Mommy & Me Sweaters

I remember before I had Lucy, seeing moms and thinking how so many of them were soooo cheesy. Buying silly frilly outfits, making the whole family match for photos, and getting matching mommy and daughter clothes.... I just thought it was ridiculous. Then slowly, I found myself buying cute frilly girl things, planing family photos with in sync clothes.... and .... GASP!!!! Even eye-balling mommy and daughter clothes!!!! NOOOOOOOOO! What happened to me? I was the cool mommy, buying converse shoes for my little girl, planning snowboarding trips with our daughter, and fitting her in little fitted beanies..... she was hip... she was cool... and so was I! But no... I look back, and it has been slowly slipping away.

The final nail in my "new mommy-chique taste" coffin, was when I saw these adorable matching sweaters from Harriet & Leo and actually thought how cute it would be to have them. How sweet would it have been in the recovery room of the hospital, wrapped up tight in these warm sweet cardigans, with your beautiful new addition in a matching one as well. Cheesy, I know... but still SOOOOOO cute.

These are exclusively designed, having one sweater for mommy and one for your little baby. The little baby's sweater is folded into the mommy's; the mommy tag says, 'Congratulations!' and baby's says 'Welcome!'. They even have a cord that connects the two together, that you separate when you are ready to use them. They come in pink, baby blue, and a nice turquoise/teal-like blue.

What is fun about these is that you don't have to be a mommy; grandmas can buy these for themselves and their grandchild or they would be a really sweet baby present. They are pricey, selling for $85.00. Would I have forked out the money when I had my daughter? Probably not, but you are getting 2 sweaters for something so sweet and cutely cheesy :)

Potty Training

If you are getting ready to OR are in the middle of trying to potty train your child, you can sign up for a FREE potty training kit at Pamers - here. It comes with stickers, a chart, some tips, and even a Dora the Explorer or Diego trophy!

Movie List Filled With Warm Fuzzies

I am such a movie freak, wait... what am I talking about... it isn't just me... it's my whole family, we are all a bunch of movie freaks. We could probably sit down at the dinner table and talk all in movie quotes.... sad? probably, yet it is stillll true :) I can definitely recall on more than one occasion where we have practically quoted that scene in, "While You Were Sleeping", where the whole family is at the table and everyone seems to be having their own conversation, even though no one is really listening. Um, wow... we sooo don't sound cool right now :)

But anyways, as you can tell, we are movie people. And since we are movie people I figured that I would post a list of some great feel-good movies that we love around here.

Secondhand Lions

This is one of my favorite movies, really cute, super clean, and you can't help but love all the characters. Michael Cain and Robert Duvall play the guardian to a sweet Haley Joel Osment who has, up till now, had a less than happy childhood. The movie is as charismatic as it is funny. This is a movie that I have watched over and over.

Rudy

Who didn't cry in Rudy!? Seriously! It still gets me every time when the players come in and each place their jersey on the coach's desk. This gripping true story of Rudy Ruettiger, a small town boy with no future, sets out to make something of himself and to accomplish his dream of playing football for Notre Dame, the whole time hearing "no" after "no". If you haven't seen this movie, then you must.

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About A Boy

I heard a lot of bad things about this movie, but my husband said he liked it, so we watched it. And I have to say... I liked it. It isn't a happy movie really, but a sad/happy/funny/painful coming of age story of Hugh Grant a man-boy who's life turns upside down when he meets a sad little boy who is in need of some company. It isn't one of the best movies I have seen, but one of those movies I have yet to get sick of. I still enjoy it every time.

