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I have these thoughts and visions.  But I also have a son that is 4 years old; and no longer naps. (I have to admit, I miss nap time!) I also have a son that is an only child.  I have a son that demands my energy and attention almost 12 hours a day; 7 days a week.

I also haven’t figured out how to do that Mary Poppins snap thing in order to clean my house.

Add the fact that I thought it would be a great idea to start a blog and “work from home”.

I want to treasure this age and spend as much quality time as possible with my son.

But life still holds responsibilites and there is only so much Candy Land I can play.

Balance is needed for both of us.

Finding a balance and creating structure in our day has become a huge priority to me.  These are the ways that I have found help our family create a healthy balance between tech-time and old-fashioned play time.

1. Invest in an Amazon Fire Kids Tablet

About 6 months ago, after lots of research, my husband found a possible solution in the Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet.

As someone who was “anti-tablet”, I can honestly say I am more than pleased with this purchase.

I love how the Amazon Fire for Kids has a clock to set how long our son can use it each day. I never have to say, “okay, time is up”.  The “man” just shows up and he just tells me, “I was in the middle of ___ and bam, the man showed up”!  And that’s it.  No crying.  No asking for more time.  No discussion.  It is awesome!  And I love it because I get an hour of time where I am uninterrupted.

I love that it has a kid proof case.  I love that Amazon will replace it if somehow it still breaks – no questions asked.

I love how I can use the setting to control how he uses the tablet.  If I want him to play some learning games before he watches a show – I can program that!

Added bonus: it is 4 times cheaper than an Ipad mini!

2. Create a Picture Schedule

This was an idea given to me by our son’s pre-school teacher.  It really helped us have a great summer.  Xavier tends to not want to play independently.  Creating a picture schedule helped him see the plan for the day and understand that sometimes we play together, other times Mommy has to work or clean, and other times are for eating or going outside.

I literally walked around taking pictures of different things that we would do throughout the day and then taped them to construction paper.

This helped both my pre-schooler – and me – to stay on task!

Quiet time was on the picture schedule, so our son knew exactly when he could play with his Kindle Tablet

3. Get out of the House!

I can not relax in my house.  I just see more things to add to the “to do” list.  So getting out of the house is a great way for me to get a break and give my son more attention.

Sometimes getting out of the house is strictly for fun.  We go on nature hikes, to the playground, to story time or swim lessons.  Once a month we go to a mom’s club meeting where I get to talk and pray with other moms, and there are other children and toys that make it fun for my son.

Sometimes we have to run errands.  No matter what, it’s great bonding time!

4. Embrace Your Child’s Desire to “Help”

Doing the dishes is really playing with the water in the sink.  I’ll take it over watching another show.  Watering the plants is a fun chore.

Baking is so much fun for our son – and I love eating what we make! I let him push the vacuum.  I let him wipe the baseboards.

I still have not convinced him how much fun it is to match socks – so you have any tips with that one – please help!

5. Let them Watch that Show

Once in awhile, it is perfectly okay if he watches t.v. (I keep telling myself this)!

We, like many people, have Amazon Prime.  We invested in the Amazon Fire Stick.  So, those times where he wants to watch a show or two, there is always something educational and kid friendly he can watch.  Fireman Sam is a huge favorite.  Daniel Tiger is another.

My son could identify every letter of the alphabet by the time he was 3 (thank you Super Why!).  There is plenty of quality, positive and educational shows that are available.

I definitely recommend the Amazon Fire Stick.  So many movies and shows are free with Amazon Prime – having the fire stick helps us get more for our money.

What are some suggestions you have to keeping a healthy balance between tech-time and play time?  Please share!

The post Five Ways To Balance Tech Time and Play Time appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

“Mommy’s allergic to vacation – there are no lists.”

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I cracked up.  You know how when jokes are based on truth, they really are funny?  Once in awhile, my husband tells a joke that’s not super corny and cracks me up

But here I am, back from vacation and I have already written one list and thought about three others I need to make.

My life is driven by lists.  They help me focus.  They make me feel productive. They remind me of my responsiblilties.

And now we even have a picture schedule for my son.  A list that my son can read so he can point out what we didn’t do or need to do – which he does -often.

I love that he keeps me on task.  But ya know what, I need down time.

“Back in the day”, some moms would watch soap operas.  I have no desire to watch a soap opera.  BUT, maybe the down time is something that must be scheduled . . .since Mommy never really “punches out of work”.

It’s okay for Mommy to color because:

1. It’s Meditative

Taking care of our health is so important! As mothers, we need to do so much preventative care, because we do so much for our families! Meditation has been shown to lower stress and blood pressure and boost your immune system! Meditation can also help manage chronic pain and even help with infertility and breast feeding.  And for those mommas who are taking a class or pursuing a degree; studies have shown that students who meditate earn higher grades than students who do not meditate. When we meditate, either by saying the Rosary; repeating a short mantra, like saying the name of Jesus; or by coloring – we clear our minds of all the noise.  We stop thinking about our lists and everything that’s on them – and what we need to add!  That clearing of the mind is so beneficial to our whole self! It’s a healthy exercise!

