Stuff Mamas Like

Because Sometimes Only a Sibling Understands . . .

2011-03-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

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Calling All Guest Bloggers!

2011-02-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

Have something you'd like to share on "Stuff Mamas Like"? Maybe a funny story about your little one? Something you've learned through mamahood? A great picture? Whatever it may be, send me an e-mail at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com with the details, and you just might find yourself on SML. Tell your mama friends about the opportunity, too!

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Lunchbox Notes

2011-02-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

Monday through Friday, my husband and/or I pack our children's lunches for school. And every Monday through Friday, we write notes to put in their lunchboxes. They aren't great literary works or life-changing messages (After all, we're writing them at 7 o'clock in the morning.), but they do serve as little reminders to our children of how much we love them and are proud of them. They have become an important staple of school lunchtime, and on the rare instance that we forget to include a note, our children let us know about it!

This past week I started working a part-time job (which I haven't done in a decade!), and I am taking my lunch to the office. Yesterday I found in my lunchbag a wonderful little note from my husband, letting me know how much he loves me and is proud of me. I can see how a person could get used to reading these things each day!

Mama Question: Do you stick notes in your kids' lunchboxes or anywhere else? How do you think it affects them?

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God Will Take Care of Yooooooooooouuuuu!

2011-02-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

Annnnd we're back! To re-kick off "Stuff Mamas Like," I thought I'd share this precious, precious video. Just listen to this baby sing!

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Leave of Absence

2010-11-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

I've been taking a break from "Stuff Mamas Like" and will continue to do so for a little while. I'll let you know when I start it back. Thanks for following!

Fun Friday: Snotty Doctor

2010-10-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

In honor of the changing of the seasons and the snottiness it brings . . .

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School Pictures

2010-10-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is picture day at my children's school. Which made me think of last year's picture day . . .

Much to my mother's despair, I don't always spend a lot of time on my girls' hair. And my boy's hair--well, we never brush it. We just tousle it with our hands. (Honestly, it looks best that way. He's got great hair!) But for picture day, I do try to make my girls' hair look really nice, which includes making sure it's been washed the previous night.

So this time last year, my then-third grade daughter decided to do something a little "extra" with her hair . . . without my knowing it. Apparently, after she'd already been put to bed, she got up and put her hair into about a dozen different tiny twists.

The next morning, I woke her up and discovered what she'd done. Since we had gotten up late, as usual, there wasn't enough time to rewash, dry, and style her hair. Plus, this was something that she had wanted to do, so we just went with it. As I began taking down and untwisting her hair, I found it to be the frizziest, tangled mess I'd ever seen. The more I brushed it, the worse it got. So I started spraying it down with water and ended up pulling some of it back away from her face, at least taming it a bit.

Callie loved it. So we left it. And the smile on her face in her third grade picture far outshines her hair that day. (Thank goodness.)

Mama Question: What has been your worst school picture experience (either your own or your child's)? Bonus points if you share the picture with us!

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Fun Friday: Pistachio Winner!

2010-10-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Juliana Kyzar! You've won the Pistachio DVD! Just e-mail your mailing address to me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, and I'll get your prize in the mail to you next week.

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Fun Friday: Pistachio Giveaway (What?)

2010-10-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

That's right--I have a Pistachio to give away! Of the VeggieTales DVD variety, that is. It's a lesson in listening to your parents. Who wants it? (Who wouldn't?!)

To be entered to win, you'll have to tell on yourself this time. Leave a comment here and tell us about a time when you didn't listen to your parents . . . and should have.

I'll start: My mother told me that I would one day regret not sticking with an instrument. Once upon a time (but not at the same time), I played piano, clarinet, and cello. Today I can play none of them. However, I can play a mean egg shaker. Oh well. She told me so.

Your turn. Do it fast, though, because the drawing will be at 7:00 tonight!

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The Gift of Giving: Instilling Generosity in Your Children

2010-10-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any of my articles on this blog, so I thought I'd start doing that from time to time. Here is one I had published in Parents & Kids magazine on teaching your children about giving.

Mama Question: How do you encourage your children to give to others?

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Not Feeling Frazzled

2010-10-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Mamahood is just plain busy. It's constant. There is always something that needs to be done or seen or heard or kissed. And it doesn't really matter how we feel; we still have to tend to it. We can easily feel frazzled and overwhelmed, which is why we must take the time to tend to ourselves. It is essential to the health (and safety?) of our families for us to make sure we take the breaks (even short snippets) that we need and get the rest (with eyes closed or open) that we need in order to be at our best.

Mama Question: What do you do to tend to yourself when you are feeling particularly frazzled?

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Fun Friday: Smelling Like a Man . . . or a Monster

2010-10-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

Ever since the first time I saw this commercial, I thought it was hilarious . . .

But this one is even greater . . .

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Helping Hands Week: Creating

2010-10-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last week I asked Mamas to tell me how they like to encourage their children to use their hands. Jennifer said, "We use our hands to make things the way God made us and our world! Our favorite things to make are drawings and food. Josie especially loves to use her hands to 'help' us make bread."

Using our hands to create, mold, build, design, or fashion is a wonderful way to express ourselves and can also be a beautiful act of worship. What a tremendous way to engage our children in both praising and serving our Creator! Thank you for the reminder, Jennifer.

And for those of us who dread the mess that so often accompanies creativity . . . Well, we just need to get over it, don't we?

Mama Question: What do you and your child like to create together?

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Helping Hands Week: Hugging, Not Hitting

2010-10-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Last week I asked Mamas to tell me how they like to encourage their children to use their hands. Sherry said, "My son is a hitter. So we constantly talk about how hands are not for hitting. Hands are for helping and hugging and being gentle."

When little ones get frustrated, they don't always know how to handle it. (Neither do I, kids.) Particularly before they have learned how to verbally communicate their feelings, I think it's just instinctive to act on them physically. So it's our job as parents to continually remind our children that hitting is not appropriate.

I like Sherry's suggestion--hugging! Unless they're like my daughter when she was little. She hugged a little too tightly sometimes. Talk about tough love.

Mama Question: How have you dealt with little ones who like to hit?

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Helping Hands Week: Sharing

2010-10-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Last week I asked Mamas to tell me how they like to encourage their children to use their hands. Kara said, "My 3.5 year old son is still adjusting to sharing his toys with his one year old brother. So, we are constantly trying to remind him how God wants us to (use our hands) share our things with other people."

I've said it before, and I'll say it again . . . Anyone who thinks we aren't born with a sin nature hasn't spent any time with a toddler! We are naturally very selfish creatures, aren't we? We as adults are often guilty of not being able to share, too. We need to practice right alongside our children.

Although it's one of the most important lessons we can teach our children, it's also one of the hardest. Keep it up!

Mama Question: How do you encourage your children to share with others?

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Helping Hands Week: Doing Dishes

2010-10-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Last week I asked Mamas to tell me how they like to encourage their children to use their hands. Emily said, "I have my kids scrape the plate and put it in the sink for me, this helps tremendously when I start to load the dishwasher. My four year old can do this easily."

We're trying to get better about this at my house, Emily! My children are entirely capable of clearing the table and scraping their plates. Sometimes I find myself caught up in the years-long habit of doing things for my children, that I don't even consider that they can actually do things for themselves now. (This is not a good thing.) Or else I'm afraid they'll break a dish or make a mess or not rinse properly or just plain take a long time getting it done. But it is worth all these things in order to teach them how to help with the dishes and contribute to the family.

Thanks for the reminder!

Mama Question: Do your children help with the dishes? Have a great story to share about it? Do it here!

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Fun Friday: Book Giveaway Winner!

2010-10-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kara!

You have won Max Lucado's newest children's book--One Hand, Two Hands! E-mail your mailing address to me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, and I will send it to you next week. Congrats! And enjoy the book!

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Max Lucado's ONE HAND, TWO HANDS Book Giveaway!

2010-10-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

I have one copy of Max Lucado's newest children's book--One Hand, Two Hands--to give away! To be entered in the drawing, just leave a comment about some different ways you encourage your children to use (or not use) their hands. The drawing will be this Friday at noon. Tell a friend!

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Book Review: ONE HAND, TWO HANDS: Oh, the Ways We Can Help With Our Hands!

2010-10-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

The wonderful illustrations are what first captured my attention in One Hand, Two Hands. Gaby Hansen has created sweet, colorful, warm, joyful illustrations that both children and their parents alike will enjoy looking at time and time again. The pictures truly invite the reader/listener to explore the book.

Of course, Max Lucado does a wonderful job with the words, too! Since the book is intended for toddlers and preschoolers, the language is very simple, and the use of rhyme engages their minds, attention, and senses. As the reader/listener observes the little girl interacting with various animals throughout the book's illustrations, the words evoke images of fun, playful, creative, and helpful things we can do with our hands.

One of my favorite features is found on the last pages, where listed are different things that Helping Hands, Kind Hands, and Loving Hands can do--things like clean my room, gather the trash, draw a get-well card for a sick person, and clap for someone else. Then the child is encouraged to think of other ways that their hands can be helping hands. So even though the book is fairly short, it can provoke some wonderful conversations between parents and children.

