Bubble Guppies Bring Ballet for All

In our house, the Bubble Guppies are the babes absolute favorite when it comes to television shows.  We have them set to DVR automatically, and have built up a collection of about 40 episodes to access them whenever we need a quick distraction.

And while I do acknowledge that the APA recommends no screen time for those under two, in a house of twin chaos, Mama needs every tool in the tool box to keep it all together.

They sing, they dance, they "line up," have lunch play pretend and all along the way, teach some lesson about every day life.  Emergency workers, trucks, dinosaurs, hair cuts, Egypt, bugs, recycling, and circuses have all been the featured topic of Bubble Guppies episodes.  And I do love these little guys - but for more than the few moments of peace they offer me each day.

Today's episode was titled Super Ballet Bowl and I have to say, I was totally impressed.

Let me back up a bit.  For me, gender equality is a huge deal.  In school I was blessed to have incredible professors who challenged me to consider what I'd been taught by our society about what it is to be a woman, and what I expect of our male counterparts.  This social programming begins within moments of our birth, girls dressed in pink and boys in blue.  Toys and clothes are categorized into those for "girls" and "boys."  And as the children grow to adults, studies show that many are funneled into classes and careers that our society deems to be appropriate for their gender.

As a mom of "girl/boy twins" this label can be particularly sticky, becoming an intrinsic part of their identities and how I relate to them as my children.  Julie is my girl - Brayden is my boy.  It defines them despite my best efforts.

So when I saw the title of today's episode, Super Ballet Bowl, it sparked my curiosity. With a classroom of three boys and three girls, how would the guppies handle this potential gender pitfall?  Would they fall into the current trend - where it's okay for girls to participate in activities culturally and traditionally reserved for boys (like sports and science), but deny boys the opportunity to step into the realm of the creative arts - traditionally held by females?

I am so glad to share that they handled it with ease:

I have to give my deepest commendations to Nickelodeon and to the writers of the Bubble Guppies for going there.  They gave little boys the freedom to do whatever they want - including dance.

It got me to thinking what a fabulous job this show is doing in supporting non-traditional roles - we have a male teacher (Mr. Grouper), a female Mayor of Big Bubble City, female construction workers and police.

In our house, it's Brayden we see moving his feet and bopping his head to the music.  And when the time comes for Julie to start toddler ballet classes, he'll be there right beside her - just as she will be beside him when T-Ball begins.  The world will put it's own shadows of cultural gender identity on my children soon enough, but I'm glad that today, they were offered equality.

The Birthday Triplets: Granny Rosie's Amazing, Magical Day - Review and Giveaway

We love finding fabulous new children's books to fall in love with - and ones about families with multiples are especially exciting!  We were thrilled then, when we had the opportunity to check out the new children's book, The Birthday Triplets: Granny Rosie's Amazing, Magical Day.

This sweet book begins with lonely Granny Rosie, saddened that she'd yet again spend her birthday alone.  She begins looking for a distraction - maybe something in her recipe book?  But none of those adventures seemed quite right - until, that is, a special invitation arrived!  With a little hope and a few special ingredients, Granny was in for a birthday surprise hosted by the magical Birthday Triplets!

Three special girls - Candi, Cookie and Coco (and their pooch Chocolate Pudding) bring excitement and joy to brighten Granny's special day.  Singing and dancing along, the triplets bring celebration wherever they go.

This beautifully whimsical book creates such a delightful world for it's readers.  With a consistent end rhyme, it's a great book to read aloud - such an important thing for our family story time!  The story shares values like compassion and joy and is filled to the brim with fun.  The images are simply gorgeous and full of detail.

While my toddlers surely enjoyed our time reading this book together, especially pointing to all of the pictures along the way.  I think an ideal age for readers might be between 4 and 7.  It's perfect to share together for family reading time, or reading independently for a beginning reader.

The Birthday Triplets: Granny Rosie's Amazing, Magical Day would be the perfect gift for any special birthday as it would bring the magic of celebration into story time.  For families with multiples, this exciting adventure adds an element of familiarity, and illustrates the love and partnership sisters share with one another.  Finally, little ballerinas would be big fans of these dancing triplets with their adorable ballet shoes and tutus.

