Curtain Rods

Chip and I have been concentrating heavily on curtain rods since Austin home building is basically non-existent these days. We have been telling each other for years that we need to start pushing the curtain rods more, come up with new product lines, etc. But we've always been to busy. Well, now that we do (somewhat), it's really taken off. I've also been learning about SEO (search engine optimization). It's a crazy world, and I'm positive I'll never understand it completely. But, we are selling lots more curtain rods to people all over the country.

School is Starting

Yay. School is starting next week. Summer was fun, but I'm ready to get back into our routine. And I think the kids are too. Katie is really excited about first grade and Mackenzie goes into her new pre-K classroom at day care. Jack doesn't know the difference, but he does move to an older kids classroom as well.

And with school, starts the activities. Katie's playing fall soccer and probably attending a tumble & cheer class at My Time Kids. Mackenzie is going to continue her weekly tumbling class there also. She loves it! I guess it's time to get Jack into something as well. What could that be? A baby and me class? What else is there for 18-month-olds?

Wow...

My girls ate dinner in their pj's from last night. Yes, they did not change their clothes today. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Sleep ...after 6 1/2 years

My oldest kiddo is 6+ and my youngest is 18 months. After about 6 1/2 years, I am consistently getting good sleep. Or should I say longer sleep. I've almost always slept well. It's just that for awhile now, I haven't been sleeping enough. I can now go to sleep around 11 pm, sleep until 8 am, and get 9 hours!! It's incredible. There were periods of time (when my kiddos were newborns) when I got interrupted sleep and times when I got less sleep because I had two or three kids on different schedules. So hang in there..."good" sleep is in your future.

New dentist

We went to a new pediatric dentist last week, and Katie had her first cavity. But I was too amazed by the doctor's office to really notice. The lobby was decorated very nicely and there were plenty of toys to keep the kids entertained. But the exam area had my mouth on the floor. They had televisions on the ceiling so when you lay down, you can watch a movie. They chose their movie and their cleaning flavor and their fluoride flavor. At the end, they got goodie bags with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, toys, pencils and stickers galore because there's a filled sticker hanger in every room. My girls LOVE the dentist. I asked when I could sign up to come there.

My Son the Biter

My son is 16 months old and is officially a biter. My oldest went through this period when she was about the same age, although it was quick and pretty harmless. My second kiddo never bit, which is somewhat surprising to me.

I got the call today from the day care center saying your kids are great...nothing is wrong with them. It's just that J bit another child on the face and broke the skin. And drew blood. She was quick to add that it was only one small drop of blood, but they have to call when the skin is broken. She already called the victim's parents and they were very understanding. Apparently, the victim is a frequent biter.

So what is a parent to do? When I try to discipline him, he laughs. Which is what he did to his teacher today. Does he understand that biting is wrong when we tell him? I guess I'll go Google it and see what the experts have to say. Is it wrong that Google substitutes for a pediatrician?

You know you're a mom when...

-You pull some toilet paper off the roll and it has holes in it where your one-year-old clawed the roll.

-You can't figure out why the zipper on your pants won't work until you realize that the pants are on inside-out.

-You constantly have food stuck to the bottom of your feet.

-Stories on the news about kids seriously affect you.

-Even though you don't agree with leaving your kids on the street, you understand the impulse to do it.

-You have bruises all over your body without knowing how they got there.

-You are truly thankful for Spongebob (and you've seen most of the episodes).

-You are totally out of shape (who has the time?), except for your arms which are like He-Man from picking up kids all day.

-More to come...

New Blog

My hubby and I are building a "barndominium" for my parents as a ranch house. I started a blog so friends and family can follow our progress. I'm also hoping that others reading the blog can get some useful information if they are building something similar. See the blog at Texas Barndominium.

Swine flu - 1; Me - 0

So we did have to change our trip. I know it's the best decision for everyone, but I'm still disappointed. We decided to stay in the U.S. We are flying into Phoenix and staying at the Intercontinental Montelucia. It looks like a nice resort, and it has a couple of pools. I'm bummed we don't get to go to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, but I'll still get to relax and sleep late. And I get to spend time with my hubby that includes finishing a conversation and eating a meal slowly.

Swine Flu

I've had a trip to Mexico scheduled for about 6 months and I have been looking forward to it for that long. As parents know, these trips are rare and very exciting!! If the [insert expletive here] swine flu prevents me from going on my trip, I'm going to be VERY, VERY upset.

