My Multicultural Family: Our Thanksgiving Adventure
Early flights, skipping children, and making Thanksgiving memories! Combine them all together and that's what our little almost Indian family has been doing the last few days!
My Multicultural Family: Our Thanksgiving Adventure
Our kids have been counting down to our Thanksgiving vacation to Texas for weeks! They couldn't wait to visit their Chininnas, Pinnis, Thathas, and Nanammas. They were so excited that they would even announce their upcoming trip to everyone around them while grocery shopping! Needless to say, they have been ready for a while!As excited as they were, I was worried about them the morning of the flight. We had to wake the kids up around 4 am to make it to the shuttle in time. My oldest, Liam was the first one to start walking around the hotel room.Momma, I'm the opposite of awake...He started to tell me he was going to go back to bed and take a later flight. Then his excitement got the best of him and he shot out of bed when he realized the trip he had been waiting for was finally here!They are the only kids I know that will skip down the the shuttle at 4 am!
Momma's Well Deserved First Class Upgrade!
Luckily I've been blessed with a wonderful husband who gets his wife upgraded to first class with the baby! The baby that sleeps through most flights. I wish I could say I felt bad leaving my husband and the two big kids behind in coach, but... no.I figured they all owed it to me for every pregnancy, labor, wiped nose, early morning wake up call, back rub, Indian dinner prepared, and ounce of love I've given them. Yes, I went there.The problem is that I slept through the first class meal and drinks! Ooops.I planned on staying awake, but my first class baby passenger cuddled me right to sleep!
What is your funniest traveling story?
#AD Surviving Winter With A Winter Toolkit
I have received information and materials from Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WinOverWinter #CollectiveBias)
Stand Up Against Winter This Year
Growing up, I hardly got sick. When I did it was always kind of nice. I'd get one of those down in bed colds and my mom would take care of me all day. She would make me hot soup, tea, and watch Gilmore Girls all day.
Seriously, what could be better than a sick day at home in your own bed!
Now that I'm a mom and have kids of my own I'm realizing it's a whole different ball game! A sick child in my own home is a different story all together. It means trying to do everything in my momma powers to prevent my other kids from catching their siblings illness, but knowing they'll just pass it around anyways.
As a parent, having a sick child can be exhausting! You end up awake in the middle of the night taking care of them, doing everything for them, and it can take a toll on your body.
Stand Up To Winter With Our Winter Toolkit And A Few Family Tips
If you're not careful, the winter season can be taken over by illnesses, aches, and pains! Don't let it ruin your winter plans and be sure to follow our family tips!
Rest
The winter season can end up getting extremely busy. It's full of vacations, family visits, the Holidays, and so much more. One big reason families end up down during the holidays is a lack of rest. When you're not sleeping well, your immune system isn't as strong as it needs to be to fight everything around. Not to mention your body starts feeling all the little aches and pains! Be sure to rest up over the holidays!
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Hand washing is a good routine to have all year long, but make sure your family amps it up over the winter season. Have everyone wash their hands after they get home, before they eat, and anytime they touch your mouth. It will help to prevent anyone from sharing germs and hopefully prevent them from getting sick!
Build Your Own Winter Toolkit
Every year we build a winter toolkit. It has changed over the years to fit our families needs, much like yours will. It's helped us so much because we always have the essentials on hand. Whether you're trying to make sure you're ready to take care of any family members that fall under the weather or for loved ones that come and visit over the holidays.This year our winter toolkit contains tissues with essential oils, disinfectant wipes, immunity tablets, epson salt, tea, and Ultra Strength BENGAY®. Our winter toolkit helps prevent winter illnesses as well as takes care of any aches and pains mom and dad may have.My husband and I have already broken into the Ultra Strength BENGAY® this year. Whether it be from a long day of yard work or a busy day with the kids Ultra Strength BENGAY® always hits the spot. It gets down into the muscles and gets rid of those aches and pains! It gives mom and dad a little pampering at the end of the day just like they need!
Make Your Own Winter Toolkit Today
Make your own winter toolkit today by heading to Target and pick up everything you may need! Don't forget to add in Ultra Strength BENGAY®. It helps with any aches and pains you may have due to taking care of sick kids or staying up all night wrapping presents! It will end up being your favorite thing in your winter toolkit!
What are you going to add into your winter toolkit this year?
30 Ways To Spice Up Date Night!
Date night. The one time during the week where you can put everything aside and have some fun!When my husband and I first got together our date nights were always exciting. We were always thinking up new adventurous ideas. A few kids later and date night became just another thing we couldn't get to. We were so busy with the kids and work during the day that the idea of doing something extravagant (or anything other than binge watching something on Netflix) felt exhausting.It took us a while to realize just how important date nights are to our relationship.
This post is sponsored by Groupon Goods. As always, all opinions are my own.
Do We Really Have To Go On A Date
Parents joke about date nights all the time. They start to see it as something they used to have time for, but now it's not possible.Date nights are a luxury.In reality date nights are vital to a healthy relationship. Couples can get so focused on work, finances, and their kids that they forget to work on their relationship. Date nights help couples to keep the spark alive.Over the years, you and your loved one will change and date nights help you to grow together. It's an opportunity to talk, encourage each other, show each other that you're fighting for your relationship, get out of your day to day routine, and have fun!
30 Ways To Spice Up Date Night
Groupon Goods is here to help spice up date nights! They have countless deals to make sure you and your loved one can get out and have fun each week! Instead of just doing dinner and a movie, try something new! Here are 30 things Groupon Goods can give you a great deal on!My husband and I always check out our Groupon Goods app to find local deals! It pushes us out of our normal date night plans and helps us save money too!
- Tour your city
- Wine tasting
- Helicopter tour
- Planetarium
- Go bowling
- Ice skating
- Art lessons
- Attend a concert
- Go to a museum
- Go to a fun restaurant
- Get drinks
- Go dancing
- Brewery
- Watch a football game
- Try a workout class
- Relax at a spa
- Get a makeover
- Go shopping
- Comedy club
- Cooking class
- Beer tasting
- Zoo
- Dinner cruise
- Food tour
- Rock Climbing
- Kickboxing
- Jaz club
- Couples massage
- Watch a play
- Dance classes
Which one would you choose to spice up your date night this week!?
The Ultimate Travel Guide For Families
Traveling with kids is hard, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Check out the ultimate travel guide for families to see what you can do on your next trip!
The Ultimate Travel Guide For Families
The Rule Of Traveling With Kids: KISSAs parents we want to try and think of every possible situation that could come up when traveling. The problem is that means we end up taking an obscene amount of things with us. Or you end up like my poor husband and end up carrying it all while waiting for the flight because the kids have decided they can't carry anything and your wife is carrying three kids...Instead of trying to fit your entire house into your luggage remember one thing.Keep It Simple Silly
5 Things To Do So Your Kids Won't Lose Their *$&# On The Plane
Walk Up And Down The Aisle.
Sometimes your kids could be feeling to cooped up on the airplane. Give them a little break from sitting by letting them walk up and down the aisles. My kids love it and always make a few friends!
Keep Their Toys Novel.
Give them a new activity every so often on the plane rather than everything as soon as they sit down. It keeps the toys novel and keeps them engaged in their toys longer. Or if you're letting them watch a movie, get a brand new movie they haven't seen before. Keep whatever it is novel and they'll be more interested.
Wear Comfy Clothes.
