Being outdoors absolutely provides the best activity outlets to kids when it comes to learning and fun! There’s just so much for them to explore and enjoy out in the open, thanks to the unending wonders of nature. At times, however, your little ones may not get to revel in the fun that they usually do outdoors. Whether it’s due to the scorching summer heat or the fact that you and your partner are both busy running some errands, there are days when your kids have to remain within the confines of your house. It’s during moments like these that you must involve your little ones in activities that not only keep them busy, but also help contribute to their overall development.
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Potty Training in a Weekend – Success!
If you recall, a week and a half (or so) ago, I had written that I was going to be venturing into the potty training territory with Emmett. I was SUUPER nervous, but he was showing signs that he was ready, and it’s not fair for me to hold him back because of my worries, or because I don’t want him to grow up. 😉
Since, it’s been about 13 days, I wanted to provide you with an update on how things are going. I’m sure you’ve all been dying to hear more about my son’s potty habits, right!? 😛 (PS: This is a long post, but I hope you’ll stick around.)
Did We Succeed?
In a word, YES! Emmett is officially potty trained, but please know that it was not easy.
We followed the method that Becky Mansfield writes about in her book, Potty Train in a Weekend. The book is great! She goes into incredible detail about things like how many potty chairs you should have (yes, you should probably have more than one, if you follow this method), which potty chairs she prefers, and then what to look for as you begin your journey.
Emmett’s my first child, so I was clueless, however, after reading Becky’s book, I felt VERY prepared.
So here’s how it went…
We started on a Friday… The second I heard Emmett start to stir in his room, I went in to get him up and out of his diaper. I plopped him on his little stand alone potty chair (we love this potty), and he kind of just sat there for maybe a minute, and stared at me. He knew it was a potty chair, but not what to really do in it.
After a bit of him sitting there, I declared it breakfast time. Now, he was bare bottomed all day, and actually in the book, she recommends them being completely naked. However, we live in Buffalo and it’s chilly, so he had a long sleeved, tight fitting shirt on, and warm socks. You need to be able to see when they start to pee, so that you can rush them onto the potty. This is critical on the first day!
Friday was hard. We couldn’t leave the house, because I needed to watch him, so that I could rush him to the potty as soon as he started to pee. We pulled out every possible toy we could think of.
By 11 am, he still hadn’t peed, in the potty or anywhere else. I was starting to think he was holding it in, or resisting potty training. (I was feeding him loads of fluids, too.) Around 11:30, I noticed him start to leak a bit, I picked him up and immediately put him on the potty and told him to “Go Pee.” He did it! He went pee pee on the potty!
This was our song after the first time peeing on the potty!!… Continue Reading
Potty Training in a Weekend
Morning everyone! This is going to be a pretty short post, but I wanted to share what’s on our agenda.
We’re starting potty training today!
You’re probably thinking, big woopdie-doo, people start potty training their toddlers all the time, right? Well, we’re going to be following a slightly different method with Emmett. (We’re always so nontraditional, aren’t we!?) Anyhoo – we’re going to be training him in 1 weekend, or rather 3 days, following the book from Becky Mansfield – Your Modern Family.
Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Don’t you agree?
Don’t worry, I’m not gone. I’m never leaving!
Turn It Up Tuesday – #54
Happy Turn It Up Tuesday!!
Hey everyone! I’m really excited this week because we’ve been having some amazing posts linked up and then shared across all of the hosts blogs. It is bringing in some serious traffic for our partiers! I’d love for you to join us – because we are all always looking for a new blog to follow and read. Alright, I’m off! Here’s to a great week!
This is our last week celebrating Turn It Up Tuesday’s birthday/anniversary this week! And we are so happy to have you back here with us (or for the first time) to celebrate…and connect…and grow!
Thank you so much for joining us last week – the posts were absolutely amazing!
If you haven’t already done so, please enter to win the Turn It Up Tuesday birthday giveaway! We have co-hosts and guest hosts (past and present) joining the fun! Make sure to enter below to win!
Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic…and having fun! Link up your favorite posts (old or new) and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments — anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time!
Thanks so much to everyone that joins us each week and makes this blog hop the best that it could be!
SPONSOR OF THE MONTH
Tara from Anything and Everything
“Welcome to Anything and Everything! I am a wife to an incredible and talented graphic designer, a mom to a new baby boy, and to another baby of the four-legged variety. Here you will find everything ranging from DIY projects, food and drinks, kids stuff, and anything in between. With my zest for life and my husbands passion for design, we are never at a loss for unique and entertaining ideas. I try to update this blog as often as possible, so be sure to visit often for more adventures! Sit back, relax, grab a beverage, take a look around and enjoy!”
Stop by and check out her blog…it’s definitely a great read!
Are you interested in having your blog or website featured in this spot? Then, sponsor Turn It Up Tuesday for a month! Click here! It’s only $5 for an entire month!
