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Reality Mom - August 2008

Take Time to Realize

August 30th 2008 13:27
Seriously, how often do you take the time to really focus on YOU and your “self?” This is a tough question for moms to answer for a variety of reasons. We’re wearing so many hats so much of the time that we’re lost in the shuffle.

This is a topic worth writing about repeatedly because moms need constant reminders of one simple fact: YOU DO MATTER.


Strange notion, right? I know, I feel the same way. The idea of doing something for myself seems incredibly selfish, particularly after working all week long. Shouldn’t I be serving my family’s needs on a day off? Shouldn’t I be cleaning?

When I made the choice to be a working mom, this came with a lot of pro’s and a lot of con’s. My thought about that, though, is it wouldn’t have been such a difficult decision if it weren’t a good one. That’s my opinion, though. Feel free to disagree!

The fact remains, though, that I need to spend more time on self-care. I’ve taken the time to realize this. Reading, writing, creating pieces of art shouldn’t feel like something I have to do in secret. I should be able to explore my hobbies boldly, and without the feeling of guilt.

Now, let’s see if I can follow my own advice . . .
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Summer is Winding Down

August 29th 2008 11:22

This summer really hasn’t really felt like “summer” around here because the weather just didn’t want to cooperate. So, days in our little blow-up pool didn’t happen as often as we’d hoped. Evenings using the grill and making S’Mores didn’t happen as often as we’d hoped. And, trips to the playground didn’t happen as often as we’d hoped.


Last year, these were daily events . . . each sprinkled evenly throughout the week. We were always so busy with summer activities, and it felt so great. When we think back on last summer during this one, it’s really depressing.

We found other ways to make this summer good, but in a different way. We created a lot of art, wrote a lot of stories, and read a lot of books. The kids also did a lot of imaginative play pretending they’re at work, at school, and that they’re storeowners. So, the time was still fun and well-spent . . . it just didn’t “feel” like summer.

We’re hoping fall will cooperate. Typically, fall is my favorite time of year. What is your favorite time of year?
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Tasting Tastes

August 29th 2008 11:11

When was the last time you really tasted something? I mean, taste it and enjoy its flavor to the fullest.

Parents have busy lives and, as a result, simple pleasures seem to get lost in the shuffle. This is particularly true for the taste of food. We tend to jump from task to task in an effort to fit a lot into one day, therefore tasting what we eat falls low on the list of priorities.

This is a shame, though. Slowing down to really embrace a moment, like tasting a meal that you worked hard preparing for your family, shouldn’t be last on your list. I know it’s last on mine quite a bit and, until last night when I prepared a special dinner for my family, I didn’t realize how many tastes I was missing out on tasting.

So, my goal is to slow down. I need to stop rushing through life, despite the many things this family needs from day to day, so I can start tasting tastes again. I love the taste of my coffee first thing in the morning, but it’s rarely enjoyed in the midst of routine. So, this morning, I’m taking a moment to taste that taste.
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Is it Possible to Resolve All Conflicts?

August 28th 2008 17:48

The short answer: no.

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Quiet Clutter

August 27th 2008 13:49

I have a lot of what I call “quiet clutter” around my home. It’s not a huge mess, but there are clusters of clutter quietly sitting here, there . . . well, all over the place.
· There are piles of books on the floor in front of the TV in the living room that my children are either reading, or have read


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Starting School: Missing Things

August 26th 2008 13:37

Even though I’ve been looking forward to the start of school so I can begin working full time without disruption, there are so many things I’m going to miss:
· I’m going to miss our weekly trips to the library. We all love it there so much, and the time is comprised of nothing but quality


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Testing & School Preparation

August 25th 2008 13:07

My youngest went to school for his Grade one reading and writing test this morning. While he was taking his test, the other two kids and I read on the carpet in the corner of the classroom. So, we all had a nice and quiet morning.

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Setting Up Manageable Menus

August 23rd 2008 20:41

Meal planning has become a reality in this reality mom’s household. I used to incorporate this practice in my week-to-week schedule when my youngest child was first born (in 2002), but I quickly slipped out of the habit in 2004. I haven’t managed to make my way back into the habit, which will soon change.

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Reminder: Seeking Interviews & Quotes

August 23rd 2008 20:10

I'm writing The WonderDads Handbook for Raising a Girl Ages 0-10: A Month-by-Month Look at What to Expect, Developmental Tips, and Ideas For Activities. Between now and November 30, I'm seeking parents of daughters between ages 0-10 to participate in a book project I've outlined here. If you're interested in participating, feel free to email me at writerjennh @ aol . com (remove the spaces), comment here, or comment within that other blog post.
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Time For Mom

August 23rd 2008 19:41

When the kids return to school, I do plan to work more than I have been during the summer. This is, of course, for obvious reasons. I’ve already started putting this plan into action.

