It's Not Fair! Kid Phone Issues

Wow if I have to hear those words ONE MORE TIME I'm going to BLOW, lol!  I know I did this to my mom when I was young and now I understand her frustration with us kids.  I think every parent goes through this and how you handle it is beyond me!  I want to give them that MOM STARE and walk away shaking my head but I'm sure that's not good parenting 101.

So I guess I will have to bribe one child so I can make the other child  feel better- does that make sense??  HAHA just kidding of course but that seems to work so why not.  Here is the IT'S NOT FAIR dilemma going on in our house.

Lil Man is upset that Lil Mama MIGHT get my iPhone for her 9th Birthday.  The problem is for his 10th Birthday we got him a simple flip phone but for his 11th Birthday we got him a very nice Galaxy 1 phone that does a lot. He isn't upset she is getting a phone on her 9th bday but that she is getting an iPhone.  I know this all sounds ridiculous and I agree! Kids having phones at this age- I got it and I do shake my head at why we do this BUT we live in an area or era (lol) I need them to be able to communicate with us when they are not around.  These kids are BUSY and for the past 2 years it has been very nice that my son has a phone.

Now my daughter she doesn't really want the phone to CALL OR TEXT she wants it for the APP's.  She actually wants a Ipod touch but damn we can't afford the $175 price tag.  I'm not impressed with my iPhone and would rather get a Galaxy 111 and we have the family plan so giving her this phone would be no money out of our pocket (except for the Galaxy) so for the US (the parents) it works out better.

I totally get WHY he is upset but damn, it would save us a lot money by doing it this way.  Now I guess the best way is to get her a flip phone for a year and than for her 10th birthday she can have my iPhone but that just means I don't get the Galaxy.  Geez I sound super selfish but she doesn't want the phone to call or text she wants to play the apps.  I'm confused now on what to do, LOL!

LIFE IS NOT FAIR!!!

Kids With Disabilities and School

I know I have mentioned in a couple posts that my youngest child Sahara was born with EXTREME Clubfeet.  The Dr's told us the day she was born she might not walk because this was the worse case they have seen.  Wow, that was a lot of news on the day she was born.  I didn't know before hand that she had clubfeet so it was a big whammy for us!  Her first day of life she had 2 casts put on her.  Those things were heavy!  Breastfeeding and holding those legs up were a challenge.  

Years later she is walking, running, and now dancing.  She has had several years of castings, braces, two surgeries and many hours of physical therapy but her feet still turn in a bit.  This doesn't stop her a bit except at school.  The only time it is really noticeable is when she runs.  

This year Sahara is at a new school and the kids are not familiarized with her disability.  They tease her all the time and she comes home crying almost everyday.  They mimic her, call her names, and laugh at her.  I mentioned first to the teacher but she did nothing so I went to the Principal and she took action as soon as I told her.  The Principal pulled in the kids that were making fun of Sahara and let her tell her story- she had a voice.  The Principal told me that Sahara did this with poise and extreme confidence.  They talked about  safety first for their bodies and hearts, recognizing the many individual differences they have and how those differences make them unique, acknowledging that they should, at school, take care of each other and make certain they do their best to help each other feel great about them selves and recognize each others beauty. 

As a mom I really appreciate the principal not brushing me off like the teacher did "kids will be kids" is what I was told.  Really...well my child is going to fight back and let it be known she doesn't deserve to be picked on!  Or Mama Bear will appear, LOL! 

I know I was picked on for my red hair and being overweight through out school.  I will always be there for my kids and we will always stand up to those who might need a bit more education about what clubfeet is and how this is something she is not doing on purpose.  

Do you have any advice on how I should handle future incidents at school?  

Kids Go Back to School- WOOHOO!

I know bad mom but I'm ready for them to go back.  The last 2 weeks have been busy with the holidays and keeping them entertained.  I'm exhausted!  I want my house back and give it a good cleaning.  I'm ready to work on some projects that I couldn't really do with kids around because I get distracted, of course!  

