Goals Update

I cant believe we are already 83 days into 2013. I have done pretty good on most my goals i set at the end of December. Here is a quick Update on how they are going.

1. Spend less time online
This has actually been pretty east for me I deleted the facebook app from my phone so I cant get on it during the day unless I get on the computer or ipad. I have also been limiting my line online after Emmalynn's in bed and spending more time reading.
2. Eat healthier
My goal wasn't to lose any weight but by gutting soda and most junk food out i am down 20+lbs and couldn't be happier about that. I have more energy and just feel better most the time.
3. Start exercising more
With the weather being so crappy have struggled with this one. I cant wait for it to get warm so Emmalynn and i can play at the park and go on longer walks , and hikes.
4. Try to be more positive:)
This has been a little bit of a struggle because i have been having a really rough time with depression the last 2 months.
5. Read at least 30 books 100 Books

I now know that 30 books was not a realistic goal since at the end of February i had read 11 and so far in march added 14 so i am 5 away from my original goal. With that being said my new goal is to read  100 books before the end of the year.
6. Potty Train Bug 
This is still mainly on hold she has been wearing undies some and going a few times in the potty but we are no where near being funny potty trained.
7. Get rid of the clutter and things we don't need
I really need to work on this one. I have gotten rid of a few things but not nearly all of it
8. Blog More
This one has been a JOKE when not having a working computer for over a month and then being depressed I haven't blogged much at all
9. Do more preschool type activity's with Bug
We have done a few she is learning so fast its crazy:)
10. Start sewing for me and not just for Bug
I haven't sewn much at all lately i just haven't had the energy to do it:(

Febuary Reading list

Books I started but didn't finish
Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Matched by Ally Condie
Someone to Love by Addison Moore

Books I read this Month
Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter
Only The Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Out Of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter 
Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines (I read this one 3 times)
Never Too Far by Abbi Glines (This one i read twice)
The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines
The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines 

Total Books Read this year to Date... 11 Different Books

Books left to reach my goal.. 19 Books till I Hit 30


March Reading Goal... Read at Least 6 books and to Finished Matched 

5 Ways to show you Child you love them

1. Spend time with them
I mean real one on one time put the phone and other electronics away and do something they love. Maybe you daughter loves dancing or your son love playing with Legos. Just spend a half an hour giving them all you attention and doing that activity.
2. Listen to them when they talk.
Really listen and focus on just them not on anything else. Get down at there level or scoop them into your arms and just let them tell you anything they want to tell you. You may be really surprised by what you hear and how much they enjoy even short 5 minute conversations when your really plugged into them
3.Put them First
I know this one sounds simple but is it really? Did you work over time last week and then spend Saturday night out with your husband or friends for the forth weekend in the row? The little bit of time you had at home with your children were you busy doing other stuff why they played alone? If so next weekend plan a special day with your kids, go to the zoo or the movies, and maybe even a special dinner.You  and you children will love the time you spent together and it might give them just a little more patience when you need 5 minutes to fishing that report for work. Plus you will have made some wonderful memories.
4.Know whats going on in their life
I think this is especially important once you children are school age and older. Ask you kids about school, friends,bullies, what they are learning in school. Just know what is going on with them. Did you daughter and her not spend the weekend together for the first time in months ask why. Chances are  she need your advice and support with what ever is going on.
5.Don't Judge or compare them to anyone
Your children should be able to come to you with out the fear of being judged or compared to anyone. If you have more then one  child don't compare you  youngest  to you older to they are all different and have different strengths and weaknesses different likes and dislikes. Just because you  daughter Suzy liked riding bikes and had had a 4.0 doesn't meant that Jane will too.

Do's and Don'ts of Sensory play

We enjoy sensory play and try to do it a few times a week to read about the benefits of sensory play please click Here.  That link will explore the benefits and reasons to do sensory play this one is about what to and not to do.

Do's

• Allow plenty of time
• Expect a mess
• Set rules and stick to them he have 3 rules they are no throwing the material, no dumping the material out, and now  putting it in the mouth
• Remind you child of the rules every time you have sensory play
• Stay calm and that them direct the play
• Enjoy the experience with your child
  

Don'ts

• Force you child to play
• Set a time limit
• Get upset when they make a mess
• Discourage them from putting there feet, face,or sitting in the tub
• Leave them unattended

Our favorite Sensory materials are
Dry corn, rice, pasta,water beads, cloud dough,play dough, and beans. But remember the options are endless this summer we will do shaving cream

What are you favorite Sensory materials?

Toddler chores

Emmalynn is a little over 2 and in the last few months i have been having her help around the house more.

Clear her dishes
After all meals and snacks bug dumps the uneaten food in the trash and then puts her plate, bowl, and silver wear in the sink.

Put dirty laundry in the laundry room
Any time i change Emmalynn's clothes she has to take the dirty ones to the laundry room

Pick up her toys
Before bed i have her help me clean the play area and put the toys away.

Pick up trash around the house 
We walk around and look for any stray trash in the house and pick it up.

Help sweep
For Christmas after she turned one she got a play broom and mop she has since gotten really good at sweeping and now helps me sweep the kitchen and bathroom.

Switch laundry
Emmalynn loves throwing laundry into the dryer and shutting the door.

Put laundry away
She helps me carry laundry to the different rooms and then will help put it in her dresser.

Do your toddlers help you around the house? If so what do you have them help with and do they enjoy it?

Tantrums and How I Handle them

Bug is a little over 2 and can throw some wicked Tantrums. Here is what i do to prevent them and stop them.

Distract
This works well when i can see a fit coming. at home i often distract her with a favorite toy, Music or by being silly. When we are out its a little more difficult and i keep a stash of suckers in the bag they are a great distraction.
Stay Calm and Speak Calmly
This is one i often have trouble with but i have found that if im not staying clam and speaking calmly to her then her fit escalates.
Get down to Child level
I do this anytime i need to have her attention. I get down on my knees and have her look at my nose. By doing this i am not intimidating her by towering over her. This allows us to communicate more efficiently therefor resulting in less tantrums.
Give her a break
When she has gotten cranky or is overwhelmed she is more apt to throw a tantrum so if i give her a small break either in her room or in a quite place with a book and a blanket she is able to calm her self down and act correctly.
Count
I use this before and during tantrums. I count to 5 but rarely get all the way to 5 because bug has learned that if i am counting then she needs to stop what she is doing. 
Time out
This has became a huge help in out house if i have tried everything else and she is still not calming down then i out her in time out and she stands in the corner for 2 minutes this is normally enough time for her to calm down and stop her fit. 
Remind them that you love them
After a tantrum i will talk to Bug and tell her that i love her very much but she was being naughty and that's why she had to take a break or stand in time out

January Book List Recap

At the beginning of the month i posted a list of the books i wanted to read this will be my recap of what i actually read. 

January List

Heist Society by Ally Carter 

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

I'd tell you i love you, But then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky 

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

The Initiation by L.J. Smith

Fallen by Lauren Kate 

Matched by Ally Condie 

Books I started and Didn't finish

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Books I Read

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

I'd tell you i love you, But then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter

 Cross my heart and hope to spy by Ally Carter

All the books i finished i would recommend to my friends and readers.

I would love to hear what your reading