Nothings worse than sitting on a long flight in uncomfortable clothes. Set your kids up for success by putting them in cozy clothes. If it's an early morning flight, pj's all the way. Or if it's during the day think comfortable.
Ignore The People Around You.
People will inevitably stare at you. If their parents, they somehow forgot what it felt like to have a kid on an airplane. Or maybe their kids were the model of perfection... Yeah right. All you can do is ignore them. If you let them stress you out, your kids will smell your fear and use it as an excuse to lose their minds!
GET GUM!
It doesn't matter if your a crunchy mom that doesn't want their kids chewing sugary gum, you want them doing exactly that while flying. I've made the mistake of not doing this and felt horrible the entire flight as my child cried in pain! Get them some gum to CHEW during take off and landing, a sippy cup, sucker, or a pacifier. Anything you can find to get them to suck on something to pop their ears.
Must Have Travel Items
As your'e trying to decide on what essentials you actually need on the flight, take a look at these.These are a few of our families favorite travel must haves! The headphones are my favorite! We've tried so many, but these are great! They're cozy and the kids fall asleep with them on all the time!Disney Store Limited Drinks & Snacks Bottle J World New York Sunny Rolling Backpack Disney Store Frozen Fever Plastic Snack Drink Cup Cozyphones Kids HeadphonesMarvel Boys' Avengers 12 Inch Rolling BackpackPhil&Teds Lobster HighchairBRICA Fold N' Go Travel BassinetErgobaby Original 3 Position Baby CarrierContigo Trekker Kids Water Bottle WeeSprout Reusable Double Zipper Food Pouch
What are your tips for traveling with a family?
This post has affiliate links. As always all opinions are my own.
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How To Fight Jet Lag Naturally
Traveling with a family is tough work. My husband and I have taken our kids on dozens of trips around the US and each one is equally difficult, hilarious, and exhausting. Even the simple trips can be intense! My last trip with the kids can be summed up in a few words... two spilled Starbucks drinks, a crying baby, an exhausted momma, and jet lag! Jet lag makes it all worse. Even just a few hours can throw kids into a tail spin for weeks! Here are a few ways you can fight jet lag naturally so you can actually enjoy your trip!
Tips For Fighting Jet Lag
Your first reaction when you want to fight jet lag is to load up on the caffeine. Or maybe you think sleeping all day will help... The truth is both of these will only make your jet lag exponentially worse. The best thing you can do is fight jet lag naturally.
Stick To Your Normal Routine
One of the most important things you need to do when traveling is stick to your normal schedule. It's easy to think you want to let things like nap and bed times slide, but it's the worst thing you can do. It's hard enough to train your body to stick to the new times, but sticking to the same routine during the day will help your body adjust. Timers are your best friend when you want to fight jet lag naturally.
Try To Adjust On The Plane
If you're going to encounter a large time difference, try and adjust on the plane. Whether that means staying awake the whole time or sleeping for the entire flight. Do your best to get it all done and over with while you're flying to you're not doing it your first day on your trip.
Eat Before You Go To Bed
One of the biggest reasons people end up waking up in the middle of the night when dealing with jet lag is that they're hungry. Their stomachs wake them up so they can get something to eat. Be sure to have a snack before you go to bed to make sure you don't wake up hungry.
Keep Your Body Moving During The Day
When you need to fight jet lag naturally you need to avoid things like caffeine. The problem is your body starts to get tired and all you want to do it go lay on the couch. Instead you need to keep your body active. Schedule things like site seeing and different activities during the day.
Limit Naps
When you're exhausted all you want to do is take a dozen cat naps throughout the day. The problem is that your body is trying to figure out what time it is and if you sleep throughout the day it's going to take even longer to acclimate. Resist the urge to nap during the day.
Keep Your Room Dark While Sleeping
After doing your best to stay awake all day, you're more than happy to lay your head down on the pillow at night. The problem comes the next morning. The moment the sun comes out your body thinks it's time to wake up. Even if it is only 5 in the morning. The best thing you can do is to set up a dark room to sleep in. It will help trick your body to adjust to the new time.
Wouldn't You Rather Fight Jet Lag Naturally?
Whether you're dealing with a 1 hour time difference or 13, it's tough on your body. It takes it time to adjust but you can fight jet lag naturally. You don't have to load up on caffeine and energy drinks to try and keep your eye lids open. In the end caffeine only makes you feel like garbage on top of being wiped out.By being willing to fight jet lag naturally, you can spend your trip feeling great and enjoying your new surroundings rather than trying to play catch up on sleep the whole time!
How Do You Fight Jet Lag Naturally?
If you liked this post, you'll love this one!
Raising Grateful Children: Thank You For My Siblings!
Have you ever wondered if you're raising grateful children? If your children are grateful for the people they love in their lives? Here are a few things you can start doing today to make sure you're raising grateful children!
Raising Grateful ChildrenI don't know what it is, but have you ever noticed that every time you need to make an important phone call your kids go crazy?This afternoon I had to call my health insurance company. I only had an hour before they closed and I figured I would try and call while my two youngest were napping. They usually answer pretty quickly so I thought I could get it all done before my boys woke up.After about 15 minutes on hold I realized quick wasn't in the cards for today.Then my three year old woke up and thought it would be helpful to wake up his baby brother. I went up there, phone up to my ear, to grab them. Baby Luke's crib was full of toys along with a 3 year old big brother.They were both grinning ear to ear and loving their mischievousness!I ended up letting them destroy their room so I could finish my supposedly "quick" phone call. I have to admit, I love that they're getting closer.It's one of the reasons I wanted to have my kids so close together. I knew it would come with it's own set of craziness, but it would be worth it. I wanted my kids to be close.I was worried in the beginning because all my boys would do was fight! My husband and I joked about their love-hate relationship, but deep down I was worried they wouldn't be as close as I hoped. Now that they're a bit older, I'm starting to see how deep their brotherly bond really is.
They all look to each other for approval, wanting to make sure their brothers think they're doing something amazing. The best is while we sit down for meals. They start telling jokes and instantly look to make sure their brothers are laughing at them! Even Baby Lucas joins in! No one knows what he actually says, but they love that he's trying and think his' hilarious!I want them to continue getting closer as they get older.I want my kids to be best friends.
3 Ways To Ensure You're Raising Grateful Children
This month, I want my kids to take a moment to be grateful for their siblings. The more they learn what they love and value in each other, the closer they'll be.
Lead By Example
If we want to teach our kids to be grateful, we have to start by being grateful ourselves. Kids are always looking to their parents to figure out what to do. If they can see us being grateful and loving to those around us, they'll follow suit.Parents can model gratitude by verbally expressing it, sending thank you notes, and even giving little gifts.Remind your kids how important to be thankful for people they love and talk to them about it. Let them know why you're thankful for them!
Create A Habit
Instead of being grateful once a year on Thanksgiving, make it a year long routine. Create a habit in your home to talk about what your thankful for. Whether it's over dinner each night, as you tuck your kids in bed, or on the way home from a busy day.It doesn't matter when you do it, just do it. Create those conversations early on so they become normal.
Sibling Dates
As your kids watch you leading a grateful life and a let it become a habit in their own, it will quickly start to affect their relationships with their siblings.You can foster their relationships with each other more by letting them have sibling dates!Do something fun and take them to a movie! Let them choose what they want to see together and their snacks! Or let them come up with their date night on their own. Encourage them to have fun thinking up the whole night and what they're going to do.The most important thing you can do as a parent is to help your children build strong relationships with each other.These relationships are going to last for their entire lives. By helping your kids learn how to be grateful for each other, you're making sure they have a strong foundation that can last through it all.
