I've posted this on a couple of sites - but said I would post it here too. So this is my daily schedule - it's like the foundation of the house. I deviate it from it when needed, but always circle back to it. Every house hold runs differently - you have to find what works or you and yours.
6:30 - wake up
7-7:30 Wake up kids
8:00-8:10 - everyone out the door (I leave earlier a few days a week)
8:35 the oldest is dropped off at school by hubby
8:50-9 the little one is dropped off at daycare by hubby
noon - i'm eating lunch in front of my computer at work or socializing with friends
3:15 - school pick up for the oldest
3:45- leave work unless I have a meeting
4 pick up the little one - snack in the car
4:30 arrive home
4:30-5 (ish) the kids and I take a 30 minute unwind break. They can watch TV - but it gets turned off after 30 minutes. I set a timer
5:00-5:30 - homework for the eldest, the little one like to "help" me with dinner
5:30 they start to pick up their toys, put books up, get backpack ready for the next day, set the table, etc
6 :00 dinner is on the table
7:00 bath's for the kids, teeth brush, etc
7:30 book and snuggle - hubby wraps up dinner dishes, cleans the kitchen
8:00 lights out - kids like to fall asleep next to me - hubby moves them later
8:30 - I confess- I play games on FB (don't judge me)
by 9 I'm doing creative biz stuff
11 - hang out with hubby
11:30 he usually falls asleep and i keep working
12 - try for lights out, but often its 1 am (like now)
I know it sounds rigid and compartmentalized - but it works for all of us. They know exactly what to expect each day and in some way - it helps them feel more secure. Hope this gives you some ideas for setting a schedule for your own life :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Conversations with Jack
Today in the car, my 7+ yr old says out of nowhere "Jujubees! Hey mom, in Avatar, there's this guy who says 'Run or that blue monster will eat your'" - he pauses, looks at me quizzically and asks (with true innocence) "Am I allowed to say God Damn?".
Me (with my matter-of-fact mom tone) "No. You aren't".
Jack "Okay - then he says 'Run or that blue monster will eat your blah, blah jujubees!" then cracks up laughing "Isn't that a great word mom? Jujubees!"
I'm not sure if I want to know all of the other thoughts rolling around in his head!
Me (with my matter-of-fact mom tone) "No. You aren't".
Jack "Okay - then he says 'Run or that blue monster will eat your blah, blah jujubees!" then cracks up laughing "Isn't that a great word mom? Jujubees!"
I'm not sure if I want to know all of the other thoughts rolling around in his head!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Lover's on the Sea Wall (Jamaica)
Last summer, my husband and I went to Jamaica for a long overdue honeymoon (7 years, but who's counting). We stayed at the Inn across from the public beach. It was SO amazing to watch the nightlife, the culture of the people.
Each morning, the grandma's came for their exercise and brought their grandchildren with them. During the day, mothers came with multiple children in tow (so cute to watch). In the evenings, throngs of young men and women came to the public beach after work. They hung out with their friends, flirted with those they were interested in, and stayed 'til predawn hours. Some travelers might have been irritated by the noise, but we loved to sit on our balcony and soak up their energy.
The night before we left, I saw this sweet, young couple, obviously on a date, sitting quietly on the sea wall at sunset. This picture reminds me of the time my husband and I spent reconnecting in Jamaica. It makes me smile each time I see it, and I hope it does the same for you!
Only 3.5 Days Left!
This is a short one - only 3.5 days left in the school year, then it's house purging for a few days, then all creative biz, all the time! I'm SO excited!
My camera is back and I have new ideas for a series I want to create in pictures... I don't want to give too much away, but I think my years of junk'ing (I mean antiquing, of course) are finally going to pay off! In the meantime, I thought I would show one of my favorite pics. Look for it in my next post!
I have an idea for a new series of mixed media pieces I want to work on - It's called Scenes From Her Life. It's been rolling around in my head for some time now, but my ideas hadn't quite crystallized. Today they seemed to gel!
I also started scratching out an idea for a second series I want to create this summer called Always In My Heart. I haven't figured it out completely yet, but I'm super excited to get to work on it! I think it's the culmination of years of life experience and thoughts rolled into one.
I want to start a third series on women from the 50's - it's an idea in it's infancy though..... I sketched one such lady out tonight, and my 4 yr old thought I should "cut the lady out and give it to (her)". I saw what she did to the last paper dolls I gave her though...it wasn't pretty!
I'm off to bed! Sometimes it's hard for me to sleep when my brain is in create mode! Fingers crossed...
My camera is back and I have new ideas for a series I want to create in pictures... I don't want to give too much away, but I think my years of junk'ing (I mean antiquing, of course) are finally going to pay off! In the meantime, I thought I would show one of my favorite pics. Look for it in my next post!
I have an idea for a new series of mixed media pieces I want to work on - It's called Scenes From Her Life. It's been rolling around in my head for some time now, but my ideas hadn't quite crystallized. Today they seemed to gel!
I also started scratching out an idea for a second series I want to create this summer called Always In My Heart. I haven't figured it out completely yet, but I'm super excited to get to work on it! I think it's the culmination of years of life experience and thoughts rolled into one.
I want to start a third series on women from the 50's - it's an idea in it's infancy though..... I sketched one such lady out tonight, and my 4 yr old thought I should "cut the lady out and give it to (her)". I saw what she did to the last paper dolls I gave her though...it wasn't pretty!
I'm off to bed! Sometimes it's hard for me to sleep when my brain is in create mode! Fingers crossed...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Be Brave! Be Very Brave!!
I had a profound moment of realization this morning that I wanted to share. This past Thursday, we took our two cherubs, ages 7 and 4, to view their (potentially) new private school for next year. It was a long process and there was much agonizing over switching them from their current schools to a new one, but ultimately, given their needs, we felt a smaller environment was better for them both.
The public school employee in me feels the need to add this Disclaimer: I have nothing against public schools, and I am fortunate to live near and work for fantastic districts with truly great public schools, so this post should in no way convey otherwise. Whew - conscious alleviated!
My 7 year old son has severe generalized anxiety disorder. I won’t go into details, and as a mother (try to hear this with love for the many well intentioned suggestions we have received), I would appreciate it if you not offer your suggestions on how he can overcome this. Trust me when I tell you, we’ve been there and we’ve done that. I digress. When my son opened his car door to go into his new school, he we visibly shaking but also working too hard to keep it together to make eye contact with me (what is it about making eye contact with our mothers that drops all of our protective guards against our emotions?). He continued to climb out of the car, despite his fear.
“I’m VERY uncomfortable”.
I started our usual calm down routine.
“Okay, take a deep breath”
“I tried that already and it didn’t work”. he hopped down from the car.
I placed a hand on his chest to stop him gently, placed another on his upper back to help him feel more grounded.
“Would Daddy and I EVER let anything happen to you?”.
He shook his head no,
“Would Daddy and I EVER take you some place where you might get hurt?”
He shook his head no.
“We love you SO much, buddy! Daddy and I will ALWAYS keep you safe.”
“I know, Mom”.
“I know you’re scared. I know you feel uncomfortable. I need you to trust me right now and just go in and take a look around. I promise we WON’T leave you”.
Still too afraid to talk, but willing to trust me, we walked to the doors of the school.
We went to my daughters class first. Like most 4 year old's, she was nervous. After a few minutes, she started to warm up. She didn’t want us to leave, but she was at least willing to look around. Her new teacher showed her their learning centers. My daughter loves Legos and playing in her kitchen, so I thought for sure that the Lego and kitchen stations would hook her in (I was wrong!). She saw all of the other kids working with crayons and scissors at their desk, and said “I need to color”. I swear I am not making this up - but I couldn’t have been more proud of her for conquering her fears with a mom approved coping strategy!
My son remained with us this entire time. After thirty minutes or so, he was ready to view his classroom. We walked in quietly, hoping to observe and not interrupt, but the welcoming nature of this school foiled our plan. The teacher introduced my son for the entire class to say hello to him. I should add this bit - there is nothing my son hates more than being the center of attention in a group of strangers. It’s like that dream we have all had about walking down a street or going to school naked while onlookers point and laugh. Truly, this scenario is my son’s version of hell. He was sheet white by this time and ducking behind Dad. The teacher, seeing his fear, asked if there was anyone else who was my son’s age. A little boy smiled excitedly and raised his hand. He had also been new a few months before, and he shared his experience. Before we new it, the student walked right up to my son and asked how many teeth he had lost. This is the primary topic of conversation amongst seven year olds. Turns out they had lost the same number of teeth and in the exact same places. Their first names started with the same letter. Then my son’s new friend dragged him over to the table where they were learning math. After that, my son asked us to leave (you could have picked up my husbands and my jaws off the floor!). I could tell he was still scared, but I have never been so proud of him in my life!
There is something truly brave about being so young, being asked to conquer your worst fears, and trusting the adults around you to keep you safe. It was then that I realized that the past years (yes years) of my life, have been steady lessons in bravery. I had not recognized them as such, but that’s exactly what they were. I’m not one to get super religious, but this morning, I realized the parallel between my sons life (having to be brave when you really want to hide) and my own life (being brave in the face or my own worst fears); having to trust a source of power higher than yourself (parents in my sons case - and God in mine). I realized during this profound moment, that no matter how scared I am feeling, no matter how much reassurance I need, there is always a source higher than myself that I can lean on, trust, and have faith that I am being led down the correct road, even if I can’t see beyond the next bend!
SO, my new motto for myself is: Be Brave! Be Very Brave!
The public school employee in me feels the need to add this Disclaimer: I have nothing against public schools, and I am fortunate to live near and work for fantastic districts with truly great public schools, so this post should in no way convey otherwise. Whew - conscious alleviated!
My 7 year old son has severe generalized anxiety disorder. I won’t go into details, and as a mother (try to hear this with love for the many well intentioned suggestions we have received), I would appreciate it if you not offer your suggestions on how he can overcome this. Trust me when I tell you, we’ve been there and we’ve done that. I digress. When my son opened his car door to go into his new school, he we visibly shaking but also working too hard to keep it together to make eye contact with me (what is it about making eye contact with our mothers that drops all of our protective guards against our emotions?). He continued to climb out of the car, despite his fear.
“I’m VERY uncomfortable”.
I started our usual calm down routine.
“Okay, take a deep breath”
“I tried that already and it didn’t work”. he hopped down from the car.
I placed a hand on his chest to stop him gently, placed another on his upper back to help him feel more grounded.
“Would Daddy and I EVER let anything happen to you?”.
He shook his head no,
“Would Daddy and I EVER take you some place where you might get hurt?”
He shook his head no.
“We love you SO much, buddy! Daddy and I will ALWAYS keep you safe.”
“I know, Mom”.
“I know you’re scared. I know you feel uncomfortable. I need you to trust me right now and just go in and take a look around. I promise we WON’T leave you”.
Still too afraid to talk, but willing to trust me, we walked to the doors of the school.
We went to my daughters class first. Like most 4 year old's, she was nervous. After a few minutes, she started to warm up. She didn’t want us to leave, but she was at least willing to look around. Her new teacher showed her their learning centers. My daughter loves Legos and playing in her kitchen, so I thought for sure that the Lego and kitchen stations would hook her in (I was wrong!). She saw all of the other kids working with crayons and scissors at their desk, and said “I need to color”. I swear I am not making this up - but I couldn’t have been more proud of her for conquering her fears with a mom approved coping strategy!
My son remained with us this entire time. After thirty minutes or so, he was ready to view his classroom. We walked in quietly, hoping to observe and not interrupt, but the welcoming nature of this school foiled our plan. The teacher introduced my son for the entire class to say hello to him. I should add this bit - there is nothing my son hates more than being the center of attention in a group of strangers. It’s like that dream we have all had about walking down a street or going to school naked while onlookers point and laugh. Truly, this scenario is my son’s version of hell. He was sheet white by this time and ducking behind Dad. The teacher, seeing his fear, asked if there was anyone else who was my son’s age. A little boy smiled excitedly and raised his hand. He had also been new a few months before, and he shared his experience. Before we new it, the student walked right up to my son and asked how many teeth he had lost. This is the primary topic of conversation amongst seven year olds. Turns out they had lost the same number of teeth and in the exact same places. Their first names started with the same letter. Then my son’s new friend dragged him over to the table where they were learning math. After that, my son asked us to leave (you could have picked up my husbands and my jaws off the floor!). I could tell he was still scared, but I have never been so proud of him in my life!
There is something truly brave about being so young, being asked to conquer your worst fears, and trusting the adults around you to keep you safe. It was then that I realized that the past years (yes years) of my life, have been steady lessons in bravery. I had not recognized them as such, but that’s exactly what they were. I’m not one to get super religious, but this morning, I realized the parallel between my sons life (having to be brave when you really want to hide) and my own life (being brave in the face or my own worst fears); having to trust a source of power higher than yourself (parents in my sons case - and God in mine). I realized during this profound moment, that no matter how scared I am feeling, no matter how much reassurance I need, there is always a source higher than myself that I can lean on, trust, and have faith that I am being led down the correct road, even if I can’t see beyond the next bend!
SO, my new motto for myself is: Be Brave! Be Very Brave!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Rookie Mistakes (Be Specific Part 1)
Be Specific - words to live by
Both of my kids love gum. It occupies their mouths - which reduces the non stop stream of consciousness that pours from them. My oldest was five before the first gum experience. My youngest started at age three. Little bit was in speech therapy already to work on coordinating suck-swallow-breathe (she was more of a breathe while swallowing girl which resulted in choking for her and gray hairs for me and dad) and the speech therapist thought it might help her learn how to chew on the sides of her mouth (another skill she hadn’t mastered yet). SO, I let her try gum much earlier than I planned. They were very small pieces to begin with and gradually, as she demonstrated mastery (aka stopped swallowing the gum), we let her have Trident size pieces of gum. Since my ears sometimes need a break from the constant chatter and dueling conversations between myself and each child (seriously - when do they learn to take turns talking?!) gum flows freely in my house. We buy it in bulk from Costco (I’m not exaggerating). The other night the little one had a last minute piece of gum before bed. Don’t ask me WHY she HAD to have this piece of gum, but she did. And honestly, it wasn’t worth the ensuing battle so soon before bedtime. Just prior to our usual book and snuggle time, I said the following (insert rookie mistake here) “You need to get rid of your gum before bedtime”. She ran out of my bedroom, disposed of the gum, and returned. Both of my cherubs passed out, and as I rounded the corner to head downstairs, I saw this...
Apparently the wall is as good a place as any to "get rid of your gum".
Guess I should have been more specific with her.
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