For Personal Use Only. Do not Alter or Redistribute on Any Other Sites.
Can you believe it? Father’s Day is less than a month away.
There is no one quite like Dad, except maybe Mom, lol. But, He’s been your “Go To Guy”, for as long as you can remember. Nothing feels better or safer than Daddy’s Hugs. And, nothing sets you right again, like Daddy’s Advice. Let’s face it, He’s a classic. Show him just how much he means to you with this Free Father’s Day 2015 Printable.
Download and Print Here.
Grandma Mother’s Day Printable
Auntie’s Mothers Day Printable
Just days left until Mother’s Day. Don’t forget about Grandma and Auntie, the next best thing to Mom. Download, Print and Frame these free Printables for a Special Mother’s Day Surprise.
Mother’s Day Printable
She lights up your world. And, you can’t imagine life without her. Help the kids show Mom just how special she is, with this Super Cute “Flowers for Mommy” Mother’s Day Printable.
To Download: Right Click and Save Image as to Download and or Print.
As the parent of a child with Special Needs letting her go out into “the world” aka Elementary School was no easy task. Under the protective umbrella of Day Care, I grew to expect a certain level of care that I was not sure if I was going to receive in Elementary School. I was beyond nervous and apprehensive while trying to appear confident and excited about the transition. My oldest is 18 years old, so I had an opportunity the deal with all kinds of teachers. So, I felt like I knew what to expect.
But, nothing could have prepared me for the team that I would encounter at her school. I can only say that I was blessed. Right out the gate her Speech Therapist fell in love with her. I got the immediate feeling that she would care for her like her very own and she did. We have had 5 years of amazing teachers, and specialist. Each going the extra mile to make sure that our girl got the care she needed in order to successful. That is no small feat, trust me. When she gets out the car in the morning, I am truly comfortable and at ease.
For this reason, Teacher Appreciation Week is extremely important to me. After all who else spends as much time with your little ones as you do. These ladies and gentlemen are the next line of defense and are instrumental in helping to mold their young minds. So every year, I try to put a little thought into giving them something that shows just how much we appreciate their efforts.
This year I wanted something both cute and quick. So, I decided to go personalized. We ordered these Super Cute Laura Kelly Personalized Note Pads from Expressionery and coupled them with our Printable Teacher Gift Tags and some Ribbon. And, just like that we had a Gift Any Teacher would appreciate.
To Download your Own Copy of the Printable Teacher Gift Tags featuring #myteacherisbetterthanyours Click Here.
What is your Go To Gift for Teacher Appreciation Week?
As a little girl one of my favorite past times was reading. I was always excited when my Mom announced a trip to the local library. So, it’s no big surprise that it was something I wanted to share with my own children. My oldest shared my love for reading very early on in life. But for my middle child, reading was a little harder. She has a significant Speech Delay, so we had to work harder with her. It was very important to me that we not frustrate her so much with the process, that it became a chore instead of a joy. So the whole family got in on the action.
My oldest would read to her when she was younger. We(hubby and I) would read to her, and we would let her read to us. We were patient with her and we let her take her time, which I admit was not always easy. As she progressed, we let her read to her little sister. This was quite the bonding experience for them. We always have a lot of discussion after reading, this was just as important to me, as the reading, because it was a way to determine how much she actually understood and comprehended.
One of the most important aspects of getting your little ones to enjoy reading is to keep their interest. So we let the kids pick out their own books. I shared with them some of my favorites from back in the day like “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret? by Judy Blume and the Sweet Valley High Books and for my youngest, “Curious George” and “Paddington Bear”. And, yes they have been around that long. And, to my surprise they fell in love with them too.
Keeping them reading during the school year is a breeze but during the summer it gets a little harder to compete with the park and the swimming pool. So every year we get involved in a Summer Reading Program. The great thing about the Summer Reading Programs is that you can find them at most local libraries. Most of them come with lots of added perks and bonuses for the kids such as coupons from local sponsors, special events, free books and a chance to win great prizes.
