14 Empowering Quotes To Help You Harness Your Inner Wonder Woman

About a week ago, I was talking to my husband about how I was both sad and relieved that summer was over.  I was lamenting the fact that I felt like I'd kind of failed my older two kids in the summer fun department because so much of my time was spent in three hour blocks due to our new baby.  As a result, they mostly played together inside, watched shows or were out in the backyard.  Sure, I still planned some activities and we crossed a few things off our bucket list but as a whole, I felt the summer wasn't all that memorable.  I crave routine and predictability and with the start of a new school year, as well as a baby who's schedule is emerging, I finally have both of those things.  And that's when that old enemy "mom guilt" started creeping in big time and I felt bad for looking forward to my kids being gone at school.  If you have kids, I'm guessing you've felt this way too at least a few times in your life.  It can be so easy to let that voice tell us that we didn't do enough or what we did do wasn't good enough.

4

Learning How To Speak Your Partner's Love Language

When my husband and I were first married, I made the (silly) assumption that my husband should be able to read my mind.  "I shouldn't have to tell him how I feel or what I want.  He should just know."  (Cue the laughter.)  Ten and a half years into marriage and my husband and I are still learning how to better communicate with each other, but we try to take the guesswork out of it by actually telling each other what we want or need from the other.  When I was in 7th grade, I decided to take French class to learn how to speak the language.  I stuck with it for five years and by the time I made it to my junior year of high school, I could carry on a decent conversation and felt fairly confident that if I ever made it to a French speaking country that I'd be able to get by.  But just like learning a foreign language takes time and practice, so does learning how to speak your partner's love language.

7

20+ Easy Ways To Spend One On One Time With Your Kids

One of my goals this year has been to spend more one on one time with each of my kids.  This has proved to be more challenging that I thought it would be.  My oldest just finished kindergarten, my middle on is in preschool and the baby is just barely four months old, so we spend a lot of time together.  But what I've come to realize as I've made an effort to plan one on one time with them is that they don't care if it's 10 minutes or 2 hours.  They just want to have my undivided attention while we do something together.  Being a busy mom of three usually means that we're leaning more towards the 10 minutes rather than the 2 hours side of things, so I've had to become a little creative to work that time in.

8

Communicating In Marriage

"If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?"  We've probably all heard this question at least a handful of times and jokingly replied with something obvious like, "a boat".  The truth is, most people aren't going to find themselves lost on an island in the middle of no where.  But if you consider the question in a slightly different light, it becomes much more relatable: "If you had to choose one person to spend the rest of your life with, who would it be?"  Hopefully, you'd choose your spouse!

3

3 Tips For Creating A Mom Friendly Wardrobe

I was talking to a friend the other day about the struggle of finding every day clothes to wear that fit our lives as stay at home moms.  Often the only excuse we have to dress up is when we go to church or if we happen to have a night out with friends or the ever elusive date night.  As I thought back on this conversation later that day, I realized that my wardrobe has changed quite a bit in the last six years since my oldest was born.  The clothes I wore to work were no longer comfortable for my new routines and responsibilities and so I've shifted to pants that are easy to move and play in and tops that stay in place when I bend over.  You've probably heard the term "mom-iform" (mom uniform).  More often than not it has a negative connotation because the assumption is that if you are in clothes that are easy to move around in, they are probably low on the style scale.  But I want to share some qualities you can look for in clothes that will help you stay stylish and on budget.

9

You Are Doing Better Than You Think You Are

As mothers, we have a lot of responsibility placed on our shoulders.  At times, it is a burden we gladly carry.  Other times, the weight of it is heavy and it's all we can do to put one foot in front of the other.  I've laughed with my children and I've cried with them and over them and for them.  They are some of my greatest joys and present some of my greatest challenges.  Motherhood, it seems, is full of contradictions.  So it's understandable that as a mother, it can feel at times that we are stuck in this middle ground, where we're not sure if what we're doing is making a difference.  Mom guilt is real and it can cause us to question our methods, our abilities, our strength and endurance.  But I'm here to tell you that you are doing better than you think you are.

