Alligator girl is still a smartie.  We went through a rough time at the beginning of the school year because she was in a bad school.  A bad school?  As a teacher, it is hard for me to say that.  I was warned about the school that she would be attending, but at the time I didn’t have much choice.  When she came home with worksheets with concepts I had taught to my 3 and 4 year old preschoolers, I knew we were in trouble.   Then the homework load of worksheets was far more than I’d ever given, even to my middle schoolers.  Then came the neverending days of her teacher not taking them outside to play (in October!).  Now she’s at a pretty good school and within just a few months has caught up and is reading above grade level.  The teacher hasn’t told this to me, but I know it’s true because I used to teach first grade.  The books she’s bringing home to read are not kindergarten books.  She’s reading books with first grade site words in them.  She’s a smart girl.  Too bad we wasted those few months at the other school.  It’ll be ok though.

Cuddlebug is 3 1/2 and is at home with me.  I feel badly that I can’t put him into part-time preschool just yet.  Our other house still hasn’t sold and we’re supporting two households.  It really stinks!  I’m trying to teach him some things at home, but find myself constantly struggling for time.  And this leaves me feeling more guilty. 

I’ve decided to cut back on some of my daytime blogging and start blogging more in the evenings.  So far, this is working well, but it’s leaving me pretty tired. 

Cuddlebug reaffirmed my motherhood today.  He said something like, “Mom, you’re a great mom.  You can do lots of stuff . . . Mom, you’re a great mom.  You make the best sandwiches.  And you clip coupons.”  hahahahahaha  Ok, he had me at the coupon thing.  He knows what’s important to me and he values it too.  Love my kids.  

images are mine

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

As a stay-at-home mom of three boys ages three and under, it is VITAL that I get some time to myself. It helps me establish my identity outside of being a wife and mom and it makes me a better spouse and parent.

In the early months of my new stay-at-home mom status, my “Me-time” was spent bargain hunting and garage sale shopping in town by myself. (In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a nerd who enjoys getting good deals!)

But now going to town is an $8 expenditure. My days of “bumming around town” are now much more limited. I am combining trips more than ever, and that often means I have to do my bargain hunting with my entire family in tow.

The situation has forced me to redefine how I spend “Me-time.”

My Me-time is more often spent around my neighborhood now.

Sometimes my hubby lets me carve out a moment for me to scrapbook or do some card making while he watches the kids. I take walks by myself to clear my head. I spend time reading out on my deck. I write on my blog. I visit my parents or sometimes we go to town together (they’re good people that way!). I spend time doing yard work. I work on projects around the house (like organizing things or cleaning). I plan future bargain hunting trips and hunt for deals online.

In a way, I’m kind of glad that gas prices are up because it is challenging me to be more creative in all areas of my life. I’m rediscovering old hobbies and enjoying being at home more than I ever have before.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that “Me-time” doesn’t have to mean I’m in a store.

Christina is a stay-at-home of 3 boys, ages 3 and under.  You can find her at Northern Cheapskate writing about living on less and making it work with one income.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

1. Save your egg cartons for sorting small things. Children, even the older kids, love to sort. Add a set of tongs. This is great for developing motor skills in young children.

2. Play-doh! Play-doh is a very cheap way to keep your children busy. My oldest all the way down to my youngest love to play with play-doh. I always hear parents say, “It is too messy.” But if you throw down a plastic shower curtain, the mess is contained. Throw in some cookie cutters and a rolling pin or two and you have at least 1 hour of fun. And if you don’t want to buy it, there are several sources on the internet for making your own. There is even a recipe for a fruity play-doh.

3. All kids love to play in shaving cream. You can get a bottle of shaving cream for under $1 at the dollar store and you can have loads of fun. Also it gets your table shiny and clean.

4. You need a good set of building blocks (initially they cost a little more but are well worth the cost) and a cheap set of plastic animals. This is another activity that will keep your children busy for hours.

5. Lastly, a sand table (any kind of sturdy, shallow, plastic box with a lid will do). This is a great rainy day activity. Again, throw your plastic shower curtain down on the floor and let the kids dig, dig, dig. We like to hide dinosaur bones (broken cotton swabs) or small treasures (coins, nuts, bolts, etc.) in ours and pretend to be treasure hunters.

Next time your kids are driving you crazy and you feel like you are losing your mind, pull out these few suggestions and enjoy a little peace and quiet.

Tami is a former teacher. She is now a stay-at-home mom and has four children. She enjoys writing about their everyday life and the adventures that motherhood brings. You can find her at Muddlin’ Thru Motherhood.

Each hour today, we are blogging for charity.  Please consider making a donation to The Children’s Hunger Fund. 

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy