Diva Zone

**Warning: I do not edit my photos because I am lazy and really have no clue how.  I apologize in advance for amateur "photography," but clearly I have been too busy building a stage ;-) **

What do you do when your daughter is a diva, your husband can build most anything, and you have an ugly fireplace you want to hide?  Build a stage for your kids!

I have to admit that this stage began as an idea and become something WAY cooler than I thought it would be.  When I first pitched the idea to my husband he wasn't sure if he was too keen on it, but thankfully his love to create and build got the better of him and he was on the Internet searching some HGTV stage ideas.

Not only can Paul build, but he is very logical and resourceful.  He wanted to make sure the space the stage took up was not going to be completely wasted, so he actually made 6 cubby holes for me to slide baskets in.  I figured this would be an ideal place to store instruments, costumes, and other such diva necessities.

See that little basket under there??  

Now, no stage is complete without a solid set of curtains.  I bought a double curtain rod over at Home Depot, and then headed on over to Hobby Lobby to pick out my fabrics.  I knew I wanted the curtains to be fun and playful.  I love how the blue back curtain fabric is light and whimsical, and how the chevron yellow adds a playful design.

I have to be honest here-I do not sew.  I didn't sew ANY of the curtains, but instead I used Stitch Witchery, which is my new best friend.  Once the curtains were up I felt like they were missing something, but I couldn't put my finger on it.  I knew I wanted them longer, but wasn't quite sure how to do this.  A second trip back to Hobby Lobby and Belle was begging me to buy the sparkly pink tassel edging you see.  I was hesitant, and worried it would look like way too much color.

I need to give my kid more credit for her creative eye.  In my opinion, this pink edging was THE key component in pulling this entire thing off.  I added some to the bottom of my chevron curtains and then had enough left to wrap it around the bottom of the stage--which ended up being WAY more amazing than I expected.

The last component was the paint.  I knew I had to go more neutral since I had the bright blue, yellow, and pink.  I settled on gray, but knew I wanted to add something to keep it playful.   I was thrilled to find Valspar Paint Crystals.  What a phenomenal product!  You add these crystals to your can of paint and they add an amazing and subtle hint of glitter, without looking like it was dumped on top.  The sparkle is enough to make the stage fun without making it cheap.  The funny thing is that I used an entire bag in one quart of paint, when they suggest one bag per gallon.  My philosophy is "Go big, or go home!"

Mixing in the glittery goodness

Do you see just the subtle hint of sparkle??

So, there it is!  A little fabric, paint, and wood and we have a stage I am insanely proud of!  Belle and Evie already love it, and I know it will continue to be a hit.  Now we need to stock up on some instruments!

Please admire the completed project while ignoring the vacuum in the corner!

Oh, and I almost forgot!  The sign on top of the mantle was an old framed poster Paul had and didn't like.  I covered it up with some chalkboard paint and quickly scribbled "Thompson Theater" on it.  Small little touch, but I think it's kinda cute!  Now I am on the look-out for some of those theater drama masks to put on either side!

I also anticipate some stage lighting soon from Paul.  There is no possible way he is going to be able to leave this stage alone without adding his own creative flare....although I might need to say something if he tries to bring in a hazer!

Already working on her microphone dips

Ta-da!  Time to take a bow!

Why My Kids and I Need TV

Before I get going on this post, let me preface first by saying that I have no judgment on those of you who don't allow your kids to watch TV, play video games, or use an iPad.  I applaud you and truly think we all need to do what works for us.

I know what the professionals say....keep children "screen-free" until the age of two, but I couldn't disagree more.  In my home screen-free would be be scary.  It would be weird, and my child would not know what a pyramid was or the Spanish word for "jump" without a little Dora in her life.

I am not a lazy parent.  I think there is a misconception that parents who let their kids watch TV are lazy.  Don't get me wrong, obviously making your kid sit for 8 hours in front of the tube while you drink coffee and eat bon-bons is probably a little too hands off (in my opinion).  However, I work hard in my home playing chef, nurse, house cleaner, dishwasher, referee, play mate. and safety patrol.

There are just times that mentally and physically I have nothing left, so I set the kids in their chairs with a string cheese and turn on Mickey Mouse.  And, no, during this time I don't always do housework.  I often take a moment to check my Facebook, my email, or even lay on the couch and rest my eyes a second.

You see, sometimes my patience needs to hit the reset button, my energy needs a refuel, and often my parenting skills need a moment to remind my brain what good ones look like.  Could I set the kids up playing or crafting?  Sure, but that usually means break time is spent thinking about the mess they are making and whether or not I have enough  energy to get up and stop Belle from painting on her sister's face (nah, it's washable, right?)

Some still might be saying that I am kind of lazy, and honestly, I am just someone who knows my limits.  I am not nice when I am exhausted and have a toddler throwing tantrum after tantrum because I won't let her stand on the table and try to hang from the light (yes, this happens).  I am also not very cheery when I have just spent time cleaning floors and macaroni and cheese is thrown all over the kitchen.  I don't get too thrilled when I'm running late and my three year old decides the only pair of shoes she will wear are the only ones we cannot find at that particular moment.  When I allow myself mental breaks I tend to be much more gracious in these areas.

All of us can relate to the moments we bust out "scary mommy."  Man, how I hate those moments.  I am disgusted with myself and am sad for my kids whenever she rears her ugly head....and it is ugly!  When I know those moments are coming I know I need a moment to check out, and my kids need to just sit still for 30 minutes (or more...oops!), not make a mess, not ask for anything, and give me a moment to put myself in check.

Now, this may be a stretch, but sometimes I REALLY think my kids NEED the TV too!  Sometimes I think playing all day nonstop is exhausting!  I mean, come on, building forts, coming up with Barbie scenarios, and trying to find new places to hide in hide and seek takes loads of energy!  Sometimes I really think Belle just needs a moment to sit and do some mindless activity.  If I need a moment to refuel my energy, why wouldn't my kids??

As far as the toddler goes, I basically just need her to sit still for more than two seconds so that she isn't trying to hurl herself off the couch or throw her hands in the toilet after her sister forgot to flush.  When Evie is awake I have to be mentally aware of where she is and what she is doing 150% of the time.  Sometimes just sitting her in front of the screen (which will keep her attention for more than all of 37.5 seconds) allows me the time to give my brain a mental break or the ability to actually blow dry my hair or empty the dishwasher.

Also, I have to say that there is just something truly amazing about watching my daughter perform and sing her heart out to all of the songs she has learned by watching Barbie Princess and the Popstar.  Without some good ol' screen time, I may have never known that my 3 year old really has an inner diva dying to release and get out!  Seriously, if this doesn't convince you that TV isn't all THAT bad, nothing will!

Growing Up

My girls are quickly growing up around here!

The most recent newsworthy event is that Belle has finally given up her pacifier!  I had been really talking up the Paci Fairy with her.  I told her how if she left all of her pacis on the table overnight the Paci Fairy would come pick them up and leave her a present.  The pacis would be given to new babies who didn't have pacis yet.  Belle was instantly interested when she realized she would get a gift. 

I was finally able to get Belle to make the plunge by letting her know that I spoke to the Paci Fairy and she promised to bring Belle two Barbies.  We even made a phone call to the Paci Fairy (thanks to my dad who played a pretty good fairy for us :-) ), and Belle told "her" she wanted to give up her pacis.

Our first night wasn't awful, but it sure broke my heart.  I put Belle to bed and as I sat downstairs I started to hear her cry.  She was crying to herself in her room and genuinely sad.  She said she went to find her paci and then realized it was gone and asked if she could have it for "this many more minutes" (while holding up five fingers).  I totally felt like she had said goodbye to a really good friend she had for the past three years.  She eventually fell asleep and we got through that first night.  The next morning she was MORE than thrilled with the Paci Fairy's gift.

Since then there have still been a few tears, but overall Belle has officially moved beyond her pacifiers.  Evie takes the same ones, and she hasn't even tried to sneak hers, although she did ask me if she could have one of Evies.  It has really not been as painful as I anticipated, and she has done so well!  Now, if we can only get her to quit peeing her pants....

