Who Are You..I Am Me

I am just me

I am a whole lot of other things that makes ME who I am: that completes me. What makes up who you are today?

I am a Mother. I do not work outside of my home therefore Motherhood that is my full time job. I love my job with all my heart. I make many sacrifices ever day that I am truly blessed to be able to make. Being a Mother I have learned it is has it's up days and it's down days. It also had many dirty days with some clean days thrown in there. Being a Mother makes up a lot of me.

I am a Wife.

 I strive to be the best Wife I can be for my Husband, although I have learned to accept we are both not near perfect. I have slowly learned that I am not right in every argument. In fact arguments are almost always pointless. Almost seven years later in our marriage I have learned that communication is one the top keys to success. And to have your marriage run smoothly and succeed you really do need  God in it. If you both allow God in your marriage, your marriage may run much more smoothly. Most importantly never forget why you fell in love.

I am a dreamer, achiever, a Daughter and Sister.

I am a writer.

I wrote my first short story in elementary school that won an award. Ever since I was just a little elementary student walking the halls that little girl knew she wanted to write a book in hopes to get it published. Writing will always be a apart of me. In the school days secretly writing while pretending to pay attention because something popped into my head. I will always be a writer. I share my dreams of becoming an author someday.

And why is it that we allow ourselves to fall into the trap and feel like in today's society sometimes we are not good enough being just: ourselves? Why do we often feel like we have to always strive to be the best in today's world. Better and better. Of course it's okay to want to better ourselves but not to feel accepted. Let's accept everyone for who they are; their personality, their faults and imperfections.

If they don't write a perfectly drafted blog post, look beyond that, if their home is messy with kids running around, look beyond that. If someone is having a rough day and slips a naughty word, brush it off and say it's okay.

We are not perfect. We are just us. You are just you and I am just me. And that is okay because we are all brilliant in our own ways. 

What makes you who you are?

             

Bringing Caleb Home - Guest Post by One Ruud Mom

Today I am excited to share a special guest post from One Ruud Mom. Be sure to give her blog some love. 

Bringing my son Caleb home with us was probably one of the proudest, but scariest, moments of my life.

Here I was, a first-time, full-time mom, and I had no idea what I was doing.

Fast forward a year and the joy of being a mom full-time had consumed me to the point I knew I wanted to stay home.  After a talk about finances with my husband Joel and the realization that my whole paycheck was going into daycare and insurance, we came to the conclusion that staying home was possible.  So I quit my job and prepared for life as a stay-at-home mom.

Leaving the workplace, taking him out of daycare, and knowing I'd be the primary source of Caleb's entertainment scared me.  What if we come to realize that we can't afford this and we end up homeless?  What if he hates spending time with me?  What if I'm a horrible mom and I just haven't realized it yet?

Of course, I was expecting to have to make huge adjustments being at home full-time with Caleb.  What I wasn't expecting was to get pregnant right away once I was.

 I know how babies are made so I can't say that getting pregnant was an accident. but being pregnant so soon was unexpected.  After experiencing loss and having to try for almost a year to get pregnant with Caleb, did I think the first time I got pregnant again would take?  Not a chance.

Because of this, we only told a few people the news.

I was an emotional wreck processing the arrival of a second full-time child, but the problem with telling anybody that you are pregnant is that the news gets out.  I was having a hard enough time coming to terms with being pregnant again, on top of that I had to deal with people asking questions constantly and people I didn't want to know finding out when all I wanted to do was stand on a mountain and scream, "I DON'T KNOW IF I'M READY FOR THIS!".

Enter: the struggle with mom guilt.

Having two children at home has always been a hopeful minimum for Joel.  Here I had been saying since Caleb came home that I would be perfectly happy with one but I agreed to try for another and bam! I'm pregnant.

Now I'm thinking, this is too soon.  This is not fair to Caleb.  He just turned a year old and he just started adjusting to life with me at home.  I can't believe I'm doing this to him.

Then I'm thinking that I'm a jerk for thinking those things.  I am so blessed to be pregnant again.  Once I made it through the first trimester, I breathed a sigh of relief knowing we had made it and that I didn't have to go through what I went through with Caleb.  I knew I should be over the moon that this blessing is ours, I shouldn't be questioning it.  But I am questioning it.  For the last six months, I have been feeling all sorts of conflicted that this is my life.

