What We Learned (March 23, 2014 edition)

It's already almost the end of March! Can you believe it? Each week the Mamas write about their experiences and what they learned. See what Robyn, Lisa, and Liz learned about this week and add in your things you learned or found awesome in the comments!

Robyn: I've learned that having a psychologist as a friend is a good thing when you start seeing a clinical psychologist. Let me clarify. Mama Liz has her doctorate. I don't look to her to solve any of my problems, or help me cope. She is, however, a great listener for when I need an ear. As I told her how the first appointment went, and what the plan was, she said 'I like him'. Score! I'm getting advice from someone good who knows their stuff. Sweet, Thanks Liz!

Gluten free isn't all that bad. My stomach has been whack for years. I would have doubling over stomach pains as a teenager, and even had gotten seen by a gastroenterologist. He claimed sugar was the problem. However, I gave up gluten on Monday this week. Within 2 days, I felt so much better. And I even lost a pound! Double score! 

Lastly, I've learned that apple cider (the beer kind, not the holiday treat) is pretty damn good. After the kids went to bed, dad and I decided to celebrate and be festive with green ones. Be warned though, they have 200 calories a pop! 

Lisa:
1. I went out to meet a couple of girlfriends, who happen to be mamas of 'ausome' kids. We've been friends for a while now, since all our kids were diagnosed at the same time. It was so refreshing to be out, speak with adults, and talk about your reality without being judged. It really energized me!! Me time needs to happen more often.

2. It was 69 degrees and sunny, so naturally, I let the kids go wild and play in the backyard. They stayed out all day with breaks for food and potty only. It is heavenly! They're tired in a good way, got some sun, and got any extra energy out. Win-win!! Bad thing: snow on Monday. Sigh....sucks

3. My kids FaceTimed with their cousins in Milwaukee. It was so nice to catch up like that with the kids, my sister-in-law and her hubby too. We haven't been able to travel to see them, so it was awesome. Also, the cuteness was too much!! Fun times!

Liz:
1) I learned that my almost 4-year-old really can't be trusted to "act well" on his own accord. When I was "taking a nap" with Silas he didn't sleep (although apparently I did) and he got up and got into my makeup. The brand new Sephora/Bare Minerals makeup I bought last week? Messed up. He stuck his finger in the foundation stick and almost emptied the loose powder all over the floor (and covered it up with a towel). Then the next night he snuck out of his room while he was supposed to be sleeping and grabbed two of my lipsticks off my bed side table - the next morning I found lipstick all over his quilt. It's time for a lockable makeup box apparently.

2) My laptop has been acting funky for a while now - whenever it "fell asleep" I couldn't get it to wake back up and had to restart it. I was getting really frustrated and was researching new laptops and looking into places to get a Mac fixed. While I was searching for places to bring my Mac I also looked up the "symptoms" and found that all the problems it was having were symptoms of problems with the SMC (system management control). I searched on that and found an easy way to fix that myself. I followed the instructions and it worked! I haven't had to do a hard reset on my computer since I fixed it. I'm hoping things stay that way because I really don't want to get a new laptop or take mine in to be fixed.

3) Last week during my Spring Break I started watching Scandal, a show that everyone has always told me I would like. Well, it has this addictive quality to it, almost so much that, like, I wanted my kids to go outside so I could put it on (because I don't think it's appropriate to watch while they're around). Mike was all eye rolley and making fun of me for getting sucked into a night time soap opera. He'd even ask me, "Did you watch your soap opera today?" One night I asked if he wanted to sit down and watch an episode with me, and he agreed. Now we watch one episode on Netflix of "my soap opera" together after the boys have gone to bed. We're almost finished with Season 2 which means I'll have to find Season 3 somewhere (Hulu Plus?) so that by the time Season 4 starts we will be up to date and be able to watch with everyone else on #ScandalThursdays. I have to say I love that many of the actors live tweet during the East Coast premier of a new show.

Now you! What did you learn? Comment below and let us know.

What's the rush?

Yesterday, Reagan and I visited the park. Just us girls. I swung her on the baby swing, she sat in my lap on the big swing, we went down the slide, and then I climbed up top and we sat and explored the flat parts of the playground. We played, learned, explored, laughed and enjoyed our time together. 

Everyday, I learn more about her. I learn about me too. Yesterday was a sensory day. As we got to enjoy the warm air of springtime, we also felt the cool breeze while in the shade. As we sat and crunched leaves in between our fingers, an f-16 flew above us. It was startling at first, but my daughter looked at me to see what my reaction would be. Surprised, yes. Scared, no.  Cars passed by, and would divert our attention for a split second.  We would go back to trying to pick off the silver bolts, ever so gently, on the play set. Well, Reagan would try. She was so calm, which relaxed me.  

Afterwards, there was a package waiting for me to pick up at the post office. I carried her in, and she stayed asleep in her car seat the entire time while in line. People would come and go, clack their heels on the floor, and one even slammed the door. None of it seemed to bother her. She was great. 

She was even calm when sleeping. 

