Where's Doodle? A blast from the past {eighth edition}

This is the picture behind the original "Where's Doodle?" inspiration. It kind of reminded me of the old school Where's Waldo? craze. : )

As if saying, " I promise to eat all of my vegetables this year".

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

Yay, she's 3!

I usually like to write about homeschool subjects on Tuesdays, but I wanted to stop and honor our precious little one who turned three this week. She is especially proud! I'm pretty sure every sentence lately starts with, "when I be three I'm going to....." (Yes, she misuses the verb, but I don't plan to correct her anytime soon....it's way tooooo cute.)

Our little "Cal Cal". She was born in a very, for the sake of being positive, "interesting" time in our lives. When the entire earth around us seemed to be dry and brittle, this little flower popped up. What a joy!

To add to the difficult seaon of life that we were in, when she was born, the doctor told us that she had three holes in her heart. I was beside myself. I/we didn't know what that meant, how it happened or what could happen to her. I'm pretty sure I didn't take my eyes off her and I was on 24/7 watch for weeks. The doctor assured us she was going to be fine.

Her words were literally, "she really is OK, it's like an artist who painted a big canvans and missed a tiny little spot, you'll never even notice it's there." That was such a mental picture for me. I know the Master Artist and he doesn't make mistakes in his creation. I put my trust in him!

This princess is a healthy vibrant little girl. She is a huge blessing in our lives. Yes, she may get lost in the shadow of her best friend/big sister who is more extroverted and outspoken, but her sweet little personality shines through and touches your heart. This little snuggle bunny is a wonderful mommy to her little baby dolls and truly loves her binky.

We are having so much fun getting to know her and her personality every day. Happy 3 years little one!

The art of saying "no" and a resounding yes

Since the title of this post is the "art of saying no", it kind of sounds like I am an expert on this subject and I am handing out advice to others. That is not quite the story. Especially since having children, learning to say no is something that I am being faced with more than ever.

Even before becoming a mom, saying no is just not something I have ever been good at. I remember at one point, I had five jobs at the same time because I enjoyed so many different things. I was teaching fitness classes, giving private Spanish lessons and working at a gym and a retail store. This is one reason I don't like saying no because the choices are so many!

Another reason is because I don't like "letting people down". I'm, for the most part, a passive person. Unless there is a major decision to be made or there is something of great concern, my response is usually "whatever you think" or "why don't you decide". (Yes, I know this can be annoying to the more decisive person.) However, the bigger life decisions I'm okay with. I knew what I wanted to do with my life (or what I was called to do), what major to pursue, what university to attend and who to marry {wink} when the time came . I feel like it was somewhat easy to follow God's leading in those areas. It's the seemingly smaller decisions that I struggle with.

Now, having four very young children, I'm having to say no to things even if to myself, more than ever. I want to serve in our church more, I want to spend more time with friends, I want to travel, I want to continue to go overseas and serve the people, I want to workout more, read more and I want to spend time on my hobbies. I miss teaching international students. None of these things are bad or wrong. In fact, many of them are quite productive or are very good things to do. Where does it end?

Those are just the things that I want to do....not to mention the things others ask of me. Most likely, you are the same. People are asking, calling, needing, wanting, hurting, pulling and pleading. The problem lies in the fact that there are only so many hours in a day. I have only so much energy and so much time to give. In this season of my life, my children (and husband too) require a great deal of that time and energy. In fact, two of my children can hardly feed themselves and cannot go to the bathroom alone. The older two still need some assistance in both areas. Those basic tasks alone can definitely carve out some hours every day.

Is it easy to say no to all of these things? Absolutely not! Having traveled overseas to various countries over the past twenty years, I have seen many needs. I've been faced with decisions. It completely leaves me heartbroken to have to leave and not DO something about every single request. The fact is, I cannot physically be in an orphanage in Costa Rica, a childrens' ministry in Peru, a baby home in India or teach in Mexico at the same time. No one can. The needs big and small will always be there. In your home, in your community, in your country and abroad.

My point is that there is always something outside of the four walls of the home that can be done, that needs someone to do them and that are quite important. As moms, our primary calling (not to be confused with our only calling) is to be a mother to our children. To make disciples. To serve, teach, train, and encourage them. Pray with and for them. Guide and protect them. Enjoy them. Wow! What a responsibility. What a privilege.

As a woman in general or more specifically as a mom, it's up to you to prayerfully pursue those things that will have lasting value. To care for what has been or who has been set before you. For us moms, it's our children. Our greatest ministry.

