NORZ HILL FARM

My original intent of making this blog was to provide good information about local places.

NORZ HILL FARM in Hillsborough, NJ is a place you do not want to miss with your kids!

We've been going every year since my daughter was born!  This year marked our 6th year going as a family.  We love the farm!

If you go, prepare to wait in line especially is you go on a nice, sunny autumn weekend afternoon!  Over the years, I have noticed it has gotten busier and busier.

The line to buy tickets can be long so rather then the entire family waiting, I started to take the kids into the Children's Play area.  They have a few large corn boxes filled with trucks for the kids to play in.  This is always a hit for my kids!  They spend a good 30-45 minutes playing there!  There are also some ride-on toys around and most of the kids seem pretty good about sharing.  There are benches around for the adults watching the little ones.

Pony rides require a ticket and my kids LOVE the pony rides.  I honestly don't mind paying the price of $5.00/child because they look forward to it every year.  

Then we hit the pumpkin patch.  You have an option of going on a Farm Tour and then the Pumpkin Patch or straight to the Pumpkin Patch.  Last year we did the Farm Tour/Pumpkin Patch combo but this year we went straight for the Pumpkin Patch.  We burned up tons of energy walking through the entire pumpkin patch only for my middle daughter to ask me to pick up up at the stand.  

They give you bags for your pumpkins which makes it easier to manage kids and pumpkins.  If you have little ones barely walking get your baby carrier out!  

It's never easy walking the pumpkin patch with all the vines but the kids love seeing all the gourds and pumpkins that the farm grows.  We have a blast taking memorable family phones!

Back at the farm stand area there are plenty of great decorations, food and cider to purchase.  They also have a food stand with popcorn, drinks and much more.  I got a very yummy candy apple!  There is also a nice seating area to enjoy your snack.

On the weekends there is also a DJ playing some tunes.  My kids love to dance so this was a highlight for them.

There are plenty of opportunities to take pictures.  One of our favorites is the ruler!
The first is from 2011 and the second is from 2012!
I've loved looking back at how much my kids have grown and changed!

Enjoy supporting local agriculture and fall festivities at 

NORZ HILL FARM!

Somerset County 4-H Fair!

If you have children and live anywhere near Somerset County, you DO NOT want to miss the Somerset County 4-H Fair!

I'm a bit biased.  4-H has been in my life since I was 4 or maybe 5?  My sister started in 4-H when I was a little kid.  Over the years, I hung out waiting, watching and sometimes helping as my sister added meetings and events - like wreath decorating!  My parents brought me along for the fair set-up and I stood by and watched the big kids help put up the animal cages and displays.  My parents also began to get involved helping with snow cones, cotton candy and later on running the milk shake booth.  For 3 days our lives would be the Somerset County 4-H Fair from 10am-10pm.

As a little kid, I would walk the fair over and over while my parents helped in different project areas.  I'd enter events like the can-crush-a-thon, watermelon eat & spit contest or watch the dogs in the ring.  (Okay, the dog tent became my favorite!)  I hung out there a lot.  Back then they had no Prep club and they let me join when I was 7 years old because I wouldn't go away!  (HA HA!)

SO - with that said, showing my own kids about the 4-H Fair means a lot to me.  Some of my best childhood memories were made because of 4-H!

The 4-H Fair is a great event.  FREE PARKING, FREE ADMISSION & many FREE activities and events.  The only thing that costs money is food!  If you do buy food, you are supporting many community groups and 4-H clubs.  (I have to say, I miss those old BBQ chicken pits and that huge line they would have for that BBQ Chicken Dinner!)  I always love the milkshakes.  Mine last night was delicious!!!

As you walk around, many of the kids are happy to show off their projects.  We pet horses, dogs, held day old baby chicks, pet a 5-week old baby bunny, pet a guinea pig and SO MUCH MORE!  Plus many tents have educational activities for the kids to learn about the animals.  There are also go-karts, rockets and trains.  There is literally something for every kid!

If you're nearby - mark it on your calendar EVERY year!

http://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/4hfair/

Jersey Shore

YEAH BUDDY!

Okay, I'll cut the Jersey Shore stuff out, it's a Mommy blog after all!

