Mom is not looking I can get away with it?
All posts by superexhausted
Monochromatic Monday Blog Hop
Black and white Photos or Color Pictures? So lately I have been taking alot more photography lately since I jot my Nikon D3200 my husband loves color. I tend to lean towards black and white I love the classic look of black and white. But I am torn between the photos pictures below.
So the following are some photos one in black and white and once in the colors version.
Now lets see yours and you be the judge of what you prefer.
I want to see your post link up your black and white photos.
Come back next week and link again.
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First Train Ride Wordless Wednesday
Potty Training Age: The Dawn of No Diapers
Potty training age at the Superexhausted household was the dawning of a new day! Here is the potty training methods that work for us. We have 2 children and they both start potty training differently.
Potty training boys My son was a daycare kid, so he got with the potty program by peer pressure. The week he turned 3. We took away the diapers and he had one accident while playing Candyland with his Nana. I know awesome! jealous much.. (don’t be, he did not sleep for 2 years- so his potty training was God way of saying “Go ahead have another, I promise this one will be easy(not)”
the other …
Potty training girls my daughter was a stay at home potty training and she did not go down without a fight. When to start potty training?
- She used to hug her diapers say “she loved them”
- Me saying “Princess they are poopy holders.” and she did not find that gross…she still loved them
- Time for the diapers to go when she is sleeping with clean ones
Potty training weather: June it was warm, less clothes less laundry
Potty training age: She was 3 years 3 months (late for a girl, I know)
- I got tired of other people saying” She is a girl, why does she still have a diaper my daughter learned at 18 months?”
- My boy mom friends always said “Don’t worry Johnny was 3 ½, when he learned” That is why I am a boy mom.
How we Potty Trained:
So on this day in June, my husband comes downstairs and says “Sherry, The Today show had a segment on a Natalie Morales who know as the Potty Whisper, we should try what she says”
- “Take her underwear away and give her a lot to drink and salt/sugar foods, so she drinks more the more she has to go more.”
I think simple… it sounds like a 3 year old on kid crack
- “The key was when she goes pee. You make them clean up the mess”…(you lay the paper towels, they do the actually wiping)
Great idea 3 year who is responsible …..it is like making college student pick up there clothes
- Positive reinforcement “You are doing great such a big girl”
Potty training method: Is you have the child clean the potty up every time, they get tired of cleaning up, and use the potty. A 3 year is still in the Mommy pleasing mode and they also want to be independent.
Potty training result: By the time my husband came home from work, she was using the potty.. it took 3 day potty training bootcamp. Bedtime took a little longer but not much after we cut late night drinks out.
(note: I cleaned the floors after she went to bed)
This post was inspired by shellthings potty training post share the link love.
How did you do it?
Rasing an entrepreneur: How I know I am
How I know I am raising an entrepreneurial kid. I spend all day working on my kids cape business and a better part of the night after the kids go to bed. Because I love what I do. I grew up in a family where my father was self made. My brother and brother in-law are self employed. When I was 10 years old, I was selling Jam shorts to all my brothers friends and selling tee shirts to the surfer kids. So I don’t know why I thought last night was so entertaining.
I am in the kitchen preparing dinner.
I see my 5 year old daughter coming up from our basement with a large box..
Me inquiring: “What you doing?”
Her: ” I am making a stand”
Me: “Well you can’t stand on that”
Her frustrated: “I know! not that kind of stand..you know a stand that holds stuff”
Next, She is in the kitchen pulling a chair over and getting a paper plate.
“Mommy, how do I make a dollar sign?”
Me: “it’s an S with 2 lines”
She leaves the room
I hear her running around
Next she yelling from the other room”Ok, shop’s open come and buy”
I walk in and this is what I see….
I look at the paper plate marked $3.00 so I quickly move to the head band..
Her: “That is $2.00 ”
Me ” But I bought them at the dollar store and it was 3 for $1.00″
She say “Yea, but it cost “$2.00 in my shop, I take cash”
…..
This morning she comes in my room, wakes me up and say “Mommy…. I want my $2.00” and she wants the cash no pretend money here.
What has your kids sold you lately?
Bra Fitting 101:What to expect while lifting the Boobs
I thought it was about time to go for my 1st bra fitting. No mater what you call them Bra, Bras, Brassier, Boobie holders, or over the shoulder boulder holders you have to wear a Bra. I’m approaching the big 4 0, to really start taking care of “the girls” and get fit for a proper bra. A few of my friends have asked me about the experience bra fitting, it is like I went to someplace mysterious.
I choose not to go to the bra large chain, because I am a plus size girl. I certainly have never known Victoria’s Secret or her bras. My body has changed after the birth of my children. I am not up for some prefect little body seeing my goodies in a changing room. I am not ashamed, just realistic. I love my womanly curves and time gives you an appreciation of all those curves.
- Fact the person who fits you for a bras gets up close and personal with “the girls”
So I went to a bra local place that has an older more mature lady. Who has an amazing rack because she has taken care of her breast over the years. By looking at her and know she has an engineering marvel under her clothes.
