Stay At Home Moms

[SAHMs]

This thread is now closed.

Join us at SAHMs Vol. 2 here (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1441710#post1441710).


If you'd like to join/continue with the SAHM thread, please post updates in red.

A new thread will be started on July 28.

New Threadmistresses are PinkMartini,Sophia and Tonysweetie

CC Username (real name optional, age optional)
Mommy to:
DS/DD: Name/Initial Optional - 0/0/00
Additional DC, separate lines

New, updated roster

1_mommy
Mommy to:
DD: Kaimi - 9/8/03
DS: Kai - 10/10/05

Alanna
Mommy to:
DD: Molly - 11/10/05

AlisonCO (Alison, 31)
DH: 38
Mommy to:
DS: Aidan - 3/5
DD: Caitlin - 1/5

Asha
Mommy to:
DD: due 8/14/07

BeachBum (30)
Mommy to:
DS: Henry 9/6/05

betsyboop (Betsy, 29)
Mommy to:
DD: Amelia - 3/4/07

Bloomwood (34)
Mommy to:
DD: Macey - 5/9/06

Brady
Mommy to:
DS: 3/05/05
#2 due Feb. 2008

daphne (34)
DH: 34
Mommy to:
DS: Miles 12/9/04
DD: Amelia 6/4/07

Delaney 21 (Jessica, 27)
Mommy to:
DS: Mitchell 11/20/06

emmjay
Mommy to:
DS: 7/30/06
Expecting DC2: 11/22/07

Ericka_Jarett
Mommy to:
DD: Rebekah Joy - 4/18/05 (deceased)
DS: Easton Robert - 9/5/06
Expecting twin girls: 11/22/07

flyerwife (33)
Mommy to:
DS: Zach - 11/12/01
DS: Kyle - 5/04/06

gardenmommy (Jennifer)
Mommy to:
DD: Payton - 8/1/05
Next one due: 10/11/07

Hawaii2SJ
Mommy to:
DS: Aiden - 11/5/05
DD: Kayla - 5/13/07

isobel
Mommy to:
twin girls: Jane & Evie - 2/7/07

Janey
Mommy to:
DD: K - 2/27/07

Jen1098 (Jen)
Mommy to:
DS: Josh - 7/3/04
DS: Kyle - 5/8/06

Jeninef 30
Mommy to:
DS: Joshua - 2/8/06

jki (Jen, 35)
Mommy to:
DS: 6/21/04
DD: 7/9/05

jrdhbunny (Heather, 34)
Mommy to:
DS: James

Karlatta (Karla, 27)
Mommy to:
DS: 5/06
DD: Due 8/07

katmg (28)
Mommy to:
DD: Charlotte - 1/07

kimthebride (31)
Mommy to:
DS: 6/05
DD: 4/07

klm2klh - (Kristin)
Mommy to:
DS: Nicholas - 3/10/06
DS: Campbell - 3/10/06

krbb (Kristine)
Mommy to:
DS - 12/12/2005

LDS Angel 19 (Michelle, 24)
Mommy to:
Twin DDs: Megan & Natalie, 6/18/07

LeslieR (Leslie)
Mommy to:
DS: Luke - 8/8/05
TTC#2 now

Lisa
Mommy to:
DS: Ethan - 6/17/03
DS: Alex - 5/16/04
DD: Lauryn - deceased 2/28/05
DS: Aiden - 7/12/07

Lizard (Liz, 32)
Mommy to:
DD: Dorla - 6/29/06

Lucy Van Pelt (Ginger)
Mommy to:
DD: Kaitlyn Isabelle (Katie)
2/6/07

MAYMAY (Meagan, 23)
Mommy to:
DC: Cannon - 5/13/07

Medako (Melissa, 28)
Mommy to:
DS: Jack - 1/12/06

Mel7dog (Melissa, 25)
Mommy to:
DS: Benjamin - 4/26/06

mmm0708 (Melissa, 28)
Mommy to:
DS: Dillon 4/15/05
DD: Caitlin 3/23/07

Pink Converse
Mommy to:
DS: H - 5/16/06
Expecting No. 2 in the Spring '08

PinkMartini (Summer, 25)
DH: 35
Mommy to:
DS: Jacob Michael - 10/19/06
DD due 10/21/07

Pookie (29)
Mommy to:
DS: Ryan - 3/15/05
TTC #2 Now

portlandbride (Brandi, 33)
Mommy to:
DD: Brynn - 5/12/05
DD: Addison - 9/24/06

QPDoll (Tina, 33)
Mommy to:
twin DSs: Peter Randall & Nathaniel James - 7/23/05

rancherswife (Kim, 26)
DS: Landon - 6/4/05
DS: Reece - 2/26/07

roberta (28)
Mommy to:
DS: 10/10/06

rosa727
Mommy to:
DS: Grady Eric - 11/27/06

ShannonGH (Shannon)
Mommy to:
DD: 3/23/06
#2 due late Dec 07

Smurf (Brooke, 28)
Mommy to:
DD: 7/3/06

Sophia
Mommy to:
DS: A - 9/11/92
DD: B - 4/28/95
DD: L - 7/7/06

Suzfuzsunflower
Mommy to:
DS: Benjamin - 5/13/07

Tonysweetie
Mommy to:
DS: 4/6/07

vjel (34)
Mommy to:
DD: 5/18/04
DS: 5/2/07

[SAHMs]

Old Roster

Welcome to our Stay At Home Moms Group!!

http://www.derekmccrea.50megs.com/images/daisybouquet.jpg

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." ~Rajneesh


Member List
~Please post all updates in red~

Moderators: Astara & chiffani

New Members - Please Post in red:
Your CC Name
DD: &/or DS: & name (optional)
DC's Birthdate

Abby'sMom
Mommy to:
DD: Abby
Born: 11/3/04

adoredh (Alisha)
Mommy to:
DS: Collin
Born: 10/07/05

ahavnes
Mommy to:
DD: Abbey
Born: 5/29/05

Alanna
Mommy to:
DD: Molly
DD's Birthdate: November 10, 2005

alienhost
Mommy to:
DD: Kat
Born: 4/27/05

AMC
Mommy to:
DD: Chloe
Born: 7/3/04
DS: due 12/19

asianbear07 (aka Natasha)
Mommy to:
DS: Ethan
Born: 2/5/03
DD: Kelly
EDD 11/13/05

Astara
Mommy to:
DD: Genevieve
Born: 10/20/05

bacchuslvr
Mommy to:
DD: Alexis
Born: 2/10/05

Brady (Lisa)
Mommy to:
DS: Connor
Born: 3-5-05

Beachbum
Mommy to:
DS: Henry
Born: 9/6/05

BTB
Mommy to:
DD: Evelyn
Born: 4/13/05.

Bubbas
Mommy to:
DS:Zachary Michael
Born: 11/04/04

Cali Katy
Mommy to:
DS: Ben
Born:5/4/05

Candy
Mommy to:
DD: Maya
Born: 2/15/05

Carissa
Mommy to:
DD: Grace
Born: May 15th, 2005


Chiffani
Mommy to:
DD: Cadence
Born: November 8, 2004

Cookie777
Mommy to:
DS:Brandon Michael
Born: December 30th, 2005
(SAHW since 3.03)

Cosmosgirl (Val)
Mommy To:
DS:William Xavier
Born: 7-22-05

dal
Mommy to:
DD: Alyssa Michelle
Born: 7.13.03
DD: Kailey Emma
Born: 11.27.04

DanaLynn
Mommy to:
DS: Hayden - 20 mo.s
DD: Emma - 9 wks

December27JJB
Mommy to:
DD: Parker
Born: June 13, 2005

dizylizy
Mommy to:
DS: Harrison
Born: 11.1.05

DnJ2002
Mommy to:
DD:Arabella
Born: 8/17/05

dzmattie
Mommy to:
DS: Gary
Born: 1/15/04

EmilyBronte
Mommy to:
DS: JFK - 8.5 mo.s
Born: 1/5/05

Ferris (Kim)
Mommy to:
DS: Douglas
Born: 5/21/05

Femmie
Mommy to:
Tate
Born: 4/30/04

fifibee
Mommy to:
DS: Max
Birthdate: 9/16/2005

flyerwife
Mommy to:
DS: 3 Yrs. (will be 4 in Nov.)
Baby #2 due in May

gizzyntaz
Mommy to:
DS: Alan - 9 mo.s

happy1nuv
Mommy to:
DS: Dominic (Nic)
Born: 5/18/05

HGMorgann
Mommy to:
DD: Morgann - 7 mo.s

hotmama
DD: Aiden, 16 months, born Oct 9, 2004
Baby on the way: EDD August 5th


Jen1098
Mommy to:
DS: Joshua
Born:7/03/04
Expecting #2 in May

Jillians Mom
Mommy to:
DD: Jillian
Born: Oct.20,2005

jki
Mommy to:
DS: Jackson
Born: 6/21/04
DD: Cassidy
Born: 7/9/05

Jmvan74
Mommy to:
DS: Collin Todd
Born: June 13, 2005

Jodi AKA BostonTeacher
Mommy to:
DS: Camden - 9 wks

JP'swife
Mommy to:
DS:Alexander
Born: August 7, 2005

Kelly's Girl
Mommy to:
DS: George
Born: 10/10/05

kimthebride
Mommy to:
DS: Thomas - 4 mo.s

kmrboston
Mommy to:
DD: Kendall - 11 mo.s

krbb
Mommy to:
DS: Oliver
Born: 12/12/05

lady1297
Mommy to:
DS: Edward - 13 mo.s

lauren f s
Mommy to:
DD: Ava
Born: 12.16.03

LeslieR
Mommy to:
DS: Luke
Born: 08/08/05

LexyLou
Mommy to:
DD: Gabriella (Ella)
Born: 9-26-05

lil_nance
Mommy to:
DS: Connor
Born: 7/15/05

LILRTL (Lora)
Mommy To:
DS: Zachary Daniel (Zack)
Born: 8-4-05

Linda
Mommy to:
DD: Ana - 3 Yrs.
DD: Marissa - Almost 2

Littlelamb11
Mommy to:
DD: Annabelle
Born: 8/8/02
DS EDD 1/15/06

lml41981 (Lyndsey)
Mommy to:
DD: Natalie
Born: 10/7/2005

lorialys
Mommy to:
DS: Lucas
Born: October 14, 2005

LyLMyssChaos
Mommy to:
DD: Madeline Rose 7/5/03 (Maddie)
DS: Timothy Edward III 4/19/05 (T-rex)

lynnh
Mommy to:
DS: Aaron
Born: 2/22/04
#2 on the way, due 2/10/06

mak
Mommy to:
DD: Mimi, 13.5 months Born December 27, 2004
Baby on the way- EDD: June 4th

maggieb
Mommy to:
DD: Helena
Born: 12.2.03
DD: Marisa
Born: 7.8.05

marathongirl
Mommy to:
DD: Claire
Born: 09/16/2004

Megande (Megan)
Mommy to:
DS: Dean
Born: 6/27/05

Mel7dog
Mommy To:
DS: Benjamin
Born: 4-26-06

melkat
Mommy to:
DS: Dylan
Born: 12-4-04

mommycal
Mommy to:
DD: 20 mo.s
Baby #2 Due 10/13

mommy2AlliWill
Mommy to:
DD: Alli - 2 Yrs.
DS: Will - 1 Yr.

montaukbea
Mommy to:
DS: Jameson
Born: 7/28/2005


mrs_barkley
Mommy to:
DD#1:Gina Marie
May 1, 2004
DD#2: Emalee Rose
August 22, 2005

MrsPuls
Mommy to:
DS: Caden
Born: (11-23-03)
Boy/Girl Twins (December)

Mrs tazlvr
Mommy to:
DD: Allison
Born:12/9/03
Baby #2 EDD 1/12/06

Natrat80 (Natalie)
Mommy to :
DD: Addison Grace
Born: 6/14/05

neenbean
Mommy to:
DD: 3/19/05

newyorkgirl
Mommy to:
DS: Bennett
Born: July 9, 2005.

NJMom
Mommy to:
Twin Boys: Jacob and Brayden
Born: February 15, 2005

onomatopeia
Mommy to:
DS: Pierce
Born: 11/4/04

Pookie
Mommy to:
DS: Ryan
Born: 3/15/05

Portlandbride (Brandi)
Mommy to:
DD: Brynn
Born: 5/12/05
DC#2 Due: 9/24/06

QPDoll
Mommy to:
Twin Boys: Pete and Nate
Born: 7/23/05.

sabrinag
Mommy to:
DD & DS: Logan & Madison
Born: 6/10/05

sarah
Mommy to:
DD: Sophie - 3 Yrs.
DD: Lucy - 7 wks.

SD601 (Laura)
Mommy to:
DS: Josiah
Born: 8.15.05

Screetch
Mommy to:
DS: Ryan
Born: November 24, 2003

SeaPoet
Mommy to:
DS
Born: 11/05

seattleguamgirl
Mommy to:
DS: Roman
Born: 2/3/05

summerbaby
Mommy to:
DD: Ellie
Born: 6/25/05

tgray99
Mommy to:
DD: Aidan Christine
Born: 5/9/05

Traciann
Mommy to:
DD: Mary Kate
Born: 4.26.05

usafwife
Mommy to:
DD: Sarah
Born: June 28, 2005

vancouvergirl
Mommy to:
DD: 6 Yrs.
DS & DD: Twins: 2 Yrs.

vjel
Mommy to:
DD: Emily
Born: 5/18/04

wagsgirl (Tonya)
Mommy to:
DD: Briley Rose 10/28/02
DS: Greydon John 2/18/05

[SAHMs]

Websites

www.4momsathome.com
www.athomemoms.com
www.sahmiam.org
www.momsclub.org

[SAHMs]

Places to meet other moms:
(Compiled by kimthebride)

- Libraries with story/puppet hours or just in the kids section
- Book stores with story/puppet hour (almost every Barnes & Nobles does these)
- Some of the B&N bookstores near us have a Thoams & Friends train table set up in the kids' section, lots of moms bring their kids there to have a coffee and let their kid play...you can always seek something like that out and hit people up
- Yoga studios that offer pre/post-partum classes often do some classes with new moms & their babies, or something called "Itsy Bitsy Yoga" . Go to http://www.itsybitsyyoga.com/ to find classes near you.
- Local gyms with "Stroller" type of classes for moms getting back into shape
- Local Strollercize chapters: http://www.strollercize.com/web.php?view=homepage
- http://www.momsclub.com/
- http://www.meetup.com/
- Go to www.Yahoo.com and search under "Groups" for a parenting groups near you
- Just introduce yourself to other moms at different parks & playgrounds
- Starbucks. I can't tell you how many times I have seen/met other moms looking for a quiet place to snack and BF and ended up at a Starbucks, lol.
- County/Town Welcome Wagon or community website...there may be a local contact person who can tell you where the playgroups are in your area for kids yours' age.
- Infant CPR classes and other childcare classes at hospitals or elsewhere
- Pediatricians often have bullitain boards with local class or mom support groups on it
- Gymboree, Little Gym, My Gym classes
- The play areas in malls
- Kid-friendly restaurants like Chuck E Cheese

You may feel silly at first, since it is so like dating! But just sit down and make some calls to find out where the moms are and GO THERE. Then talk to other moms, make some connections.

