Mommy Musings

My girls are all about snacks in this house.  I swear most of their calories and nutrition come from either their morning or afternoon snack.  But as much as they love snacking, they are also on the go constantly .  And while they have to eat meals sitting at the dining room table, we're a little more relaxed with snacking.  They can sit on the couch and watch TV with a snack in hand, or bring it into the playroom. Obviously I still don't want my house littered with crumbs, which would then lead to bugs, so traditional bowls and plates are out.  So what do I let them use instead? The Nuby Snack Keeper of course!! This cup "keeps kid-sized snacks inside the container instead of on the floor or car seat.  The soft flaps make it easy to grab snacks without spilling.  The container holds 9 oz of dry snacks and the protective bottom keeps tabletops scratch-free".  Overall these are a really great snack cup!  We have not had any problems with the t...

I've never really talked about my religion before on my blog.  Some of it is because I'm very private about my faith, and some of it is because in truth, I'm not exactly fully practicing all the time.  But I am a Roman Catholic for those who didn't know. There are two reasons I'm writing about my religion today, and they both have to do with the upcoming Easter holiday. Emmy is at an age where she can start to understand what the true meaning of these holidays are all about.  At Christmas time this year, both at home and at school, we emphasized that Santa is indeed fun, as are presents, but the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus.  She knows who Jesus is, along with Mary, Joseph, and of course God.  And while Easter is the pinnacle of our faith, I'm really hesitant to talk to her much about the true meaning of this holiday.  We've talked about the Easter bunny, coloring eggs, and spending time with family.  But I have yet...

I'm a worrier.  Always have been.  And even worse than the simple act of worrying is the face that I worry about things so far in the future that there is no possible way I could do anything about them now. Like I worry about whether or not the girls will get into the high school I went to.  I worry they will want to go to college we won't be able to pay for. I worry about Charlie only being able to go to preschool for one year before kindergarten with the new program Emmy's school has put into place. But one of the things I worry about a lot recently is when I have to go back to work. The plan Skip and I have always had is that I would stay home with our kids until the youngest, Charlie was either in first grade.  And while that's another four or five years away, I still stress about it.  Before I had kids, I was a middle school science and English teacher.  It was not exactly what I thought I would be teaching, but I loved it .  Truly.  But par...

Spring cleaning your entire home can feel daunting. There is much to get accomplished, and it’s easy to burn out quickly. But not this year! Here is an easy-to-follow 30-day spring cleaning schedule. Day 1: List making. Print our free 30-Day Spring Cleaning Checklist , then walk around your entire home, look in every closet and drawer and note anything else you want to tackle this spring. Day 2: Ceiling fans. Dust ceiling fans and do a quick sweep of any debris that falls to the floor. Tip: While you’ve got the ladder out, replace batteries in smoke detectors. Quick Tip As part of your cleaning routine, stock up on essentials like batteries. You never know when you’ll need them for remotes, smoke detectors and other gadgets. Only Duracell® has DuraLock Power Preserve™ Technology, which guarantees lasting power for up to 10 years in storage. Day 3: Windows. Clean the inside and outside of all windows . Day 4: Baseboards. ...

Our family was never co-sleeping family.  Ever .  From night one home from the hospital both girls slept in their cribs in their nurseries.  Judge away, it's what worked for us .  Skip and I have very strong feelings about not only doing what's best for our kids , but also what is best for our marriage .  And for us, part of that included no kids in our bed. The few times we had to co-sleep {on vacation, visiting friends} usually turned into a bit of a nightmare, with no one getting much sleep. Right after the Superbowl, my MIL was brought home and put under hospice care.  Our whole lives were pretty much turned upside down.  Skip was able to take some intermittent family leave, and we were both back and forth to Pennsylvania on a regular basis.  Our normal family dynamic changed. It was right around this time that Emmy started wandering into our room around 3:00 or 4:00 am.  Skip and I were both too tired to convince her to go back to ...

