DATE ARCHIVES : May 2013

Let Your Kids Leap Ahead This Summer

It’s almost here. It’s the time of year kids look forward to all year long…summer.  Its three months of fun without going to school and without having to set an alarm. But, just because kids are turning off their alarm clocks, doesn’t mean they should be turning off their brains too. Three months is a long time to go without learning something, don’t you think?

As parents, we continuously hear about how we should always read to our kids. But, what about helping them keep up in math too? It’s just as important. During the summer, there is plenty of time to slip in some math lessons to keep their brains fresh and help them get ahead for the fall. Leap Ahead is a great online program that offers just that, without breaking the bank. Problem solving, algebra, and geometry are just a few of the topics covered.

If your child is entering grades three through nine, this is a great opportunity. LeapAhead! Online Summer Math Program even offers a gifted program for parents and children who want a greater challenge. Whichever program you choose, there are plenty of exercisesto keep your child’s mind active.

Summer Practice = Fall Success

Why not take advantage today?

 

*This is a sponsored post

She’s the Town Crier

It’s no secret that my three and a-half year old loves to talk. I wonder where she gets that from?Anyway, she just doesn’t tell you what she’s doing or what project she might have made at school. She loves to tell my business. That’s why I now call her The Town Crier.

Most times, I don’t mind. But there are times when I don’t want people to know that I went to Target for the third time in a week or that we had to rush to Sam’s Club because I had no more diapers in the house although I could have sworn I bought another pack. There’s also the times when she lets people know I took her to McDonald’s for lunch and let her have a soda. I love the looks I get for that one.

From what I made or may not have made her for dinner to what we did all day, she makes sure everyone knows what we’re up to. She’s also makes sure everyone knows what I’m talking about on the phone. I resorted to talking in code or spelling things, but now she’s on to me. Those little ears know too much sometimes.

If you want someone to know something, just tell her. Right before Mother’s Day, my husband took her and her sister shopping. He made the mistake of letting her see where he hid my present. When I came home, she pointed to a high cabinet in the kitchen and said (in the cutest voice), “Mommy,there’s a present in there for you.” I started laughing. My husband just stared at her and reminded her she wasn’t supposed to tell.

She even tells on her sister. I don’t have to worry if the little one is doing something wrong, because she’ll let me know. I think this is going to get her in trouble one of these days. But for now, she’s my little town crier.

What Do I Want for Mother’s Day?

Sometimes Mother’s Day is kinda like Christmas. There’s so much hype about it, and at times the reality doesn’t live up to all the expectations. Sometimes Santa doesn’t fill your wish list, whether it’s December or May.

So, what are the big Mother’s Day gifts? Flowers, candy, jewelry…they’re alright, but do I really want them for Mother’s Day? Honestly, no…especially not the candy. Swimsuit season is practically here and a pound of truffles is not going to help the cause. Flowers…well, I guess they aren’t bad, but they’re going to die in a week anyway.  Jewelry…it’s pretty, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not diggin it this year. So, what’s left?

There are loads of other “Mom” gifts that all the stores are trying to pawn off on all the men looking for that “perfect” gift. But, I don’t see any of those stores wrapping a big bow around a box of “peace and quiet”, “I’m not doing s***t today”, and “Can everyone just STFU today”, do you? They also seem to be forgetting “nap in a box”.  Those, my friends, would be great! But no, instead, we are brainwashed to believe that a bracelet and a dozen of roses would be oh so much better.

I know a lot of you out there would love some flowers, candy, or jewelry, and that’s just fine with me. But, you can’t honestly say you wouldn’t enjoy a day where the kids didn’t scream, a day when you didn’t accidentally stick your finger in poop because your daughter moved faster than you could move the diaper, or even a day when you didn’t have to ask your significant other to unload the dishwasher (the dishes don’t magically walk themselves back into the cabinet, contrary to popular belief).

I think when it comes to Mother’s Day, actions speak louder than gifts. Showing a momma she’s appreciated, or God forbid, actually speaking the words, can actually get you a lot further. Women dig that stuff, trust me.

Okay, so what’s on your Mother’s Day wish list? What’s on mine? Honestly, I just want to have a nice drama free day with the people I love, and I’m not just saying that. If some gifts come my way, so be it. If not, I’m good. I’ll just be steering clear of the poop and the dishwasher.