Shuffle Saturday: I Have a Bully

I have a confession. My second child is a bully. I'll admit it. But he's also one of the sweetest kids I know. He likes to sit next to me on the couch, putting his arm in mine while watching TV. He likes to sing to his baby brother when he's crying and is always very helpful putting diapers in the garbage. But he can be a bully.

It's a part of his personality. When he was 6 months old in the Jumparoo, he'd bounce, turn back to me and give me a "look" that would scare me. And honestly, not a lot scares me. I am a Ghost Hunter after all.

It's when I get reports from my Mother In Law that a parent claims we need to "get him under control" or that we "should just leave" while playing at the playground or Monkey Joe's. And that makes me angry. Thankfully my 6 year old can explain what actually happened, as the three year old and the other child always seem to have a limited vocabulary.

This post is mostly for the parents of the kid who claims he's been picked on. Get the whole story. Maybe your kid fell on his own. Maybe your kid started it. You can't always believe your own child, I know I don't. And you can't always coddle them. They have to grow up. They have to learn to stand up for themselves. They can't always run and tattle on the other kid. This "snowflake" children mentality has to stop. Yes, your child is special, but so is mine.

I insist on the whole story AND make my child take personal responsibility if he is the guilty party. However, if I (or my in-laws) pay to enter a play area, we will not leave because you embarrass us in front of other parents. I can honestly say that the last parent that approached my mother in law is just lucky it was her and not me. I am a bulldog when it comes to my kids. But I also believe they should be punished if they're the instigator.

I really fear the generation my children are being raised in. It seems every child has learned that if he whines and complains, he can get what he wants, even if he's the trouble maker. I refuse to raise my kids with that mentality.

Be the adult. Don't show your kids it's okay to embarrass other parents. Be diplomatic. Be responsible. BE A PARENT.

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: Trust in Him

When I was younger, I would get mad when people would tell me that God has a plan and "everything happens for a reason". To be honest, the older I get, the more I believe it.

Of course a kid isn't going to understand why her Grandma had to die and that they're would be a reason good enough for it.

But yes, everything happens for a reason. Like our oldest son. David and I didn't intend to have a child before marriage, but we did. As soon as we found out I was pregnant, there was no question about it, for either of us. We didn't know where this journey was going to take us, but we knew we had a baby on the way.

And as often as our oldest makes me want to pull my hair out (he's WAY too logical and smart for five) I can't imagine my life without him.

It's because of moments like this. He came out of his room with his magna doodle and said, "See what I wrote, Mommy?"

God has a plan. God knows. Everything happens for a reason. We just need to trust in Him.

Tip Tuesday: Lead By Example

You are your child's first and most important teacher. So start early, start them young. It's important for children to learn about their civic duty and our Government.

We always make sure the kids are along when we vote. On the way to the polling place, we talk about the candidates and who we plan to vote for. After the 2008 election, we've also added the discussion of the importance of the secret ballot, as Liam decided to ask everyone who entered the polling location, "Are you voting for John McCain? Cause you should."

This election, Liam had to get on his bus early for school, so, being the BIG brother of the house, Sean had the duty to hold the ballot for Mommy. And yes, he's wearing his "Speaker of the House" T-Shirt.

Lead by example. Instilling the importance of voting and our Government (and the system) is important to me and my husband.

What traditions that are important to you and your spouse that you share with your children? Share your comments below.

Make Monday: Make Your (Child's) Voice Heard

*The following is just the views of Sarah Bowman and not everyone at Mommy's Recess*

Tomorrow is school board election day here in West Des Moines. I plan to vote in my first (and I'm somewhat ashamed to say that)school board election tomorrow. I was excited too, thinking I had voted in every election I was eligible for. I DO work in politics, after all.

Then again, I had already graduated high school and have my four year degree...it's just NOW that I THOUGHT the school board elections effect me. But this past year, with barn-gate, my eyes have been opened. I didn't need to have a child in school to have the school board effect me.