Here’s a link to one of my favorite programs the Collaborative Summer Library Program.
You can open new worlds to your children, by simply sharing a book with them. Happy Reading!! What are your favorite children’s Books? What books were your kid’s favorites? Consider leaving a comment.
I know that I am not the only Mom who loves to get down on the floor and Color with their little ones. Even at my age, ahem… I still find coloring to be both soothing and therapeutic. So, with Easter right around the corner, here are two super cute Easter Coloring Sheets. RIGHT CLICK SAVE AND PRINT, and Enjoy!!
Fun Friday 3-12-15
Do you find yourself having the same conversation over and over again, so much so that you wished you had a voice recorder hanging around your neck. Join the Club of which I am not only a Member, but I very well may be THE PRESIDENT.
1. Wake up – Hurry Up!!
2. Who used the last of the toilet tissue?
3. Please turn down the volume.
4. I don’t know what’s for dinner or when it will be ready? (All while I am actively cooking dinner.)
5. No, you can’t have a 4th cup of juice, a 3rd donut, or more ice cream.
6. No Maam, I don’t want to give you my phone number so that you can text me about upcoming sales.
7. No, I do not want to do the survey at the end of the call after waiting for 30 mins for your Customer Service Representative to pick up.
8. No Sir, I don’t want to repeat my order for the fifth time only to get the wrong order when I get to the Second Window.
9. No, I am not interested in opening a No Name Bank Account in the Super Market, especially when your flyer has Customer Spelled incorrectly.
10. No, I don’t want to donate to the XYZ Football Team. Why, because your shirt says the ABC football team?
We made it to the Weekend!! That is reason enough to celebrate with all the craziness going around. Every Weekend, I entice myself with plans of pulling the covers up around my neck, sleeping in, drinking coffee in bed and reading a good book. And, then I am startled awake by two, entirely too awake, wide eyed and bushy tailed little girls. Every now and then dh takes pity on me and I wake up to the smells of breakfast wafting through the house and my little monsters happily eating. This is always a treat. Even though I often miss the days of peace and quiet, I know all too well that these times won’t last forever.
For Today’s Fun Friday Post, I am opening up the blinds and letting you in on what made it on my radar this week.
1. Monday was a Holiday and Tuesday was a Snow Day, or in Georgia a Potential Threat of Ice Day. What do you do with your kids on Snow Days? It’s just enough to drive this Mommy crazy. Being stuck in the house all day with children who want you to entertain them, can really leave you grasping at straws. Here are some ideas I found around the web to maintain your sanity, while still scoring major Mommy points. I am putting these on my list for next year(because hopefully we are done with this, and Spring is on it’s way.). The Indoor Picnic – Game Marathons – Cookie Baking and Decorating Contest – Beauty Parlor – Hair and Mani-Pedis. Just to scratch the surface. I am working on a more detailed post just on that.
2. The Return of the Mack aka Frank Underwood and my favorite Netflix Series House of Cards. In case you have been living under a rock for the last two seasons. Find out more about Francis and Claire here. It came out this morning, and once this post gets published, I will be in a self induced House of Cards Coma for the next 13 episodes.
3. My girls are particularly excited about the Release of the Annie DVD. I mean over the moon. There was a lot of hand holding, screaming and straight up joy, when they found out that we could actually pre-order the movie now. I must admit that I have kind of overdosed on the sound track, because they play it every day. But, since I don’t intend to have to stomp out an uprising in my own home. I guess Mommy will tow the line.
4. Looking for some Inspiration and Positive Vibes – Check out my (3) Favorite Instagram Feeds for this week:
5. What I am currently looking forward to – The iPhone 6 Plus or the 6 (Eligible for my Upgrade on 3/1/15) – I haven’t quite decided yet, and yes I know I am way too excited about that…
5. My favorite quote for the week:
Photo Source: Pinterest
Enjoy The Weekend!!
