U didn't have a choice!

Change is always good RIGHT?

Well last year my husband and I decided to move our family from America to the beautiful island of Trinidad W.I.. Many people thought we were crazy but even more people gave us words of encouragement and blessing along our new journey. After the initial shock of hearing that we moved the next question out of almost everyone's mouth was "How have the kids adjusted?".
At first I use to go into detail regarding how they are adjusting until I realized that at the end of the day MY KIDS had no choice in this move.

We now live in a society where Dogs are treated better than humans, Loyalty is lost and Children are giving choices. When I was growing up we had NO CHOICES, NO OPTIONS. My parents always said if we wanted an opinion we need to get a job, and move out. You ate whatever they cooked, you wore whatever clothes they bought, you played with whatever toys they gave you and went where your parents sent you. POINT, BLANK, PERIOD.

When did it become ok to ask a 12 year old if he wanted to move? When did it become ok to ask a 3 year old if he rather stay in the cold or in the sun? As a parent who grow up in the 80's (the last of the good breed) I decided to raise my kids on the motto my parents raised me on "What I Say GOES!".

If we decide to move to the North Pole and live in an Igloo, well guess what Anthony, Antonio and Ariana should pack some long johns. So now when people ask me about how my kids are adjusting to the move my answer is "They don't have any choice but to adjust".

I Love U, but I Don't Like U

Can you love your children but not like them at the same time??

APSOLUTLY.

I use to struggle with the fact that although I truly love my children at some point during any giving day I would become annoyed, upset, and even angry at them. Being a stay at home mom made it even more difficult because I didn't have an outlet during the day. I didn't have a lunch time where I could sit down and talk to people of my own age. There was no water cooler gatherings to look forward to while I had a break. It was just diapers, Dora, tantrums and lots of bottle washing all day.  After a while any person will be frustrated. I started to think that there was something wrong with me. Until one day while I cleaned up the cake that my 3 yr old rubbed all over the floor and his baby sister he turned and asked me if I still loved him?. The only words that came out my mouth were "I Love you Tonio, but I don't like you right now". He just said ok, and walked away. "Who Know??"

Right then I realized that it was ok to not like your kids at some point. There is nothing in the world that would change the love we have for our children, but we honestly don't have to like them all the time either.

I'm Back

Hello Happy People.

I'm back from a month long Blogcation. I have lots to talk about. From attitudes, discipline, to vacation fun.

It's summer time, schools out and the kids are ready to drive you all crazy.

One a ligther note, wine is cheap and can be bought almost anyplace now.

Cool Parent Ideas

During my 20 minute break from being a Mom/House cleaner/Maid/Referee/Cook I search the internet for fun ideas to the sanity in my house. Here are some of the creative and funny things I found. (Who Knew??)

This is amazing. Lets see how much bread they leave behind after this.

Take the stems and drop them in a glass, Add wine and it's Mommy Time.

For the kid who thinks there are monsters in the closet or under the bed. 

This is so cool. I am surprised I haven't thought of it myself.

10 Things Mom's DON'T want for Mother's Day

Mothers Day is coming up and if your still looking for a gift here are some things NOT to get for those special ladies in your life. (In no particular order)

1. Pots or Pans ... We know you love our cooking, but give us a day not to be reminded that we are in the kitchen 24/7,
2. Portraits of kids/grand kids or yourself. We know what ya'll look like.
3. Teddy Bears..Unless your 4 years old and that's the money from your tooth fairy collection.
4. Balloons...Unless your 4 years old and really buying the balloons so you can play with them.
5. Flowers....Unless they are accompanied by a small box, gift bag or envelop.
6. Mothers Day Party at home...Who has to clean up the mess when the party's done? ME aka MOM.
7. A Day with the family.. Really, I don't think I have to explain why this is a bad gift idea.
8. Big Screen TV....Between cleaning. cooking and the kids watching Paw Patrol when will this gift be of any use?
9. Any Kitchen appliance....How about you save it for Fathers day and give it to mom then.
10. Exercise equipment...Because I KNOW your not trying to tell us something.

Mothers day is very special so try and put a little bit more effort into a gift. FYI, homemade gifts are the BEST.

Mental Health Day

You ever had one of those days where you just didn't care about anything your kids did????? Not because your a bad mother. But because you need a day to not care about how clean the house is, what food your going to cook, or what will Tonio break today.

I think all of use have one of those days at least once a month. Me personally have them every other weekend. This past Sunday was definitely one of those days.

My husband was away at work this weekend and missed his flight back Sunday morning. That's when my I don't care mood set in. My plans for an early lunch of Stew Chicken, Rice, Pie, Green Salad went right out the window. Hot dogs and nachos was the order for the day. Tonio ate about 15 fruit snacks with a sippy cup full of kool-aid. I put back the clothes I was suppose to wash and left the clothes I was suppose to fold up on the dinning room table. Anthony played his Xbox one until his eyes turned red. For lunch we ate nachos and M & M's on the couch while Tonio showed us how to make a pie out of playdoh. By dinner time the kids decided they wanted some real food. So I ordered Chinese food (Chicken wings and french fries). Usually by 7pm all the kids have had their showers and are in their beds. Well by 9pm Tonio finally advised me that he was tired and Ariana was knocked out on her playmate. After giving Tonio and Ariana a bath I put them to sleep. I think Anthony caught a hand cramp from playing video games all day because he was actually just watching tv in his room. By 10pm my loving husband was home from his trip. He was welcomed with a kitchen full of dishes, full garbage can, and no food. His only words to me where "You took a Mental Health Day?".

Mommy & Me Tea Party

Put on you best dress, your fancy hat and join UPTOWN KIDZ as we celebrate outstanding Mothers and their amazing Daughters at our Mommy and Me Tea Party. We are paying tribute to some of the most amazing mothers and daugthers in our community.  The afternoon will include guest speakers, arts & crafts, snacks, tea awards, and prizes for the best Mom & Daughter outfit. For more information contact us at Uptownkidzmas@gmail.com