What tips do you have for helping your kids be grateful for their siblings?
Candy Thieves And An #AIWTribe Challenge
Our Little Trick Or Treaters!
I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween yesterday! This was the first year that all of our kids truly got into trick or treating!They were so excited to see all of the kids dressed up as different characters that they knew. Not to mention our neighborhood did such a good job! So many people were sitting in their driveways with little fires, handing out candy and goodies!I love seeing the neighborhood get so involved!What was your favorite house your favorite house you visited last night?
The two big kids were in heaven all night! They couldn't get to the next house quick enough!Baby Lucas was so excited to walk with his brothers to the first few houses! Then his big brothers started to leave him behind and he realized just how much work Trick or Treating was going to take.
The Morning After
The morning after Halloween is always interesting. My little candy thief, Levi always attempts to steal the Halloween candy. He usually succeeds! This year my husband and I decided to hide it so they couldn't find it. Putting it up high never works, so hiding it seemed perfect.Then we woke up at 5am to see all of our lights on...The little candy thief snuck downstairs looking for his Halloween spoils and found it!When I asked him why he would do it he said, "Mommy I thought you wanted me to have it. I'll give you one..."He tried to bribe me!Did any of you have any candy thieves this morning? I think it's becoming our little Halloween tradition!
#AIWTribe Challenge
Now that Halloween is over that means we're counting down the days until Thanksgiving!While we're all waiting for Turkey day I thought what better than an Instagram challenge! I love doing challenges with all of you so we can get to know each other better and share what's important to us!Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see the prompts each day!Also tag your pictures with #AIWTribe so we can find each other's pictures all month long!Don't forget to tell your friends!
How To Keep My Culture Alive While Living Abroad
I'm very excited to join up with Lauren from English Wife Indian Life to share our stories. We're sharing how keep culture alive in our multicultural families. I share how we keep my husband's Indian culture alive in the US and she's sharing how she's keeping her English culture alive while living in India.
How To Keep My Culture Alive While Living Abroad
When I married an Indian, I remember thinking how lucky our children will be to belong to two extremely different cultures. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I spent hours researching baby names that would fall easily from both tongues. Then I started to worry, my own cultural identity has been questioned numerous times, from “you should be more Indian now you live in India” to “it seems you are not proud to be British anymore”.Will my child have a similar experience? Will my child feel British at all growing up in India?India is the country I have called home for three years. Since leaving England to start a new life with the man I love, I have been learning about Indian values and traditions. In fact, I made it my mission to learn as much as I possibly could so I could understand my new family and the world around me. There are so many amazing things I want my son to learn and enjoy from Indian culture, but what about his other culture?I thought about the ways I have managed to maintain my culture in India, what parts are so important to me that I couldn’t leave them behind when I took off from Heathrow. I don’t want to force either culture down his throat, but I do want to give him the opportunity to experience both sides of his heritage.
Enjoying a Full English Breakfast
The food we eat says a lot about who we are, our lifestyle and our heritage. In a couple of weeks, I going to start weaning my son, which has put the emotional aspect of food in the spotlight. I can’t predict what his tastes will be, but I would hate for him to have the same problem I have.I’m so attached to English food that I daydream about it! It has a huge sway on my emotional wellbeing when I am unable to indulge in cheese or bread. Finding quality cheese and bread in the city I live has been a struggle. I want my son to enjoy a variety of cuisines, give him as much choice as I can. I would hate to be visiting England and have to make something separate for him because he has the same emotional attachment to Indian food as I do to English food.
Celebrating Christmas, Easter and Pancake Day
Every Christmas morning I woke up with a stocking on the end of my bed, stuffed with small presents from Father Christmas. If we were living in the West, we would be surrounded by Christmas, but living in India, it’s my job to cultivate the spirit.I don’t want to lie to my child about Father Christmas, for starters we don’t even have a chimney, but I don’t want to lose one of the very few family traditions I have (especially when my husband’s family have hundreds). I still remember how disenchanted I felt with the entire world when I found out Father Christmas wasn’t real. It broke my heart. I’ve thought about this extensively (probably too much) and found a solution.There is a ten day Hindu festival celebrating the elephant God, Lord Ganesh. The tradition is that families bring a clay idol of Lord Ganesh into their home, bringing his spirit into the house, and enjoy their time with him. I thought of Father Christmas, and he is the symbol for the spirit of Christmas (jolly, giving etc.). I’m sure my children will understand it this way, and avoid the minor breakdown I had when I was about seven.
Please and Thank You
When I first moved to India, everyone laughed at me for saying “thank you”. Hysterical laughter that made me feel uncomfortable and insecure. Still, I continued to say thank you, it’s not only a habit. It’s a compulsion. It’s not that Indians are rude, concept of politeness is vastly different in India. I would say by Indian standards, I can be (unintentionally) very rude sometimes. I want to encourage my son to say please and thank you, avoiding the disapproving looks when we visit England.
Making the Most of Trips to Britain
We may not have as many traditions and festivals as India, but our little island has beauty, history and fun things to do. It dawned on me as I was flying to India, my son’s childhood will be drastically different from my own . There are so many things I remember with great fondness, and I want him to have the opportunity to experience them too. Therefore, I have promised myself that when we do visit England, we will not waste a moment.
Bring my Culture to India for my Son
When I started to write this post, I thought about the ways I have brought British culture to India and it made my stomach turn. Britain ruled India for almost 100 years before India achieved freedom in 1947. After all the bloodshed, enslavement and stolen wealth, the British retreated after the independence movement, known for its nonviolent philosophy. The actions of some of my ancestors in India were awful and inhumane. I feel ashamed when I read about the brutalities and injustice.That being said, I believe that people cannot be blamed for the actions of their ancestors, religion, nationality or race. It’s also important we don’t wipe away history from our consciousness, to learn from mistakes and treat everyone equally, regardless of race, religion, gender or nationality.In the end, that is what I hope most for my son (and any future children we are blessed with), that they are kind, open minded and respect all living things.
Be sure to follow Lauren on English Wife Indian Life
How Purging Toys Has Made My Kids Closer
Our Massive Purge!
I recently went through our home and did a massive purge. I've wanted to do one for a while, but continued to put it off. I'd get rid of a few things here or there, only to replace it with something else.Then I finally did it. I spent an entire weekend going through our clothes and toys. I ended up donating 10 bags to Goodwill.... I didn't even know we had accumulated so many things. Granted some of it was clothes the kids no longer fit into, but there were so many toys.Do you want to know the kicker?My kids haven't even noticed...I spent so much time trying to find toys that would help them to stay entertained, teach them important skills, and to play with their brothers that I went a little overboard.Our purge has been amazing. I spend half the time cleaning up after they're done playing and the most important thing is their imagination has exploded! Instead of dumping out all of their toys and playing with one for five minutes they grab a few and go outside!
We've been extremely blessed this year with a park in walking distance from our house. Right next to the park is a fun wooded "fort." My boys have been all about it!Now that we've gone through and donated a huge chunk of our toys, they've wanted to go to the park every day. As soon as we get there, they run to their fort. I tried following them in today but was rudely denied by a five-year-old Iron Man.