As a child my family always took a week to go "Down The Shore."  We loved it.  We stayed in Ortley Beach for many years and Lavalette as I was a teenager.  We would visit Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights boardwalks one evening during the week.  It was great memories.

Now the tradition continues.  My husband and I bring our 3 little ones for one week.  This is going on year two.

When I was a kid, we always went to the ocean.  At first my husband and I always went to the ocean too.  When they were little, they were pretty scared of the waves crashing and would stay close to build sandcastles.

NOW....AU CONTRAIRE!  My youngest would dive right in!  (If you know my youngest, it's the truth!)

Villano Realtors in Seaside Park suggested this nice bay beach.  I believe it's call the 5th Ave Bayside.  We started going last year and my kids love it.  They call it the "little beach".  They talked about it for weeks after we went.

Why do we love it?
1.  Lifeguards are at the bay beach
2.  FENCING around the swimming area
3.  No higher then 3 feet - at max.  The kids can walk and splash.  My kids won't leave!
4.  A long fishing pier

I never thought I'd be a "bay beach" person.  I truly love this little beach!

Seaside Park is a beautiful town.  A very nice, long boardwalk to walk on.  There are many nicely cared for homes.  The bay area is beautiful too.  I know Seaside Heights gets a bad rap but Seaside Park is beautiful.  

This year we rented a Condo unit that was Ocean block and about 1 block from Seaside Heights.  It was great being able to take the kids out for games and rides at night.  While the area was a bit busy, it was still very quiet.

I highly recommend the 5th Ave bay beach at Seaside Park!  Can't wait to go back next year!

RSVP

What does RSVP mean?
Repondez, S'il Vous Plait

It's a beautiful French phrase seen on many invitations.

It seems that etiquette has gone out the window because I have seen many posts asking what the proper way to respond is.  I have heard horror stories of people not responding then showing up or people never calling either way.  This leaves to host guessing and wondering.

I have planned quite a few parties in my 30+ years and I have seen a bit of both.  Sometimes it's understandable if plans change and a person who previously said they couldn't come can come.  Sometimes the opposite can happen, especially with young kids!

What is the exact protocol for RSVPing?

Here's what I say:

RSVP if you are going OR not going.  Do not make the host track you down.  Get on the computer or phone and write a message saying "YES, I CAN COME!  THANKS FOR THE INVITE" or "NO, I CANNOT MAKE IT.  THANKS FOR THE INVITE."  

NOT HARD FOLKS.  NOT HARD AT ALL!

We are so "busy" these days that people often say, "Oh, I'm busy and I forgot!"  Ya know, because the person planning the party isn't busy?


Take those two minutes out of life and RSVP if you are going or you are not going by the deadline.

Town Fireworks for the 4th

It's Friday the 29th and our town celebrated the 4th with the fireworks.

Now, I live in a pretty large town it's actually township because it encompasses several smaller towns.  At one time we all had different zip codes but now most of the township is under one.


The town has grown quite a bit since I was a child.  I remember going to the local high school and they did the fireworks on the back field where I would later learn my marching band drill.  Back then it seemed like the entire town could park any which way and see the fireworks.


Apparently the town does not have one spot big enough to not only park all the people but also do the fireworks from a safe area so they chose the location of our intermediate school.  The only parking there was for VIP, vendors and the handicap.  The officer told me I could try to find parking in the local development but I figured the buses would be the easier choice.


We went to the high school, a site I think I've barely been back since I graduated.  A parking lot was where I once stood outside my science class to watch a solar eclipse.  The school is immense!


We quickly got on our way and got to the fireworks.  Neither of us had money and of course they were selling food, water, popcorn and TOYS.  My kids got all pouty when I told them no but we had NO CASH at all.  Nothing.  In a way, I was kinda glad because they'd get another glow stick or wand that would break then they would be sad.  They have to learn we can't buy something every time we go somewhere.  It gets expensive times 3!


We had to keep them entertained for a good hour.  The middle one started to say she was sleepy.  The youngest just wanted to run.  Boy was it crowded so we picked a spot on the side near the bathrooms.  (Got kids....must use bathroom.)  