And here's my little tip of the day: Get some "Mommy Calling Cards" so when you meet other moms you can easily give them something with your contact info on it so they can easily reach you. I ordered some simple business cards (for free) from www.vistaprint.com with my name, cell#, email address and "Mom to DS & DD" on them. If I meet a new mom I give it to them - easy way to remember me and not easily lost in a diaper bag!

[SAHMs]

List of QOTD's

QOTD #1: What'd you do before you became a SAHM?

QOTD #2: Have any of you read the Feminine Mistake by Leslie Bennetts? I'd love to know your thoughts.

QOTD #3: I know we are all busy with our little ones but we all know there are times in the day/evening that they sleep. What do you do when they nap or go to bed?

QOTD #4: When was the last time you spent a good amount of alone time with DH?? (more than just nightly after kids are in bed?)

QOTD #5: What's the hardest thing for you about being SAH?

[SAHMs]

:) Open for Posting!! :)

[maggieb]

just subscribing...thanks so much for setting us up! :D

[Astara]

just subscribing...thanks so much for setting us up! :D

No Problem!! :)

[BTB]

Yes, thanks! :)

Since DD won't be five months forever, I should give her birthday so that can be put on the members list instead: 4/13/05.

Can I toss out the first QOTD? When someone asks - I'm thinking in an adult social situation here, if we all remember those ;) - what you "do", as in what is your occupation, what's your answer?

[EmilyBronte]

Subscribing....

QOTD - I say, "I'm a stay at home mom!" :)

[December27JJB]

Subscribing as well. Thank you!

ETA: DD's birthday is June 13, 2005

[vjel]

suscribing too! thanks astara for setting this up!

wanted to add that DD's name is Emily. DOB 5/18/04

[newyorkgirl]

BTB, I usually answer "SAHM" when I'm not trying to be funny, but I have answered "Personal assistant to Bennett R___!" :)

Subscribing...

[tgray99]

Subscribing

BTB: I either say that I stay at home or if my brain isn't engaged I revert to the old-fashioned "homemaker." It's what my mom used to say.

[Bubbas]

Subscribing as well.

Zachary Michael, born 11/04/04

I also answer that I am a SAHM.

[basketcase]

SAHM to Tate, 17 months. (Born 4/30/04)


QOTD: I still have issues in trying to answer this question. "Stay-at-home mom" feels like a limiting description since we're always trying to get *out* of the house to stay sane, "homemaker" feels antiquated, "domestic engineer" feels awkward. So I say "I'm a full-time mother." (Although that answer feels flawed, too, since WOHMs don't stop being moms when they're at work, KWIM?)

I like the "Personal Assistant" one! I might need to steal it! ;)

[summerbaby]

Subscribing! And Ellie's DOB is 6/25/05.

Hmmm... I haven't been asked what I do now that I think about it. It's probably because I don't get out much. Ha! I also like the personal assistant answer!

Thanks for setting up the thread!

[QUOTE]

[Natasha]

Ohhh Ohhh, me too!

asianbear07 (aka Natasha)
Mommy to:
Ethan DOB 2/5/03
Kelly EDD 11/13/05

I just say that I used to do blah blah blah, but now I get to stay home with my kids.

[dal]

Can I toss out the first QOTD? When someone asks - I'm thinking in an adult social situation here, if we all remember those - what you "do", as in what is your occupation, what's your answer?
I say I'm a SAHM. It rarely comes up but sometimes people ask me what I did before having kids and I tell them.

[marathongirl]

Subscribing...

Mommy to:
DD: Claire
DOB: 09/16/2004

QOTD - I haven't really been asked. I guess I'd just say SAHM.

[mommycal]

glad I found you guys. Thanks again for starting this. FYI, DD is 20 months and we're due w/baby #2 on 10/13. :)

[lynnh]

Lynnh
Mommy to:
DS: Aaron (2/22/04)
#2 on the way, due 2/10/06

QOTD: Most of the time I tell them that I left a job in marketing to stay home with my son. Sometimes I say that I'm a household manager or CEO/CFO of our household, etc. But, usually it's the first. I don't know why I have the need to say marketing. I guess in certain situations I want them to know that I can be included in the conversation because I've done the same things they are doing? Or, sometimes it just feels like I'm wasting my college education. I know I'm not going back to the corporate world when I return.

[lauren f s]

Ava's DOB is 12.16.03, could that be changed so I don't keep having to give monthly age updates? Thanks!

QOTD: I say I'm a mom.

[Jen1098]

Thanks for putting this together.

QOTD If someone asks I just tell them I'm a sahm.

[LeslieR]

Thanks for setting this up for us Astara!

Luke's birth date is 08/08/05.

QOTD: I actually haven't had to answer this question yet, but I would probably just say that I'm a stay at home mom. I hate that people ask this question. Even when I was working. As if what I do for a living defines who I am. Just a pet peeve of mine. :p

[SAHMs]

Updates are in to here..

Could everyone who hasnt done so post their DC's Birth date?

newyorkgirl: could you please add your stats :)

[maggieb]

Helena's birthday is 12.2.03 and Marisa's is 7.8.05

QOTD: I don't think anyone has asked me directly what I do for a living, but sometimes in conversation I will add that I was/am a teacher before I started staying at home. It's funny b/c I still consider myself a teacher even though I'm not teaching at the moment. It's just in my blood.

[Astara]

QOTD: I actually haven't had to answer this question yet, but I would probably just say that I'm a stay at home mom. I hate that people ask this question. Even when I was working. As if what I do for a living defines who I am. Just a pet peeve of mine. :p


I agree!!! I hate that question also.. especially since our daughter isnt here yet... ppl think i just sit around and eat bon bons all day!

QOTD I just tell them I am a stay at home wife soon to be mom


You guys are welcome.. but really thanks to LeslieR for mentioning it.. I have been looking around for a thread like this but havent even though of starting one.. must be the preggo brain :rolleyes: :)

[Ferris]

Ferris (Kim)
Mommy to:
DS: Douglas (5/21/05)

[MrsPuls]

I'd like to join.

MrsPuls
DS: Caden (11-23-03)
Boy/Girl Twins (December

I am SAHM by accident. I'm due with twins in December, and my employer relieved me of my position when I asked for reduced hours. I'm really enjoying the time at home. Right now my son does go to his aunt's house 4 days a week, which allows me to rest and finish projects, but he really does love playing with his cousins and the other kids. He'll probably continue to go after the twins are born so that I have some time alone with them, and I can focus on him in the afternoon/evenings.

Right now I'm doing some independent contracting work at home for extra cash, but after the twins, I probably won't be. I've always wanted to be a SAHM, and now my dream is true.

[Cali_Katy]

Subscribing.

DS is Ben, born 5/4/05

[Brady]

Hi..I just wanted to subscribe.

I'm leaving my full-time job to be home with my son in a couple of weeks. I'm excited but also scared to death. :o

Brady (Lisa)
Son: Connor, 3-5-05

[newyorkgirl]

Sorry!

DS, Bennett, was born on July 9, 2005.

[SAHMs]

Updated to here

Please dont forget to put updates and stats in red.. I would hate to accidentally miss someone in the future!! :) :) Thanks~

[Pookie]

QOTD Since DS has been here most of my interactions have been with other SAHM's. Since I'm also in school, I usually say I'm a mom and take some classes. I'm really happy to be able to say I'm with DS during the day. :)

Another question for those of you who are also students: I noticed a few other also are. How do you get work done? Ryan is really into the separation anxiety thing right now and usually wouldn't let me put him down. He usually takes 2 naps a day. The first I either nap, take a shower or get ready for the day. The second I usually study and then again at night. The only think that saves me is that DH usually takes him for a few hours on his days off so I can get some studying done and my mom usually watches him for a few hours on the weekend.

[alienhost]

astara thanks for setting this up!

DD was born on 4/27/05

QOTD I haven't been asked yet, but I guess I would say "stay at home mom" or "I work for her" and point to DD. I'll have to think about that one some more. Or maybe "I'm in the milk business" :D

[Astara]

I dont know if anybody is thinking about this yet, but I know I am.

QOTD2: Schooling: what type of schooling are you leaning towards or will most likely use once your DC is able to attend? why?

I would really like to send genevieve to a non-religious Private school. I like that they are smaller than public schools and I think she would be able to get more one on one interaction with the teachers. Public schools left a very bad taste in my mouth when I attended.. it seemed like the teachers just didnt care anymore.

[MrsTazlvr]

Allison's DOB is 12/9/03 and I am due with #2 on 1/12/06

[jmvan74]

Me: Jmvan74 (Julie)
Mommy to: Collin Todd
Born: June 13, 2005

Schooling: I think I will probably go the public school route for elementary school, but i'm not sure about High School. We're in a good school district, but who know what will happen in the years to come.

SAHM: I tell people I'm a teacher turned mom!

[LILRTL]

Joining in!! :D

LILRTL (Lora)
Mommy To:
DS: Zachary Daniel (Zack)
Born: 8-4-05

qotd I haven't had to answer either, but I'm sure I would just say SAHM, proudly! :D

[December27JJB]

QOTD: I am looking into putting DD in a Montessori school when shes older. Then to a public school (the public schools in my area are great.) when she is old enough to start kindergarten or first grade.

[Megande]

Megande (Megan)
Mommy to:
DS: Dean
Born: 6/27/05

I am in my fourth year of a PhD program and I have a fellowship that allows me to stay home full time with DS. Pookie- I work mostly when Dean naps. I have to go to a few seminars a week and DH comes home to watch DS. (DH is a PhD student too, so he has a really flexible schedule). Neither of us is taking classes anymore, so that makes it a little easier. I try and take a shower while Dean is awake (I talk and sing to him while I shower), so that I don't waste that precious nap time :). I feel happy if I manage to get 2 or 3 hours of work done a day.

Schooling : I think we will be putting our children in public school. If we are in a district that we don't feel comfortable with and we can afford it, I would definitely consider a private school.

[HGMorgann]

School A Waldorf school would be awesome if we could afford it, but most likely we won't be able to, so we will probally homeschool. With our busy lives, believe me, she will get more than enough interaction!

[Natasha]

Most likely, we're going to go with public school. My SO went to a private school, and he said he doesn't think he benefited from it enough to justify the cost. I went to public school, and I think I got a decent education. We'll see.

[LILRTL]

I will go ahead and assume public school, even though we would love to do private. We have a while to think about it. :)

[EmilyBronte]

QOTD~ Most likely, we will send James to private school. DH went to private schools and I went to public. He really feels like his schools prepared him for college, and I feel the opposite. I guess if we live in an area with great public schools we might use them.

[tgray99]

QOTD2: Schooling: what type of schooling are you leaning towards or will most likely use once your DC is able to attend? why?

Ideally, we'd send Aidan to private Lutheran schools. But, for one, it's too expensive, and, for two, I'm in school getting certified to teach in public schools so I sort of feel hypocritical about wanting private schooling for her. The area we currently live in and the area I'd like to move to both have great public schools so I'm not all that worried. DH went to a private Lutheran school and is so much better for it. On the other hand, I went to public school and have done equally as well (I just don't know as much about the Bible as DH does).

Long story short, probably public.

[tgray99]

Schooling : I think we will be putting our children in public school. If we are in a district that we don't feel comfortable with and we can afford it, I would definitely consider a private school.
If y'all are still in College Station when Dean starts school you shouldn't have to worry, it's a good district.

Good to see ya over here! :D

[maggieb]

schooling: This is our big dilemma. We live in DC...right in the heart of the city and our neighborhood school is really, really bad (lots of violence, poor test scores, ineffective administration, etc.) so that school is out without question. I was a public school teacher and plan to be a public school administrator when I return to the workforce, so my heart lies with public schools. We will not send our girls to private schools. More than likely, we will either pay tuition to send the girls to the county where I will be working (Fairfax County) or we will use the lottery system here in DC to try and get into one of the better public schools. I would love for my girls to be able to go to their neighborhood school and after a lot of soul searching, I decided that I wanted them to go to our neighborhood school for my own reasons, not for them, so I decided that the local school is out. This is such an passionate topic for me that I hold very close to my heart. I firmly believe in public schooling and in middle/upper class families sending their children to the local schools to help make them better, but it's just too bad here. Sorry for the long diatribe. I just feel so torn still that I have a choice, but a few houses down from us, the mother has no choice and must send her son to this crappy school.

[Jen1098]

Josh's B-day 7/03/04

School-More than likely our children will go to public school. We don't plan on being in this area by the time Josh is in school though. So obviously whenever we do move we will make sure we move into a good school district.
My dream would be to move back to South Florida but the schools are just so over crowded there.
Ask me again in 4 years. :D

Alright so how many of you have a home cooked meal almost every day? My poor DH only gets a good meal maybe 3x a week. He's good about it though. It's just so tough to cook sometimes when I've got Josh pulling at my legs, trying to open the dishwasher or oven.
Sometimes I'll prepare it while he's napping but that doesn't happen often.

[vjel]

maggieb would you ever consider moving from DC? (I live in NoVa in Loudon County) Fairfax County has one of the best school systems, you can't really go wrong w/ your girls there (I know living in FFX County may be out of the question b/c of the housing prices).

for us, we'll send our kids to public school. DH and I both attended public schools and turned out fine. Even if we wanted to go private, if I continue to stay home, I don't think we could afford it.

home cooked meals every day??? yeah not so much. Maybe 4 days? The other days we may just eat leftovers, make sandwiches or eat something frozen. We might go out for dinner on the weekend or order out once a week. I'd love to be that SAHM who takes care of the kids, house, has dinner ready every night...but it's just too hard. I barely remeber to pee sometimes!

[LeslieR]

I would love to send our kids to private school because I think they do provide a better preparation for college, but it is so expensive to live here that I can't imagine me still being a SAHM, us buying the house of our dreams, AND sending the kids to private school.

Home cooked meals? Maybe 3 times a week? DH cooks a lot, too, so that helps. There are also nights when he works til 9-like tonight. I just got done eating now and it's 8:30.:rolleyes: Lucky me-Luke slept long enough for me to eat a meal. lol

[December27JJB]

schooling: This is our big dilemma. We live in DC...right in the heart of the city and our neighborhood school is really, really bad (lots of violence, poor test scores, ineffective administration, etc.) so that school is out without question. I was a public school teacher and plan to be a public school administrator when I return to the workforce, so my heart lies with public schools. We will not send our girls to private schools. More than likely, we will either pay tuition to send the girls to the county where I will be working (Fairfax County) or we will use the lottery system here in DC to try and get into one of the better public schools. I would love for my girls to be able to go to their neighborhood school and after a lot of soul searching, I decided that I wanted them to go to our neighborhood school for my own reasons, not for them, so I decided that the local school is out. This is such an passionate topic for me that I hold very close to my heart. I firmly believe in public schooling and in middle/upper class families sending their children to the local schools to help make them better, but it's just too bad here. Sorry for the long diatribe. I just feel so torn still that I have a choice, but a few houses down from us, the mother has no choice and must send her son to this crappy school.

Maggieb:
DH and I used to live in DC so I totally understand what you mean about their public schools. It's sad that they have to be that way. I think trying out the lottery system is worth a shot. The only drawback could be that one of your girls could get in a good school and the other doesn't. Fairfax Co has some pretty good schools. Perhaps, would you move your family there? Who knows, maybe by the time your girls go to school the DC school system will be better? (Although, I highly doubt it.)