We loved The Birthday Triplets and I know you will too - even if you're a family of one, two, or three special girls!

 

We are so excited to share this special book, signed by both the author and illustrators, to one of our readers!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below, and good luck!

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While we did receive a copy of this book to review and give away to our readers, we were not compensated for this post.  All opinions are our own. Amazon Affiliate links are provided for your convenience.  If a book is purchased through these links, I may receive small compensation.

Mix'n Match Pumpkin Magnets: Toddler Busy Bag Ideas

As I may have mentioned previously, I've been keepin' busy building a super fun "busy bag" for the kids.  It's a challenge finding ideas that are developmentally on target for our now 21 month olds, but I am glad to share with you some of my fabulous finds!

When I first saw these adorable little pumpkins from MamaMiss.com I fell in love.  What a fun, seasonal (yet not too spooky) idea for our bags.

Supplies Needed: 
Printable Pumpkin Faces from the amazing Melissa over at MamaMiss.com
Scissors
Contact Paper
Magnet Sheet (got mine from walmart)
Pie Pan or Cookie Sheet

What I did: This one was pretty easy-peasy... I downloaded, saved and printed the pumpkin face document, and then covered the whole sheet (front and back) with clear contact paper.  Next, I cut around the circles and across the dotted lines creating 12 pieces.  Finally I cut pieces of magnet from my adhesive sheets (about 1/2 inch by 1 inch) and stuck them to the back of the pieces.  SO easy!

Pros: Simple, inexpensive, seasonal and enough pieces for twins to share!

Cons: None that I can see!

Take a second and vote for me!  You know you want to ;-)

Sand in my Suit

Dan and I have been coming to the beach ever since we started dating - first to Virginia beach, and starting in 2011 (our "babymoon") to Myrtle. I first thought bringing infant and now toddler twins was a bad idea - they'd be terrors eating sand, needing naps, crying at the restaurants, and the sheer amount of STUFF that comes with twins.

I'm happy to admit how wrong I was. Last year's trip was a success due in part to my amazing parents, giving us double the hands for handling two. Now that they're running and so alert, it has been such a joy watching them discover and fall in love with our favorite place - the beach. 

I had worried that having the babies here would diminish my own enjoyment. I'm glad to say, that I have had more fun playing in the sand and swimming in the pool with them than I ever did relaxing alone. Seeing their faces light up with each new experience is pure perfection. This is that joyful part of Motherhood.

And yes, they eat sand, but meh - it won't kill them. They threw a fit at dinner, so we got out their Crayola boards and the tablet. The car was packed to the brim, but all the gear made it here. We've gotten beyond surviving - we're thriving.

Sometimes I don't like to get dirty or messy or wet. I'm thrilled to see a change in myself, where I'm letting go of my own desires because I just can't help but want to be part of whatever it is they're doing. My "high maintenance" needs going by the way side.

Today I had sand in my suit - something I haven't had since I was probably building my own sand castles as a kid. But I didn't care one bit. Playing along side of them was worth every bit.

This has been a long time coming...

PomPom Pusher: Toddler Busy Bag Idea

As we've been looking forward to a nice LONG car ride to the beach with the babies, I've been spending a lot of time putting together our our Busy Bag!  I'm going to be posting each activity that I included separately so it's not too overwhelming so stay tuned for a future compilation post covering everything plus my favorite honorable mentions.

First up with a fabulous little PomPom pusher inspired by Fun & Engaging Activities for Toddlers.  This is the first home-made toy I created for the Busy Bag and Brayden was quite pleased to test it out!

Supplies Needed:
Plastic Tub with Lid (Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese, or Butter work well)
Pom Poms - we used the ones with shiny filaments
Exacto Knife or Sewing Blade


What I did: This was pretty self explanatory - I removed the tub lid, put it on a cutting board, and sliced little shapes into the lid.  Since we did a variety of sizes, I needed to make some larger than others - but generally, shapes slightly smaller than your pompoms are ideal so baby pushes through the hole vs. just dropping them in.  For us, there was one larger hole that the babies preferred since it was a little larger which to me, defeats the purpose a bit.  All in all, they used all the holes and shapes to squish the pompoms into the tub.

