She's Crafty

I feel like I need to redeem myself a little after the whole Pinterest debacle. I AM, in fact, crafty. Some might say that I'm quite crafty, but I'm selected about how I use my craftiness.

For example, I love to make things as gifts for other people. I know this teeters on the edge of being that girl who gives people crap she makes because she thinks its awesome when it's really hideous.  I try to only make & give things that I think other people will like AND I only give things that I'd like in my own home. Its a slippery slope but I like to create & share, so deal with it.

I'm great at making & finishing things for my loved ones. I'm terrible at finishing things for myself. In light of public Pinterest shaming, I'm sharing with you possibly my best craft gift yet.

For Mother's Day this year, I was looking for something unique for the ladies in my life. I didn't want to give them the same ole' thing, but rather something different & as awesome as they are. I came across these little cross-stitched families in an Uncommon Goods catalog & thought (this is what gets me into trouble!) "Hey, I can make that!" I grew up cross-stitching so I could do this. And for the UG price tag of $200, I found my motivation to DIY.

I quickly found out why UG was charging $200 a pop- this was a HUGE time commitment. But I can say that I loved, loved creating these for my moms; it was worth every minute to see the looks on their faces when they opened it.

Maybe I should trick myself into thinking the Pinterest project is for someone else... any takers? (wink, wink)

If you want to read more about my Pinterest fail click here and here.

Wardrobe of a SAHM: Preschool Pickup

I've been a full time SAHM (that's Stay At Home Mom for those of you not in the know) for about 4 years now. I started off part-time after the twinsies and slowly worked my way out of working as a kindergarten teacher. Now, I'm still a teacher; it just that nobody is listening to me :)

When I first became a SAHM, I made a mental note that I was going to get dressed every morning & maintain some kind of sense of style. I knew when my income took a hit, my wardrobe was going to take a hit as well. I was determined to do it with style, while sporting spit up on my sleeve.

The longer I've been a SAHM, the more I realize that there is an acceptable dress code that one must adhere to; otherwise, you're going to be discussed. It's much like the office is business casual, but if you're the jerk-ball that shows up everyday in a suit, you're going to be discussed. Such is the work place of those of us who do not technically earn income (though we work our tails off 90% of the day).

So, what I'm proposing to you this week is a guideline so that you do not embarrass yourself and so you can assimilate yourself into the culture of the SAHM. You don't want to be that gal. These are women we're talking about, we've all been teenage girls before so I know you're familiar.

What to wear for Preschool Pickup 

Preschool drop off & pickup generally occur in the earlier morning & right before lunch. For some reason, our kind believes that morning preschool is better & we will clamor over each other to get our child into the coveted morning class. Personally, I like PM preschool, especially if you no longer have an afternoon napper. The afternoon is painfully looonnngggg & I like to break it up with preschool. BUT if you still have a napper, the morning is where you want to be.

Proper Attire

Attire for preschool drop off & pickup needs to give the illusion that you're clean, without having actually showered; that you're using your time wisely by going to the gym; OR that you've had such a hectic morning that you can't possibly do anything other than get your child to preschool and you're going to sink into a comfy couch at the nearest Starbucks as soon as possible.

If you're not planning to do any of these things, that's okay. Please dress accordingly so as not to offend anyone. You, by all means, do NOT want to let anyone know that you had an easy morning, you're completely showered, appropriately caffeinated and have run 6 miles before 7 AM. Nobody wants to know that or have it thrown in their face at drop off. This will not make friends. Please just complain about your child's behavior accordingly. 

Acceptable Items:

Yoga pants

Running Shorts

Race t-shirts

Super tight tank tops (so everyone can see your post-baby body)

Anything from lululemon

Sneakers & flip-flops are appropriate footwear. 

Hair must be up: ponytail or messy bun are acceptable. Headband is optional.

Little to no make-up is preferred. 

*side note: words across the butt of your shorts/pants are considered taboo for Moms, still acceptable for teenagers

Please adhere to the guidelines for your own safety & self-esteem. We will be watching you. 

I Have Failed

Put a big fat F on my report card, I have failed.

Pinterest project is still incomplete. It is sitting in my office, unfinished & getting dusty.