______________________________

A job called DH back today. He has an interview with them on Monday. They pay REALLY well, wayyy more than DH was expecting. BUT the only drawback is, he will be travelling all the time. Sometimes for like 4-5 days a week or more. I told him that's fine, to give it a try. But if it becomes too much for the both of us...we'll be honest about it. The truth to be told, I know he was thrilled that someone called him back the same day he submitted his resume, he had been depressed about not being able to find a job. (He just finished his masters this past May) I am a little nervous that if he gets the job, it would be me and DD alone a lot. We shall see....

[December27JJB]

Alright so how many of you have a home cooked meal almost every day? My poor DH only gets a good meal maybe 3x a week. He's good about it though. It's just so tough to cook sometimes when I've got Josh pulling at my legs, trying to open the dishwasher or oven.
Sometimes I'll prepare it while he's napping but that doesn't happen often.

I cook dinner everyday because DH is home so he can watch the baby. Unfortunately, DD doesnt always cooperate with DH so he comes running in the kitchen and says, "Help Help Help, she wont stop screaming" while I am in the middle of cooking. :rolleyes: I've never been much of a cook up until now and I am enjoying it. I think DH is too :)

[lynnh]

School - most likely public. Our district is horrible, but I'm a firm believer that education must be supplimented at home. You can't rely 100% on the school, you know? Although, DH and I have talked about private school if the district gets any worse than it already is. I just don't think we'd have money to retire on then!

Cooking - I would cook more if 1) I had some dinner ideas and 2) I knew when Dh was coming home. He's so inconsistant with his times, and I know traffic doesn't help. If I cook for 6 he'll be home at 7. I refuse to cook a large meal if he's here late, I get hungry earlier than that. So, frozen pizza and cereal are pretty constant around here.

[marathongirl]

School - DD will go to public. We live in a good area with an excellent school system. We bought our house in part due to the school system.

Cooking - does spaghetti and sauce count as a home cooked meal? We really don't order out much, but we do eat sandwiches a lot for dinner.

december27 - my DH also travels a lot for work. He's out of town 25-30% of the year. It is tough at times. Especially since DD still does not STTN. I don't get any kind of break when he's travelling. We also have two dogs and two cats and with the amount of time DH is away, although it breaks my heart, we may have to get rid of the dogs b/c they start barking around 5am every morning and I can't balance a crying baby and barking dogs all by myself. Do you have someone who can help nearby? My mom lives about an hour away and if I give her enough notice, she'll sometimes come up and spend a night or 2 with me and DD.

[maggieb]

vjel and Dec27: We have weighed the option of moving to Fairfax County vs. staying in DC and we realized that we are very committed to living in the city. If we sold our house here in DC we would make plenty of profit to be able to buy a house in FC, but then we would have to get another car and we really do love living in the city. I taught school for 4 years in FC and they have excellent schools that are also very diverse (very important to us) so we'll probably just pay the tuition rates for employees and send both girls to FC.

cooking: Before I had #2 I had dinner ready about 5 out of the 7 nights. Now we're lucky if it's 3 out of the 7. DH is very good about grilling himself some meat and making a salad and then he's happy. He's actually pretty good about making dinner to if I ask him to.

[Candy]

Hey Ladies!
I'm Candy, SAHM to Maya born 2/15/05. :)

Cooking I cook almost every night. I either cook during nap time or after DD goes to sleep for the night.

[lauren f s]

Schools: We'll most likely do public schools. If we continue living where we are when Ava starts school I feel comfortable with her going to public schools because I know we're in a good district. If we were to move, I'd make sure we moved to an area with a good district. We both went to public schools and loved the experience and don't see a need for Ava to go to private school unless absolutely necessary.

Cooking: I love to cook, so I do it every night. It's easier now that Ava is older and can "help" me in the kitchen. I'll give her a bowl, empty spice jars, and spoon and she'll happily stir, "taste", and "pour" her food. She loves to help in the kitchen and when she sees I'm making dinner will come running in asking "cook? cook?" I've also become a huge fan of Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals. I can make a nice, healthy, delicious dinner in 30 minutes. It's really helped me make sure I cook something every night.

[SAHMs]

~Updated to here~

[Astara]

Cooking... I cant really say much yet.. I cook everynight pretty much. Once in a while we will go out to dinner or get pizza.. but DD isnt here yet.. so I know that when she's here its gonna be a whole different story. I will probably still be able to cook most of the week since DH is usually home around a decent hour and will take care of DD while I cook.. hopefully it works out like that anyways :)

december27 That's awesome for your DH.. but I understand being nervous about being home a lot with just you and DD. Hopefully everything works out in favor for everyone.

[basketcase]

Schooling: Haven't thought about it too much yet. We have great public schools in our area, which was one of the reasons we moved to this neighborhood.

Cooking: We eat in most nights and I'm lucky that DH does a lot of the cooking. I'll cook 1-2 nights, and he'll cook the other nights. But he really likes cooking. :D As a trade off, I do all the grocery shopping, the clean-up after dinner, and I do the entire bath/bedtime routine with Tate every night. I think it's pretty fair. We used to go out to eat as a family once/week, but I'm afraid our restaurant days may be coming to a halt as Tate is getting more and more rambunctious and unruly.

[Megande]

Tara - Good to "see" you too! If you and Aidan come up to CS to visit sometime, we should get together!

Cooking - I would say that I cook a "real" meal 5 days a week. On the weekends we usually eat out once and there is a lot of mac and cheese and cereal going on. I have to have a break sometime! I cook dinner in the crockpot at least once a week, so those meals only take about 5 minutes of prep time. Dean is really good about sitting and watching me cook. I will tell him all about what I'm doing and he stays pretty happy. That is wonderful because those nap times are precious!

[Megande]

On a related note, I'd love to get some recipes for quick and easy meals, especially those that have been mommy tested :). I'll go first :)

My favorite crock pot recipes
Chicken Fajitas
2 Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts
1 cup salsa
1/2 packet dry fajita seasoning
sour cream
Cheddar Cheese
Soft Taco Shells

Prep work:
Put chicken breasts in crockpot.
Sprinkle with fajita seasoning
Dump salsa on top
Cook on low all day
Before eating:
Shred chicken and add desired sour cream
Mixture will become very creamy
Assemble tortillas with cp mixture &cheese


Chicken mushroom soup
chicken breasts (one for each person)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
2 tbsp melted butter
rosemary
garlic powder
worcestershire sauce

Dump in crockpot and cook. It is great served with rice or potatoes

Italian Chicken and Potatoes -This is my husband's favorite cp recipe
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Bottle Italian salad dressing
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese
4 potatoes -- peeled and cut

Spray cp with pam. Place chicken in cp. Pour on Italian dressing.
Place potatoes on top of chicken. Sprinkle with seasoning and parmesan

Tortilla Soup This is awesome...a little spicy
Two cans condensed chicken with rice soup
Two cans chicken broth
small chicken breast
1 Cup Picante Sauce or Salsa
1 large can red enchilada sauce
Shredded cheese
Tortillas (flour or corn)

Dump all ingredients except cheese and tortillas in CP and cook on low
Shred chicken before serving
Serve with strips of tortillas in each bowl
Cover with shredded cheese

Beef Stroganof
1 lb. stew beef, 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped -I buy prechopped frozen onions to make it easier
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) beef broth
8oz Chive & Onion Cream cheese
noodles for stroganof

Put first 4 ingredients in CP on low
Drain the majority of the liquid and add cream cheese just before serving

A few easy non-crock pot recipes
Ramen Noodle Chicken
Chicken breast strips or chunks
2 cups broccolli florets (frozen is easiest)
1 jar mushrooms 4.5 oz
1 Tbsp soy sauce (or to taste)
2 pkg chicken flavored ramen noodles
1 3/4 cup water

Cook chicken. Add broccoli, mushrooms, water, soy sauce, 1 ramen flavor packet
Bring to a boil. Add noodles and return to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5-10 minutes.

Southwest Chicken
chicken breasts (1 per person)
BBQ sauce (about 1.5 cups)
1 slice cheddar cheese for each chicken breast
1 (4 oz) can Rotel

Place chicken breasts in baking dish. Cover each breast totally with BBQ sauce. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Take out and put cheese on chicken. Cook for 10 more minutes. Take out and top with Rotel. Put back in the oven for 5 minutes until rotel is warm.

[linda_loo]

Schooling - public.

