Category Archives: Uncategorized

Thoughtful Thursday: Priorities!

What a day!  My back knows I was busy today…

What is on your to-do list every day?  How do you figure out what is the most important?

A long time ago I learned this little saying: Drop – Delay – Delegate – Do!

There is also a little quadrant that looks like this:

Have you ever looked at your to-do list through this lens?

Have you ever looked at your to-do list through this lens?

So instead of blogging today, which is my joy to share with our readers, I got busy attacking the work that needs to be done to set up for a pleasant school year and efficient Bradley classes.  Here is how Drop – Delay – Delegate – Do looks with the quadrant:

Instead of trying to get everything done, do what you can do while you maintain a semblance of sanity.

Instead of trying to get everything done, do what you can do while you maintain a semblance of sanity.

We are coming up on some exciting times in our family and pretty soon people are going to start descending on the house.  If I want to clean once, I need to do it.  I know where I want to find things, and I also want to get on with the purging!!  It’s easy to throw things in boxes and hide them behind a closet door (been there, doing that when I choose sleep over cleaning!).  I find that those boxes become an albatross, taunting me and calling my name when I really just want to sit and enjoy our children or dig into a good book.

So I am sorry if we missed each other today…I hope you had a great day.  While we enjoyed camping out on our living room floor the first three days of our school year…it is *really* nice to have the school room organized, the kiddos back in a rhythm, and our living room is closer to being ready to receive guests…and now our physical space for school is ready which means I will be in a better mental space and I also have a place to write that doesn’t make me sit at crazy angles…yeah all around!

Each kiddo has a dedicated shelf, our table is clean, and lots of manipulatives, books, and art supplies!

Each kiddo has a dedicated shelf, our table is clean, and lots of manipulatives, books, and art supplies!

I still have to straighten up the dining room table that becomes my desk when I run out of space in the school room.  I will get to that tonight after the kiddos are in bed!  

Upcoming Events: August 12 to 16, 2013

Looking for something to do with your family this week?  Cassandra and I are posting events and classes in our respective geographic areas…look for us…maybe we will see you there!!

Do you have an event that you would like to add to our upcoming events calendar?  Scroll down to the end of this post for more information.

Disclaimer:  A listing here does not imply nor signify endorsement by Sweet Pea Births, or our families.

If you are expecting or living with a newborn under 6 months old, visit our listing at our sister page, Sweet Pea Births…link can be found below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013
Potty Training 101
Participants will learn about the signs of readiness for potty training, helpful tips to both prepare for the process and have a successful potty training experience!  Class costs $11 per person or $13.50 per couple.  To register for this class, call 480-299-1154 or visit www.babybasics4u.com
Baby Basics Scottsdale Office @ 10am-11am
5425 E. Bell Rd. suite 142
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-299-1154

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2013
Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am
745 E. Germann
Chandler AZ 85286
(480) 782-2900

La Leche League – Tempe 
LLL is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. All women, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, are welcome to attend our meetings. For more info and the full meeting notice please visit: http://www.lllofaz.org/
Desert Cross Lutheran Church @ 9:30 am
8600 S McClintock Dr. (Just north of Warner Rd)
Tempe, AZ 

Pottery Barn Kids Story Time
Kids of all ages are invited to story time every Tuesday at 11:00 am.  Members receive an official book club passport at their first story time, plus a special gift after attending five story times.  To locate a store near you, click HERE http://www.potterybarnkids.com/customer-service/store-locator.html
Store Near You @ 11:00 – 11:30 am
Chandler Fashion Center
3111 West Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 899-7155
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 e. Camelback Road
Scottsdale , AZ 85251
(480) 423-3813

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm and Tuesdays at 6:00pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 6:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013
National Geographic Kids Club 
The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting.  Meet in the Gap wing near the Food Court now through mid-November!
This week’s theme:  It’s time to travel the world and search for Big Cats with special guest Safari Sam.
Chandler Fashion Center @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
3111 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 812-8488

Inn Mommies: Explorers Playgroup
Crawling children to four years old: This playgroup for moms and babies that are exploring their world.  It is open to women that have given birth at home, at Babymoon Inn or in a hospital. Delight and stimulate your baby in this short yet action packed class full of music, movement, and rhymes for baby and mommy. You will be reminded of great songs and rhymes for baby and you may even learn a few new ones. Get to know other families during playtime that follows each class. Younger siblings are welcome in the Explorers group.  For more info visit  http://babymooninn.com/community/
Babymoon Inn  @ 10:00 am
202 East Morris Drive
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 314-7755 ‎

Blossoming Moms Breastfeeding and Postpartum Support
Pregnant moms are welcome too!
Facilitator: Michelle Hottya 818-606-5687
Blossom Birth and Wellness Center @ 11:00 am
2928 N 16th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Dignity Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Group
Group meets every Wednesday with the exception of major holidays.  For more information, please call the ResourceLink toll-free 1 (877) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Chandler Regional Medical Center’s @ 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
1955 W Frye Rd
Chandler, AZ 85224

Phoenix Public Market
“our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, live plants and unique local arts and crafts, tasty hot foods, music, and more.
Open Air Market @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
721 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ

CALIFORNIA
The Little Car Show 
A display of little cars benefiting the Veterans Transition Center. Downtown Pacific Grove.  For more information visit www.marinamotorsports.org or the Chamber of Commerce HERE
Downtown PG @ 12:00 am to 5:00 pm
584 Central Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Contact: John Moulton 484-1966