I have made some progress. I actually moved my ironing board downstairs to iron the background fabric. I didn't actually iron it yet, but I'm prepared when it's time.

I was hoping that publicly sharing my intentions would help me to follow through, but now I know: shame is not a motivator for me.

I can give you a gazillion reasons why it's incomplete- very valid reasons- but bottom line is I have failed. No excuses.

I'm going to accept my shame & move on.

It's the admirable thing to do.


If you would like to see what my Pinterest project should've looked like click here. 

Misery loves company. Do you have a Pinterest fail? Share it with me, especially if it's hilarious & includes pictures :)
@preschoolmomma on Twitter

Books I Love: For Teaching Feelings & Relationships

I'm back with another Books I Love post! This time, we're talking about feelings & relationships. These books teach how to appropriately identify feelings (anger, frustration, jealousy) as well as how to interact with others (sharing, new siblings, bullying). One of the best relationship authors for the preschool crowd is Kevin Henkes. His books talk about things that hit at the heart of preschoolers so you'll see many of his books below!

Books About Feelings

Books About Relationships

I warned you there were a lot of Kevin Henkes books! He is the master. Happy Reading :)

What We're Reading: July

Up to my eyeballs in stuff this week. The big boys started football practice & it's four. nights. a. week. Seriously, it is. I wouldn't joke about this stuff. I have some fun posts planned for us if I can ever get them together but for now, you'll have to settle for this. Or, I guess you don't have to... either way, I'm not real exciting this week. Sorry, some weeks are just like that.

What We're Reading in July

I'm always looking for a new book to read so I thought I'd share what we're into this month. Enjoy!

Me

Some friends recommended this book to me. Normally, it's a book I wouldn't go near. Who wants to learn stuff while in the throws of a good book? I typically go for something light & easy. This is surprising light & easy & I find myself googling these people to learn more. Fun! 

Will

Again, another recommendation. It's about vision (der) & leadership & stuff. I think he digs it. He's not here for me to ask, so I'm assuming he's into it. 

The Boys

This is what they're reading (all 3 of them):

I know, right? I can't even discuss it.

A teacher friend recommended this series for them.

I found book 1 at the library. It's getting dusty on the bookshelf. Whatever. I'll force it upon them next week.

The Baby

How long do you think I can call him the baby? 

He's discovered Eric Carle & is smitten. He's definitely my kid ;) 

Hope your families are enjoying summer reading as well. We finally made it all the way through a library summer reading program log- whoo hoo! It's amazing how much easier it is when they can read to themselves! 

Just Had to Share...

Last week I posted about things I've learned on vacation. You can click here to read about it & I suggest you do because otherwise this will not be nearly as funny to you.

A friend of mine, who is a true Southern gal through & through, sent me this text. I thought you'd appreciate it. I literally laughed out loud.

I enlarged the photo so you can see it clearly:

I love my friends.

Happy Tuesday y'all!

This Week's Project...

I like to be crafty & creative; I just never seem to have to the time  be willing to make the time. Nobody ever has time to just sit down & bust out a craft. You've gotta make time to get your creative juices flowing. My problem is that by the time I have a window to get something created I'm kinda tired, or I have to fold laundry... it's always something. I'm having a hard time getting motivated so I'm hoping to use you guys to keep me accountable. Hope you don't mind :)

So, I'm putting it out there. Here's the craftiness that I'm hoping to get my hands on this week:

I have this perfect space in my hallway right by the garage door where I can hang this baby. My plan is to put cute fabric inside the frame as well as the dots to form the quote bubble. Then, I'm going to write on the outside with a dry erase marker. 

What am I going to write? I dunno.... maybe something inspirational, something I want the boys to learn/remember, Bible verses, math facts, my grocery list... whatever I feel the need share & display. The possibilities are kinda endless. 

Where did I find this little gem? Of course, at Pinterest. Click here for the link so you can pin it too. 

Now that I've committed, let's see if I can get it done! Check back at the end of the week for the after pics!

What project is hanging over your head, waiting to be completed? Share your craftiness with me! @preschoolmomma on Twitter

Find me on Pinterest @ joyriley