Cooking - I do all the cooking, dh doesn't even know how to cook. Well, that's not true. He can heat up a mean can of soup when I'm out and it's just him and the girls. ;)

~~~

correction - - - my youngest is Marissa (not Mariss)... sorry, I must have typed it wrong first time. Thanks!!!

[Brady]

Megan- Thanks so much for those recipes! i am all about easy cooking, and hardly ever use my crock pot, so quite a few of those I am going to add to our rotation.

Like Lynn my DH's work schedule is sooo inconsistent it is all but impossible to have a true menu/homecooked meal every night. He usually calls me around 4 each day to tell me what time he'll be home at for the night, sometimes it's 6, sometimes it's 10pm :rolleyes: ... so it's very hard to prepare in advance. And who wants to really cook a meal to only eat it by yourself, you know? (my son is not quite at the real food stage, so I suppose it will eventually change)

[jki]

Birthdates:
Jackson - 6/21/04
Cassidy - 7/9/05

Schooling - Definitely public.

Cooking - Ugh, my cooking skills suck... we used to live within a 3 block radius of maybe 50 restaurants - so for the last 11 years, I've been eating out. Why buy groceries and cook when it's cheaper and yummier to eat out?

Well, we moved to the 'burbs after DS was born.... I cook a giant meal every Sunday and the rest of the week we eat a lot of leftovers, frozen/prepared foods. I make a giant batch of meatballs every once in a while and freeze them. Tacos are a regular item. We eat a lot of packaged salads. Last night was beef stroganoff, tonight is chicken stir fry with green beans.

[HGMorgann]

cOoking I cook mostly every night. My DH works from our home, (office is here - but he's in and out all day), so I normally do lunches too - usually just wraps, salad, or something easy. I would like to do breakfast too - but right now, he takes the baby from 7-9, so I can get some "non-baby sleep"

[tgray99]

Alright so how many of you have a home cooked meal almost every day? My poor DH only gets a good meal maybe 3x a week. He's good about it though. It's just so tough to cook sometimes when I've got Josh pulling at my legs, trying to open the dishwasher or oven.
Sometimes I'll prepare it while he's napping but that doesn't happen often.
I cooked every night before I got pregnant. During pregnancy the thought of cooking made me sick so I didn't cook much then. Now, I barely have time to cook. Last night I heated up some canned veggies and a premade Chicken Cordon Bleu from the meat section of our grocery store. You'd have thought I made a feast by Ryan's reactions. We eat out (or bring it in) WAY too much. I need to get back into the habit of planning my meals. It's cheaper and more nutritious.

[tgray99]

Tara - Good to "see" you too! If you and Aidan come up to CS to visit sometime, we should get together!

I'd love to get together with you sometime! We'll have to be in touch...I think I may be coming up there in November 11-13.

As far as Megan's recipes go, I've made the tortilla soup and it's fan-friggin'-tastic!! DH LOVES it and begs me to make it, especially when it's cooler. I highly recommend it.

[lynnh]

Megan - thank you so much for those recipes! I'm going to try a few of them next week. Bruce (DH) has wanted me to find a tortilla soup recipe for a while now, so that might be the first one I try. I'll have to think of some easy recipes to post. Oh! I do have this one. It's not fancy at all, but it was quick and pretty good:

Taco Noodle Dinner

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup water
1 envelope taco seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
1 can (4 oz.) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
3 cups uncooked fine egg noodles
2-1/2 to 3 cups tomato juice
1 cup (8oz.) sour cream
1 TBS. minced fresh parsley

In large skillet over med. heat, cook beef and onion; drain. Stir in the water, taco seasoning and salt. Reduce heat; simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the mushrooms. Sprinkle noodles over the top. Pour tomato juice over the noodles and stir gently. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Remove from heat. Combine the sour cream and parsley; spread over the top. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

My notes: Can leave out mushrooms if you don't like them. I didn't use parsley, but sprinkled cheese over the sour cream. DH hates sour cream, so next time I'll leave that off and just put it on my serving before I eat it. I also somehow burnt a section of it, but it didn't matter. Still tasted good!
----------------------------------------------------------------------


edited because I forgot which thread I was reading! Doh!!! :o

[lorialys]

Love hearing all the recipes!! Especially for easy to make stuff. I know that will come in handy in the next few months as I get adjusted to taking care of an infant.

Schools Both DH and I went to public schools that were pretty good, and we both became successful college grads, so they worked for us. We hope to find a place to live when our kids reach school age that has good public schools. Where we are living right now, the schools are pretty crummy. We're actually moving next month to a different area that has slightly better schools at the elementary level, but the high schools are still pretty poor. I'm sure we'll be able to find a good place to settle within the next 5-10 years that has good public schools. If we were to stay here, we'd consider private schools but I'm not sure we could afford it on one income.

Cooking I usually cook something from "scratch" 3-4 times a week. The rest of the time we eat out, order in, or have something frozen. Not sure yet how that will change after Lucas arrives, since I'll have my hands full. At some point I'd like to get to where I can cook dinners every night, and make lunches for DH (at work) and myself during the day. But I know that will be easier said than done.


Good news. I looked up some information on the local moms club. I found one for my area, and hopefully I can get involved and start going to playgroups and events as soon as I get settled into mommy-hood!

[DnJ2002]

Subscribing! I'm very appreciative of this thread.
SAHM to Arabella I(8/17/05)
Its only been 6 weeks and I'm ready to figure out what normal life is now that I'm a SAHM!

Schools Always a topic of discussion on our house-we'll probably end up sending her to public schools as we live a a great school district. My DH would love me to homeschool; I'd love to send her to a private school--since the school is good, we'll probably just stick with public for now. If we ever move, I'm sure it will be up for further discussion.

Cooking DH and I used to share cooking duties but now that I'm home during the days, I try to cook atleast 4-5 times/week. He'll cook if I've had a busy day and couldn't get something together. We love the crockpot (especially when we were both working since it was so easy) and since its getting cooler out, I'm looking forward to using it more. Megan Thanks for the recipes. I'm going to print them out tonight and make my grocery list for next week!!

[Astara]

Thanks Megande & Lynnh for those recipes!!.. they all look really good. I havent used my crock pot once, so I think its finally time to break that bad boy out :) I love trying new recipes.. I'll have to think of some easy ones to post. Im thinking I'll cook a bunch of stuff and freeze it so I wont have to cook at first once Gigi's here.

Good news. I looked up some information on the local moms club. I found one for my area, and hopefully I can get involved and start going to playgroups and events as soon as I get settled into mommy-hood!

That's awesome!! :) I've looked for something like that around here, but really havent had any luck. The only thing I can come up with for some interaction for both DD and myself is gymboree.

[SAHMs]

Updated to here!!:D

[lorialys]

amtaylor Did you check out www.momsclub.org? They have a "chapter links" section that links to moms club websites in all the different states. My city doesn't have a website, but I emailed the webmaster to ask if there was a club in my area. Lo and behold, there is! They just don't have a website.

[December27JJB]

Marathongirl Wow 2 dogs and 2 cats! I thought I had too many at 1 dog and 1 cat. One of my worries with this job DH is looking at is that I will have to take care of the dog and the cat. The cat is demanding, he wakes me up around 5 am everyday and the dog is needy. If DH does get this job, I'll be asking you bunch of questions about multitasking! :)

________

Yum yum all the recipes look good! My stomach is growling just reading it! ;)

[LILRTL]

Can I throw out a QOTD? What do you wear every day? I'm such a girlie girl and love to get dressed up. However, now that I am restocking my wardrobe, I can't justify buying $80 dress pants to sit at home. But I still want to look nice. So - wardrobe suggestions?? :D

[LeslieR]

QOTD-oh Lord! The comfier the better. Sweats, t-shirts, tank tops, etc. With the amount of spit up on I get on me in one day, just putting on a "nice" t-shirt is taking a risk. lol If we're leaving the house, I have to wait until the last minute to get dressed!

[vjel]

QOTD : I've been pretty casual since we had DD. Many times it just wasn't worth it to get all dressed up to go to the Mall or run errands, kwim? Esp. when I was BFing. Summer attire pretty much consisted of shorts and capris. Jeans and the like for cooler seasons.

Now that DD is a little older, I've FINALLY made the decision to get rid of ALL my old clothes (mostly work stuff) b/c even if I do lose more weight the fat distribution is not the same and I can't squeeze into size 4 anything! lol. I am going to rebuild my wardrobe and start w/ some basics. My DH thinks that if I have nice clothes that fit me well I will feel better about myself, which I agree with. I am buying stuff that I can dress up or down (ie. khakis, cords, nicer jeans, dressier tops, skirts, etc). Of course, I still wear sweats out when I want to be comfie! :D

[marathongirl]

For those talking about MOMS Clubs - I belong to one in my town and it really has been a lifeline. I look forward to the activities to get Claire and I out of the house and to give her a chance to interact with other kids especially since she's a little older now. She really gets excited when she sees the other kids. And it beats just walking around the mall everyday.

QOTD - nice clothes? What are they? I have rotated the same 3 pairs of shorts and some T-shirts all summer. I guess with the cooler weather I should break out my jeans now. It's tough to find an article of clothing that doesn't have a stain or a hole in it. Plus I usually end up wearing part of Claire's breakfast or lunch so why bother?

[flyerwife]

We will do public schools, they are pretty decent here. If anything changes though the Catholic schools are also good, so that would be the next option.

QOTD: I pretty much wear very casual clothes, shorts, t-shirts, etc. My son is older however that just bring different spills, like mud, paint, etc.

I never did the mom's club, but we do get together lots with a group of moms and kids and it is the best time spent some weeks.

[Cosmogirl]

Ohhh Cool thread! Thanks for setting it up!
I'm a SAHM for one year, so I'll join in until...


Cosmosgirl (Val)
Mommy To:
DS:William Xavier
Born: 7-22-05


QOTD: I'm a jeans/tank top type of girl, so no prob there. I'm not a super girly girl, and I don't love to dress cutie. When I'm not casula, I'm more of a khaki/cords and dressy shirt and stuff like that...Anyways lately, I really feel like a giant burp cloth, so tank top does a good job...at least it is my shoulder, and not my shirts that are dirty! :p

School: Private...becasue we both went private and we loved it!

Cooking I had a spree of domestic goddess before I hurt my back...so since a week i'm not doing much, but I like to be cooking ever day of the week. On weekend, I do it with DH!

[maggieb]

QOTD: I am very casual, probably too casual, but with this weight that I can't lose yet and spit up 12 times a day, it just isn't worth it for me to go buy nice clothes right now. When I'm finished weaning Marisa is when I'll go back to the gym and focus on what I'm eating. As soon as I get a halfway decent body back, I'm going on a huge shopping spree for nicer clothes. Right now it's just capris and t-shirts and in the fall it will be khakis/jeans and long-sleeved tees.

[flyerwife]

Thanks for the recipes, they all sound great. I try to cook several nights a week, but it always feels like the same things. Here's one we love and I've doubled when we have had lots of company and everyone loves it.

Here's the crockpot lasagna recipe

1 lb. ground beef, browned
32-oz, jar spaghetti sauce
8-oz. bag curly-edged noodles, cooked, or lasagna noodles cut up, cooked
16-oz. carton cottage cheese
8 ozs. shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese to taste

1. Combine beef and spaghetti sauce
2. Combine noodles, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese
3. Layer one-third of the beef mixture in slow cooker. Repeat layers, ending in beef mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
4. Cover. Cook on low 3-4 hours.


Crockpot Chicken

4 slices bacon
4 chicken breasts
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. sour cream
1 or 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (I used 2)
1 tablespoon flour
4 oz pimentos, small jar ( I didn't have any, so I didn't use any)

Wrap one slice of bacon around a chicken breast. Salt and pepper each breast. Place in the bottom of a crock pot. In a bowl, mix 8 oz. sour cream, 1 can cream of chicken soup, pimentos and flour. Pour over chicken, cook on high 6 or 7 hours. If you want more gravy add another can of cream of chicken soup instead of 1 can.
I have served this with rice or noodles and veggies.

Not a crockpot recipe, but very easy to make.
CHICKEN POT PIE

1 lb. chicken breast meat-stewed and chopped
1/2 cup broccoli or green beans
1/2 cup carrots- sliced and cooked
1 cup potatoes - diced and cooked
2 pkgs McCormick's chicken gravy mix-prepared
6 canned biscuits- like Pillsbury tender flake

Combine all ingredients except biscuits. Spray 2 qt casserole dish with vegtable spray. Separate 3 biscuits into 3 pieces each and line bottom of casserole dish pressing edges together to form crust. Pour chicken mixture over crust and top with remaining three biscuits. Bake at 350" for 30 minutes or until crust is brown and filling is bubbly.

And a simple salad recipe too. This can be made with grapefruit or oranges.
SPINACH SALAD RECIPE

Section 1 peeled orange over a bowl to catch fruit and juice.

Stir in 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette and 1 Tbsp. honey

Add ½ cup each walnuts and sweetened dried cranberries and 1 bag (6 oz) baby spinach.

Toss to mix. Serves 4


Finally something that makes a great lunch.
Pita Sandwiches
Makes 6 Sandwiches (275 calories each)

1 2.25 oz pkg ARMOUR® STAR SLICED DRIED BEEF, rinsed, cut in thin stips
1 2.25 oz can sliced pitted ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cups shredded lettuce
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup (4 oz) shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup low-calorie Italian salad dressing
3 pita bread rounds


Combine all ingredients except pita bread and toss lightly. Chill. Cut pita bread in half crosswise and slit pockets. Spoon mixture into pita bread halves.


That's is for now, enjoy and have a good weekend.

[lauren f s]

QOTD: At home I live in jeans, capris, shorts, and tees/tank tops. Getting cute and dressed up to spend the day at home with a toddler is just a waste of good clothes to me. I do have my nicer things that I wear when we go somewhere. I have couple of pairs of nice jeans and pants, a couple of nice skirts, and some pretty shirts. And accessories. I figure even a plain shirt can be dressed up with a pretty necklace and earrings.

[EmilyBronte]

QOTD~
I, too struggle with the wardrobe issue. I still have 12-15lbs to lose before I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight and none of my old clothes fit yet. Hopefully they will again one day! I just wear whatever right now - jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, etc. I would like some khakis and new tops for fall/winter, though. I agree that I'd feel much better if I had clothes that I like AND fit me!

[alienhost]

schools we probably will either move or send her to private school if we stay where we are. We are in the city and I think I'd prefer a stronger school system if we go public. But we have a way to go yet..

cooking We used to eat out a lot before DD (2-3 times a week) so it's been an adjustment. I'd say I cook a meal 3-4 days, have leftovers one, take-out or pizza one, go to his parents or mine come with food one day.

clothing This summer I was in shorts/capris and t-shirts. The fall will probaby be jeans/khakis and long sleeve ts. I'm pretty casual these days and work was business casual so if I need something "nicer" I can break out those clothes.

[tgray99]

QOTD: During the summer I wore the same few pairs of capris and t-shirts and flip flops. Now that it's a little cooler, I'm wearing jeans, loafers and a few different polo shirts.

[Astara]

amtaylor Did you check out www.momsclub.org? They have a "chapter links" section that links to moms club websites in all the different states. My city doesn't have a website, but I emailed the webmaster to ask if there was a club in my area. Lo and behold, there is! They just don't have a website.


Hey lorialys.. thanks!! I went to that website and sadly they do not have a moms club here.. maybe I will start a chapter in a couple months. Thanks for the info! :)

This is a really easy recipe and its absolutely delicous:

Chicken Monteray

*Boneless skinless chicken breast halves (I usually make 4)

*Monterey Jack Cheese Block cut into 2 1/2 x 1/2 in. sticks. (or whatever will fit & whatever kind of cheese you like)

*flour in a bowl- enough to coat chicken

*a couple eggs, beaten in a bowl

*seasoned or plain dry bread crumbs in a bowl

*butter or margerine
*Vegeteable oil
(enough to saute breaded chicken)

Pound chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. Place cheese in the center and fold chicken around it. Roll in flour; dip into eggs, then roll in crumbs. Place seam side down on a plate; refrigerate for 30 minutes. In a skillet, saute chicken in butter and oil until golden. Place in a small shallow baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375-400 for 15 minutes or until juices run clear.

Tonight, I am using this recipe to make chicken parmesean without the cheese in the middle.. it makes awesome "fried" chicken breast. Yum! :)
************************************************** **

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clothes I am a girly girl and I love nice clothes and make up and all that fun stuff. I know, however, this wont be priority once Genevieve is here and im getting spit up on 24/7. I'll just be in jeans and comftorble shirts.. and wear nicer shirts and jeans when we go out. I cant wait until she's here so I dont have to keep referring to her in future tense!

[SAHMs]

Updated to here!!

[LeslieR]

Sheesh, I kinda feel like a slob knowing that you guys wear jeans and capris and what not around the house! :o