I'll try to hide my excitement but the kids keep asking why I'm smiling- ummmm because you two are going back to school and I get some peace and quiet.

Top 10 Reasons I Love My Crazy Kids!

1. Every morning I get a hug and a "GOOD MORNING MOM" from both of them.

2. Their smiles melt my heart and it's so hard to get mad at them- unless they are mouthing off then it's ON!

3. When I ask them to clean their rooms they jump right up and do it.  WAIT wrong house... no sorry that's not my kids.  I usually have to bribe them.  

4. When they get home from school they do their homework.  HAHA- with a lot of crying and "I don't know how to do this" whining.  

5.  They clean up after themselves...ummm not my kids either.  They are tornadoes.

6.  They let me go shopping all by myself so I can get in and get out without spending on useless junk. WRONG- they hide in the car when I say I'm going by myself.  

7. When we say we don't have money- they stop asking for crap.  Oh wait they don't do that either- they keep asking.  

8.  They do their chores everyday without whining.  OMG not at all- usually have to threaten to take something away.  

9.  They let us have our privacy in our own room.  Nope not happening!  They love to hang out until bedtime in our room.  They each have their own room plus a living room but mom/dads room is the hot spot.  

10 Every night I get hugs/kisses and I love you's.  My youngest even sings us a song in her best Barney voice:

I love you, you love me, we are a happy family with a great big hug and kiss from me to you.  I LOVE YOU!  

They are lucky they do #1 and #10 at least.  I LOVE THEM A LOT!   

2012 Christmas in the Allen Family

It was pretty touch and go for Christmas this year.  We have been out of work due to my surgery and hubby taking care of me.  So money for the holidays was not coming in and I was getting scared my kids wouldn't have anything under the tree but we had some awesome angels save the day! I did go back to work the weekend before Christmas so I had some tip money!!  We had a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS and I felt very blessed for my family and friends.

This was their BIG GIFT~it's quite funny to watch and it makes me smile!

Here are couple presents they got from others:

They were very happy and that was all I wanted!

Before Christmas we went through the kids toys and gave to another family who was having a hard time during the holidays.  I wanted the kids to know how important it was to GIVE during the holidays and it wasn't all about the PRESENTS!

I grew up in not a very religious family, of course we knew and believed in God but Christmas was all about FAMILY and enjoying spending time with our loved ones.  I've gone over the history of Christmas with the kids but of course the presents are all what they are interested in.  I think as the years go we will do more about WHY there is Christmas and of course keep the FAMILY a big part of it.  However, we live in an area with very little family so we might have to TRAVEL next year!

This year I felt very blessed and I hope to give back what I received this year.  Thanks to my angels who warmed my heart and dried up my tears.

First Week Of School- Thumbs Up

First, I want to say THANK GOODNESS I'm not homeschooling this year.  I didn't mind doing it for the couple months I needed too but all of us are happy that regular school is in session.  The kids have been home non-stop for 5 months so I've been going crazy with my house and the CLUTTER!  Plus its nice to have some breathing room.  I loved taking a shower without interruptions plus I get to eat my whole lunch without someone grabbing something off my plate. I'm happy they are in school.

This first week of school has been getting out at 1:25pm so almost a full day.  The kids are LOVING their new school. They have been super tired and cranky when they come home maybe because they haven't been simulated like this for a long time.

Lil Mama is meeting new friends and she loves that.  She likes her teacher and is very happy she got in the same class as her BFF.

Lil Man is happy with his teacher and knows a couple other kids in his class.  His BFF is in another 5th grade class but they hangout at recess and lunch.  One day he didn't have anyone to talk with during lunch so he felt that "new kid" feeling but we had a talk and I told him he just needs to reach out to others.

They both LOVE that the school has a library!  They are looking forward to the Salad Bar but that isn't quite open yet.  This seems a great fit for the kids and I'm super happy I got them into a school.