As far as Evie goes, she has been quite the communicator lately!   Yesterday I brought her downstairs and as soon as she saw Paul she exclaimed, "Dada!"  Tonight she was crying in her crib and when I walked in her room she said "Mama!"  I truly believe she knows that those are our names, and it isn't just her babbling anymore. 

I am learning that Evie is a very headstrong child.  This may also be her age, but that girl can throw a tantrum.  I really need to video it some time, because it is quite the performance.  There is insanely loud screaming, a ton of stomping, arm waving, and throwing herself on the floor.  Really, I can't help but laugh.  Her tantrums are almost choreographed. 

Evie is learning to communicate to us what she wants more and more.  Today she brought me a water bottle and then walked over to the sink and made some whining noises to get my attention because she wanted me to fill it with water.  I LOVE that is is getting easier and easier to figure out what she wants.

My girls are growing quick. Each stage has its pros and cons.  Some stages I am happy to see pass, and there are others I feel a little bittersweet watching go.  Either way, I'm glad I get to hang with these crazy girls all day and get my own private concerts like this:

Living Up To My Blog Name

I just read a blog post of a friend of mine where she showed everyone pictures of her house and it's mess.  It was awesome, and inspired me to do the same.

We live in a world where we so many of us strive for this ideal concept where we have to have an immaculate home, an amazingly healthy dinner on the table when the hubs comes home, flawless bodies, and children who behave perfectly.  I have to admit that I took a picture of Evie today and quickly moved some toys, a spoon, and a rag because I didn't want people to actually KNOW I had a messy family room...and *gasp* let my children play in it!

Now, I understand that MANY people are gifted at keeping a tidy home, and this is definitely something they are really good at.  The rest of us are all jealous of you :-)  My sisters and my mother are natural housekeepers.  Things are clean, tidy, and have a specific spot.  I, however, was not gifted in this area.  Clutter doesn't bother me as much, and for the life of me I CANNOT seem to find a place for every random piece of junk that enters my home.

I have learned different systems to keep things manageable in my house.  My house usually looks like a tornado during the day, has a nice quick picked up look to it by the time Paul gets home, and by the time I got to bed I try to have all the toys put away and counters cleared.   It doesn't always happen like that, but if my kids are alive and the hubs is happy it's a good day, right?

The pictures below were literally taken 10 minutes ago:

My counter looks like this daily.  Random pot, book, markers, Meijer bag...and I am guessing I am hoping the flowers detract from the disaster. 

This is actually pretty good for my family room during the day.    Evie:  "Mom, would ya clean up my mess?"

Our side room.  This room is easy to walk passed without looking in.  Today Evie wanted to play with the beads, and apparently throw them everywhere.  The towel is left from cleaning up the dog water that she spilled, and the cards are what she decided to pull out of our craft cart.  Walking tornado.

My sink.  I guess I am hoping the candle takes away from the smell of soggy Lucky Charms.

Oh, laundry room/bathroom.  How I despise you.  Belle likes to drop trou  here,  and I believe that is a diaper Evie pulled out of the garbage and dropped there.  On top of the dryer is my hair and make up.  Obviously the laundry room is the best place for that.

My TV stand.  Yes, that is a can of Cream of Chicken soup on top of it.

There ya have it.  How my house looks today....well my main living area.  Hopefully I made some of you feel better about your mess, and hopefully I didn't give others of you anxiety attacks.

Oh, and if anyone wants to chip in for a live-in housekeeper, or just someone to follow Evie around all day to pick up after her I am all for it :-)

Things I Never Said As A Kid

There have been so many times lately I hear Belle say things and I think to myself, "wow, there is something I never said as a kid."  I finally decided to write some of them down.  Please feel free to comment with your own!  I know there are more, but this is all I could come up with at the moment.  

1. "Mom, you need to find it in the App Store"
2. "Can I bring the iPad up to my room to read my book?"
3. "I have to wait because it is loading."
4. "Are you checking your email?"
5. "Is that your Facebook, Mom?"
6. "Can I play a game on your phone?"
7. "Mom, will you type in the password?"
8. "Can I watch a movie in the car?"
9. "They have Dora on Netflix."
10. "Mom, are you downloading that?"
11. "Let's FaceTime Elmo."
12. and, she swipes her finger across EVERY screen she sees, because she thinks everything is a touch screen.