The Mirror Has Two Faces

This is the best romantic movie that I have ever seen. Barbra Streisand directs this movie about a plain, frumpy, lovable woman named Rose, who has lived most of her life in her beautiful sister's shadow. Living her life constantly reminded about how plain she is, she finds a man, Greggory, played by Jeff Bridges, who believes sex has ruined his life, and has deliberately set out to find a woman with absolutely no sex appeal. So, when Rose and Greggory meet and become friends and Jeff figures a marriage built on mutual respect is better than one built on appeal and sex and Rose would rather be together than living alone. This movie is just amazing, I get goosebumps every time I see the ending. You will enjoy this truly sweet movie and even the interesting philosophy that arises throughout the movie.
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The Family Man

This is one of my husband's favorite movies. Nicolas Cage plays a cold empty business man who is interested in work, work, work. With a kind of "Its A Wonderful Life" twist Nicolas Cage losses his old life to find himself dumped in the middle of the suburbs, with a mini-van, and family. This heart melting story of this man trying to make himself be a good dad, husband, and neighbor is always a nice watch if you are looking for some warm and fuzzies.

Cinderella Man

Russel Crowe and Renee Zellweger play husband and wife in this true story about the boxer James Braddock; who is at the top of his game until the depression hit and he is left with nothing, but the fight to save his family. This struggling tale really shows you what matters in life, how you can be happy with nothing, and how much hope can help. Paul Giamatti plays Russel Crowe's manager and is as wonderful as ever. He has great pep talk after pep talk and can always make you chuckle.

Click

Adam Sandler plays a work-aholic dad that can't seem to understand how important family is. Spending his time constantly putting aside vacations, swim meets, camping trips, and even dinner time to try and rise in his company. Needing a break from his hectic life, he is given a remote control that can control his life. Unfortunately the remote starts to take over his life and Adam Sandler start to understand all he has been missing. This movie is a bit more scandalous, definitely more dirty humor than... lets say, The Family Man, but the movie still has a great message and my husband and I were both bawling like babies when we saw it in the theater.

Finding Neverland

Another true story of J.M. Barrie's (Johnny Depp), how he created the story Peter Pan, and his friendship with a family that seems to see the world has he does. His bond with the family is deepened as Barrie's wife starts to pull away and friends began to doubt his writing abilities. Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet are just amazing in this calm true story of friendship and acceptance.

Hairspray

Now this is just a fun movie filled with fun characters, good music, and playful scenes. There are so many people to enjoy watching including Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Christopher Walken, and even James Marsden (cyclops in X-Men) is enjoyable and charming. The movie is filled with fun songs, silly scenes, and a good message of integration and acceptance.

Raising Helen

I don't know many who have seen this movie, but this is a "under the radar" good movie. Kate Hudson plays Helen, a woman who is living her dream life; working at a model agency, her days filled with fashion shows, night clubs, great looking men, and nothing holding her down. Unfortunately, her sister and brother-in-law die in a car accident and leave their children to her. Helen soon finds that her dream life is not the right life when it comes to raising children. She finds her life turned upside down, making mistake after mistake, trying to learn the ropes and reaching out for help. Her other sister Jenny (Joanne Cusack) is super-mom that tries to help out and pastor Dan (John Corbett - Big Fat Greek Wedding) tries to help Helen adjust to mommy hood.

Fun With Dick And Jane

Funny, funny, funny. We love this movie. Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni are great together as a husband and wife who lose everything. Dick (Jim Carrey) looses his job shortly after getting a promotion and has just convinced his wife Jane (Téa Leoni) to quit her job. With the money is gone, and the house ends up in foreclosure. Dick decides to turn to a hilarious life of crime to pay the bills with his wife by his side.

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Dan In Real Life

A heart wrenching story of lost, love, family, and trials is a great watch. Steve Carell plays Dan a widower and writer with three young girls who is trying to find the strength to continue through the day and be there for his girls. Dan and the girls pack up to head off to a family reunion, but while on his way, meets Maria a funny, sexy, intellectual woman that is the first woman who has caught Dan's eye. But unfortunately, Dan soon discovers that Maria is actually dating his brother. It's a dicey couple of days at the house as Dan can't keep his eyes off her and his brother is obviously falling in love with her as well. Tensions rise and family is tested in this heart warming movie.

What are some of your favorite warm and fuzzy movies?

Etsy World... Here I Come!

