Number of Easter Eggs intended for dyeing: 20
Number that survived the difficult boiling and dyeing process: 11
April 24, 2011
April 20, 2011
Stephanie's Awards for Preschool Programming
When I had kids, I had no idea that I was about to jump into the over saturated world of preschool programming. I felt entirely unqualified to choose shows for my children. There are hundreds of options available, so if there are any new parents out there, here is the 411. I hope it makes your job easier.
(As we have already established, I think letting your kids watch couple shows a day is, well, necessary. It allows me to take a shower or mop the floor AND there are really some great educational shows out there. If you are judging my reliance on the tv to practice good hygeine, please stop reading.)
Most Annoying Shows
Yo Gabba Gabba - Is there anything creepier than a grown man wearing giant glasses, an orange cat suit and a furry hat? I think not. Oh, except maybe if he is singing and dancing with androgynous fluffy creatures. Which he is.
Runner Up: Cailou. His name is Cailou. Pronounced Ky-you. That's annoying.
(Honorable Mention goes to Imagination Movers.)
Most Educational
The Letter Factory - This Leap Frog DVD is incredible. When Luke was just about two, he began watching this 30 minute show on occasion during quiet time. Within a month or so, he had learned all of his letters and letter sounds. At two, he could identify every upper and lower case letter and tell you their sounds just from watching this DVD. Two thumbs up, only slightly annoying.
Sid the Science Kid - This PBS show is all about, well, science. It does an excellent job at explaining difficult concepts to preschoolers. Examples of topics include, inertia, why food decays, how to make clean air, inclined planes, microscopes, etc. There is enough music and terrible kid jokes to make this appeal to the little ones. I could never explain some of these concepts as well as the show does. Two thumbs up for content.
Most Likely to Put You to Sleep
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Hands down. It is the most mind-numbing show out there. It could be used as anesthetic at the dentist. Toddlers and preschoolers alike are mesmerized by the colors and love to follow Mickey and his friends while they solve painfully simple puzzles. This is a good choice if you need to snooze on the couch for an extra 20 minutes. Your interest will not be peaked unless you need practice counting to ten. The iritating "Hot Dog" song at the end will wake you up and signal your children may require attention.
Dora the Explorer - Dora has a monkey, a singing backpack and a talking map. She has parents, but they let her run all over Mexico talking to trolls and making friends with potentially dangerous animals. Each episode follows a formula, like Mickey Mouse. If you have seen one, you have seen them all. I don't get it, but kids flip for Dora and it is educational. Soooo boring. Pro - your kids will know what a map is.
Best for Parents
Sesame Street - While Sesame Street is pretty slow in the beginning, the producers sometimes pepper the show with adult jokes which make it bearable. They also feature celebrities, sometimes singing, acting or introducing a new word or concept. Jason Bateman on Sesame Street? Yes, please. Nora Jones, Jack Black, Garth Brooks, Jennifer Garner, LL Cool J and Dave Matthews are just a few celebrities I have recently seen on Sesame Street. Elmo is a big hit with the youngest kids! I am going to assume you know about Sesame Steet.
Movies - There are dozens of recent movies that are fun for children and parents alike. Almost anything in the Disney / Pixar family. Despicable Me, Toy Story, Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Cars, Tangled....all of these and more are entertaining for the whole family. The only major drawback is I prefer to let my kids watch 20-30 minutes of tv at a time. With movies, I feel like were are laying around for way too long. We save these for 'movie night' with popcorn and when the kids are tired and cranky.
Most Fun
Timmy Time / Shaun the Sheep - Both my children LOVE these British shows. Timmy is the baby sheep with his own spin-off. There is no actual dialogue. It is from the creators of Wallace and Grommit and all of the animals speak in their animal voices. My kids laugh out loud at this show, which I love, and they learn to express and read feelings through non-verbal communication. Watching them crack up makes it fun for me.
I figure if my children are going to watch tv, at least I should know what they are watching and be able to engage them in conversation about it.
(As we have already established, I think letting your kids watch couple shows a day is, well, necessary. It allows me to take a shower or mop the floor AND there are really some great educational shows out there. If you are judging my reliance on the tv to practice good hygeine, please stop reading.)
Most Annoying Shows
Yo Gabba Gabba - Is there anything creepier than a grown man wearing giant glasses, an orange cat suit and a furry hat? I think not. Oh, except maybe if he is singing and dancing with androgynous fluffy creatures. Which he is.
