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Archive for General – Page 2

One Word Wednesday #1 “Family”

FAMILY DEFINED

Every Wednesday I will write about ONE word and what that word means to me.

This week’s word is FAMILY.

Family is a word that should be simple to define but ends up a complicated matter for most people.

We easily consider relatives as “Family”. We often consider close friends to be “Family” and others view those of similar faith as “Family” as well.

I expand that definition to include my loyal readers. I love the emails I get and the feedback about the things I write.

“Family” doesn’t have to be blood to have meaning.

Your relatives you have no choice about, but you do have a choice in what you decide to read. I am thankful for you reading this and your continuing support of me.

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About the Author:
Miranda dreams of Rving across the country with her family and her 2 crazy little dogs – unless she’s swamped being a working mother and helping other moms with practical wisdom she has learned from over 2 decades raising a family. A teen mom, single mom, stay at home mom, working mom, she’s been there done that.

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An Outstanding Life is not living in the past! #BehindTheBlogger

Living in the past

I have heard people say that “It was the worst of times” in talking about a tragedy or event in their lives. I don’t think I have ever uttered or thought those words.

I try to not spend time looking back or living in the past. I have always felt that the past is the past and I don’t live there anymore. I have also believed that giving more or less importance to an event in my life gives it power over me.

The reality is I am here today because of a lifetime of events and experiences. Whether in the big scheme of things or at the moment, weighing them requires perspective we almost never have. Time during some experiences seems to rush quickly and at at other points seems to drag on. Some things I remember vividly and others barely.

An event that seemed bleak and hopeless at the time, may have steered me on a path I would not have otherwise taken. Something that appeared great may have prevented me from making another decision that I should have made.

How an experience in my life ends up affecting my journey, I don’t believe can ever actually be known. For every action there is a reaction and nothing happens in a vacuum. Life is full of good and bad and they are not always easy to distinguish even after years pass by.

I have a strong faith that teaches me that “All things God works for the good.” Because of that, even things that I might classify as “the worst”, had a hand in making me who I am and brought me to this point in my life.

I try to pass this perspective onto my children so they may learn to always move forward and use whatever life throws at them as a lesson. I don’t want them paralyzed in reflection, dwelling on the past. They are told to make the best decisions they can based on the information they have. They know that I love them and we will deal with whatever happens in our lives.

I hope you realize you are loved as well and you’re also on a journey.

Living in the past

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Thank you for reading a story from #BehindTheBlogger Hop. Every 2 weeks a group of bloggers is given a writing prompt. These prompts are very open ended, so our bloggers can write about whatever they desire. The main rule is that their blog post directly relates to the topic of that week. The point of this hop is for our readers to get to know us on a personal level.
Please hop along and read all of the blog posts in this week’s hop. Just click the links below. If you want real and raw emotion, then you will find it here. After you read each post, please comment and share. We want to get to know you too!
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About the Author:
Miranda dreams of Rving across the country with her family and her 2 crazy little dogs – unless she’s swamped being a working mother and helping other moms with practical wisdom she has learned from over 2 decades raising a family. A teen mom, single mom, stay at home mom, working mom, she’s been there done that.

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How to Defeat Procrastination Once and For All!

Defeat Procrastination

Procrastination is a formidable foe that defeats many mothers. We allow fear, doubt, and excuses to keep us from getting projects done. Often the go to remedy is waiting till the last minute, when delay is no longer an option. The stress and anxiety are not worth it, and the result is crappy work. The victims tend to be our families and those closest to us. While there is no secret formula or spell that will magically get things done, the below tips will help you defeat procrastination:

Just get started

Ironically enough the best tactic for beating procrastination is to begin working. The smallest step, followed by another, can put you on the path towards getting the project done.

Listen to music

Music you enjoy can take your mind off the task and should allow you to get moving and make progress.

Think about being done

Thinking of the finish line can create motivation and drive enough to get you going.

Do the easiest part first

Worrying about the hardest pieces won’t help, so start small and work your way through.

Talk yourself through each step

Often the inner voice in us keeps us from doing anything. Turn that inner voice around and have it narrate what you are doing. Before you know it you are well on your way.

Have a reward in mind for finishing

Give yourself extra incentive. A desert food, desired item, or some entertainment can serve as motivation.

The worst thing you can do is allow procrastination to rule over you. You will find a large weight lifted as you get tasks done. The key is to get started today.

If you want to know more about the study of Procrastination, take a look at the informative article by Shirley S. Wang from the Wall Street Journal or the thought provoking article by Olga Khazan from the Atlantic. Don’t use them as another form of procrastination, though.

To help you defeat procrastination I’m going to send you a handy, easy to carry Infographic, the same one I use to help me everyday. Make multiple copies and refer to it when you need a little push. It will also appear below so you can print a copy immediately (Make sure to also check your email).