I walked in and am quickly ushered in the changing room. Where the lady takes out a tape measure and takes some measurements (without your shirt on).
Questions she will ask
- Have you had a bra fitting before?
- What bra cup size are you?
- What type of bra soft cup, padded, underwire, color?
Then she comes back with a few bras. At this point you are without a bra and she helps you in it. Note: there is no hooking of the eyelets in front and twisting the bra to the back like you do at home. (so be prepared she will latch the bra for you.) Then you both look in the mirror to see how the bra fits. She might also recommend a different bra cup size and changing manufactures. Showing you why it is a bad choice.
I tried on about 10+ different bras. In the end realizing that I am a smaller size then I thought (who knew?) I thought I was always a C, educated on boob lifting I am a B. Have you ever heard of a B cup bra in Plus size? No because in that entire shop they had one 42 B.
Bra Strap fit: when you buy a bra the hook should be snug on the last hook because as it stretches out you go to the smaller hooks, no dents in shoulders.
Cost Bra: about $70. I know crazy right but it is not it makes feel and look better plus if I care for it it will last (NO dryer) Quality over Quantity ladies.
Bra Attractiveness: The thing is bras that really do what they are suppose to -which is hold the girls up, are not always cute. Bras need structure to fight gravity. But isn’t more important to have your breast look fantastic while dressed. The sexy bras little might look cute now in those little cups, but in 20 years you boobs might be at your bellybutton. Save the fancy sexy bra for the bedroom and get a work horse for everyday.
Location of your breast: they should be somewhere between your shoulder and elbow… no lower
Bring a tight shirt while trying on a bra: so you can see the difference of how much better you look with the right support
How often to do without a bra: wear a bra always unless in bed or bathing to help fight the dread dropping. If you have been in the YMCA after senior swim you know why .. GRAVITY and TIME not kind to women.
How often to get fitted for a bra: whenever you loose or gain weight or when you boobs hang low.. don’t wait as long as I did.
Frequent bra buyer programs: My Brazier shop did a follow up phone call to make sure I was pleased. They also have a buyers program buy 5 and get a discount on the 6th.
Have you had a bra fitting? When was your last bra fitting? Was it at sears when you were 12?
Come on it is time to get fitted for a Bra.
Do your boobs hang low..can you tie them in knot, Can you tie them in a bow….(me hum to myself)
Washington DC Food: Tips for kids
On or surprise the Kids Washington DC weekend we found a few thing out as far as feeding the kids and some great places to eat.
Holiday Inn Capitol Hill Brunch:I have to say it was a good brunch they did not make omelets but the eggs were fresh and they offered an omelet. They had fresh fruit, yogurt, grits, oatmeal and more. The did have 2 different types of sausage turkey and pork. Waffles, French toast and pancakes. I am a huge biscuits and gravy fan and I have to say theirs was on of the best I have had. The kids ate for free if they ordered off the menu but since my son is older he wanted the buffet which was 2.00 per kid. The total bill was price at $42+.
Air and Space is pricey the McDonalds which was the only option at air and space cost $37.00 for the 4 of us.
- tip: you can go upstairs to order in the McD’s plus less crowded seating. Also the milkshakes, yogurt, ice cream you can only order in the back of the restaurant.
National Gallery Sculpture garden café we did not go but it is an option.
- Tip: Natural History museum- we left and we walked out the street side turned right and walked to 7th turned left and We walked up 7th ave and there is a ton of restaurants. Also China Town
Carmines on 7th which is a family style Italian place. One plate is enough to feed a family of 4 . The front end manger was very accommodating to the fact we had kids an seated us quickly. The meal comes with bread so you can avoid the garlic bread (but it did look amazing)
- We got the calamari which was $27 it was extremely tender. my kids love it we had leftovers
- We also got the Penna ala Vodka ($25) which my husband, son and I loved it was spicy so you might want to stick to your more traditional.
- The best was the desert. OMG(yes like a teenage girl it was that good it deserves a squeal) They have a desert called the Titanic ($24) but its smaller cousin is the “Tug Boat” ($15.50). Hello amazing 6 scoops of ice cream hot fudge, banana,pineapple, chocolate really whip cream, sitting on thick gauche fudge that was so good I wanted to live in. Total bill for dinner was $80+
I would bring snack and pack a few PBJ because kids are always hungry.
What are some of your travel food tips for Washington Dc? I would love to know them because we plan on going back to see the more of the national mall. It is a great place to visit.
Bug Sex Wordless Wednesday
Kids Washington DC: Top Tips for a great visit with Children
Taking children to Washington Dc can be overwhelming trip. Here are a few tips I learned. My husband and I took our kids to Washington DC for my sons birthday this past weekend it was a trip we booked last minute. Since we live 3hrs away it is an easy getaway. Here are some fun things and tips:
Movie to watch before going to DC: Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian will let the kids know more about where they are going and hype them up for the trip.
