MMM- Clearing the Clutter in Your Life

Last week I wrote about some of my frustrations....don't get me wrong.  I wouldn't trade my job as a stay at home mommy for all the money in the world.  I LOVE being home with my boys....but like any job, there are going to be times when frustrations rise up, and I have to reevaluate the things we are doing to see if I can key it down just a bit.  With Jacob being sick this week, we've been home more (I love days when I can just be home and not go anywhere), and I've had a bit of time to think and reevaluate and reset some things.  

It's so easy to run the rat race every single day, just scraping through the maze of events, not really "getting it" because of all the clutter taking up our lives.

This week has afforded me some real bonding time with my boys, without the added stressors of having to be somewhere, having to get this, this, and this done for school, and honestly, I don't want it to change.  Jacob and I have played many a rousing game of Battleship and Uno, and he's getting to be quite the champion.  Jaden has had many a game of monster chase the baby games, giggling and laughing the whole way.  So, you ask, how am I going to keep the peace and the tranquility that this week, albeit a hard week for Jacob, has afforded us?  I've really taken a hard look at our schedule, and I took the advice of a friend.  I asked God how He wanted me to work out our homeschool schedule.  How does He want it to be?  Then I moved and shifted some things around...for example, by Friday, we are just dead to school, so I decided to make it a fun day with just an hour of core school and the rest fun stuff like art and music and board games for thinking skills.  Jacob loves board games, so he was thrilled with this idea.

Not only with my kids' schedules, but with my own, I'm keeping my work hours to early, early mornings and naptime....possibly a little bit in the evenings, after they're in bed; it depends on what Dan is doing.  I'm also decluttering my blog.  It doesn't look like it now, I know, but I'm rebuilding my blog on Wordpress right now, making it, hopefully, a place of serenity.  It'll still have all the same subject matter, but I do want to have more homemaking articles and things, and it's going to have a very shabby chic appearance.  

This decluttering in my life has been a necessary thing....it's like when you clean out a closet, and you have a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment afterwards.  Once that closet is cleaned out, you can keep it clutter free because there's a place for everything.  That's like life....once you clear the clutter, you have a place for the important things in your life, for the things that God deems important.  What is stopping you today?  What kind of clutter is hindering you from having the joyous walk that is available to you as a wife and mommy?  Is it spiritual clutter?  Is it physical clutter?  Is it clutter that you've been unwilling to clean out up until now? What are you missing out on because of the clutter that is blocking your path?  Get rid of it!  Rework things, and clean out!  A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away- Ecclesiastes 3:6. 

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace. 

Motivate Me Monday- Ok, Miss Negativity, Be Gone

In Anne of Green Gables, Miss Stacie always had this quote she would say to Anne: Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it. (I have to add one word...."Yet.") It's fresh with no mistakes in it....yet. At least, that's my motto.

Lately, I've had my days where I feel like the most horrible mama in the world. With both homeschooling and working from home, I feel like some days are a blur, they go so fast. I mean, my kids haven't gotten outside for a few days (granted, one's been sick, and it's been cold, cold, cold); my toddler has been watching way more tv than the "experts" think he should watch; and frankly, I've had my moments where the last thing I want to do is sit down and play a round of the infamous Candy Land or the even more infamous Mouse Trap. (Have you ever tried to put Mouse Trap together? Mouse Trap is so not my friend; in fact, when the name is even said, I cringe inside. LOL) I've even had moments, seconds, where I've done the unthinkable....(gasp)....I've yelled, raised my voice, at them....(Hey, I'm just keepin' it real here; I am soooo not perfect).

Does the fact that I have let my toddler watch Sesame Street and Max and Ruby during quite a bit of our homeschool hours lately make me a bad mom? Does the fact that my kids haven't gotten any sunshine for the past week make me a failure? Does the fact that my kids might not have 3-4 organic fruits and veggies on their plate at every meal make me despicable? Does the fact that I occasionally shut myself in the bathroom just to have a second of peace or sneak a bite of chocolate make me a terrible mother? (I just have to say here that the bathroom is not my sanctuary anymore....it's becoming "the place to be," the proverbial gathering place, the feeding trough for my little natives....need I say more?) Does the fact that I totally lost it trying to teach myself and Jacob origami last week make me horrible?

