Tip Tuesday: A GOOD Hotel in the Minneapolis Area

This past weekend my family and I went on an impromptu trip to Minneapolis. We wanted to look at furniture at IKEA and take the kids to the Mall of America. I went on hotels.com looking for a room that was nice, inexpensive and close to the mall.

I was lucky enough to book a Hampton Inn and Suites, only .5 miles from the mall and included free wireless, a pool and free breakfast for only $99 a night. But it was worth so much more.

First off, we got there late and they hadn't given our room away (like my husband feared). The beds were SO soft. The next morning, breakfast was awesome. Scrambled eggs, waffles, yogurt, cereal, doughnuts, bagels, sausages, apple and orange juice and milk...it was great.

We spent all day (7 hours) at the Mall of America. When we returned, the kids were pleased to see their "babies" (fluffy the dog, Buzz Lightyear and Cabbage Patch doll) lined up on their made bed. We decided to hit the pool--just to wear the kids out a bit more. After the pool, I asked the front desk for a place they could suggest for pizza. They handed me a flier for a local pizza joint with coupons! SCORE! I also asked if it would be possible to wash out the kids cups (we had bought at the Disney Store). Not only did they let me use their kitchen area to wash out the cups, they also informed me that I could get milk from the kitchen area for the kids!

The next morning, breakfast didn't disappoint. They had added French Toast Sticks to the menu. YUM! With a family of five, free breakfast saves us at least $40/day!

Check out was a breeze...and they offered late check out of 11 AM. Next time we go to Minneapolis, we'll be sure to stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites near the Airport/Mall of America.

Salvation Sunday: God can use anyone!

So this morning, I was reading about the story of Moses from the Bible. You remember the Israelite leader who delivered his people from Egyptian slavery to a land of promise. I came to the part of the story where a young Moses killed an Egyptian before running to the wilderness to hide.

The story then proceeded to go on as God picked Moses to lead His chosen people out of Egypt. Through this story I was once more reminded how God can take anyone or any evil and turn it into something good.

Just think. Moses was a murderer and yet God chose him to be His leader. I find this fascinating not because it is an excuse for bad behavior but because God takes ordinary people, offers mercy, and calls them into a life of service. The story reveals God's way of grace. He reminds us that we cannot achieve redemption on our own but rather through total obedience and surrender turn our lives around for His glory.

I think it is interesting that the Bible also mentions that Moses ran away to hide from Pharaoh. This is like running away from God after we sinned. God can still find us wandering in the wilderness, right where we are at, and pick us up to redeem us. So why bother hiding.

No one is exempt if we are willing to follow. Other examples in the Bible include Abraham, David, and Paul. Abraham was an old man with a past history of false god worship. David was a murderer and an adulterer. Paul condemned Christians who walked in faith. All these stories prove that God can take the least unexpected person and turn their lives around. How unlikely that these people be chosen in the first place, right?

And why were they chosen by God. First, they represent that nothing is impossible by God; God chooses the most unlikely scenario/person so that we know that it is not the man who made it successful but God who made it successful. Second, they point to God's fulfillment of grace; God forgives sin not matter how bad a past or sin can be. And last, they bring glory to God and His perfect plan.

Our response must be that of repentance and openness to God's working in our lives. Then we follow in obedience, stepping out in faith. Only then can we be used by God.

Toy Thursday: Homemade Doodle Board

Judah and I have been playing with our homemade doodle board the last few days to pass the time. This is another activity that can be used simply for fun or to add as a tool for learning. It is super easy to put together and the results are endless.

I found the idea off of Pinterest at the Hippie Housewife. To make our own though I used washable finger paints in a Ziploc freezer bag taped down by clear packing tape onto our plastic table cloth (use blue painter's tape directly to wood table). To do this I poured a generous amount of primary colors into the different areas of the bag. We noticed the more paint you use the more fun you have. Before taping the bag down, I smoothed out any and all air bubbles. I used a light color piece of paper underneath to brighten the background and to catch any messes that may happen. Then I sealed the edges of the paper and the bag off with packing tape.


Judah understood the concept right away as he mixed the colors together like finger painting only mess free. To make designs, you take your finger and draw lines through the paint. To erase your drawings, just lightly smooth out the paint. This is how we doodled our letters and shapes as well as made hand prints. Judah then pretended it was mud and drove his trucks over the bags for road effects.