[vjel]

Sheesh, I kinda feel like a slob knowing that you guys wear jeans and capris and what not around the house

Oh, I don't wear that stuff around the house, just when we go out somewhere. If I'm home, I'm in my "house clothes" or pjs. :) Why even get dressed up if you're not leaving the house...that just means more laundry for me to do! ;)

[tgray99]

This is a really easy recipe and its absolutely delicous:

Chicken Monteray

*Boneless skinless chicken breast halves (I usually make 4)

*Monterey Jack Cheese Block cut into 2 1/2 x 1/2 in. sticks. (or whatever will fit & whatever kind of cheese you like)

*flour in a bowl- enough to coat chicken

*a couple eggs, beaten in a bowl

*seasoned or plain dry bread crumbs in a bowl

*butter or margerine
*Vegeteable oil
(enough to saute breaded chicken)

Pound chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. Place cheese in the center and fold chicken around it. Roll in flour; dip into eggs, then roll in crumbs. Place seam side down on a plate; refrigerate for 30 minutes. In a skillet, saute chicken in butter and oil until golden. Place in a small shallow baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375-400 for 15 minutes or until juices run clear.
I've had this recipe too! It's fabulous. My husband loves it too.

[Astara]

I've had this recipe too! It's fabulous. My husband loves it too.


I'm glad to see someone else out there has tried it! I love it so much~ Do you get Taste of Home or did someone make it for you? I love that magazine/cookbook!

[Astara]

Here's another recipe that we tried tonight.. it's really good!


3-Layer Quesadilla Supreme (I dont know what this is called, but this seems like a good name :))

*3 soft taco shells or burrito shells
*taco cheese
*browned burger w/ taco seasoning
*refried beans
*chopped tomato
*canned chopped green chile's
*Vegetable oil

preheat oven to 375-400

pour some veg. oil in a skillet and saute a shell until crisp. put on a plate covered with paper towl to soak up oil. Put the tortilla in a glass baking dish or stainless steel pan. top with refried beans, taco burger, chile's, tomato, & taco cheese. Put another soft tortilla on top. Repeat filling. Saute another tortilla until crisp, let sit on paper towel for a couple seconds and put it on top of the filling.

Put in oven until hot all the way through and cheese is melted. Top with sour cream, taco sauce, lettuce, whatever else~ :)

Sorry for the sketchy directions.. I'm going on a word of mouth recipe. It was really good though :)

[lauren f s]

I'm copying many of these recipes down. I love tasty, quick-cooking dinners! We had a 30-Minute Meal tonight and it was so easy and so good, so I thought I'd share.

Peasant Pasta
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
1/2 pound hot Italian sausage, available in bulk at butcher counter or, 2 links, casings removed
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, available in bulk at butcher counter or, 4 links, casings removed
3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped, optional
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup frozen green peas
24 leaves fresh basil, torn or thinly sliced
1 pound penne rigate pasta, cooked to al dente
Grated Italian cheese, for passing

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan. Add sausage meat. Crumble sausage meat as it browns. Add chopped garlic to the pan. When all of the crumbles have browned evenly, deglaze the pan drippings using chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce up to a bubble, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir cream into your sauce, this will blush the color and cut the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir peas and basil into your sauce to combine. Toss hot drained penne rigate in pan with the sauce, then transfer pasta to serving bowl.

-I put the peas on the side. I don't care for them, but DD loves them so she gets them with her serving. This is such an easy dinner and it tastes so good!

[seattleguamgirl]

Hi, hoping to join!

I am a SAHM to my DS Roman who will be 8 months in two days (born 2/3/05)!

Cooking: I am addicted to the Food Network and love trying recipes from Rachael Ray, Giada de Laurentiis, Alton Brown and Paula Deen. Honestly, my favorite show as of late is Everyday Italian (Giada). I have made so many of her recipes and every one of them has been amazing and EASY! Even my DH (who loves to cook and was the resident chef until my DS was born) is impressed. :)

[dal]

I just wanted to update my info on the first page to have my daughters' birthdates instead of their ages so I don't have to keep updating.

Alyssa Michelle 7.13.03
Kailey Emma 11.27.04

Thanks!

[dal]

Alright so how many of you have a home cooked meal almost every day? I try to cook 3 or 4 nights a week and we have leftovers the other night or two. On the weekends, we usually go out to eat, to family to eat or order in. Sometimes I'll cook a good fatty meal b/c on the weekdays I try to only cook really healthy lowfat meals.

[Traciann]

DD's birthdate is 4.26.05 Thanks!

Schools Public. I am going to school to be a teacher, and my DH is a band director in an excellent school district.

Cooking I need to cook more, but with DH's hectic work schedule its hard. Somedays he will get home at 7:00 and others its 9:30 or 10:00, even later on game nights.

Clothesright now its just shorts and shirts.

[newyorkgirl]

Schools - I really want to send DS to public school, if at all possible.

Cooking - I used to be such a good cook! Elaborate recipes that took all day! Then, with bedrest during pregnancy and after DS was born, I've just had no time. For the most part, we eat takeout/leftover takeout and probably homecooked meals twice a week or so (whenever I get a spurt of energy to cook).

Clothes - I worked up until the end of my first trimester, so I didn't really have casual non-maternity clothes except for a couple pairs of jeans (which I still can't fit). So I had to go out and buy a few pairs of what I call Mom Pants - comfy, machine washable, and slightly cropped (so you can wear flats with it). So I usually wear Mom Pants and a t-shirt. :) I haven't purchased any nice new clothes recently because I'm waiting to see how much more weight I can lose.

[SAHMs]

Updated to here :)

[Astara]

Cooking: I am addicted to the Food Network and love trying recipes from Rachael Ray, Giada de Laurentiis, Alton Brown and Paula Deen.


Have you ever tried Alton Brown's french toast? my husband makes this sometimes.. omg it is so good. We are also addicted to the food network.. we promptly watch it every evening. Glad to see we're not the only ones! lol :)



*I forgot to log out before so I just went ahead and reposted*

[Ferris]

Schools - public school! I am a teacher (not this year of course!) and believe that public school are great place for an education!

Cooking - I cook every night. I get recipes from foodnetwork.com and cookbooks I have at home. I really like using recipes from Sandra Lee's semi-homemade cookbooks. It takes so much less time and the food is still great!

Clothes-I am currently wearing the same 3 pairs of pants because I still don't quite fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans. I am getting SO tired of wearing the same thing, but I won't let myself buy any "big" clothes! I will only let myself get some new clothes when I get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.

[seattleguamgirl]

Have you ever tried Alton Brown's french toast? my husband makes this sometimes.. omg it is so good. We are also addicted to the food network.. we promptly watch it every evening. Glad to see we're not the only ones! lol :)

Unfortunately I have not tried this recipe yet but I have about NINE Good Eats episodes saved on my TiVo. :rolleyes: Alton has too many good recipes!

I was on a roll and made a Giada de Laurentiis recipe every day one week. They are soooo good! Do you watch her?

[bacchuslvr]

I'd like to join!!!

DD-Alexis
Born- 2/10/05

I'm new to this website and am excited to 'see' friends from the WC!!! So cool! This is such a wonderful thread!!!!

Cooking- Another Giada fan here... My hubby bought me her cookbook for my birthday, which I had asked for. I love cooking, but unfortunately I don't anymore. Lexi's naps don't last long enough and she hates not having my full attention... but we are working on that!!

Schools- Public

Clothes- Dressing up??? What's that?? ;-) Comfy clothes for me, unless I make it out of the house... then it's casual.

[HGMorgann]

clothes I wear mostly capris, khakis, and skirts with a nice shirt everyday. I like to do kinda a business casual everyday. I don't really like t-shirts and such, though. Thats just me though:-)

I finally broke down and bought a bunch of new shirts and sweaters that fit. With BF and all, I could only wear a few shirts from pre-pg. Its nice to have shirts that fit in the chest!

[marathongirl]

New QOTD - what do you do for "me" time?

I go for a good run on the weekends. Although a good run now is a far cry from what it was pre-DD. Also, I'm very into quilting so sometimes DH will take DD for a few hours on the weekend and let me sew or I'll just go browse through quilt stores by myself. I try to take a quilting class once a month. My MOMS Club also has a Moms Night Out once a month which is a fun way to unwind.

[vjel]

QOTD, i'll go shopping/window shopping on the weekends or if DH gets home early enough during the week I'll run out after dinner, sometimes I'll do some crafting, I have several different groups of girlfriends so between them I usually get a good girls night out once a month too.

I think I need more "me" time! ;)

[HGMorgann]

me time what is this? Honestly, I don't get away from Morgann very often. I go grocery shopping by myself after she goes to bed once a week, normally, and I consider this to be "me time" - kinda pathetic.

[Natasha]

HGMorgann--LOL, that sounds like my me time, too! Actually, DS's father and I are not together, so i get a day of me time a week. However, he is such a pain in the butt (my ex), that it is hardly worth it! lol After the baby is here, me time will really be a thing of the past.....

[AMC]

Just foud this thread and would love to join :D

AMC
Mommy to:
DD: Chloe - 15 mo.s
DS: due 12/19

[LILRTL]

Question for the moms out there. Do any of you have *slight* jealousy issues with your DH's careers? I feel so very, very fortunate that he has a wonderful job that allows me to stay home. However, on days like today where he got to go out to a great lunch, I feel a slight twinge of jealousy. I don't know any mommy people in my area (just now joined a play group), so I feel like my days are just sitting at home, hanging out in sweats.

I wouldn't trade staying home with Zack for the world. So...any ideas how to kick the jealousy? :o

[maggieb]

me time: Before Marisa arrived I was much better about getting 'me time' but not great. On Saturday mornings, DH would take Helena to swim class and I would putz around the house. Now, my me time is non-existent. Well, except for the 40 min that I sat in the examing room waiting for the dr to see my infected toe. Does that count?:rolleyes: I'm hoping that after Marisa is weaned to join a gym and to finish taking classes for my doctorate. Nine months to go.

jealousy: I don't envy DH's career, but I did have a lot of jealous twinges when my friends and colleagues were accepting principalships. I don't have any advice on how to kick it....I think it's totally normal and inevitable.

[SAHMs]

..Updated to here.. :)

[lauren f s]

Me Time: Usually on the weekends I'll go run errands while Ava gets some "Daddy time". Lately I've been going to Barnes & Noble, grabbing some coffee & a book and reading for an hour or so. Also, in the evenings after dinner, Kris and Ava go down to the playground in our apt. complex to play and I usually get a good 30 minutes of alone time.

jealousy: I have my days, especially when Ava's being a butt and fussing/throwing tantrums all day. I tend to get jealous that he gets to wear "real" clothes, spend a day with adults, and do things by himself whereas I'm lucky if I can use the restroom without a toddler dancing at my feet, singing "bye-bye ti-ti!" :rolleyes:

[LILRTL]

jealousy: I have my days, especially when Ava's being a butt and fussing/throwing tantrums all day. I tend to get jealous that he gets to wear "real" clothes, spend a day with adults, and do things by himself whereas I'm lucky if I can use the restroom without a toddler dancing at my feet, singing "bye-bye ti-ti!" :rolleyes:

Sorry - had to laugh at the "bye-bye ti-ti!" :D Too cute.

[Jen1098]

Me time-ha what's that. It's so hard in the evenings b/c by the time DH gets home, Josh gets fed, bathed and put to bed I'm to exhausted to do anything buy veg. DH is really good about telling me to get out on the weekends but I never do. I do take advantage of dh on weekends by napping.

Jealousy-I used to be really jealous of dh's lunch and dinner "meetings". I always made him tell me what he ordered so I could live vicariously through him. After awhile it stopped bothering me.

[jmvan74]

Me time: I get it when I go shopping and DH will let me sleep in on the weekends. Of course, that's like an hour because I have to feed again. No bottle here! boo hoo. DH puts DS to bed, so that is a half an hour of TV time for me.

clothes: Now that it is cooling off...jeans and t-shirts. If I'm feeling good, I'll go with khakis and a nicer shirt. Today..sick baby and mommy... sweats and non-matching, ratty t-shirt. :D

Jealousy: Yeah a bit. I'm happy to be home with Collin, but adult lunchhes and interactions would be nice. I go to one meeting with other mom's a week. I need to find more outside interactions.

Cooking: I cook a few times a week. I need to cook more. I find a lot of easy, yummy recipes in Woman's Day magazine. I'm going to make a little binder of the recipes I find there. My goal is to try and start making a menu for the week, so I have all the ingredients I need to make healthy meals.

[tgray99]

New QOTD - what do you do for "me" time?

I go for a good run on the weekends. Although a good run now is a far cry from what it was pre-DD. Also, I'm very into quilting so sometimes DH will take DD for a few hours on the weekend and let me sew or I'll just go browse through quilt stores by myself. I try to take a quilting class once a month. My MOMS Club also has a Moms Night Out once a month which is a fun way to unwind.
I have class on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, that's lots of adult/intellectual interaction. I go to a MOMS club meeting at my church on Thursday mornings and Aidan goes to the nursery. I also go to a Crop once a month and Aidan stays with DH.

[HGMorgann]

Jealousy - yep, defintely deal with this at times. He eats out a lot with work so that is what normally gets me. But I am very blessed to be at home with her.

[Traciann]

Jealousy-It used to bother me that DH could come and go when he wanted without thinking about who is taking care of the baby. but it doesn't bother me much anymore. i get to sleep in. :)

me time- ummm that would be running errands w/o DD, school on wed night, and then DH gives DD a bath most nights. i really look forward to bath time.

[newyorkgirl]

me time - I haven't really gotten much of that lately, except for 24 hours last weekend when I had mastitis and HAD to sleep. A couple times a month or so, DH will watch DS while I go get a pedicure or something. I love to knit, but I haven't done much of that in the past three months. Sometimes, I can manage to do it if I sling DS and he falls asleep - I'll just walk to the nearest Starbucks and knit/read while he naps in the sling.

jealous? - not of DH - we used to be in the same profession, so I know he works hard and has to deal with unpleasant things sometimes too. Sometimes I have a tinge of regret about the career I gave up, especially when I see my high-powered single/MBNK girlfriends charging through their professions. But this job suits me best. The only time I'm jealous of DH is when he goes on a business trip and gets to sleep a full night without waking to care for DS!

[jki]

me time- Don't see what the big deal is... the way I see it, I've had 32 years of me time, I'd MUCH rather have a family activity on the weekends instead! I have me time when the kids are napping or when they're able to entertain themselves.

That being said, DH is good about it and encourages me to get out. Let's see... he is on baby duty Friday/Saturday nights and Sunday/Saturday mornings, my mom's group has a dinner once per month, I get a mani/pedi at least once a month, I go to the grocery store on the weekends alone, I take about 1 afternoon per month to go shopping, I have a spa day with my sister once every quarter, and we have a nanny two mornings per week.

Once DD is STTN, we are going to start working out again.

jealous- No way. DH supports 4 people and it's a LOT of pressure. His work is fast paced and demanding. It's political. He wastes time in boring, unproductive meetings. His boss is a total a-hole.

When he goes out to eat, sometimes he orders extra and brings me home leftovers... but I've had years of expense account dinners.

I have a mom's group that meets twice per week (plus dinners once per month without kids), a lot of my friends have kids, there are a ton of kids in our neighborhood, etc. so I am not at all lacking in adult interaction but I'm more of a loner so it's not that important to me.

[marathongirl]

jealousy - sometimes, but not often. I feel so blessed to be able to SAH. We were in the same profession, so DH tries to keep me current with industry happenings. The hardest part for me about staying home is that I'm very results driven and most days there isn't a measurable result to go by.

[Astara]

its been so quiet in here!~ :) I have a question.. is anybody doing the upromise thing to save a little extra money for their children??

[EmilyBronte]

Today someone from my alma mater called to do a quick survey. They checked to make sure my address and stuff hadn't changed, and they were doing a study to find out if people were using their majors. When she asked what I do and I told her SAHM, her response was, "don't worry, that's fine." Stupid girl - of COURSE it's FINE! :rolleyes:

I have a question.. is anybody doing the upromise thing to save a little extra money for their children??

We are not doing this or any other savings plan. We aren't bad parents, though - luckily DS has a trust fund from his grandparents.

[tgray99]

My grandparents have started a savings account for her and we plan on opening a 529 for her so we have a place to deposit the money she gets for Christmas.

[LexyLou]

Hi ladies,

Can I join this thread? I'm a new SAHM and just learning everything and getting it all down. I'll probably mostly lurk in the beginning since I'm still overwhelmed but look forward to hanging out with you ladies.

LexyLou
DD: Gabriella (Ella)
Born: 9-26-05

[BeachBum]

Hi.
I'm a SAHM and had no idea there was this thread. How fun!
Stats:
Beachbum
DS: Henry
B-day: 9/6

I wasn't working full time before Henry was born either but its still a big change. I was so used to being able to come and go as I felt like it. It's hard still because he is only a month old and I feel so trapped at home. We do lots of neighborhood walks!