I've been mulling this over the last few days; I really have. You can ask my dear, sweet husband, as he is my ever faithful, listening ear. I may not feel like a good mom some days, but at the end of the day, when I kiss those 2 precious boys and tuck them into bed and hear the words, "Mommy, I love you," I know I've gotta be doing something right. When my oldest asks me if he can help carry the groceries in, maybe my efforts with him on manners/courtesy lately are finally paying off. When my toddler actually listens to me in the store and looks me in the eye and stops his erratic behavior (granted, it took 3 times, but he finally listened), maybe the efforts to stay consistent are working. Maybe I'm being too unrealistic and harsh with myself.

Maybe this has happened with you. Do you go through each day, feeling as if you can't get anything right? No matter how hard you try, you just feel like you are failing? Maybe it's time to stop judging yourself so harshly, especially when it comes to comparing yourself with other mamas. So what if you need to turn Sesame Street on for a little bit? (I have that puppy set to record on my DVR.) So what if your child doesn't get his organic peas and carrots at every meal? If your kids are loved by you, and they know it....if your kids are learning and growing more and more each day....if you are doing your best, then you are doing a good job, Mama. Don't overthink this motherhood task. Relax, and enjoy the ride (and we all know it's going to be a long, rollercoaster ride). See yourself through your Heavenly Father's eyes, Who loves you more than you'll ever know. Even when we fall, He is right there to pick us up and dust us off, and kick our rears in motion again. I promise you that when you start seeing yourself in His light....being a faithful, Godly, and consistent mama is only going to get better and better because the judgment is gone. You can finally focus on what's important, your children, not yourself.

So, remember, Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it....yet. Give yourself that margin of error; it's ok.:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Setback or Advantage

I posted a status on Facebook last week that basically said that sometimes in homeschooling, we have to take a step back and reevaluate, because who cares about a schedule, if learning isn't taking place.  There's a story behind that status, as there usually is.:)

In our homeschooling adventure, I've caught myself more times than not, wanting to follow a rigorous schedule, not listening to my gut that tells me we need to slow down.  We started a bit late in our history curriculum, so I had it all planned out that we would do so much a week and get "caught up."  Not that we're really behind, because with this particular course, it really doesn't matter when you start, which is nice.  To me, though, it mattered.  Yesterday, though, God really softened my heart and gave me another homeschooling epiphane, and I actually listened this time....I'm so glad I did.  Jacob's struggled in history just a bit lately; he did so good last year, when we took our time, and he just enjoyed every bit of it.  We've been rushing through, though, for about the last 2 months.  He had a sort of breakdown yesterday, after he couldn't remember many things from the last chapter that we had covered.  

It came to me then that, "Melissa, you have got to slow this train down....this boy isn't learning the material; he needs more time, more projects to help him learn, more library books to go along with the course, etc.  It's time to take a step back."  I looked at Jacob, as he sat there crying in frustration, and I told him, "Jacob, it's ok; it's not your fault.  Are we going too fast through the material for you?"  That sparked a small conversation, and the light came back into Jacob's eyes at that moment; the tears stopped flowing; and a bit of mother-son bonding took place, as he realized that it was going to be ok, that I wanted to know his thoughts.  I can't explain the joy that brought to my heart and the peace.  

I tell you my little story because I think sometimes with our kids, we rush around, trying to get this done and that done, especially in homeschooling.  All the while, they're standing there, as if they're in a crowded train station, watching the people and the trains go rushing by.  They're not really learning, and they're not really getting that quality time that they so badly need.  In this case, it's definitely quality and not quantity that matters.  It's taking time, as a parent, to realize that much learning may not take place, unless we let go of our own desires and give those desires over to God, letting Him take control of the situation, letting Him control how much we get done that day.  Even if our children learn one more tidbit of history or math or science than before....if they learned something of value in that time spent, it was well worth it.  

So, my desire today is to encourage you to not worry so much about the little things....concern yourself more with the bigger picture.  Is learning taking place?  Is bonding with your child taking place?  Does your child still have that spark and fuel to keep learning?  If not, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate....

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace. 

Motivate Me Monday- A Dose of Inspiration for Moms

I posted this over on MamaBuzz, and I just felt it was appropriate for this too....hope you enjoy.:)

Today, I just wanted to fill up your cup with verses to help sustain you through this journey we call motherhood....I hope you feel encouraged and inspired to keep trudging on and staying true to the work and the privilege God has set before you as a mother. Don't forget to laugh with your children this week, and maybe even dance.:) (All verses are NKJV.)