Now is it a good fit for me....LOL!  Who cares as long as the kids are happy.  I just know I need to get a planner because this school has activities every week it seems and if I'm going to keep it all together I better be inputting all these dates into my iPhone NOW!

This week I got some projects done around the house too! Good week indeed.

Kids Eat Free Coupons~ BeFrugal.com

Dining out with the family can be costly! Use these kids-eat-free coupons from BeFrugal. Join free now and get coupons like these emailed to you each week:

·         Use this Huddle House coupon for a Free Kids Meal. Expires: 8/31.

·         Enjoy this Marie Callender's coupon for a Free Kid's Meal. Expires: 9/14.

·         Save using this Uno Chicago Grill coupon for a Free Kids' Menu Item or Gluten-Free Pizza. Expires: 9/18.

·         Get a Free Kid's Meal with this Old Country Buffet coupon. Expires: 9/30.

Trying to Clean House with Kids- A Joke!

I'm not sure who is worse the kids or the hubby!  My mom is coming in a couple days so of course I'm trying to tidy up the house.  I know she knows what I live with so I'm sure she won't verbally judge me outloud.  LOL!  She isn't like that but she might say in her head "damn Pam!" 

I'm trying to clean but it seems like no matter how much I clean the kids mess it up anyways!  I did the carpets the other day and within 12 hours a nice spot appears on the carpet but guess who did it...HUBBY! 

I just wish people (the Allen's) would RESPECT that I want a clean house but with my clan it's just not going to happen.  Do I really have to wait until they move out?  I'm not saying we have garbage everywhere (hell no) but everything should have a place right?  Put it back where it belongs.  If you are done with something-PUT IT BACK!  Close cupboards!  Every morning I get up the cupboards are open- how hard is it to close it.  How hard is it to put the dishes in the sink...not the table! How hard is it pick up the clothes you wore and put in laundry basket- not the floor.  Oh that's right...mom/pam will do it.  Can you tell I'm a bit PO'd at my family?  I ask for help and I don't get much back but they sure do want a lot from me.  I cook, clean, and laundry for everyone but no one wants to help keep our house clean.  When I ask for help I usually get the response "Later Mom" or "I'll do it Sat/Sun" and most of the time it doesn't get done unless I ask 10 times and I hate that! 

I found this on Pinterest the other day:

Crayola and Kids Creativity- Facebook Live Chat TONIGHT!

The first "Inside the Crayon Box" live chat is Wednesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. EST. Join Crayola and musician, children´s author and mom, Lisa Loeb for a 45-minute live streaming video chat on the Crayola Facebook Page. Lisa, best-known for her number one hit "Stay (I Missed You)," will share as personal stories, practical advice and ways she brings a little creative play into every day for her daughter. We want to hear from you - participants can ask Lisa questions during the event, too! We hope you will share the information about the first Crayola "Inside the Crayon" live chat with your readers on or before Wednesday, March 7th so they may plan to attend as well.

Interested in the topics to be covered during the chat? 

• Why Does Creativity Matter? Creativity is not about who´s the best artists or becoming an architect. It´s a way of thinking that encourages kids´ original ideas and develops their confidence.
• Growing Up Creative. Lisa will share stories about growing up in a home where creativity was encouraged.
• Simple Tips. Easy Ideas. Like most moms, Lisa juggles a lot. She´ll share simple, easy ways she sparks her daughter´s creativity as part of their daily routine.

Also, be sure to check out Lisa’s book Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs (Sterling Children’s Books, 2011) available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. Sing, laugh, and play with pop Lisa in this fabulous collection of ten of the silliest songs ever. Fun activities, games, and recipes accompany whimsical songs. Take Lisa's Silly Sing-Along with you wherever you go and get the high-spirited good times started. Includes a 10-song CD recorded by Lisa!




If you miss it you can see it check out the Crayola YouTube Channel where the session will be posted.