I still snuck in to snap pictures of them playing together! I love seeing how close they're getting.Having three little boys under six has been crazy at times, but I remind myself we did it for a reason. I wanted my kids close together because I wanted them to be best friends. Now, it's actually happening. They love spending time together.Yet another thing I've seen after getting rid of so many toys is that they play together more. Before, they'd all get their toys and play alone. Now, they find each other and play together!
Ok, we're almost there. This little one got kicked out of the fort for throwing dirt at his big brothers. This was his response when I asked if he was throwing things at them.He's got no shame.Try it for yourself and purge some of your kid's toys! You'll be amazed at the results!
Teaching My Multicultural Kids What's "Normal"
My Little Explorers
One of my favorites part of homeschool has been watching my kids explore. My little boys are curious about everything around them! If you look into their eyes, you can see they're always pondering something.Momma, why can't I marry you?Why can't we spend your grocery money on our toys? Aren't toys more important?Why doesn't everyone speak Telugu like daddy and me?I love hearing the questions their little minds come up with. While I may be assuming they're only thinking about the toy in their hand, they're actually processing life going on around them. They want to figure it all out.Sometimes, these questions are centered around what they want in the moment, like going toy shopping rather than grocery shopping. Other times, they're thinking about something much deeper. I'm always surprised to hear how deep their questions can become.Lately, my oldest son, Liam has been pondering the differences between him and those around him. As a biracial child, he's not new to the idea of being different than some of his friends, but he's starting to identify how they're different.
I Speak Normal
This week, we went to the store to pick up a few supplies. While we there, Liam overheard a few employees speaking in Spanish. He's fascinated with other languages because this is the first year he's had a personal desire to pick up more Telugu.He immediately started talking to me and asked if they were speaking Spanish. I said yes and he started to go off in his own version to show off for them, throwing in a few real Spanish words.He was so proud of himself. Then I became the mom that reminded him most of what he said was made up. Luckily, he just laughed and he started listing off all the Telugu words he knows.I love that he wants to explore languages, but I don't ever want him to come off as mocking someone else. I want him to know the difference between a made up language and a real language. Then he brought up one of his cousins who grew up in India.Momma, why doesn't he speak normal like me?Hun, there's not really a normal language. People across the world grow up speaking different languages and he grew up speaking Telugu. It's normal to him. Mom... Listen to me. See.. I'm speaking normal. It took some time to explain to him that normal is relative, but it got me thinking. I don't want to raise kids that think they're way is the only "normal" way. Right now, he's young and he's trying to process the world around him. I love that he's able to talk to me about everything he sees and wants to know more about.
Diversity Is Normal
I want my kids to grow up knowing diversity is what's normal. I want them to be able to look around and see the beauty in the differences between cultures.The more I can talk to my kids about the differences they see, the more normal it becomes. "Normal" is relative. It changes for everyone. However, one thing that should always be normal is a love for different cultures around the world.As my kids continue to question and figure out the world, I'm going to be right next to them. I want to help them as they figure it out.It's our role as parents to teach our kids the beauty of diversity. How can you do that? You do it by pointing out racial inequality, talking to your kids about what's going on the world, encouraging them to ask questions, and teaching them that all lives matter.Sometimes, I look at the news and for a moment, I wish I could hide it all from my kids. I don't want them to see how terrible people can be. I don't want them to know that some people are so hateful that they see their race as better than another.It's my job as their parent to talk to them about the hard things. I'd rather be the one to tell them, so I can also be the one to remind them all lives are important and diversity is what makes our world so beautiful.
Our Fall Family Bucket List
Our Fall Family Bucket List
The leaves are changing, the weather is getting colder, you can finally start your morning with a hot cup pumpkin spice latte... Which can only mean one thing.It's Fall!My favorite time of the year and it's just beginning! It also means my husband is home more! His work travel schedule ramps up during the summer, but starts to slow down during the fall and winter months. My boys and I have loved having him home more!Our Fall started out a bit rocky, but now we're filling it with as many fall festivities as we can!
Our Fall Family Adventure
It's only a few short weeks into Fall and we're already loving it!I asked my kids what they wanted to do this Fall and they quickly made up their lists. I thought I'd have to help them decide what they wanted to add to their Fall bucket lists, but they sat down at the table and drew it up all day!I loved seeing them so excited about Fall because it's been my favorite season since I was their age. Here are a few of the items on their lists!
Learn A New Sport
Football season has begun and my kids are now obsessed with it! As soon as my husband gets home from a trip, he's greeted with three little boys and a football. It doesn't matter what time it is, they all beg to go outside and throw it around!This is the first time I've noticed the two big kids actually interested in how to play. They're asking where to put their fingers and how to throw better. I love seeing the smile on my husband's face as he teaches them. He's so proud of them and loves being able to teach them.
Go On An Early Morning Walk
Early morning walks have always been a favorite in our house. It all changes when the weather gets cooler. We all grab our nature journals, a hot cup of hot cocoa or coffee for momma, and go on our early morning adventure.We live in a quiet little neighborhood so it's perfect for all of our stops along the way. The boys look for special rocks, sticks, and leaves as I take as many pictures of them as I can. I love seeing their little friendships bloom and change as they get older.My youngest is getting to a point where he wants to be just like his big brothers. He watches every move they make and tries to copy it all.
Make A New Halloween Treat
With three kids and a traveling husband, homemade snacks aren't always a top priority. All of that changed this year when my kids were the ones begging to make them!These little monster treats were so easy to make and required very little work for momma. All you need is white chocolate, a little coconut oil, and pretzels. Mix up your chocolate and oil then dip your pretzels. Voila. So simple. Then hand them over to your kids and let them go crazy.
Fall Family Bucket List
Here's the rest of our Fall bucket list! We've marked a few off our list, but have so many more to go! Join us for your very own Fall adventure.
Let us see what you're crossing off your bucket list by posting it and tag us #AIWTribe!
How To Prepare For A Multicultural Family
How To Prepare For A Multicultural Family
While I was pregnant, I found myself daydreaming over my little baby. I wondered what he would look like, what type of personality he would have, and how my life was going to change forever.
As a mother expecting a multiracial baby there were a few other things that came to my mind as well. I started to wonder how I would raise a biracial child.
How would I be able to blend cultures in their life?
Would I be able to show them the best from both of their cultures?
Would it be possible to teach them about Indian culture as I was just learning myself?
I had to remind myself I had time to figure it all out. My baby wouldn't come out expecting me to have their whole life planned out. All my baby wanted was my love, cuddles, and kisses right away.
When people ask me how they can prepare for their own multicultural family I talk to them about three things that have helped my family tremendously.
Start Building A Foundation Of Communication
As I welcomed my newborn into my life, I quickly realized how important communication was in our family. Raising a biracial child means you're going to have to talk about everything from racial identity to what they want to be when they grow up.It's important to think about how you can create open lines of communication from the beginning. Obviously, you have a few years before these communication skills will mean anything to your little one, but the more you work on it now the more natural it will be as they get older.Often times, we think we have all the time in the world and end up waiting. Even as a toddler, your children need to know they can come to you with anything.Start building this foundation in your relationship as parents and then it will be natural to continue it with your children. Your child will look to their parents to figure out what good communication looks like and whether or not it will be important to them.
