Please welcome my bloggy friend, Melissa today, as she shares her thoughts on baby number three {I’ve had this exact conversation with Hubs too}, and raising kids to be who they are, regardless of the toys that they play with. This is a woman after my own heart.

Depending on the day of the week, my husband and I are either for or against a third baby for our family. And then we go back and forth on having our own, or adopting. There are so many factors that go into this decision…Do we have the money? Do we have the space in our little Cape Cod-style house? Do we (mostly me) have the sanity for a third child? What if we are pressing our luck, we already have two beautiful and healthy children, could this baby be born sick? I have difficult pregnancies and births; do I really want to put my body through that again?

But you know what I never consider? The baby’s gender. Or, more appropriately, the baby’s sex. I just do not understand the emphasis placed on children’s sex these days. I think all our culture needs is gender-coded ultrasound film and delivery stirrups and we’ll be all set. We’ll have completely lost our minds.

I have a five year old daughter and a three year old son. My girl is obsessed with the ocean, traveling to Costa Rica, coloring things rainbow, and swimming. Her favorite color is blue. My son is crazy for Spiderman, baseball, kittens, painting, and bugging his sister. His favorite colors are pink and purple.

We’ve tried very hard to have a media literate home – a safe little nest free of gender stereotypes and sexualized media/toys. In today’s culture that isn’t all that easy to do, but I am committed to giving my children a beautiful childhood, full of the magic and wonder that only children can bring to the world. I’m a die hard for free play, imagination, and tossing the kids outside to freelance until dinner.

The way my kids play, it just doesn’t seem to matter much if they are a boy or a girl. We have tutus and tea sets, doll houses and baby bottles. We have train sets and cars and dinosaurs galore. They are scattered all over my freaking house, and it is kind of a free-for-all as to who plays with what on any given day. Last week I walked into my son’s room, and there he was, standing on his bed wearing a Spiderman mask while wildly swinging a baseball bat at a bad guy and simultaneously breastfeeding a stuffed orange kitten named Milo. And that’s exactly as it should be. Meanwhile, my daughter tried for three days straight to convince her swim teacher that she had a blowhole on the top of her head and could breathe underwater because she was born in the ocean. Kids will be kids.

I really think it is time that grown-ups get over ourselves, and let kids be kids. We need to leave childhood alone, and forget the pint-sized kitten heels, cosmetics made for seven year old girls, and steroid-induced action toys. Childhood is such a short, precious time that we really do our children a disservice by approaching it as a version of mini-adulthood.

Whether or not we decided on a Baby #3, I’m always so joyful when my girlfriends have healthy babies. And each birth is a wonderful reminder that to our children, every day the world looks new.

Melissa Atkins Wardy owns Pigtail Pals –Redefine Girly, an apparel company for girls, and writes for the Redefine Girly blog, fighting gender stereotypes and sexualization in girlhood. You can find her at www.pigtailpals.com, @pigtailpals and on Facebook.

Babies On the Brain Guest Post by Melissa Atkins Wardy is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Raising boys is certainly…interesting. And now with two in my life, I’m pretty sure anything pink is out of the questions. Please welcome today’s guest blogger, my friend Angie, who is sharing her experiences raising a boy.

On that fateful day two years ago, when the labor finally came to head and a baby was finally among us, the words “It’s a boy!” were music to my ears. Hard to believe, when most people who know me probably would have said that I was hoping against hope for a girl. But I really wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong. If we are blessed to have another baby, I really want a girl. Really. But I liked growing up with an older brother, so I wanted a boy to start this little family of ours. Wish granted. Now on to the hard part.

There are definitely some things that are easier with a boy. He’s totally content with a car (or a ball) in each hand. There is very little drama, at least with my little man. And most days, he will eat anything.

I am reminded, quite frequently, that there are many things that are waaaayyyyyy harder when raising a boy than a girl. The fact that I can’t trust him to keep both feet planted on the ground – as witnessed this afternoon when the outdoor glider toppled over backwards, narrowly missing the pavement. Or that there is absolutely no fear when faced with a new obstacle. And let’s not forget that if I put him in one place, then leave the room, the only guarantee when I return to that room is that he won’t be in the place I left him. Finally, one of the biggest differences between most boys and most girls (there are always exceptions) is a need to open every drawer/door/cupboard/bag/purse and take EVERYTHING out. Ugh.

All of these challenges considered, being the mom of this little boy is the most rewarding thing I do every day. That includes those days when all we do is play in the playroom, play in the drive-way, and play in the pool. When I demand ask for a kiss, I am given one of the best kisses I’ll ever receive. The same goes with hugs. He runs to me when he’s hurt, or scared, or happy. He teaches me to see the exciting in the everyday, like listening for airplanes during dinner. He shows me my weaknesses: speaking too fast, saying “huh” about 12 too many times, taking steps that are too big for him to keep up with, a short temper (how do you have a short temper when, for a living, you teacher 4th graders?)…I know there are more, but I can’t tell you what they are. Gotta keep up the illusion that I’m awesome, right? I wish.

Two years ago we got our wish: a beautiful, healthy, amazing little boy. Now, all we have to do is keep him alive until he’s old enough to do it himself. No pressure at all.

Guest Post: Mothering…Oh Boy! is a post from: Alli 'n Son

While I’m neck-deep in baby boy snuggles, and more sleep deprived than I ever imagined, my sweet and awesome friend Angie is helping fill in my blogging days. Please welcome her and her drool-worthy recipe for this week’s Sweet Tooth Friday. 

We had an early 4^th of July party at our house. Family, friends, and food. Lots of food. And of course, the food was all left behind for us to determine what to do with it when we were going to leave for 3 days. One of the items left behind was a MOUNTAINOUS pile of cherries. And I don’t like cherries. I do like cherry pie though, so I thought I would see what I could figure out.

I searched through several very old cookbooks. Cookbooks that I received after my grandfather passed away and the contents of his house were dispersed. I asked my mom and my sister-in-law for help, as they are both way better bakers than I am. No one knew what to do with bing cherries, as they only make pies with sour cherries. Hmmmmm…so, I trusted the next best thing: the interwebs. I found several different recipes, but decided to put my trust in this one, Pacific Northwest Bing Cherry Pie.

It was easy enough to make, if you don’t mind the pitting of cherries. I didn’t think I would, but then I had a horrible flashback to the worst summer job I’ve ever had. And the pie looked lovely when it was finished. But I didn’t like it. And I pinpointed the exact ingredient that made me severely dislike this creation of mine. Almond flavoring. Who knew I hated the stuff so much? So, I’m modifying the recipe a bit. If I had more cherries, I might try it again, somewhere around Thanksgiving.

Ready to link up with Sweet Tooth Friday? I only have a few rules:

1. Link directly to your recipe {sweet-recipes only please}, not to the main page of your blog.
2. Link back to my blog and/or include the Sweet Tooth Friday button {code is below and in the side bar}.
3. Visit a few of the other blogs. Spread the sweet-love!
4. Subscribe to my blog, follow me on Twitter, or like me on Facebook.
5. Stop by again on Saturday. Each week I pick my five favorite recipes. If you are featured I have a nifty button you can add to your blog.

<br/><a href=”http://alli-n-son.com/sweet-tooth-friday/” _mce_href=”http://alli-n-son.com/sweet-tooth-friday/” mce_href=”http://alli-n-son.com/sweet-tooth-friday/” target=”_blank”><img border=”0″ src=”http://alli-n-son.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SweetToothFriday.jpg” _mce_src=”http://alli-n-son.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SweetToothFriday.jpg” mce_src=”http://alli-n-son.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SweetToothFriday.jpg”/></a>

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Sweet Tooth Friday: Pacific Northwest Bing Cherry Pie is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Yikes, the kiddo will be starting preschool in like, weeks. I guess I should really get moving and enroll him, huh? I will, after just a little more cuddle time with this baby boy on my hip. In the meantime, please welcome today’s guest blogger, Sheena, with advice for what teachers need from parents to help make the school year successful.

