Wednesday Blog Prompts

I bet more people would write if they had a prompt. I perhaps rely too heavily on meme's but sometimes its a necessary evil .


Here are some blog prompts for Wednesday
You don't have to do them all pick which ones inspire you to write... pass them all up if you don't feel inspired. They are here to help pull down that writers block. I know it helps me.

Option 1 Prompt Me Project

 I am doing this one as part of a project on http://www.papercoterie.com

Ready to embark on your new adventure? When you're finished, you'll have a beautiful record of random days, what they meant to you, and what you want to remember.

Step 1: Create a 'Today' folder on your desktop. When you take or find a photo you want to include in your book (for us its a blog), name it and drop it into the folder. When you get a prompt to upload, you'll already have the photo handy.

So whether it's a long nap, a long day, or a long overdue surprise, get ready to document today. . .

1: Upload your Picture
2: Describe your day...

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Option 2:
Sometimes structure is the best way to maintain a writing routine and to get writing done. But sometimes it helps to deviate from that rigid structure and try multiple ways of writing. In the spirit of trying new ways of writing, I’ve included a wide variety of prompts for different genres in today’s posts. I found these posts are various online sources that I’d encourage you check out. Some of them are for fiction, some are for non-fiction. Some are geared toward flash fiction, some are more suited for a longer story. What you do with these prompts is entirely up to you. You can stick to the genre or form that you’re most comfortable with or you can step outside your comfort zone and try writing something new. Check out these prompts:


http://peakvsdaphie.blogspot.com
Write a story in seven words.
What’s on your mind right now?
Describe a favorite TV show of yours.
What’s the best thing that happened this week?
Write a 250-word sketch about a sore loser.
Include these elements in a story: a goatee, a cell phone, headlights.
First sentence: Gertie cradled Herbert’s hand in hers and stared the the age spots on the back of her hand.
I hope these prompts have inspired you to write something you wouldn’t normally write. Or, if you preferred, that it helped you write something interesting and fun. Above all, I hope that you took some time out of your busy day just to write. It is only by writing that we can improve our craft, after all. Have fun!

Some ideas for topics
...When do you put up your Christmas decorations?
....What the hardest thing for you to write about?
....You find yourself sitting at your desk, watching the cursor on your computer blink over and over again. With each blink, your eyes become more heavy and soon you fall asleep. Moments later, you awake to find yourself not sitting at your desk, but in a strange land. Describe where you are, who you meet, and how you try to get home (if you even want to, that is..)
.....What is your dream job? (And what's keeping you from living that dream?)
.... Is there something you swore you'd never do, but ended up doing it anyway?

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Option 3:

Meme's
What is a Meme?
http://thedailymeme.com/what-is-a-meme/

[b]Blog Meme's for Wednesday[/b]

Wordless Wednesday Post a picture without words... no words needed
http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Wifey Wednesdays
http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/category/marriage/wifey-wednesdays/

Word Filled Wednesday
The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse!
download it,
read it,
print it,
share with others!
http://the160acrewoods.com/?s=word+filled+wednesday

Works for Me Wednesday
http://wearethatfamily.com/

Special Exposure Wednesday
http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/9/welcome-special-exposure-wednesday/

Whiskers on Wednesday
http://whiskersonwednesday.wordpress.com/

What's Cooking on Wednesday
http://shanrev.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday

Weight Watcher Wednesday (Kay would probably like this one)
http://weightwatcherwednesday.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Hump Day Humor
http://mercedesrocks.wordpress.com/category/hump-day-humor/

Penny Pinching Wednesdays
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/

Sugar & Spice
http://733blog.blogspot.com/

Whatever Goes Wednesday
http://www.somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/

With Love Wednesdays

Worry Free Wednesday
http://armyknightslady.blogspot.com/search?q=worry+free+wednesday

and other random meme's listed here
http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/2008/08/blog-meme-listing-miscellaneous-memes.html




These are resources I've pulled from all other blogs and the internet.

Not Feeling Well

I am editing my last blog post and I can't seem to get it to do what I want it to *sigh* I am clearly not feeling well enough to blog I will be back when I can.

