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family

Raising A Toddler in 2023

Parenting • Mar 23, 2023

It was important to me that this was my first post after the site redesign. Being a parent is without a doubt one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs on the planet. But being a parent in 2023 brings on it’s own sets of challenges. Challenges that some parents before us were truly not faced with. With technology changing by the minute, school shootings on the rise, and so much overload from the world around us there are days I feel like I don’t know where to turn.

I thought giving a few pointers from a parents perspective in 2023 would be helpful. Below are my top 5 tips for new parents.

  • First and foremost, do you! This has many meanings but I think the most important message is that you are doing whatever it is that YOU feel is right. I see so many parent’s that are doing this or doing that because this book says this or that blog says that. That’s no way to parent. Take what you feel are the best parts of all these systems and create your own.
  • Take time for you. This is important! I’m not necessarily talking about a lavish week alone on a deserted island (unless that’s your thing) but instead, taking a few minutes to have time for yourself. This could be reading a book, working on a project you enjoy, or even watching an episode of your favorite TV show. It doesn’t matter what it is, just take the time to enjoy a few minutes to yourself.
  • Your not going to break them. This was a lesson I had to learn from day one. I remember thinking our son was so fragile and yet these nurses would just whip him around to change clothes or a diaper like it was nothing. When I asked why she was so rough her exact response was, “you aren’t going to break him”. This took time to get used to be eventually became the norm. As he’s gotten older this meaning has transitioned from diaper changes to our style of punishment. Instead of worrying about physically breaking my son there were days I worried about mentally break him. That may sound harsh but believe me, that one time you lose control and yell isn’t going to break them.
  • Give everyone grace. Everyone. There are days my kid is a jerk. There, I said it, he can be a jerk. And you know what, from his perspective, I’m sure there are days when I’m a jerk too. You get through it. Sometimes everyone apologies and then you move on to the next day. Give them and give yourself grace to make mistakes.
  • Ask for help. This is one I struggle with. Ask for help when you need it! Need to take that time to yourself? Ask for help? Baby has a cough? Ask for help? Not sure what size diapers to buy? Ask for help!

I’m sure that I could go on and on with this list but I think the five above are the most important. Parenting isn’t easy, it’s hard. Anybody that tells you otherwise is lying to you. You are going to have good days and your going to have bad days. Believe me, you’ll have plenty of both.

I hope this helps! What are your top parenting tips?

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Seasons Greetings

GGMT , Holidays , Personal • Dec 5, 2016

seasonsgreetingsTis’ the season! Holiday decorations, pine scented candles, christmas lights, decorated trees, hot chocolate and so much more! There are so many great things to love about the holiday season. It’s my favorite time of the year for so many great reasons.

The last few years have been very different since my mom passed. She left me with so many beautiful memories that I have plenty to look back on and be grateful for. My mom was the type of parent that could hardly wait for Christmas to begin opening presents. Lets be real, she also didn’t want me waking her up early so many times we did our presents on Christmas Even instead of waiting until Christmas morning. Each year I make sure that my partner opens one gift on Christmas eve regardless of how small it may be. I’ve never told him this but it’s one of those little things that keeps the memory alive.

Each year we put up two Christmas trees. His and His if you will, lol. I like a tree with multi-colored lights and glittery ornaments. Brian on the other hand prefers white lights and a tree full of ornaments both from his childhood and from his travels. Both trees are stunning and it’s disappointing each year when they have to come down.

There is also a massive Christmas village that Brian puts up each year. Probably 50-ish houses and all of the people to match. It’s a Department 56 village so it has all of trimmings to really make it come alive. A few novelty houses as well such as Play-Doh and Lego. Takes a few hours to put it up and a few more to take it down.

I hope that everyone takes the time to truly enjoy this holiday season. I would love to hear some of your traditions!

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Weight Watchers – Round 3!

Good Eating , Health , Personal , Weight Watchers • Aug 15, 2014

jessicasimpsonweightwatchers

I have been a LONG TIME fan of Weight Watchers. Long before Jessica Simpson or Jennifer Hudson became representatives for the organization. In fact, I think i was joining Weight Watchers for the first time when Jessica Simpson was at her peak filming The Dukes of Hazard. I was at my fattest when she was at her best, ironic!

Anyway, I’ve been a fan. I’ve done two successful ’rounds’ of the program and i’m excited to say i’ve basically battled through round 3! I haven’t gained any of the 150lbs back that i lost 10 years ago (thankfully). I’ve just never fully completed the program. I’ve never gotten down to my ideal goal weight. To be honest.. i don’t even know what that number is! I don’t have a desire to look down and see a six-pack (although i wouldn’t complain) i just don’t want to feel unhappy with my body.

Body image is something that i’ve struggled with my entire life. Entire. Life. I was always the fat kid in school. I had amazing friends and went to a great school that wasn’t concerned with cliques, groups, and social circles. I was never made fun of and i’m grateful for that. I just never had a confidence to not feel self-conscious in the my own skin. I’ve always felt like the fat kid when i’m truly not anymore. I’m not proud of where i started but i’m proud of the fact that i’ve come so SO far!

In a nutshell the Weight Watchers system is pretty simple. Based upon sex, age, and average daily activity you are given a set number of ‘points’ that you can eat each day. Each point value has (or in the case of fruits/vegetables do not have) a set point value. Every time you eat something you must subtract the points consume from your overall daily limit. Nobody is perfect so there is a catch for that! You are also given a weekly point limit. Personally, i save these points for Adult Beverages and Junk Food! I can’t live without either.. lets be honest!

There have been good weeks and there have of course been VERY BAD weeks. I own it. Not everyday or every week for that matter will be a success. Sometimes that Krispy Kreme donut is just calling my name. Donuts do have a tendency to seduce their victims. I’m hungry just thinking about the damn things. When i’ve had a bad week i simply pick up the pieces and keep moving. I know they say in the program that you should still weight in but… i don’t. If i have a bad week i don’t even want to look at the scale. I’m going to just move on the next week and start over again!

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Death

Personal , Random • Jan 22, 2013

DEATH. We all know that at some point its coming. At a certain point in life as well we know that it’s going to begin to surround us It’s always a shock and it’s never the type of surprise any of us look forward to. The circumstances are always unexpected and its always unfortunate.

This morning at 2:30 AM my grandfather MERLE SMITH passed away. It was everything listed above. As an older man I knew his time was coming. I knew that every minute I had with him could some day be my last. I took that for granted and unfortunately I didn’t spend as many moments with him as I should have. A REGRET IS A MISTAKE THAT YOU HAVEN’T LEARNED FROM. I learned therefore I have no regrets. I look back and smile only on the happy memories I still have.

Grandpa was admitted to the hospital on Sunday for pneumonia. At the time everything was normal. Being elderly the admittance was simply just a precaution. Monday evening things went sour when an aneurism in his brain burst. A few short hours later he passed to his home in heaven. He will have great company with fellow family members that have gone before him. 

Today is the first time ever that i’ve called off work for a death in the family (don’t judge me). I feel that its more benefiting to be at work keeping my mind off of the pain instead of sitting at home and sulking about it. This situation is different. This man meant everything to me. My dad passed when I was young and this man stepped in quickly to fill the voice. This he continued to do up until the day that he passed. I will never forget the beautiful memories that I am left with.

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