Weekend Away

It's been awhile, but I'm still here. I'm going out of town for the weekend without the kiddos. I'm pretty excited. I am leaving my husband and kids to have a relaxing weekend with the girls, going to the spa and having dinners at places without kids' menus. This brings up another topic. My husband. I am really fortunate to have a hubby who wants to be fully involved with his kids. He has car seats for all 3 in his car, helps full-time when he's home from work, does most baths and story times, etc. As a wife of this kind of dad, it's hard for me to understand dads who don't do this. I guess every couple has their methods, but I really enjoy being able to rely on my hubby to help out. So I can leave tomorrow and not give my husband any directions and things will flow perfectly (unless you count the girls' outfits)! Thanks honey!

Domino Magazine

I was really upset to go to Domino Magazine's web site and see that their March 2009 issue was their last. Apparently, they couldn't get the advertising they needed & had to pack it up. I thoroughly enjoyed the magazine and the web site, even though, like most decorating magazines I read, the majority of the stuff was out of my price range.

Speaking of, I have yet to find a publication that has decorating ideas and products for the "typical" person. Anyone know of anything out there?

Things on my Mind These Days

With my type-A personality, I love lists.

1. I'm so glad that someone is opening up a cupcake shop in Lakeway (and right around the corner from me...dangerous).

2. I love the movie Juno. I wish I was as funny as that high-schooler.

3. I'm getting a tad bit nervous about the economy. Being self-employed means you can't get fired, but we can sure as hell not have any business.

4. I really love designing & building web sites. Hmm, maybe a way to make some extra cash (see #3). (Call me if you want a simple web site!)

5. Not really a big fan of Martha Stewart's, but am enjoying the daily "craft-of-the-day" and "recipe-of-the-day" emails.

6. Facebook???

7. Those little sugar cookies with Hershey Kisses in them.

8. I think I watch too much t.v. (DVR)

9. Why would companies & CEO's ever going to change their behavior if we bail them out every time?

10. That's all for today...gotta go watch 24.

Yummy bread

When I get home from work, I try to find something quick to fix for dinner. But I resist the temptation to heat up another Bertolli (which are AWESOME by the way) and cook something with at least a couple of the food groups. Anyway, tonight I had 3 bananas that were looking a little black so I found this easy banana bread recipe on Simply Recipes:

3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.



Even though she says there's no need for a mixer, I used my KitchenAid mixer. It was very easy to throw all the ingredients in the mixer, pour it in a pan & stick it in the oven. Yummy to the tummy.

Mom Guilt

I'm sure most of you moms out there have this...the guilt of working and possibly missing out on those "mom moments." I work part-time, but I still have the occasional feelings of oh-crap-i'm-a-horrible-mom-'cause-i-work-outside-the-home. A few weeks ago, my son was really close to walking by himself. I was determined for him not to walk for the first time at day care and thus bring upon some of this guilt. So one of the days I stay home with the kiddos, we practiced until he walked. And it worked. I know it was really selfish, but I wanted to see the first walk. I love to watch him walk around the house looking like a drunk sailor, giggling because he's walking by himself.

Baseball Themed Party

I'm all about kids' themed birthday parties. I've done Dora, carnival, The Backyardigans, monkey, Aerial and Nemo. For my son's first birthday, we had a baseball party. It was very low-key, but I had a lot of fun decorating the food table.

We had soft pretzels, hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, peanuts and popcorn and the table was decorated with Big League Chew, baseball cards, baseballs, a bat, a glove and baseball lollipops. I got all the decorations, plates, etc. at Oriental Trading, one of my favorite online stores. And I made a baseball cake that was super-easy. If you're doing a baseball party & need help, email me for ALL the details.

Homemade Gifts for old & new

My family had a big group birthday party for the February birthdays with people ranging from 1 year to 85 years old. So I did small homemade gifts for everyone. For my grandfather and husband, I did caramel popcorn in cute tins from Michael's.

Also for my grandparents was a photo book of their grandchildren. The cardboard book, paper & stickers were all from Michael's and cost $1 each. They have a great new $1 aisle now!

The 7-year-old girls got ribbon belts and ceramic letters with ribbon for ytheir room. The letters and ribbon also came from Michael's.


My grandmother also got monogrammed hand towels.

Everybody really liked their gifts. I was glad to give something different.

Product of the Day

I love this one. My three year old has a KidSwitch ($9) in her room and uses it every day. I wish I had one in her bathroom and the playroom too.