Homemaking Mondays

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Things that make me happy:  

my Christmas tree makes me at peace

Book I'm reading:
not really


What's on my TV today:  

House & Hart of Dixie

On the menu for dinner:
Depends on how I feel during the week


On my To Do List:

rest

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

In the craft basket:

A Christmas gift 
a Christmas centerpiece


Looking forward to this week:
getting better


Tips and Tricks:
I don't have one but I will ask one. What is your suggestion on protecting your dining room table?


My favorite blog post this week: 
http://ramblingsofamarinewife.blogspot.com/2011/11/toys-for-tots.html

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I haven't found anything new.


No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
People make their own decisions on whether to be part of an active family if they distance themselves from you its their loss.


Also keep your hands to yourself or a cup of hot chocolate can cover your daughters brand new American Girl Doll and her dressed in their Christmas duds.


On my mind:
Just wanting to feel better


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Thought of the Day from Tonya

The first duty of love is to listen ~ Paul Tillich

When we finally find time to look in the mirror, we generally do not like what we see but we cannot blame the mirror. We need to spend more time judging ourselves so that others do not find it available to judge up, we tend to leave the door open for that. However, in judging ourselves it does not mean we have to self-defeat. In Matthew 5:29-30 it says,²⁹ If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. In order to cast our sins out we must directly at ourselves.

In Proverbs 12:15 it says, ¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. There are too many of us relying on our desires and not our needs. We simply confuse the two and make it one definition. We need to understand that a desire is something we want or long for while a need is something required. There are times where our desire and our need are the same thing. For example, when you desire food because your stomach is growling you have a need/requirement to eat so that your body can sustain and maintain its duty. In most instances though we transpose our desire and make it a need. When we do this, we are not listening to ourselves (that's the first sign of a fool). If we cannot discern the difference between our desires and our needs how can we express them to the people that matter the most? We cannot explain what we do not understand. In Proverbs 18:2 it says, ² A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.  

In Matthew 22:39 it says, . ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’^[a] How can you love your neighbor as yourself when you do not love yourself enough to listen for your own sake? Although the world may be filled with sadness, disdain, and evil, not everyone and everything is evil. Psalm 34:7 clearly states that,  ⁷ The angel^[a] of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Maybe, just maybe, God sends Angels to help us deliver / show us the mirror/ or simply see ourselves for who we really are. God always speaks to us, but unfortunately, and I can attest to this, we do not always listen. The first duty of love is to listen, are you listening, are you loving? Look in the mirror and answer that question. Lord give me strength and courage to look at my soul in your mirror of truth! 

The Misadventures of Bella's Second Life.

Why the new name for my blog? What does The Misadventures of Bella's Second Life mean?

A new name for my blog because we are no longer an active duty Army Family. Rick has been retired for over a year now and Alex retires officially in December. What does Bella's Second Life mean?

When I talk about those old people no longer in my life (well at least some of them), when I talk about that old life it feels like I am talking about someone else. I have had a funeral for the old me. I am proud of what I am now, where I've come. There are certainly some people I will reach out to as part of my New Years Resolution I will like to find, write (snail mail please!) and let them know what's going on with me. Because I know they will appreciate what I've done. I've stumbled getting here. I've made mistakes. Sadly Mackenzie might have paid the highest price. But I live a new life and certain people in my life have chosen not to follow me into the new light. I had my reasons for leaving Georgia for leaving my old life nearly 5 years ago. Rick and I celebrate our 6th anniversary of our friendship next month. WOW! People compliment us and say you can see something special in us. They say I have never been happier and they are right not in my adult life. So this is my "Misadventures" meaning I will still stumble but I have my faith and my dysfunctional families support to pick me up. My second life meaning rebirth of who I am and who I want to be. So if you knew me then in my first life can you erase all of the stumbles, all of the errors, all of the mistakes I made all of what I had done  and just celebrate in the rebirth with me. Danielle T. says you've come so far at least every other time we talk. These little words mean SO much to me because I am proud of where I am. Now if you read my blog you know that I question whether or not I belong here. I question whether or not I can handle all on my plate. But I have faith and I have a guide. A lot of you don't know but years ago I gave my life to Jesus in a different way and I let him take the wheel and I promised to make changes and I have kept my promises and I know he will keep his too. So if you knew the old me don't judge me by my mistakes because I don't live there anymore. Everyone deserves anew! 