I have been so focused on spending time with Caleb.  I wanted to make the most out of all of the time the two of us have left together, but life happens.

We moved out of our apartment which was the most stressful move of my life.  Then we stayed with my parents for a month before finding our first home.  Then we moved into our first home, another stressful move.  Then Joel had to take on a ridiculous amount of extra hours at work because with the house our finances were wicked tight.  Then Joel took on even more hours because his busy season had arrived, there were so many things, one right after the other.  Time is moving way too fast and I don't know what to do to slow it down.

I have gone to bed many nights crying because I didn't do enough with Caleb that day.  I have dreaded talking to my mom because I know she will ask me what we did and when I say, "We went to the park, ate lunch outside, and then took a nap together this afternoon." I will convince myself that's not enough.

Then more guilt sets in when I share with Joel that I don't think it's enough.  He sees Caleb as a happy toddler that adores his family and to him, the fact that Caleb is healthy and fed and goes to bed every night happy and wakes up happier every morning is enough.  He adds that if I keep stressing out about what we do each day, I'm going to look back and wish I had just lived in the moment.

And he's right.

Guilt has a way of consuming me and what I need to do is just take it day by day.

Yes, life is going to change with two kids at home and if Caleb doesn't hate me for bringing another baby into the picture, eventually he will hate me for something else.  It comes with the territory of being a mom, right?

So today I am saying goodbye to this very real mom guilt.  It has gone on long enough.

Here's to a few more weeks as a pregnant full-time mom of one.

4 Simple Road Trip Tips With kids- Part 2

Welcome to part two of the "mini series" of how to plan a family vacation.

If you missed part one here is the link. How To Plan A Vacation Where I give seven simple tips and advice. You don't want to miss out on part one.

Part two I am going to talk about traveling with the little ones. My Husband and I started traveling long distance with out Daughters when our youngest was about nine months old. Her first vacation was to St. Louis Missouri. Of course she doesn't remember but the other two might. That is what pictures are for right? Ha!

Any who... Here are four simple tips I have learned and experienced along the way that have made our road trips less hair pulling as parents.

1. Pack A Entertainment Bag. A few days ahead of the big road trip make a little shopping trip at your local Dollar Tree or Target's dollar section. Create each child their own traveling bad of entertainment to do when they get bored in the car. 
2. Pack a cooler. Every long road trip ahead of us we pack a small to medium cooler. In the cooler includes snacks, drinks for along the way and for our lunch stop and sandwiches. Yes...we prepare a handmade lunch for the road because there is nothing better than stop, stretching and letting those little ones run around for a bit while eating lunch. Rest stops are great for this. Some even have grills, a small playground and beautiful look outs. 
3. Download the rest stop app.  usa rest stops. I am so happy I found this app on our vacation going up. I missed the mile warning sign of our first rest stop. I knew there had to be an app that would let us know where all the rest areas are on the highways. Lone behold there is! I even was able to test it out for you. It works amazing and we didn't  miss another potty break for out Daughters. Lets face it having three Daughters under the age eight...there are multiple stops. 
4. Go vintage! Remember all those educational car games we use to play as a child growing up? You know like the alphabet game and so on? bring those back. I totally understand how entertaining and reliable the new age DVD player and apple Ipads can be. Although make the car rides a little memorable for your child. 

Do you have some tips you would like to add in a comment below? I'd love to hear from you!

Should We Be Raising Country Girls?

"Mom can get some chickens?" Asked our Daughter Vivian.

"Mom how about we get a pet goat someday" Says another Daughter of ours.

"I would really love to have a horse." Adds in our oldest Daughter.

I too may or may not want all of those animals along with some sheep. Actually...I'd love to own some sheep. It's a dream of mine. My Grandmother had a Passion for sheep and that is how I learned about sheep and wool as a child. Now whenever I hear sheep or about wool all I think about is my Grandmother D. and how Truly amazing she was and close we were before she became ill and passed.

"May we go visit Grandma and Grandpa D. pretty please and see the cows?" asked all three Daughters.

