Easy Pickings with Pick-Ease

This past October, I came across a local inventor mom, Melissa Desrochers, thanks to social media.  Her idea was simple and intriguing: a food pick inspired by necessity.  Her son was a picky eater.  Toothpicks worked, but she didn't like the idea of handing over a splinter of wood to her toddler.  With that, Pick Ease was born.  Once we connected, Melissa sent me a few Pick Ease to try.  I was very eager to use them with my own picky eater.

From an occupational therapist's view point, this product has a lot of great features including a fun and friendly sticker design and a 1" by 3/16" circular area to promote developing grasp patterns.  The unique design has a stopper for the tips of the fingers to help remind children not to use a fisted grasp around the utensil.  For children with typical cognitive development, Pick Ease could be a great transition tool from finger feeding to pierced food utensil feeding.  However, even though the tip is considered rounded, mine was still pretty sharp.  Because of it's small (and sharp) conical end, children, but especially those with developmental delays, need to be closely supervised with this product.  Impulsive or ataxic movements could cause accidental injury when self feeding.  With that being said, the tip can pierce a variety of soft and firm foods, especially those that have been cut into small pieces.   Crispy foods do not work, they crumble beneath the force.  Pick Ease could also be used to help with pacing.  One can only get so much food onto the Pick Ease. When only given a little bit of food at a time on the plate, a child may learn to take his or her time.

From a mom's perspective: it's really unique.  It's dishwasher safe, though the decals are starting to come off.  And it's BPA free.  My Mudge is a relatively picky eater.  He thought these were fun to use.  And though he wouldn't try the nugget with it, he enjoyed poking at his plated meal.  Combined with his Fun with Food Fred Plate, (another local RI distributor) and the old school mini Tupperware pitcher with 1 ounce cups (available on eBay and Amazon), the Pick Ease added another option to encourage new foods, along with his "Trying Something New Star" on his Star Chart.

Melissa is always posting creative ways to present tasty, healthy foods for the finicky kid on social media.   She has also shared a free, downloadable eBook "29 Healthy Kids Snacks" through her website since fun presentations can help increase the picky eater's edible repertoire.  So if you are looking to try something new because you have been struggling with a picky eater in the house, the $8.95 cost for a set of two may be an option for you, without breaking the plate.

Fun Products to Get You Back to School the Joyful Organizer Way!

It's crazy to think back to school has hit us.  I have the pleasure of sharing  another guest post from the Joyful Organizer herself,  Bonnie Joy Dewkett, a Certified Professional Organizer.  She has a innate knack for organizing whatever life throws at you.  Her tips have been featured in Good Housekeeping and Family Circle (to name just a few). Below are great product reviews that may add a little sanity to your crazy day.

Please note I received samples of some of these items to test out and write the reviews.  My opinions are my own were not influenced in any way.

Summer is fully upon us and while it's not so fun to think about, school is just around the corner.  So, this month I figured I'd bring you some products designed to help you start the school year off on the right foot, and, of course, ORGANIZED!

The Sigg Thermos is something I'm not sure how I lived without previously.  It's not just any thermos.  First of all, its sleek design makes it look amazing on your table or desk.  It's available in a few colors and all models are BPA and Phthalates free.  The model I tried had an attached cup, making packing a lunch SO much easier!  What I love the most is the tea filter.  Finally a thermos that makes it easy to drink loose leaf tea!  The thermos keeps things hot for up to 8 hours.  I tried it and it's true!  I work from home but I still love to gill this with tea in the morning and sip throughout the day!  It's made with stainless and doesn't add any taste to your beverage.  You might want more than one of these.

Not all lunch boxes are created equal.  This metal lunch box is not only stylish (it comes in pink and blue), it's super functional.  Take your snacks in this container and you'll keep them fresh. The top opens up so you can easily grab its contents.  I like that it's not too big and not too small-perfect to avoid container eating.  The contents stay fresh and when you get home, the whole container is easily washable.  This is also for grade school kids who might drop their lunch box.  It's also awesome for older kids who want something cool to carry their lunch in.  I love it for the office because it's sophisticated and just plain cute.  If you don't want to use it for food, it also makes a great container for office supplies!

Okay, this is the year you're going to stop wasting plastic bags.  You just needed the right tool.  It's the (re)zip bags by Blue Avocado.  They are side just like traditional snack and sandwich bags.  However, they are reusable.  They are made of food safe, FDA approved PEVA material.  A pack of two sandwich sized bags is $8.99.  Use these more than a month and you'll be saving money.  They are freezer safe and have a secure "zipper" at the top to keep your food fresh.  They are LEAD, PVC and BPA free too!  I will tell you these are AWESOME for any small item you want to keep organized.  I love them when I travel to snacks on the plane, cosmetics, or even office supplies.  You'll find a million uses for these!