Thankfully they put up testers a few times and the kids were so psyched.  


When the fireworks finally started my older ones were THRILLED.  


My younger one, NOT SO MUCH!  Real tears streamed down his face and he was shaking.  He kept telling me, "I want to go home" or "I want to go to bed".  I took him to the tent where he'd tell me he'd want to see but they were too loud.  I missed most of the fireworks walking my son around the food tent.  


Then it ended and I was surprised with the speed my husband came over.  I had visions of being trampled by the crowd in the dark.  Luckily they had emergency lights to help.  Getting out was not easy.  Try holding a child in each hand while the significant other has the other child.  We were trying to stay together and people were cutting through.  My kids seemed SO little among all the people. 


We had to find our bus and we JUST MISSED getting on the first bus.  Then my middle one says, "I need to go potty" so we walked ALL THE WAY BACK to the outdoor potties.  Of course she didn't WANT to go so my husband had to almost force her.  We went back for the buses and were able to get on - after a fright that we could be separated!


I was surprised at the people seriously PUSHING to get on the bus.  I know we all want to get on but my kids were being pushed around.  You'd think that at a nice town event people would be a bit more calm and understanding.  No, it was like every man for himself.  You'd think they were giving something out free on the bus.  I guess it was the exhaustion after a long, hot time at the fireworks but still.....


All in all it was a good night.  Two out of 3 kids will be talking about it for a while.  One might have nightmares.      

Summer Fun List 2012

Calling it a bucket list sounds morbid so I've decided I will do a SUMMER FUN LIST.  I want to provide my children with opportunities over the summer to embrace and enjoy their childhood.  I plan to revisit this page over the summer and hopefully add pictures as well.  It will be a nice way to document their summer!  

I am lucky enough to have started my own Kindermusik business so that I can mix my passion for teaching music and still have time to be with my family.

1.   Caught Lightning Bugs (Fireflies)
2.   Went to an ice cream sundae party
3.   Played in the "water park pool"

4.   Had a picnic lunch and played at the playground

5.   Rides and games at the local carnival

6.   Won a fish at the local carnival

7.   Joined the library's summer reading program
8.   Rode bikes
9.   Drank milkshakes
10. Made a Stepping Stone
11. Played with Hula Hoops
12. Walked the dog

Summer Shopping!

Today was the first shopping trip of the summer with ALL 3 KIDS.  


Part of me was very anxious - How would they act?  Would I be able to control them?  Will they listen?
The other part of me was eager!  We all have to go to stores and it's a great learning experience.

I think the anxiety and worry was winning but I stayed positive and we headed out to the store.  I reminded them to behave.

Sadly the car shopping cart was taken but my youngest wanted to be in the cart.  Fine.  We got our scanner which allows you to scan your groceries and bag them while you shop - WHICH IS THE BEST INVENTION EVER!!!!!

My youngest had springs on his feet.  Up and down, up and down.  I was envisioning him flipping over the cart.  Every two seconds I had to call his name when we stopped and have him sit.  He wanted to walk but thought running away was more fun.  Luckily he likes to hold hands so he held my oldest daughter's hand.  at times all 3 of them held hands.  It was kinda cute.

We managed to get everything on my list and a few extra things, OF COURSE!

My kids are outgoing, vocal and energetic.  They ask me questions about everything.  What's this?  How does that work?  Why is that like that?  Where is that?

I definitely encourage it because 2 of my 3 have speech issues.  I share with them what we are looking for.  We talk to about why we buy what we do.  We count.  We point out colors.  We talk about the things we see.  We greet other customers.  

It probably sounds like a real chaotic family because the produce guy said, "I guess you might be done having kids?"

Thing is, I enjoyed myself.

I use to stress because I wanted the kids to behave a certain way.  I use to worry about how other people saw us.  Maybe I sounded too strict or mean?  Then one day I just realized that I didn't CARE what they thought.  Yes my kids are active and talkative.  I enjoy every minute of it.

The store is such a great learning experience and even if it does create a bit of anxiety, they learned so much today.  They said new words, met new people, used their manners and got out of the house.