We left the doodle boards up for several days so that Judah could go back to it to play. We did have one scratch and I simply taped over it with clear packing tape. The colors mixed together. Since the paint remained wet inside the bag, you could totally undo the doodle board and use the paint for a real finger paint project.

Tip Tuesday: Check list for New Baby

Since I am almost week 36 pregnant, I decided it is time to go through a check-list for the new baby. Here is a list I used from a friend during my first pregnancy I thought I would review. And of course, based on my previous experience, I took some away and added a few other items. Please share from your own experiences what items you would include or not include and why.

These are the must have items you should have before baby arrives.

1. Crib with at least 2 sets of crib sheets and waterproof pads. You do not need a bumper or a baby positioner for baby as they are unsafe.
2. Mobile to hang over crib
3. Chest of drawers
4. Diaper pail, Diaper Genie for disposables
5. Changing table with a changing pad and 2 pad covers
   
6. A good night light
7. A clock with indigo light to see what time it is in the wee morning hours
8. A comfy rocking chair
9. Lots of receiving blankets. Consider the size of the swaddle blankets as the ones in the store are way too small for swaddling. Also I could not have done without my Halo Sleepsacks which relieved nighttime fears of blankets falling over babies face.
   
10. Boppy pillow or I actually prefer My Best Friend Delux (for post-Ceseran recovery as it sits high above your incision and allows you the ability to do several feeding positions).
    
11. A vibrating bouncy chair
12. Diaper cream, Infant Tylenol, Infant Gas Drops, and safety and hygiene kit with an Emory board and nail clippers and a working thermometer.
13. Baby bath tub and baby wash clothes/towels for tub.
    
14. Diaper bag or I actually prefer a baby back pack to free your hands when unloading the car.
    
15. Breast pump if you are pumping - If you do not work outside the home, I would consider a Medela Swing Pump as it is convenient to store in your diaper bag for traveling. Then consider renting a double pump machine for the first few weeks after your hospital stay until your milk production goes down to allow you to store enough milk in the freezer. When you rent a machine, you will buy brand new tubes (which you will need for you own machine anyways) making it totally sanity.
    
16. Breast pads - I like the disposable Johnson and Johnson cotton inserts that fit into your bra so you do not leak all over.
    
17. Lanisol cream for you breast if you are breast feeding
    
18. Breast milk storage bags and marker
    
19. 4 - 6 ounce bottles (if breast feeding) - Most lactation consultants at the hospital start you on a certain brand like Avent. Take your cue from them before purchasing your own set of bottles as babies respond differently to the different nipples.
    
20. A container for the dishwasher to wash bottles and drying rack for bottles that sits on the counter. We also used our bottle warmer quite often on our second story but not that it is not necessary to have.
    
21. Stroller based on your needs - I recommend a jogger if you exercise frequently. Otherwise, consider one that fits with your car seat for daily use. Remember to make sure that it fits in the trunk of your car and you can open it with one hand as you may have the kid on the other.
    
22. Car seat - I would recommend getting a car seat base for each of your cars. Never buy a used car seat because you do not know if it has been in an accident or meets all the safety requirements. Also, keep in mind after a number of years, your car seat will actually expire and by kid number three you may need to buy a new seat.
    
23. A car seat cover for the winter.
    
24. Baby monitor - We prefer a video monitor that we can hook up our smart phone and computer too.
    
25. A sling to carry baby around.
    
26. 2-3 nursing bras - I suggest not buying them until right before your due date as your bust size does change. Consider getting fitted at your local hospital boutique before leaving for home to find the most comfortable size and fit. I prefer Bravado Designs as they were the most comfortable with the back pain I experienced my cesarean.
    
27. 1-2 pacifiers
28. 2-3 packages of 0-3 month onsies
29. 3-4 packages of 3-6 month onsies
30. 2-5 pairs of pants
31. baby socks
32. baby hat
33. 4-5 sleepers - I like the nightgowns for newborns as it is easier to change their diapers
34. Baby book and/or first year calendar - I like to have them available at the hospital to do an extra set of footprints directly into the baby book.
    
35. Outfit to bring baby home from the hospital as well as comfortable clothes for mom to go home in. I suggest a dress or skirt for post-ceserean if you incision is still painful and sore.
    
36. Burp Clothes
37. Diapers - I recommend the Pampers Swaddles for newborns because the yellow line changes colors after the diaper has been wet.
    

