Setting Up A Play Date + Personalized Play Date Notes

Posted on 18 November, 2015 by admin

Truth is, I have been a Mommy for a looooong time, I have a 19 year old son. But, times have certainly changed since he was a little tyke. Setting up play dates for him was so much easier than facilitating them for my daughters, now 11 and 5 years old. They are both very social creatures, as opposed to my son who was a more quiet and reserved child. So, I find myself with two kids who would like to have play dates, and lots of them. I have never really been the Play Date Mommy. But, apparently times are a-changing.

Play dates for me bring out all kinds of insecurities, the planning, the execution. I don’t know these people and they don’t know me. Do I really want to take on the job of being responsible for someone else’s child? What kind of child will they be? Will they listen(mind) me? Will I regret venturing outside of my comfort zone? And, if I do it this once, is it going to turn into something else I will have to schedule into our lives? Will I feel comfortable with allowing some one else to facilitate, in return?

Once I ran through all these questions in my mind, I quickly made a couple of decisions. I can handle one on one play dates. The best place for me to do play dates is out of the house, somewhere the kids can be active, stay busy, and are in a controlled space. The great thing about this choice is that it limits the amount of places that play dates can take place for us. Bowling, Skating, Trampoline Park, Jumpy Houses, or even the Movie Theater, to name a few.

The next question is how to reach out and get in touch with the parents. It is not like back when my son was little and you most likely knew and interacted with your child’s classmates and even their parents on occasion. Now a days you can’t even pick and choose who to invite to your child’s party. If the whole class can’t come then you can’t even invite one child. (I won’t even go into what I feel about that subject.)

After asking for permission, I was told that I could send a Play Date Note in and the teacher would get it to the parents. Now you know, I couldn’t just do any ordinary note like a normal person. I had to create something of my own. And, since I know that I am not the only Mommy going through this, I decided to share these adorable Play Date Notes with you.

I captured every variation, so choose the one that applies to your situation. Boy to Boy Boy to Girl Girl to Girl Girl to Boy

Download – Print and Enjoy!!

Veteran’s Day Coloring Sheet

Posted on 10 November, 2015 by admin

Veteran’s Day is tomorrow, November 11th, this year. Over the years, I have tried to explain the importance of those who have served Our Country to my little ones. It certainly is not an easy conversation, so this year, I searched for some ideas and ran across this amazing article on some ways that you can have this conversation and engage your kids. Check out this link on “Teaching Kids About Veteran’s Day” found here on FantasticFunandLearning.com. It’s Full of Ideas and Books that will make it both fun and interesting.

In Honor of Our Veteran’s – Let’s Celebrate all that they do for our Country with this “Veteran’s Day” Coloring Sheet.

Celebrate Veteran's Day with this Free Coloring Sheet - www.stage-presents.com

Download Here – Right Click Save and Print. And, to Our Veterans, we salute you.

GRACE UNDER FIRE – KORI GAFF

Posted on 6 October, 2015 by admin

This month’s Creative Interview has been one of my favorites thus far. The reason behind that is that Kori is a personal friend of mine, that I have NEVER physically met. Back in 2003, when we were both pregnant with our now 10 year olds, we joined an Online Parenting Group for Expectant Moms due in November. I think we were both looking for people who were experiencing the same things that we were at that time, like the indigestion, weight gain, and over all pregnancy woes. The group went through major transitions over the years. And, literally there are only a few of us still standing. But, what developed out of that setting were some very meaningful and unexpected friendships. She was the first military wife that I had ever known. Long before my obsession with the Lifetime Show. I was always fascinated by the way she played her position taking on whatever was thrown at her while still maintaining order, stability and security for her family. The sacrifices that not only those serving our country, but also the families left behind is humbling. Check out what Kori has to say about life as a military wife and mom and transitioning to civilian life.

When did you become a military wife?

We were married June 19 2001. That’s when my journey as a military wife began.

How long was your dh in the military?
He was in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years.

Was he in the military before you got married and did that weigh into the decision to marry him?
While we did date in high school we were not together when he joined. When we got back together he was already a Marine. Him being in the military really didn’t have any bearing on my decision to marry him. Partially because my father was in the military when I was a kid so I had an idea of what my life was going to be like. And partially because it didn’t matter to me.