DJ Lance from Yo Gabba Gabba
(Honorable Mention goes to Imagination Movers.)
Most Educational
The Letter Factory - This Leap Frog DVD is incredible. When Luke was just about two, he began watching this 30 minute show on occasion during quiet time. Within a month or so, he had learned all of his letters and letter sounds. At two, he could identify every upper and lower case letter and tell you their sounds just from watching this DVD. Two thumbs up, only slightly annoying.
Sid the Science Kid - This PBS show is all about, well, science. It does an excellent job at explaining difficult concepts to preschoolers. Examples of topics include, inertia, why food decays, how to make clean air, inclined planes, microscopes, etc. There is enough music and terrible kid jokes to make this appeal to the little ones. I could never explain some of these concepts as well as the show does. Two thumbs up for content.
Most Likely to Put You to Sleep
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Hands down. It is the most mind-numbing show out there. It could be used as anesthetic at the dentist. Toddlers and preschoolers alike are mesmerized by the colors and love to follow Mickey and his friends while they solve painfully simple puzzles. This is a good choice if you need to snooze on the couch for an extra 20 minutes. Your interest will not be peaked unless you need practice counting to ten. The iritating "Hot Dog" song at the end will wake you up and signal your children may require attention.
Dora the Explorer - Dora has a monkey, a singing backpack and a talking map. She has parents, but they let her run all over Mexico talking to trolls and making friends with potentially dangerous animals. Each episode follows a formula, like Mickey Mouse. If you have seen one, you have seen them all. I don't get it, but kids flip for Dora and it is educational. Soooo boring. Pro - your kids will know what a map is.
Best for Parents
Sesame Street - While Sesame Street is pretty slow in the beginning, the producers sometimes pepper the show with adult jokes which make it bearable. They also feature celebrities, sometimes singing, acting or introducing a new word or concept. Jason Bateman on Sesame Street? Yes, please. Nora Jones, Jack Black, Garth Brooks, Jennifer Garner, LL Cool J and Dave Matthews are just a few celebrities I have recently seen on Sesame Street. Elmo is a big hit with the youngest kids! I am going to assume you know about Sesame Steet.
Movies - There are dozens of recent movies that are fun for children and parents alike. Almost anything in the Disney / Pixar family. Despicable Me, Toy Story, Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Cars, Tangled....all of these and more are entertaining for the whole family. The only major drawback is I prefer to let my kids watch 20-30 minutes of tv at a time. With movies, I feel like were are laying around for way too long. We save these for 'movie night' with popcorn and when the kids are tired and cranky.
Most Fun
Timmy Time / Shaun the Sheep - Both my children LOVE these British shows. Timmy is the baby sheep with his own spin-off. There is no actual dialogue. It is from the creators of Wallace and Grommit and all of the animals speak in their animal voices. My kids laugh out loud at this show, which I love, and they learn to express and read feelings through non-verbal communication. Watching them crack up makes it fun for me.
Timmy and his friend, the owl
I figure if my children are going to watch tv, at least I should know what they are watching and be able to engage them in conversation about it.
I hope you have enjoyed my awards. Are there any shows you guys really like or dislike? I would love to hear your opinions.
April 15, 2011
Crazy T Ball Mom
When I was about 10, my family went to visit our Russian/Rusyn relatives in Connecticut. My Great Aunt Helen was always so kind to me and I enjoyed being around her so much. However, it is important to note that my Great Aunt Helen was also one of the loudest people I have ever known.
As a kid, I found her wonderful and exciting, but she was completely embarrassing in public because anyone within 20 feet of us could always hear our entire conversation. No topic seemed sacred or required any type of hushed voice. On the previously mentioned trip to New England, Aunt Helen was so incredibly cool, she took me to Bloomingdale's. OMG.
I thought I was so chic to have been to Bloomingdale's that I bored the crap out of my friends talking about it back in Kentucky. I'm pretty sure I kept the shopping bag for a year. However, in Bloomingdale's I was so trying to be cool and there was Aunt Helen, voice at 872 decibels asking if I needed new underwear.
Somewhere between 1991 and 2011, I have become my Aunt Helen.
This week, I heard myself shouting and cheering at t ball practice. "Luke!! Drop the bat and run to first base!!!!" Ummmm.....he's four. Jon had to give me the stink eye. It was practice. It wasn't even a game and I just couldn't help but cheer for every kid.