Since going from a 2 to 1 income household, being more frugal has become a big part of my life. I certainly was not excited, nor did I welcome the changes that had to be made to maintain our lifestyle. But, I knew it had to be done. There was a lot of restructuring that had to be done and the pieces of the puzzle seem to continually stay in motion. But, that being said, there are still some things that I just don’t skimp on.
Cleaning Supplies: Dish Washing Liquid, Laundry Detergent, All Purpose Cleaners & Disinfectant Wipes. I know not everyone, my Mom included, will agree with me here, but I stand by this one. The cheaper options just don’t cut it, or you have to use more to achieve the desired results.
Skin Care Products: Moisturizers, Lotions, Facial Cleansers, Lip Gloss, Makeup. Eventually, I feel like you know what works for your skin. I am not a big makeup person, but I swear by MAC Lip Liner and their Tinted LipGlass. After a lot of trial and error with facial cleaners and moisturizers I am a devoted Garnier fan. I use their Balancing Daily Exfoliator and their Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream. I am less discriminating about my lotions, as long as it gives me extra moisture for the winter months, I can get by with Vaseline Intensive Care.
Perfume/Cologne: Whether you are purchasing this for yourself or as a gift. Don’t cheap out when it comes to this. You know how you feel when that special someone goes by you and you catch a whiff of his Special Scent. Right??
Toiletries: Toilet Tissue, Paper Towels. For me this is about both comfort and cleanliness, no 1 ply for me. As for paper towels, I am an all the way BOUNTY girl. I need my Paper Towels to be Heavy Duty. I think this is a MOM requirement. **Not to mention, I have tried some bargain brands that leave something to be desired when it comes to the way they smell when wet. Has anyone else experienced this? **
Housewares: Linens, Bedding, Towels. Purchasing Quality Housewares prevent you from having to purchase them over and over again. I say buy the higher end products, the higher thread counts, the heavier towels and washcloths. They will last longer and just give you a more pleasurable/luxurious experience. And, White Sales are pretty common place (especially in January), even if you have to wait to catch these items on sale. They will be well worth the wait.
Kitchen Appliances: Blender, Food Processor, Juicer, Toaster and Coffee Maker. No one wants to begin any kind of project in the Kitchen only to find that your appliance has failed. I can’t tell you how many blenders I went through before I decided to invest in one that was up to the task.
Nutrition: Vitamins, Medicine, and Even Healthier Food Options. It just is not easy to live healthy. It sucks, but it is the truth. I try to give my family healthy food choices and options, but I will be the first to admit that I wish I could shop Whole Foods exclusively. On this, I say do the best you can within the confines of your budget. They will thank you later.
Shoes: I am a shoe lover and kind of a shoe snob too. I probably would have a closet full of shoes, if wasn’t so picky when it comes to my shoes. Instead I have my staples. Basic Black Pumps, A Stylish Wedge, Fancy Sandals with or without a heel, that you can dress up or down, Rain Boots, Winter Boots, Sneakers(for Exercise Purposes, and then for Sporty Mom purposes), and as many pairs of Heart Stoppers (the ones that always get you a second look) and Flip Flops, as you can manage. In this case, quality just last longer, providing you take care of them.
“Underthangs”: And, let’s face it , even if you are the perfect weight and height, the older we get the better quality we need. Things just don’t settle where they used to.(side-eye) They need to pull in, lift up, and separate, etc. lol.
A Good Bed: Is EVERYTHING!! Not sure this even needs an explanation, it makes the difference in both Good Nights and Good Mornings.
What are the purchases that you JUST DON’T SKIMP ON? Share your Comments Below.
I did my part, I shared my 10 Facts. What about you? Tell me 10 Fun Facts About You. Share Below or Feel Free to Share It Under The Post on Our Facebook Page.
I am sure you already have most of these things at home: Place mats – Heart Doilies (bought a set of 12 at the Dollar Store) – Utensils – Napkins – Ribbon – Anything Pink or Red to Make the Table Pop (In my Case, I used Valentine’s Erasers and Heart Picks.) And, lastly I made a Wine Glass Candle Lamp from the directions I found here. Voila!!