It is official! I have joined the Etsy world! I have been so excited to get my shop up and running and finally it is done. I don't have as much as I would like, but I do have some of my favorites already posted. I will be posting more here soon, probably some personalised ABC kids books, more headbands, more purses, more baked goods, baby onesies, baby booties, hopefully some aprons and handmade dished towels.


Let me know if there is anything that you all would like to see on my Etsy website. Thanks to you all for making me want to do this. Here is a link to my shop called "Lucy Goosey & Moosey"

Etsy & Weight Update

Okay, a little late with the post, but I was up till 12 AM trying to get my Tuesday craft project done and then I realized what time it was and figured I will just post about it next week :). But I still have some interesting/good news.

First - I finally opened an Etsy account and will hopefully have my first shop open today with some goodies. I have been really excited about this and have preparing stuff to sell for a couple weeks now. I will post when it is available.

Second - I had a Weight Watcher meeting yesterday and I HAD LOST 4 POUNDS.... IN ONE WEEK!. Granted, that isn't typical, but still. I have been so excited. I have been on Weight Watchers for 2 full weeks and have already lost about 6 pounds. This has been the first thing that has worked for me and it has been working great and I have been feeling great. So, not to toot my own horn, but.... HURAAAAH FOR ME! :)

Family Activities For Dad

FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY

Kids and their Daddies.... how cute are they together? There is nothing more I enjoy than watching my husband play with our daughter... well... maybe not as much fun when he's flipping her upside down, backwards, blind folded, all the while saying, "Oh she is fine, she can handle it". So yea, maybe the rough housing stuff does make me a little nervous, but still.... I can't help, but have it melt my heart.

So, if you love those daddy moments as much as I do, then go ahead and make that moment happen. Make a Daddy Day for your family. Spend the day with your children figuring out what they can do to be nice to daddy... have them fix his favorite dinner, you all rent his favorite movie, play his favorite game, have them all make him cards, a crown saying "King of the House",(I made one for Curtis and he loved it, wore it all day, I think he liked feeling in charge for once, hee hee) even pack up the car with fishing gear and do a family fishing trip. Who cares if you don't catch anything, it will be great.

Once your wonderful day is planned, then as soon as he gets home and gets a chance to get out of work mode, then surprise him. Because why does it need to be Father's Day to have your children do something to show their appreciation and how much they love their father's attention. It will be a wonderful family evening together and it will be a fun day with your kids as you help plan it with them.

Please remember to add your link only if you are participating in Family Moment Monday. Family Moment Monday consists of people who are sharing crafts, activities, lessons, ideas, service projects or anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family. Please remember to link back to Motherhood For Dummies, so other can learn about F.M.M. and participate also. :)

Thai Food You Will Love

I am a huge fan of trying different foods, especially foreign foods. I always find it exciting when my husband and I find a new "whole in the wall" place and try out something like... Ohhh I don't know... El Salvadorian food.... and yes... it's good. But my alllll time favorite food is Thai food. I have heard many people say they have tried it and say they don't like it or that it is too spicy, well that is because they haven't gotten the right thing.

So, instead of giving a new recipe that will have us whipping something up in the kitchen I am telling you some simple steps that will have to closer to tasting some yummy Thai food...

1. Step out of the kitchen

2. Look up a Thai restaurants number

3. Call restaurant and order Gai Kua, Pad Thai, and order of Fresh Rolls

4. Enjoy and savor every bite!

Both Gai Kua and Pad Thai are noodle dishes that are NOT spicy. They come with some veggies and meat, both very VERY good. Fresh Rolls are a un-fried egg roll, sort of. Every restaurant is different, but they mostly consist of things like egg, tofu, noodles, cilantro, and cucumber; wrapped up nicely in a circular noodle and you dip them in an amazing sauce that I have yet to figure out what it is, but I know it is yummy.

So there you go! You don't need a new recipe, but a new restaurant! Go have some fun with your honey, go out on a date night and try something new. I have introduced these dishes to sooooo sooooo many people and have yet to find someone who doesn't like Pad Thai, Gai Kua, and Fresh Rolls.