Saying "no" is an art. You must be strategic as to when and where you say yes. You must first count the cost because sometimes the cost is too great.

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, 'this person began to build and wasn't able to finish.'" Luke 14:28-30

I know the seasons will change and there will be more room for "yes" to the other things, but for now I will continue to learn the art of saying "no".

Next week I will talk about the "resounding yes".

Wellness Challenge: feeding the machine

Today is week three in the Wellness Challenge. Last week, I talked about the H2O factor and the importance of water in our daily lives.

I labeled today's post "feeding the machine" because of something I once heard that totally changed my perspective on food. A few years ago, I heard someone say that the body is like a furnace that needs fuel to function properly. When I heard that, I got a very vivid mental picture of shoveling coal into a furnace.

Our bodies are such an intricate design that needs a variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to function. Imagine throwing a bunch of garbage in a coal furnace or pouring just any kind of liquid into your car gas tank. The results would definitely not be the same as putting in the proper materials. The same goes with our bodies. They respond to what they have/have not been fueled with. Moreover, our bodies NEED fuel to function. In the same way that a car will stall when out of gas, our bodies will not run when not properly fueled or deprived of what it needs to run. We cannot deprive our bodies of essential nutrients. Starvation and extreme dieting can be detrimental to our health.

Naturally, as human beings, our tendency is to very much dislike any restrictions put on us. Therefore, when it comes to eating, I like to think of adding to rather than taking away.

When we fuel our bodies with real and whole foods that are full of vitamins and minerals, we feel energetic vibrant and alive. When we shovel in large amounts of sugar, caffeine, fat and processed foods, we feel lethargic and bloated. I don't know about you, but as a mother of four children under the age of five, I need some serious energy! They keep me hopping day and night. : )

If a healthy eating lifestyle is a new concept or endeavor for you, here are some tips to take baby steps in properly fueling your "furnace" and adding good things to your body. Remember, small changes can make big differences.

• Think colors! Add a variety of colorful fruits and veggies daily.
• Eat lean proteins like chicken breast and tuna instead of red meat.
• Be creative. There are so many healthy and real foods out there. Try new things like different nuts and beans, new fruits or veggies, fish, etc. Ever tried hummus? Greek yogart? Tofu?
• Don't forget about the H2O factor!

I hope this perspective helps you as much as it has helped me to develop a long-term healthy eating lifestyle, rather than a short-term diet.

What are some ways you fuel your "furnace"? We would love to hear some tips on healthy eating.

Where's Doodle? {seventh edition}

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

Homeschooling (or just playtime at home) on a budget

I always seem to preface my posts about homeschooling, with something like "we are just beginners", because we are. I have much to learn, but I have truly enjoyed all my "research" and my quest for knowledge on the subject thus far.

For the most part, when homeschooling, families are on their own when it comes to the cost. Curriculum, extra-curriculur activities, and school supplies can add up very quickly. Most likely you are like our family who has chosen (and are so grateful that we can) for me to stay home to teach our children. This also means that we are living on one income. Our double income no kids (DINK) life has quickly changed to one income and four kids {gasp}. For this reason, we try to be very resourceful, careful and purposeful with our finances in every area.

Today, I want to give a few tips that I have learned in an attempt to create an environment for learning while not breaking the bank. Below are some ideas that I have found helpful:

LAMINATE, LAMINATE, LAMINATE!

If you have more than one child at home that you will be teaching, lamnating worksheets are a great way to reuse them. Dry erase markers can be used to write on them and then wipe them clean for the next child.

I found a great deal on this laminator and I find myself quite excited when I get to use it. Strange, I know.

SWAP CURRICULUM

If you have other friends or family that are or have homeschooled in the past, you can share curriculum with them as the age ranges vary within families.

FREE ONLINE PRINTABLES AND ACTIVITIES

There are tons of sites and blogs that offer free or inexpensive printables and activities available online. Some of my favorites include:

Starfall

Confessions of a Homeschooler

Mama Jenn

BARGAIN SHOP

Often, I feel like I am on a treasure hunt for resources and items that will help our at home learning experience more fun, more efficient and more productive. I scout out garage sales, dollar stores, thrift shops and online sites for games, books, DVD's and other school supplies. I have scored many items for a fraction of the price.

I bought this never used Dora the Explorer: ABC Game at a local thrift store for next to nothing.

This Leap Frog Bingo is a garage sale find that I paid $2 for.