This delightful children's book would be a treasured addition to any family's library.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Prolific Partridges

2010-10-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

I just started a new blog where my children and I can post their writing and artwork. We're pretty excited about it! Check it out. Become a follower, even!

www.prolificpartridges.blogspot.com

Fun Friday: Spinach/Spanish

2010-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

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Gianna Jessen: Abortion Survivor

2010-09-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

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Baby Showers

2010-09-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

There is a baby boom going on around me! So many of my friends and family are with child, which means lots of baby showers to attend. I'm not lying--I really do love baby showers. It is so exciting to see a mama-to-be being lavished with onesies, blankets, and diapers, and she is all smiles and glows. She has no idea what's coming. And by that, of course, I mean that her life is about to be changed forever. And by that, of course, I mean that motherhood is completely wonderful. Completely. Of course.

:)

No, I really do love baby showers and getting to celebrate a brand new person coming into existence. There is nothing like it. I loved each of my own baby showers and truly appreciated all the help and gear being offered to me by people who loved me and my family. I needed the support as well as all the baby stuff, as does every new mother. And really, does any woman ever get tired of buying precious little baby outfits?! And I think it's okay that I'm glad that I'm buying them for other people's babies.

So bring on the powder pink and baby blue! Bring on the diaper cakes! Bring on the baby-food-tasting and guess-the-melted-candy-bar-in-the-diaper games! Bring on the baby showers! All us mamas will bring you gifts and sit and smile at you . . . albeit a knowing smile.

Mama Question: What's your favorite gift to give at baby showers?

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And the winners are . . .

2010-09-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Elise! You've won the Sweetpea Beauty prize package!

--and--

Congrats to Alison! You've won the Noah's Umbrella prize package!

Thanks for sharing your comments with us, ladies! I am inspired by your adoption stories. I hope that your family will enjoy these Veggie Tales items. Just e-mail your mailing address to me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, and I'll mail your prizes to you next week. Congrats!

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Fun Friday: "His Cheeseburger"

2010-09-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

In honor of our Veggie Tales drawing today . . . and because I'm craving a cheeseburger . . . enjoy this Silly Song.

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Dropping the Kids Off at School

2010-09-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Most of the time, my husband drops the kids off at school, but there are days when I am the one to take them. I don't mind, though, because I can just throw my hair in a ponytail, wear whatever slouchy clothes are nearby, and put some sunglasses on my un-made-up-and-probably-not-washed-face. After all, I won't have to see or talk to anyone, since I can just let the kids out of the van near the entrance to the school.

Unless my kindergartner begs me to walk her into her class.

This was the case this morning. I sort-of hmmm'd and twisted my mouth as I tried to think of a good reason why I couldn't escort her into the building.

"I don't know, Katie," I said.

"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?," she pleaded.

"Katie, she doesn't want to," my eldest daughter told her little sister. "She doesn't have any make-up on."

"So!," Katie replied. "It doesn't matter. It's the morning! And I don't have on any make-up either!"

"You're five," Callie reminded her.

"I'm SIX!," Katie retorted, still savoring the memory of her birthday last week.

Katie and I had to laugh, but since Callie doesn't appreciate being laughed at, she decided to answer us with her fourth grade logic: "Well, if you round, you're five!" Hmmmm . . . But I'm not a morning person, so I didn't have it in me to even give an answer to that bit of reasoning.

But I digress.

Since I've never wanted to be the kind of woman who can't let herself be seen in public without make-up and because I certainly don't want to send a wrong message to my impressionable daughters, I decided to suck it up and traipse into the school as-is. Of course, since Katie wanted me to walk her all the way to her classroom and not just to the front door, I had to stop in the office and get a visitor's pass. Then I think I greeted every teacher and parent in the hallway, plus I talked to each of my children's teachers.

The dropping-off process that normally involves hugs, kisses, an opening of the van door, and a wave of the hand ended up being a 10-minute social event. It was good, I'm sure, but I felt very conscious of my aura. On my way out, I had to drop off my visitor's pass in the office, but there was a line of tardy students waiting to receive passes. So I waited. Finally, the school security guard came over to me, took my pass, and told me not to worry about signing out, that she'd do it for me.

"You just want to leave, right?," she asked.

"Yes. I just want to leave."

Tomorrow morning the hug/kiss/door/wave will have to suffice.

Mama Question: Do you walk your kids into the school building or just drop them off?

*Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway! The drawing is tomorrow.

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A Wonderful Song and a Fun Giveaway!

2010-09-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

Listen to this beautiful song, "Meant to Be," by Steven Curtis Chapman for VeggieTales' upcoming release, It's a Meaningful Life. You'll be blessed by both what you'll hear and what you'll see!

And since we're talking VeggieTales, why not have another giveaway?! I have two prize packages to give. To be entered in the drawing, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me what you like or what stood out to you the most about this song/video.

I'll have the drawing this Friday, September 24th, at noon. Spread the word! Here's what you can win:

The Sweetpea Beauty package, which includes:

Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart (A Lesson About True Beauty) DVD

Sweetpea Beauty jigsaw puzzle

Sweetpea's Songs for Girls CD

Sweetpea Beauty stickers

--OR--

The Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella package, which includes:

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella (A Lesson in Confidence) DVD

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella jigsaw puzzle

VeggieTales 25 Favorite Action Songs CD

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella stickers

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Fun Friday: Reflections of Motherhood

2010-09-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything this week. Maybe this will make up for it . . .

Mamas, what would YOU tell yourselves???

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Fun Friday: "(A More Real) Love Story"

2010-09-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yep.

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And Another Totally Desperate Mom Story!

2010-09-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

This Totally Desperate Mom moment was submitted by Tiffany van Gorder. Yeesh . . .

Spent an afternoon at the pool by myself with my two daughters (5 and 2) while my husband enjoyed a day at the golf range. I even took them to get an ice cream cone afterwards. Came home relaxed and ready to do a load of laundry. Walked down the hall to put away some clothes only to come across a pretty bad smell. Not sure what it was until I entered my youngest daughter's bedroom and found my two dogs had gotten into her diaper genie. Needless to say, the room was a mess and I had to go into instant clean up mode - screaming but trying to keep the profanities out of my vocabulary. Five minutes later, my husband gets home after having a pretty good day, thinking he would return to three happy girls. Not exactly the case! The house didn't return to normal until the carpet cleaners arrived two days later and I awaited my next Totally Desperate Mom Moment.

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Another Totally Desperate Mom Story

2010-08-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

This TDM moment was submitted by Sherry Wolfe. Can't you relate?! . . .

OK, it was the day before our vacation, and I had to run about 10 errands, with both kids, and the weather was 100 degrees!!!! We got to my daughter's speech evaluation and they had our appointment written down for the wrong time. I begged and pleaded for them to still see us because I had moved heaven and earth to be there and we were leaving the next day for 2 weeks. So they moved things around and the nicest lady did the evaluation for us.

Then, we went to my doctor's office to pick up some copies of medical records. On the way back out to the car, I noticed my daughter had a stinky diaper. (Side note: She is 2 1/2 and has chronic diarrhea ..... like, the worst diarrhea I have ever seen come out of anyone!) Sure enough, this stinky diaper was bad. It was soaked through her clothes and running down her legs. I always keep a change of clothes for her in our van, specifically for this reason. Keep in mind, it's 100 degrees out, and I'm already frazzled from all the errand-running with a 2 and a 3 year old! So I stripped her in the back of the van and wipe her down the best I can with baby wipes. I completely changed her and we finally kept going on our errands.

We still had several errands to run and I was so desperate .... Calgon, take me away!!!!!

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Fun Friday: Our Totally Desperate Mom Winner!

2010-08-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Dana Bicker! Wendy Hagen has chosen you as the winner in the Totally Desperate Mom contest! E-mail me (heycarriepartridge@gmail.com) with your address, and we'll get Totally Desperate Mom to you!

And now for the rest of us Mamas--here is Dana's winning story. (Bless her heart.) The story will also be posted on Wendy's blog on Monday . . .

How could a good story not involve poop?! Here's one of my desperate mom stories.

My exciting adventure was on Easter morning. My husband was working but regardless I wanted to venture out (my new mom mission) to share my then 4 month old Munchkin with the family for brunch. That morning we both dressed up. Munch had his cute matching shirt, pants and shoes. Crazy first time mom mission. And then to top it off, Heels for me. Heels people! That alone is a huge feat for me. I regretted that decision as soon as I sat down at the table. I digress.

The whole back seat car ride (a whopping 20 minutes) was quiet. Strangely quiet. Pulling up to the restaurant, Munch was still smiling which later tuned me into the idea that smiles do not always mean good things. Grandpa S was the initiator once our seating had been arranged. The whole thing was almost slow motion. Seat belt clicks open, hands reach in, Munch (still smiling) is raised into the air, and wham. A vertical stripe of yellow is up the shirt, into the hair, into the car seat and onto Grandpa S' hands.

Whoa.

The worst blow out I have ever experienced.

Newbie mom here goes into gear and starts to gather the necessities for an emergency baby wipe bath and change. I grab the Stinky Smiling Munchkin and head off to the bathroom - Plan A. Of course. No changing station. Plan B. The back seat of my Saturn out in the parking lot.

To fully grasp the scene, please close your eyes and imagine with me. Very low "slanted" back seat. Mom in a skirt AND heels. Wind and rain picking up very quickly. Poop everywhere. Apparently a pair of scrubs should be included in every diaper bag for an occasion such as this.

