I’ve been asked many times why I’m a SAHM (Stay-At-Home-Man), and the honest answer is for my children. When I was their age, my father was stationed overseas for many months at a time and he missed many magical years during mine and my brother’s youth. While I never harbored any animosity towards him for it, I do believe it affected the closeness we had (or didn’t have) until many years into my adulthood. I swore I wasn’t going to let that happen to my daughters. After untold 70-90 hour workweeks building a company in the Los Angeles area, we made the choice to sell our share and ‘retire’ back to the area my wife grew up in the Midwest. The proceeds from that sale have allowed us not to return to the workforce by choice (although the current economic climate may change that someday).
When I think about my childhood, I remember the days I’d play with friends outside. We’d skate, bike, play Kick the Can and other games. But on nights when we had to be inside, my sister and I would sometimes do fun things with our parents. Sometimes we’d do puzzles, sometimes Monopoly and of course other board games. We do those same things now that I’m a parent but now we have a game called Rory’s Story Cubes.
If you've been following my #31Days adventure for Lean Cuisine and Skinny Cow, then you already know that I've been utilizing Yoplait products in my quest for a healthier lifestyle. Actually, I've talked about my love for Yoplait products many times here at SahmReviews.com.
I'm an accountant by trade so don't argue with me. As long as I can PROVE that 24/7 x 31 = 360 then it has to be true. Right?
Here's the deal. Turner Classic Movies is celebrating the upcoming Academy Awards by presenting 31 days of movies. Really good movies. From February 1st until March 3rd. 31 days. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 360 total movies.
Let me rephrase. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 31 days totaling 360 movies.
Us men have it easy. Well, most men. Short (or no) hair means no extra fancy doodads on our heads. Au natural or a baseball cap is all that is required. Maybe a winter cap when the weather is appropriate, or a derby cap for the golf course. But unless you’re a 60’s hippie throwback with a scrunchie in your ponytail, that’s about all that is necessary for us.
How my life changed with two little girls, one being Ms. Barbie/makeup/jewelry/etc. Both were blessed with straight hair and they both insist on wearing it long. That means ponytail holders, bandanas, head bands, rubber bands, alligator clips and more fill their drawers so they can have a never-ending choice of hair accessories. Of course, one of each will not do, you need the entire rainbow of colors and designs. I’m in so much trouble when they start buying their own shoes…
Two kids, two dogs and a husband that loves toys. If I’m not stepping over living things, I’m stepping on any combination of Squinkies, Zhu Zhu Pets or virtual skateboards! At least the toys are standing still (mostly) and I can easily maneuver my way around them. Not with remote-controlled cars though – especially with a husband that enjoys chasing the two dogs, two kids, etc. with it…
I recently had the opportunity to try out a new RC car from the Road Rippers line by Toy State. Let me state, I have nothing against RC cars. In fact, our family has quite a few RC items for all three kids (the two little ones and the semi-grownup one). I feel from using them and watching DH play with others, I have a good grasp of what can make or break a particular toy vehicle.
I was one of those people who told myself when I have kids, I’m not going to have them watch TV. all day. I was going to set limits and not spoil their minds with such a bad habit. I mean, what would they learn? Little did I know.
That 36” box of electronic circuits saves me from insanity when I most need it. The first thing Little Miss A does when she wakes up in the morning is ask for toons, i.e. cartoons and milk. Those really are the first words that she iterates. Well, maybe “where’s Daddy?” but toons and milk is our morning ritual. Gives me a chance to wash dishes and feed the dog! Whenever I have to make a phone call, mow the lawn, or make a meal, we turn on the television. Without the TV, life would be a little difficult at home being a stay at home mom. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t turn on the TV all the time. I do socialize my child and expose her to the arts, science, and literature. She plays outside too. I would say she’s a normal 3 year old that’s pretty intelligent.
I can remember some of the first books I picked up in my pre-teen years, nearly always some type of science fiction. We were stationed overseas in a time well before cable and satellite television, and the programming choices on the only English-speaking station (AFRTS) were slim. I would crawl into bed with the paperback in hand and read it nearly cover-to-cover in one sitting.
When home video games systems such as Atari and ColecoVision became available, along with our Apple II+, reading took a back seat to those instant feedback entertainment options. I only picked up a book to read if it were something assigned by a teacher, and really rarely read them then either. Let’s just say my “Of Mice and Men” book report was really way off of the actual plot of the story.
At the beginning of January, I sent a goal for myself. Not a resolution, just small steps. As we wrap up our #31Days and move on to the next, I wanted to give you a recap.
While we still ate out quite a bit, I tried to rethink what I ordered. Yes, mashed potatoes and gravy would be we tasty but green beans are a better choice. (and since the kids were ordering mashed potatoes, I could always sneak a bite of theirs to satisfy my taste buds.)
As you know, I've been participating in the Lean Cuisine #31Days program for this past month. Creating new habits... better habits... healthier habits.
Well, I'll have a summary post coming that talks about how it has been going and what I can expect for the future.
But...! How about a healthier wallet? I'm excited to say that as part of the campaign, I have a widget on my blog to print a Lean Cuisine coupon. It's exclusive to the Lean11 who participated in the #31Days as well as the blogger who coordinated the campaign. You can only print this coupon from these 12 blogs.
Seriously. It's exclusive AND it is limited quantity!
The widget is over there on the right of the page (and for those of you reading this via RSS, you'll have to stop by to get it.)
I like to believe that I'm a reasonable parent. I love spoiling my kids on MY terms, not theirs. When they ask for something, sometimes they get it. If they ask for two... they get none. Doesn't matter what it is or where we are. If someone offers a second, fine. If they ASK, then no.
So when a new movie comes out and they're clamoring for that licensed whatever, I pick and choose my battles. They typically stick with the same favorite characters (like Spongebob) - and even have come to love some of my childhood favorites like Garfield and Tom & Jerry. I'll pick up some licensed stuff, but they don't get everything. Not even close.
This my first time putting together a Whrrl story, but it won't be my last. Why? Because I had a great time with this experience and I am so excited to share my story... and my dogs with you.
It's a commercial that brought tears to my eyes back then and still does. Mean Joe Green hobbling down the tunnel. A young boy offers him a Coke and after a little persuading, he takes it. Then he smiles.