I am sooooo going to be the most embarrassing mom ever.
My filter gets weaker and weaker every day. Does anyone want to share gory details of labor and delivery? Count me in! Are we at a formal function in this scenario? Who cares!?! Let's talk afterbirth!
I'd say about 75% of what I think comes flying out of my mouth. Is it just age? Having children? Confidence in myself and my ideas? Loneliness from talking to small children most of the day?
Have any of you guys noticed an increase in what you say in public?
Whatever it is, I will never be accused of being a wallflower.
Neither would Aunt Helen.
As a kid, I found her wonderful and exciting, but she was completely embarrassing in public because anyone within 20 feet of us could always hear our entire conversation. No topic seemed sacred or required any type of hushed voice. On the previously mentioned trip to New England, Aunt Helen was so incredibly cool, she took me to Bloomingdale's. OMG.
I thought I was so chic to have been to Bloomingdale's that I bored the crap out of my friends talking about it back in Kentucky. I'm pretty sure I kept the shopping bag for a year. However, in Bloomingdale's I was so trying to be cool and there was Aunt Helen, voice at 872 decibels asking if I needed new underwear.
Somewhere between 1991 and 2011, I have become my Aunt Helen.
This week, I heard myself shouting and cheering at t ball practice. "Luke!! Drop the bat and run to first base!!!!" Ummmm.....he's four. Jon had to give me the stink eye. It was practice. It wasn't even a game and I just couldn't help but cheer for every kid.
I am sooooo going to be the most embarrassing mom ever.
My filter gets weaker and weaker every day. Does anyone want to share gory details of labor and delivery? Count me in! Are we at a formal function in this scenario? Who cares!?! Let's talk afterbirth!
I'd say about 75% of what I think comes flying out of my mouth. Is it just age? Having children? Confidence in myself and my ideas? Loneliness from talking to small children most of the day?
Have any of you guys noticed an increase in what you say in public?
Whatever it is, I will never be accused of being a wallflower.
Neither would Aunt Helen.
April 10, 2011
How could I forget!
One of the biggest reasons I was upset was an incident that occured on Thursday!
I took Luke to the dentist, a new dentist, to have his teeth cleaned. Both the kids were not great in the waiting room, but not completely terrible. They were normal. Luke was AMAZING when they cleaned his teeth. He was so brave and did a great job.
It is also important to note that I have a dental appointment next week.
As the dentist turns to leave after his exam, she looks at me and says, "Hopefully we will see you by yourself next week."
OMG. Clearly she does not want my business.
I took Luke to the dentist, a new dentist, to have his teeth cleaned. Both the kids were not great in the waiting room, but not completely terrible. They were normal. Luke was AMAZING when they cleaned his teeth. He was so brave and did a great job.
It is also important to note that I have a dental appointment next week.
As the dentist turns to leave after his exam, she looks at me and says, "Hopefully we will see you by yourself next week."
OMG. Clearly she does not want my business.
A week without Jon....
So, we survived Monday-Friday this week sans husband. Obviously, I could not mention this before as I do not like to invite people to break into my house. (Although if you do, be warned, I might shoot you.)
Anyway, we did really well until Thursday. Thursday brought on a serious case of the sniffly crazy Stephanie for no real reason.
Well, not 100% true. There were two or three reasons. Allie and the lack of sleep she caused was the first. After shots Wednesday, Allie probably woke up every 15 minutes Wednesday night, so I was pretty worn out when 6am rolled around and Alligator was declaring herself "hungeee! hungeee!" Why did I schedule shots when hubs was out of town?
Also, I was sensitive because something has been nagging at my self esteem. Why, at nearly 32, do I still care when I know someone doesn't like me? I mean it's cool if we don't talk all the time, we don't have to be besties, but when someone actively takes a stance to not be friends with me, it drives me crazy. I know it's irrational, but there it is. I still care.
And, just to make sure he wasn't left out, Luke decided to develop a listening problem at home and at school. Fantastic. Every parent's dream.
On a positive note, I did work out everyday and twice on Friday. Why? Partly because swim season is around the corner and partly because I really love my zumba class. But the biggest reason I worked out is............. free childcare. One hour to not be in charge of someone else. It is my rock.
So, by Friday it was just time for Jon to come back and restore my sanity. It is also hilarious to me that I have become so used to having a 'normal' life. When Jon was gone for 13 months I didn't have very many pity parties. Now, he leaves for 4 days and I can hardly hack it. I'm becoming a softie.