If you've turned your back on me don't forget I am not the only one paying for it you also turned your back on my kids and what could have been's... 

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

What's on your Thanksgiving Menu?

We hope to have a Turkey

A Ham (we prefer Cold Turkey the day after rather than the Tradition bird hehe)

We like Stuffing

Green Beans

Mashed Potatoes

Senator Russel Sweet Potatoes **click here for link**

Rolls

Apple Pie

Pumpkin Pie 

Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Cookies *recipe is on the bag of chips!*

Cinnamon Tea Cakes *recipe is in a previous TMT*

Pray for Me Monday

Linked to Home Grown Families

& Troop Petrie

  I had such a wonderful time with my husband last night the anxiety we get from leaving our children with sitters seemed to not be on the front burner. Skylar went to the Botanical Garden -Gardens of Lights walk with her friend Kara. Skylar really doesn't need a sitter she is pretty good about taking care of herself. I think its more for supervision and a peace of mind. She's very smart and aware of the dangers of the world as much as she is supposed to be at 9. William went to his friend James house for an extended play date and had a great time. Knowing I have a variety of people to depend on in a crunch that I can "trust" is a great feeling. I pray that my husband and I continue to work on reconnecting like we did last night. Yes we try to steal a an hour away once the kids go to bed every once in awhile but hanging out at a Pub just isn't the same for me. Its hard to talk and reconnect when someone is screaming ROLL TIDE! maybe it will get better outside of foot ball season in the Spring/Summer. Huntsville is full of college football fans here.

I ask for prayer because somewhere Rick used his debit card someone cloned it and stole $500 from our checking account. Regions says we have to try and dispute it with the company first then they might file some type of fraud claim dispute. We might get our money back. This time of year that's a lot of money to just loose. As much as we are trying to learn from our Financial Freedom Class honestly the only thing saving us and giving us a turkey on our table this Thursday is a credit card I asked Rick to apply for late last week. It hasn't ruined my holiday spirit however... plans just have to change/be delayed/ and priorities in order. We went on our date because luckily I had gotten the tickets in October and James had paid his rent for this pay period so that helped pay for the sitter. I also had made reservations weeks ago for Breakfast with Santa at Parkway Place. Chick-Fil-A is a super company that was nice enough to host this event and even give all the children free kids meals. We just had to forego Santa pictures until I can afford William's Christmas outfit and the actual pictures. So pray for us that all the finances come together. Pray for our bank of their nasty business practices, and pray for the thieves who stole from us. This is the time of year people get greedy and desperate instead of really getting into the spirit of giving they become Scrooge. (I think they missed the moral of the story.) Our local news is filled with burglaries have gone up so high in neighborhoods you wouldn't expect, even someone robbed the local Apple store... what did he/she think everyone in his family DESERVED an IPOD and IPAD? I pray for these people who think they are entitled to other people's hard earned possessions. I believe we got the good news of that Credit card and the little bit of money we had in our savings account had not been taking out in over draft because God provides. When you pay it forward he will always give you the gift of giving in mysterious ways.

Three  prayers for others...
Tim Defoor his is a married father of two from Georgia that was involved in a major car accident and the doctors are doing all they can but its really up to Tim and God's healing hands to take him out of this danger period.
Ty Campbell a courageous little boy who has beaten cancer when they were told it couldn't be done. He has done it and its in remission for now http://www.superty.org/
and the third prayer is for 3 little boys in my family.

Miscellany Monday

My husband lost his man card by taking me to see Breaking Dawn. Then during one of the action scenes he squeezed the blood from my hand.

Thats okay though because I think he would rather trade his man card for Brownie points

Its hard being the mommy of a toddler they grow up too fast

There is little sign that my baby is still a baby. The fat in his hands is all gone and he tries to fill his sisters shoes. Why doesn't he understand that he is my last and I want to treasure these baby years as much as I can instead he wants to grow up faster. Why doesn't he understand I don't want his big sister to fill those shoes either!  Mr. Independent destroyer of worlds needs to slow down and let me baby him some more.

Homemaking Mondays

The weather in my neck of the woods:
We had some rain late last week which brought in a blistery cold front. Its getting a little warmer with the highs in the 60's. Today it might even reach 70! Sounds like a great day for the park!