Sigg has some of the CUTEST water bottles out there.  Adults love them too of course, but they offer some adorable and unique kids' patterns.  Not only are they durable to stand up to school's wear and tear, they are unique enough to stand out from their peer's water bottles.  I love the travel series in particular.  They come in a number of countries with both girls and boys featured.  It holds about .4 liters…not too big and not too small.  The cap even has a protective covering to keep it dirt and germ free.  (A much needed feature for little kids!)

If your child is a little too grown up for these bottles, Sigg has a design series, perfect for young adults.  Check them out here.  Don't forget the cleaning tablets and Sigg brush!  Just drop a tablet in and let it do the cleaning for you.  Your bottles are sparkling queen, fresh smelling and the fear of germs is gone!  I tried cleaning my Sigg bottles for years without these tools.  When I got them, they rocked my world and I wonder why I struggled with inferior cleaning products for so long!

If you are going to be washing water bottles, lunch boxes and other food storage conners after sending them to school with your child, you need Name Bubble's water proof labels.  The small rectangular labels are easily affixed to just about any surface. I thought they would have trouble sticking to silicone or the bottom of a coffee cup, but they stick firmly and stay in place even with washing (both hand and dishwasher).  These are awesome to know what belong to you among the other kids and even in the break room refrigerator. Protect your investments and label things!  They come in adorable colors, and can even be customized with designs!

This next product has to be the cutest way of reminding someone to do something that I've ever seen.  It's a customizable wrist band from Knock Knock that boasts a small prewritten message and a spot to record your reminder.  Some of the messages on the bands are; friendly reminder, you got this, checkboxes for to do or to don't and even one that says pssst..  These are great for husbands and kids alike.  They can be put around a wrist but they also work for the handle of a purse or work bag.  They come in sets of 25 and are just $6!  You'll love these!

The first item is inexpensive, adorable and will keep your water bottle (or anything else you stick it to) safe all year through.  It's a customized sticker from Etsy seller, MNWMonograms.  The sticker includes your choice of initials and your choice of color.  It's 4.5" by 4.5" and it won't come off in the dishwasher or if your water bottle condenses. It's a pretty awesome way to customize your great while looking cute doing it.  And, it's just $5!

For packing lunches to head to school or the office, do it the healthy way with Frego.  While plastic is durable, glass is the least toxic and an old reliable friend.  Frego takes it one step further and protects the glass with a  silicone casing.  It's colorful and fun, but it adds a level of durability.  It won't slide out of your hands and when you want to heat up its contents, you can put the silicone sleeve on to protect your hands.  I love these for snacks, road trips, lunches or even leftovers.  I want a whole set of them!  Oh and all pieces are dishwasher safe :)

School means germs.  And germs mean lots of hand washing.  I'm in love with Beesential's All Natural Grapefruit and Lemongrass Foaming Hand Soap. Made from coconut, hemp and olive oils, it's an all natural alternative to detergent based soaps made from petroleum products.  This kills germs and is gentle to your hands!

Speaking of germs, save yourself a trip out later and stock up on Kleenex when buying school supplies.  Not only do they have anti viral tissues, they even have speciality boxes designed with patterns that will make you smile.  I personally love their travel pouches. They come in so many pretty designs, they look cute when you pull them out.  They are small and thin enough to fit into a pocket, a purse and of course, a school bag.  Stock up, you'll be glad you did!

 If you take your computer, iPad, or phone chargers with you anywhere, there is a good chance you can get them mixed up with someone else's.  Whooz is a fun line of charger decals that help you identify your charger.  They come in various sizes to fit all of your chargers.  The designs are whimsical and will make you smile every time you use your charger.  My favorite designs?  Mr. T and Rufus the dog.  Kids and adults alike will love these!

Sustainability meets cuteness with spbang's lunch bags.  These bags are better than any sandwich bag you have ever used.  Made of durable materials with adorable patterns and available in a wide array of colors, these will save you money and save the Earth.  They are made in the US and are about 7 inches by 7 inches.  They are lead free, Phthalate free and BPA free.  They are waterproof too.  They close with a tab closure.  It takes a moment to get used to but it creates a real seal to keep your food fresh.  If you want an extra bonus, pop it in the freezer before use and your food will stay cool and fresh.  In my opinion, here's the best part-they are dishwasher safe!  No more fishing crumbs out!

These are something that will help you get organized, but Wacky Winderz are just too cute not to include.  Make back to school l(or a day at the office) a little more fun with these four unique wind up pencil toppers.  These will also make great stocking stuffers!

They also make a great pick me up for someone having a bad day :)

 This lunch box by Laptop Lunches is going to change the way you pack lunch.  Not only is there plenty of space to pack things (two compartments which I love for utensils, a juice box and of course a note :) It's fully insulated and contains no lead, BPA, phthalates or PVC.  It has a handle AND a removable shoulder strap (awesome in case your lunch box doesn't fit into your backpack).  The bento box on the bottom is awesome.  It's made of 100% post-consumer PET and printed with soy ink so you can feel great about these bags.  The bento box that fits into the bottom of the lunch bag is also just as safe and is dishwasher and microwave safe.  It keeps all of your kid's food separate and safe so it's just as tasty and pretty as when you packed it in the morning.  These are awesome lunch bags that make packing lunch easy, and look good!