When Emmy started preschool in the fall, we were all so concerned about how she would do.  Would she fit in?  Would she make friends? Could she handle the curriculum?  After the first few days we realized not only was she going to be okay, but she was thriving .  She was excited to go every day, was making new friends, and learning so much.  Everything was good. After a few weeks though, we realized something was a little off about Charlie.  When Emmy was gone, Charlie seemed way fussier and whinier.  She spent a lot more time staring out the window.  It took us a little while to catch on, butt we quickly realized it was because Charlie missed her sister .  I thought she was too young to really let that bother her, but boy was I wrong.  It was totally heartwarming to see how much she loved Emmy, but at the same time, I couldn't really explain too much to her about Emmy being gone.  We tried to keep busy during those hours, but oth...

I'm a big fan of these random Monday posts...might have to keep it a tradition every week.  It is still  winter.  We're supposed to get more snow today.  The girls' spring-y Easter dresses are going to look a little silly.  So who wants to tell me about Daytona Florida?  'Cause that's where we're moving.   I have a serious obsession with this top from Old Navy.  It's sooo comfy .  I also have a blue and white stripped one, and may or may not have picked up a pink and grey striped one as well.   Clearly I have a problem. Skip worked a double shift on Friday, and so it was just me and the girls all day/night.  We decided to have a movie night and watch Monsters, Inc.   And eat cookies of course .  I just love snuggling with them on the couch all night.  Definitely making this an every-Friday kind of thing! Though next week I should definitely add some popping corn to our menu!  It was good our night was ...

I recently partnered up with a fabulous company called A Girl and Her Band...marches to her own beat  and am so excited to tell you about them.  They sell headbands and hair ties, but they are so so much more than that.  They are revolutionizing the industry and empowering girls at the same time.  The company, founded by four moms " believes that ALL girls are born to be bold, creative and confident individuals. We are more than a high-performance headband. Our headbands are the active girl's perfect accessory to achieving dreams. No dreams are too big or too small. Our designs are spunky, athletic, and whimsical; just like the girls who wear them!" As a girl mom, this message is so important to me!  I want Emmy and Charlie to grow up feeling strong, powerful, and that they can accomplish anything.  And if they can do that and still look stylish, all the better! I was lucky enough to be sent two headbands, and some hair ties to review!! First, I had...

When my MIL passed away, one of the things I was most upset about was having to tell Emmy it happened. She had taken the news of Braddock very badly this past summer, and I thought the news of her grandmother being gone would just wreck her.  Skip and I were out in PA with the family when it happened, so at least we were able to compose ourselves to tell her the next morning. Now, when Braddock died, we spent a lot of time explaining to Emmy that he was in heaven with God, and while that meant he was happy and healthy now, it also meant we wouldn't be able to see him ever again.  It took her a long time to understand and accept all that, but now she's in a good place about him.  She still includes him whenever she lists everyone in our family and seems content with the knowledge that while it's sad we can't see him, he's happy with God. For months I struggled with why  Braddock died.  I really believe that there is a reason for everything, but I just couldn't...

I am so excited to be partnering with the following company to share some of their fabulous products with you. I have been a fan of Cafe Press for years.  Seriously, years.  I mean I bought almost this exact same tank top from them for my Marine's Girls when Skip and their boyfriends were deployed.  I have purchased several other Marine Corps-like items from them, such as a Marine Corps Fiance long-sleeved tee, and two "I support my Marine" zip-up hooded sweatshirts.  I most recently purchased a photo canvas and was blown away by the quality.  I cannot tell you the amount of compliments we get on it.  Up close detail There are so many amazing products on this site!  From pajamas to fun shirts to design your own t-shirts , they have it all!  I'm really torn on what I should get next.  Here are some options I have come up with. Cause who loves NJ more than me?!? This would keep me so warm at the games next year! Skip would appreciate...

I made a resolution to start eating better this year, because let's face my...my eating habits resemble that of a 10 year old boys dream.  Having cereal for dinner every once in a while is not going to give me all the nutrients I need. And while I fell off the healthy eating wagon the past month or so, I decided to jump right back into it.  And as I've been seeing recipe after recipe for spaghetti squash recently, I figured I'd start with that! Delicious Spaghetti Squash with Sausage {from the girl who hates vegetables} What you will need: - one spaghetti squash {this was enough for my husband and I.  Would get at least two if serving the whole family - one jar of marinara sauce {could make your own obviously, I was just feeling lazy} - one package of sausage {I prefer hot to sweet, but that's your own preference!} You could also buy seafood online and use that instead Directions: - Heat over to 375* - Pierce spaghetti squash a few times with either a fork or knife, - ...