Pros: Cheap, easy, and occupied the babies for quite some time!  Because of my (too) large hole, the babies enjoyed the added benefit of shaking the smaller puffs out of the tub once they were all in which worked out kinda well in the end.  This one is one of Brayden's favorite activities and especially likes the shiny pompoms for some extra interest and texture.

Cons: Younger toddlers could swallow pompoms without appropriate supervision. This may or may not be super for your kid while eating out.  We did end up with a few pompoms on the ground, but for us - it was well worth the effort to pick them up in the end since they were content using it for so long.

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Just Between Friends Consignment Sale Coming Soon in Pittsburgh!

If you've been a reader for while, you may know that we LOVE to shop consignment sales!  We were lucky enough to have read about them a long time ago over at The Fabulous Baby Striblings  and have been hooked ever since.

In the past, I've shared my Consignment Shopping Haul and my 10 Tips for Kids Consignment Shopping Success - both are great reads if you're new to this fabulous way to stock your kids closets.

As the seasons change, we'll be needing to fill up on fall sweaters, jeans and leggings.  Lucky for us, the Just Between Friends Kids Consignment Sale is coming up very soon here in Pittsburgh!  

The Just Between Friends Fall/Winter Children's & Maternity Consignment event kicks off for everyone on September 20th.  There is an exclusive pre-sale for volunteers, consignors, first-time parents, foster parents, military families and teachers on Thursday, September 19th!    

What: JBF Pittsburgh Children's & Maternity Fall/Winter Sale
When: Fri., Sept. 20 – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 21 - 8am-4pm (NEW Merchandise!) & Sun., Sept. 22 - 8am-2pm (Many items 50% off). 
Where: RMU Island Sports Center in the Golf Dome, 7600 Grand Ave., Pittsburgh 15225
Admission: $3 on Friday (under 18 is free - or print your FREE admission pass below for Friday). Admission is free Saturday & Sunday.

Want to outfit your kids in great brands?  Looking for some new toys or baby gear for less?  You  won’t want to miss the Just Between Friends Children’s & Maternity Consignment event.

Want to turn YOUR clutter into CASH at the Fall Sale?  It's not too late to sign up to sell any new and gently used items your family has outgrown at the JBF event. Consignors prepare and price their own items using an easy, online bar code system. They earn 60% of their sales or if they join the team and help out at the event, 70% of their sales. Anyone interested in consigning can sign up for the Pittsburgh event on the jbfsale.com website (click here).

Team members are an important part of the JBF event. JBF Team Members shop FIRST and earn 70% on their consigned items.  Anyone is welcome to join the JBF Team as a voluteer.  You can register for a short 4-hour shift to guarantee early admission at the pre-sale event!

For our local readers, we have a VERY special opportunity for you to shop at the Thursday night pre-sale on September 19th.  Enter using the rafflecopter below for your chance to win a pre-sale pass to shop early and snag up all the best deals.

Hope we'll see you there!

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A Small Yolk Sack - Throwback Thursday

I have been thinking a lot lately about my Brayden and how close we were to having a singleton pregnancy - and how much we would have missed out on if he hadn't made it.

You see, we found out we were pregnant very early, and as I had some abdominal pain, the doctor recommended an early ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.  I remember asking the doctor - "do we need to rule out twins because of the chlomid?"  "Oh no" he said "the chances of twins are still very slim.  Don't worry about it."

After trying to conceive without luck for a year, our doctor had put us on the lowest dose of chlomid available and told me that it would only increase my chances from 2% to 5%.  Nothing to worry about right?  We'd hardly given it a second thought especially after the doctor's assurance that we were fine.

When we got to the ultrasound appointment, the tech informed us that there would be a split screen "Don't worry - it doesn't mean you're having twins" she told us.  "You'll see the split screen with one live image and one where I'll freeze the screen to snap the picture."

The whole time Dan and I chatted along, with the tech asking us general questions about ourselves and our pregnancy without saying much in identifying what she was seeing.  I was so clueless - I had no idea what I was looking at either.

