tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73558922369731372422024-03-14T07:15:30.341-07:00Mom On the Edge... of a breakdown or breakthroughMom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-43217432726137856492011-12-30T10:11:00.000-08:002011-12-30T10:11:24.284-08:00Wisdom for Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--538ZCM4woU/Tv3-p6QaN9I/AAAAAAAAAEg/xxJGvhA8NVs/s1600/butterfly-at-work-39831284852452BG5N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--538ZCM4woU/Tv3-p6QaN9I/AAAAAAAAAEg/xxJGvhA8NVs/s320/butterfly-at-work-39831284852452BG5N.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"The phrase " working mother " is redundant." <br />
~Jane Sellman<br />
</strong></div>Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-38579132281779674032011-11-21T06:19:00.000-08:002011-11-21T06:19:54.976-08:00Work from home #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T57FwZCxYvRiEUCy7PlaMoIGnHt1gBinVroLR9whiXVpxvC7CWyszPX503MsX6aS3w-dL1s6ovmgbDk9PnPghpKYK4wHLaE0oVCT7x_Gj8nWU_qb3pbCcqmWB_FmcEt_2ftudaTuv-o/s1600/money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T57FwZCxYvRiEUCy7PlaMoIGnHt1gBinVroLR9whiXVpxvC7CWyszPX503MsX6aS3w-dL1s6ovmgbDk9PnPghpKYK4wHLaE0oVCT7x_Gj8nWU_qb3pbCcqmWB_FmcEt_2ftudaTuv-o/s320/money.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sitting in a doctor's office waiting room, I filled out pages and pages of information. To my surprise and pleasure, when it came to the employment area, "Full-time parent" was listed as one of the choices!<br />
<br />
I just about fell out of my chair. (which probably would have alarmed the doctor's office staff!)<br />
<br />
I was so happy, I wanted to hug the man sitting next to me. (Though by the sounds of his lung-crumbling cough, I don't think it would have been good for my health to have contact with him.)<br />
<br />
At home moms (SAHM's) are a busy group. We cook, clean, run around town, hold the family calendar and, as a financial advisor once told me, tend to manage the household finances. Working moms often do all of the same only after they get home from an already busy day at work!<br />
<br />
Regardless of whether a mom is at home or work outside of the home, money-earning and money-saving tips are always welcome. (Provided they are good tips and not of the Invest-$10K-With-Us-And-We'll-Make-You-Rich-In-An-Hour kind of tip your Uncle Robbie can't stop talking about at family gatherings.)<br />
<br />
I am picky. I will not spend my time on anything that will earn me $0.05 per hour of survey-taking or anything that will suck up so much time, my kids will be neglected.<br />
<br />
Here is a tip I found recently with a reputable organization:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/2011/07/whats-in-your-fridge-get-paid-to-share">Make Money Scanning Your Groceries!</a><br />
<br />
I have signed up, and it was a breeze!Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-18436235199655539242011-11-07T06:48:00.000-08:002011-11-07T06:48:01.605-08:00Making mom happy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvEMZlSMh86MgU4tRmc08cpOje3GCfgKxxvqoMlVK6smiSvbZnunsI9Nqqvws49Q_jVAoyLFAWAzGpPpTalzWdS3d2gsx3K-Ybp2lZFYykz5EPEOaKxkyhqQybcuf0Mzs_8kP1iA-BKc/s1600/happy+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvEMZlSMh86MgU4tRmc08cpOje3GCfgKxxvqoMlVK6smiSvbZnunsI9Nqqvws49Q_jVAoyLFAWAzGpPpTalzWdS3d2gsx3K-Ybp2lZFYykz5EPEOaKxkyhqQybcuf0Mzs_8kP1iA-BKc/s320/happy+mom.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />
What a great book!<br />
<br />
<strong>Habit #2: Maintain Key Friendships</strong><br />
<br />
I know that I am a better mom because of the close friendships I have with other women. These great women keep me grounded, they pass on lessons they have learned as moms, and they are compassionate, understanding listeners when I just need to vent.<br />
<br />
What are your key friendships?<br />
<br />
How do they help you as a mom?<br />
<br />
How do you maintain these in the daily whirlwind that is mothering??Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-23291068531768642292011-11-04T06:50:00.000-07:002011-11-04T06:50:00.131-07:00Organic on a budget?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH8tgYOwY8hbBjkPsoNvq21DbJBAxEy2lGGVFFjjFwmhUH_RjOCJ-volubK-OEL650OSTV5QjDK7EK6gMR7mL3lPCnolyphtYXOIFI10F8OmAlIt7gR4Qa2OVju8FmJ7pjQa03bGZy88/s1600/fruit-stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH8tgYOwY8hbBjkPsoNvq21DbJBAxEy2lGGVFFjjFwmhUH_RjOCJ-volubK-OEL650OSTV5QjDK7EK6gMR7mL3lPCnolyphtYXOIFI10F8OmAlIt7gR4Qa2OVju8FmJ7pjQa03bGZy88/s320/fruit-stand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I like buying organic. I get the environmental part. Really, I do. I know it is healthier. Pesticides, nutritional amount, etc. I understand it all. <br />