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

When Curtis and I were growing up, we were both the child that begged (bugged) our parents for a dog. We both always wanted one, but never got one. My mom said that she didn't want to get stuck taking care of it, though I always swore to her that I would do everything, apparently a 6 year olds word doesn't count for much :) But once Curtis and I got married we realized we could finally do what WE always wanted to do. So, finally, we got out selves a dog; a little miniature dachshund we named Ziggy. Unfortunately our sweet Ziggy is no longer with us and we have decided that, when we can, we are going to get another dog. And this is where you guys come in!

Our Ziggy was the best dog. So smart, sweet, cuddly, laid-back, but energetic. He was perfect! So, since we felt we had the perfect dog, we are worried that no matter what, any dog will fall short (though I'm sure we are just being silly and protective of our dog). So, I am wanting to know what you all think. What is a breed that you really like or that you know is really good.

We have been doing some research and we have a list of a few, based on the kind of temperament we are looking for and dogs we have always wanted to have. Thus far, we have listed....

Pugs
Beagles
Great Dane (I have always wanted one)
Miniature Schnauzer - This is my first pick so far
Husky (Curtis's top pick)
Bichon Frise

Are we missing a great breed? What do you have? What new dog should we bring into our home?

The Best Of Motherhood For Dummies

Ever since I started blogging I have had good posts and bad posts. You know what I mean.... posts where writting it is as easy as eating a double stuffed Oreo in 2 seconds or where you are racking your brain wondering if blogging is really that great. Well, I have felt lately that I have been in a blogging funk... soooooo, to get me out of it I am posting 13 of my favorite posts. I tried to spread them out from lists, crafts, recipes, and just some funny stuff, but hopefully you will enjoy these as much as I enjoyed writting them.

Ways To Save Energy Around The House (and money)

Who doesn't love saving some money on the energy bill, plus doing a little part to help keep things green.

CupCake Bites

As tasty as they are cute. These have been a new family favorite

Reasons Why My Husband Could Be Gay

Yea, you will just have to check this one out to understand!!!! :)

Creamy Spinach Rigatoni

This is a wonderfully tasty little dish. One of my favorites and for sure, the hubby's fave too!

Fun Things To Do In Alaska

I really enjoyed looking up all of the stuff I have done while living in this wonderful state and hopefully conviced some of you to head on up here!

The Best Jewlery

Here is a cheap FAB way to look like a million bucks with only spending a few! Go ahead ladies, tempt yourself.... LOOK :)

My Amazing Cookie Press

Always a fun tool, plus I need all the help I can get to make my cookies look good :)

Great Kitchen Gadgets

Help make your life a little easier with these great kitchen helpers.

Children's Activity Book

Why bother forking out the big bucks for a baby book when you can make your own.

Cheap Date Ideas

Always nice to have a date evening even when you don't have the cash. Also it is always fun to get creative and brake outside of the dinner & a movie mold.

Ways That You Can Relax

Treat your self, you deserve it. Check out a list of great ways to help your self out. TREAT YOUR SELF MOMMY! (I may be yelling this at myself as much as all of you out there)

Great Uses For Your Old Formula Cans or Coffee Cans

Here are some great ways to use those old cans.

Congo Squares or some call Blondies

I was so glad that so many of you had been looking for this recipe. I had no idea how many grandmas out there use to make this.

Hope you enjoy the trip down Motherhood For Dummies's memory lane :)

Weight Watchers

WFMW

My sweet daughter is 9 months old now. Wow, 9 months old, 9 months ago I gave birth to her, 9 months before that I was pregnant with her, and 9 months before that... I HAD A KICKIN' BODY and I miss it! Seriously! Before I had Lucy I ate great, ran 3 miles everyday, and found excuses to be outside to bike, roller blade or jog. I loved working out.... loved it!