To learn more about the tools from Crayola that make it easy for parents to help children develop their creativity www.Crayola.com.

I received this information by Crayola through MyBlogSpark. "Creativity Matters"

Halloween 2011

Wow yesterday was fun packed full day!  The kids had to dress up as a book character and later in the day did a neighborhood parade. 

My Thing 1 and Harry Potter:

Then they turned into Zombie things for the nighttime Trick N Treat.



I'm just HAPPY it's over.  We stayed busy all weekend- going to parties, festivals, and events.  So after all that running around and doing this and that can you believe they gave me such a hard time when I asked for some candy.  Geez can I get a piece of candy for all the hard work I put in.  Guess I asked for too much. 

Klout.com and Sharpie

I got this big orange box from the mailman yesterday and when I opened it I was in AWE!  I can't believe all the awesome sharpie products I get to use now.  I told the kids and hubby STAY AWAY until I have time to use myself! 

Look at all the cool stuff:

The box is cool too!  I was able to receive this wonderful product from Klout~ Klout is a San Francisco based company that provides social media analytics that measures a user's influence across their social network.  My Klout Score is 40!!

I really enjoy Klout.com because their PERKS are awesome.  Next week I'll be getting Axe products, I have a 21 yr old son who loves Axe.  I can't wait to make some cool hats with my Lil Mama with our new Stained by Sharpie- we are already brainstorming.  My hubby was eyeing all the cool stuff too and I know he wants to use some of the Fine Sharpie pens for his airbrush designs.  The creativity is just swarming us this weekend.

Check out all the COOL stuff on Sharpie~ http://www.sharpie.com/

If you want to connect on Klout.com~ http://klout.com/#/PinkMama68/

You have to look at this YouTube video on this guy who draws on coffee cups:

I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

http://klout.com/perks/disclosure

 

Do you have cool ideas on what you would use with SHARPIE PRODUCTS?

Trying to be Organized this School Year!

I know in my world organizing and kids don't mix but I'm going to give it a try.  Can't hurt right! 

I've always packed their lunches, made sure their backpacks are by the front door, they have jackets, and made sure they brought what they needed to school.  This year I'm feeling they need to be a bit more responsible for themselves.  They are 7 and 9...LOL!  My 9 yr old wants a phone really bad but if I don't make sure he has his lunch box/backpack he will leave it behind and call me an hour later asking for me to bring it (BTW I don't-unless it is an emergency).  Teaching them to be responsible plus organized, let's see how that goes. 

Here is MY PLAN:

• I'm going to make CHECKLISTS for before and after school duties.  I have a door in our kitchen that I plan to hang up everything on it- ONE PLACE!  What a concept!  I will remind them to check it daily.
• Along with the checklist there will be a SCHEDULE. Morning, After-School, Before Bed. Mainly something to keep me on schedule and prepared!  Pack lunches and pick clothes the night before will be on there of course.
• Set up a FAMILY CALENDAR.  Each of us will have our own color (guess what my color will be..LOL) and we will write down stuff like school events, dad's big airbrush jobs, mom's meetings and other FAMILY stuff.  My son just started football so of course that will be going on there too!  This will help with time conflicts too.
• We will have a SCHOOL BINDER that I can put all stuff related to school in so we are not digging around for it the day it is due. 
• I want one place to hold all homework items (crayons, pens, pencils, papers) and NOT in their room.  I'm going to assign each kid a shelf in the cupboard in the kitchen.  We do homework at the kitchen table and then everything is easy to get.  I don't want them to share anything because my kids tend to FIGHT over who has what so each will have their own supplies. 
• I made YEAR BOXES out of Costco cereal boxes for each kid.  They will be able to put in whatever they want to keep from school, bday cards, invites, pictures, and special papers.  At the end of the year we go through it and pick out what really needs to be saved and we put the box up for them look thru later in life.  This will be the 3rd year doing this. 

Well the PLAN sounds good, right?  What are you doing to get ORGANIZED for school?  Let's share our ideas.

Are You Ready For School To Start?

Heck YEAH!  I know I sound super duper excited and guess what... I am! Now don't get me wrong I LOVE MY KIDS and have enjoyed the summer with them but if I hear "I AM BORED" one more time I'm going to scream at the top of my lungs.

We have done so many activities, friend play dates, camping but they still need something special to do everyday.  First thing out of one of their mouths in the morning is "What are we doing today?".  If I say "CLEANING" or "NOTHING" I have to hear them run their mouths until I agree to something.  They know how to work me I know, LOL!  Luckily we live close to a park and the swimming pool but what about what I want to do?

My house needs a  major cleaning and I can't do it with them around.  They make too many messes throughout the day. I know that is what kids do so I give them the summer to relax and enjoy but just wait until school starts because we are back on our checklists.  I'm making one for the morning, after school, and evening plus an allowance/reward will be involved again.  We had to stop the reward system after I quit my job.  BTW I'm really enjoying COZI- family calendar!

I'm exhausted! When they go back to school I think I'm going to sleep a week straight...hehehe RIGHT!   After the kids are in school then it's time for me to get a JOB! 

Kids- Last Week of School!

Last week of school!  They have been doing the countdown .  My son will be going into the 4th grade and my daughter into the 2nd grade....wow when did they start growing up! 

Lil Man well this year has been a breeze for him because he had a teacher he loved! He did very well this year, that's what his teacher says at least.  My son loves to help his teacher out (kind of reminds me of myself- teachers pet some years LOL) and he has found the love of reading.  Woohoo!  Now if I can find that same love for him to take showers.  I have to fight him every day to take a shower.  Oh and the lip smacking and talking back has given me many teeth clutching episodes.  He doesn't get to play his video games that much these days. 

Lil Mama well she exceeds what I expected out of her this year.  I'm not going to brag too much...lol but she is doing her thing in school and I'm a proud mama.  She needs to work on getting along with others though!  She doesn't like people around her, she would be happy at a table all by herself.  Her social skills are needing some TLC.  She was at home with me until Kindergarten so she never got "lets play and have fun" experience.  She also is a big helper around the school.  She would rather help the teachers out than go outside and play.  Something I should be worried about or let her work through what she needs too.  We will see!  I want her to be social like her mama but I'm not sure if that will happen.  At least she won't get kicked out of sewing class in high school for talking too much- like I did! 

I'm proud of them and so excited for them to start a new school year! 

Sibling Rivalry- Getting On My Nerves!

First, I need to say SORRY to my mom because we put her through some crap with all our fighting growing up. It is coming back and biting me hard in the ass. Karma I know. I was horrible to my brother from the moment he was born-sorry bro! 

Anyways, my kids are driving me crazy with the FIGHTING.  My daughter loves to pick on her brother.   My son is patient to a point then he just looses it and then it gets downright UGLY!  My daughter tries all of our patience every day and the "No, I don't have too, who cares, and blah blah blah" are her favorite phases lately plus the rolling of the eyes and the head swaying needs to STOP!  She is 7 not 17!  When they spend too much time together it is horrible.  They don't use their words (like I tell them all the time) but they hit and pick on each other.  Someone is going to get hurt someday and I keep telling them that.  I tell my son hitting girls is wrong...he comes back with "she is my sister not a girl"!  Plus its usually her hitting first. 

The older they get the harder to discipline them...it was easy to take away toys, video games, or just put  them in time out.  Now they don't care..."so what"  is what I get.  Luckily they don't do this everyday because I think I would have to become a drinker again.  I'm saying that with a smile :) 

How do you settle/deal with sibling rivalry? 

My kids and their Book Clubs

Loving the fact that they enjoy  READING!  As a big reader my whole life I'm a proud mama when my kids wanted to do these book clubs.