Things that make me happy:
My children make me happy this week. I got a night out with my husband and I come home refreshed they both did well at their different babysitters and they make me proud they missed me and I missed them!

Book I'm reading:
Nothing right now

What's on my TV today:
House and Castle

On the menu for dinner:
Chicken and Mac & Cheese

On my To Do List:
Laundry
Make phone calls

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I haven't gotten to try the Carrabba's Chicken Marsala at home yet.

In the "craft" basket:
I've been speaking to an online friend about an upcoming digital project
I want to do a scrapbook page about my sons attachment to my hair
Fleece no sew blankets for the kids

Looking forward to this week:
Thanksgiving
Putting up Christmas Decorations

Tips and Tricks:
Off of Martha Stewart
Create a Smart Calendar for the Year
Make a monthly calendar that is as changeable as your schedule. Instead of crossing out plans as dates shift, just move the notes and stack them up on busy days.
Calendar How To

Collect for Charity
Take advantage of all of that extra time spent indoors this season -- winter is a perfect time to tackle larger organizing projects. Clearing the clutter and bringing order to every room will reap benefits for the entire year.

This is the season for giving. And since it's cold outside, why not host your own drive for coats, sweaters, and other warm clothes? Set out a labeled collection basket and ask friends and relatives to bring an item to donate when they visit. Check that the clothes are clean and in good condition, then give them to a shelter or other charity.

Organize Your Medicine Cabinet
Discard expired cosmetics and prescription medicines. Affix a sheet of precut galvanized steel to the interior of your medicine cabinet with construction adhesive. Magnetic hooks can hold scissors and a mirror, and small plastic cups with magnetic bottoms corral small necessities, such as rubber bands and hair clips.

Bring Order to the Hall Closet
Take storage to new levels with shelves below a row of jackets. Install shelves near the base of your closet, and you'll no longer have to rifle through items strewn across the floor. Here, each family member has his or her own bin for hats and scarves.

The lower shelf is lined with shoes, and boxes tucked underneath hold dog toys, tennis balls, and the like. Leave a foot of space between shelves and the door frame, and you'll have room for boots and a metal bucket for umbrellas. Long hooks keep handbags neat. An acrylic organizer on the door ensures essentials, such as a wallet and sunglasses, are accessible; a mirror allows for a final once-over on the way out.

Upgrade Your Shelves
Add a splash of personality to a lackluster work space by covering plain floating bookshelves with wallpaper. Measure the shelf, and cut the wallpaper slightly longer and wide enough to wrap around it with an overlap. Use wallpaper paste to affix the wallpaper to the shelf, pasting one side at a time. Cut slits into excess paper at ends, forming flaps; fold down, and affix with paste. Let dry completely, and hang shelves as usual.

Never Forget a Birthday This Year
If the cards you buy tend to be of the belated variety, this calendar will serve you well. Print the template. Then fill in names and birth dates of friends and family for each month. Fold the chart in half to show six months at once, and pin it to a bulletin board or hang it on the refrigerator. You can even shrink it and slip it into an address book. With a glance, you'll be reminded of important dates ahead of time
Download Our Birthday Chart

Organize Your Shoes
Normally used in kitchens, a pull-out pantry becomes a shoe closet when the shelves are installed at an angle; professional assistance is recommended for this project. Nonskid shelf liners prevent pairs from sliding when the unit moves

Stock Your Spice Rack
To add flavor and kick to your winter dishes, keep an arsenal of spies and herbs in your kitchen. Stock these essentials, and you'll never come up empty-handed when following a recipe.
Get the Printable Check List

Create a Car Kit
Stock your car's trunk for winter-weather emergencies. Include a compact shovel, ice scraper, flashlight, sand or cat litter, flares, a heavy blanket, and warm clothing.

Detangle Jewelry
Four divided trays, painted orange, become a layered jewelry organizer. Two trays lie flat along the drawer bottom. The remaining two, joined with wood glue, form the top shelf, elevated by strips of 1-inch square molding affixed to the inner sides of the drawer.

