Take time for yourself!  Go do something with your girlfriends (no kids allowed), get your nails done, go to the gym, or just take a walk.

I watched Oprah’s monday show where she talks about “me time” being the most important thing.  But this is something I’ve always known and have usually been pretty good about.  It’s so true though.  I find that when I do at least a few things a week that are just for me I am a much better mother.  I am more patient, loving, and understanding because I just feel better about myself.  I find that if I make working out part of my “me time” I also have more energy which is ALWAYS helpful when you have a toddler to run after.

Since we just had a brand new mall open up down the street I spend most of my time shopping there.  It is an outdoor mall so kinda hot in the summer but at night after the sun goes down is a nice time to go plus they have misters and a water play area for the kids.  It’s a great place to go and hang out when you are tight on money because you can just walk around and the kids can play for free.  Right next to the play area is all the kids stores like childrens place, gymboree, pumpkin patch, build a bear, and the disney store.  Of course this is great marketing but it is really convienent too since those are pretty much the only stores I frequent since becoming a mom!

For Grocery Stores I love going to the new Fresh and Easy that is very close by. It is so convienent. Do you have one by you? It is a new chain here in the U.S. from Great Britain. They have pre-prepared foods and lot’s of fresh fruits and vegatables. It is a very small store and is fast and easy to check out and get on your way.

Guess What? No money for a real vacation so I’m going on a blog trip! I am actually really looking forward to checking out some new mommy blogs. There are a lot of creative mom’s out there and I love visiting everyone’s site.
Okay so a little about me. I am 29 years old and live in Gilbert AZ with my husband of 7 years, Chris, and my daughter Eva (18 months). We have been married for 7 years and relocated here to Gilbert from Southern Ca. I really love it here but my hubby wants to move back A.S.A.P.
Here is the most recent picture of the 3 of us on the Fourth of July at Tempe Town Lake.

Another one at our recent trip to the new Phoenix Children’s Museum. Awesome place!!!

And one last picture of the sunset that I took last night.

If your on a blog trip too be sure to leave me a comment so I can stop by your place!

As parent’s we are oftentimes inundated with other people’s opinions.  These can sometimes make us feel either defensive or inadequate.  Most of my parenting decisions have been very well thought out, researched, and discussed so when someone chimes in with their opposing opinion I don’t feel inadequate but I do tend to get defensive.  I guess I get defensive because even though I think I am a good mom I want other people to think that I am a good mom too.

This week I have been thinking about how even in the 21st century Mom’s face a whole list of “shoulds.”

• A mom should not spoil her baby
• A mom should teach her child good manners
• A mom should always cook nutritious meals
• A mom should take care of her child’s needs first

Many of these statements are passed down to us by our mothers, grandmothers, in-laws, sisters, and friends.  The last statement is the trickiest for me.  As a mom I do feel I should take care of my child’s needs quickly and attentively but there comes a time when you have to choose between your own well being and your child’s immediate demands.  If you are tired and your child is cranky, who do you take care of first?  I know in my head that I must take care of myself before I can even begin to be a good mom.  I will have more patience, compassion, and understanding for my child if I am well rested and happy myself.  However, this is difficult to remember when faced with the pressures of being “the perfect mom” and whatever that means in our society.

One of the big “shoulds” a lot of mom’s still feel pressure about today is  “you should stay home with your children when they are young”.  Women have made a lot of progress in the business world since the 1950’s but I cannot believe how much working mothers are still judged.  You would think that times have changed a lot now in our modern world.  Sadly for a lot of people it is still not socially acceptable to be a working mother.  A statement made to my husband by a coworker comes to mind.  When we became parents this coworker asked my husband if I was quitting my job.  My husband said no and this man immediately blurted out “What is the point of having kids if you are not going to raise them?”  Ouch.

On the other end of that spectrum, some working mom’s judge those who choose to stay home.
This week I have a should statement of my own: As women and mother’s we should never judge another’s decision that they have carefully made for their family.  There are lots of reasons why mom’s and dad’s choose to work or not work when they have young kids.  Parenting has enough challenges, we need to support each other and respect that we have made the best decision for our family.

I guess what I will try to remember is that the only opinion that matters is my daughter’s.  When she is older I want her to look back on her childhood and say “I had great parents who made me feel loved and respected, and gave me every opportunity possible.”