These Items are really nice to have on hand but I recommend borrowing them from a friend or family member for storage reasons. Please note that each baby is different and may not always take to one of these items anyways.

1. Bassinet and bassinet sheets
   
2. A swing

These items are nice to have or again borrow but you do not need them right away.

1. Exersaucer
2. Baby Bjorn
3. Exercise/play mat
4. High chair
5. Pack and play
6. Bath toys
7. CDs of lullabies
8. Toys- rattles, teethers, blocks, rings, books
9. Cute lamp for the nursery

Things to do before baby arrives

1. Chose a pediatrician before baby arrives
   
2. Try and get your nursery done before you are 7 months pregnant
3. Make meals to freeze
4. Stock up on 1-2 months worth of : toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo, razors, 1month supply of maxi pads (with wings), dish soap, diapers and wipes, rice/pasta, frozen vegetables, bread (can freeze), etc.
5. Consider hiring a cleaning service
   
6. Consider buying a digital camera, video recorder
7. Consider a mini vacation before your bundle of joy arrives
8. Starting thinking about who might babysit for you
9. Have the car seat bases installed a few weeks before you are due
10. Get thank yous done before baby arrives if possible
11. If you think you might need daycare, start looking now
12. Start looking at places where you might want to get baby pictures taken
13. Wash all baby clothes in gentle detergent prior to having baby
    

Salvation Sunday: Thankful for Our Readers

Believe it or not, Mommy's Recess is International. Occasionally I'll check the stats of our blog and was surprised at how many people from different Countries read our blog.

In the last month alone, our stats, broken down by Country are below.

United States 5,882

China 216

United Kingdom 184

Canada 142

Russia 114

Ukraine 97

Germany 79

Philippines 58

Australia 53

India 43

Wow. This is only ONE MONTH of posts. Awesome. We are so thankful for our readers! Thank you all for reading and making Mommy's Recess a success!

Shuffle Saturday: Depression is Not a Dirty Word, Part II

Tis that time of year for most people to have the winter blues. And even though the weather has been generously nice this year, I still sense a lot of friends who seem "down and out" depressed. Depression can be hard to shake but rest assured you can shake it with a little help. I am proof of that.

Most people do not know that I suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder right after Judah was born almost three years ago. Anytime someone feels like they are going to die as in my case when my blood pressure took a nosedive in post Cesarean recovery, you can develop symptoms of stress.

I had experienced depression before. The symptoms remain the same: extreme fatigue, feeling trapped in a spiral downturn with little room for air, irrational thoughts, dark and anxious, emotionally unstable, and the inability to want to do any of your favorite things with your favorite people. Sound familiar. Even my co-author has told her story about depression in part one.

This time Post Traumatic Stress seemed different. I could not sleep and became extremely irritable and anxious. I discovered I would have panic attacks every time I closed my eyes to go to sleep. If I did fall asleep, when I woke up and felt disoriented as to where I was, I would have another panic attack. On top of that I experienced post partum depression because I felt like I could not take care of my baby in this manner. Not fun.

Thankfully I was surrounded by people who loved and cared for me. I realized that you do not need to feel ashamed about getting help or feel guilty for being like this. At some point in our lives, I believe we all go through this. And if managed correctly, we come out on the other side better people.

Here are a few tips that worked for me in coping with stress, anxiety, and depression. I have been through it and know it sucks. I pray that you may find the peace and hope you desperately need during this time as a result of knowing that you are not alone in coping.

1. Seek help immediately. Your loved ones need to be aware of what is going on. And do not be afraid to ask for professional help when needed such as a pyschologist or doctor who prescribe medicine. The longer you wait for help, the harder it will be to cope and come out of depression.

From my previous experience with depression, I immediately saw the symptoms the second time and sought help almost within a few weeks of it starting. I also knew the anxiety was different and so professional help was able to help me figure out what the problem was and how to handle it right away. I know the journey would have been longer and harder had I not admitted I needed help right away.

2. Avoid additional stress. Reduce added stress in your life for a while. Remove all other distractions from your daily schedule. One of the best things I did the first time I was depressed, thanks to the advice of a friend, was limit my daily schedule to only necessary things that had to be done. I also removed those things that seemed to agitate me more until a later time of healing.

3. Take time for yourself. Try to do something for yourself that you think is fun or sounds fun no matter how simple it is. After the baby was born, my family, at the advice of my doctor, tried to get me out of the house on occasions without the baby to prove that life goes on.