Establish A Family Identity
My husband and I started to develop a family identity as soon as we got together, but it changed when we had our baby.When you welcome a child into your family, your family identity starts to change again. Now, you and your partner aren't the only important things in your lives. Now, you have a beautiful little baby you have to consider in all decisions you make. It's important to think about your family identity early on.How will your family blend cultures?What values will your family pull from your culture?What traditions do you want to pass on to your child?As you think about these things, you will begin to develop a family identity. No two family identities look exactly the same and that's what's so beautiful about it. You have the freedom to make it what you want. As time goes on, you'll even notice things changing. Things that worked at the beginning may need to be different years from now.That's ok. Your family identity will change and mold into what you need at each season. The most important thing is to discuss your values, beliefs, culture, and traditions as time passes. Then you can hear what everyone needs in each season.
Bring Diversity Into Your Child's Life
As parents of a multiracial child, it's your job as a parent to teach them the beauty in diversity. Many children face a time in their life where they struggle over being different. They want to be like their friends and look like the people they love.It's your job to remind them diversity is beautiful. How can you do this? Show them how diverse the world is.While you're pregnant, be sure to think about diversity when you register for baby items. Look for books that show main characters of different ethnic backgrounds. Find baby dolls in an array of colors. As they grow up they should see diversity as the norm.It's important to be intentional in teaching your child about the world around them. The more they learn about the world around them, the more comfortable they'll be in their own identity.
Start Preparing Today
As you prepare for your multicultural family, think about how you can begin to think about all three of these things. They're going to help you as you prepare for your new baby and throughout their childhood.
Today, I'm joining up with four beautiful mommas to talk about multicultural motherhood!
What to Expect When You’re Expecting Multiracial Babies/ De Su Mama
Will My Child Look Like Me? Thoughts from a Multicultural Mom /Raising Whasians
Books for the Multicultural Family / Are Those Your Kids
Raising Multiracial Babies: Expectations vs Reality / Baby Making Machine
Don't Miss The Next Multicultural Motherhood Link Up and Follow Me Today!
FX Better Things: Authentic Motherhood and A Giveaway!
When I was a little girl, I would dream about what it would be like to have kids. I've always loved kids. I went from babysitting all the kids in the neighborhood to working with children with autism. When I thought about having kids, I knew it would be amazing. I pictured my kids on special mommy dates, being told I'm the best mommy, and cuddling in my bed with them on Sunday mornings.Then I had three little boys and I realized what motherhood really is.
Motherhood is...
Staying up all night with a sick child. Stepping on Legos at 3 in the morning whispering every obscenity your mind comes up with. Getting spit up on repeatedly until you realize it's too much work to change your shirt and then you go around in spit up stained shirts for the next few months. Drinking cold coffee all day just to stay awake until nap time. Realizing you will never be caught up on laundry because your kids are little messy tornados. Knowing you love your new messy, chaotic, sleepless life. 
Motherhood is everything I imagined and everything I didn't. It's raw, real, and worth it.This is why I love the new Better Things show from FX. Most shows depict what we all thought motherhood would be like. Better Things shows what motherhood really is. The moments we pretend don't exist.Better Things is all about raw motherhood. They don't want to sugar coat it or make it into something it's not. It's hard, mothers everywhere are exhausted, and they love their kids more than anyone.
4 Times Better Things Showed Motherhood At It's Finest
"Get out of my room!"
There are so many times during the day where my husband finds me laying on my kid's bed. He looks at me dumfounded every time. Then he asks why I don't just hide out in our room. Probably because all three of my children congregate in their all day long!I'm constantly telling them to get out of my room, but I usually cave and go to theirs to be alone. Or the bathroom if we're going to be honest. The mother in this show, Sam tells her kids to get our of her room multiple times throughout the show! Do they listen? Of course not.
"Hide things from me! Please!"
The idea of our kids telling us everything is great. We raise them with the understanding that we're in their corner. We're here for them and they can trust us with anything. The moment it actually happens is another thing.During Better Things, Sam's daughter starts to tell her she wants to smoke pot and goes on to say she wants to tell her everything even when she wants to have sex. Sam's reaction, much like all moms, is perfect. She instantly freaks out and tells her daughter to hide things from her!The idea of an open and honest relationship with your children is beautiful, but the reality is exhausting!
"Mom. Can I ask you something?"
This is the question all moms fear. It's never good. It's never something as simple as we hope. The fact that they have to ask shows it's something they're worried for us to answer.Sam has three daughters in the show that all ask the scary question. Her face is priceless each time. She knows it's coming and waits...
"Keep your opinions to yourself."
This is one of my favorite scenes in the season premier. Sam is sitting on the mall bench with her daughter. She is losing it while Sam sits their looking at her phone. Next to her on the bench is an older woman staring and judging her relentlessly.As soon as Sam realizes what's happening she puts her phone down and stares back!"Do you want to go in and buy her the six dollar earrings she already has at home? Because that's why she's crying right now."No mother has gone without an incident like this. People tend to look in and have no idea what's going on. Instead of realizing they have no place to judge you, they judge away. I love that Sam completely calls her out on it! There are so many times I've wanted to do the same thing!!
What Are You Doing Thursdays at 10pm?
Put on your comfy sweat pants, grab a glass of wine or the whole bottle, and enjoy your new favorite show, Better Things! Take it up a notch and invite a few girlfriends over! This show is amazing and reminds you that you're killing it as a mother!
Better Things Swag Bag Giveaway!
Today, I'm partnering up with Better Things FX to give one of you the ultimate momma swag bag! You work hard every day and deserve this! This box is full of great goodies!To enter the contest, all you need to do is share a real and raw moment in motherhood that you've experienced. You can share it in the comments below!Don't forget to share the giveaway with other deserving mommas![tweetthis display_mode="box"]I just entered the #BetterThings giveaway! Enter to win your momma swag bag! #motherhood @almstindianwife [/tweetthis]The winner will receive...Ray Ban sunglasses, a Chipolo bluetooth keyring , a leather clutch , a hypoallergenic travel pillow, a lavander essential oils, a Better Things emergency bag, and a Better Things chapstick!Good luck mommas!
Don't Tell Me My Nightmare Is Normal
The Moment It All Changed
Ten months ago, my husband and I decided to take our kids to surprise my mother in law for her birthday. She lives about three hours from us and it sounded like the perfect weekend getaway. It was perfect timing too. Our youngest had been sick the week before, but he was going on two days without a fever.We loaded up the car, set the kids up with their iPads, and put a blanket on the baby. After a quick kiss for each of them and a trip to Starbucks, we were off. Our road trip went smoothly (or as smoothly as it can with two toddlers that need to pee every twenty minutes) and we were about ten minutes away.Then I heard Baby Luke. It was a cry, but a silent shriek. My stomach immediately started to turn because I knew that wasn't a normal sound he makes.I unbuckled and jumped into the back seat. I expected to see my baby had pinched a finger, but no. I'll never forget his face. He wasn't peacefully resting... He wasn't crying.... He was looking to one side and jerking his entire body.Baby?!Baby, look at momma. Baby, what's wrong?Can you look at momma?Please! Look at me! At this point, I know. Something is seriously wrong with my baby. I immediately tell my husband to pull over and call an ambulance.I started praying he was ok. I didn't know what was happening. I kept asking myself why he wouldn't look at me. Why wasn't he looking to me to help him? Why is he still jerking? Why won't it stop? Please, just stop. After we pull over, I immediately unbuckle him and that's when I notice his skin. He's burning up.My husband is the man that holds in all of his emotions in the moment to be strong for his family. He stands strong to help me stay strong. This is one of the only times I looked to him for reassurance and saw he was as scared as I was.I'll never forget how helpless I felt the moment I held my convulsing child, unsure of what was happening to him or if he would be ok.I faintly heard my husband in the background, telling them where we are. All I could do is stare at my baby. Then the convulsing stopped. Nothing happened. Silence. My husband and I stared at him waiting for him to look at us, reach out to us, need us. Nothing.Nothing.He didn't move. He looked off to the left, but wouldn't respond to anything.Just then an EMT put his hand on my shoulder and grabbed my baby. He went straight to the ambulance and laid him on a stretcher. He started asking my husband and I questions and checking my baby's vitals.It took about an hour for my baby to move and give me the most welcomed hug I've ever given my children. It was the scariest hour of my life.It turns out he wasn't over his virus. His fever had spiked while driving and it caused a febrile seizure. I'll never forget how the ER doctor explained the seizure to me.Normal.It's normal for some kids to have febrile seizures. Some kids are more prone to them, but they're normal. How was that normal? How can something so terrifying be normal?