It’s the first day of school. You get your little one ready: lunch packed, clothes in all the right places, and pencils, paper and all of the other essentials for learning. You take your child to be dropped off and that is where the torch moves from parents’ hands to teachers’ hands.

Hi. My name is Sheena, and I grew up in a family of educators. My family members have taught generations of children the wonders of English, Journalism, Algebra/Trigonometry, Business, and Divinity. They have helped students through the best of times and the worst of times. They all view their jobs as more than jobs, but as an honor and responsibility to be placed in such a high position in a child’s life. Having grown up watching such passionate and dedicated educators, I learned the art of teaching, which I now apply in my own classes teaching dance to children ages 3 to 18.

I went through that little history so that I could say this: We, as teachers, need certain things (for lack of better word) from our students’ parents, the same way parents need certain things from their students’ teachers.

First and foremost, and something to never forget, we are on the same team. If your child’s name is Katie, we’re on Team Katie. Michael? Go Team Michael! We just work different hours on the schedule. I know, I know. There is no such thing as a parent “clocking out,” but when it comes to your child’s education… it is a little like clocking out. We pick up after you drop them off, and vice versa.

Directly from teacher to parent, here is what I (and we) need from you:

• Trust me. I understand that you may not trust me right away, but do whatever you need to do to calm your nerves. Check my credentials, ask your child as many questions about me as you’d like, ask me what you’d like. I’m here for a reason, and I know and respect that reason. I will do my job to the best of my ability and then some.
• Stay involved. Educating a child is an intricate process. You have to know when to push, when to pull, and when to give them space. When I need reinforcements, I need the parents, and when you need reinforcements, I’m here for you too.
• Back me up. Touchy subject, I know. Because sometimes you may disagree with something I said, or the disciplinary method I chose. But please understand, there’s a “method to the madness.” In the classroom, I know the dynamic between your child and myself. I know and see what your child is capable of, and it’s my job to bring that out in them. If you go behind my back or over my head (and we don’t stay a united front), then you’ve rendered me useless in the eyes of your child. Nothing I say or do from that moment on will mean a thing.
• Show your child you respect educators. In other words, I need your “seal of approval” in your child’s eyes. Your child wants and needs your approval and support. If you approve of their teacher, then the child will be more receptive to learning and listening to their teacher.
• Communicate. With me. It undermines trust if parents are going to someone else instead of talking directly to me. If you want to talk to the Assistant Principal or the Principal or the President of the United States for that matter, all of that hurts our trust and efforts. Why wouldn’t you talk directly to the teacher who is with your child every day? What good is someone going to do when they don’t know your child, nor see them regularly? If you want a third-party, include me in the process.
• Understand: there will be good days and bad days in the education process. But just because your child didn’t come home smiling and bouncing with joy, doesn’t mean something went wrong in the classroom. Children have bad days, they get embarrassed, they get left out, they are trying to approach people and start friendships, and it’s all very dramatic. We can’t always hold their hands through this process. At some point, they must manage saying “hello” to a potential new friend on their own (and we all know putting yourself out there comes with risks).
• Understand: just because I’m hard on your child, doesn’t mean I don’t believe in them or that I’m playing favorites. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’m hard on students because I know they can achieve whatever challenge I’ve given them, and I know they must travel a long, personal journey overcoming their own issues to complete the assignment and achieve. So I keep them accountable, and if I feel like they’re only giving me half of their effort, I tell them. P.S. I do play favorites. My students, each and every one, are my personal projects. They’re always my favorites!
• Talk to your children. Ask them about their days, how they feel, who they talk to, what their plans are. Extend the education process into your home.
• Report to me. If you feel like your child is struggling or lost, let me know. I appreciate feedback and the best place to find quality feedback is from the parents.
• Respect me, and if you don’t right away… allow me time to show you that you can. In today’s world, I understand why “auto-respect” has been diluted. Give it time, work with me to understand my goals, methods, plans, and together we can mold your child into everything you’ve always wanted him or her to be.

