Being more than just a mom~priddymomma

Hey guys!  Hope you all are having a fine week.  I'm late posting again!  Sorry!  I’ve put in long hours catching up on some long neglected yard work.  I also found some poison ivy.  Happily, I didn’t discover it with my limbs.

This post is for the ladies.  I’ll be discussing being more than just a mom.  Sorry to all our male readers.  I would love to give you some advice on being more than just a dad, but unfortunately I’m not qualified, gender-wise.  Hopefully you will find that some information in this post pertains to you as well. 

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world, arguably the MOST enjoyable.  It is also one of the hardest.  Just like any activity in life, you can overdo it and burn out.  You must take breaks to recharge if you expect to perform at your maximum potential.  It is a very important job, and you do your best if you are relaxed, recharged, and refreshed. 

The trouble is that modern parents are often so busy that they struggle to find time to spend with their kids, let alone finding time for a break.  It just isn’t a priority.  My number one piece of advice is to MAKE time.  Jot it down in your appointment book and keep it as faithfully as you would for one of your kids’ appointments. 

My second tip is to get enough sleep.  Being tired adds to frustration and chaos, and your body needs time to repair itself and to fight off illness.  Yes, moms notoriously have little sleep, but what I’m telling you is that if you have the opportunity to sleep, seize it.  Being well rested will make a huge difference in your life, and in your kids’ lives.

 

SO not a mom...

“But Heather!  This is great advice and all, but I thought this post was about being MORE than just a mom!  You are just giving me parenting tips!”  Am I?  If you have a spare moment to yourself and you are exhausted, what are you going to do?  Uh-huh.  You bet your booty you will be napping.  “Me time” does not equal “sleep time.”  And new mothers, it doesn’t equal “shower time” or “pee time” either.  You need real legit “me time”. 

After you have cleared room for yourself in your schedule (and even an hour a week will do wonders), do something that makes your soul sing.  Taking a fitness class might be your idea of joy or maybe your idea of hell.  Don’t force yourself to do something you won’t enjoy.  That is a crappy way of giving yourself love.  Take the opportunity to do something worth it for you. 

Here are some suggestions:  bake, cook, garden, read, take a long hot bath, sing, swim, bike, run, play with your dog, go for a walk, hike, draw, play a video game, dance, sew, craft, meditate, go bird watching, try a new food, shop, hang out with a friend, play a sport, scrapbook, grab a coffee, watch a movie, catch up on your favorite tv series, plan your dream vacation, paint, check out an art exhibit, visit the fair, assemble a puzzle, etc.

In order to be more than just a mom, you have to learn to know yourself outside of being a mom.  It is perfectly okay if you have no idea what you enjoy anymore.  Great!  It means more experimenting and intrigue as you take yourself on dates to get to the bottom of who you are when you aren’t surrounded by children.  Yes, your kids may be everything to you, but that doesn’t mean they are everything you are.

Beauty tips for busy moms~priddymomma

Hey guys!  Welcome back!  The topic this week will be beauty tips for busy moms.  My disclaimer:  I am not an expert.  I don’t even have a beauty channel on youtube.  That being said, here are my top ten tips:

1. Pick what you want to have shine.  There are mouths to feed and a house to clean!  You don’t have the time (or reason) to get dolled up to the nines.  Pick a piece of you that you want to look awesome (skin, lips, eyes, hair, nails).  Make it awesome.  Three products or less, people!  We’re on a time crunch here.
2. Lips:  if you have gross peely lips (you can tell I’m all over this beauty terms thing), use a toothbrush (preferably not one you brush with or regularly use for cleaning) or washcloth and a bit of Vaseline to have smooth lips again. 
3. Eyes:  Use liquid eyeliner or I guarantee you will have to reapply/do corrections more than you want to.  Avoid neutral colors or anything brassy if you are a new/sleep deprived mom.  They make your eyes look heavier, so you will just look more exhausted.  White eyeliner on your lower lid makes you look fresher and draws attention away from any unsightly bags. 
4. Skin:  exfoliate, cleanse, and hydrate.  Use a skin brush or washcloth to exfoliate skin.  Use a face mask (they sell them at the store in single use packets) if desired.  Then hydrate your face with lotion or whatever other face hydrators they have on the market. 
5. Hair:  wash.  I suggest investing in some really good shampoo and conditioner.  It truly makes a difference.  Air dry to prevent damage if there’s time.  If not, either ignore the fact your hair is still wet, or blow dry.  Good luck having time to style.  If you’ve showered the night before, chances are you have a nest of evil in the morning.  Wet it down as if you are going to wash it and go from there.  New moms, I highly suggest purchasing dry shampoo for days your in-laws announce they will be there in five minutes when you a.) just got the baby to go to sleep b.) have spit up on several items of clothing you are currently wearing   and c.) haven’t touched the house in several days, so also no clean laundry .  At least your hair won’t be terrible for all those pictures you know you’ll end up in.  I also suggest a shorter cut.  It’s tough to make time for yourself, and brushing your hair when it’s long is such a chore while being exhausted.
6. Prevention.  No matter how tired you are, before bed you should always brush your teeth and wash your face.  Cavities, bad breath, and breakouts are bad news bears.  Removing that makeup (assuming you had any on by whatever time you got to bed) at the very least saves you a step in the morning.
7. Don’t be lazy about hair removal.  Tweeze, wax, or otherwise get your brows done regularly.  Shave your legs, even in the winter.  Do it regularly, even if you have to jump out of the shower after only one leg to get the baby.  Do the other leg the next day.  (Totally not kidding.  It happens).
8. Eat well.  What you eat can affect your body size and shape, as well as your complexion.  It will also affect your energy level, and no one looks their best while exhausted.
9. Exercise.  It might be tough to fit it in, but even if you have to squeeze in squats, lunges, sit ups, etc. in five minutes segments throughout the day, you’ll feel better for it.  It will make a difference in your posture if you are strong and in your confidence if you’ve worked out (which is about the sexiest thing a woman can have on, btw).
10. Get enough sleep.  Stop laughing.  New moms, don’t shoot me.  I understand your issues.  Moms of older children, if you have the choice, choose to get to bed instead of watching another episode of your favorite show.  There is such a thing as beauty rest.

Thanks for reading!  If you’d like to request a topic, we would love to write on it for you!  Comment below, or email us at thecaseofthemissingcheerios@gmail.com  Fan us on facebook!   https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Case-of-the-Missing-Cheerios-blog/317836935013256

Tricks to Stay Sane~priddymomma

Life as a parent has its ups and downs.  While you ahh over baby pictures and milestones, there are tough times too, some of which have nothing to do with your child.  The stress we feel as parents can profoundly effect our children and their lives.  This week, we’re talking about the tough times and how to stay sane when you really feel like kicking things and tearing out your hair.  (I don’t recommend either, btw.  Toe ouchies and baldness are not going to improve your situation)

Being wound too tightly is never fun.  Here are some tricks to keep you sane:

1. Exercise.  Don’t skip it because you’re busy!  Exercise is very important You time, it’s good for your body, and it’s good for your mind.  Consider trying yoga.  It has been proven that yoga decreases stress and anxiety.  Plus it’s fun!
2. Deep breathing.  Remember when your mom told you to take a deep breath and count to ten?  It works!  Breathe slowly in your nose and out your mouth ten or twenty times.  Deep breaths.  (and don’t hyperventilate like you know you want to because your child dumped her milk on the carpet AGAIN! *gasp* )
3. Keep a planner and/or calendar.  Being organized means forgetting appointments and special days less often, which equals less stress for you.  It also means you have a place to plan out when you will get things done, one step at a time, versus, “Garage sale tomorrow.  What am I going to do about tables?  Where can I buy price tags?  Do I have anything in the closet that needs to go?”
4. Plan out your dinner menu in advance.  Knowing by the day what you plan to serve for dinner takes out the fruitless conversations about what to have for dinner.  You know you ultimately decide anyway.  Why ask anyone else?  You can be flexible with the menu if something comes up last minute, but at least you have a list of available menu choices.
5. Make a shopping list.  I’m surprised how many people don’t do this simple time and money saver.  I have no idea how you shop without a list.  I make the dinner menu up, write the shopping list based on what I need for the menu, add non-food items, look up coupons, and hit the store!
6. Ask for help.  Family and/or friends would likely be willing.  Trade off with another family for babysitting.  Ask your sister to pick you up a few things when she goes to the store.  Ask your retired mother to pick up a present for a mutual friend's wedding instead of you each making a trip.
7. Get up early.  This is a huge bummer sometimes, but nothing stresses me out more than having to rush.  I also dislike waking up right as the kids do, as they want everything NOW!  NOW!  NOW!  (Dude.  I have GOT to pee before I get any yogurt for you.  You'll just have to be patient.  Also, it’s early.  Quit smiling.)
8. Set things out ahead of time.  Clothes for the morning?  Set them out the night before.  Make lunches the day before.  Make sure you know where your keys are.  Pack the diaper bag first thing in the morning or last thing the night before.
9. Pray or meditate.  Or both.  Having some time to speak with God and/or yourself is essential for the soul, especially during tough times.  It doesn’t have to take long, and it doesn’t have to be every day.  And it doesn't matter where you do it, either.  (Sometimes, the only time I'm alone is when I shower.  God knows what I look like naked, and he doesn't care that I'm washing my hair while I talk to him!  He's awesome like that.)  The quiet time truly helps.
10. Make time for family and friends.  Everyone gets busy, but don’t get so wrapped up in what you have going on that you forget to live.  Go out with your spouse.  Blow off some steam with your besties.  Have a long talk with your grandma.  Reconnect with the people that make you feel good.

No matter what is stressing you out, know that it will get better eventually.  One of my favorite quotes is this: “It will be all right in the end.  If it’s not all right, then it’s not the end.” 

I hope you have found some sanity here at The Case of the Missing Cheerios.  As always, we accept topic requests at any time.  If you’d like to make a request, comment, email us at thecaseofthemissingcheerios@gmail.com, or contact us through our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Case-of-the-Missing-Cheerios-blog/317836935013256  .  Don’t forget to like us on facebook!  Thanks for your support!

See you next week!

What's New This Month~priddymomma

Hey guys!  As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we haven’t been updating frequently.  We’re all super busy, so bear with us!  With that in mind, here’s where my thoughts have been this month:

Exercise

yeah...this is legit one of the moves -_-

My workout schedule this month is elaborate.  Some weeks can’t play out exactly the way I want, but for the most part, my week looks like this chart.  (The abs workout is killer)

	Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
Early Morning	10 min. yoga	10 min. yoga	10 min. yoga	10 min. yoga	10 min. yoga	10 min. yoga	10 min. yoga
Morning	Aikido Stances	Plank	Horse stance	Side plank	Aikido Stances	Horse stance	Side plank
Nap Time	Train*	Abs **	Train*	Abs**	Train*	Abs**	Strength training
Afternoon	X	Hiking	X	Hiking	X	Hiking	X
Evening	X	X	Zumba	X	Zumba	X	X

*Self defense and Aikido

**With stability ball

Big News

We’re looking at houses, ready to buy!  We made an offer on a house, actually, but then we found out it doesn’t qualify for the loan we were hoping to get (USDA).  Long story short, we need to come up with a down payment.  So unless that money just falls from the sky (I’m not ruling it out.  Anything could happen!), it looks like we’re going to be looking into other homes and/or waiting until our tax return so we can put up the $$$.  I hope it works out with that place, or a place very similar.  Wish us luck!

Kids

Chrysalis

alphabet

Cheerio Champ is doing a Health Unit for homeschooling this week.  We talked about teeth today.  Princess Cheerio keeps waking up at night and I can’t figure out why. 

Random

I have fleas.  Or so it seems.  I’m the only one getting bitten, and we don’t have carpet, so I have no idea.  We have a cat, but she stays outside.  Go figure. 