4. Set small goals for yourself without expecting huge, immediate results. At one point, I literally had to set goals to get through parts of the day. When my husband went back to work, I had to know exactly when he would come home for lunch and I would focus on getting through those few hours before thinking about the rest of the day when I would start the process over. Also, we learned that certain sights and smells can trigger certain emotions. To counter that, we rearranged the furniture and slept in a different room for a while. Over time, the emotions became less and less as life returned to normal.

5. Pray and Pray. About a year ago, I talk about the power of God when dealing with depression. Please read "Do not be Afraid." Without God, I would never have come out of my anxiety. This is perhaps the most important tip to cope with anxiety.

Again, realize you are not alone. You do not have to feel guilty for feeling this way.

Food Friday: King Cakes for Mardi Gras

When I worked at Principal, I always volunteered to be the floor coordinator for the JDRF fundraiser. As a fundraiser, we would make King Cakes, serve them on Mardi Gras and raise money for a great cause. Plus it was always fun to see who got the baby and was the King or Queen of Mardi Gras. The traveling crown and scepter was a hoot.

I learned how to make the King Cakes (and would make them ahead of time the weekend before) and needless to say, my first attempt did not turn out the greatest. My cake pieces sold last (but they were still super tasty) because they weren't the prettiest cakes ever made. My kitchen was covered in flour, powdered sugar and our small dining room table had been taken over by King Cakes.

I used this recipe from Emeril and was surprised at how easy it was...the second year. Always make sure you add the cream cheese filling (strawberry cream cheese is my favorite) to make it not as dry and super tasty.

Enjoy on Tuesday, but remember...Ash Wednesday is the next day. Make sure you're not on a sugar high and can make it to Mass.

Wash Wednesday: Protecting Carpet Under your Child's Chair

Oh yeah, you guessed it. Someone poured his Magic Mud onto the chair before I caught him. That is when I grabbed the camera instead to take a picture.

So what do you do for those messy meals or craft projects when you have carpet underneath the dinner table?

Unfortunately our town home came with carpet of all things in the dining area. This is totally not kid proof if you have a child old enough to eat. Kids throw food both on purpose and sometimes surprisingly not on purpose. Food always ends up on the floor and messes happen. It is a part of having kids. We talk about replacing the carpet with hardwood but until then we needed a interim solution.

It was my husband who came up with the idea as soon as Judah moved to the high chair to use a clear office floor mat to protect the carpet. One can hardly tell that this classy mat sits underneath his chair. There it sits though protecting the area from just about every mess, fluid, and concoction imaginable. And on a day like this, it sure came in handy serving its purpose as all I had to do was wipe it down with rag and sweep the remains.

If you need to protect your carpet, try using a clear plastic office floor mat underneath the high chair.

By the way, if you have not had an opportunity to play with Magic Mud, green slime, check it out here. It makes a great indoor activity on these winter days.

Tip Tuesday: The Love Of A Mother--Are Ultrasounds Really Safe?

No one questions that mothers love their children. No one questions that expecting mothers can't wait for their ultrasound date. The chance to peek into your own uterus and see your growing child? It's magical.

But it's also not proven to be entirely safe. I do a lot of reading...maybe too much. But when it comes to my kids, there's no such thing as keeping them too safe. When I was expecting my first child, I read and read and read...and I haven't stopped. But 6 years ago I read about the dangers of ultrasounds. That's when I decided that ONLY medically necessary ultrasounds would be the route we would go.

With our first son, the ultrasound showed that he might have an issue with his kidneys. The doctors wanted to be prepared in case something was wrong, that they'd be able to do kidney surgery on him right after birth. They scheduled a second ultrasound ten weeks later (32 weeks) and discovered the kidneys were totally healthy. When he was almost two weeks overdue, he failed the "kick counts" and the doctor told me to leave work and rush to an ultrasound. He was fine, just running out of room. So my first pregnancy I had three ultrasounds. Not what I had intended.

Every pregnancy there after, we've only had one ultrasound per child. No additional ultrasounds were necessary. This baby (yes, #4) we will probably have two ultrasounds. Why two? Well, we already had one (unintentionally) because the Doctors were looking for what we all thought was a ruptured cyst...turns out, it was a hemorrhage...and a baby. I will have one more ultrasound (around the "normal" 20ish weeks) to make sure everything is growing, that the placenta has attached as it should (a danger because of the hemorrhage/high risk pregnancy) and maybe, if baby cooperates, to see the gender.

And that's it. No extra ultrasounds. No "fun" pictures. Why? It's not safe. It's not necessary. And it could be harming the baby. Did you know that ultrasounds destroy sperm? They actually use it as a form of temporary sterilization. What makes it safe for a baby?

I've also heard the "it's my body and I can do what I want." Interesting. This is the same argument that pro-choice people use. But it's not just your body. It's affecting the baby as well.

According to WebMD, some parents are opting for a 4-D scan. "Some facilities are providing this scan at the parents' request without a specific medical indication. A moving picture interpretation is referred to as a 4-D ultrasound. According to the March of Dimes, the FDA, as well as many other experts, the use of these non-medical ultrasounds is discouraged since untrained personnel may provide inaccurate or harmful information."

No, thanks. I'm going to take the word of the FDA, the March of Dimes and the safety of my child over my want to see the baby.

My friend, fellow Conservative blogger and Doctor wrote an article about this subject. She says, "My son, and his twin who died, both hated the ultrasound. It seemed to cause them physical pain from what I observed. They became agitated. It is known that the amniotic fluid warms up at least a degree from the ultrasound."

Again, no one questions the love a mother has for her child. If every mother knew of the dangers and read more about all of their options, maybe they would put the safety of their child ahead of their want.

You'll see and hold your baby soon enough...let them be safe in the safest place in the world. Your womb. Don't open them up to unnecessary dangers.

Edit: Upon further research, I discovered that the Ethics Committee within the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has discouraged the use of non-medical ultrasounds during pregnancy. You can read their opinion here.

Make Monday: Learning our Shapes

Judah is obsessed with those colorful, little craft pom poms. Anytime he sees them we have to get them out to play. So that is when I decided to turn it into a learning opportunity to practice gluing and learning about shapes.

We drew shapes onto white card stock; I let him pick the shapes as he named them. Then we put some Elmer's glue onto a paper plate so that he could dip the poms poms into the glue. We glued the pom poms onto the lines on the paper, making our shapes.

He had so much fun using the pom poms even if it was used to learn shapes. I let him pick out the colors. Judah still likes to show the shapes off to people, especially the letter "J" we made for his name. And now he refers to them when trying to draw his own shape designs as he attempted to do so the other day.

Think outside the box when it comes to learning. Take cues the kids may have and use them as basic educational means; I never would have thought of this idea until Judah wanted to play with the pom poms and make shapes. Learning can and should be fun.

And expand on your ideas. For example you could turn this project into a math lesson on patterns as well for older kids. Start a color pattern and have the child finish it with the correct color of pom poms. Or try some harder geometric shapes designs.

Salvation Sunday: The Right To Free Speech

Earlier this week, a Church on the Southside of Des Moines posted a sign that said, "Gay is not okay." Do I agree with the sign? No. Do they have the right to say it? Yes.

What I don't agree with is the backlash that has occurred. A protest group was created on Facebook to address the issue of the Church's comment. The Church changed the sign to read "Adultery is not okay".

The protest group on Facebook, according to the news, posted the email and phone number of the Pastor. As I type, they're currently outside of the Church with rainbow flags, marching in front of the Church.

The news interviewed someone saying that the sign was "harassment". And encouraging people to call and email the Pastor repetitively is not? How does one harassment better another? It doesn't. How is one freedom of speech okay, and another not?

Two wrongs don't make a right.

Do the protesters have the right to protest? Yes. But the sign was changed. And they're still protesting. Why? If they have the right to protest their free speech, does the Church not have the same right?

I was tempted to make a sign that said, "Protesting others freedom of speech is lame"...but I'm sure the irony would be lost.

Should the Church have posted the line? Probably not. But they have that right. If it had said "Straight is not okay" I would have said, "Eh, I disagree, but that's your prerogative to write that," and left it at that.

Remember, we'll all face our own judgement in front of the ultimate Judge. And we'll have to answer to all of our actions and words then.

Shuffle Saturday: Pregnancy Pictures on Facebook (Or Anywhere Else on the Internet)

Pregnant and putting picture of your belly on facebook because it's fun? It's not the best idea.

Remember the rule. Don't put anything on the internet you wouldn't want on a billboard somewhere. Would you approve a picture of yourself, pregnant, belly exposed, in a bathroom mirror on a billboard? I doubt it.