Fast forward 9 months and one more febrile seizure later....
At this point, I knew what febrile seizures were. I understand my baby is prone to them and that he will most likely get them in the future. I feel prepared for another one.Baby Luke was sick again. He has been taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen back and forth, every three hours (as our neurologist directed) and my stomach starts to turn. He starts to have a look and I know he's about to have another seizure.I'm ready.It happens. His entire body starts to contort.Wait. This isn't supposed to happen. He's supposed to shake. What's happening? His eyes go to the side of his head, his arm goes above his head, and he's still.I yell for my brother in law to come downstairs. Then my worst nightmare comes true. He's on the phone and tells them Baby Luke's lips are blue.Oh God. I look down and he's right. His lips are dark blue. He's still not moving. My heart begins to sink.My baby. Please. Please be ok. For a moment, I didn't know if my child was alive. It was probably only a few seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. I didn't think he was breathing.After what felt like an eternity, his body relaxed. His lips turned pink and he started crying. Just then the EMTs and a Police Officer walked in my front door.
Fast-Forward Three Weeks And One MORE Seizure Later
At this point, Baby Luke has had four seizures. The neurologist and the ER doctors tell us the same thing. It's normal. The seizures aren't hurting his brain. It's a brain misfire that happens when he spikes a fever. There's nothing you can do to prevent them, not even fever medication.Baby Luke woke up with a low-grade fever. Due to his previous seizures, a fever for him is 99 degrees. I immediately gave him meds and scheduled a pediatrician appointment. We go and they tell us it's just a virus and to load him up on fluids.As soon as the appointment is over, I run to the store for Pedialyte. As soon as I leave the store and turn into an intersection, I look back and see my baby. He's seizing. I pull over immediately. I'm right in the middle of traffic, but it's as good as I can do because I need to get my baby on his side so he doesn't suffocate.I grab him and walk over to the grass. I start talking to him and let him know I'm there. While I'm waiting out the seizure, three moms pull over and ask if they can help. They call 911 and an ambulance and a Police Officer (the same Officer that came to my house before) arrive. After the seizure, we move over to the ambulance.After the seizure, we move over to the ambulance. They tell us we have to go to the ER because he still wasn't acting like himself. I had to follow behind them because I had our only vehicle with all of my kid's car seats.I speed the entire way to the hospital, run inside, lose a shoe, and ask where my baby is. When they lead me to him, he's naked. He had spiked another fever in the ambulance and went into another seizure. They're trying to cool him down.About an hour later, they try to put an IV in my baby. He starts crying. I look at him and my husband notices the look. He starts to seize again.The room fills with doctors, nurses, and they put an oxygen mask on him. My baby.I grab my husband's shirt and he holds me as tight as he can. Our baby.I hear a doctor mention intubating him and then they give him anti-seizure medication. His body finally starts to relax. I immediately go next to him and start rubbing his head. I looked at my baby and he looked so fragile. So little. So broken.I lost it. I started sobbing. I've never felt so helpless in my life. That was our seventh seizure and each time I have to stand there, watch my baby, and do nothing. There's nothing I can do to help him.
I'm his mom. I'm supposed to protect him. I'm supposed to fix it. I can't.
There are a few reasons I wanted to share this with all of you. Part of me needed to write and cry it all out. It's been such a hard year with Baby Luke. I hate hearing doctors tell us it's normal. This doesn't feel normal. It doesn't feel normal to watch my baby convulse, see his lips turn blue, and pray it stops. It's not normal. The other reason I shared my story is to tell every parent out there, you can't always fix it. You can't always fix your baby's problems. You can't always protect them from things that could hurt or scare them. What you can do is be there.I can't prevent my baby's seizures, but I can be there. I can hold his hand and tell him I'm right there. I can hug him, kiss him, and tell him how much I love him.To be honest... This is where I am in this journey. I don't know what I can do. The doctors say it's normal, but it's a nightmare. I'm trying to figure out what to do as I write this. It's a horrible feeling not knowing.The only comfort I have is knowing I can be there for my baby. I will always be there for him. It's the most I can offer and it's enough. He will always know how much I love him and I can take rest in that.
I will always be there for you Baby Luke.
How To Encourage An Easily Discouraged Child
This is his ABC notebook after one of those moods this morning. He decided he wanted to add a bit more color to his butterfly's wing and accidentally colored outside of the lines. His unna told him he accidentally colored outside of the lines and he lost it. He broke his crayon, ripped his paper, and started to cry. It took me about twenty minutes to calm him down and help him try again.When he works hard and finally understand or completes the task at hand, he's beyond happy. It means so much to him when he succeeds. The problem is that he's easily discouraged because he has to work harder than his brother. He wants to be just like his unna (big brother) and doesn't understand why it doesn't happen in an instant for him.As a homeschool mom, I want to find the best way to teach him. I want to find a way to prevent him from getting discouraged, but it's hard. It's not as easy as I thought it would be, but we've found a few things that help.
How To Encourage An Easily Discouraged Child
Listen
Take the time to find out why they're upset. It may be different than what you think. Ask them why they're sad or angry and just listen. Figure out exactly what it is so you can find out how you can help them. As you listen, they can see how much you care and may start to open up more.
Take A Deep Breath And Try Again
This has been the golden rule in our house. Whether your child is having a hard time telling you something or is upset overall, it's important to teach them coping skills. Then they can use the skill if they're with you or off with their friends. If you notice them starting to get discouraged, ask them to take a deep breath and try again. This allows them to cool off and start over. They'll be surprised how much starting over can help a situation.
Help Them To Succeed
It can be difficult for an easily discouraged child to accomplish big tasks. It can seem too big to complete and they may give up before they get close. Instead, set them up to succeed. Break the task down into simple and manageable tasks. Instead of putting all their laundry away, ask them to start off with their shirts, then their pants, and so on. The more the succeed, the more willing they will be to try in the future.
Let Them Know You Understand
It's easy for kids to think you won't understand and keep their thoughts and frustrations to themselves. Instead, let them know you do understand. After they open up and tell you something make sure you empathize. I can see how frustrating that is. That must make you mad. They need to know you're on their team and to know they're feelings matter.
Encourage ALL Progress
As a parent, you are your child's cheerleader. You are the one yelling and cheering them on over on the sidelines. They need this at home too. They need their successes to be celebrated no matter how big they may be. The more you encourage your child, the more they'll want to succeed. They like knowing they did a good job! Who doesn't!?Find out how you can encourage your child and try out a few of these. See which ones work for them and do it again and again. They need to know they can do it. Help them to know they can do anything they set their minds to.