By the time the clothing, diaper and changing pads were cleared (forever stained by the way), my legs were shaking, my back was throbbing and I was wet. All from holding the awkward lunge position necessary to change Munch in the back seat of my car. I

I learned some valuable lessons that day.

1. Heels are evil.

2. Cute outfits are not meant to last and should be avoided.

3. A petition should be signed forcing every bathroom to have a changing station... or a counter...or a wood plank. SOMETHING that is not a slanted backseat of a car that hugs the ground.

3. Baby smiles may be cute but oh man are they sneaky.

4. Poop stains. Oh how it stains.

5. I faced the sad reality that I am desperately out of shape. I literally could not walk for two days without hobbling after that lunge position.

-Dana Bicker

Just another mom.

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My OWN Totally Desperate Mom Moment (and Last Chance for the Giveaway!)

2010-08-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it just wouldn't be right if I didn't tell of one of my own Totally Desperate Mom moments . . .

It was Thanksgiving, and Katie (my youngest) was only two months old. We were having a lot of people over for the lunchtime feast, which meant that I had a lot of cooking to do. And since I had a ginormous turkey to cook, which would take several hours, I had to get up early to prepare it and pop it in the oven.

But first Katie had some things she wanted me to do.

She woke up around 5:00 a.m. for her regular feeding, after which she normally went right back to sleep. Normally. As soon as she woke up, I changed her diaper and then settled into feeding her. During the feeding, she had a blow-out poopy diaper (You knew it had to involve poop!), so I stopped feeding her to change both her diaper and her clothes. Then I went back to feeding her, hoping she'd get really full and really sleepy, so that we could both doze for a while before beginning our Day of Thanks.

When she finished eating, I worked on burping her. I don't know if she ate too much or I burped her too hard, but out came about a gallon of spitup, drenching us both! So now we're onto clothing change number two. By the time this was finished, Katie was wide awake, so I held her and gave her her pacifier to get her to go back to sleep. By the time she finally gave into her desire/need to snooze, it was time for me to get up and start cooking the turkey! After finally getting it ready and into the oven, it was time to feed Katie again . . .

Think I was ready for that Thanksgiving nap???

Alright, Mamas, now it's YOUR turn! What desperate mommy moment do you have to share with us? Submit it today and be entered to win Totally Desperate Mom by Wendy Hagen. To enter, just e-mail me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com and share a hilarious desperate mom moment that you've had. You can keep it short and sweet--just hit the highlights. Wendy will judge the entries and choose a winner, whose story will be posted on Stuff Mamas Like and on Wendy's blog! All other stories will be posted on Stuff Mamas Like next week.

And now our last blast from Wendy's past . . . "Growing Pains" and "The New Lassie"--both of which involve a very young Leonardo DiCaprio!

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"Circus of the Stars" and a TOTALLY DESPERATE MOM Giveaway!

2010-08-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

The author of our giveaway book is apparently a woman of many talents. She was on "Circus of the Stars," for crying out loud!!! How many Mamas can say that?! And guess who was supposed to be performing with her. None other than Zach from "Saved By the Bell"! Don't act like you didn't have a crush on him back in the day. :)

It's not too late to submit your favorite desperate Mama moment to win the contest . . .

Wendy Hagen and I are giving away a copy of Wendy's book, Totally Desperate Mom, on Friday! To enter, just e-mail me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com and share a hilarious desperate mom moment that you've had. You can keep it short and sweet--just hit the highlights. Wendy will judge the entries and choose a winner, whose story will be posted on Stuff Mamas Like and on Wendy's blog! All other stories will be posted on Stuff Mamas Like next week.

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"The Wonder Years" and TDM Giveaway Week!

2010-08-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

Wendy Hagen and I are giving away a copy of Totally Desperate Mom at the end of this week! To enter, just e-mail me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com and share a hilarious desperate mom moment that you've had. You can keep it short and sweet--just hit the highlights. Wendy will judge the entries and choose a winner, whose story will be posted on Stuff Mamas Like and on Wendy's blog! All other stories will be posted on Stuff Mamas Like next week.

I know you've got something to share. And it probably involves poop.

Now in honor of our author/judge, here she is guest starring in an episode of "The Wonder Years" . . .

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TOTALLY DESPERATE MOM Book Giveaway!

2010-08-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, who wants to win a copy of Totally Desperate Mom by Wendy Hagen?! It's a great book, and you can read the first chapter here.

To be entered in the drawing, I'm going to ask you to do something for me. E-mail me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com and share one of your most hilarious desperate moments as a Mama. Wendy's agreed to be our judge and will choose our Totally Desperate Mom winner, who will be announced this Friday, August 27th!

All entries must be sent to me by Thursday, August 26th. The winning entry will be posted on Stuff Mamas Like this Friday and will also be posted on Wendy's blog! All other entries will be posted on Stuff Mamas Like next week. So take a few minutes and share your desperate Mama stories with the rest of us. You know you have plenty to share!

Now here's a bit of trivia for you. Did you know that Wendy was a childhood actress? How fun is that?! I'll share some clips from her acting days on the blog this week in honor of her book giveaway. Here she is with Kirk Cameron and Leonardo DiCaprio!

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And the winner is . . .

2010-08-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Merianne!!! You've won the 3-2-1 Penguins! Blast in Space! DVD! Thanks for following Stuff Mamas Like. May you enjoy many more naps/quiet time. :)

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Fun Friday: Spontaneous Giveaway!

2010-08-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Quick! Leave a comment and name something that YOU, as a Mama, like and be entered to win the 3-2-1 Penguins! Blast in Space! DVD for your kiddos. I'll do the drawing at noon tomorrow (Saturday, August 21). Hurry! And tell a friend!

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Bread Bags

2010-08-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Mamas are so creative and resourceful--even when it comes to finding ways to reuse bread bags. When my babies were actually still babies, I found that bread bags were useful for wrapping up dirty diapers to throw in the trash, since they seemed to somewhat contain the odor.

When my siblings and I were young, my Mama had another creative use for them: she put them on our feet! Why? Well, we didn't have snow boots, so on the rare occasion that it snowed in Memphis, TN, and we wanted to go out and play in it, Mama put Roman Meal bread bags on our feet between our socks and our shoes to help keep our feet dry. And to help keep them up and tight, she put rubberbands around them on our shins. Genius.

Maybe the most impressive re-use of the bread bag, however, was one I observed this summer on our family's vacation with the rest of my husband's family. We were all down on the beach, enjoying an evening of pizza and the sunset, when my almost-three-year-old niece announced that she needed to poop! Not wanting to make the trek all the way back up to the condo, my quick-thinking sister-in-law didn't miss a beat. She quickly snatched up one of the kid's sand pails and a bread bag with which to line the potty/pail, and she and her daughter traipsed up the dunes for a little more privacy. Again, genius.

My niece ended up having a false alarm, but we were grateful for the demonstrated improvisation, because not ten minutes later, my son announced that he had to poop! With great laughter, my husband grabbed the potty/pail, the bread bag, and my son, and they, too, headed for the dunes. A few minutes later, my son proudly held up his bread bag and announced its contents as he walked toward the trash can on the beach. It was pretty stinkin' funny.

Now fast-forward a week or so. My neighbor and her dog stop by to see my kids, who are playing in the front yard. After several minutes of chatting, she tells us that she and the dog need to move along, so she stoops down and picks up these little, filled plastic bags. Curious, my son says, "What is that?" To which my neighbor just smiles and says, "It's poop!" To which my son naturally and innocently asks . . . "Whose?"

Genius.

Mama Question: Do you have another creative re-use for bread bags? Obviously, anything goes!

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Book Review: TOTALLY DESPERATE MOM

2010-08-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Moms, you will love this book by Wendy Hagen! This young mother of three will keep you laughing and nodding your head in agreement as you compare her crazy, messy stories of motherhood with your own. Truly, only other moms can appreciate(?) this stage of life that is just as full of joys as it is bodily fluids.

Reading Wendy's book is like reading a long e-mail from one of your best girlfriends. She spills out all the frustrations of mothering babies and toddlers with both humor and grace (both of which moms REALLY need!). But Wendy also brings encouragement and wisdom to the matter, giving practical tips on how to take care of yourself and your marriage during this hectic time of life.

Totally Desperate Mom is a quick, easy read (very important for busy moms, who may only have time to read while in the bathroom or while cooking dinner)--one that will hold your attention and make you smile. You'll appreciate this realistic approach to what life is really like in "the motherhood." Moms, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. And if you know a mom-to-be, give her a copy of it, too, because she'll want to know she's not alone when she's in the midst of "the Black Hole"! Now you're curious, aren't you?

And here's the really fun news: Wendy and I will be giving away a copy of Totally Desperate Mom next week on Stuff Mamas Like! So keep checking in to find out how to win it!

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The First Day of School

2010-08-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Whether your baby is starting kindergarten or his senior year, the first day of school is still exciting . . . and emotional. Yesterday my husband and I took our youngest to school for the first time. She was so excited, as were her older brother and sister, which only helped. They were all up and ready to go 30 minutes before we needed to leave the house. (This will never happen again.)