Okay this isn't a back to school item specifically.  However, it's a great treat for the end of the day, or to sneak in a lunch box.   (IF gum is allowed at your child's school.)  Tree Hugger Bubble Gum is the best gum you'll ever taste.  Their all natural flavors are long lasting and the pieces are generous in size.  There are no artificial colors either!  It's also gluten free, all natural, vegan, non gmo and comes in a variety of flavors and packages. From individually wrapped pieces of gum to the traditional bubble gum "strip" there is a package that meets your size needs.  There are traditional flavors like classic bubble gum, but some of the most delicious are  the fun ones, like Wildberry.

Connect with Bonnie through a variety of media outlets: 

The Joyful Organizer®, LLC

bonnie@thejoyfulorganizer.com
http://www.thejoyfulorganizer.com
http://thejoyfulorganizer.com/blog

Looking for free organizing tips?  Subscribe to The Joy of Organizing Radio Show on iTunes!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joy-organizing-blog-talk/id352871697

Connect With Us:

http://www.facebook.com/thejoyfulorganizer

http://www.facebook.com/thejoyoforganizing
http://www.twitter.com/thejoyfulorg
http://www.linkedin.com/in/thejoyfulorganizer
https://pinterest.com/BonnieJDewkett/

The Joyful Organizer Says Preparation is Key for Successful Back to School

It's crazy to think back to school has hit us.  I have the pleasure of sharing this guest post from the Joyful Organizer herself,  Bonnie Joy Dewkett, a Certified Professional Organizer.  She has a innate knack for organizing whatever life throws at you.  Her tips have been featured in Good Housekeeping and Family Circle (just to name a few). Below are great life tips that may add a little sanity to your crazy day.

Going from summer break to a school routine isn’t easy on anyone.  The summer months bring a lot of fun, beautiful weather, and a lackadaisical routine that is just not easy to break when school starts again.  However, this year you can make the necessary changes gradually, and avoid the stress that normally comes with the arrival of the yellow school bus.  By making the transition slowly, and with a positive attitude, the school year can get started off on the right foot!

Shopping:

Back to school shopping can be fun, if you are not under stress to get it done.  Start by having your child go through their closet and determine what clothes are still in good condition and still fit.  Depending on their age, you may want to assist them with this task.  Remember, the weather in September is usually warm enough to wear shorts, skirts, and tee shirts.  So there is no need to run our and buy winter clothes.  However, if you want to start shopping early, start in July when the back to school sales start to appear in stores.  The back to school season hosts the second largest sales of the year (second to Christmas).

Second, take inventory of your child’s school supplies from the year before.  If they have tons of pencils, crayons, etc, there is no need to buy more.  Save yourself time, money, and clutter by checking first.

If your school does not supply a local store with the necessary supply list, call your child’s teacher for it.  This will also allow you an opportunity to introduce yourself and become acquainted before the academic year begins.  If your school accepts donations, this may also be a good time to ask the teacher if there are any supplies they would like for their classroom for the coming year.  Keep in mind that some supplies, such as lunch boxes, are hard to find during other times of the year.  Consider purchasing two if your child is rough on these items.

Start buying your child’s school supplies on your weekly trips to the grocery store, or super stores.  Involve your child in the process.  Have them calculate the amount they have spent on supplies, have them pick colors they enjoy, and have them pick a planner that will fit their academic needs and their personal style.  If your child feels invested with their supplies they will be more likely to take care of them, not lose them, and most importantly to use them effectively.

One of the most important supplies that you will buy your child is their planner/organizer.  It is very important that they like the planner they are using.  Keep in mind that some districts require students to use their school’s planner, or a particular brand.  Make sure that your child understands how to use their planner, and they have a system for the following: writing down tests, quizzes, homework, reading, and long term projects.  Starting these good habits at the beginning of the year will ensure that they are followed throughout the school year.

One of the easiest, and most effective planners, to use is a teacher’s planning book.  These have open weeks so you can put the dates in yourself, and you can quickly switch between weeks.  The pages are large, and therefore give you a great visual of the work your child has to do.  I recommend using different colored inks or highlighters for different subjects.  Or if you child is older, you can consider using different colors of highlighter for different academic significance.  For example, quizzes are highlighted in yellow, projects in green, tests in pink, and long term papers in blue.

Morning Routine:

The morning routine is one of the most stressful parts of the day for most families.  Start developing good routines and habits during the summer months, and they will naturally take effect during the school year.

Develop a place in your home for your child’s backpack.  This should be a place by the door, such as the entryway, or a hallway.  This is where they should keep their backpack at all times.  Your child can remove their homework, books, and other necessary supplies to complete their assigned schoolwork.   When they are done with these items, they should be returned to the backpack to be grabbed on the way out the door in the morning.

