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Surviving the School Year

October 31, 2012 by Melissa

With three kids in school and involved in a variety activities you can imagine our schedule is crazy busy. Even on those rare days that the calendar is blank we find ourselves running around to handle details and errands that get missed on the other days. Shae is in dance, Shaun was in football, now in lacrosse and Sabreena is involved in academic after school clubs so we are never in the same area at the same time. Making sure everyone gets to their spot means we all have to be organized and aware of the family calendar.

Melinda and I share a digital calendar that holds everything from birthdays, family dinners, blog deadlines and appointments. We also keep a calendar on the bulletin board in our kitchen that lists the things that the entire family would need to know about. This includes field trips, family events and parties. The kids like to know what the plan is for an upcoming weekend, this calendar also keeps them updated.

Being so busy also means that we need to establish a regular routine for activities, homework, dinner and even bedtime. Being as efficient as possible cuts down on stress and wasted time and effort. The after school routine is the most important. Each day the first thing the kids need to do once they get home from school is unpack their backpacks, put lunchboxes by the sink, put shoes and coats away, get a snack (usually healthy) and get started on their homework. When something like unpacking lunchboxes happens this usually means delays when making lunch for the next day.

It’s important that the kids know exactly what needs to be done once they walk in the door from school. This routine works because each step serves a purpose. Each completed step moves the kids forward to their own down time to play.

The evenings fly by. By the time dinner is finished the kids need to start the bedtime process. Showers and teeth brushing happen in a whirlwind because they know the quicker they get done the more time they have for their own fun. Squeezing in a video games, books, crafts or television is usually the last step before sleep. The bedtime routine tends to go quickly because the kids are exhausted from their busy day.

Not every day runs this smoothly. There are always hiccups in the plan but the point is to have a plan to start with. If everyone know what they are supposed to do then we are only setting ourselves up for success.

Tyson Any’tizers asked me to offer your tips and tricks to survive the school year by all opinion are my own and belong to Look What Mom Found…and Dad too!

What Would Your Kids Say About You

October 1, 2012 by Melissa

I thought I would do something different with my kids and interview them to see what they thought about ME. I also wanted to see how their opinions differed using the same questions. I also wanted to know how well they actually knew me on the more fact based questions.

I interviewed them each privately then we discussed the results afterwards and laughed about the variety of answers given. Of course there were moments when they wanted to change their answers but I wouldn’t let them. Something to keep in mind, Sabreena is 16, Shaun is 9 and Shae is 5. Lets see what they have to say about dear old mom.
lookwhatmomfound kids

What is my favorite show?
Shaun-Top Chef
Shae-Cooking
Sabreena-Criminal Minds
*all of these answers were correct. I will watch anything and everything cooking related but have been a Criminal Minds fan since the beginning

What is my favorite food?
Shaun-Pizza
Shae-Pasta
Sabreena- Pizza
*Pizza is the answer. Pasta is Shae’s favorite food

What is the most favorite thing I do for your?
Shaun-Feed me everyday
Shae-Buy me costumes
Sabreena-Buy me shoes
*I like how the girls revolved around shopping and food is Shaun’s focus all the time so this made total sense

What makes me laugh?
Shaun-Shae saying words that sound funny
Shae-Funny Stuff
Sabreena-Dad’s stupid jokes
*I laughed so hard after Shae’s response she just said, “See, you’re laughing”

If I had my own TV Show what would I be doing?
Shaun-Chef
Shae-Cooking Crabs
Sabreena-Cooking
*while I’m a decent home cook I totally would flounder on a cooking show. I DO appreciate the confidence they have in me though

How are you and I the same?
Shaun-I like Top Chef too
Shae-We drive in the same car
Sabreena-We have similar tastes in music
*Considering Shae doesn’t actually drive I’m confused about her answer LOL

Where is my favorite place to go?
Shaun-Your bedroom to watch TV
Shae-The grocery Store
Sabreena-Thrift Store with me
*I absolutely HATE grocery shopping but I do it often. Thrifting is new for me and Sabreena, it’s a bit of a fun finding great clothes for just a couple bucks. My favorite place ever would have to be the beach though

What Would Your Kids Say About You? Use these questions and interview your own kids and see what they have to say about you and your relationship. Link up throughtout the and I’ll be sure to visit your post too.