Craft Some Stylish Storage Pouches
Whether you're packing a suitcase or storing items at home, these drawstring pouches are handy to have around. Made in a range of sizes, they are perfect for stowing jewelry, shoes, and even laundry.
[url=Drawstring Pouch How To]http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/drawstring-pouches[/url]

Color Code Your Home
A home color-coding system can bring order to your living space wordlessly, providing information at a glance without a miscellany of labels. Put hues to work, whether you are organizing papers, preparing food, or outfitting your entryway. With these bright additions, your living space will be far from drab -- and far easier to manage.
color code how to

Organize Kitchen Drawers
Clever ideas, practical storage, unusual solutions -- Martha shares her secrets for creating a kitchen that works.
See Martha's Organizing Tips

Hang Cleaning Tools
Wall hooks keep an assortment of brooms and mops off the floor.

Make a Stain Treatment Kit
Keep a variety of remedies at the ready: cornstarch, to absorb fresh grease stains; oil solvents, or dry-cleaning fluids, for greasy residue; combination solvents and a mild, clear dishwashing liquid for all-purpose stain removal; natural bleaching agents (lemon juice and white vinegar); glycerin, for ballpoint ink; and eyedroppers and cotton swabs, for easy application.

Keep Traction on Hand
Spread gritty alfalfa meal -- available from feed stores -- on slippery paths to provide traction on ice and snow. In spring, the alfalfa serves as a nitrogen fertilizer for surrounding greenery.

Organize and Display Photos
Why should your favorite snapshots linger in a drawer? Pull them out and create a display using colorful, inexpensive mats.
The Skinny on Photo Mats

Organize Computer Passwords
It's hard to keep all of those numbers and characters straight, especially since you shouldn't use the same password for more than one service. Find out simple ways to keep everything straight.
Password Storage How To

Consolidate Electronics
There are clever and stylish ways to conceal the necessary electronics of this modern age, without resorting to a haphazard arrangement stuck away in some inaccessible closet.
Hidden Assets

Buy and Keep Bulk Items Neatly
Do you have room for two dozen rolls of paper towels? Here are tips for getting good deals, as well as for stashing your purchases -- all you need to be a savvy and satisfied bulk buyer.
Tips for Buying and Storing Bulk Items

My favorite blog post this week:
Miracle MRI Recap. Ty is in Remission!
Amazing kid and amazing parents!

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
http://helena-alabama.blogspot.com/


No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
Dating your spouse when you get married is very important. I knew this and tried to practice it with my first marriage. My husband and I don't get a lot of time to date. Sometimes we will tuck the kids in bed and leave them at home with their adult brother (he doesn't mind so much) and we take off for about 30 minutes. But twice this year we have actually go to go out with a real time constraint. I love how my hubby can get back to basics and reconnect on a raw level.


On my mind:
My bank account (someone took our money)
Getting a couch and getting the table repaired.
The Holidays

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." Psalms 18-2.

Fashionista Maxxinista errr Mom Style

Confidence is sexy....


Do you know a person that can pull five ingredients out of their fridge and turn it into a good meal?
Do you know someone who can shop at Good Will and come out looking like Carrie Bradshaw?
I am not those people. LOL I would LIKE to be those people. Perhaps I just don't have the magic fridge or perhaps my Goodwill doesn't get the same donations hehe. What do I have to do to become one of those people? The best I can do is lift ideas for fashion off of a mannequin which doesn't exactly do its thing at Goodwill kwim? The often times anything on a mannequin is high priced and looks ridiculous on a 30 year old something over weight mom. Now here's my thing since having my son two years ago I've let myself go and had some health issues that caused me to gain weight-- no really hypothyroidism is a bitch. So I shop at Kohls.