Now, I do have a child in the school system. My oldest child started kindergarten this year. But again, with the help of barn-gate, I saw how tax dollars are spent (or misspent). If you pay sales tax, you're effected. If you pay property tax, you're effected.

The people you elect to the school board choose how YOUR money is spent (or, again, misspent).

And for my first school board election, I'm voting for Julia McGuire. Having getting to know her over the past 9 months has been great. And I see that she would be responsible with OUR money as I've seen how responsible she is with HER money.

I believe we need more transparency in Government. ALL Government. That starts with the school board.

Our children can't vote. But we can speak for them. If you have the nerve to expect honesty from those guiding your child's education, if you have the audacity for those who are spending your tax dollars to be held responsible for their decisions, then you need to vote for Julia McGuire tomorrow. She will be honest, she will hold herself responsible and she will be accountable for her votes and actions.

Because Julia doesn't just speak about Character Counts, she lives it.

So tomorrow, vote for Julia McGuire. And write in Sarah Bowman, if you feel so inclined.

Salvation Sunday: 10 years after 9/11-How To Talk To Your Kids

We all remember where we were on 9/11. I was in college at Iowa State. You can read more about my personal memories of 9/11 over at Surviving in a Male Dominated Home

But today, 10 years later, we must think of our children. I once read, "The most important rule is to take any question very seriously and just deal with that question," says child psychologist Richard Rende. "'Less is more' is a very good principle with kids. Let them direct you and don't make assumptions about what they want to know. You can answer a question without going into detail."

Specialists say that children under the age of 5 may not grasp the weight of what they may be seeing today. As a parent, you know the maturity level of your child and what they can/can't handle. Be sure to monitor how much 9/11 coverage they see today, as the graphic images can cause confusion and even nightmares for little ones.

Answer their questions. Be honest. But don't share more than what YOU think they can handle, depending on their age. It is important for our children to know WHY September 11 is such a momentous day for United States history but know what they can understand.

On this, the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and Salvation Sunday, take the time to pray with your children for the victims, families and friends of those effected by the historic events.

Credit Getty Images



Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And death shall be no more. And neither mourning, nor crying out, nor grief shall be anymore. For the first things have passed away.”

Toy Thursday: Don't "Toy" With Your Children

Usually "Toy Thursday" is a fun post about toys, how we have too many toys, bath toys etc. But today is going to be different.

I read a post, long story short, a Florida couple are suing an obstetrician and two ultrasound clinics for not warning them that their son would be born with just one leg and no arms.

The defense is saying Ana Mejia signed forms that indicated she understood an ultrasound—she had seven during her pregnancy—is not a guarantee of a “normal” baby. Her son, Bryan, is now almost three years old. “He sees kids running and playing. He looks like he wants to do the same, but he just can’t,” she said during the trial, expected to wrap up this week. Had she known about her son’s disabilities, she proclaimed, “I would have had an abortion.”

And it made me angry. REALLY angry. I know what you're thinking. Oh boy, here is Sarah on her soapbox again. This is a topic I feel VERY strongly about.

This "mother" is "ordering the Palm Beach Gardens obstetrician and the companies she works for to pay $9 million toward his future care as well as award an unspecified amount for their own pain and suffering."

And yes, I used the word mother in quotes. Because in my opinion, she's not a mother. She had a child she sees as a burden to her and she wants to make money from it. Yes, she did have seven (really, who has seven) ultrasounds and one should have seen something...but being a mother of three kids and having ultrasounds, sometimes the baby is turned a certain way and can't see everything.

According to the article, Bryan is a happy toddler. So what is wrong here? How can this mother be going for NINE MILLION dollars for care as well as "an unspecified amount for their own pain and suffering". Really? This is YOUR CHILD. YOUR FLESH AND BLOOD. NOT a burden.

But what hurts me the most is this child. He doesn't really know that he's all that different. It's not like he had legs and both arms. He knows no different. He can overcome his disability, with the SUPPORT of a loving environment. And then there's his "mother" saying she would have aborted him. How's that going to make him feel when he's old enough to understand what that means? Just because I developed the way I did, my mom wouldn't want me to live?