Yes. I am pregnant. Maybe that's why I feel I can say it. Maybe it's because I'm "older". Maybe I'm more mature. Maybe it's being taught to be more Conservative. But I know not everyone wants an exposed belly of a friend on their news feed...baby in utero or not.

A few of my younger friends, God bless em, are expecting too. And they'll probably get mad at me for writing this...but I know they'll thank me in a few years...and wonder why they didn't listen....

OMG, we get it. You're pregnant. I really don't need to see a daily/weekly belly pic update from your bathroom mirror. And arch your back a little more...because you didn't stick it out quite as much as you did last week.

Don't get me wrong, I think a pregnant body is beautiful. I just don't want it in my news feed EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Besides, it's not safe. Disagree? So did Jamie Stice.

Don't know who she is? Well, she posted pictures of her belly on facebook, a crazy woman friended her, killed her and cut the baby out of her stomach. Thinking twice now? You should.

Not safe. So remember, if you feel the need to post exposed belly pregnancy pictures on your facebook, know that not everyone appreciates it. And not everyone has the best intentions.

Just trying to keep you and your baby safe. Remember, you might be mad at me now, but you'll thank me.

Food Friday Gestational Diabetes Approved Recipe - Fajitas

Having gestational diabetes has meant I have had to adjust my diet. Here is probably my favorite recipe that my husband invented for my new diet. We found that leftover shredded beef roast works the best. And if you find low carb tortillas, you can fill yourself up with this goodness. Enjoy this healthy but very deliciously-filling and easy-to-make meal.


1/2 medium onion
1 large green bell pepper
Southwest Chipotle Mrs. Dash
Garlic and Herb Mrs. Dash
8 oz. Sirloin Steak (cut), leftover beef roast (shredded), or chicken breast (diced)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Zest of lime

Saute onion and pepper in large skillet in oil. Add chipotle seasoning to taste. When the pepper is tender and onion is translucent, add leftover cooked and sliced meat pieces. Add chipotle and garlic and herb seasonings to taste. Serve with low sodium salsa, sour cream, cheddar cheese, low carb tortillas, and a squirt of lime juice.

Toy Thursday: Indoor Snow!

If the weather is keeping you indoors because of the cold but the kids are bothering you to play in the snow, fear not because there is a solution to this problem. You can make indoor snow!

A few weeks ago, I talked about how much fun it is to have your kids help wash toys. Here is another spin on the idea but with making foam out of dish soap. Your kids can still have fun cleaning their toys. And you have a fun activity to help pass those long days indoors.

After finding the idea off of You Pinspire Me and knowing Judah likes to play with bubbles when we wash his toys, we made indoor snow to play. We put 1/3 cup warm water with several squirts of Dawn dish soap into the food process to blend. And we got a white foam, ideal for play.



I put the foam into a display plastic tray lid so that he could drive his cars around. After a while the foam soap would turn into a small water puddle. We would then keep adding more foam mixtures for additional play. We learned that the longer you blend the mixture, the better foam you get. Judah played with his foam for 2.5 hours until lunch time and even then he made a fuss about putting it away. Once we were finally done though, we wiped up and rinsed off the toys and the food processor to put away for another time. The mess was minimal as he did not get soaked like he does when washing his toys.

This activity provided so much entertainment and it was easy enough to do, that I highly recommend using it to pass the winter blahs. Indoor snow can be fun and so easy.

For additional outdoor fun indoors, check out Indoor Sandbox. And for ways to minimize mess even more, check out Make Less Mess.

Wash Wednesday: Cleaning the Shelves (A Couponing Post)

If you were hoping to learn how to best clean your cupboards or shelves in the fridge, this isn't that post. This is about those who coupon...and refuse to think of others.

I'm glad other people are learning how to coupon. In this economy, it'd be silly NOT to learn how to save money. But come on, people. Stop the shelf clearing.

I've been a couponer for years. I take what I need and what I have a coupon for. What I DON'T do is fill my cart with 40 of the same item, clearing the shelves and leaving none for others.

It's great you have 40 coupons that make your 40 bags of cat food free. But do you really need 40 bags of free cat food? Unless you're employed by Animal Rescue League or you run a kitty mill, I doubt it. I'm just trying to get ONE bag. Just ONE. And the shelf is always clear. Knock it off.

I've even branched out and visited other Targets/Walgreens searching for a shelf that someone hasn't cleared, only to find it too is gone.