But now 18 months have gone by and 60 pounds have been added on and guess what.... I am missing my old body.... I want it back... and I am going to get it back. All during my pregnancy, no matter what I did, I couldn't stop gaining weight, but what is worse it that I haven't been able to loose it either. I have tried working out , tried eating better, and even tried to see if there were health issues making a difference, like a thyroid problem and such.

I have been getting pretty worked up and upset with my situation. I have never had a weight issue, but I have always been one of the girls thinking I could always stand to lose some pounds, and man oh man... I should have appreciated it, because now I can't seem to loose a single pound and I still fit into my maternity pants.

Well, I was talking with my friend one day, well I should say she was listening to me patiently while I went off on my situation, then she suggested I should try Weight Watchers. She apparently had done it after her second kid and it did great for her. I was hesitant, but it seemed to work for her, but I was nervous about their so called "weight ins" and learning a whole diet thing, but she assured me she loved it and I should give it a go.... so, I did.

A few weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers and even from my first day there I fell in love with it. When you walk in there are sweet friendly people there ready to greet you and to help you. They have friendly leaders who themselves have gone through Weight Watchers and have their own success stories. What really surprised me was that everyone there was not there to loose weight, I mean most people were, but there were a bit of people there trying to be taught how they can live a healthier lifestyle.

It really has been a great experience so far and the best part is, is that Weight Watchers is NOT a diet, it is a way to live a healthy lifestyle. They are not telling you to stay away from certain foods or carbs are the devil (because honestly how could carbs be the devil... they taste sooo good), but they are trying to show you how to get what you need to eat in a day. You get to choose what you eat, when you eat, and at what speed you want to go.

After only two days of following Weight Watchers I had already noticed how bad my eating habits were and how much more I needed to exercise, in a few more days I was already feeling better and healthier, and by the end of the week I had lost nearly 2 pounds. I was so excited because this is the first thing that has worked, been good for me, the healthiest option, and something that makes sense. Cause duhh..... go figure, eating healthy food, with healthy portions, and having a balanced NOT EXTREME diet, why wouldn't it work?

For anyone of you that have been thinking about loosing weight or even just wanting to help your self live a healthier life, give Weight Watchers a try. The first meeting is free and if you want to sign up they have a weekly price, a packaged weekly pass (for about 10 weeks), or a pay per month pass. With signing up you will get all the information you need to know how healthy a food is, what it's point value is (every food has a point value and you are allowed to eat your allotted points everyday), and to figure out how much your exercise did for you. There is even a web tool that lets you plug in your own recipes and it will calculate how many points a serving is.

If you are interested in checking out their website you can click HERE or, if you are interesting in finding a Weight Watchers meeting then you can click HERE. Honestly, if anyone has any questions feel free to email me and I would love to answer them. Hopefully you will all like it, like I have. I also will be keeping up on my progress from now and again and my success with Weight Watchers.

Batman, The Dark Knight

Sorry I am getting so late to posting today, but I was out last night and didn't get home till LAAAATE so I never got a chance to post my Tuesday craft.... but have no fear, there is still a post to come.... but it is not a craft. It is a review of BATMAN!

Curtis and I went with some friends last night to see "Batman, The Dark Knight" and all I can say is ..... WOW. It was really REALLY good and I can say that because I didn't even really like the first Batman all that much.

This one is really dark and really eerie because of the Joker, which Heath Ledger does an amazing job as. I did get a bit creeped out and had to cover my eyes in a few parts just because I was sooooo intense, but again... it is still an amazing movie. But if you get bothered by darker movies, then this one might be a little much.... it was almost for me (but I am a complete weenie when it comes to this sort of thing). So, if you have been wanting to go see it.... SEE IT! It is definently worth it. :)

Family Genealogy

COME JOIN FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY

What is the most important thing to you? And no... I don't mean your Manolo Blahniks... I mean what do you truly value? I am pretty sure most of you are saying, "family". A family is something that is so important to each and everyone of us. But we can't truly appreciate our families till we know about them. That is why it is a good reason to have the family go over their genealogy.