My parents live next to a hobby farm in the country. Last year they had a bunch of cows. This year they have a baby calf and they are soon getting another I think?! Around the corner there is a horse farm with lessons and chickens. Plus our daughters can run wild in the giant yard with corn fields around them. Our Daughters love getting out of the city just as much as we do whenever possible.

Which started making me really question.....are we raising country girls in the city? Are we forcing country girls to be raised here in the suburbs of Grand Rapids?

I remember as a little girl being raised in the city ( still living here) dreaming of owning a farm. I ran outside barefoot without shoes once it was finally warmed up. I played with the boys and in the mud.  I learned how to use a hammer and nails before I knew how to brush my own hair. I learned how to garden and mow the grass and fell in love with it at a young age. I grew up horse back riding with my Father. I think my yearning for farm living came from my own Father and now maybe have passed onto my own Daughters.

My Daughters can't wait to run outside without shoes now once it warms up. They want any type of pet they can think of. Typically farm animals that are not allowed her in the city limits. I have to break the news to them that their not allowed in the city. They are not afraid of farm animals what so ever. You would think so... but their not!

Our Daughters love to run like they can as my parents home. As their Mother I feel like I am trapping them in a cage known as our small city yard. There is not a day when it's warmer when they are not sandy or muddy or have a new scrap. Although they are a tad more girly than I was at their age and that is perfectly fine with me.

I dream someday soon we can move to a cute old farm house and heck who knows have a mini farm with animals that I am sure would turn into pets. Oh joy.....

Pinch Me- Is It Already Summer Break?

As I lay in bed this morning listening to the wild turkeys gobbling, the sun shinning in the window and all three girls snuggled in bed with me I thought to myself..." pinch me is it already summer break?!"

You mean I don't have to rush and hear myself repeat the phrase three times every morning..." girls hurry you have 10 minutes before we have to walk out the door or we'll be late!" I can actually get a break from the UN so thrilling school drop-off and pick-up lanes? I don't have to be the strict warrior Mom about bedtimes for a few months?!

Here is to summer break with dirt covered toes, Popsicle covered faces and the neighborhood filled with the sound of children's voices coming from every which direction. Ah summer have I ever so missed you.

Here is to being able to enjoy my first hot cup of coffee on the comfort of my own front porch in the mornings. Along with late night bedtimes and hopes of sleeping in. That is if the early morning riser doesn't wake everyone up.

Lastly...here is to no schedule and to saying no less often and yes more often. Hello summer!

Don't get my wrong I enjoy the school year and think school is great for our Daughters...but I sure do love them being home with me and being able to spend quality time with our girls. 

What do you look forward to about summer break as a Mom, Dad or maybe not even as a parent? 

A Mothers Day At Envy Spa

As a Mother life can become busy yet very rewarding. Becoming a Mother has been the best life blessings that has happened to me. It has taught me how to look at life differently, take a step back and have fun again. It has also given me something new that I am not yet use to and still learning to deal with naturally...that is called anxiety. With anxiety comes stress and tension that does our body no good. Over time Motherhood can take a toll on our tough Motherly bodies from carrying babies to toddlers on our hips. Even heavy diaper bags on outings. This is when a day or evening at the spa sounds fabulous and rejuvenating. Have you ever been to a spa for a massage?

Photo Credit: http://www.massageenvy.com

I had the honor of visiting the most lovely spa in Grandville, Michigan. I was greeted by the owner of the Massage Eny Spa- Grandville location and toured the facility. I was really impressed with their professionalism by the staff and the building. They made me feel right at home without a doubt.

Since this was my first deep tissue massage I had plenty of questions. During my massage the massage therapist was very professional. She knew every question I drilled her and made sure I felt comfortable. The following day (today) I didn't even feel like I was hit by a train as I heard a lot of people say from other places. I felt amazing from so many as I call them knots being worked on in my shoulder and neck area. As a writer and Mother those are key areas. I can't wait to go back for my next massage. I may even try their facials too.

Below are  a few deals that Massage Envy Spa has going on for Mothers Day. The Grandville location also has this deal going on: Buy a gift card worth $100, and get a free 1/2 hour upgrade!