SWAGBUCKS & AMAZON

There are great deals on Amazon for many things that can be used to teach at home. Many times, they are sold for a fraction of the cost that you'd pay at a retail store. You also know that I am crazy about Swagbucks and that I get a lot of our stuff for free by using my digital dollars to purchase Amazon gift cards.

Our beloved Learning Resources Calendar and Weather Pocket Chart is something I got on Amazon for free by using my Swagbucks. Can't beat that : )

BE CREATIVE

Try to think outside of the box. Isn't it funny that many times at birthday parties the child will be more enthralled with the box or the wrapping paper and bow than the actual gift. The same thing goes with learning at home. There are treasures all over your house that you probably never knew could help your child develop various skills.

• Pots, pans and utensils for musical expression.
• Dry beans, straws, rice and noodles for crafts.
• Plastic containers to scoop and dump small objects for motor skill practice.
• Too many items to name for imaginary play and dress up.

GIFTS

Because we have four small children, you can imagine that due to birthdays and other holidays, toys are not lacking in our home. If family or friends ask about gift ideas, I now suggest fun school and craft supplies and other resources that we use for homeschooling.

I hope this helps!

Ebates: more money earning tips

Honestly, today my house needs some serious attention, so I was going to forego my "Frugal Friday" post in an attempt to find the floor {wink}. Then I received a very timely email (since it is "Frugal Friday") that I had a $40.20 check on the way from using Ebates to shop online. So, I thought I would share this little secret with you.

Actually, it's not really a secret. Thousands of people take advantage of this opportunity, but in case you don't know...I'm telling you.

Ebates is a site that pays you back for shopping online. Since I'm trying to help you save/earn money, I'm obviously not telling you to go spend money to earn money. I'm simply giving you another way that you can earn cash back for doing what you already do.

If there are items that you currently buy online or if you do birthday and/or holiday shopping online, Ebates is a way to do that and earn cash back for your purchases.

There are hundreds of retailers found on the site. Often, there are deals where the stores will give you double cash back. I've earned as much as 20% cash back for purchases.

I won't list stores, but some of the items I have purchased are photo books, shoes, items for homeschooling, books, etc.

It's free to join and you can sign up by clicking here. I hope you will take advantage of this little tip.

(Note: the links in this post are my referral links.)

Wellness Challenge: the H20 factor

Last week, I started a series about a topic that I'm passionate about and that is so important to all of us...wellness. Last week's focus was our motives behind it.

This week, is about the H20 factor: the importance of water. We all know that water is the source of life. People, plants and animals cannot survive without it. In fact, it's a luxury in some parts of the world and the lack of it is detrimental to many communities.

Water is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle and bodily function. It helps eliminate toxins from the body. It aids in preventing dehydration, which can become serious in many cases. It adds life to the skin. Water replenishes the water that is lost through sweating and it is obviously the best thirst quencher. Water is especially necessary if you drink significant amounts of caffiene as caffeine depletes water from the body.

If there is any place to start in this Wellness Challenge, it is making drinking water a priority in your day. For some people, it may be a matter of making it a habit. Some tips for getting your eight or so glasses in are:

Make a chart or a log where you check off the amount of water you drink each day. For the techno "geeks", I'm assuming there might even be an app for that. : )

Fill two quart containers in the morning and drink from them throughout the day until they are empty (or pour them into glasses/bottles to take with you).

Set aside several bottles of water to take with you throughout the day. (I know this is not the most "green" way to do this.)

Set certain times throughout the day at which you will stop and drink a glass of water.

If this is an area in which you need to/want to improve, start today. Baby steps are valuable. Try to get in your eight glasses everyday this week. Happy drinking!

Next week, I will be discussing "feeding the machine": healthy eating habits.

If you already have this water thing down pat, how do you make it a point get your daily water quota?

(Note: The content of this series is intended for informational use only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Everyone is different in their level of health and fitness. It is advised to consult a physician before beginning a fitness or nutritional plan.)

Where's Doodle? {sixth edition}

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

...and the greatest of these is LOVE.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13:13

Times of refreshing

Being a mother can mean long days, late nights (possible all nighters), early mornings and everything in between. A full time job with mandatory overtime. Although, we all know the rewards are immeasurable.

Time to refresh, restore and rejuvenate is imperative for doing this well. As with a lot of mothers, this has been difficult for me to do. Sometimes, just because of logistics. Others, because of the guilt factor. You know the drill: "I can't leave the kids, what if they need me?!?" "I don't want to burden anyone, they are my kids not anyone else's." "My husband is tired from working and I don't want to ask him to do that."