P.S. If you want some other quotes to reference please check out this great list by Duccio Manfredi

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About the Author:
Miranda dreams of Rving across the country with her family and her 2 crazy little dogs – unless she’s swamped being a working mother and helping other moms with practical wisdom she has learned from over 2 decades raising a family. A teen mom, single mom, stay at home mom, working mom, she’s been there done that.

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Warning! Smartphone Don’ts when parenting teenagers!

Parenting Teenagers

Parenting teenagers is like playing the game Operation in the dark. One wrong move and the buzzer is going to get you. There is no preparing for this new level of teenage hypersensitivity. Things that were innocent when they were little, now cause deadly embarrassment.

When parenting teenagers, to not cause your teen imaginary pain, it is wise to observe some smartphone etiquette:

-Do not use the camera to take funny images of them.

-Do not use the voice recorder to record them on the phone and play it back to them and their friends.

-Do not use the Facebook app to tag them in embarrassing photos.

-Do not use the music app to play a song they think is corny or dumb.

-Do not use the photo app to show their friends old, humiliating photos.

-Do not text their friends.

These tips will not reduce their moodiness but should give them one less thing to complain about. The good news is this chaotic period only last a few years.

Parenting Teens

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What are WE doing with American Education?

What are WE preparing our kids for with our American Education System????????

Education in America

 

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Finding humor when you don’t feel like laughing.

Finding Humor

Lets face it, being mothers is full of frustrations and headaches. While there is tremendous fulfillment in family, mothering, and children, we have to deal with all the other stuff as well.

When things are a mess and seem to be spinning out of control, it is sometimes best to find the humor in it. The last thing most people want to do when they are at whits end is to laugh but often this is the best remedy. It will not change the situation you are in, but it can open up some new perspective and help you get through it.

Finding humor when you’d rather cry or scream:

  • Take a step back and breathe.

    Emotions are a powerful thing and can quickly spiral out of control. A quick moment to gather yourself can open you up to seeing the situation in a humorous new light.

  • Realize how temporary most difficulties are.

    10 years from now, will any of the little headaches and aggravations matter. Understanding how irrelevant things we get crazy about are, can allow you to laugh at them.

  • Understand how someone else would view the situation.

    We often see the world with blinders on. Allowing yourself to look at things from another angle could force you to see funny aspects previously missed.

  • Be honest with yourself.

    The whirlwind around us is rarely without some help on our part. Either by action or inaction we have a hand in these things. When we can admit that we can chuckle at ourselves.

  • Talk it out.

    Verbalizing what is going on can cause you to gain insight. Whether to another person or just to yourself, getting the words off your chest can show you how comical things are.

Making light of the crazy events of motherhood is a necessity. Stress management expert, Elizabeth Scott M.S., details how beneficial laughter is to overall health. Kids, spouses, pets, and all of the people we deal with as mothers are always ready to hit us with new aggravations. Why let them interrupt our joy and affect our health, when we should be enjoying the wonderful experience of motherhood?

FIND THE HUMOR WHERE YOU CAN AND HAVE A GOOD LAUGH

P.S. Please share, in the comments, your techniques for finding humor in difficult situations.

P.S.S For more extensive information related to stress and health please take a look at the valuable work by Elizabeth Scott

Finding Humor

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Why risk leaving your Baby Photography to last minute chance?

Baby Photography wordsThe birth of a new baby is an amazing time in a family.

With all the special moments, it is important to capture them since they pass by in an instant. Most parents do not prepare for how they want pictures and video taken during this hectic time. Capturing these memories takes more than just snapping a little video and pictures, here and there.

Having a baby throws everything out of whack.

Schedules and routines get disrupted. Parents are tired from the lack of sleep and interruption the baby causes. Most people do not “feel” like being in photos at this time, which makes having a Baby Photography plan vital.

Photographer

Below are resources to use while planning how you want to document these moments. Getting your thoughts and opinions together before the baby comes will go a long way towards making sure you capture these special times. For those whose babies are already born, these resources can also be vital.

  • Do you want Delivery and Birth Photos?

    A controversial topic is the timing of the baby’s first photos. Refer to this resource, from an informative article by New York Times writer Elissa Gootman, to decide where and when you want to photograph.

  • Hiring a Professional Photographer

    There are pros and cons to hiring a professional to take baby photos. This resource, by professional photographer Jessica Bookout, can give you some of the things to consider.

  • Baby Photography styles

    Whether you choose to do your own photos or hire a professional, this resource, by baby photography expert Alisha Robertson, presents the styles that you may want for your baby photos.

  • Baby Photo Props

    The cutest baby pictures have the baby in a nice setting using a photo prop. This resource on the trusted photography website, Mcpactions.com, discusses the Photography Props to consider.

  • Telling a Story with the Pictures

    At the end of the day the pictures will tell a story. They will only be able to do that if they are taken. Make sure to think about how you want that story told. This article by professional photography specialist, Tamara Bowman, shows how important storytelling is and tips for doing it right.

After reviewing these resources, the next important step is to discuss the options and take action. Waiting till the last minute will lead to missed opportunities and sloppy execution. The moments fly by quickly and having those special photos will mean a lot when your kids are grown.