1st birthday gifts

My son is about to turn one year old, so I thought I'd share a list of his favorite toys. It's no coincidence that 99% of these make some sort of noise. Do they even make quiet toys anymore? (All prices are from Toys R Us unless otherwise noted)

-Playskool: Busy Basics - Swing 'n Score Baseball - $18

-Lamaze Chime Garden - $25

-Infantino light ball

-LeapFrog Fridge DJ - $20 at Target

-LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table - $48

-Ty stuffed lion

-LeapFrog Learn and Groove: Animal Sounds Guitar - $22

-Fisher Price Amazing Animals Sing & Go Choo-Choo Train

-"Pooh Dreamy Songs" book

-Tonka Wheel Pals ($8) and Tonka Wheel Pals Cushy Cruisin' Pickup Truck ($13) at HasbroToyShop.com

-Playskool Lullaby Gloworm - $11

-Fisher Price Laugh & Learn: Learning Toolbench - $21

-play dishes and food - try these: Fisher Price Musical Tea Set - $18 and Fisher Price Mini Meal Set - Lunch - $7.50

-Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn: Musical Learning Chair - $31.47 at Walmart

-Seasme Street pop-up singing toy, like this: Sesame Street: Singing Pop Up Pals - $22

Remember, you can often find great slightly used toys on ebay and great discounts at discount stores like Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Steinmart and Tuesday Morning.

Quote of the Day

I'm brushing Katie's hair today and she says to me, "Mommy, I'm not going to be a parent. It's just too hard." I laughed and she continued, "But if I did, she would listen to everything I say."

Umpf...

My little thunder thighs

Jack is my first "non-petite" baby. I call him thunder-thighs (in a very loving way). He's got the cutest legs and feet, and of course that super-soft baby skin. Is there anything cuter than this?

In 2008, you have saved $3268

That’s what my library printout says. Every Tuesday, I take Mackenzie & Jack to the library for story time. A librarian reads a few books to the kids and we check out books for the whole family. I get some level 1 readers for Katie and Mackenzie chooses about 10 books to take home and read. Jack just loves to sit in his stroller and people-watch during story time. I’m really surprised about how much Mackenzie loves to go to the library and how she thinks so hard when choosing which books we read each night before bedtime.

After we check out books, the library’s computer prints out a list of books and when they’re due. At the bottom of the printout, it tells you how much you would have spent if you bought the books instead of checking them out. I love this free activity for the kids. If you want to find the nearest public library near you, visit PublicLibraries.com.

Top Momma

Vote for my blog at Top Momma. It's a fun site!

Babycenter rocks

I really love Babycenter. Even as I go through the first year with my third child, I can't remember things like, When do they start eating solids? When do they give up that morning nap? So I go check out babycenter and they have awesome guidelines to help. The age-by-age guide to feeding your baby helped me remember how much and when to feed that baby food. This chart tells you approximately how much sleep your child needs, detailing naps and overnight sleep. Also, they have fun stuff like the top 100 baby names of 2008.

You can also create a free account at Babycenter and enter your children's birth dates or your due date. Then, when you log on, it gives you articles about your children based on their ages. When you're pregnant, they can send you weekly emails that let you know how big your baby is and other helpful information. I love reading that my baby was the size of a fig, then a lemon, then an avocado, etc.

They also have a million searchable articles on everything imaginable and a ton a message boards to talk to other moms or moms-to-be.

Product of the Day

I just discovered the greatest product. They are called Stroll'r Swivel'rs and Babies R Us has them for $5.49 (2 hooks). You hook them on your stroller handlebar, and they hold your purse or shopping bags or whatever. You can use them in a lot of different places. They swivel 360 degrees. I wish I found these 6 years ago.

Kids’ Step Stools

Both my girls have a stool to reach their bathroom sink. Although, Mackenzie still has to jump up on the counter to get things or spit her toothpaste out.

I saw this super cute Pink Coco Step Stool at VictoriaPZurcher.com. It can be personalized and is hand painted. But at $68, some of us might want a less expensive alternative. SensoryEdge has the Fancy Butterfly Storage Step Stool for $41.95 and has many other cute designs to choose from.

My stand-by store Target has the Two-Step Stool in stores or online for $29.99. It’s plain white, but is sturdy and does the job. Sometimes you can find this on sale.If you want to go super-reasonable, IKEA has a plastic stool, also in stores or online. It’s a bargain at $3.49. We have one of these & it has held up way past its price tag.