"Is everything okay?" I asked - worried still about the potential of complications.  "It's definitely not ectopic" she said and I breathed a sigh of relief.

I had no idea... I mean - ZERO idea that there were two for the vast majority of my ultrasound.  The first clue I had was when she listened to the heartbeat, and then went back again, and listened to it twice.  She must have needed to confirm the rate I figured.

Even when she typed Baby A and Baby B on the screen for the first time, I didn't assume it was two babies.  Pictures from two different angles right?  Like the top side and bottom side?

When she was all finished, she wiped the gel off of my belly and said very calmly.  "Let me tell you what I'm seeing here.  There are two embryos, both with good heart beats." I about fainted.  Holy sh*t. Two babies - two babies - TWO BABIES!  "How will we ever pay for college?" were the first words out of my mouth to Dan.  (Looking back, how naive I was for this to be the biggest concern)

The tech interrupted my moment though, needing to finish.  "I am seeing though, that Baby A's yolk sack is very small in comparison to Baby B.  You need  to realize that sometimes, when pregnancies are diagnosed so early, one embryo could absorb."

So there we had it... We had two babies, after trying and wanting them so badly, but one might not make it.  You love your babies instantly - from the moment you know they exist.  And for me, I'd already fallen in love with this one baby in my belly - but now there were two?  In some ways I almost felt betrayed by the fact that all the bonding I'd been doing with my vision of a "child" was in vain.  I got over that quickly though, and started the process of worrying about Baby A.

So what did this mean - a twin with a smaller yolk sack?  I called my doctor frantically, wanting answers.  "What were our chances?  When would we be in the clear?  Why does this happen and can anything be done?"

Like it seems is often the response in early pregnancies - nature had to take it's course.  They had no answers, no research or statistics.  Armed with the internet and a world of online medical journals, we began searching.  What we found was, that based on his measurements, Baby A had a 50% chance of making it.  While my heart was overjoyed to have two, it ached with worry and fear that we'd loose half of our double blessing.

I should point out here, that I have learned so much in my short time as a mom.  One of these things is that God doesn't worry - He always knew Brayden would make it.  He never feared for the sweet baby in my belly, He already knew how many golden hairs would be on little Brayden's head.  So when we're biblically told not to worry and to trust fully in God - it's for good reason.

For the next few months, I was so fearful that the next ultrasound would reveal only one remaining twin - vanishing twin syndrome, where one baby "disappears," absorbing into the other.  But each time, there he was.  Still with a small sack, but there none the less.  He was thriving, and while I don't remember the date - we were eventually assured that whatever risks he faced in early pregnancy were gone once he started making his own amniotic fluid and no longer relied on a yolk sack.

Because his sack was always a little smaller, we eventually knew that the the boy was the one we'd been praying for for all those months.  My sweet Brayden...  How different my life would have been if our coin had flipped the other way.

DidiPop Review and Giveaway

I have been getting excited about writing this review for weeks now - really I have.  I'm thrilled to be able to introduce you to one of the babies' favorite musicians, to whom we have been listening  since they were only a few months old.

We were first lucky enough to be introduced to DidiPop after winning a giveaway through another favorite blog and since then, we've been hooked.

Deborah Poppink Hirshland (also known as DidiPop) has been making music since she was a child.  After a successful career teaching music to celebrity clients and making music for television and film, she became a mother and started recording some of the tunes she created for her own children.

DidiPop music is above all things, fun and entertaining.  I am not ashamed to admit that I know the words to almost all of the songs on the first two albums and am quickly learning those of the third.  I really believe she makes me a better mom - turning off my top twenty or talk radio to sing along to her joyful songs with the kids bopping in the back.  Sure there's plenty of kids music available - but only DidiPop is enjoyable enough for me that I willingly go for the dial.  The truth is, she is one of MY favorite artists too - and it's a good thing since we listen almost constantly.  