With him being deployed, was he able to be their for the births of all of your babies?
I was really lucky and he was home for all of my pregnancies and births. There are many women who don’t have that.

What was the hardest time that you spent alone?
In March 2011 he was deployed on ship in the Asia Pacific Region. (Japan, Thailand, Malaysia etc). I awoke one morning to many texts , Facebook posts and Facebook messages asking if Mike was ok. I had no idea what they were talking about. I turned on the news and found out there was an earthquake and tsunami in that area. I quickly turned on the computer and had a message from him that read, ” I’m fine.” During the next communication I found out that they were on their way back to Japan to see if they would be needed in the clean up efforts. For the next couple of months the stability of the of the Fukushima Dauichi nuclear power plant went from bad to worse, getting up to level 7 emergency. Nuclear chemicals were leaking out and evacuations took place. The ship remained “docked” in Japan. So there was a very real fear of what chemicals he may have been exposed to.

How was the transition when going from being a Military Wife to being a civilian?
The transition from military wife to civilian wife was difficult for me. I spent all of my adult life living one way and then it was just done. We moved to a non military town and I felt out of my element, sometimes I still do and it’s been a year. As a military wife I was always able to find people like me. As a civilian I felt alone and like I didn’t fit anywhere.

When did he retire and after how long? Do you think he regrets it or was he happy to move on?
He retired from the Marine Corps March 31, 2014. After 20 years he was ready to move on.

What were some of the major changes after he retired?

Major changes were the move back home. Finding a home, a job, new schools for the kids. Healthcare was huge because we never had to deal with health insurance before. The stability we had was gone.

How did it change the family dynamic?
The family dynamic hasn’t really changed too much. Mike is home more now so I’d say that actual co parenting is new. Before I really just decided what was what and now it’s discussed more.

What advice would you give a new military wife?
It’s all what you make of it. If you decide things stink…they are going to stink. You have to be able to find some silver lining. Find friends, they will help you through.

What advice would give to a wife who is transitioning to civilian life?
Just go with the flow. There will be ups and downs but you will get through them. It might be hard for a while but you’ve been a military wife already, you’ve got this.

Is there anything that you would have done differently at any juncture in this whole process?
I don’t think I would’ve done anything differently. The military gave me a great life, now it’s time to see what civilian life has in store.

“It’s all what you make of it. If you decide things stink…they are going to stink. You have to be able to find some silver lining. Find friends, they will help you through.” –Kori Gaff

Three… Two… One… A Friday Series No.2

Posted on 28 August, 2015 by admin

Three Blogs:
Brooklyn Limestone

Taste Better From Scratch

The Glitzy Pear

Photo Source: 1 2 3 – In Number Order

Two Faves:

Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Waffle Griddle

The Easy Herb Mill & Grinder

Photo Source: 1 2

One Freebie: Lunch Box Notes

Super Sweet Lunch Box Note Printables – To Download – Click On the Link – Save – Print – Cut

Have an Awesome Weekend!!

My Product Review of the Rubbermaid LunchBlox

Posted on 26 August, 2015 by admin

I was both excited and nervous about my baby girl heading off to Kindergarten. There are way too many reasons to name. But, 1 BIG reason was that she has numerous food allergies, and can never be without her EpiPen. We have known about all of her allergies for years, and she knows what she can and can not eat. But, I couldn’t help but worry about her eating something that was on her NO GO List. In addition to that she is a Picky Picky Eater. As any parent who has a picky eater knows, having a child with these kind of issues can make things difficult, and, can turn you into a short order cook. There is very rarely anything that she always loves and she tires of food easily.

So of course, my first thought was what am I going to feed her. I went to favorite spot for ideas. You guessed it Pinterest using this Search. I knew that she needed variety, just to ensure that she was eating enough to be productive during the school day. My next thought was the Bento Box (pictured here). There were so many different kinds to choose from, and many different price ranges too. I had pretty much settled on them.