Although I couldn't help but shed a few tears as I watched my "big girl" line up with the other kindergarteners, I was still excited for her. I know she'll love school and will make some great friends. Oh yeah--and she'll learn some stuff, too. And honestly, I was excited for me. I think it will help me to be a better manager of my time to know that I have six hours a day, five days a week to focus on writing, running errands, and doing housework. And I think I will be better able to really focus on my children when they are home, because I won't feel these other things looming over me. Also, it's nice for Mamas and their babies to miss each other sometimes. I get some great hugs after school!

So here's to the first day of school, Mamas! It's okay to be excited. :)

Mama Question: How was your kids' first day of school?

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Giveaway Scout

2010-08-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'm signing my blog up to be a part of Giveaway Scout, in hopes that it will drive more traffic to my blog. Here's why . . .

Make the most of your giveaways.

Giveaway Scout is a giveaway search engine. Our users subscribe to receive updates on the latest giveaways on the web. Add your blog and your giveaways will be exposed to our large network or users.

We publish your giveaways on multiple channels (Our web, newsletter, Twitter, Facebook and widget network)
Get more exposure to your blog and giveaways.

You might want to sign up to get their e-mails! Never know what you'll win.

And the winner is . . .

2010-08-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Christy Bullock!!! You may choose one of the following prize packages.

But wait! There's more! Jenn is also a winner! (Sorry, your profile doesn't give me your last name. But you have on a really cute green hat in your picture. :) ) Jenn, you'll receive the other prize package!

So I need you ladies to e-mail me with your choice and your mailing address. Send it to heycarriepartridge@gmail.com.

CONGRATS!! And thanks for following!

The Sweetpea Beauty package, which includes:

Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart (A Lesson About True Beauty) DVD

Sweetpea Beauty jigsaw puzzle

Sweetpea's Songs for Girls CD

Sweetpea Beauty stickers

--OR--

The Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella package, which includes:

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella (A Lesson in Confidence) DVD

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella jigsaw puzzle

VeggieTales 25 Favorite Action Songs CD

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella stickers

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Fun Friday: Silly Songs

2010-08-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

In honor of our drawing today, let's enjoy some VeggieTales Silly Songs, shall we? We'll start with a classic . . .

And one of my favorites . . .

And one from our giveaway . . .

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Shopping for School Supplies (or Not)

2010-08-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took all three of my children to buy school supplies. This is the first year that we will have all three of them in school, so it's a pretty big milestone. The first stop was for Katie, my youngest, to pick out her first backpack. Huge decision. And it was all craziness from that point on . . .

I was juggling four very specific lists of school supplies, my own shopping list for home, coupons, a shopping cart, Icees for the kids (Maybe my first mistake?), and a Frappucino for myself (Not a mistake.). My children weren't acting bad; they were just excited about school supplies. But when they get excited, they talk loudly, rapidly, and constantly, which does nothing good for my ADDness when it comes to shopping.

We managed to get out in about an hour and a half with an overflowing shopping cart and a lot less money in the bank. And I was in need of both a shower and a tranquilizer. But we're well-equipped for a new school year. We'll just have to hitch up the U-Haul to the back of the van to lug all these supplies up to the school.

Mama Question: What school supplies shopping stories do you have to share?

**Don't forget to become a follower of Stuff Mamas Like and be entered in the VeggieTales giveaway. Drawing is Friday at noon!

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A Very Veggie Giveaway!

2010-08-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

Wanna win some VeggieTales goodies?! All you have to do is officially become a "follower" of this blog, and you'll be entered in the drawing to win either . . .

The Sweetpea Beauty package, which includes:

Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart (A Lesson About True Beauty) DVD

Sweetpea Beauty jigsaw puzzle

Sweetpea's Songs for Girls CD

Sweetpea Beauty stickers

--OR--

The Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella package, which includes:

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella (A Lesson in Confidence) DVD

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella jigsaw puzzle

VeggieTales 25 Favorite Action Songs CD

Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella stickers

The winner will get to choose which package he/she would like to receive. The drawing will be held this Friday, August, 13th, at noon, so be sure to follow me before then! Also, for those of you wonderful people who are already following my blog, you'll be happy to know that you're already entered in the drawing. Thanks for reading!

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Fun Friday: David After the Dentist

2010-08-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

In honor of my daughter's upcoming dentist appointment . . .

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VeggieTales Giveaways!

2010-08-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

Coming next week . . .

Stay tuned!

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Pick-Me-Ups

2010-08-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I asked Mamas to submit their favorite pick-me-ups. Here they are:

My favorite pick-me-up is Naptime!!!!! I have a few minutes to myself .... I can get a few things done, or watch one of MY shows, and eat what I want!!! Plus, it's quiet!!!!! --Sherry
A caramel frappucino...preferably starbucks but I'll take a Mickey D's one. Makes my day when I have had a long day and my husband brings me one! --Dana
Exercise is the best mood altering activity for me right now. If only I could manage to lose some weight...sigh... --Martha
I just LOVE it when my son says, "Mommy, I just love you all the time!" It just makes my day and all the frustrations melt away! --Sherry
around 3pm- cup of freshly ground coffee and one 1 or 2 pieces of realllly good chocolate.--Gini
Homemade iced coffee!!!! --Liska
I love seeing my adult children passing along words I told them to the third generation. --Edna Ellison (author of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups!

Mama Question: What can you add to this list?

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Book Giveaway (on someone else's blog this time)

2010-08-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

You can enter to win a copy of Friendship for Grown-Ups: What I Missed and Learned Along the Way by Lisa Whelchel on The Common Room blog! Go to the site for details.

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Fun Friday: A Great Mommy Pick-Me-Up

2010-07-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Because a baby's laugh is quite possibly the BEST pick-me-up for a Mama . . .

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And the winner is . . .

2010-07-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Gini Kirk! She has won the drawing for the book giveaway this week!

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"First Day of School" from MOMMY-PICK-ME-UPS

2010-07-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample chapter from Mommy Pick-Me-Ups: Refreshing Stories to Lighten Your Load By Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden. Don't forget to *enter to win a copy of the book!

Gena sat alone in the car. A tear escaped her eye. Why is this so hard? she wondered.

Katie Beth was her first child, and the first grade year had always seemed so far in the future. But here it was, and there she went.

Gena and Katie Beth had prepared for the day with a new backpack, pencils, socks, and hair ribbons. Katie Beth was ready, and Gena thought she herself was.

But now as she sat in the car watching Katie Beth, pigtails bouncing, run up the same steps Gena had climbed as a first grader, she wasn't sure she was prepared to let her firstborn enter the world of public school.

"Lord," she prayed, "take care of Katie Beth. Provide some wonderful new friends for her. Help her pay attention in class. Let her remember that I love her and will miss her all day!"

Gena had met Katie Beth's teacher, and she seemed very nice. But would she know that Katie Beth did not like her food to touch on her plate? Would she have any idea that Katie Beth was a perfectionist, even down to the position of the bump in her socks? Would she know . . . ?

As Gena watched Katie Beth enter the building, God quietly spoke to her heart: "I am going to take care of her. She is My child too. I love her even more than you do. Trust Me to take care of her."

Gena smiled. She knew all that. But just for a moment as she relinquished her precious firstborn to the mercy of the school, she wished she could go along and be by Katie Beth's side all day! How thankful she was for God's reminder: "She is only on loan from Me to you. She is Mine, and I will be there for her through the good times and the bad . . . especially on the first day of school."

Message for Mommy: And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.--I John 4:16

Pick-me-up: Is there anything harder than letting our children go? Mothers take their responsibility of looking after their children very seriously, and that is as it should be. But as our children get older and the things we release them to seem bigger and more potentially dangerous, it gets harder.

Mothers often need to be reminded that God loves their children more than they do. God understands the heart of a mother. After all, He created it. But He also planned for mothers to train their children and help them grow into independent people who love Him.

Today ask God for an extra measure of trust as you guide your children into independence in the world and their place of peace in Him.

Creative Parenting: As you guide your child into independence, help him or her learn that true independence can be achieved only through total dependence on God. That is a lesson we learn in small steps, but mothers can help their children understand the concept probably better than anyone else because of the difficulty they experience in letting their children go.

*Being entered in the drawing to win a copy of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups is easy. All you have to do is e-mail me and tell me what picks YOU up as a Mommy. I'm sure you've got some wonderful answers! And for each pick-me-up you send me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, you'll be entered in the book drawing, which will be on Friday, July 30th. Then look for a post next week that will list everyone's favorite pick-me-ups!

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"Are We There Yet?" from MOMMY PICK-ME-UPS

2010-07-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample chapter from Mommy Pick-Me-Ups: Refreshing Stories to Lighten Your Load By Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden. Don't forget to *enter to win a copy of the book!

Leah dropped into her seat in the car and breathed a sigh of relief. Why did it take so much effort to get her little family ready to go on vacation? Even the hour drive to the mountains required multiple hours of preparation.

Leah leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She had gotten everything together just in time. What a sacrifice of time and energy it had been! Whatever was forgotten they would do without--no matter what it might be! They were getting on the road now and would have four entire days in the mountains to play as a family. She pictured long walks, wading in the streams, sleeping late, and . . .

"Mom, how far is it to the mountains?" Jeremy asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"I don't know, Jeremy. Why don't you take a little nap?"

"OK."

Leah thought, That was easy. Then her mind started to focus in on the fresh mountain trout she hoped they would have for supper.

"Mom?"

What now?