DidiPop's first release, DidiPop Goes to Hawaii has a special place in our hearts as lovers of of the islands ourselves.  The bouncy tunes, many featuring my beloved ukulele, give it a summertime feel that brings welcome warmth to any time of year.  I always get a kick out of Sugar Cane Train which takes the listeners to on a ride through Maui, visiting "Lahaina Station" - one of our favorite places to visit in Maui.  "Way Up High" is another favorite telling the story of a pair of love birds, with beautifully blending harmonies.  I slow this one down a bit, singing it to Julie frequently while we rock together in her room.  "The Hawaiian Alphabet Song" won Deborah the well deserved Grand Prize in the Children's Music category of the John Lennon Song Writing Contest.  While we don't have plans to travel to Hawaii with our kids yet, I'm thrilled that they can get a dose of the Aloha Spirit through this fantastic album!

Everyday Adventures is DidiPop's second release, and the perfect soundtrack to your every day life.  We love breakfast time singalongs with the peppy "tush on the cush."  We sing "look at yourself in the mirror" anytime the babies find their reflections.  "Feed the Pet" is a frequent culprit as the song that just won't get out of my head (not that I mind), and "Yellow Banana" catches a tune every time we have bananas, rice, apples, toast, or yogurt on the menu.  I made it my personal mission to learn all the words to "The Cool Alphabet Song" and can proudly say that I accomplished my goal.  

The newest release from DidiPop, Bunny in the Moon will put you to sleep.  No really - that's what it's intended to do!  This innovative album sings kids through their evening routine of bath, pajamas, teeth brushing and goodnights, then slowly eases them into relaxation, lullabied to sleep. We've been working in our house to find a better routine, and Bunny in the Moon helps us stay on track!  "Bathtime" is a light tune reminiscent of bubblegum doo-wop and we love that our old friend Max the dog makes an appearance!  "Snuggle Up" is another favorite to unwind, the anthem for bedtime cuddles and story time.  We first fell in love with "Oceans of Love" when we heard it on Everyday Adventures, but this new version, intertwined with rich stringed harmonies warms my heart.

So if you couldn't tell already, I am in love with DidiPop music.  I imagine looking back on these days when my kids have grown, and reminisce of our days singing and dancing along.  We were so lucky to have "discovered" her music, and am excited to have been able to bless your family with the same introduction.  

One lucky reader will win their choice of a DidiPop Digital CD Download.  Enter by completing the rafflecopter tasks below!  And while you're entering, be sure to visit www.youtube.com/didipopmusic and start listening to your kid's new favorite artist.  Her animated music videos are so entertaining that she's about to reach 6 million views!


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Ultimate Kid Friendly First Aid Kit

As you may know, I used to work for the Girl Scouts, and through my experience with them, learning to "be prepared" became a way of life.  Now as a mom, I like to make sure I have everything on hand - expecting the unexpected.

When it came time to make a First Aid Kit for my car, I knew I wanted it to be complete, kid friendly, easily organized, and portable.  And inexpensive - you can't forget that part!  While you might be able to buy a better commercial version, you'll be hard pressed to find a better home made first aid kit anywhere!

I started with an old cosmetic case (this one was once filled with makeup as an Ulta Set).  I like that the platforms slide out to make everything instantly accessible without having to dig through a bag.

While the case is great, closing securely and easily carried with a sturdy handle, it's what's inside that really matters!  One of my favorite inclusions is my threaded stacking tubes I picked up for $1 each from Target.  Inside I have a little pharmacy of pain relievers to keep us feeling comfortable where ever we go!

Check out what's inside my Kid Friendly Ultimate First Aid Kit below!

What's in my kit?

Medicines:

1 - Stacking Tubes with Tylenol, Aleve, Asprin and Ibuprophin, Exlax, Immodium, Pepto, Tums, and Allergy Pills

2 - Emetrol for Nausea - This syrup is great for easing queasy stomachs for both kids and adults.

3 - Baby Tylenol or Ibuprofen for fevers or pain

4 - Dramamine for Motion Sickness

First Aid:

5 - Bandaids and Gauze Pads of all shapes and sizes including printed band aids for kids!

