Sick all Week!!

I didn't get a chance to write on my blog last week because the girls were sick. Having both girls home away from school was pretty intense. First the week before that, at school in the morning,  Joannelly was complaining that her hand was itching and it bother her. I had baby Zoey at the time and i rush to get Joannelly from school to take her to the doctors so that we can figure out what this mess is all about. It turn out that Joannelly had Coxsackie A.K.A "Mouth, Hand, Foot Disease.  Let me break it down more if you have never heard of Coxsackie, it blister like bumps that appears inside the mouth, the inside of the hands and the bottom of the feet. This is common more on children and contagious, thankfully it didn't pass on to baby Zoey. I believe this occur due to the fact Jojo has this bad habitat of putting things in her mouth and she happen to put a rusted necklace they had but haven't wore it in a few months....Grreeeaaaatttt!! The doctor let me know that these goes away on their own without any antibiotics just keep her washing her hands and give her ibuprofen for pain. Sure that was no brainier, "she would stay home from school until the blisters goes away" I thought until it so happen that the blister pass on to the Drama Queen of the house, Amelia, so this week go pretty interesting. As a mother i made sure they didn't miss any work or homework. To my surprise went i went by the school to pick the homework packet and work for the week, I notice the stack of work the girls had to complete on top of the science projects that were due the week that they were going back to school. We as mother have to always be on top of children to ensure that they get their work done correctly until the day they end up sick the whole week then we are like "Oh shit!" (excuse my french) a week of "mommy she snatch!" "Mommy I'm tried i wanna finish later" later came..."mommy I'm tired can i finish tomorrow" but wait there's more! more whining, loud playing then some quite ready with the some giggles in between and a week filled with headaches and lots lots of love. Ok back to positive thoughts, happy thoughts. The entire week the girls spend it doing their homework any morning work that they do in class and their science project. When our kids get sick its not an easy job for us moms but we do it because they need us, all the sleepless nights and the constant cleaning of vomit or moments where they don't feel like eating anything and we don't want them to starve so we come up with so many meals as if our kitchen is a restaurant menu. And all the whining of being uncomfortable that sometimes we let things sly like letting them sleep with us at night or in their case eating popsicle all day because the doctor said it was ok. I'm
extremely glad my babies are back to themselves it does take a toll on us mom especially if don't we have much help, daddy couldn't help me because he had a crazy schedule that week so i was by myself in my house on "quarantine" like my sister calls it. Every is back to normal and i am ok with that so with that being said....

Until the next Blog.

Parent Meetings in New School

The other day was the first parenting meeting at the girls new school (reminder: i will write about their experience in a new school and how they fell about it in another blog) this meeting focused on the first-graders academic progress since the beginning of the school year. I thought (as thought every parent does) that Joannelly was doing so well in her grade...turns out they weren't but it was expected from their teachers. Every kid is not going to reach their teachers expectation just yet so it didn't bother me at all. So in the parent meeting i decided to take notes in what might help JoJo do a little better without hurting her self-esteem. I know my child is smart especially the kids in this generation with all the new fancy gadgets out there, as a parent i know encouraging our children that they can do better is pretty important. Growing up i felt i didn't get that encouragement,  it was always the method of "tough love" but i knew that method did not always worked for me. Being in this parent meeting not only did i get great insight from JoJo teachers but i got a chance to see her class room. Mind you that this is a new school, so they had some new gadgets to help teach the students. The notes that i took down were based on how to help my child in their homework whether it's math or reading...trust me when i say this...i was amazed of the tips that the teacher offer to the rest of the parents. And i wanted to share with you all some of notes i jot down from the meeting, i believe this would help for other grades besides first grade...so here are they are:

1. Label and Circle the total number...This method was mentioned in the meeting because the majority of the students where getting confused by the number total of objects or whatever the category may be. The teacher stated that the "Label and Circle" method would help the students not only be organized but can get a clear answer to the math question.  For example: if the question asked there's a fruit basket on the kitchen table..how many bananas are there? how many apples are there? and there's a image of the fruit basket with the bananas and apples; that's where the "Label and Circle" method kicks in. Our kid can label how many bananas are there first then circle the last number of bananas and sort forth with the apples. I found this method a genius method because our kids won't get confuse of how many things/objects are there and have a well organized answer.  GENIUS! 
2. Language used to describe the situation... Growing up i had very few teachers,tutors and even my mother who weren't good at speaking to me about the school work that would help me get the answer on my own. I had family members say to me "you know the answer but you are not trying hard" or "you know the answer, your just so distracted pay attention!" Just to clarify that i would be able to tried harder if the way the school work was explained to me in a way i could understand. The language use to explain a problem or lesson was a challenge for me growing up so i made a promise to myself that if i ever had kids i would do my best to describe any situation to my kids in a way they would be able to understand...speak in their level. One way the teacher at the meeting spoke of was questioning our child..ask if they can see if the number is bigger or smaller. Another question that can help with homework is how is the number changing.
3. Organized objects to help skip numbers.... The definition of skip numbers is referred to when the math problem is being counted by a specific number such as 2's 10's or 5's. Jojo really hasn't been doing this at home but i know its been done in class. I want her to be able to use this method when trying to count a large group of numbers and that's what it was created for...I'll elaborate a little more. So our kid has a math problem where they need to add such number and such number together. The counter objects that are being used in this number math problem are pennies and the numbers they need to add is 23+56. The pennies can be use to organized each group numbers that needs to be added so for example: to make 23 the pennies can be organized by a group of 10's which will look like this...two sets of 10 pennies and 3 pennies. By first grade the kids should know how to count by 10's, once all the numbers that are in the addition problem is organized it would then be easier to count how many 10's are there and how many ones are there altogether.

There it is my notes that i jot done and a brief explanation about each jotted note. The rest that i had written down were just reminders of other things that are non-related to school work or homework. So i hope this makes sense and also can help a parent out there in encouraging their child to do extra better in their homework because they do know the answer, they just need the confidence to just say it. I also wanted to mention that the teacher  talked a little about reading, which is more about reading to them every night a book...but that's something else i wanted to write about in another blog....

Until the next Blog...

Mommy Gets a Time Out!

 For today blog i just want to vent a little, nothing about what the girls did today or our mini adventure. So right now mommy is taking a time out for herself. I've been feeling down still since i stop working and all, even with our trip to Hersey Park i haven't been feeling myself. Its our human nature to as women to feel overwhelm with work, school, children and just life in general. I felt like i needed a day for myself, we all need those days. We spent almost all of our children lives taking them everywhere we go the supermarket, salon, bank and even the gym. Some days i just want to do things by myself without worrying about the girls fighting or be precaution about our surroundings. It was just one of those days where i can do errands without my babies or have a girls night and every chance i get start to feel bad that i'm leaving my babies behind. I still feel that way til this day, i'm pretty sure its parental insecurities. Today i got up took a shower, got dressed then laid the girls clothes out on their beds, i step into the living-room while the girls were playing store and i ask them "Girls wanna come with me to the supermarket or you stay home when daddy gets here?" I was pretty surprised by their answer "We will stay home mommy, but who will stay with us" as funny as the answer was of course daddy came home just in time. So i took the opportunity to go food shopping by myself...By Myself. For a second i thought the girls needed fresh air but it turns out it was me who needed the fresh air. I enjoyed being outside for a little without the girls, it was very therapeutic the driving and get the things that i needed for myself. I always thank God for everything i have no matter the situation and i would tell myself that the downfalls are only temporary if we only make it temporary. I will get back on track in the work field my plan is to get employee by the time the girls start school (Mid-August), so this summer i will work on my resume and putting myself out there while enjoying the summer with the girls....including my nieces. Mommy time-out still continues even after the girls are sleep and i'm catching up on the show Orange is the New Black at the same time that i am blogging. For right now my mindset is to stay positive in the midst of my storm called "life", i want to be able to find something to be able to help financially at home and yet love doing it while making it my passion. I have my baking, its a passion of mines, when i am creating bake goods for someone its like i have the ability to express myself in baking and reality doesn't seem so dreadful.Then i have my Blogs, i can also express my feeling and thoughts on parenting with our little  family adventures. I still have blog posts that i haven't uploaded yet for distracting myself but they will be post so stay tune. So mommies (and Daddies) go ahead take your time-out that is much needed, enjoy it for a moment its ok to have some time for yourselves. My night continues with mama lion watching her show, papa lion sleeping and baby cubs are asleep.