Rushing through the tasks of the day and hurrying them along just makes everyone frustrated.  I try to stay calm and enjoy the teachable life lessons.  It makes me appreciate them so much as I watch them grow and learn.

AND - I SURVIVED SHOPPING WITH 3 KIDS AGES 5 & under!

 

MY ACTIVE BOY!

Ever since my son started walking, oh - around 12-13 months, he has been a non-stop ball of energy.  Most people say "That's a boy for ya!"  The other extreme is, "Wow, that must be a lot to handle."

Yeah.  It. Is.

It's not rough in the fact I have to parent him, take care of him and play with him.  I love him to pieces.   I love being a Mom.  I'm not going to lie, it's emotionally tiring.

Out in public he might seem bratty, rough, overactive and like he doesn't listen.  Trust me, it is an emotionally draining struggle to work on the energy, excitement level and appropriate behaviors so he can one day be successful. 

Library story times, music classes and playgroups are just too much stress for me to handle.  I have to worry that he's going to trample over some baby, throw his egg shaker or want to run or scream when he's not suppose to.  It doesn't make those activities fun or enjoyable for me because I'm constantly on guard.  Instead, all outings are carefully planned so I know I can handle him and keep him occupied.  I have a bag full of toys, crayons and toys - oh and thank goodness for the Kindle and Smartphone!

He loves to dance, run, jump and play.  He easily gets frustrated and will head butt you, push or slap to help get his point across.  Part of it is communication (he is in speech therapy) and part of it is HIM.  He's energetic - I'm praying it's not really ADHD.  He's smart as a whip.  He enjoys looking a books, doing puzzles and building with blocks.

It's frustrating to parent him because I question myself.  He has two older sisters that are mostly well-behaved.  I expect my kids to be polite, helpful and use manners.  I model what I want from them all the time. It's shocking to me that my son is the extreme.  Where is this coming from?

I'm constantly working on finding new, energetic ways to keep him busy.  I'm searching for sensory activities.  We encourage the activity within safety guidelines - at the park, outside or through structured activities in the house.  It's definitely exhausting.  He also attends daycare which really seems to help and he does well with the teachers and is OK with the children.  (He hasn't been kicked out yet!)

Some of the things he does is 100% "BOY".  He loves trains, cars, planes and trucks.  He thinks dinosaurs are cool.  He likes me to be a monster and growl.  He likes to knock things down, stomp in rain puddles and catch and throw a ball.

He makes me laugh and smile.  He is excited about life.  He teaches me so much about myself.  I am blessed to have him in my life.

When he does get tired, he snuggles and tells me he loves me.

Does this make a kid SPOILED?!?

If you go online regularly and read the news headlines, I'm sure you've come across this article about the 3-year-old who didn't catch the baseball.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/27/texas-father-says-couple-was-oblivious-to-crying-son-after-foul-ball/

Have you ever noticed that these articles bring out the best and worst in people?  Comments will range from "That kid is a spoiled brat" to "How rude of the couple!"

The announcer clearly made it into a situation but I get it as he was being funny and sarcastic not 100% serious.  More like, "Look at that couple waving the ball in front of that crying child's face.  They should offer it to the child."

I don't think the couple should have given the child the ball.  I think the parents were handling the situation just fine.  The child clearly calmed down about it and the ball club offered the other ball as a nice gesture.

I've been out with my child many time and people have given my children stuffed animals, pins, and trinkets - out of the kindness of their hearts.  Half the time the people would just say, "Here, this is from us.  Your children are adorable."  I tell them they didn't have to and thank them and have my children thank them.  Sometimes people do random acts of kindness but I never teach my children to expect it.  In fact, I regularly drill into their heads that they don't always get their way.

So what's the big deal about this kid?  Doesn't look like the parents stood up and demanded the child a ball or else they would sue!  I don't see the child as being a spoiled brat or the couple who caught the ball as mean.  It was a normal situation in life.  The 3-year-old acted like a 3-year-old.  He was over-charged with excited emotion about the ball coming his way and reacted in tears when it was not caught.  He calmed down with his mother's consoling and the ball club gave him a ball.  Sure the parents could have said, "No thanks" but they truly looked appreciative and so was the child.  They never said anyone OWED them anything.  I'm sure this child is not going to grow up expecting everything handed to him on a silver platter.