Coolest Wallpaper

This is really cool wallpaper. Graham & Brown has some really beautiful wallpaper, and this is so original. It's called "frames," and it's black & white frames printed on wallpaper. So you can paint it or hang photos or kids' art in the frames or figure out other super-creative things to do. I'm thinking of putting it on one wall in the kids' playroom in our next house. It would be a perfect way to display some of the millions of pieces of art that the kids bring home.

Three-Year-Old Home Alone

So I'm getting ready to take the kids to day care yesterday morning. My husband has taken our oldest to kindergarten and gone to work. I start the car because it's 30 degrees out. I take Jack, my 11 month old, to the car and shut the door to my house on the way out so the exhaust smell doesn't go in the house (don't worry, the garage door is open). Mackenzie, my three year old is in her room putting "wickstick" (lip gloss) on. I put Jack in his car seat and walk back towards the door to get Mackenzie. All I hear is "Mommy, don't leave me." I get to the door and it's locked.

The lever works fine, but Mackenzie has locked the deadbolt. I don't have a key to the deadbolt. I don't have a key to the front door. I don't have a key to the back door. Now Mackenzie really thinks I'm leaving her. She starts to get upset.

"Mackenzie, unlock the door."

"Me can't."

I hear her trying to unlock the deadbolt.

"Mackenzie, do you have something in your hands?"

"Yes."

"Mackenzie, put all the toys on the ground and use two hands to unlock the deadbolt"

"Okay." I hear toys dropping. "Me can't unlock."

"Mackenzie, please try again with two hands."

"Mackenzie?" Silence. "Mackenzie?" Silence. "Mackenzie?" Silence. Great, she got bored and went to go play. "Mackenzie?"

"Yeah?"

"Hang on a minute." I call my husband, who I'm sure has a brillant idea. It takes a few minutes, but he figures out that she should try to open the front door because it's easier to open. She does that on the first try and runs to my arms for a hug. This morning's catastrophe is averted.

My Child is Obsessed with Infomercials

So my five year old is obsessed, and I mean obsessed, with infomercials. I thought it was weird that they played them during cartoons, but now I understand why. About six months ago, she came running into my room and said, "Mom, you HAVE to get the biggest little bag ever." I had no idea what she was talking about at the time. Since then, she'll come and tell me about some product I HAVE to buy.

When I was writing this blog, I looked up some of the products. When I pulled up the sites, the infomercial starts on the web site. She heard it and came running. She stood over my shoulder and wouldn't let me stop the sound. When the Mighty Mendit commercial came on, she screams, "Don't skip this. I love this part. Wait until the end. It's the best." Then she mouthed the words to the online commercial. Maybe my child watches too much t.v.

She told me about Green Bags and said "It goes for 9 days Mom!" And on and on with Aqua Globes, Mighty Putty and Big City Slider. The most recent is the Snuggie. She came in, told me about it and then walked away. Then she stuck her head around the corner and added, "Mom, if you could get me one too, that'll be great."

Sadly, we have yet to buy anything. But, Billy Mays, if you need a wee assistance, my very enthusiastic daughter is your girl.

Collecting Crap

Do your kids like to collect, well, crap? My girls (ages 3 & 5) think it's the coolest thing in the world to find and keep trash. They see every shiny sequin, piece of glitter, rock, bead, even threads, on the ground, pick it up and put it in their "jewelry boxes." They also take pieces from art projects and hide them away like little squirrels. I worry mostly because my 10-month old WILL put them in his mouth and try to eat them. The OCD in me also hates the mess.

Sometimes I throw their "prizes" away when they're not paying attention. I let my 5 year old make a piece of art with hers because she threw a tantrum when I told her she had to throw them away. Here's my 3 year's old stash after a recent cleaning by me.

Swaptree, anyone?

Has anyone tried Swaptree? It's my new obsession. You create an account for free and make two lists: one of the books (or DVD’s, video games, CD’s) you'd like to receive and one of the books you have to trade. Then you wait for a trade by another person or their computer or you can initiate one yourself. When a trade is accepted by all parties (some are three-way), you mail your book out and wait for another book to arrive. The whole thing is free except for the postage to mail your book (usually around $2.30), and you can print the postage label right off Swaptree. I've done about 5 trades so far, and it is fun. Now if I can just find time to read the books piling up on my nightstand.