Develop a place for permission slips and other items that need to be read, signed, or need attention.  This too can be in the entryway or hallway.  Purchase a small wall mounted file, or magazine rack.  (Insert product suggestion here.)  Have one slot for incoming, where your child can put anything that needs your attention.  It is very important you check this slot daily, take any required action, and then place them in a second slot for outgoing items.  Your child must check this slot daily and take any applicable papers back to school.  Many teachers require students to have a designated folder for items of this nature.

Get your child into the habit of taking their lunch box out of the backpack every night and bringing to the kitchen for a refill.  Have them pick it up from the kitchen in the morning and place it back into their backpack.

If your kids sleep later in the summer months, start getting them back on a normal schedule slowly.  Get them up 10 minutes earlier each morning until you have comfortably reached your morning wake up time.

If your kids have a hard time getting dressed in the morning, have them plan and lay out their clothes the night before.  Purchase an organizer that has the days of the week printed on it.  (Insert product suggestion here.)  Have your child assist you in picking out the week’s worth of clothing at the beginning of the week.  This ensures the clothing your child wants to wear is clean and avoids unnecessary loads of laundry mid-week.

If your child is a little older and wishes for more independence, consider having a fashion show night at your house.  Set up holiday lights as runway light, play music and have your child try on lots of different outfits.  Take pictures and have them printed.  Mount them on a bulletin board near the closet.  This will help make quick outfits during the week, and it will help inspire creativity.

Even with clothes and outfits laid out of the week, your child can use their creativity.  Place boxes full of scarves, sunglasses, hair accessories, and jewelry close by.  Your child can chose from these in the morning, as long as they do not take too long to do it.

Some website even offer wardrobe planners where you can track the clothing you have, its color, and size.  This may help you track what you have and what will need to be replaced soon.  It will also give you an idea of what your child has too much of at any one time.  The trick with these lists, however is to keep them up-to-date.

If your child is small and or often loses clothes and accessories, now is the time to write their name in everything to give it a fighting chance of coming back home.

Daily Maintenance:

It is important that you maintain your daily routines with consistency and an upbeat attitude.  Nothing makes a tough morning worse than complaining and being negative.

In the evenings, do your homework while they do theirs. While your kids are studying, sign their permission slips, pay bills, clean, etc.  This will help designate the time as serious and necessary.  Kids learn by example and if they see you working hard, they will follow suit.

If your kids need help with their homework, it is helpful if you are in the area.  If your kids cannot do homework in their rooms or need your assistance, designate a place in the house where homework will always be done, such as the kitchen table.  In order avoid running for supplies, purchase your child a shower caddy and fill it with all necessary supplies, such as a ruler, calculator, pencils, glue sticks etc.  Check the supply level regularly and make sure it is clean and organized.

Maintain a family calendar with everyone’s schedules, appointments, field trips, sporting events, etc.  A wipe off magnetic one works great and can be stored on the fridge in plain sight.  (Insert product example here.)

Instead of leaving all of the laundry for the weekend, consider doing loads every day during the week.  Putting the laundry in or switching it to the dryer are both small chores your children can do for you while you cook dinner.

Consider maintaining a meal plan and calendar.  This will help you with grocery shopping, and more importantly, deciding what is for dinner after a long day.

If meal preparation is a challenge for you, consider researching meal preparation businesses in your area.  These businesses allow you to prepare and freeze multiple portion meals for your family that are then stored in your freezer, and accessed when you need them.

Having a stress free and successful school year starts with preparation.  Get started the right away this year.  Avoid the back to school rush and the stress of transitioning from summer frolicking to academic routines.  Just by changing a few habits you can make your academic year a successful, happy one!

If you’re looking for adorable and functional back to school products, visit Office Candy.

And if you are looking for a great resource for Back to School with Special Needs, check out Carolyn Dalgiesh's guest post on the Joyful Orgnaziers blog!

Connect with Bonnie through a variety of media outlets: 

The Joyful Organizer®, LLC

bonnie@thejoyfulorganizer.com
http://www.thejoyfulorganizer.com
http://thejoyfulorganizer.com/blog

Looking for free organizing tips?  Subscribe to The Joy of Organizing Radio Show on iTunes!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joy-organizing-blog-talk/id352871697

Connect With Us:

http://www.facebook.com/thejoyfulorganizer

http://www.facebook.com/thejoyoforganizing
http://www.twitter.com/thejoyfulorg
http://www.linkedin.com/in/thejoyfulorganizer
https://pinterest.com/BonnieJDewkett/

No, Sam don't eat.

I have determined we live in a land of reverse psychology. Or rather, just the little one does.

See, he is determined to do the opposite of whatever Dad tells him.

"No, Mudge, don't eat your pasta so you can shrink."
Devilish smirk, then he takes a great big bite.

"No, Mudge, don't finish your almonds, I want them."
Evil giggle followed by devouring 4 of them.

"No, Mudge, don't eat that broccoli so you don't grow. I don't want to have to buy the next size up."
Maniacle laugh followed by shoving it in his mouth.

