Forty Baby Love

Inspire Your Kids to Embrace Exercise | Losing It - Getting Fit

2010-03-17T15:50:00.001-04:00

Inspire Your Kids to Embrace Exercise | Losing It - Getting Fit
Check out this article on kids and exercise. But they didn't say - Set the Example!!! Especially, Moms. When your children see you exercise, Moms, it means a lot. It means they will also embrace exercise.

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

2010-02-22T15:29:00.002-05:00

Parent Job Description

2009-11-09T15:22:00.001-05:00

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, we aren't sure any of us would have done it!!

POSITION:

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma, Mother, Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment.

Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.

Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!

Travel expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The rest of your life.

Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.

Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.

Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.

Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.

Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.

Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages andmental outlooks.

Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.

Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.

Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.

Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

None.

Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

None required unfortunately.

On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

Get this! You pay them!

Offering frequent raises and bonuses.

A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.

When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

GOLDEN PARACHUTE:

Grandkids

Rules From God

2009-11-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

Rules from God
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3 . Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!..... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as w e have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!... To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6

Sleep, Coffee, and Attitude... Makes for a great day!

2009-08-04T14:35:00.003-04:00

You can have a great day if you set yourself up right! Sleep, coffee, and attitude. The three most important ingredients for a very busy person, especially a parent running around with a young child!

1. Sleep. Must have! Or else attitude goes, fun goes, nothing gets done and day feels very, very long. Get the sleep you need or at least relax a short time with a short meditation of gratitude. It works wonders!

2. Coffee. When sleep is lacking, which is most likely is... Coffee can be your best friend! It tastes good, it's warm or cold - whichever you like, and best of all, it works! Works to keep awake, alert, and thus, happy with all that the day gives. If you don't like coffee, there are lots of substitutes for caffeine. But, too much of a good thing can make you drowsy... strange but true!

3. Attitude. Once a day, do an attitude check. Check in with your gratitude, your reason why you do what you do, and be happy again. Attitude will save you! Put that good attitude on and your great day will follow. The people around you will also reflect a similar attitude, so might as well make it the best one. An attitude check can be done with a short 5-10 min of reflections or meditations, on gratitude.

Make it a great day and be happy!!

Momfinition... Toppler

2009-07-24T14:45:00.003-04:00

Toppler... [ta wp-LER] A topless toddler, usually caused by an unprepared mommy who forgets to pack a change of clothes.

Evian Roller Babies --- So Funny!

2009-07-13T14:54:00.001-04:00

Here's a great baby video! Enjoy, click here.
Have fun with your babe today!

Hair and Earring Pulling....

2009-07-07T16:33:00.003-04:00

When Lucas gets frustrated, he pulls hair and now takes the earrings out as well. OUCH!!! Mom abuse! Here's the advice I got and will give to you...

Remember, you are stronger than him.
Don't let him pull hair.
Don't wear earrings - advice from a guy.
He needs a big time out!
Normal - my 2 year old did that too - but set the law.
Set the rules.

Please tell us more to set a terrible 2's straight!

MOMs Determination is a Gift to Son

2009-06-23T22:06:00.003-04:00

You're child will see and copy everything you do. Teach him or her all you know that you love about yourself, be a great person, and you will raise an amazing person.

Lucas is already becoming so determined and tries everything, with total success in mind. He rarely asks for help or looks to me. He just plugs on till he figures it out. Naturally, at this age, he can't figure all things out - he's 2.

Here's an example, he wanted to pull out all the biggest toy trucks out of the garage. He had stuff to drag it over to make it happen. It was challenging, but he did it. He pulled out all the trucks, then lined them up, then drove them, then lined them up and so on. It was great to watch!

He lives his Mom's determination. Won't you join us?!

Busy Little Guy - Toddlers..

2009-06-19T16:41:00.002-04:00

Toddlers love to explore, discover and totally change your house and your life. They like to change your hairdo by pulling it. They like being devious while smiling and having fun. They run run run until they just stop and hit the bed.

Then they love to speak their own language, a language that no one understands fully. They want to speak desperately, but, no one call fully understand. Once he gets the English language, we will hear a lot we may not want to understand.

