Wordless Wednesday

Spring has finally sprung!!

In Honor of Moms

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I knew being a Mom would be the most amazing experience of my life. I also knew it would be the most difficult challenge, too. My Mother always told me that anything worth doing isn’t easy, so I thought I was prepared for anything.

But nothing can prepare you for becoming a Mom. Really.

It’s harder than you ever thought, yet more rewarding and fulfilling than you could imagine. When you’re sleep-deprived, it can feel like you’re never again going to be normal. But then everything changes; your child reaches a milestone and a mixture of pride and love, like you’ve never known, courses through you.

Seeing my children grow up before my eyes is the most satisfying accomplishment of my life. Nothing else will ever compare. And I will have the grey hairs to prove it – every one of them well-earned!

So, in honor of every Mom… thank you for all the sleepless nights, diaper changing, nose wiping, nurturing, boo-boo kissing, playing, teaching, tidying, cooking, worrying and advice giving. Not only are you a parent but also a friend, disciplinarian, nurse, teacher, housekeeper, chef, psychologist, and most of all…

…the best example of unconditional love.

Happy Mother’s Day

Wordless Wednesday

Keeping It Even-Steven

A few short years ago, my entire world consisted of my little girl. Hubby and I devoted all our time and attention to this one, perfect, sweet little being. Then, when we decided to expand our family, we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy.

 Immediately, the family dynamic changed and I started feeling guilt over not spending the same amount of time with my son than I had with my daughter. She went to Mommy and Me swimming lessons at 6 months of age; he didn't go until he was almost two! If she got a new toy, why didn't he get one, too? That was only fair and right, wasn't it? The guilt and even-Steven-ness of it all could've made me crazy...and it still almost does sometimes.

For the most part, I try and take a step back and realize that it's not about making everything "even", but about tending to my children's individual, unique needs as they arise. To make sure they know they're loved, cherished, taken care of and wanted more than anything in this world, is the best gift I can possibly give them. Sure, there will be times when one of my kids feels slighted ("She got an extra cookie!") or neglected ("You took him to the playground twice this week, and I never got to go!"), but I'll cross those bridges when I get to them.

For now, I'll focus on kissing, hugging, cuddling and playing with my kids. Then, hopefully, they'll be too distracted to notice.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to camp we go!

Is your child going to camp this year? Mine are still too young for "away" camp, but I've always thought that summer camp is an amazing experience that I want them to enjoy someday.

I remember going to camp - the freedom and independence, the sheer joy of making my own decisions. It was like heaven on earth for me. While I definitely missed my family, the experience was life-changing. For me, it was the first stepping stone to achieving self-confidence at such a young age.

While the thought of our kids being away from home is scary for parents, the benefits of summer camp are many. Friendships are forged that last a lifetime; self-esteem and confidence flourish. In today's "helicopter parenting" environment, camp can be the defining time when children spread their wings to venture beyond their comfort zones... and sometimes we, as parents, need to venture beyond ours.

Happy trails!
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Don't forget to label!

Our Camp Package is available all year long, and contains everything your child will need to keep his or her stuff out of the lost-and-found, so don't forget to order some for your little campers! New designs are added all the time, so check back often and see what's new!

Right Where I'm Meant To Be

My kids are forever amazing me. From their ability to make me laugh one minute, yet cry and throw up my hands in defeat the next, to the ways in which they are seemingly independent yet, in the same breath, want me - and only me - on a daily basis. There's surely never a dull moment in my house!

Some days it's like an emotional roller-coaster. One morning there's cooperation, hugs and high-fives, then the afternoon rolls around and it's like World War III has started - all because we ran out of chicken noodle soup for lunch! Yes, the toddler and preschool years can be trying, but also so precious.

Yesterday, my toddler grabbed my face and, for a second, I thought he was going to bestow upon me his newest trick - the head butt. (Lovely, isn't it?) Instead, he almost brought me to tears when he gave me the sweetest nose kisses ever... followed by a heartbreaker smile, dimples and all. What a nice surprise!

It's in these unexpected moments that I find the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment as a Mom. I can plan fun activities and outings, but the most meaningful moments happen spontaneously, usually when I'm least expecting them.  And, while I may sometimes doubt my decision to work from home so I can be with my children every day (late nights = tired Mama), these moments are like bright stars in a dark night sky.

They make me look up in wonder and realize that I'm right where I'm meant to be.

Wordless Wednesday - More Easter Room-eez fun!!

 

 

More fun Easter Room-eez Wall Decals! Many thanks to our fabulous Agent, Carol, who sent in this adorable picture of her daughter with their new decorations. :)

If you'd like some, too, hop on over to our site and get your own Easter Room-eez for only $5 (a $10 value) with any order, only until April 8th!