We reflected on this one night. First, this has worked greatly to our benefit. Mudge is not a big eater and supper often takes an hour or more to get him to finish parts of his meal. He dilly dallies and generally fiddle farts and putzes around his dish as if he were working it like a maze. We would get so frustrated. But then the Ah Ha moment happened. The little shit always does the opposite of what Daddy tells him. Bingo! So dinner now is back to being more goofy and filling for the Mudge. And often it reminds us of the scene in A Chirstmas Story where Mom gets Ralphie's brother to eat his supper like a piggie.

I guess what it really comes down to is parents will do whatever it takes to get their children to do what they want,even if it takes a little verbal finagling.

2011: What a long strange trip it's been....

As the year comes to a close today, I can't help but look back on the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The boys have kept us on our game all year. They have challenged us to be the not-quite-the-best parents, and sometimes we felt like we may not have succeeded. Then sometimes there were times we gave ourselves the pats on the back that we greatly deserved.

There were a lot of great moments during the past 365 days. Riding bikes without training wheels. Saying goodbye to "baby shows" like Dora the Explorer. Swimming without floaties. Glued chins. Bloody faces. You know, the good stuff.

One of my most memorable events of the year was when the butterfly landed on Boog's forehead. The look on his face is forever etched in my memory. It was precious; it was joy.

And though the year may have been filled with stress, I like to think back on this year still as a year filled with joyful experiences. And I hope that 2012 will bring the same feeling. On that note, I wish you a safe and healthy Happy New Year filled with the ability to laugh at the worst times and cry at the best.

better than average

As I was reading my second installment of the Spirited Child series, I came across a startling number: parents spend an average of 22 minutes interacting with their kids.  22!  That seems horribly low, especially if you drive in the car with them.  "Mom, he's touching me..."  "Mom, I'm thirsty..."  "Mom, I have to pee..."  Right there is at least 5 minutes of interacting, telling them to knock it off, wait till we get home, and you have to hold it, unless you want to pee on the side of the road.

But seriously, 22 minutes.  As half of a pair of working parents, I know how difficult it can be to make sure all are accounted for, fed, bathed, and nurtured.   I have to remind myself, stop and smell the dirt (because roses just aren't a boy's cup of tea).  But I know I am lucky too.  I work school hours.  I get to bring them to school and pick them up.  I get to help them earn their "getting ready for school on time" star.  Mudge's "eating your supper" star, and their "can  you guys stop it with the Nuh uh and Yah huh" star.  Ok, the last one not so much. But you get my drift.  I can't imagine only spending 22 minutes with my kids on a daily basis.  I do that just trying to get the two of them ready in the morning.

Plus, I can't imagine all of the odd things I would miss out on like how Boog has created a list of names for his soon-to-be-discovered dinosaurs, or how Mudge insists on playing chess like the big boys.  Though there may be those days where the oomph isn't available in its caffeinated form, on most days, I hope to be better than average. I want to be an over achiever.  I'm shooting for 23!

I am really thankful for my eReader....

I struggle with parenting.  I do.  

"I had this fantasy that my child and I would walk hand in hand across the park. Little did i know that when he got mad he would spit on me...." - a parent.

I try to be a good parent.  I try to be active with them.  But when I have days that I have been kicked, spat, hit, and screamed at.  I wonder what the hell has possessed my child? What the hell am I doing wrong? Just, What the Hell?????  And when those days happen, I tend to retreat and spend less time since so much energy was used to stay sane.

So after a day like that, instead of running to Barnes and Noble in tears like last time, I picked up my iPad and ordered another book by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, Kids, Parents and Power Struggles.  I needed to.  With the "success" of reading Raising the Spirited Child, providing me insight on temperament, mood, and other fine qualities of a spirited child, I hoped maybe she could help me.

And now into the third chapter, I laugh.  God, she gets it.   There are others out there who do the same thing.  But more importantly, it is NOT about the kid, it is about how I am reacting.  I need(ed) to start reflecting on how my sensitive child is picking up on my stresses and body language. 

I will let you know how it goes.  Thank god for instant gratification of a Nook program.

#11 Boog Date Night

We were blessed last night with a mini Boog date night.  My mother had her own special night with the Mudge and we took advantage of that.

It was a Daddy, Mommy and Boog night.  He emphatically chose bowling.  But first, dinner at Applebee's where he was able to imbibe in a little Sprite at supper.  And that always makes a meal that much cooler.  Then off to Town Hall Lanes in Johnston, RI for a round of bowling, they really have a pretty family friendly atmosphere.

I loved the way Boog's head tilted as the bowling ball rolled towards the pins as if it were to will it in the direction he leaned. Every time.  It was so cute.  He would get so excited to knock them down, run (sometimes fall) and hit me up with a double high five.   Daddy didn't get them, since he was flat out too good at bowling.  It was a more of a competition for 2nd place between Boogie and me.  Thank god for bumpers, not just for him, but for me.  I really do suck at bowling.  But when I actually tried to suck so he could win, I knocked down more pins.  Go figure.