Enjoy him now, so I hear!!!

Cling On Stage

2009-06-16T15:25:00.003-04:00

Toddlers go through all stages. Now cling on stage or clingy. He just wants mom or dad, no one else. Makes us feel so special but at the same time, is everything ok?

This is how it went. We got to Mom's Group at the church where I normally leave Lucas with the sitters while I join the Moms for a spiritual discussion and friendship. Lucas didn't want to let go. So along he came. He met the Moms and once he had enough of us, he decided very clearly to join all the other children with the sitters. He just wanted to see what was happening.

So grateful for Lucas and his funny stages that all say: I Love You MOM! Grateful to be with him through his toddler changes.

Love is an Act of Total Self Donation

2009-06-09T15:03:00.005-04:00

"Love is an Act of Total Self Donation"

Spend a moment of contemplation on this.... how is it possible for any human to love completely? to completely donate their love? It probably isn't. When we love another, we give of ourselves in every act that we take for them. As we think about them, as we shop for them, make dinner, buy gifts, give a kiss and a hug. We give a small donation of love. We give many donations of love for our most special people in our lives.

These acts of love become more and more automatic, especially as we get to know our loved ones even more. But how do we know them better? By being open to their verbal and non verbal signals. Seeing and hearing what they like and don't like. And figuring how we can make their lives just a little more fulfilling, fun, enjoyable, loved, happy and so much more.

Enjoy giving LOVE today and always, becoming a better self donator!

Retired Military - The Right Choice for My Family

2009-06-04T21:01:00.004-04:00

After 22 years of military service, I retired. I am still very young - not exactly of retirement age. But I retired when my focus changed to my new family and especially my little boy, Lucas. There are always mixed feelings when one chapter of life ends and the other starts. Those feelings are real and are with me. However, I can't imagine being deployed away from my little one and my opportunity to continue to grow my family. This is so very special. More than any job, even the military. This choice was simple - do I want to be away or with him and my current life? I love my current life as mom much, much more than the military. That was my huge distraction and forced me to change my life, ending my military career. A great and wonderful distraction. I am so grateful for him and for my new life!

Toddler and Central Vac

2009-06-03T15:58:00.002-04:00

How I love the central vac! It's quiet, it's light, and it's easy to use. For all those qualities, Lucas, now 23 mos, loves it too! He loves to unplug the vac from the wall and then plug it in. Unplug, plug, unplug, plug... OK, might as well do something else!!! There's no childproofing the central vac. The only option is to use it while he naps. But another thing about the central vac... He enjoys vacuuming! Yes, he likes to vacuum. He pulled it away from me and didn't want my help either. The only alternative - the power of distraction!

Sharing the Love with Support

2009-06-02T14:46:00.004-04:00

Here's a great story. A friend who also had a baby after 40 yrs had to go to an all adult event - her choir practice. This was not a place for babies or children, but after she exhausted all means to obtain a babysitter, she chose to bring her baby along to choir practice. She is a major player, the organist, but that really doesn't matter in this story. As soon as she got in the door, the choir members took her baby and cuddled with her. It was absolutely no problem to bring her baby to her practice!! Everyone shared the love and supported her and her baby. They understood that they've all been there at sometime in their life and enjoy supporting her.

On the other hand... Another mom brought her baby, 18 mos, to a running event since she also had no coverage and wanted to enjoy this event. He loves runs in a stroller, even in the cold. This day, he was crying and he normally has no problems, a very happy baby. So, the mom just knew he would be over with his crying very soon. It lasted and lasted.... Finally, near the end of the event he stopped. During this whole time, unlike the story above, few paid attention to him.

Moral of the stories: Let's surround ourselves with supportive friends and family. Life is so much better with positive people in our lives! Thank you friends!!

When He Hears BREAK, He Does It!!!

2009-05-31T15:28:00.004-04:00

Gone are the days when Lucas didn't understand what you were talking about! He was pouring water from a watering can into a breakable flower pot. He broke only a few pieces off the pot. He probably didn't realize that the pot was breakable until I told my husband that it was breakable and that he should give breakable things to a toddler. Well, that was the information that Lucas needed! He took the pot and threw it down a few times and broke it into pieces!!
Wow, the power of suggestion!!