 

Coming Up

I have no idea what kind of schedule we are on for this house hunt thing, my godmother’s daughter is having a bridal shower this weekend and getting married next month, my cousin just had her baby son yesterday, I’m looking shaggy and need a haircut, I should really start Christmas shopping soon and buy a gift for aforementioned wedding (and wrap bridal shower gift), we’re throwing a Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Halloween party this year (don’t judge me!) so I have to get on planning and what not with that, I need new contact lenses, I’m hoping to drop eight more pounds this month while simultaneously fighting my addiction to coffee and chocolate, the kids get their flu shots next month, I’m helping a friend to plan her wedding, and I’m pretty sure I have a cavity that needs dealt with.  *gasp*  So that’s what’s coming up soon!  A mother’s work is never done, eh? 

Hope you guys are doing well, and see you next week! 

Keeping Children Busy~priddymomma

My kids are always busy.  If they can’t find something to do, I will find that something for them or die trying.  Bored kids pound each other, I’ve discovered.  If you’re like me and can’t afford the constant ER trips, you’ll love this list!  (Calm down.  They don’t REALLY hospitalize each other.  Yeesh.)

Exercise-My number one recommendation is to get some exercise in that kid!  Kids need to run around.  They have a lot of energy to burn and sitting still is boring.  Make it a family affair and everybody wins.  Take a walk, throw a Frisbee, or build a snowman together.  My family hikes at a local park three days a week.  We all get exercise, and the outdoors really recharges us.  The kids sleep great at night too!  My kids also enjoy yoga and dancing to The Wiggles.  (So do I!  shh!)

Get messy-Most* kids love to get messy.  Play in the dirt, mud, sand, or snow.  Get to finger painting.  Use clay, glitter, markers, chalk.  Anything dirty, dusty, messy, or wet is fair game.  Wash the car afterwards or play in the sprinkler to make clean up easier.

(*Cheerio Champ does not like to get messy.  Princess Cheerio loves to get messy.  She then thinks it is funny to try to get Cheerio Champ messy.)

Give them a job-Kids love to help.  Cheerio Champ is patient at the store when he gets to help his daddy with the shopping list.  Princess Cheerio is super proud of herself when she puts a book back on the shelf when told to do so.

How old?-Age should be taken into consideration when trying to find a way to keep your child busy.  Princess Cheerio, for instance, is 16 months old.  She loves to put and take.  Give her a small box and a few old Christmas cards and she is set for twenty minutes.  Cheerio Champ (5 years), however, would much rather put together a 100 piece puzzle or play with his LeapPad 2.  And I’m guessing when she’s a teenager, my friend’s 15 month old daughter won’t be as easily amused by a partially filled water bottle as she was on the car ride the other evening.  You get the picture.

Read-Read to your kids as much as you can.  It helps encourage a love of reading, and it builds vocabulary.  Cuddling is also a bonus.

Tell them a story, teach them something, or both-Kids are intellectual sponges, and they think you are awesome.  Use that to your advantage.  Tell them a story about when you were a kid.  Teach them about ants (hopefully not the magnifying glass part, creep).  Make up a story to teach them an important moral about a situation they are having an issue with (There once was a girl named Susie.  She refused to clean up her room…).

Try an experiment-Kids are so curious.  They always want to know why something happens.  Blow bubbles in the winter and watch them shatter, or make your own bubble solution!  Add colored vinegar to baking soda with a medicine dropper (total win with Cheerio Champ). 

TV or video games-This is an obvious one, but keep in mind that they can still learn something!  There are amazing programs and movies out there geared towards kids of all ages, and video games have come a long way.  They can get active, learn something, or do both things at once.  And you can finally wash those dishes.