Why does it make me SO ANGRY? Well, because when I was pregnant with Liam, a "friend" told me that I could "just have an abortion, move to Chicago and start over." I didn't even think of it. I'll be honest, when the little plus sign showed up on the stick, I was scared. David (my husband, then boyfriend) was at a weekend military training in Kansas. When he came home, the next morning, I took another test. Again, another positive. Somewhat worried about his reaction, I went into the bedroom with the positive result and instructions and showed it to him. He looked at me, smiled and said, "If it's a boy, we're naming him Conor."

Obviously he wasn't a Conor. He's a William. Or Liam. But he was ours. And was from the beginning. At my 18 week ultrasound, they were worried about his kidneys. They said they couldn't be sure, but they didn't think they were functioning correctly and scheduled me for another ultrasound at 28 and 38 weeks. They also assured me that if something was wrong, they had a new surgery they could do at birth to help him process...although he might have to be on dialysis. And I didn't even blink. He was my little boy. He was our little boy. A blessing from God.

At 38 weeks they could be sure he'd be fine and wouldn't need surgery, thanks be to God. But you know what, even if he had "issues", I never would have aborted him. He has been a blessing, from day one...before day one.

We are ALL wonderfully made. God has a plan for ALL OF US. Why this "mother" thinks her plan is to get rich off of her child, makes me sick. Which is why I feel she is not a mother at all.

Wash Wednesday: Shaving Cream Cleanup

On Saturday I mentioned why we can't have nice things.

Here's another example. I was working on the computer and had put the boys in my bedroom to watch Spongebob and be quiet.

They were quiet. Too quiet. A little TOO quiet. After learning my lesson about quiet kids and marks on the wall I decided to inspect.

I then noticed the smell. The house smelled like a Frat house on a Saturday evening around 6 pm. Cologne...and shaving cream.

Guess what I discovered when I opened the door...

I was greeted with a "Oh HI MOMMY! I wanted to be a sheep!"

Mommy's sheep.

There was shaving cream EVERYWHERE. On the sheets. On the wall. On the TV and the TV stand. On the lightswitch. On the door. On the door knob. In the carpet. EVERYWHERE.

I had to throw them in the bath since they were covered. They lost TV privileges for the day and got talked to when Daddy got home. He informed me that was a brand new container of shaving cream. He had just opened it that morning. I believed it. That was a LOT of shaving cream.

I had to open the windows to get the smell out and it took 10 rags to clean it all up. As for the shaving cream in the carpet, it was impossible to find what to do to clean it up. So here's what worked...

Take a dry rag and pick up as much shaving cream as you can out of the carpet. Then use a wet rag to soak up the shaving cream that has made its way into the carpet fibers. Follow that up with another dry rag to get the moisture up.

The house smelled like shaving cream for days. So again, this is why we can't have nice things and when they're too quiet, they're up to something.

Shuffle Saturday: This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

You're probably wondering why Shuffle Saturday was posted so late. Well, as my mom said, and I never really understood until I had children. This is why we can't have nice things.

For my birthday, we bought a netbook. It was new. It was fast. It was small enough that I could put it in my diaper bag/purse and take it to school board meetings. It had all of its keys (with small children, it's the small things) And best of all, since I'm a freelance writer, it was a tax deductible birthday present. #Winning!

But that's where the winning ends. Just this weekend, my boys broke MY new toy. They broke the part that plugs in to the computer right off. The little "male" part of the computer was broken off into the "female" part of the computer. "I can handle this," I thought. It would just take some wiggling and I can make it work.

But I couldn't. This was one "do" Mommy couldn't "un-did".

And this is why we can't have nice things.

So we went to Best Buy. I bought a Universal adapter that "would totally work with all netbooks," as the Geek Squad guy said. So sixty bucks later, we were out the door.