Photo Source:

But, then …. on my weekly Grocery Shopping Trip, I ran across the Rubbermaid LunchBlox for Tall Lunch Bags. This set up was perfect for us because of the the Tall Hello Kitty Lunch Bag, that we had already purchase for our little one. And…. it happened to be on SALE, another plus. We started trying it out, the week before school started just to see what could fit in it. Since she most likely would not be eating the school lunch for fear of an allergy mix up, I wanted to make sure that her lunch would be something that she would enjoy. I did not want her to feel like she was missing out.

First, I wanted to make sure that she could open it by herself. ☑

Second, I wanted to make sure that we could keep her fruits, veggies and drinks cold.☑

Third, I wanted to make sure that the ice pack that came with the bag wouldn’t melt through out the day and make a mess. ☑

The Rubbermaid LunchBlox passed all my tests, plus it’s Microwave Safe, Dishwasher Safe, Freezer Safe and BPA Free, as listed on their website here.

It’s no Easy Feat to please this Mommy. So this product gets the Stage Present’s Stamp of Approval.

Conquering Day One – First Day of School 2015-2016

Posted on 11 August, 2015 by admin

You would think that as a VETERAN PARENT, (meaning I have a 19 year old son), that the First Day of School wouldn’t be so daunting for me. But, every year I get anxiety and don’t get much sleep for the days leading up to it. This year was probably a little worst than the past years, because it was my baby’s First Day of Kindergarten. I kept watching her all morning to see signs of fear, but it wasn’t until we were already in the classroom that she showed her hand. I could see the tears right on the brink, and as I put my hand on her little chest in an attempt to calm her, I could feel her heart beating soo fast. For a moment, I wanted to grab her hand and run down the length of the hallway, throw her in the car and take her home with me, where I knew she would be safe. But, I steadied myself and diverted my eyes, so as not to burst into tears myself. Lucky for me, hubby took the day off to go with, and he was his usual Cool as a Cucumber self. After I dropped her off, I walked my oldest daughter to her fifth grade class with her supplies. Shes an old pro, so she was fine. Then, I immediately doubled back to check on baby girl, and even though she was a bit withdrawn and quiet, she was ok. The hours seemed to creep by today. I kept looking at my phone and my watch, even though I am not sure why. She made it through the day, and rode the bus home with her sister, as if she had been doing this all her life. So, I suppose all is well that ends well. There’s something about your last baby. It makes the firsts also the lasts, and, I suppose that can be a little somber. Now, that we have gotten past that part, I pray that the girls both have an amazing year, and wish the same for you and your little people. Let’s Get It!!

Looking for some tips on How to Talk to Your Kids About School check out this great blog on Scholastic.com. First Days are always filled with lots of emotion, consider sharing your first day stories with us in the comments below.

First Day of School Instagram Printables

Posted on 5 August, 2015 by admin

In our house, the first day of school is a big deal. So each year I try to come up with fun ways to commemorate the end of summer and kick off the school year. As the kids get older, it gets harder to come up with new and innovative things we can do together and enjoy. But lucky for me, my girls share in my love of Scrap booking and Creating Photo Books. My kids enjoy scrolling through my Instagram Feed, but they are too young to have a page of their own. So, I came up with this fun Instagram Printable that I knew they would love. It was something that they could “make their own” by adding their own words and choosing a picture and then we could add it to our Yearly Family Photo Book. You can read more about this here.

Since we enjoyed it so much, I thought I would share Our Free Editable Instagram First Day of School Printable with all you Scrap booking and Shutterbug Moms, or anyone who just wants a keepsake to remember this Special Day. And, the best part is that you don’t need any fancy Photo Editing Software, you can edit it in Microsoft Word. But, feel free to edit it in ANY Software you choose.

Here’s What You Will Need:

Some of Your Own Creativity

Your Computer

Printer

Scissors

Scrap Booking Background Pages (Optional)

Embellishments (Optional)

It’s Super Easy!! Download Your Template Here. Open Your Document. Personalize your text. Add a 4×6 Picture. Fit Picture to the Available Space and Save. Print and Voila you have a Keepsake to Remember.