He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!- Psalm 113:9.

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children- 1 Thessalonians 2:7.

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates- Proverbs 31:10-31.

"For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD." So they worshiped the LORD there- 1 Samuel 1:27-28.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward- Psalm 127:3.

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world- John 16:21.

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds- Proverbs 27:23.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering- Colossians 3:12.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God- 1 Corinthians 10:31.

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Family Time DotMine Planner Giveaway

Staying organized as a busy mom on the go with kids, husband, business, homeschooling, etc., can be a formidable task.  I've tried different things to help me stay on task, even printing out my own planner pages.  This year, I decided enough was enough and went out and got my own planner.  Now I'm actually using the Family_Time.Mine planner from DotMine.  After trying many other methods, I highly recommend this planner.  

The Family_Time.Mine planner is, first of all, sturdy and durable for a mom, meaning it has a strong plastic cover.  If one of my boys happens to spill something on it or even more likely, draw on it with markers, I can just wipe it right off, which makes it really nice.  It also sets my mind at ease if I take it with me places, knowing that it's not going to get all bent out of shape.  

This planner runs from August 2009-December 2010.  In the very front and the very back of the planner are the Master Schedules for the different seasons, i.e., fall 2009, winter 2009, spring 2010, summer 2010.  They actually have a little fold-out flap that you can use to mark your place in the planner, so that you can compare notes with your daily schedule.  These front and back schedules, though, are for you to mark down your Master Schedule, your recurring family events.  

For example, I have marked down Tae Kwon Do, Choir Rehearsal, soccer, etc.  It makes it really nice because I don't have to write these events down every single week; I can just refer to my Master Schedule.

With the beginning of each month is a 2 page calendar layout with  small block calendars of last month and next month, as well.

Then the planner is broken up into weekly schedules with blocks for each day.  On the sides are places to list To Do lists, grocery lists, notes, etc.  There are even places to put sticky notes.

If you were to use the sides as a grocery list, it's perforated for you to easily carry with you.  I actually use the sides as my daily To Do Lists, when I go to plan out my week.  At the top of each weekly page is a place for you to fill in a special family activity for that week; at the bottom of each weekly page is a quote to inspire.  Then at the end of each month is a full Notes page, just for extra space.  

The back of the planner includes pages for Family Info (Info for Coaches, Babysitters, Library, Doctors, etc.).  There are pages to put down important addresses/phone numbers/email, etc.  There's even an information page for babysitters, so that you can leave your planner open to that page for her/him to see.  

There are also stickers to help you remember important dates.  The back cover of the planner even includes a pocket for you to slide papers, bills, or other important documents into.

I love my planner, and I'm not just saying that.  It has saved me in so many situations because I can just look down, in two snaps, and see what we have going on.  You can purchase these planners for $17.99 at Borders, Borders Express, Waldenbooks, Amazon, Calendars.com, and Timemine.com.  Dotmine also has other types of planners available.  You can follow Dotmine on Facebook and Twitter, as well as sign up for their email newsletter.

Now for the giveaway.  The makers of Dotmine have graciously allowed me to give away a Family_Time.Mine planner here on Real Heart Prints.  So, you can enter in one or more of the following ways.  Of course, be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter.  I will choose the winner, using Random.org, on Wednesday, February 24.  Good luck to all of you!

1. Leave me a comment after visiting the Dotmine website, letting me know which feature or planner would help you the most in your busy life.
2. Subscribe to DotMine's email newsletter.
3. Follow Dotmine on Twitter. 
4. Follow me on Twitter; tweet about this giveaway; in fact, if you tweet once each day, come back here to leave a separate comment (for each day that you tweet), and that will give you extra entries. 
5. Follow my blog, or you can subscribe to my posts.
6. Blog about this giveaway, being sure to link back to Real Heart Prints.
7. Digg or Stumble this post.
8. Place my blog button on your sidebar or somewhere on your blog.
9. Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs or on Mom Blog Network (buttons in sidebar).

Most of all, have a wonderful week!