Massage Envy Spa

For only $59.99, Mom can receive an introductory one-hour Murad(R) Healthy Skin facials to fit her specific skincare needs. Or, for $49.99, she can receive an introductory, one-hour massage therapy session. And something extra special that locations in this particular region are doing: Buy a gift card worth $100, and get a free 1/2-hour upgrade.

The more than 1,000 Massage Envy Spa locations across the country offer a variety of massage treatments including Swedish, trigger point, deep tissue, sports and prenatal. The proven benefits of routine massage include improved circulation, joint flexibility and posture, relief from pain and swelling caused by arthritis, reduced blood pressure, fatigue, migraine pain and stress, as well as improved sleep, concentration and overall sense of well-being. Other services that are part of Massage Envy Spa's Enhanced Therapies menu include Aroma Therapy, Sugar Foot Scrub Therapy and Deep Muscle Therapy, which can be added to any massage to enhance the experience and stress relief.

Below is the link to find a Massage Envy Spa near you!

Southeast Michigan Massage Envy Spas

Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt For All Ages

Spring has officially arrived. I don;t know about you but for myself as a Mom of three beautiful Daughters I am so excited for spring. 

I love the fact that I can send them outside in the backyard to play and have a clean house for a few. Although I think my dirt covered three year old makes up for it. Ha! Our backyard does not grow grass that well. If your have read previously we are in the makes of a backyard makeover. 

With spring arriving along with my Daughters always wanting to be outdoors and find objects I figured I would create a fun filled: Scavenger Hunt themed all about nature.

Please note this is not original size. It is larger.

While creating this fun filled nature scavenger hunt I made sure it had accountable objects for our three year old Daughter to find. I also made it easier for beginner readers. I wanted my two young readers to either read it on their own or sound the wo
rds out.

lastly...if you take a look closer you will find one thing that helps our earth. Can't forget about helping out our earth even if it's not Earth day.

Enjoy your hunts! Pin it! Print it! 

A New Tag Line- I Need Your Help!

SO I have been pondering for a long while on a good tag line for the blog. When I mean a long while I mean for about two years. Wow time sure flies when your having a blast doesn't it?! So I came up with two very similar tag lines. I can't decide which I feel fit....

So I need your help!

I am asking you to please leave me a comment below with which one you feel fits the blog better.

1. A Mother behind three Daughters.
2. A Mother behind three Sisters.

As you read there isn't really much difference between them besides one word. Ah! Though one word can make a total difference. You will also see the blog under go some new pretty work in the near future. Yay! I feel like I have been working on the appearance of my blog for about two years now trying to get my blog where I truly want it. have you been in that rut before? I also think I finally figured out what I am going to gear my blog around and stick to it. 

I will be switching gears towards mainly to a Home DIY and Mommy blog. Our home is under renovations and I have so much to share! I'll also throw in some fashion,  and recipe posts in once in a while since I love fashion. Lastly of course I will be keeping everyone more up to date on Helen's eyes along with adding in my fitness journey I just became apart of! 

Why It's Important To Have A Mom BF

Once you become a Mom/parent it becomes hard to navigate your social lifestyle. Your late night feedings sometime leave you feeling like a Mom zombie. Those first few months your baby is home, often leave you feeling non-social to the outside world. Your baby is then old enough to start school and you become consumed with PTO or some sort of school activities. Eventually then come the sports.

During Motherhood/parenthood there are so many transitions, difficulties, excitements, battles, surprises and news that we get to go through and share with our significant other. Although as a Mother I have learned it's also great to have the MBF which stands for a Mom Best Friend to share some of them with too.

You have probably heard of the abbreviation MBF going around. When I first heard what a Mom Best Friend is I sat and pondered for a while about the true qualities in a MBF. I also questioned what makes a MBF? Do I even have an MBF myself? I have my Mom friends that I have "Moms night out" with on occasions. You know those "days" where your thankful your not bald and you haven't been out in a couple of weeks. Or those days your earning for "real adult Mom conversation over coffee at Starbucks."

So what is a MBF? A MBF is a Best Friend who is also a Mom. Imagine it as your Best Friend you had before kids. Well now you just have kids and are both Moms now. Although it's not always simple or easy to have those special Mom friendships. The friendships take more work than they did before. They take a little more understanding than before you both had kids. A MBF should be someone who you feel you do not have to compete with. A friend you can call and just chat with about your stressful days, blah days and great days. A MBF is someone who is there for you and does not judge you as a Mom.

