The Cutest Little Man Ever

Our littlest man in training.

Kicking back, watching the game.

Go Niners!!

A Great Napa Getaway for Two {A Perfect Date}

Have you ever had a massage or sat in a sauna in a cave…that’s under a wine vineyard?

How about wine tasting in an adjacent underground chamber?

That’s part of what makes The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California, so unique.  Christine and I visited in late November on what was our first getaway to Napa Valley.  I know, kinda sad since we live so close, right?

Anyway, we arrived in our beautiful room to a nice bottle of wine and a view of the resort’s pool.  So serene was the courtyard – with not a single little one around – that we couldn’t wait to spend some quiet time roaming around, hand in hand.

We explored the grounds a bit and ended up at the Siena Restaurant, only to find out that there had been a fire in the kitchen and it was closed. No worries – everyone was fine and there was minimal damage.

We were grateful to discover that the Meritage has a handy shuttle service to and from downtown Napa. The concierge staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and advised us on where we would have a romantic Italian dinner experience. We were not disappointed at the recommendation and certainly plan to return!

The next day, Chris and I had a couples massage at Spa Terra. It was just what the doctor ordered and we left relaxed and rejuvenated. We then took a drive into Yountville for lunch and found this cute little bistro called Bouchon, where we enjoyed some quiche and a glass of wine on their outside patio. As my mother would say, “This place is for rich people,” but Chris and I both agreed that it was worth the indulgence.

We spent the afternoon touring a few wineries and made it back to The Meritage just in time for dinner. Siena Restaurant had reopened after the fire and we were very pleased with our dining experience.  We both enjoyed a fabulous dinner of  Filet Mignon with truffled Portobello, braised spinach, crushed fingerling potatoes, and Chianti jus. Yum!

All in all we had an incredibly romantic weekend away and can’t wait to return to The Meritage Resort and Spa. Sooner rather than later. Hopefully.

What’s Your Mothering Style?

My good friend recently posted on her Facebook wall that she had taken a quiz that gave a bit of insight in to her mothering style. Of the sixteen possible styles, her answers showed her to be Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging - A ‘Responsibility’ Mother. As I read the description – adapted from the book MotherStyles: Using Personality Type to Discover Your Parenting Strength – it was very clear that the strengths described fit that of my sweet friend.

I was curious and couldn’t help but wonder in which style my answers would categorize me. Am I the ‘Action Adventure’ Mother? Or, maybe the ‘How To’ Mother?

After answering a series of questions in four separate sections, I was given my results. I am the classic ‘Independence’ Mother. Honestly, I never would have described myself as such, but as I read the list of strengths and struggles I had to admit that most of them were pretty spot on. In fact, I laughed out loud at a few of them!

The ‘Independence’ Mother

Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving

Strengths

• Energetic spontaneity. “Always” ready to drop what she’s doing for an outing or new experience,  she’s seldom bogged down with day-to-day “drudgery,” bringing a breath of fresh air and a new perspective to any situation.
• Encouraging independence. She creates and supports opportunities for her children to be out on their own, mastering their independence.
• Teaching. A wonderful teacher of “life,” she sees every activity and moment in the day as an opportunity for children to learn about life and expand their minds.
• Tolerance and acceptance. She lets children do their own thing and refrains from pigeon-holing them. In action and words, she demonstrates respect for self and others.

Struggles

• Inactivity. With her need for action, variety, and independence, she finds it draining to be homebound. She may also find it difficult to adjust to children who are slower paced than she.
• Clingy children. If she has a child who is physically clingy or emotionally needy, she may worry that he or she will never be independent or self-sufficient.
• Household routines. Impatient with the details and schedules of day-to-day living, she may struggle to carry out daily routines. She may let mundane chores turn into mini-crises… and end up doing laundry at 2 A.M. when there’s no clean underwear.

What’s your mothering personality type?
Take the MotherStyles quiz at FamilyEducation.com
I’d love to hear about your results and whether or not you agree with the assessment!

California’s New Child Safety Seat Law

I know the new child safety seat law went in to effect here in California on January 1st, but did YOU know about it? While I don’t agree that it was completely necessary, and the penalties are severe, it was a pretty easy adjustment, all things considered.

In case you haven’t seen the law, as it was written, here it is:

Children *MUST* be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) IN THE BACK SEAT OF A VEHICLE until they are at least 8 YEARS OLD or 4′ 9″ in height.

Thousands of children are injured or killed every year by safety seats that are improperly fastened by parents or caretakers. Remember, most collisions occur within a mile of the home – so properly buckle your child in a safety seat for every trip, no matter how short.

If you’re not sure about how to properly secure your child in a safety seat, or even install the seat in your vehicle, contact your local CHP Area Office, and set up an appointment for a lesson. Find your local Area Office anywhere in California. Click the Division you’re in, then click the “Area Offices” link – the address and phone number for every CHP Area Office in your Division will display.

It can be overwhelming to find the perfect seat for you and your children. Here are some of the seats we use, trust, and highly recommend::

For Baby:

The Safety 1st onBoard 35 Infant Car Seat is a great choice for your babes. And, don’t forget the Clic! Universal Stroller Frame – It’s a life (and space) saver.

