June Wrap-up

I was checking out my blog stats and fun stuff like that the other day and I decided to write up a little summary for the month of June.

Highlights: 
~This month my total all time page views crossed the 13,000 mark.  YAY!

~For the month of June, my blog recieved close to 3000 page views.  Another YAY!

~The most popular post this month was Mom's Summer Survival Tips...because let's face it, aren't we all just trying to survive?

Image from www.themomcafe.com

What I really get a kick out of is looking at the search keywords that led people to my blog.  These are things that people actually typed into their search bar...and for some unknown, crazy ass reason they got directed to my blog as one of the search results.  These are sometimes funny...and sometimes they are effed up.
 
Here were my top 10 search keywords for June:
1.  Somewhat Sane Mom- nothing suprising here.
2.  Can you please just shut up-  who knows.  And I wonder what post this led them to.  Why would someone even search that?
3.  Refill wine in thermos- Well, that is clearly something that people might need to know.  Nothing out of the ordinary there.  I am thinking this led them to my camp confesssions post.
4.  Funny mom quotes-  Of course this would lead to me.  I am the poster child for being a funny mom.  Right?  RIGHT?  And if you are looking for some funny mom quotes...look no further than right HERE:)
5.  Being a mom means-  Well, what does it mean?  Not quite sure, but here is my list of some things it means to me.
6.  Where are Max and Ruby's parents?- Wouldn't I like to know!!! This burning question probably led them to my children's television WTF post or my most popular post to date about a wild and crazy party.
7.  Don't ever bite your sister-  Nope, you shouldn't do that.  Why do you need to google that?  But here is a post abut biting your sister in the butt.  I truly hoped it helped whoever was looking for answers.  Odds are it didn't.
8. delete facebook friends-  So do people go online searching to find the answer to this?  WTF.  If you want to delete a friend, go right ahead.  Here is a post that might give you some guidelines.  You're welcome.
9.  Cut off my hair- I did a post about getting my hair cut...and I did some sexy before and afters.  Check it out here.  I am sure that the person who read this post printed out my pic and took it directly to their haridresser for the same.exact.cut.
10.  Funny pics of facebook creepers-  I am not really sure about this one.  Maybe it led them to my defriending post from #8. 

And finally, I would like to to thank the people that were some of my "traffic sources".  Basically, their blog or site led others to mine.  And I appreciate them all!!!!

1.  HouseTalk'n-  I got a great deal of traffic from Kerry over at HouseTalk'n.  Most likely this was due to our HAWT Blogger Dance Off.  View my moves here.

2.  Top Mommy Blogs-  Check out other top mommy blogs...and you can vote for mine by clicking on the link on the right over there ----------->

3.  My Life and Kids-  My Life and Kids does a finding the funny link up every Wednesday.  It is a GREAT way to check out other bloggers, and to have a laugh!

4.  You Know It Happens at Your House Too-  Well, what can I say?  I just LOVE this girl...and I am eternally grateful for all of the friends she sends my way!

5.  The Underachiever's Guide to Being a Domestic Goddess-  Another one of my favorites.  She is always good for a laugh and she totally gets me!

So as you can see, June was a fabulous month!!!  And tomorrow is the first day of July...wow, how can that be?  Stay cool in the summer heat...and have a drink on me:)

Elbow deep in munchkins? Not my kid.

Yesterday, my 3 year old asked for a Lunchable for breakfast.  I said, "Sure, why not."  Really, if she wants to eat slimy saucers of ham, processed cheese with very little taste, equally bland crackers, and two vanilla cookies for breakfast, who am I to say no.  You guys do that too, right?  You let your kids eat stuff that they shouldn't sometimes? 

Here is my take on it and I will use a specific example.  There is a child I know that is allowed little to no sweets.  My kids?  Well, it is basically a free for all.  Side note: They actually have pretty healthy appetites and eat plenty of fruits and veggies.  But I don't say that certain things are completely off limits.  If they want a cookie after dinner and they have eaten pretty well, then they can go right ahead.  Well, this one child that is allowed barely any sweets was given the opportunity to eat munchkins.  My kid (who was there at the time) ate 3 or 4 munchkins.  That was it.  It was nothing new to her and she was over it.  The other child gorged him/herself on over a dozen munchkins.  It was a complete bloodbath.

You see where I am going here?  Everything in moderation.

It always starts the same for me though.  When the kids were babies, it was SO easy to control what they ate and when.  Organic?  You betcha.  So easy to buy organic when it you are spending under a dollar on a jar of baby food that equals a whole meal.  Sugar and sweets?  No need for that when they are babies.  As they get older, it's not so easy.  And even if you try to strictly limit what they eat, they will just go totally OUT OF CONTROL when they are given the opportunity to get their little hands on some sugar.  It would not be pretty, trust me.