14

Protecting Our Kids From Pornography

As parents, it's our responsibility to set boundaries and monitor our kids' activities.  By setting rules and limits for our kids, they know what is expected of them and they know when they've crossed the line.  It creates consistency and accountability.  But we can't be everywhere, with each child, all day, every day, tracking their behavior  And if your kids have electronics (cell phones, tablets, computers, etc), that is just one more device you have to try and monitor.  This might be manageable if you only have one or two kids, but you start adding more kids and more devices and it can become overwhelming and inevitably, things are going to slip through the cracks.   So how can we still be attentive parents and monitor our kids use of their devices without checking them multiple times a day?

7

5 Reasons To Visit Pixar Pier

As you might have heard, Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure is getting a makeover this summer.  Starting June 23rd, guests who visit the Disneyland Resort will be able to enjoy Pixar Pier.  Here, you'll be able to experience thrills, laughter and memories with all of your favorite Pixar pals.  If you're not sure what Pixar Pier is all about, I'm here to give you the scoop!  I've partnered with my friends at Get Away Today to give you 5 reasons to visit Pixar Pier.  Keep reading for an exclusive promo code to use on your next Disneyland vacation package, just for Sunshine & Munchkins readers.

8

5 Fun {and Free} Disney Printables

I love Disney movies.  They make me laugh.  They make me cry.  And I have no problem admitting that I still watch them by myself sometimes at night.  So when I saw this month's prompt for Movie Club Monday was for Disney movies, I was so excited!  Then I felt a little bummed because I was having a hard time choosing just one movie to post about.  And then I thought, why choose just one?  So this month I'm sharing some of my favorite Disney movie quotes and song lyrics with you ("with you...with you...with you...with you...with you!")

12

$10 at Target: Back Seat Boredom Busters and Organization

When we bought our new van last fall, we moved my daughter to the back seat in preparation for when baby #3 would be joining us.  She loves having the back seat all to herself and being able to color and read to her heart's content, but unfortunately, it's become a bit of a mess due to a lack of organization.  I've been meaning to find something for her to store her different belongings, but it didn't happen.  That is, until I went to Target last week and found some awesome stuff in the dollar spot!

13

3 Ways My Happy Baby Wrap Makes Me A Better Mom

I'll be honest: I never thought of myself as a "baby wearing mom".  I just figured I'd hold my babies or put them in the swing or bouncer if I needed to when I was at home and keep them in the car seat, cart or stroller when we were out.  But do you know what I've learned since having my first baby over six years ago?  That I am a baby wearing mom and when I use my wrap, I am a better mom because of it.

10

7 Things To Pack To Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Whether your stay in the hospital is planned or unexpected, there are a few must-have items you should take with you to make your time there as comfortable as possible.  I've learned that while the hospital can supply you with the essentials, that doesn't mean what they provide is what you'd choose to use.

8

Staying Connected With Your Spouse After Having Kids

Adjusting to life as a couple after having a baby can be a real challenge.  So many of the things that seemed simple beforehand suddenly become more complicated and time consuming: leaving the house, taking a shower and even getting dinner on the table take more time, effort and planning.  With a new little one in the house, you will probably find yourself thinking that there is no way you can do it all.  And so you start looking at where you can compromise.  Unfortunately, one of the first things to get pushed to the back burner is your relationship with your partner.  It might be a mutual decision or an unspoken agreement, but either way it's going to take a toll on your relationship.  So you might be asking yourself, just like my husband and I have after having our first two kids: how can I stay connected with my spouse/partner after having a new baby?