She is learning everyday. There are some days where I get stuck in a rut and dont want to leave the house. I just want to relax and enjoy the quiet. Spending time and playing with her is at the top of my priority list. I enjoy playing peek a boo, and hiding my face under a blanket. When she pulls the blanket off to reveal my face, its this joy that just lights up her eyes. 

All of these things made me think. I thought about the cars speeding by at the park. What was their rush? Everybody just seems so busy in today's world and we often forget to "Stop and smell the flowers". Why is that important? 

To me, breaking out of the ordinary is when we learn. New experiences make us vulnerable. They break down the 'unknown' barrier in us, and build us back up. We explore and learn. 

That's why we visited the park. To relax, explore and learn. We left our dirty piles of laundry at home, and took a break. I stopped rushing to make sure the house is perfect before the boys get home. I didn't time dinner, nor rush to fix it. We took care of ourselves and enjoyed quality time out of the house. 

Little Miss R - just relax!

 Sometimes, I need to remember that not everything has to be done right now. Everything can't be perfect all the time. Let go, quit rushing, and enjoy what time you have. 

Owning the Snow Queen

I was called The Snow Queen in high school. I hated it. It was started by a friend of mine because he thought that I thought myself above everyone and a snob. So, I was a bit sad and anxious when the movie Frozen came out. Strong women were something to be made fun of, not celebrated. Every little girl was excited for that snow queen but all I could hear was the nastiness behind the name.

For the record, I never thought I was above anyone in high school. In fact, I hated being there. Sure, I had a nice group of friends since elementary school but I felt like I could do better learning things on my own at home. My parents were teachers in the local public school system and felt the need to practice what they preached, as it were. For the most part, my head was buried in books or I was busy writing stories, so I can see how that can come off as snooty but when approached, I was always a nice person. I just didn't have time for nonsense. Kind of like right now. 

I hated to be called The Snow Queen. My male friends would shiver when I walked by them and it was annoying as all hell. I would cock my eyebrow at them and they would act as if is frozen them on the spot. Not my fault that I didn't want to fit any sort of mold. Boys are idiots. Fast forward to Disney creating Queen Elsa, a snow queen, and I started to be afraid of her. Afraid of myself. Maybe there was something to the nickname? Doubt is a horrible thing.

The Sailor took the girls to see the movie and I was glad of it but nervous to hear about it all. Banshee loved the movie so much that she started to sing and talk about it all the time. Pixy was excited because she loved dancing to the music and said the story was amazing. Sailor loved it because he said Queen Elsa was strong and kicked butt, certainly a snow queen he could endorse. Huh. Really?

I decided to go and experience it for myself. This was not a Snow Queen to be mocked. She rocked and even though she doubted herself, doubted her strength, she didn't apologize for it once she felt comfortable in her skin. A smart, poised Snow Queen. Now, that's royalty I don't mind being compared to. 

That night, I shared with my girls the name I was called by friends in high school. Their reaction was priceless! Pixy said: "I'm glad you owned it, Mama. Strong ladies are awesome. I want to be like that." Banshee said:" Boys are jackasses." Yup, it looks like I passed on the qualities that I was mocked for to my two little Snow Queens in-training. I think I finally feel comfortable with that name. I owned my personal Snow Queen. Now, I need to look for a mountain and sing out my metamorphosis. What a win! 

Have you owned a nickname or name you were called in the past? How did you get there? Share with us! 

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net "Ice Queen" by Charisma

Zelenshoes.com #WinConverse Shoes Giveaway

It may be hard to believe that spring is around the corner and it is a perfect time to sport some classic Converse shoes as the weather warms up. Popular with kids, teenagers, and adults alike, Converse originally designed the sneakers for basketball players and other athletes and has existed for over a century. As popularity grew, these stylish sneakers showed up on the feet of musicians, artists, skaters, and discerning individuals worldwide. Converse shoes are great for spring - they are available in lots of great colors and are fitting for running errands around town or running down the basketball court!



Today we are bringing you this exciting event sponsored by Zelenshoes.com, and we are giving two of you a chance to win a pair of Converse shoes of your choice up to $70 value. Whether you need a pair for your kids, yourself, or perhaps to give as a gift, there are plenty of choices with a vast selection.

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Purchase: You can purchase Converse shoes in Canada online, however Zelenshoes ships worldwide, so you can shop no matter where you are in the world. If you're looking for a Canadian shoe store, they have a location in Vancouver. 

Win! Zelenshoes is sponsoring a Converse shoes giveaway, 2 winners can each pick a pair of Converse shoes (up to $70 CAN each pair). Winner chooses based on what's in stock.

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to zelenshoes.com and all the fabulous participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends April 18th at 11:59 pm, open to residents of U.S. and CANADA, ages 18+. See detailed terms and conditions on entry form. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!

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Disclaimer: AnaB Social and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

Over the Moon Cloth Diapers $20 Gift Card Giveaway

 

Over the Moon Diapers, LLC is offering a giveaway for a $20 gift code to their store currently. It ends March 30. Entries are easy! Be sure to tell them that Mamas Around the House sent you.