There is a lot of publicity about bad teachers, and there should be. We need to get rid of any teacher who does not have the child’s best interest at heart. But the majority of teachers do not come from a dark place. We come from a place with a genuine and honest motivation to do what’s best by our students, your children. We value your status in our students’ lives, and we are here to help continue your efforts and we ask that you help continue ours.

Sheena Jeffers is a 25-year-old dance instructor and writer from Richmond, Virginia. Raised by a fearless, five-foot tall mother from the South, sweet-tea loving and all, Sheena’s addicted to reading, documentaries and ice cream. A level-two yoga student, she lives life one day at a time with her schnoodle (schnauzer + poodle) named Sassy. She blogs about life, education and the arts at http://www.sheenajeffers.com/blog

Guest Post: Making the School Year a Success from a Teacher’s Viewpoint is a post from: Alli 'n Son

When the kiddo was just a baby we taught him the basic signs to help him communicate with us, and us with him. It worked wonders. We always had intentions of continuing, but alas once he started talking we stopped. It’s always something that I wished we had continued. Please welcome today’s guest blogger, with tips and tricks for teaching babies sign language.

Baby sign language is a cool way to communicate with your baby or your pre-verbal toddler. The most popular system of Baby Signing is based American Sign Language(ASL), which is used all over the world. Read on to find out more about the when and how of baby sign language…

When….To Start Signing And What To Expect When You Do

You can start teaching your baby signs at any time, even from birth. The earlier you begin the sooner your child will be signing back to you. Don’t expect too much too soon, though. Have realistic expectations. Research by Dr. Joseph Garcia, one of the founders of baby sign language, found that a typical baby who starts learning signs at seven months old needs about two months of repetition and exposure to a sign to start using it.

When…To Sign With Your Baby

The short answer is – as often as you can! Trying to fit signing into your everyday activities will not only help you remember but make all your usual chores and commitments more fun. Use signs when you are shopping, eating, playing and during bath time. Sign food, colors, animals, feelings… the list is endless.

How…To Get Started

First of all, remember to make the sign every time you say the relevant word to your baby. It’s important to say the word that goes with the sign clearly, using good eye-contact, while pointing to the thing or person you are describing. Sign when your baby is alert and not fussing. Remember to practice the signs beforehand so you feel confident and clear about what you are doing.

How…To Choose Which Signs To Teach First

When you are first starting with Baby Sign Language it’s best to begin with signs you can use every day, such as Mommy, Daddy, Milk and More. Signs that represent something exciting and meaningful to baby will be easier to learn. Start with these signs: Mommy, Daddy, Milk and More. These signs are simple to learn and are really interesting to your baby.

How…To Make The Signs

To sign Mommy extend and spread apart your fingers. With your little finger facing forward, tap your thumb on your chin.

To sign Daddy, extend and spread out your five fingers on your strong hand. Tap your hand on your forehead. Done right you will look like a turkey.

The sign for Milk is a lot like milking a cow, but without the vertical motion – you are just squeezing the udder. Take both hands, make them into a fist, relax, and repeat. You will notice most babies have trouble moving their fingers together this way, but any kind of repeated squeezing and relaxing of the hand is likely Milk.

To make the sign for More, flatten out your hands then bring your thumbs under to make an O shape. Then, bring your hands together and separate them repeatedly. Baby will often simplify More by clapping their fists together.

Why Should You Teach Baby Sign Language?