For us, when you have more than one child, we don't always get to spend that special time with them, without the sibling. It makes it worth while to see their joy and silliness without the interference of sibling rivalry.  Though they are the best of friends, they can be the worst of enemies.  And for the rare instance to have a little fun with just one at a time, I am grateful.

Ice Cream for Supper

You wouldn't know it, but my husband is a big mush pot. 

Last year, at this time, a child that he knew suddenly passed away.  And in that moment, he went into his calendar and set a repeat event: Ice Cream for Supper.

I didn't think of it until he told me the other day that Thursday night was his night to make supper.  And later on he came home with ice cream and whipped cream.  He filled me in and told me not to tell the boys.  

Tonight, after he came home, he made ice cream sundaes for supper.  The boys of course thought it was the best night ever, and Mudge even ate most of his supper without fuss.

But ice cream for supper was not for nothing.  It is something he created to remind us to let the kids be kids, hold them tighter, and smile a little more often since you never know what may happen.  

We both know too many little ones who are no longer here, and we are thankful everyday we have our boys, as crazy as they make life sometimes.   I don't always remember to do what Brad Paisley says, "Live for the little moments".  So on days like these, I am thankful my husband does.

Halloween, old school

I do love Halloween. I love seeing all of the costumes, creativity, and excitement in the faces of the children and the brave adults who join them. I can clearly recall the pictures of my sister and I dressed up like punk rockers and cats. It was easy. Cheap. And you made it. I miss that. There are so many premade options out there that it is just easier, because who has time to make a Spiderman costume?

But this year we had no choice on the matter. The boys decided to pay homage to Monster Bug Wars and be insects for All Hallows Eve. Not just any insects, but a Giant Rainforest Mantis and a Bull Ant.

Check out the videos the kids are soooo obsessed with....

Note the large pinchy mandibles, that Mudge so desperately wanted

So we had to come up with some ideas on how to create the creepy crawlers because we would paying out ass for a decent costume So home came extra cardboard and tubing. Out came the paint and exacto knives. Off to Micheals for some random extra large pipe cleaners and foam visors. And voila! A true homemade Trick or Treating delight.

The boys are soooo excited and we are too. Kyle put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into forming the wings and spiny front legs. So we shall see the true outcome in just a few days....

Looking for something to do? AppleFest!

This weekend at Wachusett Mountain is their 28th annual AppleFest.

Last year, our family went, bundled up to the max.  There were some bouncy houses.  Lots of crafters, activities and local farm fresh items.  And, yes, maple cotton candy. DELICIOUS!

For an additional charge, we took the Skyride up to the top of the mountain.  I would not necessarily recommend you do this with wiggly children under 3, but be your own judge.  My kids were so excited, and I held onto them pretty tightly since it is a ski lift.  But they did great and loved the unique view above the trees, down to the valley.  And we were able to walk around the top of the mountain, exploring the sights.

Adults are $10, 6-12 are $6, and under 5 get into the festival free as well as a sky ride admission.  Skyrides are an additional cost, but there are some great packages that include the sky ride, food and other fun activities.

So if you are looking for a great outdoor family friendly and food friendly day, head up to Wa.... Wa... Wachusett either today or tomorrow. Maybe I'll see you there.  Doors are open 10-5.

I am Officially a Player, not to be confused with Playa

So over the weekend, I had the most phenomenal opporutnity to attend at Life is Good Playmaker Training.  And I can now proudly say that I am certified in silly, and a playmaker not a play hater.

When my girlfriend told me about her amazing experiences at the training over the summer, she said "YOU HAVE TO GO!"  So with that much enthusiasm and energy I just had oblige.  And I am so happy I did.

Life is Good Kids Foundation is the culmination of The Project Joy's mission with Life is Good support to help children overcome life threatening challenges.  Project Joy's background was the idea that children who experience trauma need to learn to play again so they can become healthy and joyful members of society.  They train people to help children play and heal.  But they do it in a way that is most effective, they teach you to be playful.  Because you can't teach what you don't have.

I spent the weekend with a bunch of adults, playing.  Using parachutes.  Throwing yarn balls.  Playing musical chairs.  And it was so much fun.  In fact, I realized I really hadn't been my playful self in a long time.  Don't get me wrong, I play with my children.  I play with other's children.  But I forgot the importance of being playful and being in the moment.  If you are not 100% in the moment, thinking about what you have to do later, and what you did in the morning, then you miss what you are doing right now.  And kids know when you are not 'with' them.  So you can't build trust and relationships.  And if you can't do that, then those kids won't be able to be healthy social beings.

Playfulness is not rocket science.  It doesn't mean you have to wear a rainbow wig, dancing and singing (though it might help).  It just means that you have to have joy, be socially connected, have a sense of internal control, and be actively engaged.  It's not the stuff that makes it play.  It's all in the approach.