Before having kids, my husband and I loved to travel (very economically of course {wink} ) and that was our preferred getaway. Now, a getaway for me is a hot shower without a small audience or a few moments of quiet with my favorite chai or a book . I don't say that in a resentful or begrudging manner. I'm serious. I treasure those moments and they are important.

The greatest thing I can do, however, is spend time each day connecting with my Heavenly Father. Spending time in prayer, reading my Bible and asking for wisdom and guidance. As it has become increasing difficult to find time to do this, I know it remains the single most important thing I can do as a mother to restore my mind and spirit.

After having our first child. I was breastfeeding and it was difficult for me to get out. It was also a little intimidating for my hubby to stay with her. He thought that every time she cried she was hungry and there was nothing he could do about it. I would get a panicked stricken phone call about 30 minutes into my outing and I would rush home.

We have all learned to adjust (and continue to learn as we add more children). It has made all the difference, however. When I am able to get some time do do things that energize me, I am definitely a better person, wife and mother.

If you were like I was (and the way I am still trying to get better at). Take some time today and do something that will refresh yourself. The people in your life will most likely see the difference and so will you.

In a future post, I plan to do a "one person retreat" giveaway. It will include some of my favorite things that help me relax and restore myself - body and soul.

What about you momma? What do you do to refresh?

How to increase your Swagbucks earnings {Frugal Fridays}

So a few weeks ago I talked about the Swagbucks phenomenon. This is where searching the internet earns you digital bucks.

Today, for "Frugal Friday", I want to share two more tips on how to increase your Swagbucks so that you can cash them in for free stuff.

Sign up for an account

:: On the Swagbucks homepage, you can sign up for a free account. You will earn Swagbucks just for doing this. You can click here to do this.

Search, search, search!

:: As I mentioned last week, you can set the Swagbucks site as your homepage. Therefore, whenever you go online, you can earn by going to the sites that you normally go to. Simply type the name of the website, topic, or social media page that you go to in the search bar.

Next week, I will give two more tips on earning more Swagbucks.

P.S. I got my free stuff in the mail this week that I ordered using my Amazon gift cards "bought" with Swagbucks. That's always fun : )

Happy Swagbucking!

Wellness Challenge

For the next several {this and that} Thursdays, I want to do a series of posts on another area of life that I am extremey passionate about. There are several ways to label it or describe it: health, fitness, wellness, etc. Whatever you may call it, it's about caring for your physical and mental well-being.

There are so many programs and fitness plans out there, but with any pursuit of well-being, it first begins in the mind. This week in the Wellness Challenge we will focus on getting into the right mindset.

1. Developing a healthy mindset: what's your motive?

Getting healthy or pursuing wellness is not about numbers on or off of a scale. Getting healthy actually first starts with your mind, not with your body. It's about your purpose and your motive.

I've always been an active person, involved in sports and activities as a child and as a teenager. During high school, in an attempt to get into better shape, I began "dieting" and working out excessively. As it happens so often in young girls, it spiraled out of control and became an unhealthy obsession. Contrary to what I set out to do, I was actually destroying my body rather than making it "better".

Thankfully, I had a major change of perspective and was physically and mentally restored from my bad choices. A few years later, I became certified in group fitness and have since set out to help others and myself pursue a healthy and whole lifestyle, rather than a fad dieting binge.

In order to avoid similar disasters, we have to evaluate our motive for wanting to get in shape/get healthy, as with any other endeavor in life. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• As followers of Christ, in everything we do, it should be to glorify our Heavenly Father, not for selfish gain. Yes, it's nice to look good in that swimsuit or new dress and that is an awesome by-product of our hard work, but there is a deeper issue.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31.

• Also, we are admonished in scripture to care for this "temple" that we have been given. We only have one and it's quite delicate. It very much responds to how we treat it and what we do with it.

Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. 1 Cor. 6:19

• Finally, as mommies of busy little ones, hard working women inside or outside of the home or a retired empty nester exploring new adventures, we all need the strength and energy to do it well. To do well the thing that has been set before us and to take care of those we have been entrusted with - whether spouses, parents, children, or people in our community.

...don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from your heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind that the ultimate Master that you're serving is Christ. (Col. 3:23-25 Message)

Physical and mental wellness is a lifelong journey. When it has the right motive and purpose behind it we benefit from it as well as those around us. The physical and mental benefits of a healthy lifestyle can be immeasurable.