I used to find stuff I like there but now its kind of going in the whole... They've picked up designers like Lauren Conrad, Jennifer Lopez and Vera Wang. Lauren Conrad doesn't exactly design clothes fit for me... I mean look at her... what does she know about being 30, overweight or being a mom? LOL Jennifer Lopez... ok this one is all of those things except overweight... she had twins at what age and her body is still nearly perfect? Ugh no sympathy from me lady! Maybe Michelle Duggar should design clothes? I could even deal with Kate Gosselin. What I love to wear is T-Shirt's, Jeans, Hoodies, and Sweaters.... NOT usually Fashionista materials lol. Its comfort wear and it hides the flaws that I dread to look at in the mirror. I love a hot find like a cute top/blouse or a nice sweater I can wear out to dinner without looking like I came from a sporting event or in my case an Army Pep Rally. I am the perfect subject for this disgusting fan page on Facebook called Overly Sensitive Military Wives Its difficult for me though... I am on a budget and my long torso its hard to find clothes to cover the big Badonkadonk and the developing dinner rolls. Even if I wasn't over weight it was a problem when I was 110 lbs-- I just didn't care. There is nothing more of a pain in the butt than to constantly tug at your clothes to get them where they are supposed to be. When I do find something at Kohls its usually the fleece pajama bottoms over priced and I don't LOVE it. I also shop at Cato's which can be more affordable and of course there is the old standard of Target. Demin at Kohls always has the slimmer helper that just makes me have mushroom top when I didn't have it before. She my gut looks slimmer but its actually all the way up to my boobs! That's if I shop the misses section. If I shop the Juniors section the denim drops below my butt crack... What 19 year  old girls don't have junk in their trunk? EAT a cheeseburger! Mine came naturally sheesh. I don't like cropped tops so stop making them. I don't have a tattoo I show off or a belly button ring I am over 30 and over that stage in my life. If I am looking sexy underneath my clothes I am not trying to impress the slime balls I am trying to get frisky with my husband. It seems Kohls have three departments... One for Juniors... One for overweight middle aged women.... and one for models that can afford and wear Vera Wang & Lauren Conrad. I love in Cato how I can find clothes that are hip but fit me properly. I need a stylist because I am forever perplexed about what looks good on me! Everything at Target looks better on the rack than on my body but again sometimes I find goodies. If I could have the style that fit my body and my age I would

look similar to Khloe Kardashian. I know she's not a skinny bitch like her sisters. I am not into the animal print though. I got excited when Sears launched their clothing line....but its Southern California Glam nothing even semi casual or made for cooler weather. Not to mention when it was released it wasn't at a Sears price. I loved this shirt that lovely Kourtney is modeling but it was $96~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
I didn't even spend $100 on my wedding dress and I try not to spend so much on 1 outfit. I know I know sometimes you just should. I can get a lot more for my buck buying my kids clothes than I can my own and I guess that's why I just go without.

What would I feel sexy in? A cute top and Jeans with some fabulous boots honestly! I have been trying to get back to feeling like a woman for nearly three years. I went to see Breaking Dawn and I wanted badly to go and look like Alice Cullen and I really came to the realization I am Alice's older overweight sister she doesn't know she has. I did Torrid.com's style its similar to Cato kind of an edge. I used to in my skinny bitch days dress in clothes from Charlotte Russe and Body Shop so I feel like Torrid and Cato are more appropriate for my age and weight. I would like to dress like Khloe in some of her outfits but like I said no animal print. I know she's an animal print whore! Often times if I am hopeless enough in Cato I just ask does this look good on me? Or what do you recommend? I am so hopelessly not achieving a Fashionista knowledge. My kids look fabulous though!
At least Rick thinks of me as one Hot Mama every once in awhile

10 Ways NOT to Raise Your Toddler

Today on Shine.yahoo.com
I am a parenting editor and a mom. This means that all day, every day, I read about how to raise better children, and then go home and mess with my own. You know, it's all fun and games until the therapy bill arrives! In full acknowledgment of how little my advice will help any parent out there, I've decided to stick to letting the wonderful experts on this site tell you what to do, and give you this handy guide on what to DON'T: 

1. DON'T ask, "Why did you do that?" Why did you bite that boy? Why did you hit your sister? Why is there spaghetti in your ear? Why am I asking you a question you can't possibly answer in any way that will make me feel better? Oh yes, because it's easier than accepting the idea that I am in charge of a tiny lunatic. 

2. DON'T be surprised by the number of things that can end up in your toilet. This includes shoes, spatulas, cell phones, small animals, keys, and a whole eggplant that looks an awful lot like a human head to your middle-of-the-night eyes. 

3. DON'T be surprised by the number of things that can NOT end up in your toilet.Number two, for example, can occasionally end up in your purse. 

