Counter Sisters

In love with this picture:

Wall O Health x Mommy Rant

There a couple different kinds of moms in the world- at least "mom's of little kids." There are the kind of moms where "anything goes," and the kind of mom's where "nothing goes," and the kind of moms that do the best they can.
I have been thinking about this a lot when I think of 2 big mommy NO-NO's...TV and SUGAR. Or at least- the 2 biggest guilt inducing, or should I say "judgment inducing" mommy actions you could do.

All you moms know what I am talking about. I think it is humorous when I hear pregnant people talk about how they will not let their kids eat any sugar or watch a minute of TV when they are born. I always think that is such a load of bull. I think where it get's dangerous is when people who go around saying how "harmful" something is and then realize it is not so bad. Now not only do they feel guilty for "giving in" but feel judgment for changing their minds. (I call this first child syndrome.)

Well, if you haven't figured it out by now I am talking about myself. When I was pregnant and when Madeline was born she had only the best baby food and no sugar and hardly watched tv....then I got pregnant with Jane. TV was a necessity when I was was barfing and trying to watch a little one. When the doors opened for Madeline to eat sugar- Jane got to partake in the sweet goodness- and she was just a wee little baby.
(I'm not saying I gave her big pieces of cake- but the kids tried everything.)
Now that I have 3 kids I feel like I have really been able to let go of a lot of expectations of what a "good mom" is suppose to look like. And honestly- I feel like I get the mommy stink eye from other moms when they see my kids in the grocery store with a lolly pop or come over and my kids are plopped in front of the tv.

I don't say no to sugar, tv, jumping off the couch like a monkey, ect., but I also don't let them do whatever they want. We do what works for our family- which usually entails a show in the morning and maybe another show while I am making dinner. Sue me. And guess what- we make cookies and cupcakes- AND EAT THEM!
With that said:

1. Don't judge other people's parenting. Unless you have an intimate view of a family and where you can talk to the mom (or dad) and discuss parenting styles.

2. I have been making an effort to help the kids make healthier choices in their diet. Thus we created the Wall-O-Heath. A snack smorgasbord that they can go to anytime of the day. I got dried fruit, nuts, cheerios, dehydrated veggies...



*and yes, coffee machine is vital in the Wall-O-Mental Health for the grown ups.
*I never have a good mommy rant on here, so please excuse me if I made anyone feel uncomfortable or dislike me for a minute. ha!

Cupcake Fail

Well, not all internet recipes turn out. O well.

Fun Was Had

On Madeline's birthday we went up to Jesse's parents house for a little birthday party. It really was a beautiful day and it was perfect weather for trampoline jumping and Easter egg finding...and all the other events that birthday's bring.














I was so disappointed when I realized that I had forgotten my camera when we went to my parents house for Madeline's second birthday celebration. Arg.

4 Years

Wow, 4 years old- I can't believe how quick it goes, but on the other hand I feel like she has always been part of my life. What an awesome little lady!












Happy Birthday Madeline! I love you,
love Mamma

Tillmon Garden

Somehow I became "in charge" of the Tillmon Community Garden. So exciting, but I am so clueless. I went there yesterday to dig up some dirt and felt like such an idiot- ha! I definitely need some guidance. Thankfully we have a big work day on Saturday with the couple that is passing the torch to me. I am really hoping that they can pave the way for me a bit.
So, I wanted to post some "before pictures" to get me motivated to really go full force into this project. I am really excited to see what happens to this space over the summer. It is going to be fun....i hope.







Has anyone ever done this sort of thing before?