Until the next Blog...

Things Happen and life goes on...

Hey Bloggers!

Today was the day I got fired.......its going to take me a moment to accept the fact that I will be on the no job boat once again. I actually had in mind to leave my job, didn't think it was going to be this soon but life goes on. I'm grateful to have my husband here to help me cope and my sister to help me go through the next step. I decided to write today because writing helps me clear my mind before it got clutter with so many unhealthy thoughts. I know I have to think positive and take this opportunity to evaluate the future as well as take a seat back to the present. I leave all my worries to God I believe in the higher power. Ever since I was young, my mother use to be a church woman of God and growing up in church I always kept my faith in Him. Sometimes we go through situations that we have no idea why it happen and its like God doesn't want us to know the reasons just know its part of His plan. So as I sit here in front of my computer debating with the girls about going to bed early if they want to go to the beach in the morning, there are situations I don't have control of (except putting these girls to bed) all I know is that life goes on... We can't stay negative about the situations just take a break from it and then find a time to think positively, as a mother I have to show my girls that no matter what one goes through always think about the positives and solutions that an help one cope. I'm glad I have my husband who can be very understanding and so caring. Its people like that we we need to be and stay positive.  So as I sit back enjoy the summer and babies, ill just keep working hard to get back on track again. Stay positive and dont let negativity stay where its not welcome.

Until the next Blog..

Spring Break Vaca "Science Fair Project/ Homework Day"

Its the last day of the girls spring break vacation!! I'm excited they go back to school tomorrow and they are excited too!. Today's plan was to work on Jojo science fair project for school. It was really fun to do although i did most of the work and she did the drawings and some writings. While working on the project, it brought a lot of memories of my middle school years when i used to class group projects. I didn't have a problem doing the crafting part of the project, i just really didn't like the writing and doing the research part of the project. When ever i'm doing any kind of work i procrastinate a lot, like right now i am procrastinating on the projects i want to for my sister baby shower. I know it's bad and i have to stop wasting time cause the baby shower is in a few weeks!. We spend the whole day working on this project while Amelia was finishing up her PreK homework. Our science fair project was about plant growth and development, we wrote about onions being propagating planting more onions. The finishing product looks amazing done since i was the one who help her set it up, the science fair is next month so i hope i get to the work at the fair. It was a really fun and busy spring break vacation for both the girls and i. I am glad i decided to this these activities for the girls. It was all about planing base on your budget, cause we don't want to spend so much especially if we have children, unless we can afford to, in this case i was able to afforad these activities. Also do your research you never know what deals you can get, just because i travel a lot to the city doesn't everything we did was expensive. So i hope you all readers enjoyed reading our daily vacation blogs, don't forget to leave comments and you thoughts on each day. We really appericate the time you take into reading our blogs. I had so much fun writing and share our adventure with you all and....

Until the next Blog....

Spring Break Vaca Day 5 "Cousin Date Day"

This NYC weather is driving me crazy! Its the middle of April and i'm feeling cold! Like I kept telling people, i am  not a  weather woman but we will have a long summer. Today was day 5 of our Spring Break activities and i'm pretty sure you all reading along thinking to yourself "oh how i wish I was those little girls" or "I would love to do that with my kids". Its funny because these are the same comments I've been getting since I started my plan. Its all about creating a plan and making sure the plan fits your budget to how much you decide to spend, most importantly do your research, I know I did. It is a lot of work to be planing and monitoring all these activities which is why I got some help. Thankfully hubby was off from work today we were able to go the aquarium today, despite the breeze weather, I made sure the girls were learning something and having fun. My niece was also off from school so I brought her with us didn't want her to stay home bored. Because of Sandy and new renovations that were going on, we really didn't see much. 

