Archive for the 'Take My Advice' Category

Letting Go: Musings of a Mother

Before becoming a mom I never thought:

  • I’d allow MY children to wear a saggy diaper.
  • I’d yell at the sweet and innocent fruit of my loin.
  • I’d wear socks with flip flops, but only in emergencies…
  • I’d wonder if I had birthed the spawn of the devil. 

***The “threes” are the worst. Watch. Your. Back. Mark my words.***

  • I’d yell say things like, “No Cocoa Puffs until you finish your donut!”
  • I’d need to turn the music DOWN.
  • I’d consider dried (but wiped-up) spit-up on my shoulder a sign of “arrival”… importance.
  • I’d kiss their heads SO! MUCH! *swoon*

Nor did I ever think…
Continue reading ‘Letting Go: Musings of a Mother’

Published
by
jenny
on November 15, 2008
in 365, Family, General, Guilt, Joel, Mutha' Hood, Take My Advice and The Love
. 12 Comments

A family adventure: the corn maze

My kids crack me up. My kids also make me cry. I am in a constant state of overwhelm when it comes to my offspring… the greatest of joys and the deepest of frustrations.

Our outing to a local corn maze on Saturday was an extended time of joy for me as a mom. I watched my kids work together to make it through the corn maze. We laughed. We wandered, and the only sense of urgency was toward the end when the girls needed to pee. But we made it. Praise! Be! *raises hand to Heaven*. A pee accident would have totally ruined everything.

See? Joy to desperation in one flex of an not-completely-trained 3-year-old bladder… I am thrilled there was no accident. I can’t even express how truly, deeply happy that makes me. If you had asked me 20 years ago, “Jenny, what do you think would be one of the highlights of your 30’s?” I NEVER would have guessed that having an accident-free outing with my family would be at the top of the list. Never. Neh. Vah. People - it COMPLETELY eclipses things like world travel and world domination. Just pee-pee on the potty for the youngest. That’s me life goal.

Here we are, having a wonderful time as a family…

It’s a sickness. I love rules.

Look! The maze is the the shape of an Orca whale!

Family meeting: What’s the game plan, folks?

We made it! Cole was so impressed by our corn maze skillz!

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Local folks - looking for a fun outing for your family? Head on over to Sunrise Hill Farm in Kingston. Of course, there is a FANTASTIC corn maze, but, BUT… there is also a tricycle area for the little ones, a mini hay-bale maze, a pumpkin patch, and on Saturday nights they show a movie when it’s dark enough! They have a couple of bon-fires going and the snack stand has something for everyone… It feels like a great-big cozy outdoor living room. It was the most wonderful place to wander… They are open Wednesday through Sunday until Halloween. Seattle-area people… it is worth the ferry trip. Totally.

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Published
by
jenny
on October 21, 2008
in 365, Family, General, Joel, Lucy, Mutha' Hood, Olivia, Spawn, Take My Advice, The Love and Trippin'
. 15 Comments

A little project…

I enjoy photography… do you enjoy photography? I like playing with perspective-n-such. However, I do not consider myself a “photographer”… I would probably place myself into the category of “Woman who enjoys taking pictures and does a pretty good job considering she still doesn’t grasp that whole ‘aperture‘ thing”. That’s a long descriptive, isn’t it? I’ll shorten it: WWETPADAPGJCSSDGTWAT. Hmmm… even when I look at that side ways it lacks a certain “punch”. Ah well… My friends Lisa (The Blozulfog) and Kathleen (Forging Ahead) have husbands who rock that whole aperture concept - they can keep wrapping their brilliant minds around such things. I will just keep playing and taking pictures like this:

Or did you take that picture, Lisa? Whatever. I’m in it. Hair in mah mouth and all… But I know  I took this one:

What’s that? You want to see more of evidence of skillz… Ah-ight…

No YOU! My Public… YOU Da Bomb! 

I digress. I was supposed to be writing about me 5×5 project. Have you been there yet? Why? Well, not just because MY photography is featured there today… 5 brilliant pictures of my own little discovery of something new… not just because of Me… 

You should add 5×5 Project to your feeds because Krysta (also the brilliant and lovely author of Evil Chef Mom) has a wonderful calendar of photo-themes going - all taken by folks like us! It’s a great place to go to get a visual “fix” and discover new bloggers. Another bonus - you can get in on the action too, My Public! Click on the “project” tab and see which projects still need photographers! Grow with me people, grow with me… Visit 5×5 Project… dare to leave a comment… dare to take on a project!

Peace, yo.

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Published
by
jenny
on October 15, 2008
in 365, Artsy Fartsy, Bloggy Bloggy, Delusions of Grandeur, General, Skillz and Take My Advice
. 5 Comments

This is my 920th post and also, the economy.

It’s taken me 4.5 years, but I am creeping curiously close to Post #1000! Whoa Nelly! 285 of which (plus a few) have all been created in 2008… I have Blog 365 to thank for that, as well as the rather unhealthy “bent” in my personality, that professionals refer to as… “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder”. Is there “Selective OCD”? Because there are areas of my life I do not obsess over: doing bills, returning phone calls and emails, dusting, vacuuming, or things that may require planning or commitment.

If my math is correct, I could hit post #1000 on January 1st. But I hate math. You do it. 1 post a day through the end of the year - 80 days left… Ouch. Just typing numbers make my head feel like it’s gonna crack wide open. *gagging*

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Hey - how is the market affecting you? Have gas prices gagged your purse strings? I’m curious. Are you making different choices for your family? Cutting back? Will you keep your house colder this winter? Do you make your own lattes? Stocking up on socks, are you? Growing an extra layer of body hair, perhaps??? I hear large sea mammals (such as the walrus) have lots of blubber that keeps them warm…

I find I am tolerating a colder home, working harder to make food at home, drive less, I am thinking harder about purchases, PB&J & refried beans are more and more often a viable option for multiple meals in a row… but the most unfortunate result of this economic crisis is: my roots are horrible! Oh the travesty!!!

I am going to be sporting the grunge look a few weeks longer than is socially acceptable. Keeping up one’s roots, while important, is VERY expensive. Wall Street doesn’t even talk about this kind of stuff. Real sacrifices for real people. We bloggers, we keep it real… we keep it on the level. WE are the social media, and I feel it’s time I said something!!! The economy is affecting my hair, people!

Don’t bother asking a woman how the market is affecting her/her family… just look at her roots…. just look at her roots.

Go ahead. Laugh… but mark my words… Mark. My. Words. The roots… you will find your answer at the roots.

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Published
by
jenny
on October 11, 2008
in 365, Bloggy Bloggy, Friends, General, Go ahead, chime in!, I have answers, Ridiculous and Take My Advice
. 17 Comments

Inquiring minds want to know.

And who am I not to be of assistance? Yes, it is time to review the best of the 600-or-so searches that brought some very interesting folks my way in the month of September.

Outside of the usual “bump by the nose piercing” inquiries, various triathlon and marathon stomach ache issues, the there-is-no-way-I’m-publishing-THAT-for-public-viewing inquries, the “bedroom enhancement” inquries, and oh-my-heck… what’s up with all the “mistress” inquries??? I have selected my favorites to share here. Since these folks came here looking for answers, I feel compelled to answer them. That’s me, a giver.

site www.jennyonthespot.com wellness - I am working on that whole “wellness” thing. Sure hope you found something besides my posts that glorify Oreos.

site www.jennyonthespot.com ridiculous - Here.

how to make someone laugh on the spot - Tickle their belly… or toes. Or go here.

thinking literally - I’m a huge fan of thinking literally, when I actually THINK. But had you searched “literally thinking”, then I’m sure you’d not have ended up here. Me + thinking = not so much.

where can you get the shots to get your butt larger - You… Me - not on the same wavelength. I can’t help you with where to find shots for such things, but I have seen these. I hear some folks use these to sit on cold bleachers at high school football games to keep their tushies warm… Golly folks, I am a wellspring information. At your service. Continue reading ‘Inquiring minds want to know.’

Published
by
jenny
on October 1, 2008
in 365, Bloggy Bloggy, Delusions of Grandeur, General, I have answers, Take My Advice and Wasting Time
. 10 Comments

Tired of Making Lunches … Make Your Kids Do It!

School starts here tomorrow. I thought a school-related post would be appropriate. It is made possible by my dear friend Casey. Her name may sound familiar because I have mentioned her name before here and here and it is her fridge that will be featured this coming Friday!

Now. I know Casey, and she has earned a position of esteem in my life as a woman who can organize (and also dance… but that’s not the point here…)! But you may not know that about her, so I’m here to tell you… “Casey is an organizational Wizard!” That is why when she shared about her 4-drawer lunch packing system, I thot: “I want to bring this to My Public! I want the lives of My Public to be better each day, and this is something that must be shared.” And Casey, being the dependable (and organized!) friend that she is - got right on my request for pictures and information. 

So. If you have kids in school, who eat lunch, here a great idea… straight from my friend Casey!

I love these drawers!!! I’ve used this system for two years. I just make the sandwich and the kids do the rest by picking one item from each drawer …

Drawers:

  • Juice boxes or milk (in fridge)
  • Fruit roll-ups/snacks/cups &/or fresh fruit (in fridge)
  • Chips/Snacks (I even do baggies of gold fish or crackers so they are individual servings - only takes a half hour or so and saves $$)
  • Treats - cookies or granola bars (This can be a reward if they do all of their morning preparation without being reminded 100x)

They also learn that they don’t get to have more than one item in their lunch… you don’t get to have an entire lunch of fruit stuff. I’ve made Mondays and Fridays “Lunchable” days - it’s a reward for all of us… I don’t even have to make the sandwich :)

Preparation:

  • One trip to Costco,
  • open box
  • pour contents in drawer
  • :)
Give kids a month to get the system down. I tell my kids that if they don’t get their stuff put in their lunch in time, that I’ll make their lunch… and that they won’t get a dessert and maybe they won’t get the chips they like so they are motivated to get to making their lunches!  I still “check” their lunches occasionally to make sure that they aren’t double-dipping (especially at the beginning of the year when the drawers are at their “prime-pickin’”).