<br />
It seems, however, that my checking acccunt does not agree. <br />
<br />
Organic food is expensive. <br />
<br />
So here's the rub: I know its better. But I simply cannot afford to go all organic. <br />
<br />
So here I am, feeding my kids food that's not organic thinking about all of the sprays and junk and possible outcomes with a smile plastered to my face as though everything were just fine.<br />
<br />
Seriously, who can afford some of those prices? <br />
<br />
What is there to do?<br />
<br />
Here's a little list a friend passed on to make it a little easier. I keep it on my fridge to remember when I'm making my list. <br />
<br />
Top five big-bad-meanies when it comes to pesticides. these guys soak up those chemicals like no tomorrow. Definitely buy these organic if you can:<br />
1) Celery<br />
2) Peaches<br />
3) Strawberries<br />
4) Apples<br />
5) Blueberries<br />
<br />
The next five are not so bad. These you can buy conventional and not worry:<br />
1) Onions<br />
2) Avocado<br />
3) Sweet corn (yum!!)<br />
4) Pineapple (super yum!!!)<br />
5) Mangos (um, maybe you like them)<br />
<br />
<strong>Do you buy organic?</strong>Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-81800643218154265252011-11-02T04:03:00.000-07:002011-11-02T04:03:10.152-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpyYUmBwuWkZ4bdI-joI_6QuJQCKBHymM0q826tqbyOL1tTJ9-2qGtPUXRE2IYi7LlV_wvwM9uWfjPQpt2dpqt7ClV6qLHx7vNABKNonbqBmcz3KK8FFXsD1qECWkv0iSH1uQ7IGgUDY/s1600/our+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpyYUmBwuWkZ4bdI-joI_6QuJQCKBHymM0q826tqbyOL1tTJ9-2qGtPUXRE2IYi7LlV_wvwM9uWfjPQpt2dpqt7ClV6qLHx7vNABKNonbqBmcz3KK8FFXsD1qECWkv0iSH1uQ7IGgUDY/s320/our+cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-29792541345684936592011-10-30T15:16:00.000-07:002011-10-30T15:16:49.933-07:00Passing the Love Around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaA3f_wKMEWeLsZuKnrClRsHpMVVEqXhBGPBguZ3t60dkE4Cl3tBaIbD8bodKksAUMxiKcHArnQk7YEiNDIPLfHkTcLppzNpMZgRsj_wH4REfWziW4uJeI-GIrV9iRgPDi3v_d3T89oQ/s1600/Liebster_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaA3f_wKMEWeLsZuKnrClRsHpMVVEqXhBGPBguZ3t60dkE4Cl3tBaIbD8bodKksAUMxiKcHArnQk7YEiNDIPLfHkTcLppzNpMZgRsj_wH4REfWziW4uJeI-GIrV9iRgPDi3v_d3T89oQ/s1600/Liebster_Image.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
A great big <strong>Thank you!!!</strong> to <a href="http://pamelazimmer.wordpress.com/">Pamela Zimmer</a> for awarding me the Liebster Blog. I am tickled that you thought of me, Pamela!<br />
<br />
An award like this is meant to be passed on. Here's how it works.<br />
<br />
In case you are not aware, this award spotlights the up and coming blogs that have less than 200 followers. <br />
By accepting this award, I get to:<br />
<br />
1. Copy and paste the award on my blog.<br />
<br />
2. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to me. (thanks again Pamela!….the link is at the top)<br />
<br />
3. Reveal my top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.<br />
<br />
4. Hope that followers will spread the love to other bloggers.<br />
<br />
Here are some notable mom blogs that you really should check out:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.karlaarcher.com/">Karla Archer</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smartypantsfreeprintables.blogspot.com/">The Smarty Pants Family</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nerdmama.blogspot.com/">Nerdmama</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://littlemommybigappetite.blogspot.com/">Little Mommy, Big Appetite</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://rebeccakielpages.blogspot.com/">Rebecca Kiel</a><br />
<br />
Congratulations!!Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-89998587340983365572011-10-29T04:44:00.000-07:002011-10-29T04:44:48.600-07:00Eye-RollingBabies are so innocent. Even when they are crying, screaming, teething, keeping us up all night, they are not meaning anything by it. They are just acting on how they are feeling with no thought of how it might be taxing us.<br />
<br />
And even with the most colicky of babies, the moments when they are quiet and peaceful and snuggled in our arms, there is nothing so precious as that little baby breathing her baby breaths.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDMsKpwHZ1nzpBmJxn_WpAesg12hoGsLRUhAinh5TEU-0SU7FygQHkgKSDjhr6DsnNmRl8hDeqsR950ScUQ1SwgfB19PFJPve9OWYMUqiKq2awNi1IOwWzbZ6424nHhpwvDbPGjpLPaE/s1600/baby+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDMsKpwHZ1nzpBmJxn_WpAesg12hoGsLRUhAinh5TEU-0SU7FygQHkgKSDjhr6DsnNmRl8hDeqsR950ScUQ1SwgfB19PFJPve9OWYMUqiKq2awNi1IOwWzbZ6424nHhpwvDbPGjpLPaE/s320/baby+pic.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Then they grow.<br />