Surviving Sleepovers With GoodNites
Surviving A Sleepover: The Bedwetting Struggle
Sleepovers can be a monumental moment in a child's life. They look forward to and may even dream about their first sleepover at a friends house. It's a sign of them getting older, becoming brave, and doing something on their own.While day dreaming about their first sleepover, they may think about the movies they'll watch, get excited about staying up all night (even though they'll likely fall asleep much sooner than they think), and all the fun they're going to have. They're eagerly awaiting the moment a friend asks them to a sleepover and until then they're going to dream up the perfect sleepover.What about the child that fears being asked for their first sleepover?Instead of daydreaming they end up getting nightmares over what could happen. All they can think about is...What happens if I wet my bed during the sleepover? What will my friends think?Nighttime bedwetting is much more common than kids realize. It's not something they can be trained out of, rather their bodies need to mature. The brain is supposed to get triggered when an individual's bladder is full. In some cases, the brain doesn't get the message which results in them wetting the bed.This can make things like a sleepover terrifying. Children that struggle with bedwetting get scared to leave the house in fear of what can happen. Instead of missing out on sleepovers until the problem is resolvedInstead of missing out on sleepovers until the problem is resolved there are a few things you can do as a parent to make your child feel confident they'll survive their first sleepover.
What Parents Can Do Before A Sleepover
Positive Reinforcement
It can get frustrating cleaning your child's sheets every morning. However, the worst thing you can do is let your kids know how frustrated you are. Bedwetting is emotionally difficult for a child and they need to know their parents are in their corner. Instead, reinforce them when they do have a dry night. Let them know how proud you are.
Develop A Routine
Help your child to develop a nighttime routine that encourages them to use the bathroom before bed. By limiting fluids after dinner and having them empty their bladder, you decrease their chances of an accident.
Encourage Your Child
When a child struggles with bedwetting they can start to feel bad about themselves. Remind them that bedwetting isn't due to them not doing something well enough. Instead, it's their brain not getting the message from their bladder. As their bodies mature, their brain will learn to get the message. It just takes time.
Sleepover Survival Tips
Talk To Your Child
Before a sleepover, ask your child what they're worried about. It's important for them to be open and let you know their fears so you can develop a plan to put them at ease.
Make A Plan
The biggest fear for a child who struggles with bedwetting is what do I do if I wet the bed? Huggies GoodNites provide confidence for children. Pack a pair of GoodNites underwear in your child's bag. Before they go to bed, they can put them on. GoodNites underwear has an absorbent layer inside that will prevent them from soiling their bed. When they wake up the next morning, they can discreetly go to the bathroom and put the underwear in the garbage.
Talk To The Child's Parents
Before the sleepover, you can discuss your child's bedwetting with their friend's parents. Then they will be able to help the child if needed. It also provides an added layer of confidence for you child because they know they will have help if they need it.
Let Them Decide If They're Ready
At the end of the day, your child has to decide if they're ready for a sleepover. Don't push them if they aren't ready. They will let you know when they feel confident enough to take the step. In the meantime, go over your plan and do your best to help them solve any issues they may have with going to their first sleepover.
Where Can I Pick Up My Child's First Set Of GoodNites?
Huggies has always been a favorite in our house. From their natural care wipes to their GoodNites underwear, they have parents covered. They want to help parents make their lives easier and also provide natural resources for our kids.
Find Out How Stitch Fix Spiced Up My Momma Style
How Stitch Fix Spiced Up My Momma Style
How Does Stitch Fix Work
Step One: Fill out your profile and let the company know what you like, don't like, want to try, and even throw a Pinterest board in there. I set up my own Pinterest board to show them exactly what I liked.Step Two: Get a stylist. Stitch Fix assigns a personal stylist to you. Yep, that's right! They check out your profile and even ask you questions. You can even send them a note too, explaining what you want in your box.Step Three: Receive your Stitch Fix box with all of your goodies! This is the fun part. You get a box full of five different items. You can see what they are, try them on, and see what you think.Step Four: Within three days you will return whatever you don't want in the bag they send you. It's simple. You don't have to pay to return it, you just drop it off at a post office. You only pay for the items you keep and your $20 styling fee goes towards any item you end up buying.Step Five: Show off your adorable items!
What's In My Stitch Fix Box
Check out my box reveal here!
Maxi Dress $68: This dress is from Papermoon. It's comfortable and has a cinched waist. I loved this dress because I tend to not be able to wear long dresses because they're too long. This was great because i could move the cinch up higher on my waist for the perfect height.Halter Blouse $44: This blouse is from Pixley and it's just adorable. I love flowy tops like this because I find them so flattering. Especially because I like to wear leggings as often as I can. This top is perfect to wear with leggings or skinny jeans.Clutch $48: This clutch is from Street Level. Wow. Let's just take a second to admire this little beauty. It's adorable. I love that it even has an optional strap. You can dress it us and use it as a clutch or wear it day to day with the strap. It even has multiple pockets and can even work as a wallet.White Denim Jacket $88: This jacket it from Liverpool. While this coat was extremely comfortable, it reminds me too much of the 80's. I even talk about that in my unboxing video. This was the only item from my box that I wasn't a big fan of. However, they recommended it to go along with the maxi dress which I could see being really cute.V-Neck Dress $68: This dress is from Liverpool. This was the item I ended up choosing to keep. It's adorable and it was perfect for my conference. I spiced it up with a cute necklace and I've already worn it a few times! I love it because it comes right to my knees and it super comfortable.
Find out more about Stitch Fix here!
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Why Every Women Needs Her Own Tribe
My Week At She Speaks 16
This week I was blessed to be able to attend the She Speaks 16 Conference! It's been an amazing opportunity to get together with a group of women passionate about writing and speaking. The week has been full of amazing workshops and testimonies from inspiring women.I was able to leave my two older kids behind with their Nanamma (grandma) and Pinni (aunt). It's always so hard leaving them behind. Always being the two times in their entire lives! Right before I left, I started running through the list with my four-year-old."Mommy put your baby, lotion, and toothbrush in your backpack. Be sure to help your brother while I'm gone and you better miss me."The entire time I'm saying this, his hand is on my cheek and he's reassuring me with the sweetest little reassuring voice."I know mom. I know. I know."It was right then that I realized it wasn't my kids that would struggle with momma being so far away. It was me! They couldn't wait to spend time with their cousins and everyone. I love that they're getting bigger, but I can't help the sting I feel as I left. My kids are becoming independent little boys.Just to make myself feel a little better, I took my youngest little boy with me. I know, but I couldn't help it! My mom even offered to come and watch him while I was at the conference during the day. Maybe next year they'll all stay behind. Maybe...I learned so many things throughout the workshops. One of the biggest things I learned is how important it is for every woman to have her own tribe. A tribe is a group of your people. People that will have your back against all odds, help you get through the good and bad times, and you know you can count on. Here are a few reasons you need one!
Every Women Needs Her Own Tribe...
To Surround Herself With Like-Minded People
One of my favorite parts about going to She Speaks this year was the fact that I was able to sit in a workshop with over one hundred like-minded women. We were all there with the intention to learn more about writing, shape our strategies, and to be encouraged. It was a huge blessing. Being surrounded with like-minded people means you all have similar goals. The passions, strategies, and opinions are all different, but the core was the same.When you surround yourself with like-minded people you're essentially saying,"We're all on the same journey together, going to the same place. Let's walk together to encourage and support each other. We make take a few different paths on this journey, but I know at the end of the day you're in it with me."