   The girls love the idea of watching fishes in a huge fish tank was amazing to them but for daddy he was making sure the girls weren't bumping into people which was impossible because it was crowded. I just want to clarify that I am not doing these vacation posts to brag about what my girls did on their spring break but help parents plan trips that are easy and affordable to do with their kids. Not many parents know what to do with their kids because either they don't have the time to search or not sure whats suitable for their child's age. I'm not rich or spend crazy money, i am just blessed to have what i have and fortunate enough to share this experience with my readers. After we finished watching whatever sea animals were able to see, we walked right over to the boardwalk to grab some lunch. I can't wait till we come back in summer to Coney Island and enjoy the attraction and the beach. I remember when I was little I came to Coney Island with my mother, brothers and a few of my cousin. I wasn't sure where I was but I do remember the beach by the boardwalk it was beautiful sun and hot sand. As weird as this weather was today I know the girls had a good time. So now i end this blog here for another adventure awaits for tomorrow. ....

Until the next Blog....

Spring Break Vaca Day 4 "Lunch/Movie Date Day "

It is getting closer to the end of the week and so far has been bittersweet. For the first time in my life i am actually enjoying this Spring Break Vacation, growing up i do remember my mother doing fun things with us what we had consider fun. Our fun growing up was making home videos and being very creative at home or outside at the park. So today's adventure was a movie date with Amelia's friend from school. We went to see Rio 2 which was a lovely movie to watch and it was funny too. I love how the birds were singing and made the performance looked so beautiful and colorful making me want to go to Brazil even though the birds were in the amazon (not the website..lol) I honestly can say that i love this sequel better than the first movie, i just hope there's no part 3 cause there are movies that don't need a sequel and then there are movie that do need a sequel just to give the title a good name.

            We had lunch at Applebee's before we went to the theaters, i order both the girls the same thing, chicken tender with fries. Knowing my girls and the fact that kids do this, they didn't finish all their food. Parenting tip #1 If you are in a budget and don't want to spend a lot when out at a restaurant with your kids just ordering one meal for the kids (if they are little kids) or order the same thing for the kids and order yourself the appetizers that way at the end we eat the kids leftover there's nothing wrong with that. This method worked for me only because i had breakfast and hour an half before we ate lunch i wasn't that hungry. So i spend $25 on us three, that's two entrees, an appetizer and three drinks (water, apple juice and ice tea). I had to stop by one the department store at the plaza before we went to the theaters, i had to buy Jojo some cough drops. I was fortunate to have Amelia's friend whose mother is a paramedic she was able to recommend cough drops that were suitable for Joannelly. Parenting tip #2 reward cards are your friend! I was able to spend nothing from my pocket when i got the large bottle of water from the movies, that water cost $4.75 i was able to use my reward card from the movies to pay for it, you can also use it on movie tickets too! So if you don't have one i suggest you get one. The girls and i really had a gracious evening with Amelia's friend and her family.