We’re accepting sponsors for 2015!
Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!
(from the top – left to right)
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Stacey from This Momma’s Ramblings | Jessica from The Wondering Brain | Cathy from A Peek Into My Paradise | April from 100lb Countdown | Tara from Anything & Everything | Kae from Where’s My Pacifier? | Kelly from Making-More | Laura from Another Cent Saved | Cindy from Mom Maven | Kimberly from Keystrokes by Kimberly| Rhonda from Mother 2 Mother | Silvie from My Silly Little Gang | Jillian from Baby Doodah | Chelsea from Mommie and Wee | Tenns from New Mama Diaries
And welcome our awesome guest hosts for September!
(from the top – left to right)
Yolanda from That’s Mashed Up | Becky from bybmg | Cathy from Three Kids and a Fish | Lauren from Life In The Wilde | Mari from Living in Mommywood | Meghan from Life with Peanut | Melissa from The Coupon Chronicles | Michelle from Failing Perfect | Mila from Mila’s Little Things
This is the last week for our September guest hosts – we thank you all for enjoying the fun this month…and we hope to see you back soon!
Interested in being a guest host or becoming a permanent co-host?
Complete the form here! Monthly co-hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis. We’re now accepting guest hosts for November and December.
Here are the Featured posts from last week!
Mila chose Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Donuts from A Dash of Sanity. “The best recipe in the world.Why? Because of these two words :pumpkin and chocolate! Nough said ;)”
Silvie chose Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti from My Turn for Us. “It was so hard to choose one post to feature because we had so many great ones. I have a weak spot for Alfredo sauce, so I just had to try this recipe! I loved the flavor and how easy it was to put together. Everyone in the house loved it!”
Jillian chose What You Can Learn in the Lobby Before Job Interview from Earning & Saving with Sarah Fuller. “I chose this post because everyone can always brush up on their interview skills and this has some great tips for being prepared before even going into the interview.”
Cathy chose If we knew what we had from Just a Touch of Crazy. “So true! Too often do we not appreciate what we have until it’s gone! I love the how a song touched her heart, as I often feel the same way about songs! We tend to often think the grass is greener in someone else’s family but in reality, through the mess of day to day life….our families truly are a blessing!”
Meghan also chose this post. “I love this post. There are so many days when we get so busy, that at the end of the day, I can barely remember what we did. It is so important to just stop once in awhile and take notice. See what you have in life and smile.”
Cathy chose Healthy Recipe: Carrot Cake Bites from Luv a Bargain. “Sherri takes the amazing flavors of carrot cake and combines them with almond butter to create a most delicious carrot cake bite! I love carrot cake and almond butter and I just can’t get enough of this great sweet treat!”
Mari chose Fiesta Tuna Salad Sliders from 4 Sons ‘R’ Us. “Meaghan’s slider with the Ciabatta bread looks amazing. I love Tuna and just the variety she added looks tasty and healthy for sure. I love the tomatoes and red onion mix with mayo. Can’t wait to try this for sure.”
And because Mari is absolutely fabulous and we love having her here, we allowed her to include a second favorite:
Mari chose Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins from Budget Girl. “Now Chelsey and the Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins! Omg I can just see myself in front of the tv with glass of milk, watching a great program and taking a bite out of that moist muffin. Yes buying the ingredients tomorrow!”
Stacey chose Halloween Wreath {hack} from Home. Made. Interest. “Halloween has always been my favorite time of year and if I could go all out…I would definitely hang one of these on every door in my house! Thank you so much for sharing!”
Kelly chose Bacon wrapped Pork Loin stuffed with Prosciutto & Provolone from Home. Made. Interest. “The combination of flavors sounds delicious…”
Yolanda chose Friday Favorites – I Love the 80’s from Krafty Cards Etc. “I selected this one because I’m a 80’s baby, and reading this post gave me a great flashback. Man I LOVED a lot of the shows this blogger posted. It really bought me back to when TV was feel-good, and great for the whole family to enjoy together!”
Natasha chose Clash of the Couples from 100lb Countdown. “I am soooo looking forward to reading this book. I absolutely adore Crystal, and I love all of the writers that I’m seeing on the list. Thanks for sharing April!”
The post with the most clicks is 10 Things Only Moms Understand from Goofball Mommy.
Stop by and show some love to our featured bloggers this week! I’m sure they’d all appreciate it!
If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!
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And the Best of the Best is…
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins from Budget Girl
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Donuts from A Dash of Sanity
Show some love to our Best of the Best bloggers this week!!!!
As the Best of the Best, you win free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures for 30 days! Please showcase the badge below with pride on your blog!
Please send an e-mail to Natasha at 1EpicMommy@gmail.com and she will provide you with all the details!