Motivate Me Monday- When It's Hard to Love

A friend and I had talked about this over the phone a few weeks ago, about loving people and how hard it can be sometimes, so in honor of that friend and some recent experiences I've had, I hope this makes you giggle.:)

This is for all the people in Walmart or Price Cutter who jump out into the middle of the aisle as I'm walking down through, trying desperately to get my shopping done with a toddler who's shouting, "Home!  Home!" and a 7 year old who can't leave the toddler alone.  This is for all the people in Walmart who find it fun to stand right in front of me or right in the middle of the aisle, never moving, never saying, "Excuse me," as they walk slowly in front of me, while I'm trying to decide which type of crackers are healthier.  This is for all the people in Walmart who decided to meet up with friends and have a party while some of us were trying to get our shopping done, all the while having to maneuver around you all while you visited together, smack dab in the middle of what seemed like several aisles; were you following me?  This is for all the people who think because they are on a motorized cart, they have the complete right of way no matter what (no, this is not a slam, just an annoyance to me for the simple fact that they seem to sometimes be very pushy).

  

I'm trying very hard to love you all....I am; I know that loving my neighbors is the greatest commandment, so I am desperately trying to love you, even though sometimes you make it so hard.

This is for all those pushy, road-raging drivers out there on the road these days.  This is for the semi-truck last night, who even though I was going over the speed limit, thought it would be fun to come up behind me (in the sleety weather, I might add) and flash his brights at me, indicating that I needed to go faster or move over.  (Sorry about shining my brights at you over and over as you went around me; I was having a hard time loving you at the moment; I wasn't feeling very Christian-like at that moment in time.)  This is for all the people who talk on their cell phones instead of actually paying attention to what is going on in the road.  This is for the person, who literally, the other day held down his horn for probably 5 minutes as he followed another car (had to be road rage).  This is for all of the people who think that coming onto the highway via an entry ramp means they should enter at 20mph, slowly wedging in to 70mph traffic.  This is for you, Mister (you know who you are), who looked right at me as you slid right into the parking spot I was taking at the grocery store, just slid in right in front of me....

I'm trying very hard to love you too....I am; Jesus wanted me to love my neighbors, and you are my neighbors.  

Loving others can be so hard, can't it?  I think that sometimes we think love has to be a feeling, but actually, love is a choice.  We can choose to curse our fellow shoppers and drivers (which is what we feel like doing), or we can choose to love them (which is the farthest thing from our minds probably).  The choice is ours....and I know it's tough.  I think I've failed at this more often than not, but I think one thing that can help us to make the right choice is to have a mind set towards eternity.  Is it really going to matter that he jumped in front of me in 10 years?  Is it really going to matter that someone at the store was rude to us?  Yeah, it bothers us, but where is that person headed for eternity?  And what matters most, in light of eternity?  Should I be getting angry over this small stuff, or should I let it go and focus on the big picture?  Oh, and even more, what effect do my reactions have on my children?  Ouch!  Just some thoughts to ponder....:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Organizing Your Homeschool

With the new year upon us, it's usually the time of year that we take a step back, reevaluate how things are going, and then tweak what we're doing, making changes if needed. If you homeschool, then you know how important it is to do this,  especially in your kids' schedules and study times. We ended up doing a slight overhaul to our schedule when January hit....it wasn't that our old schedule was bad, but it just wasn't quite working, and we were a bit overwhelmed. So, it was time for a change.

To read more, visit my post over at MamaBuzz....

My New Cave

You know how sometimes you just want to go find a cave to get away to sometimes?  Well, I think I've found my version of my cave....scrapbooking.:)  I love, love, love it.  My mom-in-law got me a Michael's gift card for Christmas, and I instantly knew what I wanted; I'd been eyeing it for two years; it was the Martha Stewart Essential Colors Glitter Set.  

While I haven't been able to bring myself to open it yet (it's just too beautiful), I'm waiting for just the right project, like maybe our wedding scrapbook.  

BUT as long as it took me to do this first layout this weekend (my first real layout, even though I've attempted to come up with others on my own), it could be a while before I get to the wedding album.:)LOL

I've decided to start using my Michael's coupons to just get stuff here and there when I can to feed my new "cave" hobby.:)  There are so many layouts to look at online and get ideas from.  That's exactly how I did this layout, by looking at another similar one.  No, I really don't know what I'm doing, but I guess I'll learn as I go.

I'm just so excited!  I love my Xacto knife (well, my generic Xacto knife), and I love layering designs....it's just too much fun!  I'm thinking with as much fun as I had just cutting designs out, maybe I should have been a surgeon.:)  Seriously, I had to make some of the stuff on this design, since I didn't have a ton of supplies....so much fun, though!  (By the way, anyone got any great ideas of where all to get affordable scrapbooking supplies online?  I'm new to this, so I'd love your advice.) 