Sign Language For Babies makes life with a young baby or toddler so much easier. It gives you and your baby the tools you need to communicate with each other, even before your child has learned to talk. Baby sign language can also help with a baby’s sleep, mealtimes and weaning, and can help combat toddler tantrums.

When And How To Start Baby Sign Language is a post from: Alli 'n Son

With a less than 20 weeks to go before baby boy number two enters our lives, baby proofing has been on my mind. It’s been a while since we haven’t to secure each and every part of our home. Please welcome today’s guest blogger, with tips on babyproofing your home.

By Joy Paley, who also writes for onlinecollegedegrees.net and has also written at length about phlebotomy.

Every year, millions of babies in the U.S. go to the ER. One literature review on the subject noted that the home affords a virtual breeding ground for accidents to children. As an emergency medical worker, you’ve probably seen some of those accidents. Luckily, the home is also the easiest place to prevent a traumatic injury, if you take the right steps. Here are 10 simple ways you can make your home safer for you kid, and for your own peace of mind.

1. Do the Baby Crawl

Yep, get down on your hands and knees and check out how your baby views your home. Take note of any hazards within baby’s grasp, like cleaning chemicals, light sockets, or sharp edges on walls or furniture, and take the necessary steps to make them safe for your kid.

2. Secure Your Cabinets

Secure cabinets and draws with enclosures, to keep any curious tots out of your stuff. It will keep them from hurting themselves or accidentally choking, and it will also prevent them from dumping all your belongings onto the floor.

3. Get the Ipecac

This old timey remedy is still excellent to have in your home, in case your baby ingests anything poisonous or toxic. The syrup induces vomiting; call the doctor first to make sure it’s safe to use for any particular type of poisonous ingestion.

4. Chuck the Knick Knacks

Babies don’t have any taste preferences, I’ll tell you that right now. Rid your home of any little odds and ends that would pose a chocking hazard, like shelf knick knacks. Throw out your fridge magnets too, they can fall off and become a chocking hazard.

5. Turn Down Your Water Heater

When giving your child a bath, you don’t want them to accidentally turn the heat up all the way and scald themselves. It’s best to set your water heater at 110-120 degrees, to prevent any water-related burns.

6. Proof Those Windows

Ensure that any windows in your house only open about 5-6 inches. You can install window guards to keep them from opening all the way. Watch the hanging strings from window blinds as well, and tie them up so kids canít reach them and get tangled up.

7. Secure Tall Furniture

Babies love to use furniture for balance. Make sure that any large items you have, like armoires or bookcases, are secured to the wall, to keep them from toppling over.

8. Be a Smart Cook

Stay aware of yourself while you’re working with hot foods and liquids. Don’t let your child play in front of the stove, and use only the back burners if possible. Make sure that handles are turned towards the back of the stove, so they can’t be reached by little hands.

9. Unplug

It’s best to keep any kitchen appliances unplugged when you’re not using them. This will keep kids from inadvertently scalding themselves on a toaster or still-hot coffee maker.

10. Check Your Detectors

Even parents with the best of intentions can leave something hazardous laying within their toddler’s grasp. Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are all functioning, and that you have one in every room. While you’re at it, put your pediatrician and the poison control center’s phone number on your speed dial. It never hurts to be prepared.

The Bottom Line: Baby-proofing your home is a combination of passive and active steps. You first have to make sure that your house is a babyproof fortress, by securing, locking, and removing anything hazardous. The second step is monitoring your own actions and ensuring that you’re not doing anything that could accidentally hurt your kid.

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post and I was compensated.

10 Ways to Babyproof Your Home is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Here I am, chowing down on perhaps the world’s best grilled cheese and tomato soup, dreaming of the donuts around the corner calling my name. I’m knee deep in Pike’s Place in Seattle. And later, I’m going to indulge in the best pizza I have ever eaten. I’m going to eat the entire thing. No shame in admitting that. While I’m preparing for the fact that my pants will no longer fit me, take some time and read today’s guest post my Mary from Giving Up on Perfect

photo © 2008 Doug Belshaw | more info (via: Wylio)

It’s January again, a season of resolutions and goals and oh, who am I kidding? If we let it, January – with all its fresh starts and expectations – can be a season of stress, frustration and even disappointment.

I mean, who really follows through on their New Year’s plans?

Lose 25 pounds.
Floss every day.
Read 100 classic books this year.
Make crafts and cookies with my children every day.
Clean my house from top to bottom each week.
Never touch another piece of chocolate again!

Okay, so maybe you aren’t quite that unrealistic with your goals (I hope not!). But I just have to ask: What are you doing to make your goals for 2011 attainable?

When I sat down to make my list of goals for this year, I filled both sides of a piece of paper. And the margins. What can I say? I have a lot of room for improvement!

But looking at that list and thinking about the steps I’ll need to take to meet each one is so overwhelming!

I feel like I’ve read a million different perspectives on making – and meeting – goals. Some experts suggest pursuing just one major goal at a time. Others say it’s okay to have several goals, but only if you have specific action steps for each one. Still others stress tangible, measurable resolutions, while some experts throw caution and to-do lists to the wind and shout, “Just do it already!”

How can a mere mortal (with a tendency to procrastination and, let’s be honest, laziness) possibly wade through all the advice, encouragement, inspiration and expectation?

Here’s my plan: Find the underlying theme in all my goals, and focus on that.

This idea isn’t original to me, and as a matter of fact, it’s similar to what many bloggers (and, I assume, regular non-blogging folks) are doing by choosing one word to focus on this year.

At first I didn’t think I could possibly choose one word to summarize my hopes and dreams for an entire year. I mean, I like my words, people! But after days of [jealously] rolling my eyes at blog posts and kicking myself for being too wordy to pick just one word and lamenting (yes, lamenting) the fact that my list of resolutions is two pages long, I’ve realized that a common thread runs through every single one of my goals.

My theme for 2011 is stewardship. Everything I’m working on – health, parenting, marriage, writing, finances – is on my list because I want to take better care of the blessings I’ve been given.

Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?

Okay, it actually kind of was. I’ve had the same basic resolutions for, oh, the last decade. At least. But it’s only been the past few months that I’ve recognized the theme in my goals.

Nerdy side note: I wasn’t sold on the word “theme” to describe what I meant, so I tried all night to figure out another way to say it. A few synonyms that I found were motive, purpose, issue, burden, core, crux, essence, gist and heart.

Don’t you just love those?

(You can also choose from nubbin, nucleus, staple or bottom. But they sound a little weird to me!)

So, as you make your own list of resolutions and head off to the gym (or perhaps to the sink to floss for the first time in whoknowshowlong? No? Just me?), I’d like to wish you a Happy New Year full of goals you can meet and a theme that drives them – and you – all!.

Did you make resolutions or goals for 2011? What’s your theme/motive/purpose/burden/heart?

Mary is mom to a {usually} sweet, {always} sassy toddler and wife to her high-school sweetheart. When she’s not snapping photos left and right, reading a good book or organizing her to-do lists, you can find Mary {avoiding housework} curled up on the couch with her laptop. Mary blogs about her imperfect life at Giving Up on Perfect, where she writes about family, faith, books, diet-friendly and fiber-filled foods like granola bars and nachos, celebrity look-alikes and chick flicks. You know, the important stuff.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

The Crux of the Matter is a post from: Alli 'n Son

I’m busy sipping lattes and enjoying the best French pastry Seattle has to offer. I hope that you will understand if I’m a bit distant over the next few days. But, to keep you out of trouble while I’m away my bloggy friend Alex from Late Enough is here to entertain you.

If there’s one (of the three thousand things) I hate, including the creepy guy who watches you breastfeed, I hate when my friends are better moms than me.