Hotel: Do you hotel location homework We stayed at the Holiday Inn Capitol Hill ($130 a night) is not the newest hotel, the pool is not indoors which is not good if you don’t go in summer. But the location is amazing, it is 2 short blocks (500 ft) from the doors of Smithsonian Air and Space museum. There is a Starbuck in the lobby and a CVS on the corner(just in case). Bonus refrigerator in the rooms (leftovers) I will review the food in my next post.
Parking in DC: We stayed at a hotel (be sure to remember parking fees apply) we paid $34 at our hotel but check in at 3:00 and left it till 5:00pm the next day one rate.
Transportation in Washington DC
- Trains are an option but be sure to see if they are running with our government being over budget they were shut down the holiday weekend we were there.
- Tourist Sight Seeing Buses They do have several hop on hop off Old Town Trolley is one that says they have a actually person talking- I did not travel with them so I can’t recommend them.
- Taxi’s are expensive a trip might run you $15-20 each way.
- Shoes: this is a walking city make sure you and your children have a comfortable shoes and socks. Tip: I would bring band-aids and Nu skin for those blisters. Be sure to cut toe nails (kids) before you go.
Smithsonian Washington DC the place to be when in DC
- National Mall; It is not a mall it is a massive lawn that the Smithsonian Museums surround- great place to take pictures or fly a kite, relax, eat pack lunch.
- Smithsonian Cost: Museums are free your tax dollars paid for them.
- Smithsonian Tours: are free but might be a little long for the kids. I just listen to them as I walk around
- Hours: Smithsonian museums close at 5:30 unless a special occasion they were open late when we went, cool museums after dark. I would check the hours
- Tip: Things look close together on a map..they are much much large they appear with tired kids
- Tip: Do cut through museums these building are enormous so do take advantage of cutting through the museums to get to the national mall. My family did not know and walk around Air and Space Museum to get the national mall, only to have to walk past both again on the other side to head to the Natural History. Also remember closing time when needing to cut through the museums to get back to hotel.
Smithsonian top parents pick these were recommend by my friend on twitter:
Natural History Museum: from Dino to Diamonds (Hope diamond that is) this is a must see museum. Also they have areas where you can touch the rocks and stones. Check out some videos my daughter did on the Natural History Museum from a 5 year olds perspective.
- Tip: Before you go you can down load Smithsonian caveman mobile ap for your phone,
Air and Space Museum: This was a treat for my son. Not only the amazing planes but have an interactive children area. While we where there, they held airplane contest for the kids so be sure to check out the times when you arrive.
- Tip: The air and space museum have an Imax screen (for an additional charge) check time they do have some shows that are free so check the times calendar.
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Located on the mall next to Natural science Museum We walked through it is outside, the metal tree is really neat. The ice rink which lead to a late night skating session $9.00 to skate(which included skates) it is also well lit at night for skating.
- Tip: he view is amazing you are staring at the National Archives
The Postal Museum -we did not get to go but planning another trip to do so
National History Museum– We are saving this one for another trip, sad we did not have enough time. I am sorry I missed Dorthy’s shoes. Located close to the Washington monument
Lincoln Memorial is a hike it is at the other end of the mall past the reflecting pool. We are saving seeing him for another visit. Plus if you drive at night you can park pretty close.
We then headed to a different hotel near Dulles Airport. So we could explore the new National Air and Space Museum Udvar_Hazy Center opened in 2003 I will tell you all about it in my next few posts. here is her video post on air and space museum
Have you taken a trip to DC what tips can you share?
Vick and my struggle with forgiveness
So I live in Philly where football and the Eagles are a religion. I lately have been having a hard time when I turn on the TV and see Phillys latest hero. Michael Vick. I was at my mothers, sitting with my dog on my lap and the discussion of religion came up. I was saying how the teenagers at my church where discussing current events, mainly the forgiveness of Vick and his atrocities toward dogs.
My mother said that Vick has to give speeches several times a month to talk about his journey and how in his circles that he was brought up in that did not seem like a bad thing.
My 9 year son listening in “Mommy I don’t know what you are talking about”.
I reluctantly spoke “Well this football player would make dogs fight each other to the death. Then he and others would drown some of the dogs in a pond. “
My sons response was “Mom he should be put on a most wanted list”
I said “Well he did serve time in jail 23 months, because animals are viewed as property and not life”.
“Mommy that is wrong, because they are life “ he says hugging Grundy our bulldog.
I sit here thinking about the physical act of killing another living thing. How it did not occur to this man that holding a struggling animal under water was not wrong. No matter how you were raised something fighting for its life in your hands does not feel wrong.
Loss of life any life is wrong by human hands.
And yet he is idolized in many Philadelphia eyes, so yes I struggle to forgive and feel he is reform from this man treated as a hero. It seems to me like remorse was the right thing to do to get the pay check.
How do I explain to my son how people are human and they make mistakes when this human was inhumane? Also how come people can over look his past an say Vick is a hero and savior for a team?
So I struggle with forgiveness.
In case you missed the story of the Vick Dogs and what is being done to rehabilitate them.