If all else fails, consult pinterest.  They have boatloads of ideas.  Good luck with the little monsters!  See ya next week!  XD

***Note:  This post has centered around keeping kids busy so they don’t drive you insane, but I want to take a minute to point out that there is a benefit to down time too.  You don’t want to over-schedule your kid with school, sports, play dates, piano lessons, etc.  They will get burnt out and emotional.  Think about how you feel if you don’t have a moment to kick up your feet.  Kids need the down time to let their imaginations run free and sit quietly for a while.  I strongly believe that as soon as a kid outgrows his or her nap, it should be replaced with a quiet time.  Cheerio Champ has a quiet time that lines up with Princess Cheerio’s nap time.  That works great for her.  It’s quiet while she naps.  It works great for him, because he’s not missing out on anything.  And it works out for me, because I get to recharge, exercise, get chores done, and shower.  (Yes.  I do squeeze all of that in most days.  Don’t you?)  You can encourage your wee one to do a puzzle, draw, or read books during the quiet period.  I like to keep Cheerio Champ in his room.  Other than while he sleeps, it’s the only time he bothers to use it.***

Keeping Kids Busy ~ Tori

Keeping kids busy is important on many levels. For one thing when a child gets bored only terrible things will follow: temper tantrums, mischievousness, orneriness, etc. (Trust me we've all been there as a mom and as a child ourselves if you think back). Also by keeping your child busy they will be more active and they will learn.

The key to it is to make sure your child always has something to do. It's even a great idea to plan for many occasions. Below I've included some tips as well as a few pictures of ideas you can use for yourself or see different methods of making each one fun and interactive:

• Plan for car trips: Such a bore to kids. As moms, we have to run errands (in my case a lot), and it's no fun for kids. They don't care about paying bills, having to go to the store to get groceries, etc. So me and hubby stocked the back pocket of our car (on the backs of the front seats) with little toys (non-choking hazards), a medium sized notebook, and crayons. This way if we are going to be on the go most of the day the kids have something to do in the car rather than get bored and fight, or grumble in the backseat.

Picture credit: keepinglifecreative.com
This is something we use as well. The baskets can be found usually anywhere at very cheap prices. There's a space for a drink, snacks, and activities.

• Free time on a beautiful day? Go outside and enjoy, play with your child, have a picnic, go on a walk. Enjoy the day and have fun. Children need activity with you as well as activities alone. They need to be outside playing in the fresh air. It's good for them and it's good for you too. You can plan a scavenger hunt, inspect nature in your own backyard, look at clouds, play tag, play ball, etc. The list is endless.

• Plan for rainy days/days that are not suitable for outside: Kids need activity and days they cannot go outside can put a damper in the day. Things like painting, playing hide and seek, crafts (Pinterest has many ideas if you need some), reading, board games, coloring, etc., are all good ways to keep kids busy and pass time in a fun learning way. If the weather is warm and it's raining given you have raincoats and rain boots playing in the rain is extremely fun for children as well.

Photo credit: sidetrackedsarah.com

• Chores: Chores are needed in every child's life. They teach responsibility. One thing people don't realize about chores is that they can be fun. Each chore can count toward a goal, something to earn. You can turn chores into educational fun. Let your child help dry dishes or rinse them and count as you go. There are many possibilities for about every chore there is. You can even make chores into a game. Make a chore chart and have a fun prize at the end whether it's a toy, new coloring book and crayons, a movie, etc., that they are working towards.

Photo credit: theorganizedwife.wordpress.com

• You can also let your child watch cartoons (we do so in moderation). Cartoons are not a bad thing if watched in moderation and is something fun and educational. A few good shows we enjoy are Sid the Science Kid, The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That, Word World, Blue's Clue's, Max & Ruby, Diego & Dora, Yo Gabba Gabba, Umizoomi, among others. They are fun educational cartoons. Some TV and cartoons can be fine, but just make sure you aren't parking your child in front of the television all day. Make sure your child stays active, has hobbies, and participates in family interactive activities. If you and your child/ren are tired of the same old activities find some new ones! With the world wide web at our fingertips these days information is right at our fingertips.

Photo credit: nourishinteractive.com

• Exercise is also a good way to keep children busy. We do kid friendly yoga, go on walks, etc. Again it's limitless. 

Now I'm not saying that all these methods of keeping your child busy will totally eliminate mischievous behavior, tantrums, etc., but it will definitely help matters. Nobody likes to be bored, especially kids. Be active, be a family, and make sure to have plenty of things planned. You will all enjoy it and you will be creating happy memories to last a lifetime.