Crafty

I've been feeling a little crafty these days which is not like me at all!  I usually have lots of ideas roaming through my head but I never usually take time to make them into a reality.

My idea was this - I would make letters and string them together to make Makenna's name for her bedroom wall.  Easy enough.  I started by strolling the aisles of Michael's and Joann Fabrics to get some ideas of how to make my idea into a reality.  I ended up picking up some coordinating paper, miniature clothes pins, some fun flowers, and a pack of these fun crystals.  I already had some ribbon to match and of course my hot glue gun.

 

I asked a friend of mine to cut out the letters with her Cricut machine and then I just had to assemble.  I think it turned out fantastic with very little money invested.  Such a cute way to add some personality, uniqueness and charm into Makenna's bedroom. 

Quality Time

As a working mother of two adoptive girls, topics arise in my head about various things such as parenting, arts & crafts, kids related topics, etc.  Therefore I have decided to start a discussion on my blog twice a month on a specific topic.  I'd love for anyone reading my blog to provide their insight to the topic to help all of us learn more.  If there is a certain topic anyone is interested in, please let me know.  I can always been reached at ethiopiatofargo@gmail.com.

This week's topic:

Question: How do you spend quality time with your child or children? 

I often think about this very topic as I don't feel I spend enough quality time with my two girls, especially with Maya.  As a working mother who spends 45 hours a week minimum outside of the home, there is little time left over in the day to spend with my family.  The time I do have seems to be filled up with dinner, baths, and our bed-time routine which is brushing teeth, changing clothes, and reading a book.  Not only is our time very limited, but I am exhausted. 

The time we do have is spent together but I don't feel it is quality time but what is the definition of quality time?  One can argue eating dinner as a family and reading books before bed-time as quality time.  These things we do almost daily but I don't feel we use the rest of the time wisely.  Let's take the other night - we ran an errand right after dinner, took quick baths and then watched 30 minutes of American Idol.  Is that quality time? 

How does one maximize his/her time when it is so limited?  Thankfully spring is finally here and we can start enjoying the outdoors.  For some reason, it seems easier to spend quality time together as a family when you can get outside and enjoy the weather versus being cooped up indoors.

What do you think?

What's for dinner?

Long are the days where we eat gourmet dinners and eat out.  Instead we opt to eat in and make kid friendly food.  What's for dinner at our place?  It is wiener wraps and macaroni & cheese.  YUM!

Every time I think of wiener wraps I think back to my grade school days.  I always gave my wieners to my friend Sarah and she gave me her wraps.  Isn't it funny how something like a food reminds you of a memory from the past? 

Anyone want to come over?  We'd love to have you!

Next meal - chicken nuggets :)  Ha!

Together At Last!

Today Makenna had to transition yet again to a new daycare.  As you may have recalled from my earlier post, Makenna was not able to get into our regular daycare center until today.  Up to this point Makenna had been going to a home daycare with 3 other kids.  I wasn't sure how well this transition would go as Makenna's has become very attached to Dave and myself.  This past weekend she would barely let her Aunt Kerry hold her.  At drop off today, Makenna easily went to her new teacher Lezlie and could care less that she was being held by her versus me.  I have to say, I was kind of disappointed.  Part of me wishes she would have cried or fussed a little.  I know most parents would have been thrilled by this but as an mom of an adoptive child, I kind of wanted her to be sad and to want her mommy.  Thankfully big sister Maya is just downstairs and is able to check in on her little sister.  Apparently Makenna did great and had a good day.  She was overwhelmed at first but what can you expect with 8 little ones, 2 teachers, and people coming and going all day long?  I would be overwhelmed too!  We are just thrilled to have both girls under the same roof as life just got easier for Dave and myself.

Before leaving for school, I took some pictures.  I had to promise Maya a gummy bear in order to get a smile.  Strange, I know as Maya always smiles for the camera.

  

All Smiles

One happy little girl...that smile melts my heart.



I just love this one...

Time Out for Myself - BON JOVI!!!

I thought I would participate in this month's "Time Out for Theta Mom Thursday".   The rules: you have to make an hour’s time for yourself sometime during the month, without the kids and blog about it.

 

Do you find it easy to get time for yourself?  I don't.  I find it incredibly difficult.  Part of the issue is I want to be home and be with my family.  The other issue is I just don't take the time.  One Saturday night this month, I actually took time for me.  I enjoyed a night out at a Bon Jovi concert.  Wow, so much fun!  My good friend Andrea snagged awesome tickets near the stage on the raised seats which gave me a great view of hottie Jon Bon Jovi!  I spent the evening with my sister, her husband, my friends Andrea and Tom. 

David decided to stay home with the kids considering he isn't the biggest fan and has seen him twice already.  I'm not sure how he could pass on an incredible concert and a night out of the house, but he did.  It felt so good to be out and to feel like me and not Maya's or Makenna's mom which is how I feel most days.  After the concert we hit a local spot for a round of drinks  and some chit chat.  I loved it!!



This night was not only a blast but it reminded me it is important to take time for yourself.  You may not be able to every day or every week but once in awhile is good for the soul.  Thank you Dave for giving me a guilt free night out!

Twists

About 2 weeks ago, I tried out a new hairstyle on Maya's hair.  I thought it turned out fairly cute but it didn't hold too well.  Maya's hair is fairly soft so twists don't hold as well as cornrows.  I ended up taking them out after a few days and instead did some cornrows in her hair.  The nice part was her hair was already parted in sections so it didn't take long. 

Here are some pictures of the twists. 


It is fun to try something new but lately we've been doing head bands and ponytails.  So easy.  I'll have to visit the blog Happy Hair for some new ideas.