Car Seat Features:

• Featuring air protect side impact technology
• Rear-facing 4-35 pounds and up to 32″in height
• Customizable insert and low harness slots make the seat ideal for preemies and adjustable for growing babies
• Carry curve handle features ergonomic design
• Adjustable base and one-click latch installation system

Clic! Features:

• Stretch canopy for sun & wind protection
• Extra-large storage basket for baby’s gear and more
• Parent organizer tray with drink holders and a cover to keep items safe and dry
• Compact fold fits easily in small spaces

For the “big” kids:

The Clek Olli Booster is intended for kiddos age 4 and up. It’s a belt-positioning seat designed and engineered to help keep your precious cargo safe. It’s comfortable, portable, secure seating for today’s family on the go.

Olli Booster Seat Safety Highlights:

• Raises your child 4 in. to improve in-vehicle shoulder belt fit
• Better positions the seat belt on the child’s hips to improve safety
• Locks into place, using the LATCH system, to provide additional booster seat stability in a collision

For all of your precious cargo:

Graco is one of our favorite brands. From the Pack ‘n Play and monitors to the travel systems and activity centers, we have never been disappointed. The Graco Smart Seat All-in-One is by far one of the best car seats we’ve owned. Timmy will continue to grow (unfortunately) and this seat will adjust to fit him, long after the laws say he must be in a car seat.

Smart Seat Features:

• Rear-facing in a harness from 5-40 lbs, forward facing in a harness from 20-65 lbs. then as a belt-positioning booster from 30-100 lbs.
• SafeSeat Engineering
• Convenient, stay-in-car base with belt lock off for one time install (LATCH equipped)
• No Re-thread harness for quick & easy harness adjustment
• One-hand, 6 position adjustable head rest for your growing child
• On-the go, 5-position recline so you can recline child while in use

Were you effected by the new Car Seat Law in California? What do you think of it?

How long do you think kiddos should use car seats?

I have received one or more item mentioned for review purposes. All opinions are mine.

Take Action #SOPABLACKOUT

In support of the #SOPAblackout, we will not be posting any new content today. You can read more about the SOPA and PIPA at 5 Minutes for Mom. And, if you want to join the SOPA strike to protest SOPA and PIPA, you can find out how to strike by blacking out your site.

Let’s take action.

Not Just An Ordinary Day

Today was an ordinary Monday. Early morning. Rushing to head off for school on time. Readjusting to the weekly routine.

And then a forced breath and a soft whisper — Slow down.

Snuggles. First words. Story time on the floor by the fire. Bounces on the trampoline. Time out to watch our favorite Disney movie. Moments like these make me smile.

Reaching for big brother in the school yard. Running through the house looking for big sister. Sweeping up a pile of soft blond fluff. Moments like these make my heart swell.

No, today was not just an ordinary day. It was a beautiful day with my babies.

~Just Write

Allowance :: Do Your Children Get One?

photo credit: nickelstar via photopin cc

It’s such a hot topic among parents with older children. Should allowance be given for completing household chores? Should it be given only as a reward for completing extra jobs around the house, or perhaps for not asking anything in return? Should an allowance be given to children at all?

I do believe that children should be taught how to manage money at an early age, but our children do not receive an allowance for doing their regular daily chores. They do, however, earn money in a variety of ways, not only from us, but also from various family members. Babysitting (a Mother’s Helper, really), washing Dad’s car, organizing cabinets and the pantry, helping with trips to the dump; these are all ways they may make some cash. It’s hard earned and well appreciated.

Here’s what my older kiddos had to say about allowance and earning money for completing extra jobs::

“Why would I get paid to help around the house? I should just do it to help the family.” -Ethan, age 11

“I think we should do our chores and not get an allowance. You pay for our food and clothes, and stuff. We should be able to make money in other ways so we can buy the stuff we want, though.” -Zach, age 11

“I like to do extra things to help you and make money for the stuff you don’t buy me.” -Julia, age 9

Do you give your children an allowance? How is it set up for your family? I’d love to hear about it!

Kidworth is a free online tool designed to teach kids financial goal setting. Wether you give your children an allowance or simply reward them for completing extra tasks, it’s a great idea to set up a Kidworth account. You would set up the account and together you and your kids could enter some goals. Whether they’d like to save up for guitar lessons or a donation to the local animal shelter, Kidworth can help them achieve their dreams.

This post was sponsored by Kidworth. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Movie Night

Noah and Ben set up their friends…

But, they didn’t make it through the movie…

Neither did their brothers…

But, Julia and Emma? Wide. Awake.

Giving Back with a Walmart Christmas Toy Haul

Walmart armed us with a $50 gift card and sent us out to purchase some toys. These toys were not for my kiddos, mind you, but to give to kids in need within our community. Since Ray and I are teaching our children the value of giving, this challenge was more than welcome.

So, off we went to find some good deals and fun toys…

I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart provided me with compensation for my time and efforts on this post and video. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas… Finally!

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Noah Loves Our Nativity Scene

Timmy's Point of View

Did you publish your favorite picture/s this week? I’d love to see YOUR Wordless Wednesday posts! Link up here::

For more inspiring photos, check out 5 Minutes for Mom, The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, Shanamama, Not Your Momblog,The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, High Impact Mom,BrainFoggles, Rachel Ferrucci and Zensible Mama. Be sure to link your own photo stories, too.

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