"Are we there yet?" asked Lisa.

"No," said Leah. "We have another hour or so to drive. Look over there. Do you see the mountains in the distance? That's where we are going."

"But it doesn't seem like we are getting any closer."

Leah had been anticipating these questions. She was prepared. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a map and a highlighter.

"Here, Lisa, why don't you chart our progress. I'll mark where home is and where we are going. Then you can watch the road signs and look at the map to see exactly where we are."

"Good. Thanks, Mom."

Leah relaxed and began to enjoy the scenery.

Then Jeremy stirred from his nap and asked. "Mom, are we there yet?"

Message for Mommy: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.--Proverbs 3:5-6

Pick-me-up: Do you ever ask God, "Am I there yet?" Does your journey ever seem long and endless? Sometimes things seem so hard that we lose sight of the end of our journey. Heaven will be more wonderful than we can imagine. We just have to be faithful for the journey.

To help us along the way, God has given us a "road map"--His Word. Take a little extra time today to study the map. Following God's road map to your life's destination will bring you true joy.

Creative Parenting: Look for opportunities to talk to your children about their destinations in life. If they are not Christians, pray earnestly for a chance to share your faith with them. If they have already asked Jesus Christ into their lives, encourage them on their journeys. Let them see your excitement about the ultimate destination, heaven.

*Being entered in the drawing to win a copy of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups is easy. All you have to do is e-mail me and tell me what picks YOU up as a Mommy. I'm sure you've got some wonderful answers! And for each pick-me-up you send me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, you'll be entered in the book drawing, which will be on Friday, July 30th. Then look for a post next week that will list everyone's favorite pick-me-ups!

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"Funderstorms" from MOMMY PICK-ME-UPS

2010-07-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample chapter from Mommy Pick-Me-Ups: Refreshing Stories to Lighten Your Load By Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden. Don't forget to *enter to win a copy of the book!

Boom! Another clap of thunder rang out. This time it was closer.

"C'mon. Hurry up. Everybody to my room." Big sister Laura made sure her sister and brother heard her announcement. Her mom was already headed to the usual meeting place.

Flash! Lightning lit up the hallway just as Mom got to the doorway. She flinched and hurried into the room. The three children came in right behind Mom, each carrying a pot and spoon.

Laura's mom was terrified of thunder and lightning. So years ago, she made a conscious and, for her, difficult decision: thunderstorms at the Johnson house would be fun!

Whenever the skies darkened and the faintest rumbling of thunder could be heard, Laura's mom sent one child to the kitchen to get pots and spoons, one to pull down the thick, room-darkening shade, and one to make sure someone cleared space in the middle of Laura's room for everyone to sit on the floor.

Again, flash! "Is everyone ready? It's time!"

With each lightning bolt the family beat their pots as hard as they could and sang at the top of their lungs. The object of the game was to be so loud that they could not hear the thunder at all. Between claps of thunder they tried to guess what God was doing up in heaven to make so much noise. Mom never let Laura, Tad, and Chia forget that whatever His activity, God knew exactly what He was doing and would take care of them in the meantime.

Laura's mom's fear of thunderstorms developed early in life. When she was a little girl, her grandmother (Laura's great-grandmother) lived with them. Grandma was not usually a very nervous person, but at the first darkening of the sky, Grandma would begin to shake, and then she would lock herself in a closet. Laura's mom always went with Grandma. In the beginning, she may have gone in the closet to keep Grandma company. But after years of this weather-triggered ritual, Laura's mom began to fear thunderstorms every bit as much as Grandma.

Laura's mom knew that choices we make often affect those around us too, and she chose not to pass on her fear to her children. What a great choice she made!

Message for Mommy: When I am afraid, I will trust in you. --Psalm 56:3

Pick-me-up: Fear does not come from God. But sometimes, in our humanity, we forget that. We must remember to reach out for God's hand whenever we feel fear creeping into our lives:

Lord, whatever it is that I fear today, help me to handle it. Keep me so close to You that fear does not even have a place in my life. Amen.

Creative Parenting: Take a minute to think about the things that you really fear. Are you passing that fear on to the next generation? Take steps right now to find a positive way to deal with your fear so your children will not have to.

*Being entered in the drawing to win a copy of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups is easy. All you have to do is e-mail me and tell me what picks YOU up as a Mommy. I'm sure you've got some wonderful answers! And for each pick-me-up you send me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, you'll be entered in the book drawing, which will be on Friday, July 30th. Then look for a post next week that will list everyone's favorite pick-me-ups!

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Introduction to MOMMY PICK-ME-UPS

2010-07-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Introduction of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups: Refreshing Stories to Lighten Your Load by Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden . . .

Mom. That one word can evoke hundreds of thoughts and emotions. Words are inadequate to describe the feeling of holding a baby, your baby, in your arms for the very first time. As you look into the face of your precious little one, you feel as if you are looking into the face of God. He is perfect love, and His reflection shines from the face of this child. Life could not possibly get any better than this--definitely a pick-me-up moment. Oh, that being a mom would always be that easy and tender!

Those of us who hold the coveted title of Mom know that much of our lives are lived either on the mountaintop or in the valley. The struggle to stay on top is continuous. Even those moms who outwardly seem to have it all together probably do not, in reality!

Few of us understand that when we accept the challenge of motherhood, it is something that remains with us for life. A mother's heart is a forever gift. It binds you to other women, both known and unknown. You are instantly a part of a worldwide sorority. You are unalterably bound to dimply knees, peanut butter-smeared faces, pigtails, and the like, especially when observed on little ones who share your nose, hair color, or crooked smile. And motherhood changes you.

The change in your life is physical. Before having children, you never knew that you could be so tired or that you could eat in so many different positions.

The change is mental. You not only have to plan what you are going to wear, but you also have to hunt shin guards and tutus and go to 50 different stores looking at prom dresses only to return to store number 1 to make your purchase.

The change is emotional. You never dreamed you could cry over an off-pitch solo of "Silent Night" or a missed bid for cheerleader. You do not worry about heart attacks; you worry about heart bursts--your heart swells every time you see a stray curl on a forehead or smell the scent of baby powder.

The change is spiritual. You never knew God could be so close. You see Him everywhere--and at all hours of the day and night! There could not possibly be any more wonderful glimpse of His glory here on this earth than what is seen through the eyes of a mother gazing on her children. And no greater accolade exists than for a woman to experience Proverbs 31:28: "Her children arise and call her blessed."

The joys of motherhood are euphoric. The pains of motherhood send you to the depths of despair. And in between is the constant blessing of everyday life that can be experienced to the fullest because someone somewhere calls you Mom.

Whether you are currently on the mountaintop, in the valley, or somewhere in between, may this book bless you and point you to the One who created moms in the first place. May you be inspired to bless your family and all the other people around you.

*Being entered in the drawing to win a copy of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups is easy. All you have to do is e-mail me and tell me what picks YOU up as a Mommy. I'm sure you've got some wonderful answers! And for each pick-me-up you send me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, you'll be entered in the book drawing, which will be on Friday, July 30th. Then look for a post next week that will list everyone's favorite pick-me-ups!

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Book Week and a Giveaway!

2010-07-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

That's right, Mamas. It's Book Week on Stuff Mamas Like! This week I'll be featuring Mommy Pick-Me-Ups: Refreshing Stories to Lighten Your Load by Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden. Each day I will share an excerpt from the book that I hope will encourage you in Mamahood. You will have a chance to enter the drawing to win your own copy of this book (See below.), so don't miss out! The drawing's on Friday!

*Being entered in the drawing to win a copy of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups is easy. All you have to do is e-mail me and tell me what picks YOU up as a Mommy. I'm sure you've got some wonderful answers! And for each pick-me-up you send me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, you'll be entered in the book drawing, which will be on Friday, July 30th. Then look for a post next week that will list everyone's favorite pick-me-ups!

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Fun Friday: The BABIES Movie

2010-07-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

My sisters, my mother, and I went to see Babies a few weeks ago, and we enjoyed it so much! I'm not sure it's still in theaters, but when it comes to DVD, you really must watch it!

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Not Being Bombarded With Instructions

2010-07-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

As my family and I were driving down the road the other day, I suddenly felt bombarded by all the road signs and billboards barking for my attention, telling me what to do.

"Eat here!"

"Turn there!"

"Sleep here and use our free WiFi!"

"Call this number! NOW!"

"Don't miss this!"

"Advertise here!"

"Don't go this way!"

"Watch out for animals crossing!"

"You need to remodel your bathroom!"

Seriously. If you paid attention to every sign along the road, you would feel bombarded with orders. As I thought more about this, I started laughing to myself at the similarities between navigating your way through all the signs on the road and navigating your way through Mamahood. It seems that from the first "We're having a baby!" announcement until that baby is off to college (or even beyond), there are people all around you barking their opinions about what you should do with your baby and how you should raise your child. Unfortunately, a lot of it is unsolicited, much like the billboards. Thankfully, though, there is often some really helpful information thrown into the mix--something you're glad to know about (like that you're literally going the wrong way).

As Mamas, we just have to know our course, know where we want to go and how we'd like to get there. Even if it's the scenic route. Pay attention to the signs that are helpful and ignore the ones that aren't.

After all, there's more than to be a Mama.

Mama Question: How do you handle unsolicited instructions on being a Mama?