Kids are kids.  It's nice to see kindness in the world.  The kid would have went on with or without the ball.  

Applesauce On The Go?!

My kids LOVE fruit.  We eat lots of fresh fruit and dried fruit.  I also like the fruit cups and applesauce that I can keep in the cabinet for a quick snack.

Last September when I went out with some friends and their kids we had a picnic lunch.  They had these pouches that looked like mini drinks but it was Motts Apple Sauce Snack & Go.  This was the first time I had seen it but I was intrigued.

The other day when I was buying some applesauce, I saw them and picked up some.  I wasn't sure if my kids would like them so I figured when they asked for a snack, I'd let them try it.

They were IN LOVE with them.  Applesauce I can drink!  HOW COOL MOM!!!!

I've been buying them ever since and my kids get such a kick out of them.  They are great for lunch bags, picnics and travel.  Even my 2.5 year old does a great job with it!

They come in two flavors:  regular applesauce and strawberry.  Both were well-received by my children.

Now if only my they sold more then 4 packs at my local store!

PICK SOME UP TODAY!!!!

http://www.motts.com/products/34/motts-snack-and-go-natural-applesauce-pouch

Painting Ceramics in Warren, NJ

On my quest to keep my children busy this week, I came across a local paint your own ceramics studio!  

Earth Paint & Fire is a paint-your-own ceramic studio located at 61 C Mountain Blvd, Warren, NJ 07059.  It is located diagonally across the intersection from the Kings in a strip mall.  Make sure you program your GPS for Mountain BOULEVARD or you might not get there.  Mountain Blvd also crosses with Warrenville Road.

The studio itself is very comfortable!  There are large tables and chairs set up to accommodate various group sizes.  It's very bright and array.  There is room to bring in a stroller if you have a little one as well.  The owner was very welcoming and kind.  

There are TONS of pieces you can choose to paint from plates and bowls to piggy banks and adorable figurines!  Whatever you dream, you can make.  They offer special events like Ladies Night Out, specials for the family and they even do birthday parties!  If you're looking for a special gift, it's the perfect place!

The adults will have just as much fun as the kids!  I enjoyed making my son his very own, personalized piggy bank!  My girls enjoyed making their own plates/candy dishes!

This is recommended for ages 4 and up.  You can bring younger kids but it will depend on their interest level.  A 2 or 3-year-old might be okay if they enjoy painting.  If you plan to do something for a younger child, don't try to do your own on the same day!  (I got pretty into my project!) Once my kids were done, they were pretty antsy about me finishing!  It's nerve-wracking with so many breakable items all over but most are out of reach.

The owner never complained about our kids at all and really seemed to enjoy us being there.  In all, it was a wonderful experience.

Now for the price - you pay for the piece and you pay for the time you're there.  For us, my kids took maybe an hour - hour and 15 minutes.  We finished up around 12pm altogether, which was about 2 hours in total.

Your pieces are then fired and you pick them up a week later.

For a unique and fun way to spend quality time with friends and family, check out this nice ceramics studio!

Some of the stuff we painted........ 

Find them on FACEBOOK

Northlandz - A Place with Trains

Are you looking for something to do with the kids?  

 

Northlandz is a huge indoor model train set-up located in Flemington, NJ right on Route 202.  It it easy to get to from any location in Central New Jersey and if you're looking for something to do while visiting New Jersey, this might be something you want to check out.

I visited with my 3 young children, ages 5, 4 & 2, on April 11, 2012 which is Spring Break around here for many schools.  I arrived around 12pm and got a spot right near the front door.  There were two families waiting to buy tickets in front of us.  The gentleman who sells the tickets is really nice and tells you to take your time and enjoy the scenery and trains.  He tells you about the exhibits and is very welcoming.  (My kids were scoping out the gift shop while I paid for the tickets!)