QOTD:
workI just say I'm a stay at home mom. I'm over having issues with my career.
school We just don't know. I think government education in general is just so flawed, so that doesn't seem like a good option. We live in a small town and so private school is limited to the Catholic school and Montessori. The downside there is the snob factor which appears to be a problem from what I've seen with friend's children. I keep hoping things will change before he has to go to school.
cooking I love to cook! But haven't done much since Henry was born. I did make a lot of stuff for the freezer before so we are using that, DH is cooking some easy things and take out.
jealousy I don't want to trade places, but I do miss adult interactions.
me time shower? No really, we jsut haven't gotten that settled yet.
upromise Nope, but we are trying to decide what to do about a college savings plan. Any bright ideas?

[jmvan74]

Welcome lexielou and beachbum.

upromise: I did sign up for this, but I need to remember to shop at the places that really help.
I figure every little bit helps.

[tgray99]

Hi Lexylou! Ella is so cute (as best as I can tell from your avatar)! Were you LexandCardo on WC?? I loved your wedding photos! Welcome!

[Misty911]

I have some questions for you stay at home mother. I work right now 12 hour swing shift. I work either 7 am to 7 pm or PM to AM. It is really hard with two children and one on the way, also a step daughter who is with us most of the time. My DH works 12 hour night shift. We are always in the passing of another. We hardly ever see each other or hardly get time alone. He is wanting me to go part time, which at my work that would only be two or three days out of the month. How do y'all manage not going crazy? I'm scared to death that I wouldn't get a break from the kids. Does that sound terrible? I love my kids, they are a lot of hard work and I admire all of you who stay with them all the time. I have worked since I was 16, and I can't imagine staying at home all the time. However, I do think it might help my relationship with my husband. Do you all have any advice for me? I would appreciate any. Thanks.

[newyorkgirl]

Misty, how do you know we haven't all gone crazy from spending so much time with our kids? ;)

Seriously, I think it's important to continue some form of adult interaction, with other moms as well as with friends without children. And conversation will usually center on the children, but also to make an effort to talk about other things as well - current events, fashion, gossip, whatever.

Also, I make sure to keep up with a few of my favorite things to do - read, knit, cook, whenever I can - usually when DS takes his naps or on the weekends when DH can take the baby for a while.

On savings/college savings - DH is in charge of finding a 529 plan for us to invest in. We may do upromise, too, but the main investment vehicle will be the 529 plan. However, when we started to look into this, one important tip we got was this: if it comes to a choice between investing in you and DH's retirement vs. investing in DC's college savings, do the retirement thing. DC has loans available for college and that is not the case for retirement.

[HGMorgann]

Morgann's grandparents and my mom's work start a Virginia savings plan for her and college. I guess we should start contributing....stuff I just havent thought much about ...and should!

[Littlelamb11]

Littlelamb11
DD Annabelle born 8/8/02
DS EDD 1/15/06


QOTD:
workI just say I'm a stay at home mom or somthing to the efect of "I'm at home with Annabelle full time..."

school
We are one of those states without public preschool. we have DD in a NAEYC accredited Reggio Emilia preschool program. Reggio was my first philosophy choice but if i wasn't able to find and gotten INTO the wonderful program we found, I wanted an accredited program in a similar emergent curriculum/ The Project Approach/child directed/play based foundation.

cooking We eat out once a week, usually on the weekend. the rest of the meals are home cooked. and we split the cooking about 50/50.

jealousy. nah, no jealousy here. i love being home.

me time DH is 100% a team player so he takes DD whenever i need him to. for my main me time, i workout almost every morning and i also work PT singiing professionally for a catholic church. it's the perfect arrangement for me because it's at times (wednesday nights, occasional other weekday nights, saturday early evenings and sunday a.m-early afternoons) when DH is home most of the time to watch DD and if he's out of town on business, i can bring DD with me, i'm doing something for me that i LOVE and that is a part of who i am AND i'm making some fun money on the side. :)

upromise. yeah, started to use it until i realized i made $7 toward DD's college education in the past 3 years. LOL, that's not gonna make a dent in the 350K for each child our financial advisor has us saving and planning for. So far for college, DD has a 529 and a trust fund. DS will also have a trust fund but we're not sure yet if we want to go with another 529 or a different investment plan for him.

[lynnh]

We've had a Upromise account since I was pregnant with DS and have over $200 or so in it. Not a whole lot, but not bad either! We have a 529 to move that into, must get on that. I have a Citibank Upromise card, which helps a ton.

Going crazy - I do. I haven't made many friends since moving down here, so sometimes I do go stir crazy since my adult interaction is limited. But, since I have this major addiction to LJ/CC, I feel like I get "some". DH is really good at giving me a break too.

[lauren f s]

Upromise: We signed up for a Upromise account in March and have about $4 in it. I have a list of all the grocery items they cover and whenever I need a good number of them, we'll head over to Tom Thumb so we can have a little added to Ava's account. Her grandparents, one aunt, and a couple of friends are also saving for her. We doubt we'll have a lot saved in there by the time she's ready for college, but we'll take any extra bit we can. We've also got a college fund set up for her and my grandmother adds to it at Christmas and her birthday.

[flyerwife]

Misty911 I know that we didn't originally plan to have me stay home. I never thought I could do it, but now I can't see it any other way. One key is to have the kids involved in something, a class or a playgroup. That way you still get some adult interaction as well. It can be tough some days, but you just work through them. I'm sure that DH would be willing to take the kids some and give you a break, which would be key too. Good luck with your decision.

College Savings We have a upromise account, but it doesn't have much in it. However, I figure anything is better than nothing. We also have a 529 plan that we opened when DS was born, we contribute automatically everymonth and so does my mom. My in-laws put money in a Virginia account for all the grandkids. I hope that even the small amount we are able to contribute right now will be enough to help when he goes to school.

[Abby'sMom]

We have a few different college savings plans in place.

We do have a Upromise account. It's got About $35 in it now, I think. I have all of the grocery card #s from my mom and dad, and a small handful of our childless friends are signed up for us.

[SAHMs]

Updated to here! :)

[Astara]

Welcome to everyone just joining! :)

Lexy I cant say it enough.. ella is just gorgeous!!

Upromise: We are also going to open up a savings account just for genevieve.. but since it seems like some of you have done that too and have actually saved a little something.. we'll probably go ahead and sign up for that too~

Jealousy I used to be pretty envious of DH.. he's got an awesome career, he keeps getting moved up in the company, he gets to work with great people, go out to lunches & can pretty much take any day off that he wants.. I would have loved to have a career like he has, but lately I am much more comftorble with the role I play and only get jealous now when he gets to go out to lunch and I dont! :)

Oh and I wanted to ask.. I know most of you mommies probably dont get an awful lot of time to watch tv.. but my mom bought me the first season of desperate housewives & I was wondering if anyone has had the time to watch it? I do not like tv shows generally and watch very little of it.. but both DH and I are obsessed with this show!


When she asked what I do and I told her SAHM, her response was, "don't worry, that's fine." Stupid girl - of COURSE it's FINE! :rolleyes:

Omg! I cant believe she actually said that!~

[marathongirl]

Welcome to the new moms!

Upromise - yes, we do that. My family is also joined to DD's account. My ILs have set up a 529 for DD.

[Carissa]

Can I join?


Carissa
DD: Grace
May 15th, 2005



upromise We just started an account.

[LeslieR]

Welcome to all the new moms!

Savings-we're actually in the process of trying to figure out what to do about this as we just had Luke's Christening where he received a lot of monetary gifts. I was thinking a 529 plan, but I know nothing about them. DH says it's Luke's money and we should just put it in a savings account so that he can do whatever he wants with it when he is older. I see his point, but he won't get much return on a savings account. Anyone know of a better option? I'm so clueless on this stuff.

[LexyLou]

savings-DH's mom has started a 529 and my mom has started a mutual fund. Right now we are also saving in just an ING saving account. We need to do something better than that but our account only las like $1K in it so we want to grow it a bit before we invest it in something else.

I want to do a 529 but have to do research on which state has the best plan and if they will even renew. Aren't they set to expire in 10 years or something?

jealousy-Well DD is only 2 weeks old and DH has been working from home. I'm very lucky and get him home for one more week too. He works REALLY hard and I would never (even before baby) want his career. I was once in his field and left because it was too intense for me. I know I'll miss adult interaction but since we are both in accounting he'll keep me up to date.

Thank you Astara. :D

Thank you Tgray. Yup, I was LexandCardo on WC. :D

[Pookie]

savings We have a small savings account and a Gerber Life insurance policy that we can cash out if need be. I think my parents are also going to buy Ryan a policy. DH's aunt also has an account for him that she's going to contribute to yearly. FIL also has an account for him. He's a stockbroker, so we trust him to make the best move for DS. We'd also like to start a 529 or something at his first b-day, but just need FIL to tell us the best move.

jealously I'm not jealous of the daily interaction since I take a class 3 days a week and get a day to myself when DH is at home. What I am jealous of is that DH gets to sleep away 2-3 nights a week for work, especially the last 2 nights since Ryan has decided to have a late night/ early morning party.:rolleyes:

[screetch]

Signing up!

Screetch
DS: Ryan
November 24, 2003

College savings -- I'm actually just about to sign up for a Upromise credit card. I've had our current credit card on file with them and we've gotten a small amount back by going to preferred restaurant. DH set up a mutual fund before we even met for future kids' college, but it's just $50 a month so I'd like to start contributing to the 529 plan.

jealousy Not really, though sometimes it irks me when he doesn't want to go out to eat b/c we are with kid in tow. He travels and gets to eat out a lot so he's not itching to get out like I am sometimes. Otherwise, I think I've got the better job.

[chiffani]

Chiffani
DD: Cadence
November 8, 2004


From the questions I recall:

Upromise - we started an account and fill up our gas tanks at the proper stations and use the other qualifying places as often as we can to get money. We don't have much in there yet but I'm going to see if anyone else wants to join in on her account, like Grandparents and such :)

Jealousy - I get jealous occassionally, like when I'm having a bad day with DD. If she's cranky I wish *I* could be the one at the office all day while he was dealing with her. Otherwise I'm soooo grateful that he works and I get to be with her all day long :D I love her... I'm a sap ;)

Cooking - We don't cook nearly as often as we should and I'm too ashamed to admit how often that is. It falls into my lap and I hate cooking... I just hate the prep time I do suppose. I LOOOOVE my crockpot though and I will be stealing those recipes you all posted some pages back! THANKS!

Me time - I also get zilcho of this. I love to check in on my boards during her naps (when the cleaning's done!) and I also love to read. I get a bazillion magazines (TONS of parenting ones) and I'm backlogged on books. I have so many good books but just no time to read them. I reeeeealllllly want to get back into reading books. I have been reading a great one now since before summer... it's a good book and I get sucked in everytime but I just don't read it enough to finish lol.

Well anyways... I'm subscribing :D

[Astara]

Hey ladies! Welcome to you who just joined!! :)

Tiff~ Hey! It's nice to see you here!~ ETA: Cadence looks adorable in the halloween photo!!!!

[SAHMs]

Updated~ :) :)

[melkat]

Joining in!
melkat
DS: Dylan
12-4-04

I can't remember all the questions, but I have to say I am lacking in me time. DH is away for work 7 out of every 10 days. It is so hard to be the only parent 24/7 (I can really empathize with single parents most days). I also get jealous of the time my DH gets to himself. He can eat, nap, got to the bathroom whenever he wants. But then I remember how much he misses Dylan and I am so grateful to be home with him every day:D

[chiffani]

Jes - check out my livejournal to see all the rest ;) She had a really good session with Sears this last time :D I was so excited!!!

[Carissa]

I guess somehow I didn't get added. Reposting my stats

Carissa
DD: Grace
May 15th, 2005


Jealousy Not to much except when I haven't had much sleep and DD is having a rough day.

Cooking I cook about 4-5 times a week. I have some quick and easy recipes and am biulding my own cookbook of the ones I use the most.

My time Not much because dh is in school so my "me" time is limited. I do get a few hours on the weekend though.

[SAHMs]

~Updated to here~

I am sorry about that Carissa!! :) Thanks for reposting your stats.

[usafwife]

Hi, I'd like to join the group as well.

usafwife
DD: Sarah
June 28, 2005

I used to work at home doing my job but I'm not going to do that for a little while. I want to just be a mommy and take care of DD (and any future children). I'll probably go back to doing my former job once they are all in school.

Cooking ~ I cook 3 nights a week because otherwise DH wouldn't get anything to eat. Carissa, I'm trying to work on a family cookbook as well. Guess that was one thing I should have gotten done while I was pregnant. Oh well, it's a good winter project when it's too cold and there is too much snow to go outside.

Me Time ~ Not much in this department either. Like Carissa, my DH is taking night classes, works fulltime, and overtime (which means Saturdays and some Sundays). And the million things that need to be done around here. So I'm DD's primary caretaker. It doesn't allow me much time for myself. Thankfully I do go to my mom's for a couple of hours while he's at class. But I know that is going to be coming to an end when it gets cold out.

I enjoy my time with DD. I charish each moment that we have together. And let DH take care of DD when he's home. I know that his time is limited with her right now. But I do need my time to rest as well. We've recently found out that I have a thyroid problem (waiting on yet another blood test to determine the cause...hopefully the office will call tomorrow and let me know) so I need to rest and not have much stress in my life (yeah, right).

[Astara]

usafwife Do you know which type of thyroid problem you have?

[SAHMs]

~Updated~

Welcome to the new members! :)

[usafwife]

usafwife Do you know which type of thyroid problem you have?

I have hyperthyroidism. The specialist's office was suppose to be calling today with the results of my latest blood test. So far I haven't heard from them yet. It was done to determine the cause and treatment. I've certainly had enough blood tests the past two weeks. I'm a pin cushion.

[Astara]

usafwife I can totally sympathize.. except I have Hypothyroidism.. being a pin cushin is no fun! :) Hopefully they call with your results soon!

[bacchuslvr]

Hi Ladies! It's been a while since I've been here. My husband just got a new job and we are now moving to the Chicago area. We have a lot to do in the next month!!!

So... ME TIME- none. Except during her naps. I'm living in a small town now, but I'm hoping in Chicago I can find some MOM groups to join.

[DnJ2002]

Me Time-You're looking at it...only during nap times at this point and that's usually consumed with housework or getting a shower. The other day DH told me I should find a hobby instead of just doing housework all day :rolleyes: I have hobbies, the problem is finding time to do them since the house doesn't clean itself. He does like his time with our DD in the evenings so I should use that more to my advantage!

bacchuslvr-where in Chicago are you moving to? I'm in the suburbs and would be happy to help you out with questions!

[Astara]

bacchuslvr Awesome news!! I hope your moving goes smoothly & you love living in your new town!!

Does anyone know of any good recipes for the freezer? this is bad but I have never before frozen any meals. I dont know if there is anything that doesnt take well to being frozen or if there is anything that takes particularly well to it. I am a bit of a procrastinator.. I should of probably done this sooner.

[chiffani]

Umm yeah Jes, you're due today, HOLY CRAP!

I didn't freeze anything either so I can't help you there but I hope someone else pipes up :D

[Astara]

Umm yeah Jes, you're due today, HOLY CRAP!

I didn't freeze anything either so I can't help you there but I hope someone else pipes up :D

LOL you are so funny. I know I am so bad!! :)

[bacchuslvr]

Freezing- I have no idea!!! I am a big fan of the frozen meals from Lean Cuisine or Stouffers. They have family size ones now.

DnJ2002 Awesome!!! I have never been there, so I'm not sure where we are going to live. We have heard Naperville area is nice. Do you have any suggestions??? THANK YOU!!!

ASTARA Thank you! I hope so too. Moving is such a pain, but I'll do anything to get into a bigger city. No more internet shopping for me!!!

[Astara]

Freezing Moving is such a pain, but I'll do anything to get into a bigger city. No more internet shopping for me!!!

Thanks for the stouffers tip :) Living near or in chicago will be lots of fun! I've heard there's lots to do there~ have a piece of pizza for me! lol

[jmvan74]

Freezer foods: Pasta dishes like lasagne, ziti and even baked mac and cheese freeze pretty well. ;)

[Astara]

Freezer foods: Pasta dishes like lasagne, ziti and even baked mac and cheese freeze pretty well. ;)

Oh thank you so much for telling me that.. I was wondering if those were good in the freezer! I gotta go to the store tonight :)

[Carissa]

freezer You can also brown your hamburger meat and freeze it. Saves you an extra step if you a recipe calls for hamburger meat.