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Fun Friday: Charlie Bit My Finger

2010-07-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

This just never gets old, because it's so stinkin' funny!!

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Being an Aunt

2010-07-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

I currently have a house full of nieces and nephews, which is very different from just having a house full of kids. These are my sisters' children, and there's a special, natural bond between us, even though we don't get to see each other that often.

My own kids notice it, too. They love seeing their cousins! They can hardly sleep for the excitement that cousins are on their way to our house! And so for a few days, once or twice a year, we all pile in together in one house and play together, share meals, and fight for the beds and showers. It's chaotic greatness.

Being an aunt also means that I can tease and hug and dote on my nieces and nephews all I want. Oh yeah--and I can tell them all kinds of stories of when their Mamas were little girls, giving them lots of ammo for a later use. All in good fun, of course. All in good fun. Heh heh heh.

Mama Question: What do you love most about being an aunt?

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Fun Friday: Dad Life

2010-07-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

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Children Who Love Reading

2010-07-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Whether they're reading on their own, being read to, or just looking at the pictures, children who savor books are a joy to behold! Although their first taste of reading tastes much like cardboard as they gnaw on a board book with their slimy gums, it can still lead to a lifelong love of books. Even a baby's ripping out the pages of a storybook shouldn't be misinterpreted as not loving books. Maybe they just think each page is good enough to stand alone. Maybe.

As children begin to learn to recognize letters and then words and then sentences, a whole new world [Cue Disney music.] opens up for them. It gives them a new sense of pride (the good kind) and independence and accomplishment. And we Mamas would do well to go out of our way to enforce and encourage this particular habit. After all, it's a habit we'll never even want to have them break.

Mama Question: Do your children love books? How do you encourage reading at your house?

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Seeing Other Mamas' Messy Houses

2010-07-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Look familiar?! It does to me. Even though it's not a picture of my house, the similarities are striking, and it makes me feel better knowing that I'm not alone in the messiness issue. It's gotten a bit better as my children have gotten older, but clutter (particularly from toys and laundry) still abounds.

While I wish my house weren't this way, I've also come to the following conclusions about it:

It's bigger than I am, and I'm just not going to win. So I may as well not get all huffy and worried about it.
When my children are grown and gone, I can have a tidy house. (Of course, then I'll be sad that they're grown and gone and won't be motivated to clean it up even then.)
People--especially other Mamas--are much more comfortable visiting my house if it's already messy.

So do yourselves a favor, Mamas, and don't fret about the messiness. It's just part of the season we're in. If you're expecting company, consider leaving all those toys on the floor. You want your guests to feel at home, don't you? And if you are the one visiting another Mama's house, let her know how much you appreciate her not going out of her way to clean up for you.

On second thought, that might not go over so well. Better know how she'll interpret that one before you say it.

Mama Question: Do you keep your house tidy, let it go, or something in between? What about when you're expecting company?

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Fun Friday: Huxtable Economics 101

2010-07-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

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Showing Off How Smart Our Babies Are

2010-07-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

C'mon, you know you do it, too. I particularly remember my first-born's nine-month wellcheck. Our pediatrician was asking all the routine questions and was wanting simple answers, but I wanted to show off Callie's awesome skills in saying words, making animal sounds, and pointing to various body parts. Because obviously my child was highly intelligent. I mean, how many nine-month-olds can clap their hands?!

Okay, so most of them can do all these things. But Mamas still have the right to take pride in their babies' new tricks. It's funny, though, isn't it? I mean, who ever knew we'd get so excited about a kid pointing to his own nose? But it's greatness.

Mama Question: What are your baby's new tricks? Feel free to show them off here!

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Being on Break

2010-06-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lapse in posts, but Mamas do like taking breaks. :) I'll be back to it next week!

Fun Friday: Swagger Wagon

2010-06-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen this yet . . . Oh. My. Goodness. HILARIOUS.

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Other Mamas Having Babies

2010-06-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Two nights ago a friend of mine gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, and Kevin and I got to be at the hospital when Baby Sam entered the world! There was so much excitement, so many smiles and happy tears. There truly is nothing like the day a baby is born. It is a wondrous miracle that completely amazes me every time it happens. And I praise our Creator for it!

I love to watch first-time Mamas and remember all the emotions that I felt when my firstborn entered our lives. It was the wildest and most earnest mixture of joy and fear and love and confusion. We couldn't believe the doctors and nurses were actually going to let us take a whole person home with us!

But we did. And it changed our lives forever. It's a wonderful adventure! And I love seeing new Mamas and Daddies as they're just setting out on theirs.

Mama Question: What advice do you have for brand new Mamas?

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Grandparents

2010-06-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today marks day two of a five-day "Camp Dottie and PawPaw" for my children. That's right--five whole days that my children are not at home. They are enjoying Vacation Bible School and a week with their grandparents, and my husband and I are enjoying having the house to ourselves. (Truth be told, though, we really miss our kids.)

Grandparents are so wonderful. It really is a special relationship--one that they tell us middle-folks (a.k.a. the parents) we just cannot understand. That's okay, though; we're happy to simply enjoy the perks, like free babysitting. Nevermind the fact that our children become completely spoiled when they're with them. The trade is definitely worth it!

Mama Question: How often do your kids get to see their grandparents?

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Swimming Pools

2010-06-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

In Jackson, Mississippi today, it is supposed to feel like it's more than a hundred degrees outside. (It does.) Where my sister lives in Louisiana, the forecast actually said "ridiculously hot" this week. It's hot, people. So my kids and I are taking full advantage of our YMCA membership and are spending hours and hours and hours at the pool, just as we have the past two summers.

It's a wonderful thing, because we're able to be outside and can actually tolerate it. (Bonus for me and my daughter Katie: no mosquitoes at the pool.) Also, I'm spending great time with my kids, because I'm much more likely to play at the pool than I am at home, where I'm distracted by tasks. (I won't lie, though--I do get some poolside reading and resting done, too.) Even though we go for hours at a time, I have never once heard my children say, "I'm bored" at the pool. Plus, they're getting all kinds of exercise, which not only is great for their bodies and minds and spirits, but it also wears them slap out. So bedtime's a breeze.

Off to the pool now!

Mama Question: Do you and your kiddos frequent the pool? How often do you go?

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Cereal

2010-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

There are multiple reasons why this Mama loves cereal.

I'm not a breakfast cook. Preparing lunch and dinner--great. But I am neither alert nor talented at anything in the mornings. So I don't really find joy in cooking breakfast. Or doing breakfast dishes. (Now, if someone else does the breakfast cooking and cleaning, I'll gladly partake.)
Cereal is just easy. Grab a bowl and a spoon, pour the cereal, pour the milk, done.
There are about 327,894 cereal options, so there's something for everyone.
The cereal box gets my brain working in the mornings. Since I pretty much just have a blank stare until my coffee kicks in, I can at least look like I'm reading something on the cereal box. I prefer the kids' cereal boxes, though. Finding hidden Fruity Pebbles in a picture is a lot more fun than reading about fiber.
The number one reason, though, for a Mama to love cereal: the kids can get it themselves. You get to sleep; they get to eat. Everyone wins.

Mama Question: Does anyone really pour their milk into a pitcher?!

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Other Mamas

2010-06-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

It is an undeniable fact that Mamas need other Mamas--other women who are currently in the same trenches that we are. Having the support of Mamas who have been in the trenches before us is also incredibly valuable, but there is a great need to have support from those who are still in the midst of it all. When our toddler pulls off his dirty diaper, and the dog is the first to investigate it; when our baby won't sleep through the night; or when it's our daughter's first day of kindergarten--we need to be able to call on the Mamas who can still freshly recall the frustration, sleeplessness, and emotions of it all.

They are the ones we can call when we are needing some added perspective or even accountability. They are the ones we can call just to vent or cry or laugh at ourselves. Or even if we don't have anything in particular to say, these women understand that we just needed to talk to another adult. And we'd gladly return the favor any day. We have the freedom to admit our shortcomings, our annoyances, our fears, and our questions, knowing that none of us has all the answers. We're all just figuring it out as we go, and we need these Mamas to remind us of this.

Even if we have the most amazingly supportive and involved husband in the world, he still can't replace that need we have for support from other Mamas. If for no other reason, he just can't fully understand the joys and woes of breastfeeding . . . or hormones. Nor does he want to.

Take some time to thank these wonderful Mamas in your life! And if you don't have this kind of support, I advise you to do all that you can to find it. You'll be glad you did!

Mama Question: Do you have this kind of support group? Share a story with us about a time when another Mama really helped you out in some way.

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Fun Friday: The Marshmallow Test

2010-06-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

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Tips for Air Travel with Kids

2010-06-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

In the last week or so, I've seen numerous requests from Mamas for advice in how to "successfully" do air travel with little ones in tow. Here's what I have to say about that:

Pack lightly. But since that won't really happen, make sure you have the essentials in your carry-on luggage: favorite blankie, pacifier, bottle, diapers, wipes, change of clothes (for both of you), etc.

Be sure to have things to entertain your little one. Don't be like me when I first flew with my nine-month-old. I didn't bring a single toy on the plane. Therefore, we were reduced to playing with a barf bag. Thankfully, it was empty.

Take the car seat! If there's an empty seat, you get to strap your kid down, and no one will think less of you for it.