Sure, sure. It’s GREAT for their kids. Their children learn the alphabet (at fourteen months old). They don’t know what a television IS (true story). They go to the hippest school in town and have never been fed a pesticide-ridden apple in their LIFE.

These moms have children who wear handmade dresses and bibs with monograms but can still build a dirt fort like nobody’s business. Afterwards, the children wash their hands and HELP SET THE TABLE while I’m still pulling my naked son out of the mud in fifty-degree weather and telling my daughter to stop wiping her snot on my leg. When my husband gets home, I yell: I THINK WE’RE OUT OF PLATES! AGAIN!

Their families sit down to meals with more than two ingredients. My family eats pasta and cheese and a frozen vegetable. Hopefully not still frozen.

Then these moms also go on fun trips with their husbands, have three BFFs and a monthly girls night where they do cultural things complete with artistic photographs by the one who “takes pictures for fun.”

And, of course, I can’t forget all the playgroups, friend dates and birthday parties they have THIS WEEKEND.

And their homes are CLEAN! Not like shove-in-a-closest-and-close-off-the-upstairs clean. But like their-perfectly-groomed-dogs-can’t-find-anything-to-eat clean.

Wait! Wait! That’s not even my favorite. The best is that THEIR CARS ARE CLEAN. I just found a banana that could be in a museum it’s so well preserved. They found a SINGLE LEAF.

I know what you’re thinking: But ALEX! You’re a great mom!

(Let’s pretend. Because you could also be thinking: But Alex? You hate me? And that’s a much more awkward paragraph. And also may lead to us not being friends.)

Yes, yes. I’m a good mom. But some of my friends are annoyingly better.

I wonder if they’re available for babysitting.

Alex Iwashyna blogs at Late Enough mostly about life, parenting, marriage, zombies, culture, religion and her inability to wake up in the morning and not hate everyone. She also runs a collaborative review site called This Blogger Makes Fun of Stuff. Feel free to find her on Facebook, the Twitter @L8enough, Flickr or StumbleUpon. But don’t call. She uses her phone to manage all those accounts while avoiding real human interaction.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Perfect Parents And Other Reasons Not To Have Friends is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Right about now I should be enjoying a cappuccino at my favorite French pasty shop at Pikes Place, Seattle. Instead, I’m at home with inches of snow, waiting for the next storm to hit. Life just isn’t fair. I had the best guest bloggers lined up while I’m away, most of which will be postponed until I’m actually traveling in early January. But this just couldn’t wait. Please welcome Maria Rainier, she’s sharing some fantastic holiday crafts for kids.

As a mom, there’s no better way to pass along family traditions than with fun holiday crafts. No matter how old your children are, most crafts are simple, affordable and easy to create. Here are my ten favorite holiday crafts. They’re sure to get everyone in your family into the holiday spirit!

Jingle Door Hanger

These festive door hangers are a great activity for kids of all ages. All you’ll need are metal jingle bells, wire, curling ribbon and a small metal key ring. Start by cutting your wire about 10 inches, using pliers wrap one end of the wire around the key ring, string jingle bells onto the wire, and form a secure loop at the end. Attach ribbon to the bottom loop for a festive finish and hang on your door!

Reindeer Ears

This is a fun way to capture your child’s hand and footprints while making festive holiday decorations. Start by tracing your child’s handprints and shoeprint on a piece of brown construction paper. Cut out. Glue the hand prints to the shoeprint, so they serve as antlers. Add some plastic eyes and a red pom pom for the nose and you’re done!

Pine Cone Christmas Tree

Gather dry pine cones from your neighborhood or buy at a local craft store. Paint the cone with glue and sprinkle on green glitter. Top with a paper star and add sequins and tinsel after it dries. Add a pipe cleaner tie to the top and hang on the tree!