And yes, it makes me angry to see people in my facebook group posting pictures of their stockpiles of excess...whether it be paper towels or cat food...something I'm trying to get ONE of. Especially when they brag, "I've never couponed before and now I'm overloaded. Hahaha." Stop.

Maybe I should call my local stores and see when they get trucks in, but you know what? I'm an exhausted mother. I'm working full time from home, I've got three little boys and I'm expecting. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense for me to pack everyone up and run to the store for free paper towels, before the shelves are cleared.

Here's what I'm asking, think of others. Don't be selfish. Don't clear the shelves. And remember, there's a fine line between stockpiling and hoarding.

Tip Tuesday: Bribery or Reward?

So I think at some point every parent resorts to using what we call bribery to get their kids to do something or not do something. Am I right?

I like to think of it as a reward. As adults we get rewards all the time. Benefits of a job well done at work include bonuses is one prime example. I guess you can say that as humans we thrive on merit and earning a reward. Rewards can certainly motivate good behavior or in some instances deter bad behavior.

Of course we have to be careful of that part of society that thinks we owe ourselves something, in essence a reward, but no purpose except than we deserve it. This fine line has gotten us into all kinds of trouble as a country as we have become irresponsible and unaccountable. Perhaps that is why some parenting literature thinks rewarding your child is bad.

Call it what you want but at times it does come in handy in parenting. I do find myself though disagreeing using food as a motivational tool to stimulate behavior. I think that is a dangerous habit to form and for that reason I have come up with some alternatives.

I have learned so far that something the child really likes can become a good motivator. Try to find something that really triggers your child. Stickers is one idea for a small accomplishment like a chore. A toy may be a bigger reward like going poop in the potty.

Our own objective was to keep Judah in his new big boy bed for nap time. The tool became hand stamping as I noticed the profound effect it had on him after music class. I utilized this medium only for nap time with the rule that he must stay in bed for a certain amount of time. If he did, he got his hands stamped with the stamp and color of his choice. It worked and got us through the transition.

Over time we got away from hand stamping as it was not necessary anymore. The lesson now is that you do not always need something for obeying.

Share your own thoughts, advice, and ideas on the subject. Is it bribery or rewarding? And what tactics have you found yourself using with your kids?

Salvation Sunday: The Writing on the Wall

If you have been paying any attention to the news and headlines lately, you will notice that Iran and Israel have been mentioned a lot. Not sure where you stand on the Middle East and relative issues to foreign policy as they pertain to us, but I have to say that I am a stanch supporter of God's people.

In fact I have to sometimes wonder if America's sole purpose in history is to support Israel; We in fact are their sole allies. You know our heritage of a "city shining upon a hill" is very similar to God's call to Israel to the world. And without us as a superpower we would have lost World War II and Israel would never have become a nation-state. Just some food for thought.

If my instincts are solid, then perhaps we are heading down a dangerous road in our lack of support to Israel. I mean really we are putting Israel in a tough spot on the international stage with Iran, leaving them out to hang dry. And even if we did want to support them, we have no money to do so as we find ourselves deep in debt and our hands tied behind our back with China. Just saying.

Joel Rosenberg, a Christian author on current events in the Middle East and Biblical prophecy, posted a warning about the writing on the wall from the book of Daniel (Daniel 5). Remember the story of King Belshazzar in Babylon and the sudden appearance of a hand writing on the wall. Even though Babylon's fall was already on a downward spiral, the warning from the writing stands true for future generations of today. I just hope it is not too late to repent and turn from our wicked ways and seek God with all our hearts. Check out the full post at Handwriting on the Wall.

Our current events should be a reminder to us as individuals and as a country. We should repent now as we do not know what the future holds. We need to seek God's guidance and direction, trusting him as the author of world affairs. And we need to pray for our leaders and those leaders on the international stage as well as people from all countries who believe and who do not believe. And finally we need to be a salt and light to the world around us as a shining city upon a hill.

Shuffle Saturday: I Live For ME

I don't know why it took me this long to realize, but it seems that there's at least one thing about me people don't like. I discovered this when I was posting in a group called "Lost Des Moines" a group that focuses on local preservation. I asked the group founder if it would be okay for me to post about my work with MPIS Ghost Hunters, as a way to get leads on local, possibly haunted hot spots in the area. The founder agreed. Because, honestly, where better to get leads on "activity" than a group of people interested in local history, right?