Choose Cruise for Family Friendly Vacation

September 3, 2012 by Melissa

Lately I’ve been hearing from families if cruises are truly family friendly. One of the biggest worries I hear “Is there going to be stuff for my toddler to do”. I say yes. We brought a toddler on a cruise and she still talks about it, remembers it vividly. My recommendation for a truly family friendly cruise is Carnival Cruise Lines. They are by far one of the most accommodating cruise lines for families out there. The staff goes out of their way to treat everyone like family and you definitely get the biggest bang for your buck when booking versus other cruise lines.

Something for everyone. Kids love mini golf but dad loves comedy while mom enjoys a relaxing massage. Get all of these options and more on board. The newer ships are adding more and more onboard entertainment and activities for every age. Don’t forget about the onboard pools and water parks and arcades.

Camp/Daycare/Youth programs. Send the kids to camp for the day or just a few hours while the adults indulge in some quiet poolside time. Let the teens dance dance dance with new friends at Club O2. Camp Carnival Night Owls(fees apply) is the ship’s newest adventure; giving kids the chance to stay later with organized events when the sun goes down. Camp Carnival is included in the cost of your cruise and runs on every ship in the fleet. Carnival caters to families and has activities and programs designed for kids age 4-months to 17 years old.

Food for every taste. Even the pickiest of eaters are going to find something to eat at one of the many restaurants. 24-hour pizza and room service is also an option for those less than structured meal times. Those with more refined palates can choose sushi, mongolian wok, gourmet Guy Fieri Burgers or signature dining options available everyday.

New sites everyday. How else are you going to be able to hope around to 3-4 different countries in just 1 week’s time. Ports of call are wonderful ways to get a peek at new scenery and experience a different culture even for just a few hours. Beaches, jungles, villages and markets are welcoming sites for tourist activity and shopping and excursions.

Trouble Free. Once you step on the boat there isn’t anything else you need to worry about. Your meals, transportation, entertainment and clean towels are all taken care of. Extras include beverages, casinos and spa treatments but those can be budgeted or left out without affecting your overall experience and satisfaction. Each day you receive an activity sheet for kids and you. The thinking is done for you.

My kids still talk about the cruise we experienced 2 years ago. They look at pictures, remember the beach excursions and talk about the plethora of food. We were able to spend a great deal of quality time together but each person was also able to enjoy their own time and space and adventures without hampering anyone else’s great time.

Planning a Family Vacation on a Budget

August 2, 2012 by Melissa

Over the last few years we’ve been taking more vacations, getaways and adventures. Doing this as a family of 5 becomes very stressful with packing, traveling and of course the high expense. I’ve been doing some independent research for some low cost, low stress, low maintenance trips. Whether it’s finding ways to stretch the dollar or find destinations that don’t require many extras or “outside the box” ideas.

Use Alternate Transit
Traveling by air is definitely the fastest way to get from point A to point b but lately with all the extra fees and high costs airfare can take a huge bite out of your travel budget. Look into traveling by train or bus. Depending on how far your destination is and the final cost of airfare, fees, luggage and parking you can hop on a train for less money. The travel time is definitely longer but train rides tend to be more quiet and comfortable, have less waiting around time(terminals) and offer many amenities like dining cars, amazing scenery, plenty of restrooms, ample leg room and space to walk around.

image provided courtesy Gene Bowker via Flickr

Kids Eat Free
When you’re choosing you final vacation location use the internet to your advantage to find hotels where kids eat free. This can drastically reduce your overall budget especially if you have multiple children. Complimentary breakfasts are a bonus too for the entire family.

Kids Stay Free
If you are going for all-inclusive resort vacationing take it a step further and look for Kids Stay Free programs. Since activities, beverages and food are already included in your package imagine the money you can save when you find one that offers kids under 12 stay free.

Skip the Hotel
Hotels are plentiful and are usually the first thought when planning a vacation. Did you know that there are plenty of homes, condos and cabins for rent that not only get you in the same area but also offer comforts you won’t get in hotels or motels. Patios, comfy furnishings and having a full kitchen are great homelike accommodations. Some are also great ways to cut costs on meals and snacks. Making a quick run to a grocery store and having the ingredients for a simple breakfast is a great way to save money for something more fun like attractions.