[Astara]

Oh great idea Carissa Thank You!! :) :) Please keep these tips coming! Im going to be busy tonight!~

[BeachBum]

Does anyone know of any good recipes for the freezer? this is bad but I have never before frozen any meals. I dont know if there is anything that doesnt take well to being frozen or if there is anything that takes particularly well to it. I am a bit of a procrastinator.. I should of probably done this sooner.


My DH and I spent the sunday before I gave birth making stuff for the freezer. I posted a lot of recipes on herehttp://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=989&highlight=freezer+meals

[Astara]

Oh wow~ thanks for that link! there are so many recipes that look good on there~ :D

[jmvan74]

Astara,I hope you have time to make some of those recipes before that baby comes!:D

[Astara]

Astara,I hope you have time to make some of those recipes before that baby comes!:D


lol! me too~

[HGMorgann]

Freezer-
Enchiladas Freeze well and are pretty easy.
Quiches - eggs, milk, lunchmeat, spinach, and a pie crust. Mix, Bake, and Freeze
Pasta does great

I freeze everything:-)

[Astara]

Freezer-
Enchiladas Freeze well and are pretty easy.
Quiches - eggs, milk, lunchmeat, spinach, and a pie crust. Mix, Bake, and Freeze
Pasta does great

I freeze everything:-)


Oh Thank you all of those sound so good!!!! I had no idea enchiladas and eggs froze well~ :) I am so greatful to you all for posting this stuff!!

[DnJ2002]

Bacchuslvr-Naperville is a nice area (in the Western suburbs). We live in the NW suburbs which we really like. There are really a lot of nice Chicago areas (and so much to do!). The best advice I can give is to start close to your DH's job location since traffic can get really bad (or in cities close to the train if he's working in the city). Housing can be pricey but a lot of location is what you're looking for. Some people love living downtown. We chose our area because my DH only has a 15 min. commute (mind you, its only a 3 mile drive!) and having him close is so worth it to us. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions. I've been here for 6 years and I still remember trying to figure it all out when I came here (and I was a single gal and knew no one!)

Astara-If you have time this weekend before your baby girl arrives, definitely cook and freeze. I got lazy buy bought a lot of frozen food at Sams Club (pasta, steaks, chicken) and that was a life saver to know there was food in the freezer! All the suggestions sound great (I'm taking notes for next time!).

[lynnh]

Bacchuslvr - I second the "stay close to DH's work" from DnJ2002. I can get to his work around lunch time in a half hour, but it takes him over and hour to get to/from work during rush hour. I really wish we would have moved closer to the area, but we couldn't afford me to stay home and get the house we wanted in the Arlington Heights area.

[LeslieR]

Bacchuslvr, Naperville is a nice area. I grew up in Plainfield, which is like a town over. Also a very nice area-great schools. The only problem there is that there has been a major population boom in the past 13 years. In some areas, the traffic is horrendous. I haven't been home in almost 3 years-I miss it a lot.:(

[Astara]

Green Bean Casserole
Prep Time: 5 mins. Cooke Time: 35 mins.

3/4 Cup milk
1/8 tsp pepper
10 3/4 oz can cambells cream of mushroom soup
2 cans cut green beans, drained -OR- 2 (9oz) pkgs frozen cut green beans, thawed.
1 1/3 cups french's original fried onions

In 1 1/2 Qt casserole, mix all ingredients except 2/3 cup french onions.

Bake 30 min at 350F or until hot; stir.
Top with 2/3 cup onions Bake 5 min or until onions are golden
serves 6

I love this.. anyone else like it?

[Natrat80]

I'd love to join!
Natrat80 (Natalie)
Mommy to Addison Grace
6/14/05

[Astara]

Hi Natalie! :) Welcome!~

[SAHMs]

Updated :)~

[Astara]

Oh! LeslieR I just had to say that your Icon is the cutest thing ever!!!! I love that little pumpkin outfit~

[HGMorgann]

astara, what part of NH are you in, if you dont mind saying? I am in Manchester. :0)

[Astara]

HGMorgann No I dont mind at all! :) I am in Concord~ We just made the trip to Manchester last night just for papa johns.. your so lucky... :)

[jmvan74]

All of these freezer ideas are making me hungry! I think I might want to freeze just for fun! Well....I'm still it'd still be a conveniece with a 4 month old. hehe! :D

Hi Nat!

[Astara]

All of these freezer ideas are making me hungry! I think I might want to freeze just for fun! Well....I'm still it'd still be a conveniece with a 4 month old. hehe! :D



That's a great Idea! I will still probably continue to do this even after DD is born.. I'm making minestrone soup with little pasta's and butternut squash soup tonight to freeze.. I got both of those recipes from the cooking section & they look really easy to make.. im all about easy. If it had too many ingredients it scares me away! lol

[bacchuslvr]

Thank you Chicago Ladies!!! This is such a stressful time, though exciting!

Though I don't freeze food, I like to use my crock pot. It is SO easy and since it makes so much food, I'm sure you could freeze some of it!

[HGMorgann]

We go up to Concord for Wal-mart and B*Moss at the mall:-) Its a pretty cool little town. We like Manchester a lot though, even if its Walmart stinks...

[Astara]

I just had to come in and post this.. I got this from the cooking/entertainment thread. Posted by sublime311. It is exceptionally good & extra easy to make!!!

Minestrone

2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth
3 cups V-8 (I use the Spicy variety)
1 cup each chopped red bell pepper, chopped zucchini, and chopped green cabbage
1 cup white beans (navy)
3 tbsp chopped, fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp each dried thyme and black pepper

- Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add celery and garlic (can also use some onion here, if you like). Cook and stir for three minutes, until veggies begin to soften.

- Add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

* This soup freezes well, so it's a great make-ahead. To make it Phase 2, just add small pasta (I like to use those little ABCs) and 1 cup of chopped carrots.

*Freeze in ziplock bag in the portion size you want. Then freeze flat on cookie sheet. To serve defrost and heat.

South Beach Diet, Phase 1

**I just wanted to add that with the hot spicy v-8 it reminded me a lot of Pasta e Fagioli.. I added kidney beans instead of the navy beans and ditalini pasta to it. You could even add beef or ground turkey if you wanted.. its so so good & makes a lot!**

Though I don't freeze food, I like to use my crock pot. It is SO easy and since it makes so much food, I'm sure you could freeze some of it!

I have a crockpot and I have never used it because I always thought it might be hard? must be bc I havent used one before or tried. I am so weird.. anyways I will try it out this week!

HGMorgann Yes, Walmart in Manchester is scary!!! But we like manchester too.. You guys have the mall of New Hampshire though.. which means you have the picture ppl!! :) Now manch or concord just needs to get a BRU.. I hate it that its all the way in Salem!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!! :) *crossing finger* Please let me give birth this week!!!

[jmvan74]

Astara:Sending you labor vibes!!!:D

[chiffani]

Jes you have to try the crock pot! I can't cook worth a darn but I can cook anything in my crock pot! You basically throw everything in and leave it to cook all day, it's AWESOME!!!

[LeslieR]

QOTD: Do you have life insurance for yourself? If so, how much is the policy for?

This is something we are currently working on. DH has insurance for himself through work, but I keep insisting that it's not enough and we need more. I had a policy through work, but since I'm not longer working, it ends soon. I have the option of paying for it myself, but I'm not sure what I will do. DH thinks it's unnecessary for me to have life insurance and I keep trying to explain to him how important it would be for him to have that money if something were to happen to me since I am a SAHM (possible daycare costs, formula since I bf, etc., etc.). I'm just not sure how much would be an adequate amount?

[jmvan74]

QOTD:Good question. I had it through work, too, but I don't have any additioinal. DH and i are planning on meeting with a lawyer to do a living will and should probably take care of life insurance, too. I think through work I had $80K. It's not a ton, but enough to cover a funeral, etc...

[chiffani]

QOTD: No insurance here... we should definitely look into that though, thanks for the idea.

[lynnh]

DH and I got insurance policies after Aaron was born last year. He has it through work too, but we don't really count that because it's not guaranteed to always be there, KWIM?

My parents got me a small policy ($15,000 death beni) when I was a child, so I had that. But, that will not be enough. Think about it, what will DH have to pay for to replace you? Childcare, maybe house keeping? There are a bunch of other things that I can't remember and we may have added some cushion to help with mortgage or college expenses. I really can't remember how we came up with the number. We put quite a bit on me, but not as much as we did on him, obviously. I don't feel comfortable giving that amount though, sorry.

[Littlelamb11]

QOTD

on the advice of our financial advisor, we have 500K on me and a larger policy on DH...11 times his current salary. That way, if something happens tomorrow, i won't have to worry about finances, going back to work, the house, college for the kids. Eveerything will stay the same. For my policy, on top of death/funeral expenses, we definately figured in costs of a nanny or au pair, housekeeper etc for several years after. We got our policies a month after DD was born. I can't believe how much piece of mind it gives us to have our wills drawn up and life insurance policies in place.

[jki]

We only have $100K on me. I used to have additional coverage through work but am obviously no longer working. We are going to take out an additional policy as soon as I lose the baby weight.

[flyerwife]

We have some thru DH's work and figure if he changes jobs that he will probably still have some with the next job too. However, we also have other policies on him too. I have a small policy that my parents took out when I was little and then another one that is larger. Nothing near 11 times, but should be enough to help...

BTW, chiffani, I can't believe how much the little one has grown, I remember seeing pics early on in sunmoonstars75's journal.

[chiffani]

flyerwife - what's your LJ name? My DD will be ONE next month :( Not sure what I think of that but I don't think my opinion matters, she'll be turning one regardless ;)

[flyerwife]

I'm hrmm97 over there, I'm one of the few non WI girls that posts in her journal (I think). She can vouch for me...at least I think she better ;) It's tough to watch them hit milestones, I can't believe that mine will be 4 in a few weeks!

[chiffani]

Oh yes, I think you have a little boy, Zach, perhaps? I know who you are now :)

[LexyLou]

life insurance-DH has something like 7 times his salary through work. Right now I'm covered for 5 times my salary through my work but that will change when I put in my notice.

We just tried to apply for spousal insurance through DH's work. I think it's $500K but I have to have a physical and I have MS...so we aren't sure they will insure me. If not we'll have to try to get it on our own which I'm sure will be very expensive because of the MS but it's something we have to have.

We have a crock pot but never use it. Does anyone have any higer protein lower fat recipes for the crock pot? I would like to start making dinner again.

[flyerwife]

chiffani, you got me :) It doesn't surprise me that you would know the boy...

the crockpot is awesome, I don't have any recipes handy, but there are a ton on the web and some good cookbooks too. Unfortunately I loanded a couple of mine out and haven't gotten them back.

[Chylynn]

Not sure if I belong here or not as I work 20 hours a week from home when Rebecca is sleeping, but my main job is being a Mommy to Rebecca.

Mommy to:
DD: Rebecca
Born: April 2nd, 2005

QOTD -We have 500K on me and my hubby has 7 times his salary. We took out my life policy when I was still working, but we are planning on keeping it the same since I take care of Rebecca during the day.

You girls are making me hungry looking at all these yummy recipes!

[LeslieR]

I've seen $500k mentioned twice now, is that a recommended amount for a SAHM? I know I read somewhere that $1million is the recommended amount for the main breadwinner, but I'm not sure if I ever read anything about what a good amount would be for a SAHM. DH got some info from an agent yesterday, so we're going to look over it and do something soon.

[Carissa]

life insurance None yet we are shopping around

[HGMorgann]

I have no idea about life insurance. We have some, but I don't know how much. Honestly, if DH died, Morgann and I would move in with my parents. Morbid, but we already discussed what we would do (or more what I would do.)

[chiffani]

Thought you all might like to know that Astara had her baby at 1:20 am this morning!!!! Genevieve Grace-Patricia was 8lbs 6oz and 21 inches long :) Mama sounded tired but very happy. Can't wait to hear the details! Congrats to the happy family!

[Carissa]

Astara CONGRATS!!!

[jmvan74]

Congrats Astara!

Chiffani,Thanks for the update on Astara! :D

[bacchuslvr]

Congrats astara !!!!

[BeachBum]

Congrats Astara! (I wonder if she got any casseroles made? ;))

So there aren't any mom's groups in my area. I've considered starting something. Can someone who participates in one tell me what goes on?
Obviously at this point especially it is more for the moms than the kiddos, but is there an agenda or do you just meet somewhere and hang out?

[chiffani]

The groups I belong to mostly just meet at a kid friendly place (restaurants sometimes, parks, etc) and then if there are older kids they run around while the moms and babies chill out and socialize.

I'm also involved in a yahoo group that does more involved things like "Tike Hikes" and stuff of that nature where it's more organized. But I would say if you're just looking for mommy interaction just organize something a bit more casual :)

[neenbean]

Hey! Another SAHM here. :)

Me:Neenbean
DD: 3/19/05


I saw this thread a few weeks ago, but didn't get a chance to post... So much to catch up on!

Cooking: I try to cook at least 4X/week, usually more. We eat out at least once or more and then get take out almost once or twice each week; sometimes not... I use a lot of recipes from www.epicurious.com and also the Kraft interactive kitchen. Those are so easy and rarely take more than an hour.

Me time: I get to the gym 4-5 days/week and they have a nursery. Our membership ends in January, so I think I will join the Y then. They have day care as well. Also, DH is really great about giving me lots of time on my own. He does her bath every night and we read together for bedtime. I go out with friends or go scrapbooking at least once/month. I sometimes feel guilty, but then remember that I am a better woman/mother/wife when I feel good and have time to take care of me. :D

jealousy: rarely. It is like most said; when DH is out for work lunches, I wish I could go along (and bring DD, too, of course!). I would not trade staying home for anything.

insurance: we have it, on both of us, but I am not sure of the details. If something happened to DH, I would move home- or at least near my mom. I have no trouble going back to work if that were the case.

Moms groups/playgroups: I belong to a local MOMS Club. I live about 8 hours from my hometown, so this group has been a life saver. I knew no one when we moved here and was miserable for a month or two; I was also only 8 weeks along in my pregnancy. I met some wives of DH's co-workers which was a great start. After DD was born, I joined and found a lot of really amazing women within the club and really look forward to all events. You can learn more and see if one is in your area by going to www.momsclub.org and emailing to ask for local clubs. If not, you are also able to start your own. Some of the rules are tedious, but in the end it is so worth it! :D

CONGRATS ASTARA!!!! So exciting! Hope all is well with your precious little one. :)

[HGMorgann]

Congrats, Astara. Yay on another Granite State baby:-)

Neen, I e-mailed you.

Playgroups - I havent really found any actual playgroups, but I am a LLL memeber, so we go to those meetings. I am also going to the Holistic Moms meetings in our area, and going to check out the API meeting in our area next week. (man, i sound crunchy...) We get together and play with a little boy her age once a week though.

[kimthebride]

Wow, this thread moved fast since the last time I visited!

Cooking
I cook almost every night, but nothing too fancy. I have been thinking about making casseroles and getting a crock pot but DH doesn't like anything creamy or cheesy...which of course defeats the purpose!
I have found many great, healthier recipes on www.cookinglight.com

Me Time
I am lucky and DS is very good, so he usually takes a 2-3 hour nap midday in his stroller while I have a girls lunch or shopping, or if I'm home I can relax, read etc. DH does his bath nightly, and on the weekends DH makes sure to give me some time each day to go out shopping, for breakfast, something that's just me.

Jealousy
Not too jealous of DH's work dinners since I was in the same industry as him and those business dinners and lunches are about as fun as having hot nails put in my eye. :) I'd rather be home dining with the little one in my pj's.

Insurance
We have it, though I don't recall how much.

Moms Groups
I do a few.
One is baby yoga - the program is called Itsy Bitsy and they have an instructional book if you're interested in trying that out with the moms.
One is just an open play group. We meet in a local park, lay out blankets and chat.
One is a 6-week series with something different each week: working out with baby, painting pottery, chatting with a Pediatrician, makeovers and photosessions, mom & baby yoga and something else.
I also do Reel Moms with Loew's movie theaters, when it's an all-moms day at the movies with kids under 1 year.
You might want to have little excursions that interest moms more than the babies, like to the movies, visit museums, have an in-home spa day with pedicures and 10-minute chair massages, get someone in to teach moms how to get rid of the post-baby flabby belly, mom clothing and baby toy/clothing swap day etc.

Naperville
My SIL lives very close to this town and was interested in moving there for a while. It was one of the best towns to live in in the country for a while now. Nice school system, etc. I have heard nothing but GREAT things about the place. Congrats of the move!

[dzmattie]

dzmattie
DS - Gary
Born 1/15/04

Glad to be joining!:D

[Candy]

BeachBum MrsTazlvr (Cori)started a moms group through yahoo groups that I'm a member at. It's an awesome group. Send her a PM if you have any questions. She really did do a great job. It's very active & extremely successful!

[tgray99]

Cooking