Remember that you will most likely never see these people again. So if they are less than understanding of your situation, just give them the look that you've been practicing. (Hope you brought your glasses!)

When all else fails, tell them the kid is teething.

Mama Question: What flying tips do you have?

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Patience (and Trust) at Dinner Time

2010-06-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Do any other Mamas get the "I'm soooooooo hunnnnnnnngry" or "I'm staaaaaarrrrrrrrrrving" in the hour leading up to dinner? First of all, they're not starving. Secondly, can't they see that I'm working on getting dinner ready?! Thirdly, haven't I fed them dinner every single night of their entire lives??? Seriously. Give me some credit here.

That's all I have to say about this.

Mama Question: Is this true at your house, too?

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Swaddling

2010-06-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

I know it's a proven fact that babies love to be swaddled, but just looking at those tightly-wrapped little bodies sends me into a panic mode requiring a paper bag to breathe in and out of. Okay, that's not completely true. I've never even tried to breathe using a paper bag. (Incidentally, how does that even work?) BUT I really cannot imagine feeling comforted by having my arms and legs bound and rendered immobile.

I personally never got the hang of swaddling, even after three babies. And it had nothing to do with my panic attacks. Thankfully, my husband was a good swaddler, so I let him have the mummifying honors. Of course, now they make swaddling really easy with special blankets and velcro. That would've been helpful for me, I think.

Maybe I should've tried a little harder to improve my swaddling skills. After all, babies seem to love their little cocoons, and Mamas continue to do it century after century. We know that even Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes. I can't imagine constraining the Baby Messiah's body that way.

I think I need a paper bag . . .

Mama Question: Were you good at swaddling? And did your baby seem to really like it?

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Washable Paint

2010-05-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last Christmas, my *sister brought shirts and paint for our daughters to enjoy creating their own fashions together. Which they did. My girls love anything bright and colorful and creative! So they decorated their new white tops with rainbows and polka dots and their names in various colors and then laid the shirts out across a table to dry. Except that there wasn't quite enough room on the table for all the shirts. So one got placed on the piano bench.

This was all good and fine, except that my five-year-old likes to play the piano. And she's not always aware of her surroundings. She also doesn't always tell us immediately if there's something wrong. Case in point . . .

Apparently Katie's blue-jeaned bottom rubbed up against the freshly painted shirt that was drying on the piano bench. Then she apparently sat on the futon, which had a bed sheet covering it at the time. Then she apparently went into the bathroom and brushed her bottom against the white wall. Then she apparently went into her bedroom and sat on the carpeted floor. Lastly, she apparently hid behind her bedroom door and brushed her painted bottom across the yellow wall.

And (apparently) the blue, white, and hot pink paint was not washable.

All this to say that I am reminded daily--and in various rooms--why Mamas love washable paint.

*Note to my sister: I love you. And I love art projects. But just as all glitter projects have been, I'm afraid non-washable paint projects are henceforth banished to the outdoors. In addition, I need to work on Katie's attentiveness and communication skills.

Question for you: Do you have any stories to share involving children and paint?

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Fun Friday: Baby Gives the Evil Eye

2010-05-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

This still cracks me up every time I see it! Happy Friday, Mamas!

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Seeing the "Kids Eat Free!" Sign

2010-05-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

On the occasions when we take the family out to eat, we Mamas are instantly lured to the restaurants who proudly display their signs that say "Kids Eat Free!" There are many reasons for this--the obvious one being financial. But these signs also imply that kids are actually welcome in this establishment, and they will probably be provided with paper and crayons, which--let's be honest here--is fun for the parents, too. Especially if the paper covers the entire table. This also means that cups with lids will also be provided, as well as menus that include food our children will actually want to eat.

"Kids Eat Free!" is good news for everyone. It's like they're saying, "Come on in, Mamas and Daddies, and let out a sigh of relief. We're gonna feed your kids and even clean up after them. And we don't expect them to be perfectly still and silent while in our restaurant. And for our patrons who get irritated with guests under the age of 12 and like to give dirty looks of disapproval to the parents--well, they should consider the 'Kids Eat Free!' sign as their heads up warning to find somewhere else to dine."

Everybody wins.

Question for you: Where's your favorite place to take the family to eat? And do the kids eat free?

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Peeking at Our Children While They're Asleep

2010-05-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Mamas know that especially if it's been "one of those days," it's so important to peek in on our little ones when they're asleep at night. They are so peaceful, so still, so quiet. Yes, we need to see them this way.

We need to be able to just stare at their little faces without their knowing, without their talking back or interrupting or asking us for anything.

Just to gaze on them and brush the hair away from their eyes and kiss their warm foreheads.

And be reminded of how much we love them, how amazing they are, and what a miracle this thing called life really is.

We stand and stare and stroke their cheeks until our hearts just about burst with all the love we have for these children. And we have to practically force ourselves to leave the room.

Otherwise they might wake up!

Question for you: Do you peek at your sleeping babes every night?

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Washers and Dryers

2010-05-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have to be honest. I enjoy modern conveniences, and I doubt I'm the only Mama who does. I may complain about all the laundry that has to be done around my house, but when I consider the fact that I don't have to go down to the creek and beat every shirt against a rock or hang all of our underwear on a line to dry, I'm pretty happy. And while my machines are a lot older and a lot less cool-looking than these . . .

. . . I'm okay with that. Mine work, and that's all that matters. And talk about multi-tasking! I love the fact that I can wash and dry clothes simultaneously, and I don't even have to be in the same room with any of it to make it happen!

Yep, I'm pretty thankful for modern conveniences. Now if we can just invent a sorter/folder/putterawayer . . .

Question for you: What modern conveniences are you the most thankful for?

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Fun Friday: Mommy Rhapsody

2010-05-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is just AMAZING.

Mommy Rhapsody from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

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Diapers That Don't Leak

2010-05-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

My husband Kevin used to perform as a magician. Actually, he could still do it, but he's a little out of practice. When Callie, my first-born, was just a few weeks old, Kevin was asked to perform at a church's Valentine's banquet, so I decided that Callie and I would accompany him. After a nice meal, everyone settled into their seats to watch Kevin's show. I took baby Callie out of her carrier and placed her in my lap so that she could see her Daddy amazing everyone.

Several minutes into the show, I felt something really warm spreading on my lap underneath Callie's hiney. I closed my eyes in that "Oh no" kind of way and reluctantly glanced down to assess the damage. I gently lifted Callie up, hoping to see that she had merely peed on me.

But no such luck.

There was a greenish-brown, watery mess of a substance that basically covered both of my thighs as well as Callie's legs and back. There may have been some in the diaper, too.

Did I mention that Kevin was in the midst of his performance? And that Callie and I were sitting all the way across the room from an exit? And that I knew no one to ask for help?

So I endured it. I sat there covered in nastiness but with a proud smile on my face until my husband finished his performance. But as soon as he returned to his seat, I informed him that we had to split, because as a brand new Mama, I was only half-way prepared for this type of emergency: I had a change of clothes for the baby but no change of clothes for the Mama.

I don't know whose poor baby this is in the picture, but I definitely know the experience. Yeah, I don't really miss that part of having babies.

Question for you: What was your baby's worst leaky diaper experience?

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Wearing Our Babies

2010-05-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Because nine months just isn't quite long enough . . .

Question for you: How did you wear your baby?

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The Scale

2010-05-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

We Mamas absolutely love the scale! It gives us an objective number that lets us know exactly how we're doing. We especially love the scale at the doctor's office, because we just can't help but be proud of the pounds that have been gained since the last visit. We hope for them, actually. We want every little ounce registered on the permanent record. The doctor even congratulates us for it!

"Must be eating well!"

We just beam and glow and look forward to the next visit when the scales will be tipped even more. And as we leave the doctor's office, we can't help but let out a sigh of relief and a "Yesssssss!," for our mission has been accomplished. It was a job well done.

We can't take all the credit, of course. After all, the baby was the one doing all the eating, right? "Enjoy it now, little one!," we say to the smiling, drooling babe. "When you get to be my age, you won't enjoy getting on the scale so much."

Question for you: Did you get nervous when your baby was put on the doctor's scale? Was your baby a good eater?

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Our children not gasping and saying, "MOM!! What's that purple on the back of your legs?!?!"

2010-05-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, this happened to me. I rarely wear shorts, but we were doing some intense work in the house yesterday, and I was so hot, so I threw on some nearly knee-length shorts. It wasn't immediate, but my nine-year-old daughter did, in fact, gasp and say, "MOM!! What's that purple on the back of your legs?!?!" You would've thought it was an actual spider, rather than spider veins, crawling up the back of my legs. I just (sort-of) smiled at her and assured her I was okay. And my husband came to my defense in telling her that they were my trophies for having babies. (Before you get angry at the man, be assured that he was simply repeating my own words.)

"TROPHIES?!?!" Callie wasn't quite convinced.

Me either, girl. But it'll have to do. I only wish mine were as subtle as the ones in this picture.

Question for you: Do you have any trophies for having had babies? And do you display them proudly?

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And the winner is . . .

2010-05-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to ANGIE UPSON BRYANT!!! She has just won the "Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies" CD! Angie, I just need you to e-mail your address to me at heycarriepartridge@gmail.com, and I'll get it out to you at the beginning of next week. Congrats and enjoy this CD with your kiddos!

