The Time Is Now

 Hi mommies,

The time is now!

I have been putting off some very important things that I want to do for myself. I have been putting it off because it never seemed like a good time. I have been using my kids as a excuse not to care for myself, yes, motherhood is hard and it keeps me busy. However, if I am being honest, it's very easy to use my kids an  excuse for not finding time to take care of my needs. I have allowed a lot of things to fall by the wayside Some that have affected my health and well being. 

The time is now for me to get back on track and be accountable for my choices. Today, I choose to work on my goals without excuses. I may not get it right the first of second time, but I will promise to pick myself up and keep going. 

Is there something that you have been putting off, if so, I hope that you too make time to be kind to yourself. Best wishes! 

I Am Not Ready!

 I can't believe that summer is almost over!!!😢😢😢

I am not ready for back packs and lunch boxes, I want summer to last a little longer. Moms, enjoy the last weeks of summer and relish in it, before you know it school will be back in session. Make every moment count. Where did the time go, I have no idea how the time went by so fast. The store are already stocked with school supplies and school uniforms. Some kids are virtual learning while others will be back in the building. For the student that are going back into the building it's going to be a new adjustment with Covid procedures in effect. For others who are virtual learning that will also be an adjustment. Either way school will be in full swing and our kids will be navigating through a new grade with new teachers. 

I am bracing myself, saying a little prayer and hoping for the best as we are transitioning from summer break into the school year. Hang in there mommies!

When Are You Going To Have More Children? Why Do People Ask This Question!?

 I am 42 years old and I still run into people that ask me that question. Why do people ask this question and why do they think that it's appropriate to ask that question. I have two children who are now teenagers and I am happy and fulfilled with my two children. I have no desire to have more children, I don't believe it's the number of children that I have that matters, but it's the quality of life that I can give to my children that matter. It's up to everyone to decide what's best for themselves. We are all different, some individuals may desire to have a big family and that is all good. However, some of us are content with the number of children that we have already. 

I wish people would resist the urge to put time limits and expectations on others. As long as a couple is in agreement with their family planning, no one else should have a say otherwise. There is enough pressure in life and it doesn't help when people are constantly forcing their thoughts and opinions in the mix. I know my life better than anyone else, I know what is best for me. In all of my years I have never thought to ask anyone that question, because frankly it's none of my business. Family planning is personal and private and it should remain that way, unless an individual  wants to volunteer that information. This is my take on the subject. 

Have you ever been asked this question? If so, what do you think about it? Let's discuss it in the comment section. 

Yay Or Nay To Parent Support Groups?

 I have been in a parent support group for teenagers and also a mom support group. I am finding it helpful, because the road of parenthood can sometimes feel lonely. A support group helps me to know that I am not alone. There is always someone that can relate to what I am going through. It's funny how we all think that we are alone when we are facing difficulties, then suddenly we realize that there are others going through the same thing. I have also have the pleasure of attending mental health support groups and the common thread is that, there is always someone who is going through the same things. There is comfort in knowing that I am not alone, and when I see others overcome their obstacles it gives me hope. We can be inspired by each others journey and exchange ideas, these are the reasons that I like support groups.  

However, I tread lightly in these groups. I want to also make sure that I am not giving away too much information, and I am being respectful of my children. Although, these groups are private, in the virtual world it's hard to be totally open. There are thousands of people in these group that I don't know and so I am cautious. Meeting in person is more private and personal, but in the world of Covid-19 I will have to wait for in person meetings to resume. Overall, support groups have been very inspiring and helpful to me. What do you think about parent support groups? 

I Hope That I Am Getting This Parenting Thing Right

I hope that I am getting this parenting thing right.I am constantly asking myself if I am giving too much or too little to my children. I torture myself daily with these questions. Most of the time things never seem to go as planned, in parenting there are lots of surprises along the way. Surprises is an understatement, that's for sure. Most of the time I feel like I am coming up short, but is this true? 

I am trying to be patient with myself, and make peace with the fact that I am doing my best. My desire is always to do my best. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on myself, but it certainly is hard not to do so. I am taking it one day at a time, practicing being gentle with myself and being positive.

There well be good times and difficult times in parenting. All of it is worth while because we do it for the ones we love the most. However, let's not forget to love on ourselves. 

Teens And Their Devices

 Are you like me, struggling to get those teens outside and away from their devices? 

Those of us who grew up without cell phones and social media, understand the fun that can be had without devices. I wish that my children could understand the simplicity of riding their bicycles and playing tag. Instead, I literally have to beg them to engage in outdoor activity. The only exception is when they are at a theme park or on our family walks. Other than that I have to beg them and even then they will be clicking away on their devices. 

I know it's not just me that goes through this with teens, even with technology restrictions it is still a hassle. Meanwhile, my children have two brand new bicycles collecting dust in the garage. Me with my bright ideas also got them roller skates for Christmas, hoping that they would learn how to skate. They were interested until they actually got the skates. I know that in their eyes I am that annoying mom hassling them to do activities without their devices. I just want them to be well rounded and not get sucked into the vortex of technology. Is that too much to ask! 

 I am sure that some will say that I sound like a nagging mom right now. I am not trying to be a nag, I just want them to take everything in moderation and have healthy habits. I don't think that's too much to ask for. How do you help your teens to develop healthy habits with technology? Share your ideas in the comments.

Mommy Needs A Break

After this long school year of virtual learning I was happy to take a break. Finally, summer is upon us and I am happy to get some rest and relaxation with my family. We started the summer with a vacation to Florida and it was well needed, it was great to get away from the normal day to day hustle. As time goes by, I find that I am in need of more restful days and more vacations with my family. The days, weeks, months and even years go by so quickly. Most of the time is spent doing business, it is refreshing to take a break and relax. I also took a break from writing my blog for a few weeks, I needed to take a step back and collect my thoughts and give birth to new ideas. I am thankful for this time of reflection and relaxation, moving forward I do know that I want to practice more self-care and mindfulness. This is the recharge that I will need, and we all need to recharge as a family and that where family vacations come into play.Vacations help us to decompress from the pressures of life, and have quality time with each other. Time is slipping by and I want to have moments and make more memories with my family. 

The Relaxation Zone

Over vacation my family and I hopped on a flight to Florida and checked into a beautiful resort for four days. prior to that we checked in our puppy in a pet hotel, her had his very own private room with snacks, playtime and daily walks. It's only fair that he had a nice place to stay because we were staying in a nice place. After all he is a member of the family. Now back to our lovely stay at our Floridian resort. We had multiple pools and activities to choose from, not to mention the beautiful villa we stayed in. We did some swimming and our favorite thing to do was play miniature golf. Whenever we stay on a resort we have our competitive game of miniature golf. We also got a chance to go to Universal Studios, two rides was enough for me, I enjoy the shows more than the rides. My kids are the same way, they enjoy looking around and of course doing shopping at the stores. They are not fans of rides except when we go to our favorite water park Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom. We also got a chance to catch up with family, we took my mom out for her birthday and went to visit her home. We also rented a car for our trip so we got to drive around the area and get to know the lay of the land. I can't forget to mention that we also joined the resort as club members so we can travel and vacation with ease. It was quite an adventure! The only hiccups that I encountered was some heat exhaustion while visiting Universal Studios. Florida has the most confusing weather, it can be hot outside with spots of rain in one moment and the next it's sunny and hot like the rain never happened. Luckily, I was able to hydrate and recover from the heat exhaustion. All and all it was a good get away and I hope that we can do another get away soon. Hydration is a must especially in this heat. 

What are your plans for the summer, I hope that you too get the break and rest that you need.