<br />
And some things start to change.<br />
<br />
I have read this stage of 5-7 years old is called a "mini adolescence". Who knew that such a sweet little child would turn into an eye-rolling, arms-crossing, sass-giving person? I certainly did not.<br />
<br />
Who knew that it would get under my skin so?<br />
<br />
I understand that around this age, kids are playing with how much power do they have in the world. It is not meant to be manipulative. Kids are never intentionally manipulative, they just want what they want and are learning how to get it. And at this stage, this "mini adolescence", I believe they are trying to learn how to be assertive for what they want and more in control of their own lives.<br />
<br />
Seriously, what parent wants to feel rejected like this? No one wants to feel like they are infuriating to the people they love most.<br />
<br />
But what is a mom to do? <br />
<br />
Sure, I can and I do set the boundary that we do not speak to our mothers in that tone. This feedback is part of them learning what is acceptable when asserting themselves. And I <strong>know</strong> they are not using that tone with teachers, by the way. But if I get too barky, aren't I exhibiting the same behavior I don't want them to exhibit? <br />
<br />
I try to stay calm. I try to breathe. I try to model the kind of clear, collected but firm assertiveness I would like to see my children use.<br />
<br />
"Try" being the key word here.<br />
<br />
I tell myself "This is my training ground for real adolescence."<br />
<br />
Then, when my mini-adolescent wants me to lie in bed at night and read a book, I jump at the chance. I let go, for the moment, of all of the things I need to do and clean before I go to bed. And I relish in the gift of us peacefully reconnecting...<br />
<br />
...before another day of eye-rolling.<br />
<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
Mom On the EdgeMom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-67763376469977407742011-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:002011-10-27T08:06:00.167-07:00Best Fall BooksAfter a careful survey of my family of four, here are our top fall books. Must reads for any family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1udnGL10Flummx6vRI8z6E6BCGqgIxhCm1FaqN8ujOXH5ep7TTllHcKCAIV-_tsyCU1SSbs8Jv0uhJttJxQDvC3Sl2w3naphKDDWjq4wWDc4jncQ1HAAu8eBGY8PwMHQ0P9xeWbMmfOk/s1600/ghostsinthe+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1udnGL10Flummx6vRI8z6E6BCGqgIxhCm1FaqN8ujOXH5ep7TTllHcKCAIV-_tsyCU1SSbs8Jv0uhJttJxQDvC3Sl2w3naphKDDWjq4wWDc4jncQ1HAAu8eBGY8PwMHQ0P9xeWbMmfOk/s1600/ghostsinthe+house.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2EQuAEbSEYS_N5jVSZpfT8QcAHGRuUJgWcKN9sojL_1P7yuH0MQ5wPL3ZfOFgJVCKi0_06HLffjg1NK8Eu8LnoFwmAlfeRgbI0OJBTDQetfYcrBTz7LOFSbCvFD5CCyit2S3DOx2ARk/s1600/applecidermakingdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2EQuAEbSEYS_N5jVSZpfT8QcAHGRuUJgWcKN9sojL_1P7yuH0MQ5wPL3ZfOFgJVCKi0_06HLffjg1NK8Eu8LnoFwmAlfeRgbI0OJBTDQetfYcrBTz7LOFSbCvFD5CCyit2S3DOx2ARk/s1600/applecidermakingdays.jpg" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Me2XbhAWmojGVxRdlGsvFSVeAI18SPoSrhavWN0cY-aQFifGOus2Rv63KIlN8lGTqjAN63GNqhNs6oeGBYVNsiN_lF08AItPi69dnz6jgY4fC9Q4LMemwYp8yynk-xhyphenhyphenumOM_2h511Y/s1600/pickthepears" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Me2XbhAWmojGVxRdlGsvFSVeAI18SPoSrhavWN0cY-aQFifGOus2Rv63KIlN8lGTqjAN63GNqhNs6oeGBYVNsiN_lF08AItPi69dnz6jgY4fC9Q4LMemwYp8yynk-xhyphenhyphenumOM_2h511Y/s320/pickthepears" width="229" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjjSy8QAdS5rfQ-QQSxmoW15UlkJFY2dC76HJIrnnkq2jwoKaaz-9C5k1WzhHAo1PXAzJOVy6JaqR8n6PJFSNnJKw2DMnEdUBuM2o-1I12bGU-hVPPZau3Py-KhyC1jgV5S3-2F7jPN4/s1600/toomanypumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjjSy8QAdS5rfQ-QQSxmoW15UlkJFY2dC76HJIrnnkq2jwoKaaz-9C5k1WzhHAo1PXAzJOVy6JaqR8n6PJFSNnJKw2DMnEdUBuM2o-1I12bGU-hVPPZau3Py-KhyC1jgV5S3-2F7jPN4/s320/toomanypumpkins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Write them down, get to your library or closest Barnes & Noble (and treat yourself to a much deserved coffee treat!) and pick up these books. You and your kids will be happy you did.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What are your family's favorite fall books?