13

Maternity Pictures and 38 Week Bumpdate

My husband and I were talking earlier this week about some of the things we were looking forward to with the arrival of our baby girl: seeing what she looks like, watching our other two kids interact with her, snuggling her and just having her here with us after such a long time of hoping and praying.  We also talked about some of the less fun parts: feeling like a zombie due to nighttime feedings, buying lots (and lots) of diapers and frequent changes in routines.  *wink*  I also shared with him how hard this last trimester has been for me with this baby.  I've been sick 5 different times (although it feels like one long, horrible cold stretching from Thanksgiving to now) and so the normal lack of sleep and discomfort that comes with pregnancy has just been exacerbated.  This has also meant that the kids and I haven't left the house as much so we've been dealing with a lot of cabin fever.  All this to say that while I'm very grateful to be pregnant, I'm also looking forward to bringing her into this world and getting back to my non-pregnant self.

12

My Hospital Bag Packing List {Plus FREE Printable}

Being prepared when I leave my house, whether we're going to the store, the park or a play date, is something that makes me feel more confident and in control.  And when it comes to packing my hospital bag, I like to do it ahead of time so I'm not worrying about what I do or don't have when the time comes to leave for the hospital.  Even though I'm only about 37 weeks right now, many of the items I'll be bringing with me can be packed ahead of time.  Whether you're a first time mom or one whose done this a time or two, scroll through this list and see if there is something you might have forgotten to pack.  I'd love to hear what else you'd add!

9

$10 at Target: Spring Refresh

We've been having some very un-winter like weather the last couple of weeks, which is probably why I was so drawn to the bright spring colors and decor at the dollar spot when I went to Target this last weekend.  (Although we do have a winter storm warning in effect right now, so my dreams of spring may get put on hold for a little bit longer.)  I love decorating for spring and have slowly been getting rid of my old decor and transitioning to pieces that are more my current style.  I love bright colors, as well as the flexibility to use different pieces over multiple seasons.  I can't wait to officially start decorating for spring with these fun items.  And can you believe I scored them for less than $10?

15

A Wish List Gift Guide for Baby #3

At almost 36 weeks, preparing for my third baby has been a different experience than with my other two kids, partially because my wish list is a lot different.  I already have all the bigger items, like a portable crib and double stroller, and a lot of the basics like a car seat and burp cloths.  But where I noticed a desire for new items were those things that would make my life as a mom of three kids easier.  My youngest is almost four which means that there are a lot of new products on the market and I definitely want to get my hands on them!  Today I'm sharing my baby #3 wish list and I'd love to hear what you think or what you'd add.

13

5 Tips For When You're Sick and Pregnant

Being sick as a mom can be really draining on multiple levels: mentally, physically and emotionally.  Not to mention that we often need to keep up with all our regular responsibilities around the house, helping kids with school or other activities, meals and anything else that's on our plates.  Add in being pregnant and you might just be feeling like death warmed over.  This is exactly how I've been feeling up until the last few days or so.  I've been sick four different times since Thanksgiving and I've felt so run down and not a very fun or engaged mom and wife.  While the options for what we can do do help ourselves feel better are more limited when pregnant, there are some tried and true ways that can help you get back on your feet a little bit faster.

7

Movie Club Monday: The Princess Bride Inspired Taste Testing Activity for Kids

You know those movies that you grow up watching that you absolutely love?  The ones you could watch a million times and quote all the lines and still enjoy it?  For me, one of those movies is The Princess Bride.  My sisters and I would watch it together and anytime one of us would quote it (either in or out of context), we'd all bust up laughing because it just never got old. "That's inconceivable!"  "I'm a poet, did you know it?" and "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya.  You killed my father.  Prepare to die." are just a few that make the rounds and it always takes me back.  Last month, I shared some monthly link parties that I am going to be participating in this year.  Today is the first one that is part of the Movie Club Monday series and the theme is nostalgic films.

6

$10 @ Target: Sweets and Treats

Happy Monday!  I'm in denial that we are already half way through January.  Wasn't Christmas just last week...?  Either way, I'm trying to enjoy the last few weeks before baby #3 joins the party.  I headed over to Target this last weekend (kid-free!) and joined the throngs of women wandering walking with purpose through the aisles.  (Who am I kidding?  I spent 2 hours just browsing through different departments.)  If you were with me last year, you know that once I month I go to Target with the goal to spend just $10 and see what I can get, so let me show you!

2