Motivate Me Monday- A Helpless, Waiting Mama

Do you ever feel helpless, truly helpless; as if there's something that you surely ought to be able to do in a situation, but you just can't find a darn thing to do?  That's how I've been feeling with this whole situation in Haiti.  My heart bleeds for these people, and if I had a way, I'd be on the next plane there....but really, is that feasible for me, and is it what God would have me do right now?  Just jump on a plane, leaving my family behind to fend for themselves for who knows how long?  Don't get me wrong, I would give my eye teeth right now to go, and I just can't help feeling that there's something He wants me to do....

It might be what God wants, and if He were to call me to it and provide a way, I would be there....but sometimes our heart's desires can get ahead of God's desires for us.  I'm saying all of this to myself right now, as my heart has been breaking, trying to figure out ways I can help.  I don't have a passport, so it's not like I can just get on a plane anyway.  But I just feel like God wants more from me in life.  This whole earthquake disaster has really brought Haiti a lot closer to my heart, and I just want to share my heart with you.  

I don't know if you remember or not, but a couple weeks ago, I shared on here about the dreams I have every so often, more like nightmares really.  I told about a specific dream I'd had that seemed like it was some sort of genocide or something in a third world country; I wasn't sure if it was Africa or Central America....and you may think I'm crazy, but the sights I saw and the horrors I witnessed in that dream were similar to the earthquake coverage I've been seeing on tv, late at night when I'm watching CNN or other news because I can't get it out of my mind enough to go to sleep.....I'm seriously not crazy, but I do believe that God was trying to get me to start praying, and I have to say that for that first few days after my dream, I prayed, but I failed to continue praying.  I share all of this because God's really been speaking to my heart....I don't know what He wants right now; I don't even know what I can do to help.  I truly feel totally helpless, but I'm asking God to use me however He can.....whether it's through prayer and intercession, whether it's through fundraising, or whether He's dealing with me and Dan, possibly calling us to service, I don't know.  

Dan and I talked the other night, and we have so many dreams of becoming completely debt-free, which is so very feasible in the near future....dreams of taking off when disaster strikes in different parts of the world, putting our gifts and talents to work to help in any situation that we can....dreams of adopting or even starting an orphanage or teen exchange program for poor nations.....we've talked over so many different ideas.  I think God's working on our hearts, and I think He has great things in store, but in the meantime, what do we do?

I think we have to do whatever we can.  So, as my heart breaks, and I want to just GO, I have to let my heart rest in His plan for me....after all, His plan may involve prayer, it may involve fundraising, it may involve loving and enjoying my children (never taking a moment with them for granted, as I tearfully watch babies suffering in Haiti), it may involve just being ready to go when it's His time....hoping this can encourage some of you waiting Mamas out there today.:)  One more note: Dream big, Mamas!  Don't ever let doubt keep you from doing what you know God wants you to do.  Even if the task at hand seems daunting, dream big....God has planted that dream/desire for a reason, and what He has called you to do, He will provide the way for.  After all, how have other organizations started?  I have a hunch they started with a dream in someone's heart....think about it, but don't discount it.

that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises- Hebrews 6:12 (NKJV).

God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer- Mother Teresa.

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

 

Things I Love Thursday: This Hat

The story behind this hat is really funny....I love it because every time I see Jacob in it, I just get to giggling.:) (And what is it with boys that they can't smile nicely, like normal, for a picture?  Every picture's gotta bring its own drama to the table.  LOL)

A couple of years ago, Jacob got this hat for Christmas.  He loved it then, but he kinda grew out of it; at least, his tastes completely changed since then, meaning he got way more picky.  Tried shopping for clothes with a picky 7 year old?  Oh, it's just so much fun!  Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I dug out this hat and resurrected it.:)  It seemed that every time I turned around, Jacob was losing every hat I gave him.  He'd wear it and never bring it in from the car, or he'd put it somewhere, who knows where.  So, sometimes we moms have to get creative in our discipline, right?  I decided to resurrect this hat and make him wear it, since we just couldn't ever keep track of our hats anymore.  I got the big eyes and the, "Oh, Mom, do I have to?  Please don't make me wear that hat!  Pleeeeeaaaassssseeeee!"  LOL  To which I replied, "Well, maybe this will teach you to quit losing stuff and actually find your other hats."  LOL 

From that day on, he has worn this hat, and now he's back to liking it; he says it's "so comfortable."  It still cracks me up, though.  LOL  Gotta love 'im.