Oh. My. Goodness. I was told to be shown the door. I was told that I was a "business that dealed in darkness". Um, no. I had to (and had additional friends) defend me. I had to explain that I worked (really hard) to try to save the barn in West Des Moines and that I wasn't a "spammer". I explained that we're a non-profit group trying to help, not harm people. People shouldn't be afraid to live in their own homes. They shouldn't worry about others thinking they're crazy.

And then I started thinking (I know, it's dangerous to think). I'm sure there's at least one thing about me that everyone hates. So I started a list...

I'm an outspoken ghosthunting, barn-saving, Fox News watching, blogging, couponing, history loving, totally fine with my curves, singing, writing, gay accepting, football watching, Cubs baseball loving, Former Co-Chair of Polk GOP-ing, Pro-life Catholic breeder.

There. Pick something. I'm sure you hate something on the list. But you know what? I don't live to make others happy. I live to make ME happy.

Love me or hate me. I'm a whole package. And variety is the spice of life, right? I live a variety. And it makes life fun.

If you feel the need to judge, maybe you should try living instead of judging others. Life is more meaningful that way. You only live once.

I hope to be able to look back at my life, as a very, very old lady surrounded by family and friends and say, "My life, even though it seemed it was full of contradictions, was AWESOME. Because I lived."

Food Friday: Superbowl Snack Recipe Roundup

We here at mommy's recess enjoy snacky foods (a little too much). Today's post is dedicated to recipes we've posted throughout the years to help you with your Superbowl Party planning (if you're having one...heck...even if you're not).

Tim's Homemade Chili

Beer Can Chicken

CrockPot Baked Potato Soup

BBQ Ham Balls

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

Sloppy Joes or Sloppy Jacks

Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza

That ought to keep your bellies full during the game. Mommy's Recess does not supply antacid. Sorry. :)

Wash Wednesday: Soapbox About Komen and Planned Parenthood

When news broke yesterday, you knew you'd hear from us, or at least me, on this subject.

Way to go Komen. I'm proud of you. In case you haven't heard, The Susan G Komen Foundation pulled its funding from Planned Parenthood. My thoughts? It's about time.

Last I checked, the Komen foundation was about saving women's lives, not killing them. And yes, I do know that Planned Parenthood does more than abortions. They handle contraceptives, they give breast screenings...but they also kill babies. How many women of my generation alone were not allowed the gift of life due to Planned Parenthood? I guess we'll never know.

Planned Parenthood claims Komen "succumbed to political pressure". Maybe they did. Or maybe they just saw they needed to do what was right.

What really irritates me is my liberal friends, who just a few months ago were decked out in pink and worked on raising money for the Komen walk, are now acting like the Komen foundation is the worst in the world. I've even seen this article floating around on friends lists on facebook. It talks about how the Komen foundation is going after other charities who use "for the cure" in their name. Except this particular article? Yeah, it's almost a year old...you know, back when you were raising money for this foundation.

Here it is in its most simple form. Want your funding back? Stop Killing Babies. It's not hard. Continue to give women the healthcare you provide. Give them contraceptives. Give them breast exams. Stop killing babies.

Komen Foundation is looking for the cure. But the best cure is prevention, right? Did you know that having an abortion increases your risk of breast cancer?

1) Women under the age of 18 or over the age of 29 who obtained induced abortions have more than a twofold increase in risk.

2) Women with a family history of breast cancer who procured an abortion were found to have statistically significant risk increases of 80 percent.

3) Teenagers with a family history of the disease who procured abortions before the age of 18 were found to have incalculably high risk. [Daling et al. (1994) J Natl Cancer Inst 86:505-14.] Source

So if the Susan G Komen Foundation wants to stop funding a group who performs abortions, it's their right.

Liberals, don't act like Komen is all bad now. Don't act like the ONLY thing Planned Parenthood does is breast exams. Your just mad that Planned Parenthood is going to have to do fewer abortions and/or find a way to work with the money they've got. It is, after all, the Komen foundations money, is it not? And as you yourself stated, when they were funding Planned Parenthood, "they can do what they want and fund who they want with their money". So why has that changed? It hasn't. You just don't get your way now.

Congrats to Komen, not for bowing to political pressure, but for doing the right thing.

Edit: I've been informed that abortions do not link to breast cancer. Okay, fine. However, there IS proof that breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer. And it's kind of hard to breastfeed an aborted baby, no?