Yeah, it didn't. So I took it back and since I paid with my debit card, I was refunded with cash. But I did find my SAME EXACT computer, a floor model on sale for over half of what we paid for my computer brand new just two months ago.

And I thought and thought and thought. With the money I was refunded, plus a gift card I was given for my birthday PLUS a gift card my husband was given...that should come close to covering the cost for that computer. I would get a plug in that worked and my husband would get a computer with all of its keys and that wasn't super slow (we bought that laptop just before he went to Iraq...two kids ago). Yeah, that's a no brainer for me.

So we now have to brand new computers. And we're sharing a power source. But if you're looking for a "this is why we really can't have nice things" post. Stay tuned. Wash Wednesday is going to be a winner.

Toy Thursday: No. You Can't Take It To School

In a previous post, I discussed how my five year old has the habit of carrying toys around. I knew this would be an issue when he started school, as it is almost always a fight with him. He wants to take a toy to the grocery store, to church, to the post office etc etc.

I knew he couldn't be taking toys to school. So I talked to him about it. And Ma'am talked to him about it. And Grandma talked to him about it. But he still insisted that his friends would want to see his toy.

It's a bit of a safety blanket for him. Instead of a binky or woobie, he has a toy.

See Nemo in his hand? Yeah, we didn't see it until we were looking at pictures of this Christmas event. We had no idea that Nemo had tagged along.

So when we went to the ice cream social/open house to meet his teacher and see his classroom, I had his teacher tell him that toys were not okay. And that was the end of it.

He didn't believe me, or Ma'am or any other family member that told him no...but as soon as the teacher did, it was okay.

Whatever works. We still carry a toy around with us at home, but he knows he can't take it to school. He's growing up. That's for sure.

Salvation Sunday: Letting Go...The First Day of Kindergarten

Liam is getting his wings. He's more than ready to fly. And believe it or not, he starts Kindergarten on Wednesday.

How can it be? How can this tiny little boy, who was just a baby not that long ago be going to school?

He is excited for school...on Wednesday. And then he asked if he has to go again on Thursday. I said "Yes". He said, "But I'm going to miss you all day," with a crack in his little voice.

I don't think he'll have a problem. He was in daycare 40 hours a week from the time he was 6 weeks until he was 4.5. But he's become used to having me home, being able to hang out with me...me making his breakfast, lunch and dinner. And to be honest, it's going to take some getting used to, having a bit of quiet in the house when he's at school. I'll still have the younger two boys with me at home, but it will get a little more quiet.

I know I can say that now...but ask me again how I'm feeling on Wednesday as he's stepping on the bus.

And yes...I do plan on following the bus and taking pictures. And it's only a half day for the first three days. So ask me how I'm doing next Monday. My answer may be different.

I know I need to let my little bird fly. I know I taught him the basics...be polite, share, don't tease, don't get upset if you are teased. But I also know I won't be there to defend him.

I'm SO not ready for this. So I'm here, on Salvation Sunday, praying for strength.

I remember my first day of Kindergarten. I walked with my good friend, Jason Bruning, our moms following behind. Half-way there, Jason and I decided that our moms were going to be too embarrassing (as they were crying the whole way) and we asked them to turn around and go home...that he and I could go the rest of the way ourselves.

And that story made his mom smile ten years ago, when we were at Jason's wake. He was killed by a drunk driver. And I think, ten years after his death, twenty-six years after the walk to kindergarten I'm still thinking about it. And it still makes me smile.

So maybe there are worse things in life than being that embarrassing mom. And I'll probably be that mom.

But to me, he's still that little baby...and no matter how big he gets...he probably always will be.

And that's my co-author, Emma and her (then fiancee) husband Tim holding baby Liam when he was one day old in the hospital.

Shuffle Saturday: Save St. Patrick's Church

This past Tuesday, I ventured back with my boys to Glidden to visit St. Patrick's Church on Cedar. It is at risk of being demolished. While it isn't an active parish, they still occasionally have Mass there. And my dad always makes sure to sing at Mass, even if it means he has to schedule a day off of work. It's that important to our family.