Sorry this post is all over the place, but I have had my hands full.
(PS - I have to admit, having full control over the tv and the entire bed was completely awesome.)
Anyway, we did really well until Thursday. Thursday brought on a serious case of the sniffly crazy Stephanie for no real reason.
Well, not 100% true. There were two or three reasons. Allie and the lack of sleep she caused was the first. After shots Wednesday, Allie probably woke up every 15 minutes Wednesday night, so I was pretty worn out when 6am rolled around and Alligator was declaring herself "hungeee! hungeee!" Why did I schedule shots when hubs was out of town?
Also, I was sensitive because something has been nagging at my self esteem. Why, at nearly 32, do I still care when I know someone doesn't like me? I mean it's cool if we don't talk all the time, we don't have to be besties, but when someone actively takes a stance to not be friends with me, it drives me crazy. I know it's irrational, but there it is. I still care.
And, just to make sure he wasn't left out, Luke decided to develop a listening problem at home and at school. Fantastic. Every parent's dream.
On a positive note, I did work out everyday and twice on Friday. Why? Partly because swim season is around the corner and partly because I really love my zumba class. But the biggest reason I worked out is............. free childcare. One hour to not be in charge of someone else. It is my rock.
So, by Friday it was just time for Jon to come back and restore my sanity. It is also hilarious to me that I have become so used to having a 'normal' life. When Jon was gone for 13 months I didn't have very many pity parties. Now, he leaves for 4 days and I can hardly hack it. I'm becoming a softie.
Sorry this post is all over the place, but I have had my hands full.
(PS - I have to admit, having full control over the tv and the entire bed was completely awesome.)
March 29, 2011
The Pick-Up Trophy
My husband is a genius.
Our almost four year old despises picking up his toys. I mean, I understand no one likes to clean, but this has become a problem. Lots of tears, lots of punishments, lots of tripping on cars and Transformers.
After a particularly unpleasant afternoon, Jon came up with the idea to award 'The Pick-Up Trophy' to whoever picks up the most toys.
I had my doubts as to how this would play out, but I had seriously underestimated my son's competitive nature. Apparently he will do pretty much anything for a trophy and bragging rights over his sister.
All I have to say is, "Who wants to win the pick up trophy?" and he actually comes running, scouring the room for toys to pick up. (Sorry to be blatantly sexist, but he is SUCH a guy.) I am constantly debating the whole nature vs. nurture thing with the kids and this is definitely a point for nature.
The actual trophy is some military award that Jon won for marching the fastest or something (I can't imagine where Luke gets his competitiveness), but you could use whatever you have in your house. The rule is whoever wins the pick up trophy gets to display it in their room until it is time to pick up again when the contest starts over.
Brilliant idea, hubs. Thank you.
Our almost four year old despises picking up his toys. I mean, I understand no one likes to clean, but this has become a problem. Lots of tears, lots of punishments, lots of tripping on cars and Transformers.
After a particularly unpleasant afternoon, Jon came up with the idea to award 'The Pick-Up Trophy' to whoever picks up the most toys.
I had my doubts as to how this would play out, but I had seriously underestimated my son's competitive nature. Apparently he will do pretty much anything for a trophy and bragging rights over his sister.
All I have to say is, "Who wants to win the pick up trophy?" and he actually comes running, scouring the room for toys to pick up. (Sorry to be blatantly sexist, but he is SUCH a guy.) I am constantly debating the whole nature vs. nurture thing with the kids and this is definitely a point for nature.
The actual trophy is some military award that Jon won for marching the fastest or something (I can't imagine where Luke gets his competitiveness), but you could use whatever you have in your house. The rule is whoever wins the pick up trophy gets to display it in their room until it is time to pick up again when the contest starts over.
Brilliant idea, hubs. Thank you.
Luke proudly displaying his trophy.
March 11, 2011
Allie's New Words
With my first child, I taught him the word for EVERYTHING. Poor Allie has had to learn most of it on her own. Of course, Jon actually recently called her 'motormouth' because she rarely stops talking, so I don't think she is suffering from my lack of hovering.
Some of my new favorite words of hers are Transformers, Autobot, thanks you, I get you!, and sheeps. I guess having an older brother is influencing her vocabulary.
My favorite though, is "I ov oooo!"
I ov ooo too Alliegator.
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