I've started back to cooking again. I cook out of Weight Watcher's cookbooks mostly for dinner. For lunch I usually make a wrap with Baked Lays.

Me Time
DH does Aidan's bath at night and gives her her nightly bottle. I go to class 2 nights a week, Weight Watchers on Wednesdays and my church MOMS club on Thursdays. I'd love to find a fitness moms group but there aren't any around here.

Jealousy
Nope, not at all, not even when he was working was I ever jealous of him. I think he was jealous of me.

Insurance
Nope.

Moms Groups
I'm in one through my church. We get together once a week at church. Aidan goes to the nursery where she LOVES watching the other kids play and she is either held or plays on the floor or in an exersaucer. In the group we're reading a book called "The Mother Load" and we discuss a chapter per week, we talk about parenting issues, etc. I like it but wish there were more to do outside of the meetings. My friend Tanya is in one and I may see about joining up with them, they do a lot more like playgroups, field trips, etc.

[Carissa]

Mom's groups I need to find one. I'll have to check out the website posted.

[MrsTazlvr]

BeachBum MrsTazlvr (Cori)started a moms group through yahoo groups that I'm a member at. It's an awesome group. Send her a PM if you have any questions. She really did do a great job. It's very active & extremely successful!


Awww, thanks, Candy. Yes, I did start my own Yahoo Moms Group locally so feel free to PM me with any questions and I'd be more than happy to help you. :)

[Astara]

::Xposted from Journal::

Labor Story

I began getting small contractions that morning at 8 am.. they were extremely bearable and I thought it was false labor. Around 5pm They started coming about 6-1 minute apart so we called our clinic just to make sure.. we were sure it wasnt the real thing! We went in, we were told I was a 3cm and was almost in active labor. My Midwife told me to go home (I live 5 mins from the hospital) and come to the hospital @ 7pm. We came home, and my contractions became even more unbearable.. I was having one about every 2-3 minutes. 15 minutes later we raced to the hopsital. The midwife gave all the nurses a heads up that we were coming so they were all expecting us. We got right into a laboring room & thats when (the moment we got the room) my contractions became incredibly horrible. I was humming and breathing through them.. I found that when I panicked or let go of control the pain was 100 times worse. I was puking left and right while having contrax... ouch. I was progressing extremely fast. around 8:30 I wanted an epidural but was told I needed to wait an hour so that my labor wouldnt slow down. Finally around 9:30 I was begging.. Everytime I had a contraction I would say "epidural, epidural.. I need an epidural.." I didnt care if it sputtered out my labor at that point. I was checked and was told I was 7-8 and could get my epi! The epi lady came and administered the meds.. It was perfect. I could still feel my legs, There was just no pain.. I could even still feel the pressure and had the urge to push. I told them when my urge was to much to hold in and they let me start pushing. about 10 pushes later (i didnt even get out of breathe!) Genevieve Grace Patricia was born @ 1:23 am, 8lbs 6oz. I only had a second degree tear and its healing up great~ She's an extremely quiet baby.. doesnt cry and barely fusses! I will be on later tonight to upload some pics. :) :) I am so in love!!!



I still need to read through the thread.. but I see that your taslking about moms groups.. I still need to find one for NH.. If anyone knows of one here let me know please!! :) :) Thank you guys for all the congrats!!

[kimthebride]

Wow - great story. CONGRATS!
(BTW: welcome to Official SAHMness ;) )

[LeslieR]

Congrats Astara and welcome to the world Genevieve!

Moms group-I have the number of a woman, but I have yet to call. I feel like a dork-what do I say? "Hi, I'm interested in joining the Mom's Club.":rolleyes: I so hate making phone calls.:o I've been meaning to go to a LLL meeting since I was pregnant and I'm thinking I'll finally get around to it next week (they only have them here twice a month). I desperately need to make some mommy friends!

[neenbean]

Congrats Astara and welcome to the world Genevieve!

Moms group-I have the number of a woman, but I have yet to call. I feel like a dork-what do I say? "Hi, I'm interested in joining the Mom's Club.":rolleyes: I so hate making phone calls.:o I've been meaning to go to a LLL meeting since I was pregnant and I'm thinking I'll finally get around to it next week (they only have them here twice a month). I desperately need to make some mommy friends!

YES!!!! That is exactly what you do! I did it right before DD was born and then called back soon after she was born. I am sooooo thankful I did.

I was at a luncheon today for the state MOMS Club and there are so many of us out there! I was so pleased to see a great turn out. Moms really need to get together and talk, laugh, enjoy adult conversation. I definitely think I am a better mother because of this club. I highly recommend finding a group- any playgroup, not just a MOMS Club. My current playgroup is all moms with infants. We have all joined gyms and are supporting one another as we lose those extra baby pounds. We also meet for walks at other times during the week and are trying to do Weight Watchers as a group. We won't be joining, but rather helping one another find recipes, support, guidance with points, etc. I can't say enough about how happy I am to find women in the same situation as me with similar interests, education, goals, etc. :D

Now that I am paying more attention to myself, I think I feel way more confident and also more attractive.
Question: has anyone had a night out just you and DH? Do you have a baby sitter you trust?

DH and I have had a sitter twice for DD, but both times it was so we could go out with family and not near our home... I need a local sitter, but haven't found someone yet. We are talking about trading nights with the other women in our playgroup so we can all have a "date night"... Haven't had real alone time with DH in about 7+ months. ;)

[kimthebride]

Moms group-I have the number of a woman, but I have yet to call. I feel like a dork-what do I say? "Hi, I'm interested in joining the Mom's Club.":rolleyes:
Lol - when I emailed/called for info I felt like I was saying "Hi - I am home and have no friends. Will you please be my friend?"
But what I really said was "Hi - I heard you have some information on activities for local new moms. I just had my son on June 3rd - is there anything you could recommend?" and the conversation went from there. I'm so happy I did it!!! There are so many new moms in this area, I swear there must some some shortage of birth control or something. ;) They are EVERYWHERE once you know where to look.

Nights Out
A group of us moms - about 6 or so - are trying to do a babysitting swap thing, so each of us has 1 day or night free a month to be with our hubbies, while another mom in the group watches the baby. This way, you all know each other, there are 5 moms to ask when you need a night, and the person watching the baby is a current mom so they will likely be stocked with whatever stuff is needed (diapers, wipes, toys, place to nap, etc).

[lil_nance]

Hi, I'm a SAHM. Just skimmed through this thread and would like to join.
lil_nance
DS: Connor
Born 7/15/05

Moms groups We go to La Leche once a month. I just joined the local MOMS Club, went to our first meeting Thurs. Need to look into their play groups. A friend also referred me to a group she saw on meetup.com. It looks good. I want to meet other moms but also don't want to get so involved we have no down time.
Me time I go to a craft group at church once a week. DS comes with me but the other ladies help watch him. I'm hoping to sign up for another craft class and/or yoga in the evening. DH will usually watch DS for me a few hours on the weekend so I can go shopping or to coffee with friends. He also usually handles bath & bedtime (but that's when I'm cooking our dinner). During the day, me time varies with DS's naps.

[Carissa]

Nights out We haven't had a night out since DD was 6 weeks. We so need to find a babysitter.

[newyorkgirl]

Astara, Congratulations on little Genevieve! Are there pictures somewhere yet?

Two questions:
1. Sometimes, I spend the whole day at home and I don't get a chance to get out much, except maybe to run a couple errands - I get a serious case of cabin fever. Especially on rainy days like we've been having. So when DH gets home, sometimes all I want to do is go out to eat, even if it's just to a super casual restaurant. And the last thing DH wants to do is step out of the house again. Does anyone else experience this? What do you do?

2. I've been thinking about getting back to the gym and the one I planned on joining has a small daycare/nursery where I can drop off DS for an hour or so. The problem is this: he's too young to get a flu shot and I am worried about him catching a flu or a cold from one of the other kids/babies. For those who do this, am I just being paranoid? Or is there anything else you do to help keep your DC from getting sick?

Mom's groups - I met a couple moms through a local listserv for parents, and we get together about once every two weeks. I live in a weird zip code that doesn't allow me to join the Mom's Clubs in my area (not quite in one town or the other).

Nights out - DH and I went out to see a movie once when we were visiting his parents and they watched Bennett. Another time, my sister was visiting and she watched him while we went out to dinner. We haven't had a non-family member watch DS because we wanted to wait until after the 3-month mark and he wasn't so indiscriminately fussy. We'll be leaving him with a babysitter for the first time for a couple evenings the first week of November.

[Abby'sMom]

1. Sometimes, I spend the whole day at home and I don't get a chance to get out much, except maybe to run a couple errands - I get a serious case of cabin fever. Especially on rainy days like we've been having. So when DH gets home, sometimes all I want to do is go out to eat, even if it's just to a super casual restaurant. And the last thing DH wants to do is step out of the house again. Does anyone else experience this? What do you do?

Oh, heck yes. Moreso when DD was a little younger (she turns 1 on 11/3), but definitely still true now and again. Honestly, most of the time I just suck it up. But sometimes, we do go out. It's really very give and take. I can understand him wanting to be home, and he understands why I want to get out.

[kimthebride]

Hi Nancy! How's Connor doing??

Dinner Out
Sometimes that comes up, so we compromise: DH will watch DS while I run across the street to get takeout. I get out of the house alone, and neither of us have to cook. :)

Gym Nursery
Do they keep the very young babies away from the older babies? If they have a seperate play area depending on age, it may make a difference.
Run the daycare-before-flu-shot thing by your Ped, see what he says.

[jmvan74]

Dinner out:Not here. We moved to a new area when I was 7 months pg, so I have not even had a chance to make firends, let alone find someone i'd leave my child with. I think i'm a bit overprotective in this arena, too, since Collin is my first child. oh how I miss a good dinner out.

MOMS groups;i go to LLL meetings once a week. i've been looking for local groups, but procrastinating at the same time.

[Carissa]

Dinner out We try to get out 2 times a week it helps me a lot. I also like to get out and take Grace window shopping even if it's only around the mall it helps with exercise too!

[Astara]

Hey ladies! Thank you all for the congrats and well wishes!!! I havent had time to really read the thread yet, but I will hopefully tomorrow.. Someone asked for pictures... :) of course.. I do have some!!! I will be back soon to add new members.. as kimthebride said.. its nice to finally be a *real* sahm!!! I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce03b3127cce94e9f1ea76f600000016108AcuWLRq3aNx

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce03b3127cce94e9fc0db7bf00000016108AcuWLRq3aNx

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce03b3127cce94e9f1d3f7ff00000015108AcuWLRq3aNx

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce03b3127cce94e9f1e876f400000016108AcuWLRq3aNx

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce03b3127cce94e9fc0bb7b900000016108AcuWLRq3aNx

I'm using the picture of her with her pink hat on for birth announcements~

[Pookie]

AstaraCongrats!! Your DD's b-day is the day before mine.:)
dinners out We usually go out once or twice a week and then also do fast-food another day.:o

[Abby'sMom]

Oh, just one more thing about dinners out: If you can, go while your baby is still younger. It was much, much easier for us to go out when DD would go to sleep in her carseat. Now we have to entertain her, and she definitely shortens our outings (when she goes with us). :)

[chiffani]

OMG Abby'sMom... SOOOOOO TRUE! You hit that one right on the head! We don't go out nearly as often now because she makes it unbearable at times. GO out early ;)

[LeslieR]

I bit the bullet and called the woman about the Mom's Club! She was so nice and it sounds FABULOUS.:D I can't wait to get started. She said there were actually some moms with babies younger than Luke!

Astara, awwwww!!! Great pics! She's gorgeous!

dinners out-Sal and I have been out once with another couple while my mom was visiting and watched Luke for us. We were only gone two hours-it hardly seemed like a night out. lol Last week was the first time the two of us went out to eat WITH Luke. It was just a local bagel place where we had sandwiches. He BARELY made it until I was finished eating without throwing a fit. I can't imagine eating at a place where we have to order and wait for our food.:eek: I am dying to go see a movie again. I wish our Loews's had the Reel Moms movies. They are adding on some more theaters now, so maybe that will be coming with the new addition.

[LyLMyssChaos]

LyLMyssChaos
DD:Madeline Rose 7/5/03 (Maddie)
DS:Timothy Edward III 4/19/05 (T-rex)


I will try to get caught up on things, but from what I've seen thus far, boy can I relate....cabin fever???? Oh my goodness, yes!! Not only do I have my two kids...but I usually have at least 2 more the same age as my DD Monday through Friday and most days I have at least 1 more in addition to those, bringing the total to 5 under the age of 3. So the chance that I leave the house Monday through Friday is slim to none. The only time I generally leave the house is in a whirlwind, with the kids and my hubby to run the errands that didn't get accomplished during the week on a Saturday. Free time??? Forget it, it doesn't exist for me! CC is my free time, so I try to enjoy it as much as possible! :)
As far as how do I respond when asked about what do I do? I respond "I'm a mom" and I leave it at that.
We are homeschooling and have already started a preschool program with Madeline. She totally loves it and is doing quite well with it.
Dinners out???? What are those??? We haven't done that since...Gosh, we've done that once since Timothy was born, but those are very rare without our children, because once you have 2 of them, it's not so easy anymore, but that's okay, we'll focus on that more once Timothy is older.
I am looking forward to sharing SAHM mommy experiences with you all. I think that I may already know quite a few of you, but for those of you that I don't, I promise, I will play nice! :D

[jmvan74]

astara:Grace is a doll! Congrats!

Dinner out:we took Collin out to dinner with us for the first time. It was long. I took him to the car to feed him before our meals even arrived. I ate as fast as possible and took over entertaining so DH could eat. We got dessert to go and were out of there! yikes.

[jki]

Dinner Out: We go out to eat as a family at least once or twice per week. We arrive around 5pm and only go to family friendly restaurants. Our dinners out are usually pretty fun.

DH and I rarely get sitters at night since we have a nanny twice per week during the day. I usually meet up with a friend at least once per week for lunch while the nanny is here. Occassionally, my sister babysits for us at night. We get a sitter for all special occassions.

Gym Daycare: I don't know what your gym is like but mine is VERY upscale and the daycare is awful. A little girl broke her arm there.... they say it was an accident but I'm willing to bet it's lack of close supervision. Anyhow, IMO, most daycares are germ factories. Even a clear runny nose can mean contagious germs. I think you're better off hiring someone to come into your house vs. using a gym daycare until your child is older.

Mom's Group: I'm in a local one. I love it. The women are so supportive and fun. We meet twice per week. When DD was born, the women brought dinner to our house every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a month. It was awesome.

QOTD: Now that the weather is turning, what do you do with your DC? We usually take a couple walks per day, DS plays in the backyard, etc. I am dreading the rain!! We used to go to Gymboree like three times per week, but I can't do that anymore with two kids!!

[SAHMs]

Updated to here!

[kimthebride]

QOTD: Bad Weather Activities
Well...we do baby yoga, which is indoors, a 6-week series with moms, which is also indoors, and the Friday moms group that usually meets in the park will meet in the local church if weather is bad.
If the weather is TERRIBLE I may camp out at home, but not for more than a day. The moms and I will meet at different malls just to be able to walk around, we've got plans to swap hosting each other at our homes weekly so the kids can play together, things like that.
There's also an indoors music class in town that I will start taking DS to once the weather turns, he'll be about 6 months old by then and I think more able to enjoy it.

[LexyLou]

Congrats Astara! she's beautiful.

Dinner-The first 3 weeks we actually went out to eat quite a bit because she would just sleep in her car seat but as soon as she hit 3 weeks she started to need to be carried all the time and she hates her car seat unless it's ina moving stroller. She screams in car and now if we just put her in the car seat and try to eat.

I can sling her or hold her and that's my only options at this point. I hope she outgrows this. I've heard some people say their DC outgrow it by 6 -8 weeks (crossing fingers) because like you guys said sometimes at the end of the day all I want to do is go out to eat with DH, even if it is just TGIF's or something like that.

[HGMorgann]

Weathering the weather - this is hard! It rained for 9 days straight not long ago - and we defintely got tired of being inside and with each other at home. bleh! We try to get out - mall, grocery store, or just a walk, everyday. Its harder to make it happen on the rainy, cold, windy days like today. I know we need a better plan for winter and snow. We did buy a little baby sled and a Kelty Kids for her though, so hopefully we will be able to keep up the walks when it snows.

[jmvan74]

Cold weather:I haven't thought too much about it. I think next week we are going to try "reel moms" at the movie theatre. Unless there is rain or below freezing temps, we will continue to walk outside.