I know I have had a truly life changing moment that not only will make me a better therapist, but a better wife, mother, and friend.  So find your inner player, and bring it out.  Enjoy the moments.  Like Brad Paisley said, "Live for the little moments."  And if you would like to be a part of the Playmaker Effect, contact the Life is Good Foundation and find a training near you.

Bubbles or No Bubbles?

Four score and seven years ago, when I walked up hill both ways barefoot, I remember having my tall cup of coffee milk (a Rhode Island staple) accompanied by a straw, specifically used for experimentation: to see how many bubbles I could make without making a mess.

But once you become a parent, I think sometimes you lose those memories and get caught up in the day.  So initially, when the boys started blowing bubbles in their drinks, my immediate reaction was, "Don't."  I know, but I am a negative first responder.  Trust me, I see where my spirited child gets it.  But then the bubblicious memory of having mountains of the spherical objects growing taller and taller, popped into my head.  I just couldn't NOT let them have this same simple joy.

And since, Mudge needs to work on his "nasal emission" problem, letting air come out his nose when he talks so he sounds nasally, blowing bubbles is purposeful and therapeutic.  So now, when the boys blow into their drinks, I say go for it, with the only rule is not let them go out of the cup.  I know if you give them an inch.....

So the question is: Do you bubble?

Silly Sushi Supper Night. Or Attempt at Food Poisoning?

So my children have limited palates. Tonight to help broaden their epicurean taste buds I thought about sushi. Silly sushi.

I figured if we made a fun dessert, then it would motivate them to eat their pretend sushi.

So with fruit roll ups, rice crispy treats, and licorice ropes we created a pretty colorful rendition of the traditional wrap. And it sat there and waited.

Then onto dinner. Well, this was a food fail. Since the children will not eat seaweed, I had them flatten out bread with rolling pins. Then we put rice, sweet potato fries and a fish stick in. Odd combo I know. Frankly not sure what I was thinking. No. I take that back. I thought about the sweet potato rolls I have had in the past and thought of this make shift version. And the fish sticks were close enough to nuggets that i figured the kids wouldn't outright fight them.

And for the most part I was right. Amazingly Boog ate an entire roll. Mudget ate 1 potion. I ate them too. Then Kyle took a bite and spit it out. Silly sushi turned into Ghetto sushi. My husband decided it was a failed attempt at food poisoning. Which at first I started laughing at hysterically.  Then, I got pissed.  How dare he spit food out! We are always trying to get the boys to try something new.  Suck it up, buttercup and eat the friggin' roll.

Eventually the boys were able to eat the fruit (roll ups) of our labor. And eventually Kyle made his own dinner.  Maybe not so much a food fail, but a food draw: dinner 1, mom 1.

When the cat's away...

When the hubby is away, it makes mothering twice as, um, hard.
exhausting.
entertaining.
special.

I can truly appreciate the idea of team work when parenting when the other team player is not around.  Usually it is divide and conquer at bath and bed time.  But instead it is clone and conquer, attempting to appease and corral the two boys.

Actually, it was a great day with Boog and Mudge.  They were happy, which means I was happy.  We played soccer, legos and Wii.  We shopped.  We laughed.  Especially at Mudge as he went through Kohl's yelling, "MOM, COME OVER HERE. COME SEE. YOU GOTTA SEE THIS!" At everything.  You would have thought I have never taken him out of his cage or something.  We even had special mom and us date night at Chili's, which apparently was on everyone else's agenda as well, because even just before 5 pm was busy.

Now, I get a little reprieve.  Movie night. Popcorn. Zone out time.  I don't feel guilty.  We had a wonderful day.  My house may look like it was turned inside out, but at least we are happy and I haven't throttled them..... yet.

Friday Fatigue = Mudget Meltdown

I giggle sometimes when Friday comes along since I know Mudge has not had a nap alllllll week.  It's not the teacher's fault, it's not his fault, but certainly he has not grown out of them.  So by Friday, he is a wreck.  Last night he was asleep by 6:20.  Of course, he woke up at 5:30 this morning, but that was expected.

And today was no different.  As with most Fridays, we went to Papa's for supper.  Nudge, I mean Mudge, ate half his dinner and played with his brother and cousin for a bit.  He took his shower, but his mood was distinctively changing.  Like when I turned off the shower and he did NOT want that to happen.  Like when I put on the tiger towel, which was NOT the one he wanted.  Like when he told me "you're NOT gonna be my mommy anymore."  Yeah, I could see where this was going.

He went upstairs naked as a jay bird.  I tried to help him get his jammies on, but he decided NOT to wear underwear and took them off.  Then proceeded to have a hissy fit until we got home.  Awesome, I know. Probably not that different than what you may experience as well with your preschooler.  I suppose it is why I share, in hopes that I am NOT the only one, and neither are you.

And if you want a soundtrack to this experience, check out Justin Roberts' Meltdown.

Guest Post: Scrapbooking, The Joyful Organizer Way

Its that time of year again.  It’s time to get the kids ready for school, and to get back into your daily routine.  As summer vacations come to an end now is the perfect time to make sure your photos end up in scrapbooks instead of show boxes.