2. It shows children that relaxing does not need to be in front of a screen

So many times I catch myself taking a “time-out” in front of my computer and looking at my phone.  It’s more times than I’d like to admit.  My son sees everything and is learning by my example.  Being aware of that, I would really like him to see that down time does not have to be equivalent to screen time.

3. It can be done with your children.

Whether you start out with your child, or your child decides he or she wants to join you, coloring can provide an opportunity to talk to each other, compliment him or her and spend some quality time together. In my case, it’s also practice in exercising patience, because inevitably a little one draws over my “masterpiece”.

4. It can be done WITHOUT your children.

Coloring alone can be so relaxing!  I love that I can do it with a cup of coffee – or a glass of wine.  Sometimes I include it in my prayer journaling (8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal).  Other times I find it is a great way to spend time with friends and combine faith and fellowship (How to Host a ‘Sip and Script’ Party: Prayer Journaling with Friends).  And still other times, I just want to enjoy it – just because it is fun.

5. There is a feeling of being productive when you are finished.

In fact, you may even want to hang it up somewhere and add to your home or office decor! The new coloring book, Color Happy features removable 8 x 10 and 5 x 7 designs, printed on thick paper and perfect for framing.  Even if you choose not to frame it, it’s so great looking at something that you made, admiring it’s beauty and being a little proud of your work!

Purchase Color Happy here: Color Happy: An Adult Coloring Book of Removable Wall Art Prints (Inspirational Coloring, Journaling and Creative Lettering)

6. It’s cheap!

Seriously, the biggest expense are your pencils – but they will make you so giddy, it’s totally worth it!  Prismacolor Colored Pencils are AMAZING!  I sat down with my sister-in-law (who is an artist) on vacation to color.  I was so excited she brought coloring stuff with her too.  I pulled out my Crayola, and she had the Prismacolor Pencils. She has me sold on them – easily! They feel like butter going on the paper, and I felt like I had to sharpen my Crayola’s so often – I think I saw her sharpen a pencil once. There are lots of trends to go out and paint while you sip wine, but coloring is definitely more affordable!

*You can buy Prismacolor Colored Pencils on Amazon – click here to purchase them: 48 pack or 72 Pack

7. It Makes Mommy Feel Young!

There is such a feeling of nostalgia when you get a chance to color! I don’t know about you, but it just makes me happy!  Something simple that brings such joy is so awesome.  I love when I see my son enjoying a simple toy or game – it’s nice to get back to that place where something simple can bring about happiness.

Do you color?  Do you find it an opportunity to pray or relax?  What reasons would you add to the list?

The post 7 Reasons Why It’s Okay for Mommy to Color appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

And not just by playing, “let’s balance these on our heads”.

Reading a book about adoption is an awesome spring board and conversation starter.

Reading a book about adoption allows me to stop and say, “We are so happy and grateful we adopted you” without it sounding random and alien to him.

I noticed that he likes some books more than others.  I am constantly on the search for more resources and choices that will broaden our discussion and help our son realize that although the way he came to our family is not the traditional way; we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Here is a list of books we have and our son loves:

Below are a list of affiliate links.

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born

Written by Jaime Lee Curtis

Illustrations by Laura Cornell

My son LOVES this book.  When I tell him to pick a book he often comes back with this one.  I find myself telling him how different his adoption was than this story (which interrupts the telling of it quite a few times from beginning to end), but he doesn’t seem to mind.  Something about this book intrigues him.

A Mother for Choco

Written by Keiko Kasza

This is another favorite of his and mine.  It is written much like the classic, “Are You My Mother” by Philp D. Eastman.  Not only does the book talk about adoption, but it discusses not looking like your mom the way other children do AND it gives me an opportunity to hug and kiss my little love as I am reading the book.  This is a huge hit in our house – and has been since Xavier was about 2 years old.  I definitely recommend it.

Yes, I’m Adopted!

Written by Sharlie Zinninger

Illustrations by Tiffany Cunliffe

This book is extremely simple and our little boy has been a fan since he was about 2 years old.  The pictures are fun, bright and clear.  The book rhymes and talks about looking different.  I also think my son just loves the page where their is a picture of the planet earth and the author says how parents meet their children by car, train or even an airplane.  He’s mesmerized.  It’s simple and full of love.  He always asks me to read it again and he even likes when I read the “About the Authors” page.  I’m not kidding.

The next two books are a little to lengthy for his attention span right now, BUT, I love having them on his bookshelf.  Even if he never prefers them over the Star Wars and Paw Patrol books, I love that he will see the titles.

I Wished For You

Written by Marianne Richmond

God Found Us You

Written By: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Illustrations by: Laura J. Bryant

Another book we like is not about adoption per se, but is about how people from different backgrounds look the same in some ways, but different in others.

We’re Different, We’re the Same

Written by Bobbi Kates

Illustrations by Joe Mathieu

The next two books are not about adoption at all – but they are super fun :).

This Book Just Ate My Dog

Written and illustrated by: Richard Byrne

My brother and his wife bought this book for our son. My husband just read it to my and son and me.  We were all cracking up together!  I had to share!