Ask for Extras
Call ahead to the hotel or rental property you are visiting and ask about what extras they do and can provide. If you are headed to a beach location ask about sand toys, chairs and umbrellas. Strollers, bicycles and wagons are some things that are supplied upon request only and often at no extra charge.

image provided courtesy of Megan Meza via Flickr

Who needs a souvenir?
Do your kids really need another stuffed animal, inflatable character on a stick or bag of beach glass? Snap pictures of the family in front of a famous tourist attraction, add a magnet and you have an instant souvenir for the fridge that can last a lifetime.

Have a Staycation Instead
Staycations are a great way to become a tourist in your own backyard. Visit the local historic cities , museums and zoos that you may not have visited in recent years. Don’t forget to check out the deal sites for reduced admissions, parking and even meals.

No matter if you decide to stay close to home or venture across country there are steps you can take to save some money or spend that money on the fun things when you reach your destination.

Things Every Mother Should Know

July 30, 2012 by Melissa

Parenting is hard. I along with some of my PSMM friends have put together a handy little list of things every parent should know to get them through the years. We are by no means experts but we’ve learned some thing from experience and think it’s best to share our advice, tips and tricks with you.

Know Where The Nearest 24 hour Pharmacy is
Kids are Always Watching
Your Life Will Change Forever
Your Child’s Normal/Non-Sick Temperature
Lollipops Come in Handy
Magic Erasers Remove ALMOST Anything
The Experts Aren’t Always Right
You WON’T Remember Every Milestone, Write it Down
Sleeping in only exists when the kids are not under the same roof that night. Dana, Single Mom in the City
Family vacations are an expensive week long workout Dana, Single Mom in the City
Your house will never be clean again…As soon as you clean something your kids will come by and make it dirty again. Mychal-My Life in Mommyland
Always stop whatever you are doin when they ask you to read, play with magnet letters or want to do numbers. Whatever you were doing right then is never as important as fostering a love of learning. Becky, Crafty Garden Mama
How to Take Time for Yourself Without Guilt –Hillary-Hac Scraps
Once you become a parent you will look at your own parents in a different light.Jeanine-Mommy Entourage
Don’t sweat the small stuff – you will look back and wonder why you worried over little things Lovable Labels
You will leave the house countless times before having a chance to brush your hair or event attempt to look halfway decent, but your kids WILL make it to preschool on time. Jeanine-Mommy Entourage
Never say Never. Because whatever you thought you would NEVER do as a parent, you most likely will end up doing. Cindy-Whatever Works
if you say, “There is no way that he… (is hungry, has to use the potty, would climb on top of the bookcase and jump off)”, it is certainly the case that it will happen…probably about three seconds after you say it. Heather-Diapered Knights
Poop will become part of everyday conversation, even with other adults. Don’t try to fight it. Jessica-Delco Pa Moms
Every time you think you have it down, it changes. Sarah-Finnegan and the Hughes
Never talk about a good sleeper out loud because that is exactly when they become a bad sleeper. Sarah-Finnegan and the Hughes
Just like we tell them not to put things in their mouth, parents shouldn’t do it either. it might be a raisin but it might be booger too. ya never can tell until its in your mouth. Kelly-The Turnip Farmer
Your ability to hold a real, adult conversation my diminish but you will become an expert in toddler/preschooler translation. Stephanie-Mama Bears World
at all costs, don’t finish your kids’ food… you’ll regret it when they are 5 and you are still sporting a “baby bump” Dana-Single Mom in the City
Continue to value your relationship with your significant other as the core of the family. This relationship is the foundation of your family. Toni-Tickles and Time Outs
Keep your sense of humor or you’ll go INSANE! Toni-Tickles and Time Outs

Do you have anything you would like to add to this list?