We take photographs to remember the moments with our friends and family.  For many, these photos end up stashed away, never to be looked at again.  Here are some solutions for getting your photos in order, out of the shoeboxes, and into albums.

Start with your most recent summer or vacation photos.  When you come home from vacation, decide what you want to have printed.  Many people who utilize digital photography still insist on printing all of their photos.  Print only the ones that you will put into an album.

Having your photos printed right away gives you the luxury of remembering the order in which events occurred.  Most people want to show off their photos when they return home, not six months down the road. 

Once you have selected your vacation photos and had them printed, make an appointment with yourself to put them into an album, or a scrapbook.  Try to do this within one month of returning from your vacation.  After all, you want to show them off right away don’t you?

While still on vacation, write down your daily itinerary.  (If you have already returned home, write down what you can remember.)  At dinner each night, have your family write down their favorite moments, rides, or meals. Use these cards to help you create albums and scrapbooks.  Make sure to pack index cards and pens when you go on vacation! 

If you are ready to organize all of your photos, start by gathering them from all over your home.  Next, discard any unwanted duplicates, blinking photos, or just plain bad shots.  If you don’t want to show it off, is it worth keeping?

Then organize the remaining photos by year, child, or event.  Set aside the photos you want to put into albums or scrapbooks, and purchase plastic photo storage boxes for the rest.  Clearly label the contents of each box. 

Some direct marketing scrapbook companies offer photo-sorting classes.  Consider hosting one for your friends.  This will help everyone get organized! 

To ensure that scrapbooking is as easy on you as possible, keep a stockpile of materials (stickers, pages, adhesives, etc) on hand.  This way when you have ten minutes you can scrapbook instead of having to take a trip out for supplies. 

If you want to learn to scrapbook, fall and winter is a perfect time.  When purchasing scrapbook materials look for acid and lignin free products.  Products specifically designed for scrapbooking will help preserve your photos’ longevity.  You no longer have to seek out a specialty scrapbook store to buy products.  Scrapbooking materials are carried by large craft stores  and superstores.  There are also many direct marketing products available.

Digital photography is the easiest medium to store and organize.  When you return home from a vacation (or at the end of the summer), upload your photos from your camera or memory card to your computer.  Use only software program to organize all of your photos.  Create clearly labeled folders to seperate the photos.  For example, 4^th of July, 2007, Maine.   Once all the photos are safely stored on your computer, make sure you back them up via DVD, or an external hard drive.   Take the time to delete any photos that you don’t want to keep so they don’t take up unnecessary space on your computer. 

If learning to scrapbook is more than you have time for, consider creating “lazy albums” for your kids or other family members.  When you order your photos, have extras created of at least one photo per event.  This can be a group shot of all the people that attended, or something especially memorable from the event.  Purchase albums or scrapbooks for these photos.  Every time you have a set of photos developed, add your selected photo to the album.  This creates an album that showcases all of life’s greatest events.  These albums are great to give your kids when they leave for college.  They are also great to give as gifts.  If your child is creative and loves art projects, allow them to take part in creating a “lazy album”.

If organizing all of your photos is a daunting task, hire a professional organizer to assist you.  Photos are often the only items we have left from life’s most important events.  Keep them organized so that future generations can enjoy them!

Remember that your photos are sometimes the only item you have left after an event, vacation or visit!  Take care of them so future generations may enjoy them, learn from them and hand them down through the generations. 

Written by Bonnie Joy Dewkett

Bonnie Joy Dewkett is the owner of The Joyful Organizer, LLC.  The Joyful Organizer LLC offers professional organization services to families in the greater Ridgefield area.  

The Incredible Shrinking Mudget

My second child, Mudge, is "3 and 3 quarters years old". And he is out-weighed by four of his 15-22 month old cousins.

He has always been small.  He was 6-8 when he was born, even though I was a gestational diabecca.

He has consistently fallen loosely around the 10th to 25th percentile for height and weight.  I fear he has been cursed with my maternal genes, as most of my family member are less than five foot three.

He suffers from NoAssAtAll Syndrome.  Often spending more time giving people a full moon than keeping them up.  Regardless of size of pants.  Today he was wearing 2T shorts and spent half the birthday party with them around his ankles.

We've tried the stretching technique.....

He.... eats...... very.........................slowly.  Unless given snack foods.  We have conceded to put on a timer at supper time since it will take him over an hour to take a few bites.  We used to play the flick game.  If we counted to three before he took a bite, we could flick him in the head.  That worked for a while.

Unfortunately he is just a grazer.  And would eat snacks all day long if given the chance.  It's not sensory.  It doesn't appear metabolic.  It's just him.  And it's annoying.  So today we measured him against the wall, like we usually do with the boys.  And you know what, he shrank.  I am sure it is related to user failure (ie me not being incredibly accurate) but it worked in our favor.  We told him if he doesn't start eating better, he'll disappear by Christmas.

Is that bad?