So why is it important to have a MBF? Well because as Moms we all need that friend to relate to, talk to, and laugh out loud with. Even if it has to be on the phone on most days because well...your both Moms and you both totally understand that. Trust me it is wonderful once you have found your MBF.

Do you have a MBF? How did you guys meet?

Valentines Day & A Little Love Juice

Valentines day is one of our favorite holidays. When I say ours I mean my Daughters and I of course. MY husband has never really been involved too much in Valentines day and that's okay. Holidays become about your children when you become a parent anyways right? 

I think my Daughters enjoy the hallmark holiday so much because it's full of pinks, reds and some purple...and lastly hearts. Lots of hearts.  

We spent our Valentines weekend spending quality time reading in the mornings, the new book, "I Like You" from Anthropologie. The perfect book for all ages.

I truly feel Valentines day is geared towards a holiday around girls and women. I hope you didn't forget to do something special for that guy in your life. Whether it may be your Husband, Boyfriend, Fiance, Brother or even your Dad.

 Did you do  something special? What was it? 

I wouldn't have been Valentines weekend without some "Love Juice" now would it? Did you have love juice this past weekend? Ours turned into "Silly Juice" with tons of giggles in the end. That's okay I love seeing my Daughters full of laughter. It's the best medicine for this Mom right here. 

lastly- of course our weekend ended brutally cold leaving sounds in middle of the night I have never heard. I mean wind chills up to -30. Leaving our -8 temperature feeling almost near -20 I believe. That's what happens when you live in Michigan though. I try not to complain...but I cannot guarantee I won't. ha! 

How did you spend your Valentines day?!

Top 5 On The Go Photo Editing Apps

From those of you who follow my Instagram account I have received many emails and personal messages about how I edit my photos on my phone. I was even asked to write a blog post about what apps and I use on my phone to edit my photos.  Today is your lucky day! I am giving away my secrets.

I honestly do a lot of my editing for my photos for my blog even on my phone. It is just a lot easier since I am busy Mom of three Daughters on the go. I have two Daughters in school full time, I home school our youngest for half the day, and house chores consume and meals take over the remainder of my day. Then...soccer season kicks in and I a lot of times do editing while I watch/ wait during our oldest Daughters soccer practices. We are already in count down to this coming soccer season. Believe it or not IPhone and other cell phones have a ton of great photo editing apps now. Here are the what I like to call my favorite that I use daily, "on the go photo editing apps."

Here is an before and after photo I edited that my Dad sent me in a text. From last week while we had a beautiful snow fall here in Michigan. I used VSCOcam.

My Top On The Go Photo Editing Apps. 

(I have downloaded most of these for free or a small charge.)

1. VSCOcam APP:  I do a ton of my editing with this photo app. This is where I get my bright pictures. I love the exposure, temperature and contrast in this app.  They are very easy to work with and is number one on my list. 
2. ProCam: I often take my pictures through this app. It is based around a professional photographer camera. It has an ISO to play just like a professional camera along with other settings before you take the photo. 
3. Adobe Photo shop Mix: This is like an IPhone simple version. You can do basic photo editing techniques. 
4. A Beautiful Mess: I love using this when I feel like getting creative or making a collage. This app has words you can add to your photo, arrows and other fun ideas to get creative. 
5. InstaSize: I love this app and use it a lot. If you follow me on Instagram you would notice by my photos that I pose here and there. When I don't wan to crop a photo or want a photo to look more professional I use this app. It instantly changes the size of my photo for me and links my photo right to my Instagram. 

Other Photo Apps On My phone

here are a few other photo editing apps I have on my phone that I use once in a while. 

1. BeFunky

2. Framatic M

3. FastEdits

4.PhotoCollage

If you have any more questions about photo editing please leave a comment below and I will respond. If you have a questions about another topic that has to do with blogging, ETC. again feel free to comment below or email me at: Kaitlynhoff3@GMail.com

And don't forget to follow Three Sisters and Us on INSTAGRAM: @katemarie3
We love to follow our insta-followers back!