New Discipline for Lucas - Success!

2009-05-19T14:23:00.002-04:00

Try, try again - you will reach success!

Lucas has been a handful lately. 22 mos and desires full independence!

Mornings are always hectic, between getting something into his belly and getting something into mine, and dealing with all the steps to getting us out the door. Just think, we have a later schedule than most! As I was preparing my breakfast - he was already fed - he decided to go upstairs and throw a book downstairs. I promptly went upstairs and found him in his bedroom. I told him it was wrong and closed the door. Then, I found his "lovey" blanket and put it in the room and re-closed the door. He only cried a little and quieted down, hugging and sucking on his blanket. This gave me time to enjoy breakfast and gave him the isolation he needed to calm down, becoming a better person. When he came out of the room, he was so much more cooperative! It was so wonderful to be with him!

Lesson learned!! After bad behavior, send the child to his room immediately with the "lovey." Enjoy this isolation time that calms both Mom/Dad and child.

So Very Thankful!

2009-05-13T14:03:00.001-04:00

"I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need to be cleaned and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home...I am thankful for the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby."
Nancie Carmody

The Nation Believes that This MOM is the BEST

2009-05-11T21:10:00.001-04:00

This MOM is the best! Enjoy the video from CNBC.
http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=52R1_LEy.KZH1g3e99VcczEyNjI4NTUz&referred_by=16119985-m4odrVx&p=csm

25 Reasons I Owe My Mother

2009-05-11T14:33:00.002-04:00

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside.. I just finished cleaning.'

2. My mother taught me RELIGION .
'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL .
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'

4. My mother taught me LOGIC .
' Because I said so, that's why .'

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me.'

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT .
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'

7. My mother taught me IRONY
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA .
'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER .
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY .
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
'Stop acting like your father!'

15. My mother taught me about ENVY .
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION .
'Just wait until we get home.'

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
'You are going to get it when you get home !'

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE .
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.'

19. My mother taught me ESP .
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. My mother taught me HUMOR .
'When that lawn mower cuts off your foot, don't come running to me.'

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22.. My mother taught me GENETICS.
'You're just like your father.'

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS .
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'

24. My mother taught me WISDOM .
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.'

First Swim Lesson for Lucas!

2009-05-03T16:16:00.006-04:00

After quite some time of figuring when might be the right time for a swim lesson and where might be the right place, we finally took the plunge. Lucas had his first swim lesson on April 30, 2009, 21mos old/young. We went to a private business, rather than a Y or JCC. She is very experienced with all kids and knows a lot. I did my research and was very comfortable. The class was an hour with mixed ages and abilities. All good.

This is how the class went:

The first 15 minutes of class was consistent crying and she held him the whole time by her side.

The next 45 minutes was intermittent crying, not bad and some smiles and enjoyment.

Lucas wore as many floaties on his arms as possible, with a floatie on his back. Looked like the Michellin Man!

The instructor put Lucas at arms length and then completely away from her. With each transition, he cried but then stopped and realized that all was fine.

Lucas loved jumping off the side into the pool!

He loved the big beach ball and toys in the pool!

And he even kicked and blew away water from his face!

Progress made and he was very, very happy!!

That's our first swim story in a nutshell. We are both looking forward to another swim lesson. He even attempted to walking into a pond today - must be he likes water now!

2009-03-22T20:04:00.001-04:00

Inspirational Video by Zig Ziglar http://ping.fm/8HsDX

2009-03-20T14:35:00.001-04:00

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature." John D. Rockefeller

2009-03-18T20:24:00.001-04:00

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Albert Schweitzer.

Before I was a Mom...

2009-03-18T20:19:00.002-04:00

Before I was a Mom , I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom , I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom , I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom , I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom .

Before I was a Mom , I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom , I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom . I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom .

Inspiration - Do it all! No Matter with Cerebral Palsy

2009-03-14T15:48:00.003-04:00

Here's an inspirational video - anything is possible.
http://vodpod.com/watch/1165857-walk-on-espn-video

2009-03-11T21:11:00.001-04:00

This is great, to get you in the mood http://thesecret.tv/ Even if you've seen it, do it again, for your mind!

2009-03-11T16:49:00.001-04:00

Anyone using Peek from PING.fm?

2009-03-11T16:35:00.001-04:00

using Ping.fm to connect to everyone.

Fun Decorating Cupcakes

2009-02-18T14:50:00.006-05:00

We had a fun time decoraging cupcakes with little friends and mothers. Lucas enjoyed eating some of the candies for the top and tasted the frosting - all to be expected. He actually decorated the cupcake, after I frosted it. This is a great short fun event to share with other people. This is how it works:

Everyone gets 2 or 3 cupcakes on a plate. Frosting is in a bowl on the side. And sprinkles and other decorations are on the table in little containers.

There are some snacks but not necessary.

Frost the cupcake.

Then show your child how to place the decoration on the cupcake. You will be surprised how quickly they catch on.

Be on the look out for them eating or tasting too much!

Enjoy the fun with your precious.

This is a special time for both of you and all the other people who joined you. So, take photos, laugh, and just be silly and have fun!

Stay at Home Moms Make Money

2009-02-11T14:08:00.003-05:00

Stay at home moms enjoy playgroups, visiting other moms, shopping, spending money and so many more amazing thing with their precious little one. They could also do simple work at home during baby's naps or right after bed time and make some extra money. This can vary from only dollars to an easy $1000 sale and more. There is so much potential for stay at home moms. They have the energy - or maybe not - and desire to devote to something other than go go ga ga. There's no put down here, but be real. Don't we just love interaction with other adults on another topic?! Plus, making money is fun and brings more security in your life than the paycheck of your hubby or significant other. That could disappear any day, one never knows and you could easily save the day.

Some qualities that will lead to success with your home business are:

Being clear on why you are doing this business in the first place
Self starter and self motivated
Priority organized - not necessarily time organized
Desire of something bigger, with an understanding that there is no secure job out there - especially now.

Member of the Inner Circle include many moms and are making $1000 profits.

Running With Baby --- So Easy!

2009-02-01T11:48:00.000-05:00

I love to run with my baby Lucas. He's now 18 mos and sometimes, he doesn't like it because he would rather do his thing. After all, he has a mind of his own. Today, we went running for about 45mins with a group of women. We ran in a park, on some busy roads, and some side streets. What a beautiful sunny day! This is a great way to exercise, be with other people and enjoy some sunshine, no matter where you are.

People ask me: is it harder to run with a stroller? The answer is yes and no, but it really is not. My stroller just needs an easy push and it then moves on it's own. It's so lightweight that you barely know it's there. The only problems are not running with your arms, climbing is a little more challenging, and the corners are not yours but "ours." But overall, no big deal.

Hey, we're out there getting good exercise and love it. We have even won a short race together! So, get out there and run. Enjoy!

Everyday I Choose Home with Baby

2007-12-31T15:56:00.000-05:00

Is being at home with baby easy? Or is going to work and leaving baby with someone easier? Here's my take on it. It took us a while to have Lucas, now 5 and a half months. During my pregnancy, I contemplated if I could leave him or be with him. One day, during a yoga class, I actually became emotional about this and a firm decision was made: I couldn't possibly leave him. I couldn't imagine someone else enjoying his "firsts" or him crying because he would miss me or his father, as we dropped him off. The idea of someone, anyone making a tiny hourly watching my little boy just didn't make sense.

Lucas and I enjoy everyday together. We play, go to the gym, enjoy walks, and enjoy his "firsts." Lucas is so happy. He will give you the biggest smile. He feels my gratitude and love, and copies my smiles.

But, I can tell you, everyday is a choice. It is a choice to be home with baby, a choice to make money from home, all a choice and not so popular decision. A desire to get away from the acceptible and go for the life we deserve. Creativity and passion fuel my desire to better our lifestyle. Check us out as we continue to create our life together while helping others. Life is very good!