Sponge Flower Creations to the Rescue!

Enjoy Truly Unique, Custom Pieces, Made from Your Children’s Own Art/Photos!

I have to admit, I have a REALLY hard time deciding what artwork of my children to keep, and what to toss!  To me, it is all so important, that I feel so guilty when I toss something because, let’s face it, I just can’t keep every doodle, painting or paper mache craft they do!  Finally, an answer to my prayers!  Deirdre Thornton is the brainchild behind Sponge Flower Creations.  It all started with one of her son’s sponge flower paintings from preschool and quickly took off with several parents asking for their own necklaces, coasters, bags, cuff-links and so much more.

Whether it be “your baby’s first scribbles; your toddler’s first finger painting, or your preschooler’s first construction paper craft, creative moments in your child’s development can be transformed into a truly one-of-a-kind piece that you can cherish or gift!

In [Deirdre's] shop you will find pieces that [she has] created using images from [her] son’s original preschool art work! I[she is] so excited to share with you.”

Deirdre also invites you to allow her to craft something that is unique, memorable – and often funky – using your own child’s creative projects.  I LOVE my necklace which was made from my son’s artwork and given to me by him for Mother’s Day, and my husband adores the cuff-links that were made from another one of Aiden’s art pieces for Father’s Day.

So, instead of saving that piece of art or photo away in a dusty box or filing cabinet, why not turn it into fridge magnets, coasters, a bag, mug, necklace, cuff-links or so much more!  You can Deirdre at any one of the following sites!

Blog :: http://www.spongeflowers.wordpress.com
Facebook :: http://www.tinyurl.com/spongeflowers
Twitter :: http://twitter.com/SpongeFlowers

Road Trip Advice Wanted!

In just under two weeks, my family will embark on a road trip to Florida.  We’re looking at a 24hr drive, split over 3 days, so about 8hrs a day.  I’ve started stocking up on stickers, colouring books, DVDs, books on CD, doodle cards, and video games, but I was wondering how else I can keep the kids busy.  We are prepared for the frequent “pit stops” and are planning on making a side vacation, taking in any interesting landmarks or tourist attractions along the way.  Would love to hear from readers any ideas for helping the time pass by more smoothly and enjoyably for us all.  My children are aged 4 and 2, so any advice would be welcomed!

Playdate Frustrations

My 4yr old son has been begging me to have a playdate with a friend from his preschool for some time now, so I decided to have his friend and the child’s mother over for a playdate.  At preschool, these two play wonderfully together!  But today, for some reason, my child turned into a monster!  I felt as though I spent the entire time apologizing for my sons unwillingness to share, listen or include his friend!  Luckily, the other child’s mother was very understanding and patient.  At a previous playdate at their house, the same had occurred, only then it was her child.

Why is this?  Why do our children beg for a playdate, only to act as though they never asked for one in the first place?  We spend so much time teaching our children to share, be respectful by listening to others, taking turns, and then when they act as though they have never heard of manners, we feel as though somehow we have failed as parents.  I know today, I sure felt as though somehow, I have failed to instill good listening skills and respect for others.  Even my 2yr old daughter decided to jump on the band wagon and repeatedly climb up on the train table.

So, as I sit here, and my two children nap (please let them wake up in better moods), I will look for resources on teaching very young children to listen and follow directions.  I have tried time outs, counting, removing them from the situation, breathing and visualization, consistency, and sometimes it works!  For those times that it doesn’t, I’d love to have some other tools up my sleeve, so if you have ANY suggestions or tips from the trade, I would love to hear what works well for you during playdates!

To Return to Work or Not to Return that is the Question?

Okay, so we’ve all (or almost all) been there at one point in time or another.  We take time off for maternity leave, and then comes the time when we must decide, should I return to work or not?  For some individuals, returning to work is not an option.  Financially, it’s just not possible to survive off of one income.  I mean, let’s face it, kids cost money, even after they are out of diapers and have moved on to eating whatever the rest of the family is eating.  There is still clothing, toys, school supplies, sports, sports supplies, transportation to and from sports, birthday parties, and so much more!

I am struggling with the decision of whether to return to work, or stay home with my beautiful 2yr old daughter.  My son will be starting school full time in September, and this would allow me to spend some quality one-on-one time with my daughter.  At the same time, she has been with me practically every day for the past 2 years, and is very attached.

As a former, and still certified teacher, I know I want to return to the workforce one day, but worry that being away for as long as I have been (2 1/2yrs) will make it difficult to find employment.  Then there are the “perks” shall we call it, that will follow returning to work.  What do I mean by perks?  Well, the additional income will allow for those much needed and yes, wanted, home renovations to take place at a much faster rate.  Returning to work also allows for family vacations that last longer than a long weekend, as well as eases the financial burden placed on the sole income-earner.

Finally, there is that small part of me that actually misses heading out the door to work each day.  Yes, that’s right, I said it, part of me misses going to work outside the home each day.  It can be very difficult to carry on a stimulating conversation with pre-schoolers and toddlers!  It would be nice to be able to have conversations that do not revolve around dirt, bugs, dinosaurs, fairies and boo-boos!

I know I am not alone in this decision and just wondered what others think about the great debate over staying at home to raise children, or returning to the work force.  Please, drop a line and let our readers know what you think about the “return to work” debate.

In Need of Organization!

Ever have one of those REALLY productive days where everything on your to-do-list is accomplished and everything is in its place?  Only to find a few days, weeks, or months later that you’re back to choas?  I am infamous for having these organizational spurts that get me motivated to work, only to find that in a few days, I am back to a messy state of affairs.  Don’t get me wrong, its an organized chaos.  I know where everything is, I would just like it to look organized.  I wish everything had its own home.  Now, in a perfect world, with an unlimited budget, I would just hire an organizational coach, or go out and buy the tools necessary to better organize my life.  But, in the real world, I need to get organized as economically as possible.

And so, I am asking … How do you get and stay organized?  Now I’m not looking for my husbands famous words “Just put it away when you’re done with it.”   Let’s face it, with 2 kids under four, and sometimes 5 under four, its sometimes hard to say to the kids “Just hold on a minute while I put these items away.”  Mind you, think of the life lesson the little ones are learning and the example I would be setting by taking the time to put things away.

Please share your organizational tips for the home and/or home office, kids playroom or any other area of the house.  If you know of any links to organizational sites, please post them here as well!

Cheers,

Charlene

How to Raise Grateful Children?

Help Wanted!

After seeing the excess of toys overflowing from our children’s playroom, my husband and I found ourselves shocked at the accumulation of material objects our children have collected over the span of just four years!  Christmas is just 6 days past, and already our son is forming his list for Santa for next Christmas!  Is this how we have raised our child to behave?

How many times leading up to Christmas did I catch myself or my husband using Santa as leverage to encourage good behaviour from our children?  What happens when Santa has come and gone, what then do we use to encourage good behaviour?

As a result of much reflection over the past month, my husband and I have decided that things MUST change around here!  We want our children to behave appropriately because they know what is right from wrong, not because Santa might skip over our house.  We want our children to appreciate the finer things in life, such as volunteering, being socially responsible, and grateful for the simple things in life.

I am asking for your comments, suggestions and links to information and advice on how to raise socially responsible children.  Share your thoughts and experiences with your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. on the topic of materialism and children and how to help children appreciate what they have instead of always wanting and/or expecting more!

Happy New Year 2010!

Charlene