To Have People Willing To Challenge Her
There is nothing worse than surrounding yourself with a group of yes-women. What in the world is a yes- women you may be asking yourself? It's a woman that says yes to everything your say without fail. While that may sound nice, it's not.We need to fill our tribe with women that challenge us. We're imperfect and are bound to do things we shouldn't. Whether it's ranting about something that feels big in the moment, but really isn't in the grand scheme of things. Maybe it's the fact we've been in a bad mood all week because one of your kids aren't sleeping well... Or maybe you're trying to decide if you should take on yet another task when your plate is already completely full.You don't want to fill your tribe with a bunch of women that will encourage you to make bad decisions. You want women that will challenge you. That will be in your corner and tell you not to take on another task because you need a break. Or challenge you to have a better attitude while encouraging you. You need to be challenged in your life. Who better than a friend you know loves and cares for you?
To Have People That Get Her
Do you know the feeling when you're trying to explain something to a friend, fearing they're going to think you're crazy, and they just get it? They understand exactly what you're saying and have probably experienced something similar as well.You need to fill your tribe with women that get you. This happens when you're vulnerable and open up. The more you let the walls down and share the ins and outs of your life with your friend, the closer you'll get. As you get closer they're going to start sharing about their life and you can see where your lives are similar.One sign of a lasting friendship is one you can start to vent to only to hear, "You don't have to say anymore... I know exactly what you're saying."This happens through vulnerability, raw honesty, and trust. Allow yourself to grow closer with your tribe and gain a group of women that just get you.
To Have Someone To Cry With
I can't tell you how many times I have called up a friend to just cry with. Life gets sticky, messy, and overwhelming. Sometimes you're going through a painful season in your life and you just need a friend. Having a tribe of women you're close to a trust means you can call one of them and just let it go. You can cry on their shoulder and they can cry with you.A good friend and a good tribe of women would cry with you. They understand you feel overwhelmed and truly empathize with you. They feel your pain and want to help you get through it. They've created a safe place for you to come and be real and raw with them.
To Dream Big With
As women, we're big dreamers. We strive for big and bold things. Sometimes those big dreams can get pressed down when we're busy with work or kids. You need a tribe of women that are there to remind you to dream big. They remind you that you're worth it. They remind you that you're capable and can do anything you set your mind to.Surround yourself with people that will always challenge you to be the best you can be and to stop limiting your dreams. You are worth it. Remember that.
How Can I Build My Tribe Today?
Having a tribe is crucial for us ladies.We need this tribe to help us, encourage us, challenge us, and help us to be better women. Look around you today and determine who your tribe is. Remember to pour into those ladies in your life. Build your tribe by encouraging them and be the friend you need and desire to them!
Send this post to your tribe and tell them how important they are to you and start building your tribe today!
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5 Things Every Mom Needs To Hear
5 Things All Moms Need To Hear
You're doing a great job
Every mom needs to be told she's doing a great job. There's so much pressure on her shoulders. She wants to be the best mom she can be, make the best choices, please those around her... Whether or not your think she knows what a good job she's doing, tell her. Telling her means so much.
You don't have to listen to everyone
As a mom, you feel pressured to listen to everyone. Whether it's a parenting book, doctor on TV, friends, family, or your Good Samaritan. Remind them they don't have to listen to everyone. It's nice to be reminded.
Trust your mommy instincts
Remind them to trust in their own instincts. We all have that mommy gut that tells us what's best for our baby. Sometimes you need to let everything else go and just trust in that. Mommy instinct is a powerful thing!
You can take a break
Moms spend all of their time taking care of their kids and their family. It's easy to overlook time for themselves. Mommy guilt can even kick in and tell you how wrong it is to prioritize time for yourself. Remind a mom in your life they can take a break. A break means she can get the TLC she needs.
Thank you
Take a minute to thank a mom in your life. Thank them for dedicating their life to their kids. Thank them for all their late nights, delicious dinners, cleaning the house, taking care of sick babies, kissing boo boos, and so much more. Every mom needs to hear this one. Thank you.
Take a minute and encourage a mom in your life.
The Perfect Gifts For A New Mom Brought To You By Huggies
This post is brought to you by Huggies, "The first hug your baby will ever feel is from you, make sure the second hug is just as good with Huggies Little Snugglers diapers."When someone special in our life experiences something as wonderful as welcoming a newborn into the world, we want to show them how much we love them. We want them to know how excited we are for them. However, finding the perfect thing can be hard.Well, not anymore! Today, I'm partnering up with Huggies to tell you the perfect gifts you should buy the new mom in your life!
The Perfect Gifts For A New Mom Brought To You By Huggies
Meals
The last thing a sleep deprived parent wants to think about is cooking... Help them out by bringing them meals through out the first few weeks. You can prepare something simple, put it in a disposable dish, and drop it off around dinner time.
Snacks
A new mom needs to be eating regularly throughout the day to keep up her milk production and energy to keep up with her newborn's unusual sleep schedule. You can bring her tasty and healthy snacks like almonds, trail mix, grapes, or apples.
Huggies Little Snuggler Diapers
As a parent, you quickly learn just how many diapers a tiny baby can go through. Diapers are the perfect gift for a new mom! Especially Huggies Little Snugglers. These diapers are great because they have a gentle absorbing liner to make sure your newborn feels comfortable in their diapers and it means no leakage!My favorite part about the Huggies Little Snugglers is the wetness indicator! All you have to do is see if the little line on the front has changed colors and then you instantly know if your newborn needs a change! It makes it as simple as unbuttoning their little outfit rather than removing their clothes and taking their diaper off to check!
Time
The first few weeks as a parent are exhausting. A mother has just gone through labor and her body is trying to recover. She's also up every few hours throughout the day and night to feed and change her newborn's diapers.Be sure to offer her your time. Go over and offer to help her clean or just sit and chat. New moms can quickly feel cooped up the first few weeks. Offering to spend time with her will help her to feel refreshed.
Entertainment
A big majority of the first few months with a new baby is spent feeding them. New moms end up sitting and feeding their babies for hours every day. Bring them some entertainment to keep them busy while they feed their newborn. You can bring them a book, a magazine, or even a new movie.
Huggies Natural Wipes
Babies are messy. They create messes you didn't even know were possible. This means a new mom is always in need of wet wipes.Bring the new mom in your life a pack of Huggies Natural Wipes. They're great because their triple layer material cleans up even the big messes. The most important thing is they're gentle enough for your baby's newborn skin because they're full of aloe and vitamin E.
Something Cozy
New moms are tired, typically covered in spit up stains, and just want to be comfortable. Bring them something to make sure they are! You can bring them cozy socks, comfortable yoga pants, or even a comfortable nursing tank.
Where Can I Get These Gifts
Head over to Sam's Club today to pick up the special gifts for the new mom in your life! I love shopping at Sam's Club because they make it easy for families! They provide carts for big families like ours and have everything we could want from clothes to groceries.Sam's Club is even offering YOU a special deal the rest of this month!
Check out this great offer from Huggies!
Buy any two packages of Little Snugglers diapers and/or Natural Care wipes between 5/9/16-6/30/16, snap a photo of your receipt and email/text it to @Huggies by 7/15/16. You will receive a code and instructions within minutes to get your $10 Sam’s Club e-gift card.