For more Things I Love Thursday, visit The Diaper Diaries.

This Angers Me! Vital Safety Info!

This morning while getting dressed, my ears caught the mother's voice on this piece on the Today Show....(please watch, and then read on; I'd like to hear your thoughts)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

If you're not angry after watching this piece, then I don't know what would make you angry.  I am angry, not only as a human being, but as a mother.  I'm angry that this mother had to sit there being told repeatedly to calm down....and she was offered no help or advice at all!  I'm angry that the 911 operator didn't pick up the manual that each one should have with step by step instructions to walk people through the motions of CPR and child safety.  I'm angry that the city of Murphy, Texas denies any wrongdoing!  Shame on you, Murphy, Texas!  In fact shame on all of the states who don't require their 911 operators to have any kind of training.  Did you notice the list above in the video?  

Does human life mean nothing anymore?  The city tries to defend themselves, saying that they had to calm the mother down, that she needed to calm down, as if she were wrong for being upset.  What mother is going to calm down when she's holding her lifeless, still child within her arms, begging and pleading for the operator to just tell her something she can do, just to tell her the necessary steps to take to conduct CPR?!  She even asked for help....how can the operator deny this?

Ok, I'm calming down.  With that being said, I truly believe that we as moms need to step up to the plate here.  It's time for you to write your state representative, write to Congress, write to your local cities and municipalities.  It's time for a change to be made.  I believe that all 911 operators should be trained; it may not be feasible to completely train them medically, but if they at least knew basic first aid skills and CPR, it could save lives.  These people need to have background checks and references.  They are responsible for lives; sometimes it's mere seconds that count.  They need to be trained to deal with mothers and fathers who are holding their babies in their arms and just begging for some kind of advice or help.  Not only that, but for the operator in another scenario to tell the little boy who was calling in, on behalf of his collapsed mother, to hang up or he'd be in trouble....what is up with that?!  That just gives me great peace of mind with all of the 911 bits I've been teaching Jacob.  I can understand being tired of prank calls, but these operators need to be trained to assess the situation and to not dismiss so lightly what may be a true emergency.

Are you angry yet?  Channel that energy into something good, and step up....let's band together, Moms.  Mama bears defend their children....and protect them.... 

I urge all of you mothers to get CPR training; it only takes an afternoon of your time.  Learn how to perform basic first aid, in case something should happen to your children.  My heart breaks for this mother, but let this be a call to action, Moms!  If we don't change this, noone will....

(Disclosure: If you don't agree with this post, that's fine....this is simply my opinion and call to action.)

Motivate Me Monday- I Dare You

This weekend, I've seen so many statuses of parents anxious for their children to go back to school, so they can have a break....I'm not here to judge, believe me (every parent needs quiet time once in a while)....but this week, I dare you to....

I dare you to go out and make snow angels with your kids, if you have snow.  Who cares what the neighbors think?  Your children will remember this for years to come.  Get that sled out, and take them on the ride of their lives, whooping and hollering the whole way (ok, not too loud, because you might just embarrass them; maybe it's payback time for all the Walmart tantrums, though.) LOL

If it's warm where you live and rainy, put on the rainboots and go out and puddle splash with your kids....

I dare you to get down on the floor with your toddler and play cars with him, or take the time to read a story to her.

I dare you to talk to your kids about their dreams this week; even if their dreams constitute being a jedi in outer space or a princess in a huge castle, just listen....play dress-up with them, and make their dreams partly come true.

I dare you to create something with your kids; whether it be a cotton ball snowman or a playdough bowl of spaghetti, create away!

I dare you to take your teens out to lunch, to wherever they want to go; then maybe pick up some munchies, and have a movie night with them.

I dare you to be a kid again!  Remember, it's the simple things that really make our kids' days.:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Shame on Mead Johnson: Giveaway!

Wow, it was only two years ago that we were facing the fact that we had to buy formula yet again.  Oh don't get me wrong; having our second son was a true blessing....but I remember what it was like with our firstborn, Jacob.  You see, Jacob was colicky, and no matter what we tried, he spit everything up and was so gassy and fussy....well, it made a first time mom want to lay down and just cry right alongside her screaming infant.  And that I did, several times.  We ended up switching Jacob over to goat's milk, and he did so well after that.  The doctors definitely didn't recommend that, but we knew he was getting amazing nutrients through the goat's milk just because we knew how the owners were feeding the goats and what was going into that milk.  Jacob has since grown to be a healthy, strapping boy....and Jaden, well, he was able to tolerate formula. 