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

Written by Eric Litwin; Illustrations by the Creator of Pete the Cat: James Dean

This is read in a way that sounds like a song . . . it is so catchy.  Beware – it will stay in your head.  The good news is – it is so catchy!!!  Such a happy book – we love it!

Do you have an adoption book you would recommend?  Please share!

The post Adoption Books My Son Loves appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

As a woman who became a mom “later in life” and who spent her career educating teenagers, I often feel like a fish out of water with my young son.  There is so much I don’t know about early childhood. I want to make sure I am giving him all the opportunities he needs to grow and develop in the healthiest ways. This ebook helped calm my anxiety. KIDFUN reassured me that there are plenty of things to do – and that most of them are super easy to set up and initiate!  I love easy!

My son, his friend Jared, and I had a great time trying out some of Sharla’s suggestions. Reading through the book I was reminded of how simple childhood can be – and how much joy can come from the simplest objects.  Here is a glimpse of Sharla’s book!

5 Games to Play to Play with a Bucket or a Ball!

1.  Water play!

Sharla gives lots of fun ideas on how to simply use a bucket of water to keep a child entertained as well as teach them a chore and life lessons.  Some of the activities require some soap too!  My son loves to play with his water table, but adding a bucket and some other containers created a new spark in his eye and lots of new ways to enjoy the water and the sunny day!

2.  Wash away!

Sharla helped me realize that my son always wanting to “wash dishes” is a great motivator for him to use soapy water for play.  This is great because it helps me have some quiet during the day and it also gives my son an opportunity to play and feel important.  KIDFUN reminds parents that washing toys with a sponge and soapy water can teach children to take care of their belongings and, honesty, they enjoy doing it!  You can also have them take their buckets and sponges over to the car and clean that too!  Fun in the sun, plus some chores done!  Win/win!

3.  Wet Blanket

This is something I have never heard or thought of . . . pour that bucket out on a beach towel or an old sheet.  Now, let your child drape it over himself or lay on it.  What a neat way to cool down!  So simple – never thought of it!

4.  Treasure Hunt

We actually put a spin on this game.  I hid all animal toys and gave each boy a bucket.  I told them the animals wanted to play hide and seek with them.  They loved it – and I would have NEVER thought of it without the help of Sharla’s book!

5.  Sharp Shooter

This game was AWESOME!  We got a ball and set up toy “bricks”.  I put a towel down and told the boys they couldn’t pass the towel.  They threw the ball at the tower and – when they hit it- knocked the tower down!  How much do boys love knocking things down?! Another part of the game was to re-build the tower so they could go again.  This game taught the boys patience, following rules, cooperation and sportsmanship.  Once again, I needed Sharla’s book to give me the idea and spark my enthusiasm!  I’m actually excited to play this again!

Not only does KIDFUN give outdoor play ideas, it is loaded with ideas for all situations – in the car, in a waiting room, on a rainy day, etc. I absolutely love how it reminds me that an iPad or the television are not the only alternative! If you would like to purchase Sharla’s ebook, and get 355 more ideas for fun with the kids this summer, please use my affiliate link below!  It’s only $5.99 – totally worth it!  Happy Summer!

KIDFUN: 400 Fun and Easy Ideas for Kids Ages 2 to 8

The post A Book, a Bucket, and A Ball: All I needed to get Summer Rolling! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

1. Go to Adoration – I made it there once, and when I arrived Jesus wasn’t exposed in the monstrance!  I called the rectory and my pastor answered.  I exclaimed calmly that I “couldn’t find Jesus!”  Father Connors explained that since it was a national holiday, he left Jesus in the tabernacle, since often those days many people do not come to adoration.  Thankfully I got there . . . and found Jesus!
2. Make “Playtime with Xavier” the first thing on my to do list every day – I did “okay” with this one.  Many times I didn’t have structured play first thing in the morning, but often I found myself stopping what I was doing and playing with him – even if it was for a short amount of time.  This still needs improvement.  I feel way to distracted most days.
3. Make healthier choices – Epic fail.  Really.  Any advice or encouragement is this department is most welcome.
4. Go on at least one date with my husband – Just in under the wire – we went on a date January 30th!  It was awesome, and I plan to write a whole post on it.  We went wine tasting and out to dinner.  To those who live in or around PA or NJ, I highly recommend Old York Cellars!  I’ll talk more about this date in my next post!

Now, I’m moving on with February!  It’s funny, because I have been seeing a lot of this meme going around . . .

So, if you shared this, or think, “yep, that’s true!”.- join me!  Make a few month resolutions – and share them so we can hold each other somewhat accountable!  Let’s all make some little improvements and accomplish some big goals!  If not now, when?

LET’S DO IT!

In February, I am going to:

1. Get to adoration – at LEAST twice!
2. Spend more time in the evening looking at the faces of my family members, and less time looking at a screen!
3. Eat healthier foods, and exercise.  Even if it’s just going for a walk.
4. Get out on another date with the hubby.
5. Spend more time playing with my son – and teach him at least one new game.

Will you join me?  Will you share some goals you have for this month?  Will you tell me what I can eat that’s healthy, but looks and taste like a cookie?

The post Taking 2016 One Month at a Time: February Resolutions appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.