Why? Because it's where our ancestors worshiped. It's where our ancestors are buried. It's our roots.

It's a beautiful Church, isn't it?

And it was great to see my boys, Sean and Liam, exploring the grave site of his Great Great Great Grandfather Michael, who came from Ireland.

It almost looks like Liam is praying, doesn't it? I wouldn't be surprised if he was.

My boys have learned a lot about saving history. They've learned a lot about their past. They know they're Catholic. They know they come from a farm family. They love their Irish heritage and they love St. Patrick's Church.

If you're interested in helping the cause, please feel free to sign the petition to Save St. Patrick's Church. Thank you!!

Salvation Sunday: Laughter from Heaven...and Poop

We ventured back to my parents house this weekend, since we didn't visit much on Sunday. We visited on Saturday, went to Church and then went to Carroll for dinner at the Pizza Ranch.

After dinner, we were going to go home. But I thought we'd swing by the cemetery and visit my grandfather's grave. My grandfather and I were very close growing up. I was always his "Blondie". He passed away my Senior year of High School.

The boys were excited to see their "great grandpa Pat" and I was excited to show them his headstone. I was starting to feel the tears well up in my eyes when I noticed my arm, where I was holding the toddler, felt...moist.

I looked and sure enough, he had a blow out. Where do I change a diaper in the middle of a cemetery? Well, right where I am. I called out to my husband who was still in the car and had him bring the diaper bag.

I made the toddler lay down, right where we were and changed his diaper. It was SO gross, as blowouts usually are. And just then I started laughing...and I knew my Grandfather was laughing as well. And my Great Aunt and Great Uncle, who are buried right there too...

So just when I thought I was going to cry, I laughed. All because of poop...and the strange things we laugh at.

Toy Thursday: The Breastfeeding Baby Doll

Have you heard about the breastfeeding baby doll? If not, here's a link.

According to the news reports I've read, the doll comes with a halter top for the mommy with two flower blossoms where nipples would be. When you hold the baby up to the flowers, it makes a suckling noise. The doll has been a best seller in Europe and is now just coming to America.

And some people are furious about this. They claim we're sexualising our young girls with this doll. Really? I've breastfed all three of my boys and there is nothing sexual about breastfeeding.

Secondly, what's more sexualising to young girls? This doll or those Hooker Bratz dolls that show girls how to dress like members of the show "Jersey Shore"? Come on, America. It's time to wake up.

When Liam (now 5) was 2, I bought him a Cabbage Patch Doll. Some family members weren't too pleased that I was buying my boy a doll. My thinking? A boy with a doll teaches him how to be a good father. I'm pretty sure my father in law wanted to melt into the floor when Liam noticed the bottle that came with the baby, tossed it aside and lifted his shirt to feed his baby. That was classic.

The doll says it teaches girls to “express their love and affection in the most natural way possible, just like mommy!” And I don't see anything wrong with that. If more little girls saw more women breastfeeding and had this doll, maybe our dependence on formula would disappear, along with a slew of allergies, medical problems and possibly even childhood obesity.

Now, I probably won't buy this doll for my boys, but if I had a little girl, I'd be the first one in line getting it for her. More girls need to learn to breastfeed so it comes naturally (as it should) when they become mothers.

Wash Wednesday: Getting On My Soapbox About Casey Anthony

So maybe this isn't about actually cleaning or washing anything. But soapboxes can be related to cleaning, right?

I totally did not intend to write about trust and the swimming pool the same day the Casey Anthony verdict came down. That was unintentional...and interesting.

I am tired of people saying that they can't judge Casey because God is the only Judge. Yes, God will judge Casey (and all of us) for our actions. I'm also irritated when non-religious people throw God into it. Really? If you're so concerned about God judging Casey Anthony, what about God judging you? Just sayin.