 I delighted myself with this yummy chocolate snack from Brookside, i found an interest in eat different kind of foods into my diet. I was hearing and seeing the fruit called Goji Berries not sure what it was so i did some research, found out that Goji berries are from china and they are really good for you. It helps with your immune system as well as good source for anti-aging and the other good stuff for our bodies. After seeing its at the supermarket once then i see everyone buying them i finally got my hands on the Brookside Dark Chocolate Goji and Raspberry snack. The rest of the evening was spent at home, usually we would be home by 6-7pm and yes i know its late but this time we got home at 5 way before daddy got home from work. Parenting Tip #3 To get your partner to do the things they least like to do, use their own words against them. This method only work if you know your partner very well this may or may not work but the key to a healthy relationship is compromise not everyone does it or like it but can't keep a car going if you don't give it gasoline. My husband, i know him well enough to make this method work... keep in mind i do it with love and respect. As tired as he was i use his word against him to put Jojo to bed he didn't like it but i stated everything he use to say to me whether its about cleaning the house or being the provider of the house and i use the key word "your baby girl wants her daddy" Parenting tip #4 Our children's comfort comes first then ours. We went back and forth with each other, its all about using your words very sweet and kind so what i said was " If you complain about keeping the house clean how can i clean the dishes if the girls are going to keep getting up from the bed, i need your help to keep them in bed". Like i said that method only works if you really know your partner if not there will be consent arguments. Is not easy having the "growing old together" relationship, i mean its works for some relationship and for other it don't but as we get older we are learning everyday. My husband and i are the same age we are a young couple but what makes our relationship fresh is that before our relationship we are best-friends and i know we have a lot of learning to do. Our Spring Break is not over yet so...

Until the next Blog.....

Oscar sick day

It was just one of those days where our bodies just need a break from being "mommy" I felt bad because my girls did not go to school. Good thing they understood "mommy is not feeling well", so instead they kept themselves busy at home creating arts and crafts, play games, blocks and playing pretend with their costumes. My eldest daughter (Joannelly) made me a get-well picture while my younger daughter (Amelia) left trails of mess around the house.

So as I lay on the couch with my pillow and blanket, I remember that the Oscars was on my DVR. I spend my sick days watching amazing talented actors and stunning outfits on my tv screen. I had my ups and downs with a lot of laughter, I guess they say "laughter is the best medicine" Ellen was just an the most funny host on the Oscars but I was alittle bum when Idina Menzel didn't sing the song "Let it go" from the Disney movie Frozen. She sang it like she didn't want to sing the song anymore, like in a rush. Other than that the dresses were phenomenal, a very beautiful pregnant Kerry Washington and the amazing talents for so many very well productive movies from what I seen on the Oscars. Hopefully by tomorrow im all back to mommy action mode and after enjoying watching the Oscars and Jojo picture it had made me feel better.

Until next Blog..

Freezing Mornings!

Good Morning!

Where i am from its about 3 degrees today and i'm up bothered by the fact that its freezing outside and don't want my girls to freeze. So i let my girls stay home from school today i feel a little bad because at this age they love going to school. Despite weather, i was able to enjoy a little "mommy me time" where i am the only one awake enjoy my breakfast without the "little bugs" wanting my food. I also took time to post up a video blog on my YouTube channel and now enjoying watching Pretty Little Liars on Netflix.

So how are you spending your winter cold days??

Christmas Gift Ideas: Teachers Gift

Here is another Christmas DIY project for teachers! I wanted to create something very different from the hot chocolate in the mason jars project that it very popular. I came up with this idea instead. This picture has all the goodies in the mason jars gift set i created. the mason jars are use to drink the hot coco, that was a nice touch i added. I sort of love this DIY project made me wanted to keep it!. This project was very easy to assemble and affordable and adorable to make. The following list are the goodies you see in the picture that i added for the teachers to enjoy on the Christmas break. 

What i use:

1. A mason jar
2. Hot Chocolate mix package
3. Coffee mini size packs
4. Ferrero Rocher Chocolate
5. (2) Jumbo size marshmallows inside a candy wrap bags
6. Mini Candy canes
7. Ghirardelli - Peppermint flavor
8. Christmas decorative ribbon
9. Label prints

The final look after putting everything together! Hope the teachers enjoy these mason jars they were really fun to make. What do you think about these mason jars.

Until the next Blogg

Do It Yourself Day!!

Good Morning Bloggers

I hope everyone is having a good day so far. Today is one of those mommy busy days but this morning took me by surprise. First the girls woke up without being so moody judy, then i notice Amelia picking out her clothes and got dress all by herself! Joannelly comes to me asking for school lunch which I would normally do for her but I didn't do groceries this week. To my surprise she managed to make a sandwich then added a few healthy snacks with her bottle of water. What an healthy kid I have!!