How I fought Off The Terrible No Good Flu- Recipe Included

It may already be the first week into a the new year and I am already sick. Let me explain. New Years Eve I came down with one of the most dreadful cases of the flu strains out there. Okay maybe the worse I've ever had. I am not typically a cry baby when I am sick. I am Mother who pushes through any sickness. Not this time! I was in bed...couldn't lift my head or arms...there were joints in my body that hurt I didn't even know existed people. A couple days later after having the flu I cried like a baby. Yes I am admitting it! I believe most people in my situation were/ would have gone to the ER. Me....well I had the thought of "there were more sick people and germs there."

Our Christmas Recap 2014

Christmas has come and gone. Now all the holiday cheer is packed and tucked away until we meet again in 2015. Wow does that sound strange to say. Are you like me where you still forget and end up writing the previous year on papers? 

All in all this year was a great Christmas well spent with immediate family as well as some of our extended family. Also this year was Betsey's first Christmas with our family. I'd say she fit in pretty well. 

Lastly of course the big jolly of Santa made I believe his last pit stop at our home. I don't think there will be no more convincing my little smarty pants no longer. Does your child still believe in Santa?

Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas!

                                         

DIY Christmas Tree Ornament

I love Christmas, it is one of my favorite holidays of the year. There is just something about Christmas that feels so warm, cozy and joyful even though it may be cold and sometimes frightful outside. Unless you live somewhere south or out on the west coast. Then I may envy you at times when I am brushing my car off in  negative wind chills. 

 When it comes to Christmas it seems to bring out the craft side in me more than the other holidays. One of my favorite things to do around Christmas is Creating new decorations for our home, creating gifts for family and friends and having fun quality time getting messy with our Daughters. 

With that being said, here is an easy DIY card stock Christmas tree ornament.  Great for most ages kindergarten and up. The younger children may need your assistance. 

 .

 You may hang the ornaments from your tree or anywhere in your home that heart desires. As you can see I hung mine on my dinning room tables center piece last year. This year they are hung on the same tree but next to our TV.

Supplies needed:          

• Holiday card stock paper
• A cup to trace the circles
• Scissors 
• Pencil to trace with.
• Glue stick
• A thinner yarn

How to step by step:

1. Trace all the circles you need with the glass.
2. Cut out your circles.
3. Fold your circles in half. (fold the ugly side of the card stock facing out.)
4. You will need at least 6 circles for each ornament. (you can use less or more if you choose to.)
5. Glue the ugly sides together.
6. Cut your string and tie a slip knot at the end.
7. Add the string right before you glue the last folded circle in.
8. Trim if needed and your done. 

5 Minute Face To Get You Out The Door by: Pardon My French

Hello lovely readers of Three Sisters and Us, Kaitlyn was kind enough to let me take over her blog for a day. I'm Kelsey and I blog over at Pardon My French, where I chronicle life with three toddlers and a baby on the way. I throw in a mom outfit every so often too! But today let's talk makeup....

More specifically, on the go makeup. Clearly we don't all have the time to sit and put a full face of makeup up on every morning, but who wants to be the mom at preschool drop off that looks like an extra in the Walking Dead? Not I my friends....not I. Insert the five minute face!

1. Foundation- When I am in a rush I really can't bother with the whole foundation application. Instead I will use a few drops of foundation mixed with my moisturizer and rub it on my face. You get the best of both worlds right here, moisture and light coverage. You know that....oh I totally woke up like this look. I really like the bareMinerals Bare Skin foundation for this.

2. Concealer- Were you up with a baby all night, or how about a coughing toddler, or snoring husband? Cover those dark circles. My mama always said...fake it till you make it! I love the YSL concealer, but it is a total splurge, Maybelline makes a great dupe for this one.

3. Blush- Cream blush is such a natural looking way to bring color to your face. I like to use creams in the winter since my skin is already trying to soak up all the moisture it can from the Alaskan cold temps. Just a few dabs on the cheek bones and you are ready! Make Up For Ever cream blush is my go-to.

4. Mascara- Wake up those eyes with a little mascara, just a quick coat will make all the difference. My all time fav is the Loreal Voluminous, I don't care how many high end brands I try I always come back to this one.

5. Lip gloss- Last but not least, lips! I usually lean towards the lip stick variety, but early mornings with little children pulling at my legs begging for food that is sitting on the table already.....lip gloss always lip gloss. NYX butter gloss is a staple in my bathroom, car, and purse. They are smooth but not sticky and they come in so many different colors.

And that is it! I promise it is quicker than it reads, and it really will put a little pep in your step for the day.

What are some of your quick morning routines?

Today I take The Pledge

Today's post is a little different than what I usually write. Today I am taking the pledge for no cell phone use during driving.

Take the pledge with me today! http://www.itcanwait.com/all

Don't get me wrong I am usually really super good about no use of my cell phone while driving in my car.

Why am I taking the stand/pledge on my blog? I am because it needs to be known that this is a serious problem out there on our roads. Today I have encountered that problem myself with my Daughter in the car with me while driving on our way back home after school drop off for my older two Daughters. The other driver was texting and driving. Thankfully I was very alert with my surrounding and was eyeing the guy on his phone texting. Though I honestly thought he would start paying attention to the road. He did not, but maybe a split second. In the end I was ran off the road, blaring on my horn at the "texting driver", and had to slam on my breaks leaving my hot coffee all over myself.

I am thankful my Daughter and I are okay because it could have so much worse. I am thankful my car is okay too.

If you ever see a reckless driver because they are on their cell phone texting or talking do not hesitate to report them.

A Very Tough Talk With The Girls

Once I turned twenty I was officially no longer that "Teen Mom" and now a "Mom" at least in my own eyes. Or at least that's what I thought...for about eight years so far being a Mom.

It was just recently in the past couple weeks that our five year old Daughter had found out we had her Sister (our oldest) before we were married. Not a big secret to the world but it was to our Daughters till....well recently. (Although I believe our Oldest kind of knew from viewing our wedding photos in the past with me. ) 

Our five year old Daughter came up to me one day while I was in the kitchen putting away the dishes, stood next to me and asked, " Did you have Ev before you and Daddy got married?" I was a little in awe and didn't know quit what to respond with but the truth. I sat down with her and explained to our five year old in what I thought to be the best way for  five year old to understand.

Then in the conversation was another difficult question for me to answer as her Mom. She continued  to ask me, "Why didn't you get married first like your suppose to?" As a once Teen Mom I feel this is one of the most difficult questions to answer to your children. You have to be so beyond careful how you word it. I feel as a Mom I did the best job I could with this conversation out of nowhere.

I hope my Daughters were/ are all able to understand from this one conversation and now the little conversations we have here and there, that education comes first, then marriage and then....kids!

Have you had to have a tough talk with your child/children in the past that was hard for you as a parent?

4 Parenting Disciplinary Don'ts

1. Yelling. It is just plane not effective. At least not in our household. I have learned that from my own experience with our Daughters. Yelling can cause a reaction of shame, or hurt. It can also cause your child to build anger and to start yelling back. Now when I feel myself getting  to the point of that frustration where I feel like yelling I take a deep breath and count to ten in my head. For example if after telling my Daughters a handful times to clean their room and they ignore me. It actually helps. Why? I believe while doing so my Daughters know I am not a happy Mama at this point. What do you do that helps you from yelling?
2. Bribing. My husband and weren't guilty of this one till we had our third Daughter.  Bribing your child to be good is a big...no no. Doing so you are only going to get short lived results of good behavior from your child. Bribing your child to be good is not teaching them responsibility of how to behave properly. 
3. Empty Threats. I am still terrible at this one and my family members remind me. Empty threats are a no no because eventually your child is going to learn that you're not going to follow through and there is no punishment in the long run. Empty threats are teaching our children that they can get away with misbehaving. 
4. No Undermining Your Partner. Are children are sneaky and very smart. Don't you remember when you were a child when your Mom told you no so you ran off to your Dad? Our Daughters have learned this trick all to well. Now My Husband and I have figured out the game and beat them to it. We simply reply with, "What did your Mom/ Dad say?" It is very important to stick together as parenting partners. Not being a team can become very stressful. 

I know I fail at these here and there because I am not a perfect parent. All I can do is try and try again because it is whats best for my Daughters. Every time I try and follow through they become better listeners, and are that much more responsible. 

What other tips help you with your child?