Losing it

I had a moment last night; killer sinus pressure, an over-tired 2 year old and dirty Dora PJs.  A shredder full of old documents I was determined to get done, an episode of Rugrats on Netflix that decided to fritz out at the same time as the shredder. And then the you-know-what hit the fan. As I wrestled with trying to reconnect the Wii to continue streaming, undressing and then redressing a wriggling toddler AND trying to think how to fix a paper shredder motor (is that even what it's called?) the wails began. "I want my Dora pajamas! I don't like these (suitable fleece flower PJs) they're itchy! SCREAM!" And the tears flowed freely. And so did my temper.

I'm not proud of my behavior; I am the adult here after all and I was pretty much on par with my daughter's tantrum (minus the tears but right there with the yelling.) After feeling the flush creep up my neck and bloom across my face; you know the "anger flush", right?  I had my AHA moment. My little inner voice gently reminded me you can't reason with a 2 year old especially a screaming one. So I reorganized my thoughts and priorities and once again became "Mommy."

I gave her the choice of what substitute PJs (the pink leopard feeties), turned off the TV (probably should have done that sooner, anyway) and asked her what bedtime books we were going to read (Goodnight Wibbly Pig and Busy Penguins.) And somewhere between blowing my top, readjusting my attitude and snuggling down in bed to cuddle my baby to sleep; I realized I had to repair some bridges.

Apologizing to anyone is a humbling experience. Especially when it could go right over the intended party's head. Holding her in my arms, eyes closed, I began. I'm sorry for yelling. I have a headache and your screaming hurt. I didn't mean to scare you. I love you.

And her response? Mumble mumble. Sorry I yelled. Mumble. I love you.

And then we (I) were able to say our prayers with a clean conscience. It was the perfect ending to a not so perfect evening. Thank you God.

Linking up with Erin @ Blue Eyed Bride

   

   

Preschool Color Exploration Activity

We had a hot day today so to soothe (but still stimulate) my students, I put out some liquid watercolors, eye droppers, and ice cube trays for some color exploration!

I always prep my work area before the children use it.  Clean up is easier and if it's messy it's no big deal.  (And when is it not messy?)  Butcher paper and newspaper are great table covers.

Materials Used:
Paper to cover work space
Colorations liquid watercolor (can be purchased here)
Eye droppers 
Ice cube trays
Cups to hold watercolors (you got me!  Mine are shot glasses)
Water as needed

I added extra water to the liquid watercolors; they are concentrated colors and last longer when stretched with water.  The watercolors are washable but the less liquid watercolor, the less visible staining on hands during play time.

The eye droppers promote fine motor coordination; the act of squeezing the top of the eye dropper to suck up the liquid helps children build up the muscles in their hands.  This is a forerunner to a proper pencil grip and anything to work tiny hand muscles is a plus!
(Think Playdough and cutting with scissors.)

The ice cube trays are great because of their compartmentalized squares keep the colors contained, make color mixing easy (each square can hold a different and newly created color), and they are child- sized in proportion (easy to hold, light in weight).

This activity has so many components and keeps the children engaged, it is a favorite in my class. Just look at all those color variations! Gorgeous! Try it out and let me know how it goes!

Ways to enhance this activity:

1. Freeze the mixed colors and use them for painting.
2. Use frozen cubes in a Science center and hypothesis how long they will take to melt. Use spray bottles filled with water to add more interaction.
3. Focus primarily on colors and introduce terms primary, secondary, and tertiary and reproduce them.   

   

   

What Kinsey Wore: Rocking boy clothes

My daughter has a fascination with Nickelodeon's revamp of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; she likes to watch with her dad, and I have to admit the theme song is super catchy!  So when we were in Target the other day, she flipped when she saw this T shirt.  And we just had to buy it.  She had more fun picking out clothes in the boys section than all the combined times I've had to drag her through the girls.  First it was Thomas, then it was a TMNT hat and then the shirt.  And what does she say when I ask her if she likes a dress or a pretty top?  "No. I don't like that."  The girl knows what she likes.  So to balance out the boy T (and her short hair, I'm done with questions about her gender.  She's two people!  She wears pink!  Come on now!) I had to throw on a skirt and leggings (of course.)

 TMNT shirt: Target, Skirt and leggings: Genuine Kids, Shoes: gifted

Does anyone else restyle gender specific clothes?  I'd love to hear your styling tricks and tips!

Linked up with Kilee at OnelittleMomma.

   

   

What Kinsey Wore: Aquarium Visit

I am blessed to live by and patron a wonderful children's Consignment boutique The Chatterbaux Shoppe.  I went through a crazy phase of storing/organizing/sizing my daughter's outgrown baby clothes and ended up with a fairly decent pile of gently used clothes that I knew I wouldn't want to use for the future Baby #2 (and that's hoping we have another Girl.  Otherwise we're outta luck!)  So I made my trip to The Chatterbaux and got to unload.  Fast forward 8 months (because life happens.  Am I right?) when I made my return trip, I had earned $30 in credit!  So now I'm hooked and go back fairly often just to peruse the racks.  I have netted my daughter a couple of new tops, a pair of leggings, a handful of books and her favorite, a 3rd replica of her favorite "Bankie". 

 I'm pretty picky when it comes to recycled clothing so the clothes HAVE to be in excellent condition before I purchase; no piling, no stains (I suck at stain removal), no loose seams or thin fabric. Sometimes I'm tempted to get brand name items (Janie and Jack makes me drool) but if the price isn't right, I pass.  I make sure binding and pages are intact with books and there is no visible markings (teeth marks in particular) on Board books. I hope these guidelines will be helpful! 

Hitching a ride on a Sea Otter

Our local Aquarium recently reopened the newly renovated Sea Otter exhibit and I couldn't wait to go! Wanting to dress for the occasion I threw together a cardigan (I actually scored this one for a buck at a city- wide yard sale last summer. Score!) a hand- me- down dress (a size too big so I safety pinned the back; stylist secret, don't tell hehe) white leggings, ankle socks and pink Circo tennies. We had a great day even though it seemed busier than usual. It was a Girls Only trip AND the first time going without the stroller; she behaved wonderfully! I was pleasantly surprised (and relieved, truth be told.) 

 {Happy Wednesday!}

 Today's WKWW post is linked to OnelittleMomma! 

   

   

Mommy Meetups

For those times when you just want some time off from Mommy duty :)

I was introduced to Meetup by two good friends in two different mom Meetup groups. There is a website and a phone app and the concept is brillant- find a group that interests you (there are tons; ranging from foodie groups to crafting groups, couple groups to book groups. It's awesome!) You can search by inputting your zip code to find local groups. If you can't find a group of interest that's close by you can make your own! How cool is that?! (There is a monthly fee for group moderators btw.) The group moderator posts fun activities for certain days of the week and you 'meetup' at the designated time.

As I mentioned, I am a member of two Mom groups and I've gotten to meet some wonderful women whom also share the title of "mommy". It is so nice to relate and swap stories about all things mommyhood. For the most part the Meetups are for the whole family but there are dedicated Moms Night Outs which are lovely. (Of course the convo occassionally leads back to the kiddies, but who doesn't like to brag about their children?!) It is an easy and fun way to meet new people and also a good way for young children to socialize with others.

I hope you can check Meetup out! Are you already a member? Let me know!

***I'm not in any way compensated for this post, I just enjoy Meetup's services!***

Linking up with Erin.