I am going to set this system up ASAP! Last year I had 1 in school, and I just let Cole get school lunches most days. It was easier… not healthier or cheaper, but easier. Anyway. This year I have 2 kids that will need lunches AND the lunch price has gone up… and income has gone down… I don’t need Einstein to help me do the math. So… the best way for me to get my kids a lunch each day (I know, I am such a good mom) - without me turning into a stressed-out monster is to have a plan. What I love about this plan is it requires the kids to play an active part in feeding themselves… and taking responsibility. My kids love independence and this gives them that - with boundaries. A big “WOOT!” to Casey for being a proactive problem solver and making my life easier :) *wipes tear* I miss you Casey…

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Published
by
jenny
on September 2, 2008
in 365, Bloggy Bloggy, Eats, General and Take My Advice
. 9 Comments

Note to self: Shaving and Camping

When camping, consider a new “path” for that leg hair. Braiding, perhaps? For oft-times the showers at camp are glorified caves with plumbing. A simple equation of words will demonstrate:

 

“Cave” = “Cold”

“Cold” = “Goose Bumps”

Alas…

“Shaving” + “Goose Bumps” = “Bloody stump of a leg”

Just say “NO!” to camp shaving.

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Published
by
jenny
on August 26, 2008
in 365, Beauty - ha!, General, Not So Much, Note to Self and Take My Advice
. 10 Comments

A contest!

OK, readers and writers of the maternal persuasion. You are literate (I assume since you not only read but also write). You are woman. You are strong. And you are broken… because those little people we “fondly” call “our children”… anyway. Ladies, MommaSaid.net has a the perfect contest for you and your drive to be famous and fabulous and win a $250 spa basket. I know.

Do you have a story to tell? Actually - do you have a Mom’s True Confession? That is what the folks at MommaSaid are looking for… It’s called the TrueMom Confessays™ Contest. You can get ALL the details here. But you need to get a move on - submissions for the contest ends June 22nd…

I am planning to submit something. I am not exactly sure what… I am going to troll my archives - or wait a day or two until my kids give me new material to work with. I’m thinking I may want to try a video - ooh, and wear make-up… and… and… I better win. Game. On.

Published
by
jennyonthespot
on June 17, 2008
in Bloggy Bloggy, Go ahead, chime in!, Mutha' Hood and Take My Advice
. 3 Comments

Party shortcuts: a few ideas on a Strawberry Shortcake party.

As I age, my standards get lower and lower and lower. Kind of like my… whatever…. 

My first child’s first birthday party had 2 character cakes (Bob & Larry of VeggieTales), goody bags, a BBQ with homemade salads, hand chopped produce, homemade side dishes, and hand made invitations as well as thank you cards… and like, 50 people.

Then there was his 8th birthday party - the one that was 4 months AFTER his birthday.

I’m thinking moderation is key. Cole’s first birthday was one extreme, his 8th was another. Funny how these events reflect the state of My mind… uber mania vs. uber guilt.

Continue reading ‘Party shortcuts: a few ideas on a Strawberry Shortcake party.’

Published
by
jennyonthespot
on June 3, 2008
in 365, Artsy Fartsy, Eats, General, Guilt, Lucy, Mutha' Hood, Skillz and Take My Advice
. 11 Comments

An Eggselent Idea

I know Easter is long gone now, but I just have to pass on this great idea - for next year. You may already know about this great idea, but just in case…

Hunting for eggs is never fair when more than one child is involved. You got your “egg-hoarder”, the “confused child”, your “laid-back” kid, maybe one kid who is not so quick out of the gate, and there is always the poor kid who is just “SOL”. Sorry, I cursed. But it’s true!

I went to a MOPS meeting last week, and heard this suggestion: assign colors.

That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Genius! Pure genius!

Maybe I love this idea because it exemplifies perfection - complete adult control! Aaaaaaand it worked for us on Sunday!

Each kid got a color. Each kid looked high and low for assigned color. The faster-finders helped the slower-finders, and it was quite heart-warming to watch the kids actually HELP each other instead of donning their full-body-tackle-gear in their desperate attempt to find as many eggs as possible.

After each child found their assigned color - they noticed 2 extra colors lying around - and each kid got to then find one more egg of each color… and again, by the end, the experienced hunters were creatively helping the strugglers find their extra eggs.

Win AND Win.

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Published
by
jennyonthespot
on March 25, 2008
in 365, General, Mutha' Hood, Spawn and Take My Advice
. 5 Comments