Do I think she did it? Yes. Maybe it was an accident. But because your baby dies in a pool or in an accident doesn't mean you have to put THREE pieces of duct tape over her mouth and toss her body in the woods. There are better ways to handle it.

Accidents happen. I get it. I know it. But the fact that she didn't report her daughter missing for 31 days? Which is why I was glad to see that someone created a petition to create Caylee's law. According to the website, "there should be a new federal law created called Caylee's Law that will make it a federal offense for a parent or guardian to not notify law enforcement of a child going missing in a timely manner." And I agree.

I'm not a perfect mother. And I admit it. I lose my temper. I even lost a kid once. My five year old ran off at the Minnesota Children's Museum. Not so much ran off, more like hid. But after not seeing him run in the area he was playing in for 2 minutes, I began to panic. I sent my husband searching for him because I was staying with the younger two. When my husband came back empty handed, my heart sunk. I felt dizzy. I felt like I was going to throw up. I grabbed an employee who radioed over to other employees that we were looking for a 5 year old with brown hair and blue eyes. They radioed back that they were already looking for a boy with that description (in my panic, I failed to ask my husband if he'd already contacted an employee). I yelled for him, I hollered, I screamed. Husband went looking on other levels of the museum.

Just then, the employee who stayed with me saw a kid wearing the clothing I described. He said he saw a little boy peek around a corner of a "ant farm maze" and yelled his name. And it was my little boy.

He said he was "just hiding like an ant" as I hugged and kissed him. I was TERRIFIED. It was only minutes but it felt like hours. And I was emotionally drained after that short amount of time. Needless to say, we left the museum. No more fun for the day.

I understand being terrified...but why didn't she contact someone? I couldn't imagine going out and partying while my child was missing. That just boggles my mind. Maybe they didn't have enough proof for murder. But there was neglect. That's for sure. And the fact that she smirked after the verdict was read? She's guilty. She knows it. And she just got away with murder.

For those of you who say you can't judge Casey, would you be willing to let her babysit your children? Think about it. And quit jumping on the parents who are upset at the verdict.

Yesterday was a sad day for good parents everywhere. And a sad day for little Caylee. She didn't deserve it and she doesn't have justice.

Tip Tuesday: Braving the Pool-Trust

I'm convinced my husband and I are part fish. I grew up across the street from our City Pool, swam in our swim team from the age of 7 and was a lifeguard and swim coach in high school. I have always loved the water.

My husband swam for Lincoln High School (Des Moines) in high school. So it would be natural that we would have kids who love the water, right? Wrong.

Our oldest and our baby are little fish. Our middle son dislikes the pool...but he's warming up.

I've found the full body suits (with the floaters in the front and back) are the best for my boys. My oldest is fearless when it comes to the pool, which, as a former lifeguard, scares me a bit. I have to keep my eyes on him at all times.

The baby is so easy going...and he loves to splash and dunk his own head. But the middle guy, he's just not that into it.

My husband has the "just toss him in" theory, but being a former swim instructor, I know what works. You have to let the kid do it at his OWN pace...with some encouragement. It helps that he has an older brother he watches...and wants to be like.

If you have a toddler who isn't fond of the pool, start slow. Sit on the edge with him/her and let them put their feet in. Have fun splashing and kicking (more the kid than you). Then let them take one step in, all while holding your hand. Trust is key. If you push them in the water and scare them, they won't trust you and they'll hate the pool.

If they want to sit on the edge, on the deck, not get in the pool..don't force them.

Always hang on to them...never let them go...unless they want you to. It's about trust. You want your kids to trust you. Whether it is in the pool or out.

Food Friday: Travel Snacks--And A Trusty Jug

As you're well aware, we traveled in the car with three boys under the age of 6.

Granted it was only four hours. But it was four hours. I knew we needed snacks of some sort. Because "it's only four hours" quickly turned in to "it hasn't been four hours?" 20 minutes outside of town our kindergartner asked, "Are we there yet?"

