True Confessions...

Sometimes when I look at others' pictures, facebook posts or blogs, I really think that I am not doing enough.  I know that one of the hardest parts (mentally) about being a mother is the comparing that gets done.  

But, sometimes, I just can't help falling into that trap!!! 

I think I fall into it because there is a part of me that wants to be supermom and wife, but part of me that wants to be laidback mom and wife.  You know the kind... they say they like a "lived in" look and they REALLY mean it.  They go to bed with chores undone and sleep just fine.  They leave the kids with a sitter and don't get annoyed bc said sitter put the dishes in the wrong cabinet.  The leave the kids with a sitter, period.  Come on... you know the kind!  I want to be her. 

BUT, I also want to be Bree Van de Kamp Hodge.  I do.  I want to be beautifully coiffed. I want to have a lovely house.  I want to prepare home cooked meals every night. 

I look at others and constantly make excuses for why I am not doing what they are doing.  For example, my kids are 16 months apart and still very young (under 2.5) and I constantly use that as an excuse for why I am so: messy, tired, forgetful, behind in housework, short-tempered, out of shape, and so on and so forth. 

And then I feel like I am making excuses, where others are taking action.  Which leads to guilt and depression.  Which leads to laying on the couch making more excuses.  (Well, that is an exaggeration--I never get to lay on the couch--did I mention I have two tinies at home?) 

But the point is that I am guilty of falling into the big mommy trap.   The one where I am just not good enough because there is someone out there whose kids don't whine.  Or are potty trained.  Or talk in full sentences.  Or whatever...

But I am getting better and, at the end of the day, that's all that really counts! 

Right?

Fabric Blocks: Tutorial

Okay, so it's been a while.  I have been a bit busy. 

You know... obsessing about something else. 

Currently I am working on a little girl dresses (will be released later)... but to help me in my bulk sewing projects, I needed some weight (well, really more in my bulk cutting). 

Fabric weights. 

So, I did what anyone would do... went to the store to look for some.  And... REALLY?  There were these little tiny "fabric weights" that were like the size of a quarter and weighed NOTHING (I almost could have just used a quarter!)

So, I did what any logical person would do... thought about how I could use stuff I have around the house. 

Enter bricks. 

Enter batting that's been layin' around since my college girlfriend had her first baby and I never finished a quilt for her (He is 8 now--maybe 9!).

Enter leftover fabric from a rag quilt that I actually DID finish thankyouverymuch. 

Mix it all together and you get: Fabric Weight Blocks!!!

I used liquid stitch. 

Until I ran out.  Because let's be honest, what good is a half ass home project if you actually HAVE all the supplies???  So I am going to use my hot glue gun (hello 1987!) to finish these... after the kids get up (to get in their closet) and go back to bed (so I don't have to fight with them).

And there you have it.  Fabric blocks.

Isis

Laundry

Ok, who else hates laundry as much as me? I have considered sending mine out, honestly, however then I couldn't have my really neat-o front load whirlpools...sigh, being trendy outweighs convenience once again...I digress.
I am always trying to find better options for laundry completion. I added a folding counter on top of my washer/dryer so I can conveniently fold fresh out of the dryer. I added a shower rod with hangers so I could hang up freshly washed dress clothes that can't get wrinkled. I even got each child their own laundry basket so as soon as I fold their clothes they go right into an organized bin. My laundry room is even on the second floor right across from all the bedrooms! So tell me, again, why I can't stay on top of it? I know, three kids under the age of five makes it almost impossible to stay on top of anything, but seriously, what am I missing here? What else could I possibly do to make this easier? Does anyone have any great organizing ideas? Or even mediocre ideas? Honestly, I'll take anything at this point!
Thanks ahead!

Tips for Rainy Days

Rain Rain Rain. We sometimes long for it when our hand starts cramping from trying to keep those pretty spring flowers alive, but for the most part, it's a burden when you have kids. SO what's a mom to do? Have FUN on reserve!
Here's some tips for rainy days, and feel free to add your own in the comments!

1. Play-doh! It may be messy, but in my home, play-doh ONLY gets to come out on rainy days! That way it's always a cool treat and the kids don't get bored easily!

2. Marching Band. Providing it's not nap-time for one of the kiddos, grab all your musical instruments and tell them to have a parade! You sit in the chair and be the MC or videographer! ;)

3. Build a Fort. It's amazing what impresses kids, but with a few blankets and some heavy pillows, a fort is only moments away! Get the flashlights out too! Chances are it's overcast anyway so it'll be nice and dark in their "cave"!

4. Movie (day) Night! Pop some popcorn, throw in a movie and cuddle up with them! Hey, even you deserve to relax when it's dreary out!

5. Computer education. Ok, unless you're super ambitious and trying to finish your masters while all the kids are still under 5 ( I know you're out there and I hate you), let the older ones get on the computer! There are so many great websites for preschoolers, PBSkids.org, discoverykids.com, nickjr.com...Plus it's a great way to fold laundry while they're occupied!

6. Pictures! Don't forget, rainy days are a great time to get those awesome water pictures! Throw on the rain coats and break out the galoshes and umbrellas! Splash away!!


Hope this helps. Don't forget your local library and children's science centers!
Have fun! The sun will come out...soon!