There are so many free websites that offer genealogy information and several good programs that you can buy for your computer.... heck... there are even people you can pay to do your genealogy for you (which is what I am ALLLL for). It is important to appreciate and understand the sacrifices and accomplishments of the people before you.

My mom has worked really hard and long on our genealogy and helped us children learn where we come from. Because of her I have learned about my ancestors that tracked across the country on foot to find a new home, relatives that were so excited about coming to America that they jumped off the ship and swam to shore, and even a famous relative that was be-headed in France and afterwards stood up at the guillotines and took three steps... he now has a statue, street, and chapel named after him. I would never have known about this without her.

I know learning new things can be frustrating and complicated, so if this is the case for you then just ignore the programs and website... simply call up your dear sweet Grannie and ask her about the family. Not only will Grandma have some great and wonderful stories, but she will love the company and the visit.

Remember that each of us come from a family that has history that has gone on for hundreds of years, there are stories of motivation, drama, great sacrifices and love. Share those moments with your family, let them be proud of where they come from and what their family stands for.
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Please remember to add your link only if you are participating in Family Moment Monday. Family Moment Monday consisted of people who are sharing lessons, ideas, crafts, activities, and anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family. :)

Zesty Broth Rice

I have been trying to get better at making sides with dinner. I like to cook, but I am also kind of lazy.... I will make the main meal... and yea... that is about it. :) So, I have been trying to get better and while trying to get better, I made a really yummy rice recipe. All you need is...

1 cup White Rice
1 can Broth (chicken or veggie, I used veggie)
Green Onions
Fat Free Zesty Italian Dressing
1/3 cup Asiago Cheese (optional)

1. Put the amount of rice that you are wanting in your rice cooker. Put in broth, NOT WATER. Add broth 2 to 1 with the rice (meaning... 1 cup rice = 2 cups broth). Add in 1/2 cup of Italian dressing, and if you are making more less than 1 cup rice, then just add the amount you think.

2. Once rice is done put into bowl. Now add green onions, about 3 full stocks. Also add asiago cheese (desired amount) and some more Italian dressing, just enough to make the rice have a more wet, fluffy, texture.

3. DIG IN!

This was a big hit with my husband and was a yummy simple side. I am not a huge fan of rice and I was gobbling this up. So, hopefully you will all enjoy this as much as we did.

How Is Your Happiness Today?

A daughter came home one day and sat down with her mom in the kitchen. Her welcoming was over shadowed by her glum and morose nature. The mother asked her daughter what was wrong. The daughter responded with how everything had gone wrong, how hard life is, why do these things happen to me, and how she can't handle it anymore.

As the daughter started telling her story of her day the mother got up from the table and walked over to the cupboard and started to rummage and grab things; some carrots, eggs, and coffee beans. She then grabbed three pots, filled them with water, and placed them on the stove. While the mother filled each pot with one item, the daughter sat there looking at her in wonder.

Moments later, the mom emptied the pots out and sat by her daughter and saying, "Look at what has happened here."

The daughter looked down and saw the carrots, eggs, and coffee, "What do you mean?".

The mother looked at the food and said, "All of these items have gone through the same experience. All have been taken from a place, placed in boiling water, and have under gone a change."

The mother grabbed a fork and started mashing the carrots, "The carrots were put into the water which caused them to be soft and lame, when they used to be use solid and strong."
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She then grabbed an egg and started to crack and peel the shell, "This egg used to be smooth and soft on the insides, but since dealing with the water it has now become hard and like its guarded shell."

The mother then went to the coffee beans to filter and drain the water, "But these beans, when put with the water, had no effect on the beans. The water could not change the beans, but the beans changed the water and made coffee."

The mother set the food aside and grabbed her daughter's hand saying, "Which are you to be? What are you going to do? How are you going to let the world affected you? ...... Are you going to be a carrot and let the world weigh you down? Or are you going to be an egg, putting a hard shell around yourself till you are as hard inside as you are on the outside? Or, will you be like the coffee bean changing the world and the problems around you, not letting the world change who you are?"