6 - Alcohol and No Sting Cleansing Pads

7 - Paper Soap for Washing Wounds

8 - Gauze Wrap for burns or wounds

9 - Ace Bandage for twists and sprains

10 - Medical Tape for holding gauze

11 - First Aid Spray (for Kids) Cream (for us)

12 - Plastic Gloves

13 - Instant Ice Pack

14 - Tweezers for Splinters

Fevers:

15 - Be Koool Fever Sheets:  We absolutely love these as they not only help reduce fevers, but are very soothing to sick little ones, or adults with headaches.

16 - Thermometer

Baby Care:

17 - Q-Tips and Baby Nail Files

18 - Diaper Rash Cream:  We like the samples we got with formula samples when the kids were newborns.

19 - A&D Ointment

Skin and Stings:

20 - Topical Benadryl for Kids

21 - After Bite for Kids

22 - Sting Soothers

23 - Sunscreen Stick (since we always forget)

24 - Baby Powder for chafing

Eyes:

25 - Contact Case and Solution for Mom (could also be used as an emergency eye wash)

It's a tight squeeze - but it's all in there!  What's in your first aid kit for kids?  Leave a comment and we'll add it to our list!

A few disclaimers:  I am not a medical professional, and therefore this list is not provided as medical advice.  I do keep my kit in the car, and while I acknowledge that heat and sun can reduce the efficiency of medicines, we feel that having a less effective product is better than not having it with us at all.  Our car is typically in a weathered garage so less damage is done.  I am aware that medical professionals recommend keeping medicines in original, child-proof containers, but believe that our case is kept safely out of tiny hands for the time being.


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DVD Giveaway - Standing Up against Bullying!

As a mom, I've been hopeful that one little perk of having twins will be that my kids will be there to "protect" each other during the cruel moments of childhood bullying.  I can already tell that my Julie will be a child who "marches to the beat of a different drum" - just as I was as a child.  For me, that difference resulted in a lot of bullying growing up.  It wasn't until halfway through High School, when I found my place in music and theater, that my confidence really grew and I fell into my own identity.  Since my own days in school, it seems like kids have even further lost their filters, and the brutality of bullying is intense and widespread.  It scares me as a mom...

According to Pacer.org, more than 160,000 U.S. students stay home from school each day from fear of being bullied.

One of the best things we can do to understand the problem and discuss solutions is to be inspired. The new movie “Standing Up” is THAT inspiration.

Based on one of the most beloved Young Adult novels of all time and directed by the acclaimed D.J. Caruso, Standing Up follows two kids who get bullied by a vicious summer camp prank. Left together on an island, their adventure begins once they decide not to be victims and instead they Stand Up! 

Standing Up is an adorable and heart-warming gem of a movie with an important anti-bullying message that’s suitable for the whole family! Get the DVD August 20!

What can be done to help the bullied “stand up” for themselves?

Discover more about Standing Up by watching the trailer, taking the quiz and signing the Anti-Bullying pledge through the blog app below!



My Tales with Two is excited to be partnering with Standing Up to giveaway a free Signed Copy of the new movie to share with your family, friends or students!  Enter to win using the Rafflecopter form below!


 

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Busy by Choice

I can't remember where I read it the other day (probably on someone's facebook wall link or huffpost referral) but I fell across an article talking about how when asked, the most common response to "how have you been" is "oh so busy."  It went on to say that "busy" is valued in our society, it means that you've got worth, value and demand enough to BE busy.  It talked about how this "busy" is by our own hand and choice, filling our calendars with something to do every moment of the day.

(After further googling, I found the article I read, and impressed that it was New York Times!)

So it got me thinking about my own time and how BUSY I am on a daily basis.  I could share my daily agenda, but it'd make you dizzy.  I'm constantly providing food/drink or changing a diaper or breaking up a fight or rescuing from danger or calming a hurt child.  It's absolutely non-stop.  And on top of it, I'm checking one of my three gmail accounts, answering a text, seeing who liked my latest post in my ribbon or mommy facebook group, getting a beep when my best friend posts yet another meme, or when someone finally paid their hairbow invoice.

It's a lot, managing toddler twins, a small business, a blog, and volunteering for organizations.  There's day's I feel like I'm over doing it, that if I could simply just let all the rest fall away and focus completely on my kids, that I'd be less exhausted from getting five hours of sleep on an average night.

But ya know what?  I have a choice.  And I choose to be Type A - a veritable game of Diner Dash balancing all of my spinning plates at once.  I need something all my own, and these things are the slivers that still exist of myself - the me not intrinsically tied to my kids.

Simply put, we don't need the money.  I've surely invested more in this business this first year than I'll ever get out of it.  What I do need is my sanity, and having this identity independent of my kids keeps me sane.

I am busy by choice.

Do my kids suffer?  I hope not and try to fully believe that they don't.  I try desperately not to be "the iPhone mom" and to be fully present with my kids when we're playing outside or reading or at the playground or museum.  But am I checking my messages at the stoplight?  Answering messages while they eat breakfast?  Texting while they chase each other around the house?  Sure am - and fingers crossed I won't be regretting it some day.

Someone told me recently that I can't have it all - that either I need to be home and fully home, or work and fully work.  In this age of technology, how can this be true?  How are my kids not better off at home with me, safe and supported, even if I am slightly distracted or working on something while they watch Bubble Guppies?

Clearly I'm still working on balance - and with a little luck, it'll come soon enough.  In the mean time, when a good friend asks how I'm doing, "busy" is the answer I'll give, knowing that busy means I'm choosing to meet the needs of my kids, but also my own.  My needs for challenge and an outlet for my drive are all here supported by my choice to be busy.

My Favorite No Bean Chili Recipe

It was only in the mid 50's this morning here in Pittsburgh - such strange weather for August!  We dressed in long sleeves  and jeans, with pairs of summer abomination - socks.  In honor of the chilly weather, I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes I've recently fallen in love with - No Bean Chili.

I never grew up eating chili as I didn't (and still don't) like beans.  After discovering this recipe, it's become a family favorite - one I even like to enjoy while I'm on my Weight Watchers wagon.

Heather's No Bean Chili

My recipe is base on the one found here but with a few extras thrown in.

1 lb Ground Beef

2 Cloves Garlic

1 Large Onion, chopped

1 T Red Pepper Flakes (or more to taste)
Salt and Pepper to Taste

1 T Dried Oregano

2 T Chili Powder

2 T Frank's Red Hot
BKW Steak Seasoning (optional)

1 Can (28 oz) Crushed Tomatoes

1 Can Diced Tomatoes

1/4 c Red Wine Vinegar

Suggested Toppings Frito's, (Light) Sour Cream, additional fresh chopped onion, (light) cheddar cheese

First, brown the ground meat in the bottom of a dutch oven, adding onion and garlic when almost cooked through.  Season the meat with the Red Pepper Flakes, Salt and Pepper (I do 5 cranks) Chili Powder, Oregano and Red Hot stirring to coat evenly.  Add the Crushed Tomatoes and Diced Tomatoes (with the juice) and vinegar, stirring to combine.  Bring to a boil then turn to low and simmer for as long as you can stand to wait - at least 20 minutes.  

My recipe removed the Cumin from the original recipe, and adds red pepper flakes and diced tomatoes.  I like the extra spice and heartiness!  I also add some steak seasoning from time to time.  It definitely adds a little something, but it's delicious without as well. 

I recommend loading it up with lots of toppings mentioned above.  If you're watching your calories, by using low fat beef, light sour cream and light cheese, you have a "point" friendly dinner that will really fill you up!   

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Snip Snip Sniffle

When Brayden got his hair trimmed right around his first birthday, I was so proud of what a champ I was!  Not a sniffle to be snuffed or a tear to be trickled.  I was just so glad to see that little "rat tail" disappear!

But lately, my adorable little shaggy "surfer boy" has been having trouble seeing through the hair hanging in his eyes, and I knew it was time.  So since my mom was ready to head home after spending most of last week here making piles of hair bows, we figured we better get out the scissors.

Brayden did so well, munching on his chocolate, sucking down a "squish pouch" and laughing at his Dad's distracting antics.  I on the other hand did not fair as well - tearfully looking away as my baby turned into a little boy right before my eyes.  (Here I go again - waterworks as I type).  And I know how ridiculous it is -  he's still the same Brayden with or without his hair.  But I struggle knowing that it'll never be quite the same.
My Dad tried reminding me that I haven't lost anything, just have lots of things to look forward to with each age.  Sorry to say, that doesn't make it any easier.  I realize how blessed I am every day and, much like a little child, feel like I like these days the best.

And in my own feminist ways, I make it more complicated than it probably is - pondering how for the first time, cultural norms have physically altered his appearance.  Julie's feminine curls still hang from her head while Brayden's waves are on my deck.  It's just the beginning of the man he'll have to become - the man that will grow up and move away to lead his own family.  Yes, I know I'm probably taking it a little far, but I'm a sappy mama here and my mind has a tenancy to take things down the road a bit.

He looks handsome and I'm sure I'll get used to it.  My mom did a great job courtesy of youtube and her 20 year past experiences.  In the meantime though, I'm going to pout and wait for it to grow back.

For your comparison - Brayden before and after his "sheering."

iTunes Giveaway and Touch 'n Sing Review

Brayden and Julie are getting to the age where anything musical is just thrilling - they smile, bop their head and dance along.  When you pair this with the colorful excitement of my cell phone or tablet, it becomes a great combination that will really hold their attention!

We recently had the opportunity to check out a new app for kids from SumahoMAMA called Touch 'n Sing and it was a total hit!  The app has been out or a while on itunes and recently launched for android.  Designed for kids aged 2-7, Touch 'n Sing (short for Touch and Sing Along Picture Book) hopes to entertain and engage with bright colors, movement and music, while adding a touch of education.

The app is actually a suite of smaller games which kids can access from one place.  The app is free to download and includes two free games - The Hokey Pokey and The Alphabet Game.  Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is also a special freebie until September 1st.  These three are great to get started and my kids loved the songs so much that they'd run across the room to play when I opened the app.  At only 19 months, they're a little young for some of the games, but still loved the cause and effect experience of touching the screen and activating a special little sound or motion from the cast of characters.

When your little ones have mastered the free games (or you're just hoping for a little variety), additional games are available for purchase - most of which are only $.99.  They even offer two "Super Value Packs" where you can get six games for $4.99.  
As a family who likes to have it all, we bought both Super Value Packs so we could try all of the games. Here's a few of our favorites:
- Ten Little Indians
- Old McDonald Had a Farm
- I've Been Working on the Railroad
- Parade of the Wooden Soldier

These four were ideal for us because the child didn't really need any "skill" to have fun.  Touch the screen, and it'll make a noise, label the item, do a little dance, or give some other cute little gratification.  I would definitely recommend these for the littlest players!

For older children, I loved the pattern practice offered in The Farmer in the Dell, sorting in Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree, and the interactive matching challenge in The Muffin Man.

I will give one slight caution though to some conservative parents that are easily shocked - there are a few surprises you may want to watch for for sensitive/overly curious kids.  The Itsy Bitsy Spider does have spiders that eat butterflies and ladybugs if you guess incorrectly.  Similarly, the dog in BINGO will run over the young boy if he's not the correct pet indicated.  I was just slightly disturbed by the "baby or egg" choice in Turkey in the Straw and very surprised to see the animal on my screen simulating a birth of said baby or egg.  Nothing that's a huge deal in my perspective, but just another reminder that families should always be actively involved with their children's digital entertainment experience.

Overall, Touch 'n Sing is a fabulous app that I am so excited to have in my entertainment arsenal when we're out and about with twins.  I'm thrilled that I can have it right at my finger tips, where ever we go, and that with such a range of ages, it'll grow right along with them.  It's rare that I find an app that appeals to both of my toddlers, and Touch 'n Sing review seems to offer a little something for everyone.

Touch 'n Sing is available for download on iTunes and at Google Play.  Learn more about the app and it's developers on the SumahoMAMA website, twitter and facebook page.

SumahoMama wants to help you get started in buying additional games for your favorite kid by offering a $10 iTunes Gift Card!  Enter using the Rafflecopter form below - Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest ends August 13th at Midnight and winner will be contacted by email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.


Make my day and vote for me - please and thank you! :-D