My 9 yr old son has 3 close friends and they decided to start a book club last month and their first book is Harry Potter.  The first meeting took place at a cafe and we kept getting these weird looks so I decided the next meeting we can do at the school. 

My 7yr old was at the first book club meeting but she isn't at the Harry Potter level so she didn't participate but played Angry Birds on my phone.  When we got home she came up and gave me a big hug and buttered me up with all love then she said "Mom I want to have my own book club and can it be a Dr. Seuss book"  Couple of the kids in Lil Man's book club has siblings so why not!  I told her YES.  She was so excited and even made invites to who she thought would love to the book club.

Today is BOOK CLUB day and so lets see how both clubs go!  I'm just there, the kids run their own meeting...I might step in and help lil mama's group but I'll see. 

KIDS AND READING ROCK!!!

Love My Kids BUT.....

I am SO HAPPY they are going back to school today.  They are at the age they need to be doing something every minute or I get to hear those lovely words I'M BORED.  As a mom I think WTF.. with all the toys/books/bikes they have how in the heck can they bored.  Oh yeah...its because Mom isn't playing with them or we aren't on an adventure.

I enjoy my kids a lot (ask anyone) but I need my space and they don't really allow that when they are at home.  I have work, housework, laundry, cooking to do on top of being my kids personal play-date.  Sounds like I'm bitching but I'm not its my reality.  I can't play with my kids 24/7!  Money doesn't grow on our trees in the backyard like my kids thinks it does.  Mama needs to make the money too!

This week I'm needing to regroup and get back on schedule.  I'm going to be setting up my home office with a friend of mine.  We are going to brainstorm and go into business together- just need to narrow it down and move forward. 

Off to make breakfast and lunches for my beautiful children that are going back to school...can you see the smile????

Halloween Over....WOOHOO!

Don't get me wrong Halloween is fun but a lot of work!  This weekend I was non-stop to create a wonderful weekend for the kids.  Halloween arts n crafts, parties, sleep-overs, trick/treating....we were busy ALL weekend.  Then on top of it I had to work too.  I'm exhausted! 

We have the excited princess and the cool SWAT officer!

I was so busy I didn't take that many pictures....bad mom!  Today I am dragging and just want to crawl back into bed!  Not going to happen but hey its all good, my family had a awesome time.

This morning though Lil Man was very difficult to get out of the house to school.  He didn't want to go to school because "he didn't get to relax all weekend".....translation " I didn't get to play video games"  Oh cry me a river dude, like I'm going to let you stay home so you can play video games- NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!  He didn't want to walk with me and told me not to talk to him.  He is sooooo lucky I didn't have all my coffee in my system because it might have gone bad!  LOL...big bad momma that I am :)

Decorations coming down tonight.  Lil Mama wants to help. 

Wimpy Kid T-shirt my Hubby made for our son

My son designed it though.  He told dad what to put on there.  At school today they had to dress up as their favorite book character and of course WIMPY KID is big in our house.  Lil Mama went as Pinkalicious but the pic wasn't too hot so I hope I can get one when she gets out of school.

Working Saturday's AGAIN

I have very mixed feelings about working on Saturdays these days but hey got to do what you got to do!

I'm waitress at a very busy breakfast cafe and I've been working there for 10 years.  I love my job but it takes a lot out of me these days.  Not sure if its because I'm 41 or is I'm not the fittest- probably both huh! 

I stopped working on Saturdays several months ago for many reasons but the main reason was so I can be with my family.  The kids were invited to a birthday party or play date every weekend.  Love my hubby but he isn't into all those kid events so my kids were missing a lot of fun. Now that school is in and the weather is getting cooler the events aren't happening as much so why not go make money.  Money is always nice right!  I told a couple customers who live by me that I'll be back on Saturdays and they are thrilled.  They said the cafe is so different w/o me and they really enjoy it when I'm there so they will be in today. 

Here I am enjoying waking up with the kids, drinking good coffee, and writing a blog post- love life!  Then I'm off to make some money and mess with my co-workers :)