La Leche League Meeting – Pacific Grove
LLL is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. All women, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, are welcome to attend our meetings. For more info and the full meeting notice please visit http://lllnorcal.org/groups/MontereyPeninsulaCA.html
Parent’s Place @ 5:00pm
1025 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, CA

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am
745 E. Germann
Chandler AZ 85286
(480) 782-2900

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013
Barnes & Noble Storytime
If You Were a Panda Bear by Wendell and Florence Minor:  If you were a Panda bear, guess what you would wear? A black-and-white suit and eye patches-how cute! You’d be very shy; you’d eat lots of bamboo. Then you’d take a long nap. What a good thing to do! Join us to learn about bears of all types!
Store Near You @ 10:30 AM
Chandler Fashion Mall
3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-792-1312

Dignity Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Group
Every Friday with the exception of major holidays.  For more information, please call the ResourceLink toll-free 1 (877) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center @ 10:00 am to 11:30 am
3555 S Val Vista Dr.
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Free Outdoor Concert – Tempe
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe 85281
480-966-9338

Free Outdoor Concert – N. Phoenix/Scottsdale
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
21001 N Tatum Blvd
Phoenix 85050
480-513-7586

Free Concert – Chandler
Dmitri Matheny Group featuring Clairdee!
First introduced to jazz audiences in the 1990s as the protégé of Art Farmer, Matheny has matured into “one of the jazz world’s most talented horn players” [San Francisco Chronicle], a leading figure on the international jazz scene and one of the most prolific musicians of his generation.  Celebrated for his warm tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique, American musician DMITRI MATHENY has been lauded as “the first breakthrough flugelhornist since Chuck Mangione” [San Jose Mercury News].
**No tickets required; all shows are FREE.  All seating is first come, first served.  Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm.  Suggested donations: $5/person, $10/family.**
Chandler Center for the Arts @ 7:30 P.M.
250 N. Arizona Ave.
Chandler, AZ

CALIFORNIA
Celebrate the Outdoors: Making Tracks
Throughout the month of August, MY Museum celebrates the outdoors with a special activity every Friday! Join us August 16th and make tracks! Learn how to distinguish the footprints of our furry and feathered friends in the Peninsula. Fun for all and free with admission.  For more information and admission prices, visit http://www.mymuseum.org/plan/calendar/
Monterey County Youth Museum @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
425 Washington Street
Monterey, CA 93940

Do you have an event you want to add to our list?  We are happy to list your event in our weekly blog posts.  Any event, class, support group or meeting that fits into our philosophy of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting will be considered for our listing.  We reserve the right to decline requests that do not promote healthy families and peaceful parenting.

To submit your event:
Please follow this format (same as above).  Anything that is not “copy-paste” ready may not be posted – it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles.  If I don’t sleep, it seriously impedes my ability to be a peaceful mama, and that is not fun for anybody.  Thank you for understanding!

Submit your event information to:
krystyna {at} sweetpeabirths {dot} com

Information to send me:
Event Name
Description & Cost
Location Name & Time
Address
Contact Phone Number

Find more Pregnancy – Birth – Breastfeeding – Newborn events at our sister page

 

Tuesday Tip: Hot Cars and Car Seats

We have all read the heart-breaking stories of children being left in cars – intentionally or unintentionally, they are tragedies that could be avoided.

The tips listed below are from an article entitled, “Temperatures soar in hot car demonstration” from the Alice-Echo News Journal, a newspaper in Texas.  That is another place that knows all to well the soaring temperatures of the hot summer months!

  • Never leave your car keys where children can get them.
  • Keep car doors and trunks locked at all times, even in the garage or driveway.
  • Teach children not to play in or around cars.
  • Never leave your child unattended in a car, even if the windows are down and a wind shield shade is in place, not even just to run a quick errand.
  • Make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination.
  • Don’t overlook sleeping infants!
  • Make sure that the seat belt and seat surface are not too hot before buckling up your child.

Read the whole article:  http://bit.ly/16ygIb9

We used to use a cool-seat car seat cooler in our kiddos car seats to keep the buckles cool.  I never thought of the fact that it ensured that we took them out of the car.  How?   By leaving the cooler in the front seat when I left the house, it reminded me to put it in the car seat when we got to our destination, thereby reminding me there was a baby in there!

Not that I would like to think I could forget them!  The reality is that it’s not always the “bad parents” who make that mistake.  Sometimes it’s the “good parents” who have a change in routine that day; it throws them and they very regretfully forget that their child is along for a ride with them.

We have misplaced our cool seat, and I ran across another idea that I wanted to share – it was buried in the comments of another car seat article, so I couldn’t post it easily.  Here it is with my own twist:

  • Place a large stuffed animal in each of your children’s car seats – make each one individual so you can associate the toy with the child, or label it.  I will be labeling mine since we have four car seats and I know I won’t remember name associations on busy days.
  • As you put your child in their car seat, or they seat themselves, place their stuffed animals in the front seat of the car.
  • When you get to your destination, trade back…as you take a child out, put their stuffed animal back in their car seat.  This way you know that all children are safely out of the car with no risk to being left alone and overheat in your parked car.
  • The added benefit of this tip in our hot weather is that the stuffed animal can absorb the heat beaming in through the windows, keeping the buckles and straps cool until our return from running errands.

This is definitely a tip we will be implementing.  While the point of the cool seat was to keep the car seat cool to the tough, I also had to try to remember a towel to keep the car seat from getting moist as the ice packs defrosted in the cool seat.  Don’t ask me how often our kiddos had a moist car seat after we got back from doing our grocery shopping :/

Do you have any hot car/ hot car seat safety tips to share?