seat in Laura Vanderbeek’s cool online class is … Rhonda in Palm Harbor, Florida! Congratulations Rhonda! Email laurav@reneepearson.com and she’ll hook you up.
A note from Laura: “I wish I could give a seat to everyone. I hope you’ll take advantage of the $10 discount. With that discount this class is only $25. In addition to the videos and written guides, you will also receive two digital scrapbook kits and a 40% off coupon for e-scapeandscrap.net. And congratulations to all of you who have become the guardians of your most treasured family heirlooms – photos from the past.”
—–
As we head into the weekend, I thought I’d share my top 5 mom tips of the week.
Tip #1: Sandwich shapes rule. Whether the little munchkin protests crust or you’re just wanting to make lunchtime more interesting, use those cookie cutters for your sandwiches (or toast … or anything that can be cut). We’ve been doing this all their little lives and it’s amazing how this simple thing can change the whole eating experience for them.
Tip #2: Capture their current “thing”. Document your kiddo’s here & now of their life. What they’re up to, what they’re into, what their little habits are. Next time they’re doing something that is so them right now — even if you’re not a big fan of their shenanigans — just pick up your camera and get the shot. You’ll be so glad you did. And they will appreciate it when they’re older.
Tip #3: Be prepared. I took Porter to the dentist one day this week and thought Crew would be just fine hanging out with me. Maybe I’d read to him or do patty-cake or … Seriously!? What on earth was I thinking? Over an hour later, he was in full-blown melt-down mode and well … I was for sure deemed Mom of the Year by that point.
The next day I took Claire to her dentist appointment where we had more waiting and waiting. This time I was equipped with Crew’s favorite puzzle (current obsession) and the beloved iPad. Oh happy day. Much better experience. Don’t make my mistake. Go into situations much, much more prepared. PS – If you have a favorite kid-friendly app, mention it in the comments.
Tip #4: Give the gift of a snapshot. Ever had your picture taken while you’re doing carpool or grocery-shopping? No? Because who would take it, right? So next time you’re out & about or picking up your kids at school, keep your camera close by. When you see your mom friends doing their mom thing, snap the picture and email it to her. It’s simple. And thoughtful.
Tip #5: Recharge. You’re a mom. You give, give, and give some more. Please take care to rejuvenate and recharge once in a while. Hopefully you have even but a few minutes in each day that you can do something therapeutic. Go for a walk, take a bath, read, whatever. (Me? Reading in the morning and uploading, organizing & editing pictures each night … that’s my daily therapy.)
And how about other stuff that isn’t daily, but equally important. Go on dates with your husband. Organize a girls night out and enjoy the company of some of your besties. Do a little crafting. Do something for you. Moms need to recharge. We just do. You’ll be better for it.
And since I know a lot of you consider your online browsing as your “down time” … here are a couple fun links to check out the next time you’re looking for inspiration.
Fellow mom Jen Johnson has a blog here that is just fun eye candy. Her everyday life photography will inspire you on how and what to photograph in your own homes. Be sure to check out her Project 365 and Picture-a-Day links on the left.
Eighteen25 is maintained by 3 sisters who are also moms. For the entire month of September they’ve been featuring a guest blogger almost every day. Home decor, crafts, fun DIY projects … to inspire you this Fall season. In fact, Jen Johnson’s project was featured in this post. And I have a little something up my sleeve that will be featured on the 20th.
Happy Weekend!
Tags: mom tips, parenting, recharge, sandwiches
My kids are iPad addicts! They love Scoops, and I love Diner Dash. That reminds me, I need some iPad photos…
Some of the memory game apps are great, my 3 year old LOVES it when she’s allowed to play!
My 5 and 3 year old love bookworm! They have become such good speller and readers thanks to this app on the ipad.
Love the way you painted your frames…they look so cheerful!
My girls favourite apps are
Cookie Doodle and cake doodle and Tozzle (puzzles)
I have an iPod touch and an iPhone so they have one each when things get nuts. Handy to be able to fit it in your purse and have it handy at all times.
My daughter really enjoys the free app that is just called coloring. I’m interested in hearing what other apps people’s kids like too.
My son loves the Sprout App! And its free so mommy loves that!
Checked both Johnson Journal and Eighteen25 blogs: adorable and informative. Were did you get your cordless glue gun, heard it’s the best.
My kiddos love Monkey Preschool Lunchbox – Fish HD ( learn the alphabet), Itsy Bitsy Spider and the Wheels on the Bus are also great – They are made by Duck Duck Moose and their apps are wonderful!!! Great for Preschoolers
My grandson loves the apps “I See Ewe” and “I Hear Ewe”.
Fun post Becky! I,m not a mom (yet), but always love your tips on organizing and fun pictures of your kiddo’s!
we love love cookie cutter sandwiches here as well, though lately have been itching to try some of the sandwiches here, it’s the train that really gets me http://littlenummies.net/
Love tip number 5 and thanks for the new links to drool over.
My 3 year old LOVES “Talking Carl” and playing “JellyCar 2″.
I keep a few pipe cleaners in my purse at all times. I like the apps too, but for some reason pipe cleaners never fail.
My 8 and 6 year old love Angry Birds and Jelly Car.
I know exactly what you mean about the ipod/iphone apps – they have gotten us out of some sticky situations! Particularly doctor’s office waiting rooms!
We like the Sesame Street podcasts – you can download and watch anytime.
Also, we love iWriteWords, First Words, Feed Me, and Tozzle. There are a couple matching games we like too.
I’d love to see a post about your favorite kiddo apps! I did one recently because I find it so helpful to see them on the “mom” blogs I follow!
Thanks for the FABULOUS mom tips!!
Just want to say THANK YOU so much! I did the school yearbook with my middle son’s preschool class last year and we all loved the final result. I wanted to do it with my oldest’s 3rd grade class, but with 27 kids, thought it might be too much. You have made it SO doable with this download! I love it.
One question—at the preschool, I was able to take a lot of the photos outside. That won’t be an option at my son’s school. Terrible lighting and kids who are usually moving and no flash usually mean blurry photos for me. Any tips on taking clear, focused photos in the classroom?
Also, did you put the pages in their individual binders/books as you went along, or have the kids do it? Wondering if I should leave the bulk of it in the classroom or not.
Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!
My two year old loves Monkey Preschool Lunchbox! Plus he watches episodes of Peep and the Big Wide World a lot (which is a really cute show if you haven’t seen it! Its on PBS early on Sunday mornings in our town but you can find it on YouTube).
My granddaughter loves Chalk Draw – works just like an Etch-a-Sketch with the shake to clear function. If you are ok with just white chalk it’s free; if you want colored chalk (way more fun!) it costs $1.99. Worth the money in my opinion!!
Great tips, thanks.
Did I read right is that Chicken Breast in a can. Gee I wonder when we might get something like that.
we made Batman toast on saturday so funny to read this today (Monday my time). $2.50 cookie cutter and a swipe of Marmite – peace and quiet ruled!
I always keep a “to go” bag filled with items to keep my twins occupied at dr’s offices, restaurants, soccer practice, etc. Right now it has leapsters, coloring books, and crayons in there. It is always waiting by the back door or already in my car so we can grab and go.
just curious =) 13 cans of chicken? what do you do with it all? HOW do you use it?
My kids LOVE the Preschool Memory Match game. I let them play it while waiting at Dr.’s, on long rides, tough moments, etc. They beg me to play it, but I save it for those tough times…
My two year old loves Peak-a-boo Barn and Peek-a-boo Wild on my iPhone. And matching games too. There are so many free apps for kids, but I agree with Emily above, I save the games for the tough times!