Next Thursday, I hope you will join me as I begin to discuss other practical ways to in the journey of wellness. I will talk about the "H2O factor".

How do you pursue wellness? What are some ways you care for your physical self?

(Note: The content of this series is intended for informational use only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Everyone is different in their level of health and fitness. It is advised to consult a physician before beginning a fitness or nutritional plan.)

Where's Doodle? {fifth edition}

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

Fun learning the alphabet

Being that our oldest is preschool age, we're just getting our feet wet with homeschooling. This also means that the ABC's are a pretty popular topic in our home with all of the children.

Our four year old has been working on letter sounds and writing the alphabet and the little ones are having fun with letter recognition.

There are so many resources out there to help with these skills as well as creative ideas to do at home.

As shown above, these are a few items that have been really helpful in making learning the alphabet fun at our house!

The Dora the Explorer: ABC Game (which I actually scored at a garage sale last summer) is a game they really enjoy and uses pictures to help teach the sounds of each letter.

LeapFrog: Letter Factory is a fun DVD which helped our oldest learn the sounds of almost every letter of the alphabet before we even started preschool with her.

This LeapFrog: Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set helps teach letter recognition and sounds and it is great to keep little hands busy while mommy works in the kitchen : )

What resources or creative ideas do you use to help your children learn their ABC's?

(Note: the links in this post are my referral links.)

You won't like it one bit

Last weekend, my husband spoke at our church (and did a great job by the way...go honey!). Anyway, he talked about using wisely one of the most valuable God given resources that we all possess...TIME. He read the following poem (author unknown) that really spoke to me as a mother.

My precious boy with the golden hair

Came up one day beside my chair

And fell upon his bended knee

And said, “Oh, Mommy, please play with me!”

I said, “Not now, go on and play;

I’ve got so much to do today.”

He smiled through tears in eyes so blue

When I said, “We’ll play when I get through.”

But the chores lasted all through the day

And I never did find time to play.

When supper was over and dishes done,

I was much too tired for my little son.

I tucked him in and kissed his cheek

And watched my angel fall asleep.

As I tossed and turned upon my bed,

Those words kept ringing in my head,

“Not now, son, go on and play,

I’ve got so much to do today.”

I fell asleep and in a minute’s span,

My little boy is a full-grown man.

No toys are there to clutter the floor;

No dirty fingerprints on the door;

No snacks to fix; no tears to dry;

The rooms just echo my lonely sigh.

And now I’ve got the time to play;

But my precious boy is gone away.

I awoke myself with a pitiful scream

And realized it was just a dream

For across the room in his little bed,

Lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepy-head.

My work will wait ‘til another day

For now I must find some time to play.

When we moved last year, we were so blessed to be able to buy a home that fits our family perfectly. The funny part is that it happens to be smack dab in the middle of a retirement community. We are truly some of the only people on the block that are younger than 70's.

I was hesitant at first and told my husband that there was no way we could move there because they would all think we were crazy; moving in with four small kids and all. However, it's been a blast. The girls have inherited several great grandparents. They are kind of like little celebrities. We get homemade cookies and all kinds of special treats on holidays.

One day, we went over to our next door neighbor's house to take her a thank you card the girls had made her for her home baked cookies. When we walked in, I said to her, "wow, I can only dream of my house being this spotless." Eating dinner all alone, she responded, "oh someday it will be and you won't like it one bit".

My heart sank right there. Here she is, in the last chapter of her life and spending it alone. She once had toys sprawled over the floor. I'm sure she had peanut butter smeared in odd places like we do. She once had Mt. Laundry in her house. Those days were probably challenging for her at times, as well.

Yet, she treasures that chapter in life above all others. She misses other voices, the pitter patter of small feet and the companionship of their father.

I know we can't play dolls all day long. I know we can't let the chores go and the dishes pile to the ceiling. In fact, I'm really working on systems to keep the home in better order. It's definitely an area I'm trying to become better at.

Yet, I do know that these are precious times. Moments that we cannot get back. The days and weeks are flying by and I'm reminded as I constantly pack away boxes and change the girls' clothes to the next size. I don't want them to remember mommy always putting them off for something else. I don't want my most frequent words to be "hold on" or "later honey".

I want them to cherish our time together. To remember that mommy made them a priority and showed interest in the things they are proud to show me and the playtime they so treasure.

Our neighbor is right, I won't like it one bit.

How do you balance quality time with your children (no matter what age) and your "to do list"?