Candy Cane Mouse

All you need for this craft is red and green felt, plastic eyes, a pom pom and a candy cane. Cut the red felt into the shape of a large teardrop. Add the pom pom nose to the tip of the red tear drop and glue the eyes above it. Cut out ears with the green felt and glue to the bottom of the red felt so they peek out. Tape the straight end of candy cane to the bottom of the red felt and you’re done!

New Year’s Ball

Take a 2″ foam ball and poke a pipe cleaner into the center. Bend the end of the pipe cleaner to create a loop for hanging. Use glue to attach sequins to the ball, starting with the top and working down. Let dry and hang.

Angel Place Cards

Fold a paper napkin in the shape of a fan. Turn a paper cup upside down and place the fan napkin on the top (bottom) of cup. Push the stick end of a lollypop through the napkin and cup to secure. Make a halo out of a chenille stem, attach to the angel’s head and push through the lollypop hole. Add guest’s name on the cup.

Pom Pom Snowman

Sew or glue together 3 while pom poms in 2 sizes: 1.5 inches and 1 inch. Cut out a hat using black felt and glue or sew on to top. Glue small orange felt triangle for the nose and add dots of black paint for the face and buttons. Tie a yarn around the neck for a scarf.

Santa’s Elves

Wrap construction paper into round tubes and tape to secure. Add faces with cut out pieces of construction paper and cotton balls for the beards. They make a great table topper!

Candy Countdown

Take wrapped candies and twist them into pieces of festive ribbon, Combine until your chain has enough candies for the entire month of December. Hang garland from the mantle or doorknob.

Popcorn Ball Ornaments

Take a small popcorn ball and poke a small hole in the top. Snap the end off of a mini candy cane to and gently press the sharp end of the cane into the popcorn ball so there is a loop at the top. Use frosting as glue to add M&Ms and colored sugar designs.

Handprint Santa Cards

Have your child place their hand in white paint and then press on green construction paper to make a handprint. Turn upside down so fingers look like Santa’s beard. Add red construction paper hat, plastic eyes and a red pom pom for the nose.

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, where recently she’s been researching different msw degree programs and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

10 Holiday Craft Ideas for Kids is a post from: Alli 'n Son

This is the last of my guest posters for the Thank You Journal {unless of course anyone else wants to guest post, I’d love to know what my readers are thankful for}. Today it is my honor to introduce you to my real life friend, Kariann. Please make her feel welcome.

When Allison put out the call on Twitter for guest bloggers for her Thank You Journal I jumped at it.  Now I am not your normal blogger, what I have been doing since my girl was born is sending out pictures every day of her growing up to the relatives which then grew into a daily blog.  Though lately work gets in the way I try to still keep up on it. She is 1.  As I think about it I don’t think I go through a whole day without saying “Thank you” to at least one person.  Yet now I sit and ponder who I really need to thank in my life.

I think there are two people. My husband Dustin and my daughter Kyndall.  Dustin keeps me grounded and Kyndall shows me what I should not miss in my daily life.

For example…

Don’t forget to wash your nose.  You might have a spot on it…

[singlepic id=548 w=450]

Look surprised no matter how ugly the gift…

[singlepic id=549 w=450]

When passing out, pass out with friends…

[singlepic id=547 w=450]

Most of all Daddy will always be there to carry us when we need it.

[singlepic id=546 w=450]

The End (Yes I know she will hate me when she turns 16)

[singlepic id=550 w=450]

————

Who are your favorite people?

————

Link up and share your Thank You Journal. Please make sure that you link back, or even better, use the Thank You Journal button. See all of the official rules.

<br/><a href=”http://alli-n-son.com” mce_href=”http://alli-n-son.com” target=”_blank”><img border=”0″ src=”http://alli-n-son.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/ThankYouJournalButton_New.png” mce_src=”http://alli-n-son.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/ThankYouJournalButton_New.png”/></a>

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

My Two Favorite People {Guest Post} is a post from: Alli 'n Son