Morey’s Pier Free Ticket Giveaway

June 29, 2012 by Melissa

Summer is here and that means we are headed to the shore; that’s what we people from the Delaware Valley call the beach. Each year we make our way to the boardwalks and beaches of the famous Jersey shores and one of the most famous of the all is Wildwood, NJ. It has one of the largest and most action packed boardwalks with something for everyone. One of the biggest attractions has got to be Morey’s Pier

Morey’s Piers, located on the boardwalk in the Wildwoods NJ, is a classic seaside amusement park, family owned and operated since 1969. Voted the third best seaside amusement parks in the world by Amusement Today, Morey’s Piers spans over eighteen acres along six beach blocks and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks.

Download this coupon for FREE Morey’s Pier Waterpark admission pass with purchase of 3-pier wristband!

Valid only for 2012 Season. One coupon per person. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Coupon must be surrendered at time of redemption. Rainchecks will not be given for the waterpark admission.

This isn’t the Jersey Shore that you see on MTV, it’s way better and safe for all eyes and ages. Hopefully we’ll see you there.
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My Mother Left Me Again!!!

June 27, 2012 by Melissa

I haven’t seen or spoken to my birth mother since I was thirteen years old. I am very close to my grandparents and she is close to them as well but we still have not spoken and we have actually avoided each other. I know it kills my grandmother that we do not speak or have a relationship and I feel so bad that she is stuck in the middle. On one side is her daughter and on the other is her grandson.

Recently my birth mother friended me on Facebook and I nearly passed out but even though I was very hesitant I accepted her friendship. Now to tell you my birth mother was never really a mother and failed me in every single way possible is a complete understatement. I have been through more shit in my life because of her that it would take me days to explain but even though she treated me like a total piece of shit when I was a kid I decided maybe I would try to put my anger and bitterness aside and see where this Facebook friendship would take us. Now the bitter me figured she friended me as a way to see pictures of me, Melinda and our kids because that would be the only way she would see pictures of us other than seeing pictures at my grandmother’s house but like I said I was sort of willing to see where this went.

Deep down in a crazy sick way I was really hoping this would work and we could fix our relationship and try to move forward but like always she fucked me over and dumped me again just like she did when I was a kid. When I was thirteen my mother got locked up for a few years and you would think as a mother she would make sure that I had a stable place to live right? Nope, she left me with her abusive asshole boyfriend and I was left to find my own place to live since my father left when I was too young to remember. Thankfully I used to always hang with a few kids across the street from where we lived and when they found out how I was living they took me in as a foster child and saved my life and I will always be thankful for them and for saving me that day.

Ok, so back to my point. My birth mother and I have been friends on Facebook for maybe two weeks and we have sort of been sending private messages back and fourth to see where this was going to go and today I got the great news. She told me “I gave it a lot of thought and I really think you and I are not ready to begin a relationship and I REALLY think it will never work. I Do love you and I Do think about you. I want you to go on without me , like I said you have a nice family and friends so please don’t make it any harder than it is. And please defriend me on FB. I love you always and I will keep you in my heart.” This message came just 3 hours after she sent me a message saying that she wanted to have a relationship with me. To me this is total Bullshit and she is being completely selfish considering I have done nothing wrong to her. She is the one who wasn’t a mother to me and abused me mentally so I am not sure why she is so bitter. To be honest I don’t think she ever really wanted me or to be a mother because people who want children don’t do the things that she has done to me.

Reading her messages telling me that she didn’t want to have a relationship with me instantly made me cry like a baby and I am not sure why because before she friended me on Facebook I HATED her for everything she did to me and never really had any intentions of ever speaking to her. I let my guard down a little and this is what happened. I got my heart broken again and I have the same sick to my stomach feeling that I had when I was thirteen years old.

I guess a mother/son relation was and will never be but I am so thankfully that I have Melinda and the kids who love me because that is what I need in life. Someone who is going to love me for me.

Courtesy Flush – Do You Know What It Means

May 3, 2012 by Melissa

I have been thinking about writing this post for a while and for some reason was holding back but after another incident that happened over the weekend I need to get this out.

Why do my kids not know the meaning of a courtesy flush? Let me explain but I must warn you this may get a little graphic.

To me the meaning of a courtesy flush is while you are going #2 in a public restroom, while at work, at families or even a friends you give a flush after #2 but before you wipe. Now depending on how long you are going #2 you may want to give a flush half way through going #2 so you would actually flush twice during the process. Reason being is you are trying to minimize everyone else from having to deal with the smell and you are avoiding clogging the toilet. For you eco-friendly people here now is not the time to worry about trying to conserve water because you are serving a greater good.