The first couple of areas were a little busy because all the families were taking in the scenery and trains.  While it is very stroller friendly and wheelchair friendly, there is not a lot of space to get around the people who have those items.  I actually let my 2-year-old walk the entire time which turned out to be much better then a stroller.  This meant a lot of lifting.  His older siblings could see the entire scene without any listing except for in one or two spots.  As we moved through, the crowd thinned out and by the end, there wasn't really anyone around us.

Notice the gray step to help younger children see better?  There are also handles to hold on to!

As we walked through each display, there were descriptions about the scenes.  Some were rather comical as well!  With younger children, I could not really read them. We did talk about the displays like colors and vehicles we saw.  We even saw Mater!  Toward the end, they have a historical time line of the railroad which was very cool!  My son was excited about every exhibit!  He screamed "CHOO CHOO" or "I WANT CHOO CHOO" at every one!  I thought he would tire out by the end but he still had such excitement.  Most displays had a few trains running through and it was exciting to see them going into the tunnels and over bridges.

Overall it is impressive to think that someone had this idea and ran with it.  Kids of all ages and adults alike can really appreciate that!

The negative is you can really see the wear and tear from years of people going through.  Patrons are probably the biggest reason.  You could see where people reached over and ruined stuff which was really sad.  Keep your hands off - very simple!  Watch your kids!  In one display with a snow scene you could see where there were ADULT finger prints in the "snow".  Really?  You have to touch?!  Most displays had working trains but usually not on the closest rails to the people.  (Probably because of those rude people who can't keep their hands to themselves!)  The carpeting in the walkways could really be vacuumed and cleaned.  There was one hallway that was rather dark with nothing to look at.  It could have used some pictures with lights to at least have something to look at.

You have an option to take a little train ride at the end.  My kids really enjoyed this but older children might not.  It's a very simple ride through the woods at the site.  You do go through a tunnel which was very exciting to my children!

While the place does need some updating here and there, it is still rather impressive.  With a family of 4 it costs about $50.00 but in the end, it was worth it for the experience.  You can take as much or as little time as you need.  For us, we looked at everything in about 1 hour.  If my youngest was older, we could have taken more time but he was so eager to see where the trains were going he was practically running to the next display!  They have a gift shop and a place to get food.

I leave you with some pictures of the scenery.  

   

Can PB&J get easier?

Well, apparently it has.  Smuckers makes it all possible with Uncrustables.

Which tops today's list from Food You Shouldn't Buy at the Supermarket

Why am I posting about this?  

No matter how they market it, I could never justify buying them.  Ever.

My kids can eat peanut butter and do enjoy PB&J sandwiches but really - they take less then 5 minutes to slap together.  It's not that hard - working Mom, stay at home Mom whatever.  It's not that hard.  

Ironically the other day the advertisement was on my shopping cart.  My daughter asked what it was and I just told her it was a suggestion to buy a product but there are some products we will never buy.  

Really it's not that hard to make a PB&J sandwich, even without the crust!  

What products do you find ridiculous?

Quick Dinner #1

Have kids, can't cook.

If I just had my 5 year old, it would be pretty easy to prep and cook a mighty fine dinner.  She likes to try to help and understands to stay away from knives and the stove.  Then there is my 2 year old who lives his life on the wild side.  I spend most of my time redirecting him then cooking.

I'm always on a quest to provide my children somewhat healthy meals.

This has been a favorite in my family for several years when my Aunt shared it with my Mom.

Here is a quick easy one that we love.  It's wonderful for summer and filling!

TACO SALAD
1 head of lettuce
tomatoes - cut in small pieces
1 small red onion - chopped fine
kidney beans
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bottle of Catalina Dressing
1 bag of Doritos

Mix all the ingredients together and enjoy!  :)

You can alter - originally we added grounded beef.
You can substitute different beans.
You can have the chips on the side or mix them in.  You can try a different type of chip.
You can make more or less very easily.
You can add black olives.

It's so quick and easy to make - however - it doesn't store well so plan to make it and serve it right away!

Enjoy!




 

Kids and Planes

I read this article this morning.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/03/toddler-kicked-off-plane-not-the-first/

Then I read the comments.  Most of them say something along the lines of, "Good, parents these days don't discipline their kids."