For everyone else--never fear. There will be more giveaways in the days to come. I'd still like to encourage you to purchase this CD, though. You can get it on www.slugsandbugs.com or from The Rabbit Room.

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Fun Friday: Slugs & Bugs Videos!

2010-05-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

In honor of our drawing today, I wanted to give you a little taste of the great music on "Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies." So here are three videos to show off the music and fun that are in store for you and your kiddos! Don't forget--if you don't win the drawing today, you can still purchase the CD on www.slugsandbugs.com or from The Rabbit Room. Today's winner will be announced at 4:30 p.m., so check back!

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Going to the Bathroom by Ourselves

2010-05-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Mamas, you know what I'm talking about. It truly is unbelievable how rare it is that we can accomplish this one simple task. I am convinced that there is a hidden button somewhere on the toilet that alerts all children to come running to the bathroom door so that Mama may not have a moment's peace. It's kind-of ridiculous, really. I mean, it's not like we're sneaking off to take a nap or eat some chocolate (well, not every time); we just need to take care of business. Preferably alone. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so. Because the times in the past nine years that I've been a Mama and have been able to be in the bathroom without hearing knocks on the door, listening to apparently urgent requests and tattles, or seeing little fingers or notes or toys slip under the door, etc. . . . have been few and far between.

So when people come to my house and ask where the restroom is, I laugh at the irony.

Question for you: Is this true in your house, too? I know it can't just be me.

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Veggies with Cartoons on the Labels

2010-05-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's not always easy to get little ones to eat their veggies. But the odds of them taking a few bites are greatly increased if a cartoon character's face is plastered across the label. Once in the grocery story, my son was begging me to buy a bag of baby bananas because Lightning McQueen and Mater's pictures were on it. I said no a few times, because they were a little more expensive than regular bananas. Then I stopped and listened to myself telling my son we weren't going to buy bananas. There are plenty of "no's" to be dealt out when perusing the grocery store with your kids, but one of these probably shouldn't be used on bananas.

We Mamas aren't above using tricks on our kids--especially if it gets them to eat healthy things. So, Disney, I'd actually like to thank you for the endorsements. And, Popeye, you've been at this a long time. Kudos to you for being strong to the finach!

Do I wish kids would just eat good things without resorting to bribery? Sure. But am I going to boycott healthy foods my kids request just because of a cartooned cameo on the package? Nope.

I yam what I yam.

Question for you: Do you buy Disney food? And do your kids eat it?

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Being Prepared

2010-05-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

From the moment we find out we're going to be Mamas, we start reading up on what to expect. We browse books, magazines, and websites; we poll our friends and family; we make plans and schedules and know exactly how we will do things once the baby arrives. We will be wonderfully prepared and adept parents. We will know how to handle anything thrown at us.

Heh. Heh. Heh.

Then the baby actually arrives.

What was that we read? What was our plan in this situation? WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING?!

The truth, as any Mama will tell you, is that no one can really be fully prepared for Mamahood. It is something that we have to, in many ways, figure out for ourselves. Every baby is different; every parent is different; and every day is different. We are all constantly in training, I'm afraid.

Don't get me wrong. It's a very good thing to read the books and talk to your friends and make plans and schedules. Just know that babies are particularly good at not doing things by the book, which isn't surprising, since they can't read.

The Stuff Mamas Like Motto: Be prepared to improvise.

Question for you: Did you feel prepared for your first baby? What surprises were thrown at you once he/she arrived?

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Watching Home Movies

2010-05-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

Mamas absolutely love watching home movies, and so do Daddies and kiddos. It's especially great if it's been a while since you've watched them. The kids are all intrigued by how they looked, talked, and acted when they were babies and toddlers, and the parents are all intrigued by how quickly the time has passed. The kids poke fun at each other; Mama and Daddy look at each other with loving but somewhat sad eyes. It's a bittersweet time, for sure.

I think it's interesting to see how we've grown and
changed over the years, even in our parenting skills. There's almost always a difference in how it was done with the first child as compared to the third, whether we like it or not. But that's okay. It makes them who they are. It's also great to see how each child has developed over the years and to see what signs they gave as babies that would indicate how they would be as older kids. (My firstborn has always been so intense and focused!)

Word of warning: If you feel like you've had all the little ones you're going to have, be careful about watching videos of your children as babies. It will be difficult to fight the urge to have more!

Question for you: How often do you pull out the home movies? Who enjoys it more--the parents or the kids?

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Fun Friday Giveaway!

2010-05-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

This week on Fun Friday, I'll be giving away the "Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies" CD by Andrew Peterson and Randall Goodgame! Want to win it? All you have to do is stop by my blog each day this week and leave a comment. For every comment you leave between now and Friday, you'll be entered into the drawing for the CD. I'll announce the winner on Friday afternoon at 4:30. Woo-hoo! Free stuff!

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Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies

2010-05-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

In "Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies," Andrew Peterson and Randall Goodgame have created a wonderful collection of fun-filled songs that evoke giggles, toe-tapping, head nodding (both in keeping with the beat and in understanding of the songs' contents), quickly singing along, and dancing with your kiddos. The lullabies at the end of the album are sweet, soothing, thoughtful, and prayerful. Beautiful, beautiful songs that make you want to hold your babies close and never let them grow up.

Swirled into each of these songs is a dose of the messy reality of parenting babies and toddlers. You can tell that these two guys have had the experiences of playing with, entertaining, burping ("Chicken Wiggle"--so funny!), feeding ("Beans"--also hilarious), and changing their own little ones. The evidence points to the fact that these guys have lived the dailyness of parenthood and wrote these songs to help them get through it. Fun dads!

My personal favorites on the album are "Piggy Little Toes," which will have you square dancing; "Who's Got the Ball?," which will have you wanting to play a game with your kids; "Tractor, Tractor," which will have you laughing; and "You Can Always Come Home," which will have you feeling all sentimental about your babies.

It's hard to tell if these guys' target audience was intended to be young kids or the parents who love those young kids, but they succeed at hitting both. I've been a fan of Andrew's and Randall's music for quite a while, so I wasn't surprised that I loved this album. Your kids will be begging to hear this music over and over again . . . and you'll actually be happy to oblige.

Now if you don't already own this music yourself, you can get it a few ways:

You can buy it from www.slugsandbugs.com.
You can buy it from The Rabbit Room.
You can win it this week on my blog! (Stay tuned.)

Either way, just get it!

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this CD free from The Rabbit Room in exchange for posting a review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day from Stuff Mamas Like! I pray that you feel loved and appreciated particularly on this day set aside to celebrate YOU!

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Fun Friday: Momisms

2010-05-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be quite appropriate to kick off our Fun Fridays on Stuff Mamas Like with a video we can all appreciate. You might want to memorize the lyrics. Oh wait . . .

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Announcing Fun Fridays!

2010-05-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Today begins the first of Fun Fridays on Stuff Mamas Like! You never know what it will be, but whatever it is promises to bring a smile to your face. Be sure to stop by each week--not only for the smile but also for the contests and giveaways that will happen from time to time. Uh-huh. Now you're interested, aren't you? 'Cause if there's one thing Mamas like, it's free stuff!

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Children Not Cutting Their Own Hair

2010-05-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

On a morning about six years ago, my husband came and woke me up and had a very concerned look on his face. He said he needed to tell me something. Bracing myself for news of the death of a loved one, I sat up in bed and held my breath. Then Kevin asked our then three-year-old daughter Callie to come into the room and urged her to fess up.

"I cut my hair," she said in a soft tone while looking at the floor. As I looked at her, I said, "Okaaaaay," and then looked at Kevin with a Really? It's not that obvious look. To which he said, "Callie, turn around and show Mommy the back."

Oh. My. Goodness.

Callie's hair had been past her shoulders, and now there was about a three-inch-wide section missing right in the middle at the base of her head/top of her neck. Oh yes, and this was just two weeks before she was to be a flower girl in my sister's wedding. Lovely timing.

So off we went for Callie's first big girl haircut. There weren't a lot of options, so we went with the short stack in the back with sides that angled longer toward her face. And it was sooooo cute! I would never have done it on my own, but with our hands forced, we did it, and it was darling.

Thankfully that's the only self-inflicted haircuts we've had at our house. (You should see me knocking on wood while maintaining my typing.) We got off easy. Many Mamas aren't so lucky. They get to deal with the random chunks missing and and/or the bangs-be-gone look. And these children probably thought just as Callie did--"It's okay, Daddy. I can put it back."

Nope. Ya can't.

Question for you: Has your child ever cut his/her own hair or a sibling's hair? How bad was the damage? And did you take a picture?

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Obedience

2010-05-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

Everything just goes so much smoother for Mamas when our children are obedient. I'm not sure why kiddos like to test this so much. You'd think they'd learn that things go much smoother for them, too, when they obey! We give them opportunities to turn their behavior around by giving them warnings and even giving them the 1-2-3 count that advises "You will not like what comes after 3." When the right choice is made, it's a wonderful thing. But when the disobedience persists, we have to take action. And contrary to our children's beliefs, we don't enjoy doling out the punishment.

Mamas out there, stay strong! ~~Stick to your guns~~ Be consistent with your expectations for obedience in your children. They'll thank us for it . . . some day.

I want to ask this Mama how she does it.

Question for you: How do you encourage obedience in your kids?

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