Ok, now that I have laid the ground rules for what and how a courtesy flush works why do my kids not do it? It seems like at least one or twice a week my kids clog the toilet. Now you would think it would be Shae since she is the youngest and has no concept of how much TP is too much but nope it is the oldest one. Shaun doesn’t even clog the toilet as much as Sabreena and the thing that kills me is even after they clog the toilet they don’t tell me it is clogged they just leave it for someone else to find. The other day Shae yelled “Dad the toilet is filling up with water” so I go look at it was clogged. Who was in the bathroom before Shae? Anyone? Yup you guessed it Sabreena. She is 16 years old so I know she can plunge a toilet but nope she leaves that little magical gem for someone else to deal with and when I ask her she told me it flushed. Really? How did it flush for her and almost overflow for Shae?

The thing that really threw me over the edge a week or so ago was Shaun was in the main bathroom so Sabreena needed to go and without asking went and used my bathroom. First off I like the kids to ask if they need to use my bathroom because you need to cut through my bedroom to get to the bathroom plus it is my own personal bathroom. Ok, so Sabreena couldn’t wait I guess so she used my bathroom without asking and then clogged my toilet. Really? How do you use my bathroom without asking then clog it, don’t plunge it and you don’t even tell me about it until I go to use it for #2. Not sure why but I have this habit of flushing the toilet before I use it and thankfully I did because I would have had a nasty disaster on my hands.

Now I am not saying that Sabreena is the only one who clogs the toilets in the house because Shaun has done his fair share as well but Sabreena’s occured more recently.

Also, just so you all know I don’t even clog the toilets in the house as much as Sabreena and Shaun do and I am a 38 year old grown man.

You know why I don’t clog the toilet folks, because I know the how the courtesy flush works and I use it!!!!!!!

Use the Finest toilet paper for septic tanks which are free from toxic chemicals and are easy to flush.

If You’re Gonna Have Any Kind of Cancer It Might as Well Be This One

February 17, 2012 by Melissa

Wednesday night I received some news. My mother has breast cancer. We had been working on appointments and biopsies for about 2 weeks but the news was still a little shocking. I woke up Thursday morning and was literally assaulted by emails and blogs posts all pointing to breast cancer awareness, treatment and prevention. I opened up my daily subscription to SITS and found that their featured blogger Nikki Brown was a breast cancer survivor. I reached out and thanked her for her positive outlook and asked to send some good vibes my way. I then poked around my reader and found this post on NuggleMama. She spoke about taking care of business. As moms and wives we put everyone else first often neglecting ourselves. The video within the post shows how important it is to make a little time for our own well-being. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate against race, occupation, social status, age or breast size.

Back to my mom. She was diagnosed with Stage I Breast Cancer. The docs told her last week not to worry about anything that everything pointed to just a cyst. They were wrong. They now say it’s non-invasive, has a slow growth rate and hasn’t invaded her lymph nodes. If your gonna get cancer you want it to be this one. That’s reassuring, right. It’s far from a death sentence but the word cancer sucks. I’m sad that she has to deal with it but I know we’ll be there for her every step of the way.

creepy me, Mom and my sister Kim

If you happen say prayers I would appreciate a couple in her direction. Her name is Gayle and I love her and so do my kids. I want her around for a long time. Breast Cancer can suck it!

Spittin’ Image

January 21, 2012 by Melissa

The other day Rob and I were discussing his trip to Chicago and the fact that he doesn’t own a winter hat. While we were one the phone i did a quick Google Search of “mens winter hats” and the very first image I clicked on was an Elmer Fudd style hat but the sketch model wearing it was a spitting image of Rob’s dad. I instantly went into hysterics because not only can I see “Chip” wearing this hat I know he owns a few since he’s a hunter.

I sent the link to Rob and he said I wasn’t nice but he said I was correct, it looked just like his dad.
I hope “Chip” got some royalties for using his likeness 🙂

side by side of Chip and his Elmer Fudd hat twin

Do you have anything you would like to add to this list?

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