Babies modeling crochet hats

P.S.  Whether you do the photos yourself or hire a professional, the focus of the pictures should be the beauty of the baby. Please keep this in mind with the settings you choose, photo props, and baby poses.

P.S.S  I make beautiful Crochet Baby Hats in custom styles and colors. Consider using them for your baby photos. For more info click here.

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About the Author:
Miranda dreams of Rving across the country with her family and her 2 crazy little dogs – unless she’s swamped being a working mother and helping other moms with practical wisdom she has learned from over 2 decades raising a family. A teen mom, single mom, stay at home mom, working mom, she’s been there done that.

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Baby Loves Music!

Sleeping Lilly Dreaming of Music

I was reading a great article by Daniel Molloy about rock songs to play for energetic kids and it got me thinking about what baby music I play for my baby.

She really likes the songs on Disney Junior, but there is only so much of that stuff I can take. We often listen to my iPod. It is easy to tell what she likes as she smiles and will move her hands and feet in rhythm. I use the music to calm her down. Some parents will play classical music for their kids, but I find the below list works best as baby music:

I have a special playlist of those artists. Before she was born, she would react to the music I was listening to. I have always felt it was important to expose my kids to music at a young age and the article by child psychology specialist, Cara Batema, describes the benefits.

What baby music does your baby like to listen to? Has their tastes been consistent? Please let me know in the comments.

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Lies, Lies, Lies! 3 Lies Told to New Moms!

Lies!

I came across a blog post on ParentingInMotion.com about 5 Lies told to new moms:

Lies Told to New Moms!

  • “You won’t have time to shower for days.”
  • “Sleep when the baby sleeps.”
  • “Just let the laundry and dishes pile up, they can wait”
  • “You will never eat a warm meal again.”
  • “If you learn to do it right, breastfeeding won’t hurt.”

While there are many crappy lies we tell new moms, 3 important ones that were missed in that list were:

  • Always follow instincts. A new mom will have a lot on her mind as she attends to the day to day care of her new baby. She will also be tired and sometimes aggravated. Not every idea that pops into her head will be right or make sense.
  • Friends and family will be a lot of help. While they mean well, most offers of assistance are hollow gestures. They sound great and polite but most parents are on their own.
  • All these products are needed. Everyone will recommend all the stuff the baby will NEED. Many of the items will offer convenience and help make things easier but rarely are they necessary.
Rather than giving advice to a new mom, how about actually helping her with something. Offering to help with a meal, run needed errands, or take some of the load off will provide more benefits and make more of an impact.

What other lies are needlessly told to new moms?
What help would you have rather received instead of crappy advice you were given?
Please let me know in the comments.

P.S. If this topic interests you, please check out the very popular and helpful book by Claudine Wolk called It Gets Easier!…And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers: A Fun, Practical Guide to Becoming a Mom.

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Football is here and I’m torn!

football, NFL, NCAA, Crafts, Crochet Hats, ETSY

Football is back and for most this is an exciting time. For me this time of the year brings mixed emotions. On the one hand, my Etsy Crochet hat business picks up as the weather cools and parents buy team themed hats for their little ones. On the other, I lose my husband and TV to football.

I’m not much of a sports fan. My grandmother, growing up, used to sit and watch baseball games with me and my brother. We were never ones to attend sporting events and I never had much interest. My passion was crafting and I would use my free time on that.

My husband loves football, so during football season there’s football on tv, radio, and in discussions. I am thankful that my husband is not as bad as many men, but it is still tough. On days when there is a win, my husband is in good spirits. When there is a loss, I can tell he is irritated.

I also have to deal with my husband going with his buddies to watch the games. With football on multiple days, it seems there is always a game on. It does free up the tv so me and the kids can watch other things, but I still miss him when he is gone. He does try to involve me at times, and invite me to go, but I’d rather not spend my date night at a bar or restaurant watching football.

What I end up doing, at home, when football has my husband, is work on my crochet hats and spend time with the kids. NFL and NCAA colored hats are my best sellers. Parents love to outfit their babies in their team’s colors. The little treasures are so cute wearing my hats and I love the pictures I get back.

Football season is relatively short, so things in my home should be back to normal in January. Wish me luck!

Please share your experiences involving your men and football in the comments. I look forward to hearing what wives and girlfriends do while their men are consumed with sports.

Miranda

Team Colored Newborn Baby Hats

P.S. If you are interested in one of my team themed crochet hats (NFL, NCAA Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Etc.) for your kids or as a gift, visit my Etsy shop. Also please spread the word. I appreciate all the referrals I get.

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About the Author:
Miranda dreams of Rving across the country with her family and her 2 crazy little dogs – unless she’s swamped being a working mother and helping other moms with practical wisdom she has learned from over 2 decades raising a family. A teen mom, single mom, stay at home mom, working mom, she’s been there done that.

I’m Easy to Find:

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