I do remember having to make the choice of what kind of formula to get, though.  Being a naive parent,  I remember not trusting the store brands to give him the nutrients that I thought other name brand formulas would give him.  (Keep in mind here that I am in no way endorsing formula over breastmilk; breastmilk is, hands-down, the best thing you can feed your child.).  Anyway, we ended up going with a name brand, not only because we trusted it more, but we were able to afford it with our WIC checks and even coupons.  It's also what the hospital started us with, so that's what we used. 

Recently, though, MomSelect sent out information about Mead Johnson, the makers of Enfamil Lipil.  Apparently, they have participated in false advertising by stating that store brands of formula are not as nutritionally valuable and do not incur the same developmental benefits as their brand of formula, Enfamil.  This has ended up in a courtroom case. Oh boy, could this upset a lot of moms who could have saved a ton of money?!  I'll let you read what MomSelect has to say about the matter: 

As many of you know, the core goal of MomSelect is sharing. We always jump at the chance to share something valuable with you, whether it's a cool new product, a savings opportunity, or an invitation to a fun event. And when information comes across our desk that's pertinent to you or your readers, we feel like it's our duty to pass it along.

Let us preface what we want to share with you with this- We are in no way endorsing formula over breastfeeding; however, we have learned that many moms are unnecessarily paying more for formula when they choose to bottle feed because of unfair advertising. We thought this information was important enough to share with you and hopefully your readers.

In a landmark federal court case, a jury verdict confirmed that Mead Johnson, the maker of Enfamil LIPIL Infant Formula, has engaged in false advertising by stating that store brand-infant formulas sold at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens and other retailers, do not provide the same nutritional benefits as Enfamil.

The jury found that Enfamil advertisements were false and misleading, especially since store- brand formulas have the same nutrients at the same levels as Enfamil. In the process, they have exposed the truth about infant formula: store-brand infant formulas are nutritionally equivalent to, and confer the same developmental benefits as, the more expensive national brands like Enfamil. Buying a heavily marketed formula from a big pharmaceutical company does not get you any closer to breast milk.

So what does this mean to Moms? It means they could have been saving up to $600 a year by using store brand formulas, which cost half as much as Enfamil LIPIL and other national brands.

We want to be very clear that by sending you this information MomSelect is not suggesting that formula feeding is the best available option for infant nutrition; breast milk is best for babies. We just want moms to know that they don't have to spend money unnecessarily.

Here are some more links, so that you can study this more, if desired.

http://www.pbmproducts.com/press.aspx?ID=310

http://industry.bnet.com/advertising/10004868/a-desperate-mead-johnson-loses-135m-jury-verdict-over-false-claims/  

http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/esearch/e3i6328aaffeb014c13fbcc5dbedc3d4fd7

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/baby/2009/07/save-money-on-baby-stuff-cheap-formula.htmlhttp://blogs.consumerreports.org/baby/2009/07/save-money-on-baby-stuff-cheap-formula.html

This just goes to show, though, that research is what will benefit the consumer.....be ever watchful, and don't believe everything you hear, Moms.  If you want a resource that will help you navigate the world of baby items and products, consider reading the Consumer Reports Best Baby Products- An A to Z guide to everything you need for your baby. In fact, I'm giving away a copy to one lucky reader; all you expectant Moms, listen up for your chance to enter!  You can enter in one or more ways below; just be sure to leave me a separate comment for each way that you enter.  I'll draw the winner on Friday, January 8, using random.org. 

1) Leave me a comment, letting me know which baby product you would be interested in learning more about.

2) Follow my blog, or even subscribe to it (but only if you truly want to).

3) Follow me on Twitter; tweet about this giveaway!

4) Blog about this giveaway on your own blog, being sure to link back to Real Heart Prints in your post.

5) Digg or Stumble this post.

6) Place my blog button (located on my sidebar) on your blog (only if you truly want to).

7) Vote for Real Heart Prints on Top Mommy Blogs (just click the Top Mommy Blogs button in sidebar).

Good luck, and Happy New Year!

(Disclosure: I was provided this book, free of charge, in association with MomSelect.)

The Invisible Woman

Wow, this just says it all....let it encourage you today.

Motivate Me Monday- Merry Christmas

Wow, Christmas is this week; I just can't believe it's already here.  Honestly, I feel like Christmas goes throughout the whole month of December.  I guess it's just the spirit of the holiday.

The last couple weeks have been rather stressful around the Lockcuff house.  I've really been struggling with a lot of things, personally, and although I won't go into detail here, I will say this.  If your family is having a hard time this holiday season, whether financially, physically, or however, don't give up on the magic of this holiday.  Don't lose out on the memories that can still be made together.  Even though you may feel like there's no hope in sight, or maybe you've lost touch with the One Who is the reason for this holiday, don't give up.  Believe me, I've been ready to just throw my hands up in the air and totally give up in the last couple of weeks; I've even had a few meltdowns.  If you've seen a crazy woman crying hysterically in her car, that was probably me.  Dan and I have both been really discouraged.  But from me to you, one mama to another, don't give up.  Make the most of what you have, and make memories....after all, it's the memories that will last, not all the hooplah and giftwrap.  Hug your kids, and cover them in kisses. 

Merry Christmas!

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Happy Mom

This is going to be a quickie today....I have friends who have struggled with infertility, and this is a verse I found this week that I shared with another friend and thought I'd share it with all of you.  I love this verse; it's a promise from God....

He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.  Praise the LORD- Psalm 113: 9 (NIV).

I hope this encourages someone today and motivates all mothers, no matter if you struggle with infertility or not, to hang in there.  We all go through rough patches (as I've been going through a bit of one myself lately, not with infertility....other things), but God can give us happiness.  This Psalm is just centered all around praise and how big and strong and good He is; I think sometimes we have to praise Him, and through praising Him, we'll see the blessings in any situation....just something He's trying to teach me....Love you all.:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Giggles Over My Littles

When I read this on Ruth's and Missie's blog, I about cracked up! (Missie got it from a friend of hers.) I was nodding my head and laughing the whole time I read this....enjoy!:) Gotta love our littles!

Toddler/Parent Contract

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for the interest in remaining my parents. Below is a list of my demands.

FOOD

1. For breakfast, there will be only milk from my sippy cup while I'm watching television (see section II).

2. From breakfast until what you probably call lunch, I will be provided with an unending supply of cookies. No arguments.

3. For lunch I will eat yogurt. Anything containing fruit on the bottom will make me pick out the fruit and throw it on the ground or else throw it up on your carpet.

a. so no fruit on the bottom.

4. From lunch until dinner I will enjoy having something to lick. Why not a lollipop? Why not seven?

a. Between licks, I may place the lollipop on your grandmother's Turkish rug. This will be okay by you.

5. For dinner I will have macaroni and cheese. Any attempts to give me vegetables in addition to the macaroni and cheese will result in tears.

a. And don't you dare hide anything in the cheese sauce, because, how you will rue the day.

6. After dinner, you may provide me with ice cream.

a. No frozen yogurt. Trust me, I know the difference.

II TELEVISION

1. The TV will be on all the time, unless I say differently. You are to sit by my side, quietly, hands folded in lap, while I watch my shows.

a. You may arise to fetch me a snack.

2. No diaper changing or pleas to engage in physical activity will be tolerated during watching of television.

3. Turning off the television will result in much kicking and screaming.

III TOYS

1. There will be many.

a. They will always be strewn about the house so that I may simply reach down and pick up a toy, no matter where I am.

b. They will be loud, complicated, and contain many small pieces. I enjoy shooting noises that go w-shooooopp! or zim zim zim.

c. Nothing that results in any type of learning, please.

IV FRIENDS

1. They should be available whenever I'm in the mood to use someone else's toys or ingest someone else's cookies.

a. These friends may not ever so much as look at my toys or cookie supply.

b. Ever, ever, ever.

V SLEEP

1. Is when I say, where I say, and how I say. If I want to sleep upside down with my legs locked around your neck, then that's how it will be.

a. And you will enjoy it.

VI AFFECTION

1. Occasionally I enjoy being hugged and kissed. I stress occasionally.

2. I will not be pelted with wet mouthed assaults on an hourly basis. Should you feel the need to hug or kiss, you must provide me with a written request.

a. And then wait for me to offer my pudgy cheek.