The kids age is 2.  Do you know a 2-year-old?  Have you been around them?  I have.  I'm on my third.  They range from being playful, cute, sweet and fun to spirited and energetic.  Then you can toss in the random meltdown at any given time for any reason.

My own son has melted down because we go in the house, buckle him in the car seat, take away a toy or don't let him push the button that closes the van door.  Yep.  Toddler issues.

Add a big trip to an exciting and stimulating place for the 2-year-old and you've got a recipe for disaster.  I feel for the parents, I really do but the pilot did what he needed to.  I do not believe this was a case where the parents do not discipline enough!  They did have a 3 year-old and there was no mention that this child was acting up too.

Usually when an article like this pops up, many comments do say, "OH PARENTS THESE DAYS DON'T DISCIPLINE."

Well, I beg to differ.  I do.  My children do get time-outs and I expect them to be polite, respectful and helpful.  They have meltdowns and get upset.  It's part of parenting.  Most parents never have to be in the limelight because of a toddler meltdown.

I haven't traveled on an airplane with my kids - at any point.  I have no reason to.  We don't take elaborate trips anywhere.  Maybe when they are a tad older we will try Disney World.  For now, we enjoy many wonderful drive-able, local destinations.  It just works for us.

All I know is that 2-year-olds are unpredictable.  They cannot apply a lesson they learn at home to a new place on their own without the guidance of an adult which results in meltdowns.  They don't always understand the "WHYS".

Pointing the "society lacks discipline" finger at these parents is not fair.  Their 2-year-old had a meltdown.  They did disembark the plane.  They were upset and frustrated because of it.  They were mad to spend more money.  The company DID give them some credit back.  Maybe things could have gone differently?

Traveling on the ground with 2-year-olds is hard!  I think it's wonderful that this family can afford a nice vacation with their young family like that.  I'm happy for them.  I'm sorry they had this ordeal but it's part of parenting an unpredictable 2-year-old.

I can't tell you how many times we had to stop on a 10-hour drive to Ohio to see my in-laws!  I couldn't have imagined flying.  It's not that the kids were unruly, they just needed to stretch!

Stop using the "Parents Don't Discipline" line.  The kid was 2.  TWO.

Life goes on.

Why do you need a Smartphone?

I'm mostly a stay-at-home Mom so I have had people ask, "Why do you need a smartphone?"

Today I had an appointment with my active 2-year-old son.  We arrived on time and we started by having a snack and a drink.  This went well for awhile.  Then he laughed and played with another little boy in the waiting room, however, I was starting to run out of ways to keep in busy!

After the waiting room, we were put in a room to wait to see the doctor.  Let me tell you what a 2-year-old can do.  First he wanted to try out the computer which apparently has a flip down table.  HOW COOL especially to a 2-year-old!  I had to pry him away from that.  Then it was the sink, "WASH HANDS!" he insisted.  He tried to open and slam the drawers.  He tried to open and lock and unlock the door.  Then he took to running laps around the exam table.

FINALLY I whipped my smartphone out of my pocket and found some drawing games.  HALLELUJAH!  the boy was very interested in coloring, angry birds and an Elmo picture match game - ALL FREE GAMES. This saved me from him destroying the room!

Many people think, what do you need a smartphone for?  You don't work and you have a limited budget.  With anything in life, sometimes we splurge on the things that we want.  Today it was the Smartphone!

The Little Gym - Trial Class

My son is an extremely active little boy.  I've been thinking it's time to find an activity for him that works with our schedule.

A did a trial class with The Little Gym

The teacher was outgoing and inviting.  The class started out with a "Hello Song" where each child (or parent) said their child's name.  There were about 6 families on time and then several walked in a bit late.  I think there might have been about 10 children altogether?  It was hard to really keep track when they were running and playing and I was chasing my son around!  Anyway, my son was trying to escape the entire time.  He really wanted to be all over the gym.  The teacher reassured me that this behavior was okay.  I tried to guide him back to the large mat but he wanted to check everything out.