Related: 10 things you should NEVER say to your toddler 

4. DON'T assume that repeating directions increases their likelihood of being followed. DON'T assume that repeating directions increases their likelihood of being followed 

5. DON'T over-explain adult situations. "Sorry, honey. Mommy is just in a bad mood because she doesn't understand why she chose to make a living on the Internets. And taking out a second mortgage to fund your preschool appears not to have been the prudent thing to do. And wow, your sitter is expensive! That noise? Oh, that's just Daddy weeping through the wall." 

6. DON'T say, "Let's wash your hair!" This is akin to saying, "Let's put this large needle in your eyeball." If you really feel like you have to warn your toddler about the upcoming sudsing, consider something relatively benign and tangentially related, like, "Let's put this large needle in your eyeball."

Related: 7 things toddlers don't actually need 

7. DON'T wear a short skirt to a toddler birthday party. You know that fantasy you have about being unintentionally violated by giddy elves? Yeah, me neither. 

8. DON'T let a boy shorter than the toilet try to pee standing up. Too late for that? Try not yelling helpful tips like, "Point your penis up!" Too late for that? Wipe your chin. 

9. DON'T ask if your toddler if he wants to do something you need him to do. This includes Do You Want To Wear A Jacket? Do You Want To Eat Something? Do You Want To Hug Grandma? Do You Want To Wash Your Hair? and Do You Want to Keep Me From Running Out The Door To Jamaica? 

10. DON'T try to catch vomit in your hands. A) It doesn't work. B) You don't get points for trying. C) You get vomit in your hands. 

- Mira Jacob 
http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/15-ways-not-raise-toddler-184200408.html
http://blogs.babble.com/toddler-times/2011/11/10/what-not-to-do-with-your-toddler/?pid=1714#slideshow

He loves my hair and his own!

I don't know what you would call it but when William wants comfort or wants to give comfort he rubs my hair. Its just a sign of love from him. I want to treasure it for always. I would love to do a scrapbook page but not sure of how to go about doing it so I can tell him about it when he is an adult. 

Rick and I went out and saw Breaking Dawn tonight and William went to his friend James house. James mom offered to baby sit. Which was very nice of her. I guess the boys were doing something cute right before we knocked bu as soon as William saw me he came up to me with his arms up stretched to be held and immediately his hands went into my hair. I have to admit here that since I was itty bitty one of the most relaxing things I enjoy is getting my head rubbed or my hair played with so perhaps I passed it down to my son. Rick enjoys it himself. William is different though he is very attached to his own hair. When he gets a hair cut he is rubbing his head for days and whimpers and cries like we took away his super power. He rubs his own head to go to sleep at night if I am not close enough for him to rub mine. I love this its so sweet and wish I could keep it like this way for a long time. My baby is growing up. He's officially a toddler

30 Days of Thankfulness

I seriously have a time management issue. I have been horrible about my 30 days of Thankfulness. I am Thankful but I don't have time to write it down each day. I don't MAKE time to write it down each day. I think its important that from this exercise we learn to at least express it.

Elf on the Shelf

Has anyone heard about these? http://www.elfontheshelf.com/ Elf on the Shelf comes to your home and "he" reports back to Santa on what goes on in the house and he is in a different location in the house every morning when the kids wake. Children can't touch him because his magic will wear off and he doesn't talk either because he doesn't want to spill secrets. So cute! We already have Barnaby our boy elf and soon his sister is going to visit... Maybe her name is Gumdrop, Milseain. Tinsel or Snowflake we will see. Barnaby also tells the kids how many days left till Christmas with little numbers he is holding each day (Anyone want to make me Cricut #'s for a reasonable price?) . So who is your Elf on the Shelf?

new creation

http://stormyariescreations.blogspot.com/2011/11/thankful-for-my-turkeys.html?zx=aeeb899306fd34b6

Five Question Friday

1. Do you have a go to song that always puts you in a good mood?

     Revelation Song by Kari Jobe, Hey Soul Sister by Train, Don't Worry Be Happy, I Feel Good, Hey Ya, Love Shack, and Queen

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kinda person or do you go with a real fake one?

    I really bought one doesn't that count? hehe. I like Real ones but I am not too experienced with one. We bought a fake one to save money.

3. What are you thankful for?

    Credit Cards to save us!

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today?

    Full skirts

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up the gas tank?

    Nope I believe a full tank is a happy tank

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. ~~~ Maya Angelou