There are always a host of emotions that come with the first day of school, some good, some not so good. I think I probably think about it a lot more than the kids do. They are just excited to wear their new clothes and see their friends. Here’s to a GREAT 2015-2016 School Year.

“You’re Off To Great Places. Today is Your Day. Your Mountain is Waiting, So Get On Your Way.” – Dr. Seuss

Things I want my girls to know

Posted on 25 June, 2015 by admin

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs out there. Like most parents out there, I often find myself wishing that I could protect my girls from all the pitfalls that lay ahead. I am sure it’s not much different than what my own mother must have felt while watching my sister and I grow into young ladies. But, I must admit that it’s only now, that I am a parent of two young girls that I am I even starting to get a glimpse into the sheer panic that she must have felt. I remember thinking that my parents were too hard on us or that we were way too sheltered. I had lots of opinions on the best way to raise myself. My son now 18, almost 19 felt the same way, and, I’m sure my girls will too.

As a woman, I often think of what I could tell my own little girls that would help them to avoid some of the pain and heartache that I went through. Knowing all too well, that just because I tell them doesn’t necessarily mean that they will listen, and that they won’t have to find their own way. Over the years, I have started keeping a list of things to tell them, which eventually turned into a Pinterest Board on my Personal Page here. And, I am pretty sure that the list will get longer as they get older. My long term plan is to have these quotes and words of wisdom put into a small book that they can carry with them when they leave for college. Here are just a few of my favorites..

1. Be Yourself. An original is always worth more than a COPY.

2. If you can’t be kind, be quiet.

3. Don’t let someone dim your light, simply because it’s shining in their eyes.

4. Comparison is the thief of joy.

5. I hope you know, you are capable, brave and significant, even when you feel like you’re not.

6. Someone who is worthy of your love will never put you in a situation where you feel you must sacrifice your dignity, your integrity, or your self-worth to be with them.

7. Rudeness is the weak person’s imitation of strength.

8. Hope is the little voice you hear whisper “maybe” when it seems the whole world is shouting “no”!

9. Laugh when you can, apologize when you should & let go of what you can’t change.

10. Beauty without Intelligence, is a masterpiece painted on a napkin.

Photo Source: Pinterest

Photo Source:

I am sure there are things that you want to tell your little ones as they grow. What are your thoughts? Consider sharing your quotes or Words of Wisdom with us in the comment section below.

Making Memories In the Kitchen

Posted on 2 June, 2015 by admin

Making Memories In The Kitchen Photo Source:

The goal of any Stay at Home or Work from Home Mom is to make it through the summer with her sanity in check, while still making memories with her little ones. That is just the reality of it, or at least it is for this Mom. My girls are both at the age where they are showing an interest in the kitchen and cooking. So, I came up with the bright idea to let them learn how to do a few more things around the kitchen.

So, I started looking around for recipes that met the following criteria: a) Easy b) Fast c) Required Very Few Ingredients d) Consisted of a Food they already Love.

While browsing Pinterest, I found the link to the recipe for Mini Personal Size Pizzas on Pillsbury.com here.

This was definitely, my kind of recipe. Four Ingredients, Two Steps, Ten Minutes Prep Time, 25 Minutes, Total Cook Time, and Eight Servings (which means there would be enough for me and Daddy too.)

Even though Our Pizzas were not as Aesthetically Pleasing as the Photo Shown on the Pillsbury Site. They tasted incredible and we had a lot of fun making them, even if the girl’s faces are all business here. They took their jobs seriously.

My Notes: I really let them do their thing. I gave them the instructions and then let them go at it. I think maybe, we could have used a little more Pizza Sauce and Cheese. We used Turkey Pepperoni instead of what the recipe called for, and we added some veggies to the mix. This was only our first go round. I trust that we will get better in time. I will let you know how our next attempt turns out.

What activities do you have planned for your little ones this summer?

Stage Presents

Stay in the know, follow us on social media →

Category Archives: Parenting

Three… Two… One… A Friday Series No.2

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

“You’re Off To Great Places. Today is Your Day. Your Mountain is Waiting, So Get On Your Way.” – Dr. Seuss

Share this:

Accessories:

Food and Beverages:

Relaxation:

Preparation:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: