The Car

I was talking to a good friend this morning while I was driving (don't worry, using the ear piece) and found it hysterical that we both agreed that it is one of the only times you can actually talk in peace and quiet when you have kids. Yes, we have resorted to the car. The one place where you can truly be alone, they can't chase you, knock on the door, scream until you pick them up…if they aren't in it with you, it is actually the most quiet time of the day. Most days now, I don't even listen to the radio in the car. I just sit. I try to just be. Clear my head and say to myself "listen, do you hear that?" "Sure do, it's the gift of silence for 5, 10, 20 minutes."

Sometimes I use this time to catch up with good friends, family and colleagues, as I did today. And that makes me happy, too. But most of the time, I try to treasure that time.

In fact, just a week or so ago, Jason and I got in the car together in a rare occasion where we had a babysitter. As we drove off, I said to him, "do you hear that? Silence. We can actually focus and have a conversation." That's why this morning when my friend said, "is this a good time?" I said, "heck yeah, it's some of the only time I can actually talk." And to my utter enjoyment she told me about her two hour commute last week in the snow (she lives in the North) and just how wonderful it was because 1) she was out of the house after days of snow and 2) she was alone in silence. Who would have ever thought that we would brag about, even "enjoy" two hour commutes? If you have children, you understand and know why the car can be such a wonderful place now. So, go enjoy your time in the car!

The Winter Blues

Sorry I've been gone awhile. Have to admit it's been a tough few months and my motivation on all fronts has been pretty lame. So tired of the yucky weather and being sick. Come on, Spring!

So instead of continuing to not post and wallow, I figured I'd put it out there. Anyone else feeling sad? I love the recent "30 Rock" when Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) asks Jack (Alec Baldwin) if the reason it's called being SAD is because of seasonal affective disorder. Never thought of that, but it makes so much sense. The dark winter months make me want to sleep and eat…basically hibernate. But of course, our children don't want to do that. In fact, they want to climb the walls because they can't go outside (and really I'm talking about the weekends because I do have day care and am very fortunate for that).

So for now, I am going to blame my snappiness, irritation and lack of patience on the weather and winter and hope that my attitude gets better soon.

Of course, during all of this ranting, I feel totally guilty because Sydney is not a bad child, yet I find myself complaining and moping. I really need to get over it! Any suggestions out there!? C'mon moms!

Best friend or enemy? The mother-daughter relationship

Best friend or enemy? The mother-daughter relationship - Family and health: "With all due respect, I often compare the mother-daughter relationship to being on a roller coaster, the big, scary kind that you’re able to see from the next town over and whose passengers can be heard shrieking from miles away."

I just saw this on the Today show's Facebook page. It was of instant interest to me because yes, I have a daughter, and yes, I am petrified of the teen years already! In fact, the moment she was born (we didn't know if she was a boy or girl) I had flashes in my head of screaming matches with her 13 years later. Ugh! But it seems this book might just help us through it.

I read the article. It sounds like a great book. I think I will get it and let you guys know what I think of it. The first sentence (above) really nailed it for me, so if this author sticks to his promise, Sydney and I might actually like each other still in 20 years. I guess we'll have to see. In the meantime, check it out and let me know what you think. For those of you with sons, I think some of this will apply, as setting up two chairs (figuratively or physically) next to each other and just talking might work for you, too!

Parenting Your Strong Willed Child

Thanks to Liz Graber for this post, she actually sent me the link below to the article about this topic after we had a girls dinner and discussed just how challenging our very opinionated, daddy-loving, little girls are. Hers is about a year and a half and of course, Sydney is 3. It was right around Scarlett's (Liz's daughter) age that we invested in 1-2-3 Magic. Love that book and process. But, lately as Sydney has gotten to truly be 3, we have faced some challenges. This article is go great. Jason loved and it and we even shared it with my mom who of course said, "wish I had this when you were young." What? My child is a chip off the ole' block, no. I knew I would get my time, and it's only just begun. Anyway, here's a link to Liz's blog and the article. Remember, strong-willed children "often become leaders." Hmm.

http://marriedforlaughter.blogspot.com/

http://yourparentingsolutions.com/parenting-tools/positive-discipline/Parenting-Strong-Willed-Child

What it means to be a mom

Saw this through a tweet this morning. You have to take two minutes and watch it. Warn you, brings tears. Have a great day and remember why we are all important (even when your child screams at you and throws a fit before 8 a.m.).

Cinderella

I just had to share this because it cracks me up! Yes, a little guilty about laughing at (I mean with) my child, but how cute is this. Another aspect of the guilt...yes, I bribed her to get out of Target on Sunday by buying her the Cinderella gloves, necklace and purse. What have I started!

The back story...it was my mom's (Mimi) birthday the day before and we had just sung her Happy Birthday, which then led to sending Daddy a kiss because he was in Orlando. Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

Ok, so it's WAY past New Year and life has already gotten in the swing of things. Sorry for being gone so long. The usual, you know, except that the last few weeks have definitely been tough with illness, work deadlines, oh my! Anyway, will be back soon with some good guilt stuff, but in the meantime, wanted to get rid of my guilt and tell you all hello, hope everyone's doing well and feel free to post anytime about your guiltfree or guilty days.
Take care, Shelly