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Mommy, He Said a Bad Word

August 23rd 2008 19:26
My children were taught at a very young age what were bad words and what weren’t. They all seemed to grasp the concept very well, and so went on our lives. Despite being surrounded by adults who like to swear like pirates, I think they’ve done quite well.

The other day, while watching the Disney channel, one of my children said the boy was using bad words on the show. So, I watched for a moment and it was true. Words that I had taught my children not to use for various reasons were being used in regular dialogue as part of their comedic script


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Finally, ONE School Supply List Arrived!

August 23rd 2008 19:15
Yes, that’s right, one of the teachers sent out her school supply list. We’re still waiting on three more. THREE. School starts September 2nd, so I’m hoping too much time doesn’t pass. I’m bringing our youngest to the school Monday morning for his Grade 1 reading test, so I think I’ll receive his supply list then.

It looks like I’m right on target with what I’ve purchased so far, so no extra shopping yet. I’m thankful I held on to the supply lists from last year because this ONE that we’ve received looks to be the same. I know, how difficult could it be to buy school supplies for a first grader, two second graders, and a tenth grader, right? Well, it is! J


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One-on-One Homework Time

August 22nd 2008 18:06

My children have been responding very well to one-on-one homework time. (Note: In our home, we refer to anything related to education either in or out of school, as homework.) It’s part of our normal routine to work on educational projects, papers, and reading for between one and two hours per day.

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Child Safety Seat Laws

August 21st 2008 13:51

Do you know what the child safety seat laws are in your locality? I didn’t realize how many people, including parents, did not know this information. What baffled me the most were parents I saw debating the topic simply because their child didn’t want to sit in the seat any longer.

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Returning to School, More Work For Mom

August 21st 2008 12:15

Returning to school in this household is the sign of many changes afoot. Not only is the family adjusting to a new schedule, I’ll be working more hours. Over the summer, I’ve been able to (sort of) manage working while taking care of the kids, the house, and errands.

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The Smells of Childhood

August 19th 2008 17:59

Have you ever noticed how smells can take you back to a special childhood memory? For me, it’s the smell of cookies baking (mostly lemon cookies because that meant something special was on the horizon). The smell of anything to do with pumpkin spices also evokes special childhood memories for me, too.

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Complaints About Laundry, Once AGAIN!

August 18th 2008 13:45

I know. I talk about this all the time. I have to know, though. How? HOW?! How does the laundry seemingly multiply as SOON as the last load has been folded and put away? HOW?

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Priming, Painting, and Stuff

August 18th 2008 11:06

It’s going to be a busy day of priming, painting, and other room preparation. My goal is to finish priming the room today, and then get the room completely painted. Will I finish? Good question! I’m doing this in conjunction with my regular work assignments and projects, so it may be a challenge.

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I Miss Naptime

August 15th 2008 18:31

I can’t help wondering how it is that naptime has gone from a welcomed event to a thing of the past so quickly. Yes, I was one of those mothers who used naptime to regroup, relax and, sometimes, take my own nap! Gone are those days.

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Schedules Are Challenging in This House

August 14th 2008 14:40

We’re a large family, but that doesn’t stop us from staying connected. We’re always headed in many different directions:
· My two boys have visitations with their dad, plus they spend time on the weekends with their grandmother


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Only 20 Days Left!?

August 13th 2008 18:25

Where did this summer go?

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Interviews & Quotes Wanted!

August 12th 2008 18:52

I'm writing The WonderDads Handbook for Raising a Girl Ages 0-10: A Month-by-Month Look at What to Expect, Developmental Tips, and Ideas For Activities. Between now and November 30, I'm seeking parents of daughters between ages 0-10 to participate in a book project I've outlined here. If you're interested in participating, feel free to email me at writerjennh @ aol . com (remove the spaces), comment here, or comment within that other blog post.

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School Supply Lists

August 12th 2008 18:45

Every year the teachers where my children attend school send out a list of suppliesthey'll need to start the year with. It seems like this list gets sent out at the very last minute every year . . . when all the sales are finished, or all the good stuff is gone. This is frustrating, so I find myself guessing and picking up what I think they might need when I see good prices. I did this yesterday.

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Mommy, You’re STILL Sick?

August 7th 2008 23:01

I’ve been fighting a weird eye infection, allergy, pink eye, or conjunctivitis type thing since Saturday. These means, of course, that I couldn’t work my outside of the house job Sunday or complete our typical family routine Monday. Today was the first day I’ve felt somewhat normal, but this has been very difficult for my children to comprehend.

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Reading is Stupid

August 4th 2008 12:37

These are typical comments in my household, particularly when my children don’t see me setting a good example. While I do a lot of reading on the computer, the kids can’t really relate to that because it’s not a book. How do I solve the negative comments surrounding reading?

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The Kids Are Running the Show Today

August 1st 2008 15:03

Today’s homework with the kids includes working from craft books I checked out from the library. It interests me that we have had these books in the library book bag since Monday, but the kids just discovered them this morning. At least they will not go unused.

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