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I hear this story and I wonder, "What am I?". How much do I let the troubles of my day affect me? How often do I dwell on a situation that was unfair or on a person who was so rude. Many things happen every day and most times I have no control over it. I want to be one of those people who is able to let everything slide off their back, to not be dragged down by the sad things that happen throughout the day, to always be able to see the important stuff at the end of the day.

I am a fairly happy person, usually able to smile and laugh at most things thrown my way, but I know that I have stewed in my emotions over something, cried over how unfair somethings are, or worked myself up over an uncontrollable situation and guess what..... IT NEVER DID ANY GOOD. Never, not once! If this action seems to have never worked for my problems, then you might be asking your self why have I done it so many times? Because I have never taught myself not too.

I know I am not the coffee bean, but I hope some day I can be. I hope that slowly I can start working on myself to be able to control my happiness. I want to be able to see disasters heading my way and really see new opportunities. How wonderful would it be to know that you will always see the good, the bigger picture, or what truly matters? That you are the captain of your happiness!

So hopefully, rather sooner than later, I will be strong too. I will be able to stay true to myself. I hope that I can remember this story the next time something troubling comes my way..... I hope that I can be a coffee bean.

Daddy Daughter Time

Is it just me, or is that just too cute!?

Baby Einstein DVDs

WFMW
I am a pretty anti-TV type of mom. My husband and I try not to watch too much; in fact, we don't even have cable. I mean, we do watch TV here and there, usually only for "The Office" and "Scrubs", but TV for my kid..... no no. I see so many children these days being glued to the TV set and that is something I refuse to let happen to my kids. Don't get me wrong, I am alllll up for letting them watch stuff here and there, but I have a limit. I am okay with our children (when they are old enough) to watch a Disney movie here and there, because who doesn't love watching "Aladdin" or "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"? But since Lucy is only 9 months old TV is not really something I want on while she is in the room.... well... except for Baby Einsteins.
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I am sure most of you have seen these, but for those of you who haven't heard of them, they are shows designed for children 3 months to about 2 years old to help teach them anything from, shapes, colors, animals, Bach, Beethoven, Shakespeare, to sign language. The DVDs use puppets, actors, toys, children, and cartoons to help teach. They even will teach things is several languages. Lucy has the "Baby da Vinci" and they help show and teach body parts in English, French, and Spanish. Lucy loves it, especially when they show the cute little puppets. I just recently got her one that plays music by Bach and one that teaches sign language.

Besides feeling that they are a nice way to show baby something new, since most of the time they see the inside of the house, they are a nice break for mom. I'm not saying put baby in front of Baby Einsteins as a babysitting tool, even though they are educational, but I do save them for when Lucy is acting up. If there is a certain day where she is just fussy and I can't help the situation, then the Baby Einsteins will help to educate and to calm her down. Since they are only 20 mins long, that is just enough time to settle her down and to give me a chance to finish what I was doing, whether it be dishes, cleaning, crafts, or blogging.

And if you don't have a baby in the house right now, but small children, then you will LOOOOOVE the Little Einsteins. This show is truly amazing! It is four sweet little kids running around trying to help someone or something with SOME kind of problem, but on the way they teach art, history, and music. There is always an artist and musician of the day. They are really enjoyable to watch, even as an adult, and I even learned a few things. These are really good, they air on the Disney channel and on the Sprouts channel sometimes.

These shows are really fun for kids and infants, plus I don't feel guilty about letting my Lucy watch them either... I am actually really excited for when she is old enough to watch Little Einsteins and learn about Von Gogh, Monet, and Chopin! They are also a little pricey; new they go for $19.99, but I have found them on Craigslist, Amazon, or at second hand stores for as low as 3-5 bucks. I did buy one brand new and have not regretted it, but I wouldn't go out and buy the whole collection for the original; having just one or two is good enough until they out grow them, which takes a while.

So, help your baby learn and experience something new and let them try out a Baby Einstein. (plus what mom doesn't enjoy a nice 20 min break)