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And now for our anniversary giveaway…
(from top left and clockwise)
Natasha at Epic Mommy Adventures | Cathy at A Peek Into My Paradise | Angie at God’s Growing Garden | Chelsea at Mommie and Wee | Katy at Chaos & Kiddos | Meghan at Life with Peanut | Rachel at Craving Some Creativity | Kimberly at Keystrokes By Kimberly | Silvana at My Silly Little Gang | Melissa at The Coupon Chronicles | Brittany at Mommy on Demand | Yolanda at That’s Mashed Up | Ce Ce at Color Crush Creative | Vashti at Vashti Quiroz-Vega’s Blog
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So now that you’ve met our sponsor of the month, our hosts and co-hosts, the Featured and the Best of the Best, and our anniversary giveaway…
let’s get started!
- Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.
- Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier!
- Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!
Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!
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Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week!
Interested in reading all of the Featured Posts on Turn It Up Tuesdays? Or do want to know if your post was featured before we go live next week? Follow Natasha Peter’s board Featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays! on Pinterest.
Sunday Meal Plan – Week #24
Phew! Is it really Sunday evening already? Boo!!
We had such a fantastic weekend. We had no set plans, but we managed to enjoy ourselves fully!! Saturday, Seamus took Emmett to run a few errands and then to the playground for some father / son bonding time. 🙂 Not really, it was more because momma had a lot of work to get done and Seamus was thoughtful enough to take him out.
And, because my husband rocks my socks, he came home with a gorgeous Peace Lily. I’m SO lucky! Not only does my husband take our kiddo out so that I can get work done, but then comes home with gifts. Love him! 😀
That evening we went out for pizza, mainly because we had forgotten to pull anything out of the freezer for dinner. Whoops! Not that I minded pizza, though! We went to Blasdell Pizza for their chicken finger pizza which is amazing. We don’t go out there often because it’s a bit of a trek, but it’s always well worth it when we go.
When we got home, Emmett wanted to watch the movie we got him for his birthday, The Lego Movie. We got it mainly because the main character’s name is Emmet (with only one t), but also because it looked good, and it DID NOT disappoint. Super cute!!
Sunday, was an even more laid back day. I got up early, around 5, made coffee and went right to work on some things for the blog and for my fitness business. (BTW – It really does feel fantastic to be so motivated!) Once Emmett started stirring, I went in and got him and we all cuddled in bed together for almost an hour. It was HEAVEN!!! Eventually we showered and made our way to Wegmans, but it was so nice to be so leisurely.
After shopping, we had lunch, Emmett napped (I also napped) and then we went out for Ice Cream to our local favorite spot, Anderson’s. Afterward, we, of course, had to make a quick pit stop to a playground, then back home to play in the backyard.
It really was such a lovely weekend, I’m REALLY sad to see it go!! 🙁
Anyhoo – Onto the Sunday meal plan!
Sunday – Scrounge around house
Monday – Hamburgers & Oven fries
Tuesday – Fish Tacos & Fresh Veggies (carry-over)
Wednesday – Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken (from TJs) & roasted red potatoes
Thursday – Orange Chicken & Rice
Friday – Mexican Pizzas
Saturday – Teriyaki Pork Loin & Cauliflower
A pretty simple week, which always leads to us sticking to the menu!! We need to start budgeting better and eating out less, that’s for sure!
I’m linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from jillconyers.com
Your turn!
I’d love to hear what you have on the menu for the week? I’m always looking for new ideas!
BlogHer NaBloPoMo: August
Readers! Guess what!? I’m going to be participating in BlogHer NaBloPoMo or National Blog Posting Month!
What this means for you, is that most days I will use the prompts from this challenge to create my daily blog posts. I’m certainly not running out of ideas to write about, having a child pretty much gives you a new topic everyday but I want to become more involved in the blog community and this is a great way to do it.
If you’re not familiar with what BlogHer NaBloPoMo is all about, you can read about it on BlogHer’s website, but in short bloggers are given a list of prompts for each day of the month and then they take those prompts and interpret them how they choose and blog from that (if you want more details surrounding how NaBloPoMo began, you can check out this link on Wiki). BlogHer’s August Theme is “hot” and after looking down the list of prompts for the month, I’m really excited to write about most of them. It will help lead me in a direction I haven’t yet gone in on this blog and in a way that I was eventually hoping to go.
The blog won’t change, I will continue to write about family life, work life and my (poor) attempts and eating better and working out. I’m just adding this in because I really would like to spread my wings and expand into new territory, plus you’ll have the benefit of learning more about me (well, I think that’s a benefit anyway). 😉
So who’s with me? Who wants to join me in writing about what’s “hot” in August?
If you’re interested, follow the below links to add yourself to the blogroll, you have until August 5th to do so.
BlogHer NaBloPoMo August:
Hope to see you there!