With that being said my girls are growing up to be independent little girls under my supervision of course. To be able to see that they are doing it all by themselves its amazing and made me realized that there's going to be a day when they won't need my help. But for now I'll treasure these moments and put them in my mommy memory box.

Until the next blog!!...

Early Morning Rush

Good Morning Bloggers!

As a mother of two girls my mornings are a bit crazy. My alarm goes of at the same time everyday and I get up 30 mins after it goes off, then I try to get ready before the girls wake up. As soon as the girls are ready we rush out the door to get to school on time. But when I have to do errands that day I don't get enough time to get breakfast so I grab some quick and healthy from the corner store that provides enough energy for the day. When it comes to a smoothie on-the-go I love to drink the Naked smoothie Green Machine. Its only 270 calories and has all the super green foods that our body needs to go with our day. I like to pair it with the KIND nutritional bar with almond, coconut, blended with honey and a variety of other healthy nuts. So when I need a pick me up to get me going on a busy day these two on-the-go breakfast does the job.

Until my next blog...

Weekend Vlogs!

Hey Bloggers!

        I've decided to do more vlogs but on the weekends. I felt its works better because during the week I want to be able to have time to edit videos and of course this blog, plus the girls have school this during the week. This is the first of many "weekend vlogs" I will be uploading on my YouTube channel. Just visit my channel I have more videos there too! So with our further a due here is our weekend vlog!.

Until the next vlog...I mean Blog!..lol

 



Parent Crisis: What should i do stay or transfer to another school?

Hey Bloggers!

                       This par week I received a phone call from Joannelly school letting me know there is a spot available for Amelia in a Pre-K class. The news would have been more exciting if I was given to me before school started. It was a just a confusing moment for me because I did not want to transition Amelia from one school to another. I did have my pro and cons lined up so that I know what I am gaining and losing. As a mother we want what is best for our kids  Yes it's a cliché, however it is apart of who we are as the momma lion protect her cub.

                 My advice to you moms out there if your stick between a dilemma know your pros and cons to understand what you are gaining and losing. And don't be afraid to ask for advice from other moms or family members, its always good to an outside source just to get enough understanding so when a decision is made you feel confident and secure about the outcome. So I narrow down my

PROS:

1.  The girls would be in the same school.
2.  Less stress of dropping the girls into two different schools.
3. Amelia is learning quicker in her school where she is no.
4. I could work full time since Amelia would be full time

CONS:

1.  Jojo school system is horrible.
2. Amelia would not be learning what is learning now in her school if Amelia was attending Jojo school, not until December or January.
3. Dealing with a staff that lack communication
4. The frustration of rushing to pick up the girls on time.

          This gave me an understanding of what I am gaining and what I am losing, so I hope this situation would help you figure out a solution. My end solution was I left Amelia where she is only because her schedule is much more manageable now then it was last year. I know I will be working full time again just not now so I wait patiently.

Until the next vlog...

Hello Everyone!!

Hello everyone!

I'm truly excited because i'm in this journey on creating a mommy blog!. I want this blog not only be just mommy stuff but stuff in general. When i mean mommy blog, i meant mommy (being me) can have things to share with in this blog. I would love to share my opinions, recipes  advice  reviews all sort of stuff that are related to mommy daily life and life in general. I also have a YouTube channel it's Lovelynelly23 if you would like to take a look at my channel I leave a link for you.

http://www.youtube.com/user/lovelynelly23?feature=mhee

I want to start off my first blog with a video that is part of my YouTube channel is called "Mommy Chat!" I chose this name because 1. Mommy Talk was taken 2. I wanted a name that no one has used AND 3. I wanted to talk about topic related to mommies everyday milestones with our children and ourselves.

 My first Mommy Chat video is about when our children fight with each other. I mention ways we can help them understand the issues and how to independently solved them. I can understand it is very stressful to deal with these kind of situations but that is what us parents are there for to instruct and guide our babies to adulthood. Just like the mommy bird guide their babies where to fly. I hope you enjoy the video!