I picked up some snacks before the trip. I knew we'd need something to drink and I was excited to see that individual bottled waters were on sale at Target. I picked up animal crackers and Pringles to munch on. Pringles isn't something we usually purchase but it was in a seal-able container and a little less messy than regular chips. Animal crackers are something everyone can enjoy and aren't as messy as regular cookies. But it wasn't the snacks purchase that ended up surprising me at the end of the trip.

Boy, I was I glad I bought the bottled water. You see, when you're traveling with a kindergartner, you have to be prepared for anything. On the last leg of our trip, 30 miles from the nearest rest area on I-35 (and only 10 minutes since we left a gas station and said "are you sure you don't have to go), he announced, "I have to go potty." Ug.
I said, "Can you hold it?"
"No. I have to go real bad. I can just go in nature," he said, pointing to the farmland. I knew that wasn't going to happen. We were not going to risk ourselves pulling over on a 70 MPH Interstate just to let him tinkle.

So I did what any mom would do. I chugged my water jug empty and handed it to him. "Put your penis" (yes, we use the medical term for reproductive organs in our home) "in the jug and go pee". He laughed, looked at me, and then knew I was serious.

To be honest, I couldn't believe I was saying it. But, a mother has to do what a mother has to do. He giggled the entire time he was going to the bathroom. He handed the pee jug back to me (um, thanks) where I put the lid on and put it in our garbage sack.

So if you're potty training or have small children who really can't hold it, it's always helpful to have a container that can double as a pee jug. You never know when you're going to need it. It's better to have pee in a jug than pee all over the seat, the clothes, the car seat, the kid etc.

Thanks, Target, for having bottled water on sale. If it hadn't been for the sale, I don't think I would have bought it. And we would have a mess on our hands.

Tip Tuesday: Memorable Birthdays

This week my co-author's son, Judah, celebrated his second birthday. I had already purchased a gift for him a few months ago from a score during a woot off (psst, there is one going on right now at Woot!)

But I needed to get him a card. What kind of a card do you get a two year old? Should I get him a generic "Hey, you're two" or something more special. His mother enjoys scrapbooking so I thought to make the card something special.

I came across tiny prints and thought I would try them out for the upcoming birthdays, anniversaries and Father's Day.

I was very pleased with the quality of the cards and Judah's mommy just loved it. While they're little, they don't know the difference between a off the shelf card or a sentimental card. But they will when they get older. And Grandma's just love reading these cards!

Make Monday: Make It Memorable

On Memorial Day, we decided to visit the grave sites of those who have inspired us.

We ventured to Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines and laid flowers at the grave of the family who built the barn we're trying to save from demolition.

I taught my son that at one time, all of the headstones were someone. They were people who shaped our city, our state and our country. They were someone's mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers...and yes, even children. Liam chose to leave a flower at a little boy's stone, who was only 4 when he died.

Dying is a part of life. After experiencing the funeral of Great Grandpa Bob, my son knows about death. Having his dad over in Iraq when he was only two, he knew about the news, soldiers dying and the sacrifices soldiers made for us.

Make it Memorable on Memorial Day. Make it a learning experience.

Shuffle Saturday: Sunscreen

With the official start of summer upon us, it is time for sunscreen. According to a recent review of the sunscreens on the market, the more expensive the sunscreen doesn't necessarily mean "better". The top 4 sunscreens, according to the testings are:

1. Up & Up Sport Continuous SPF 30, by Target. It is administered by spray and costs $0.88 per ounce.

2. Walgreens Sport Continuous SPF 50. Also a spray. Cost, $1.33 per ounce.

3. Banana Boat Sport Performance Continuous SPF 30. Spray. Cost, $1.60 per ounce.

4. Aveeno Continuous Protection SPF 50. Spray. Cost, $2 an ounce.

So safe money with the Up & Up spray. Make sure you cover every inch of skin (including the back of your legs...something I manage to forget) and just like on an airplane, take care of yourself first, and then administer it to your kids (something I forget often). Put sunscreen on yourself, then your kids. Have a safe and happy summer!