When Emmy was a little baby, my mom told me to always watch out for the "half-years" as those are the most trying with kids.  By that I mean 18 months, 2 1/2, 3 1/2, etc. Boy was my mom right.  Two with Emmy?  A breeze .  Two and a half?  I nearly lost my mind .  And the same has been true ever since.  So as my little girl is quickly approaching four and a half {someone hold me}  she is definitely starting to test her boundaries.  I swear she is four going on fifteen most days. Being silly in my glasses We do time outs, being sent to her room, and taking toys away.  Some discipline techniques work better than others.  Most days though I feel tired and frustrated, not really sure if what I'm doing is right or helping.  This age?  This kind of parenting?  It's hard . But then we have moments like yesterday.  Emmy asked to work on a water color kit the leprechauns had brought her. {She was home sick for her leprech...

I was inspired last night after some Instagram conversations about what crazy things you, and/or your kids have done...specifically about eating things. And so to make you all feel better about yourselves, I'll recount a story I cringe even writing about.  A little over a year ago, Emmy developed an obsession with glow sticks.  I'll blame Pinterest as she first got them in her bath one night.  After that it was true love, girlfriend wanted them everywhere.   Occasionally we'd let her have them at bedtime.  We'd keep an eye on her on the monitor until she fell asleep, then sneak in and take them out again.  We thought we were so good. Till one afternoon when I went to go change Emmy's diaper and it was filled with neon blue poop.  Neon blue .  Skip and I obviously freaked out and were trying to figure out what she ate that would have caused this. We tore apart her room and bed...and then we found it.  A glow stick that had fallen on the s...

We have had a lot of storms around here recently...a lot.  In fact it's raining on top of some freshly fallen snow right now!  And everytime I tell people I want to move to Florida, they remind me of all the hurricanes they have down there.  But we have them up in Jersey now too!!  So much so, I've written up a little post about how to prepare for a hurricane. - As SOON as you hear about a possible storm, hit the store...even if the storm won't be there for a few days. The closer the storm gets, the crazier the stores are and the more they run out of things. You'll want to buy: flashlights, candles, non perishable food. A gallon of water per person per day since you might not have running water. You'll need wood if you have a fireplace, plenty of diapers, wipes, formula, snacks for the kids. Lots and lots of batteries for your flashlights. Skip and I now stock up on those year round. - Fill up any car you have with a full tank of gas before the storm. TRUST ...

I saw this on Katie's blog and I thought I'd join in...looks fun!  1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning.   Put in my contacts, go to the bathroom and brush my teeth, make sure Emmy is up, change Charlie's diapers, then stumble downstairs where I make them breakfast and me coffee.  2. First thing you do when you get home from work. Well, since I no longer work outside the home, this one doesn't really apply to me.  Although when Skip is working the day shift and he gets home, normally around 3:30 or 4, I run to him, give him a big hug and kiss, and either run out the door to the gym, or hole myself up i the kitchen alone to make dinner. 3. First kiss. With my first boyfriend Mike.  I had just turned 16 and it was behind a bowling alley...classy I know. 4. First home. The first one Skip and I bought together was a tiny little one bedroom condo in the town he grew up in.  5.  First car. A '92 {I think} Chevy Lumina Minivan.  That m...

A cold, miserable Monday deserves a word vomit, picture dump post.... - WHERE IS SPRING?!?!  This has seriously been the looooooongest winter ever.  It's been snowing since early November.  We're supposed to get more snow and ice tonight.  If this doesn't stop soon I'm moving to Florida.  Seriously . This is my unhappy I'm still wearing boots in March face - This weekend kicked my butt .  Husb working nights, girls and I sick, too cold to go out.  I did manage to get a head start on the laundry, but my house was a mess .  I'm so glad it's Monday and Skip is home with us for three days! Sad sick baby - I'm finally getting back into the gym again after a few weeks hiatus.  So happy to be there...operation bikini ready for California in May begins! - I have an unhealthy obsession with Pitbull.  Go download this song now.   Seriously. - There are few cuter things in this world than baby slippers - Except  for a baby covered in cho...