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mom On the Edge</div>Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-50083122639911915522011-10-26T05:11:00.000-07:002011-10-26T05:11:03.494-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xsIo91oGnQADwpJDFtEP_9bC4tgkWEbHFagJz-G9UBqZeAYBDiP5F-if_0JMw9tp_bcepl5kIagv4ZrS-J23nzSGm4TxwVQ6E62xryOwePcXKFVQ2zbWiYByaRFP3UWjFiPoCwYJDNM/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xsIo91oGnQADwpJDFtEP_9bC4tgkWEbHFagJz-G9UBqZeAYBDiP5F-if_0JMw9tp_bcepl5kIagv4ZrS-J23nzSGm4TxwVQ6E62xryOwePcXKFVQ2zbWiYByaRFP3UWjFiPoCwYJDNM/s320/pumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-52991564391061071472011-10-25T05:06:00.000-07:002011-10-25T05:06:47.018-07:00Fall tantrums<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I love fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I absolutely love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The cool down after summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The changing leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The apple orchard.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">OK, truth be told, I do not enjoy the hassle of convincing my kids that coats really are necessary or the extra time it takes to actually get our family out the door and off to school in the morning.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But...</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I do love pulling out my favorite sweater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that vest I can wear with a turtle neck and jeans.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The other day, when it was crisp and clear, we pulled our patio furniture under the tree in the yard, brought out a couple blankets and snacks, and played Clue Jr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( Very fun game, by the way. ). </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But then, our youngest got bored. Mayhem began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She scrambled on the table, threatened with great determination to reveal the missing toy and the animal who had stashed it, and sent older brother screaming that the game was ruined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swear, the sheer noise of it sent migrating geese further on their way and caused more leaves to drop.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With Dad prying the little cardboard pieces out of our daughter's death-grip, I rushed inside for distraction tools. Something, anything, to get my peaceful happy family time back.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I ran back out of the house waving fall favorites overhead calling, "Books!"</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Both kids swirled to see what I had, Clue Jr. long forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Dad quickly stashed t</span>he cardboard pieces safely back in the box.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">M</span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">y kids and I crammed into one chair, blanket across us all, and read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad dozed in his chair getting himself some much needed rest before the week started up.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It was a peaceful, happy moment for us all.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mom On the Edge</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355892236973137242.post-46514357389390687162011-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:002011-10-26T04:42:14.856-07:00Best mom accessoryAnd the award for best mom accessory goes to...<br />
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<div align="center"><strong>The Ponytail</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO1PLyhzQno-b_TE8G0q4-6Zfp-urGtqPR5QQ989YNkxnUB7OvunUimPwIL5HJLKCacJI-6krbL6kKaWtvW-xl0AH8RTk0VwxXPge4Xzo6yLISmqdxOe86d9WgcifD_RTo-GD-lqc5Gk/s1600/ponytail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO1PLyhzQno-b_TE8G0q4-6Zfp-urGtqPR5QQ989YNkxnUB7OvunUimPwIL5HJLKCacJI-6krbL6kKaWtvW-xl0AH8RTk0VwxXPge4Xzo6yLISmqdxOe86d9WgcifD_RTo-GD-lqc5Gk/s200/ponytail2.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The ponytail has earned this award after years of performance as:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> - The best way to keep your little one from ripping your hair right out of your scalp.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> - A backup for when you just aren't going to get that shower today. Ok, it may be a little extra shiny and sleek. Ponytails are supposed to look like that, right?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> - The number one way to keep your hair from getting gunked with toothpaste when your three year old just won't brush her teeth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's give it up for the ponytail. Our greatest ally in motherhood!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Your truly,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mom On the Edge</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Mom On The Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982285922942918030noreply@blogger.com0