After the Hello Song, she said they were going to act like animals.  (The theme for the class that day was animals.)  I forget if the song was some version of  "Old Mac Donald" but there were several animals and we crawled, hopped, ran, and trotted and made animal sounds.  I thought this would engage my son but it did not.  He was still running all over.  They did an activity with hula hoops.  The children were suppose to roll and spin them.  I though this would interest my son but he still wanted to explore the gym.  After that activity, the instructor told us we could let our kids explore the gym.  (THANK GOODNESS!)

As the instructor made her rounds, she mentioned that she would call everyone over to a piece of equipment for a "Skill Building" exercise.  The first skill builder was one of those spring boards up against a triangle mat.  The children were suppose to jump and squat like a frog.  I watched as the instructor explained and my son was trying to escape my grasp.  I made him wait his turn and he actually DID the exercise.  I thought he wasn't paying attention.

We were allowed to continue exploring the gym.  He enjoyed so much.  He loved the balance beams and obstacle courses.  He loved jumping all over the place!  It was fantastic!  The entire room was child-safe.  He really couldn't escape anywhere.  Since I had to spend much of my time chasing him around, it was great to have such a safe place.

Next was another skill building exercise.  This time it was the rings.  They had to hold on to both rings and lift up their legs.  My son did so well on this too.  He's a strong child!  After that we got to explore and you get to chat with other parents as you try the equipment and wait your turn.

Then came the balls.  He LOVED this so much.  I have to get him a basketball net!

They ended class with bubbles!  (What child does not like bubbles?!)  Then we gathered on the mat and sang a goodbye song.  The teacher then stamped each child's hand!  My son wanted to just go or run around but I managed to have him wait his turn.

What was I looking for in the class?  Something to engage his high activity.  I feel that the class did offer that.  He did nap that afternoon and he rarely naps when he is home.  I also wanted him to get a bit of the social experience.  They did provide an opportunity with the Hello & Goodbye circle.  My son just did not want to sit with me.  Perhaps over time he would get use to the routine of the class structure.  

All in all it was a pretty positive experience.  I enjoyed the setting, the teacher, the social aspects and the curriculum.  So why didn't I enroll?  I thought the price was rather high for the class.  The price the teacher gave me for the remaining weeks was around $20/class.  There were different price structures as well.  If you paid in advance, it saved you more but the monthly payment was $90.00/MONTH!  As a music teacher, most private lessons for beginning students are around $25 - $30.00 for 30 - 45 minutes.  It was hard to imagine that a GROUP class would cost so much!

For me it was a hard decision because it did fit him well and I could see the value and the fun he would have each week but budgeting that in was not something I could do at this time.  Since I have two older children as well that are involved in activities, it's definitely a budget thing.

We had fun and I would recommend it to others with active children like mine.      

Teach by example

You know what bothers me?  Lack of manners.

It bothers me even more when it's a parent with their child.

When I'm out with my children I try to show them manners.  Smiling at others, holding a door open, greeting the cashier at the store, ya know - the simple things.

If I drop something I pick it up, if my child bumps into something, I ask them to help me pick it up.  If I see something on the floor at a store, I pick it up.  Simple manners.

Some people have decided they are above others and do not need to do those things.  See something on the floor?  Step on it or kick it.  Walking out the door, let it slam on a child who is holding their mother's hand trying to get out the door.

It's even worse when parents allow kids to destroy or not take care of property.  If a piece of fruit gets knocked on the floor, it's not so hard to ask your child to pick it up.  If you're at the playground, it's not unheard of to expect your child to share.  It's not the end of the world if your child doesn't push their way to the front of the line.

The rude Mom who was walking behind me and my two children that said, "We better hurry because we don't want to be stuck here" because she was parked next to me, lacked manners.  Not like it takes THAT long for me to get my kids in the car and make sure they are strapped the right way.  Did she remember when her child was young?  Manners - they really do go a long way.

I just want to show my children kindness and consideration of other people and property by example.  Example, after all, is the best way children learn.  I hope that they will be good family members, citizens and friends to others.

The old saying is "It takes a village to raise a child".  This does not mean the immediate village of your family or group of BFFs.  It means every single person.  Children need to see those positive examples.  They need to see manners being used.  It doesn't just stop at the family.  It applies to the people you see out in public.

I am just one person in the world but I try to use manners and show them how to use them.  One little brick in building the village.