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Reality Mom - Reality Mom: My New Found Reality


Have you ever noticed how stifled communication can be when dealing with a blended family? Particularly when it comes to involving the “other parents” in school activities, events, and meetings?

This is a huge challenge in this household. We have to communicate with:
· My two son’s father
· My step-daughter’s mother
· My nephew’s mother

Some of these communications need to occur daily, like in the case of my nephew. We need to add some extra communication into our weekly routine with my son’s dad and my step-daughter’s mother because they all have soccer games this week.

Typically, before my nephew became a part of our household, communication with the “other parent” occurred at least once per week (unless something came up). Now, it’s getting more complicated. Why? Their grandparents want to be included in the weekend shuffles.

So, that means more schedule changes, more communication, and more upset people when things don’t go their way. There are times this challenge feels like a match being refereed, but that’s part of having a blended family. There are a lot of people involved, each of who deserve knowledge of what’s going on with their children.

Do you face communication challenges with a blended family?
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Being a work at home mom does have many benefits. However, the housework tends to scream in my ear throughout the day. And, if I don’t tend to things immediately, I’m too tired or distracted to work on them at the end of the day. So, what’s the work at home mother to do?

· Prioritize: if there’s enough laundry and dishes left to get you through to the next day, then don’t worry about getting to these chores right now. Focus on the ‘must-do’s,” like cooking and making sure your kids get a bath, before stressing over the “need to do’s.”
· Delegate: in my case, I’m living with a 35 year old hubby2b, a six-year-old boy, a seven-year-old girl, an eight-year-old boy, and my fifteen-year-old nephew. So, there are enough hands around here to help me with basic household chores. Delegating doesn’t always work, but at least I know all the laundry and dirty dishes aren’t scattered all over the house.
· Relax: if it doesn’t get finished, there’s always tomorrow. Finding harmony in what needs to be done in comparison to what has to be done (for example, if you’re out of food, you “have to” do groceries). Relax, don’t stress, and pick up the slack on a day that is less busy.

I know, these things are easier said then done. I find myself throwing in a load of laundry during my lunch break, and running the dishwasher as soon as I get the kids on the bus. Because these household tasks don’t cut into my work day, I don’t look at it as a stressful work distraction.
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After School Craft Projects

September 23rd 2008 15:14

The kids and I are going to be working on some “harvest” craft projects after school today. While waiting for prescriptions to be filled at the drug store, I found some really cute items to create with:
· Foam pumpkins (there’s six in the package, so each of them can work on two)
· Mini sunflowers (there appears to be twelve, but it might be more)
· Harvest collection foam shapes (mini pumpkins, gourds, grapes, Indian corn, and fruit)

My plan is to give them each two pieces of construction paper, white glue, markers, and these items. Then, with a little guidance, I’ll let them create whatever they’re inspired to do. I think these will make nice little gifts for their grandparents. What’s more are these items were only $1.00 per package, so it is an inexpensive craft project.

If I feel ambitious, I may include some watercolor or craft paint in with this project. It all depends on how much homework they have, as well as how much homework my nephew has.

I’m on the hunt for similar Halloween themed items to create little gifts with. I couldn’t find them at the drug store, but I do know they exist at the craft store. Now, it’s just a mater of making a trip out of town to purchase these things!

What kind of seasonal or holiday related craft projects do you like working on with your children?
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Homework Frustrations

September 22nd 2008 21:36

This past weekend has, without a doubt, posed the most homework frustrations so far this school year. I am trying to find the balance between hounding my nephew about every assignment he has, and letting him handle things on his own.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Soccer Mom

September 22nd 2008 20:39

This week, we will be back on the field! I became a soccer mom two years ago and, for this gal who never participated in any sport willingly in school, the label feels a bit odd. Our children love the experience, though, so I’m on board!

[ Click here to read more ]
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Books: Researching Life’s New Challenges

September 19th 2008 13:01

In an effort to further help my nephews through his various struggles, I have some books in my arsenal:
How to Help Your Child with Homework: The Complete Guide to Encourage Good Study Habits and Ending the Homework Wars, by Jeanne Shay Schumm, Ph.D.: I purchased this book because he’s never really been pushed to do homework, make an effort, or stay on task before. He’s gotten used to lying about if he has assignments due, getting away with “forgetting” the details of assignments, and not studying for tests. So, I need to learn how to break these bad habits in a healthy, non-threatening manner


[ Click here to read more ]
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Open House Tonight!

September 18th 2008 12:06

We have open house at our three youngest children’s school tonight. I love meeting with the teachers, seeing their desk, looking at the various things in the classrooms, and seeing them interact with friends. It’s always such a positive time.

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Art Journaling With the Kids

September 17th 2008 13:09

Yesterday’s art project went extremely well. My children loved the project so much they didn’t want it to end. That’s a success story in itself. They also loved that fact that I was right there creating with them.

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My guilt-riddled mind searched for an answer quickly when my youngest son asked, “Mommy, when are we going to do an art project again,” this morning. OH NO! We used to work on art projects daily around here, but there’s been so much going on . . . that it hasn’t happened . . . in weeks.

[ Click here to read more ]
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One Gets Sick, We ALL Get Sick!

September 15th 2008 15:31

So, it’s that time of year . . . when the domino effect takes over our household when it comes to sicknesses traveling through the school system. Germs. Viruses. Air-born what-not. Ick. You just have to love it when that happens . . . (sighs)

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