Now, I am pretty much flying by the seat of my pants.  And by "flying by the seat of my pants" I mean I try to make them eat as healthy as possible.  I offers tons of fruits...and veggies that I know they like.  I certainly don't allow all you can eat ice cream sundaes every night.  Again, I guess it is everything in moderation. 

Because I know that I don't want my kid to be the one elbow deep in the munchkins while other children are enjoying one or two.  I saw that happen first hand.  And I will tell you what, I talked shit on that mom as soon as she was out of earshot.  I thought, "HA, serves you right.  Guess who got the last laugh now, Mommy Dearest."

So what is a mom to do?  What do you do?  I would love to know.

Generally, things are a big freakin' production.

I just have to run to the store to grab a few things...with the kids.  Do I have the wipes, a diaper or two, a sippy cup, some crackers?  You never know what we will need in that short trip.  And if I forget, you can bet your ass that I will end up needing it.  It's a big freakin' production.

Image from www.thedogsdoodahs.com

Time to hit the pool for the day.  Do I have regular diapers, wipes, swim diapers, all 3 bathing suits, 3 changes of clothes, cover ups, a sun hat for the baby even though she won't wear it, goggles, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, underwear?  Got it all.  Let's head to the car.  Oh crap, I forgot to put on my own bathing suit.  Let's all get back in the house so I can get changed.  I go upstairs while the 17 month old stands at the gate at the bottom of the steps and screams.  By this point, I am sweating so bad that I can hardly get my control top, one-piece on without it sticking to me.  Nothing short of a crow bar and pliers are necessary to get it on.  Finally dressed and ready to go.  Head back out to the car and get the kids all buckled in.  Oh crap, I forgot the drinks or bag of endless amounts of snacks that the kids will request.  Run back in and get it.  Again, I am ready to go.  Pull out of the driveway.

Oops, did I let the dog in?

Pull back in driveway, get out of the car and go back in the house to check.  Unlock the front door and find the dog staring me right in the face.

Now we are finally on the road.  It's a big freakin' production.

Let's all go out to dinner tonight.  Great idea!  I am not one to turn down dinner where I don't have to cook.  Get all 3 kids looking at least somewhat presentable.  Shoes on and ready to go.  Grab wipes, a diaper, and sippy cup for the youngest.  Get to the car.

Should I bring some crackers or a snack for the baby?  Probably.

I run back in and get them.  Now we are all set.  Pull out of the driveway.

Did you lock the side door? 
Not sure? 

Pull back in and go check.  The door is locked, of course.

We are off to dinner...after another big freakin' production.

This was my day yesterday.  It was a great day, really.  But it was exhausting.

Can you relate?



Summer...the season of exposure to "toxins"?

Lather on the sunscreen, splash in the chlorinated pool, catch some harmful UV rays, repeat.

Then as night falls, load them up with bug spray if they want to play outside.

Do it all again the next day.

Is this how your summer days are?  I know it pretty much sums up most of my days. 


And I am a spaz.  As I put the sunscreen on each day (or for the 3rd time each day), I get all anxious.  It is my fault.  I read too much.  I look at the ingredients on every bottle.  Then I signed up with www.ewg.org to receive emails and important environmental tips.  Their motto is "The power of information".  It should be "The power to give me an ulcer".  But the Environmental Working Group is fabulous.  They want to give people ALL of the information about your health and how it can be affected by the environment or products that we use in our daily life. 

So last summer, I posted a link to the www.ewg.org and their list of the the best of worst sunscreens to use.  I will post the link to that list again at the end of this post.  If you are not interested, no biggie.  But if you are into this kind of stuff, please check it out.  I know that I check this site ALL THE TIME to find info on sunscreens, bath and skincare products that I use for my kids, and food.  I am not nuts about it...but it did honestly have an impact on me and what products I buy for my kids, especially sunscreen.

And by the way, I buy All Terrain Kids sunscreen from Target.  It is 9.99 for 3 oz, so a little but more expensive than some other brands...but I think it is worth the peace of mind.  Plus, my 3 year old has super sensitive skin and this sunscreen is great for her.  The only active ingredient is Zinc oxide.

I hope that this little bit of information helps you if you are interested!

The EWG best and worst sunscreens for 2012

Happy Summer!!!

Best Father's Day Ever?

I kept thinking that I should do a post about Father's Day today. 


About an hour ago, I said to my husband, "I really should have done a Father's Day post."
"About what?" 
"Well, about Father's Day I guess." 

As you know, I have three daughters.  They range in age from almost 17 months old to 7 years old.  There are certain things that having daughters does to a person, especially to dads of daughters.  So for my Father's Day post, I am going to list some things that I love about the kind of dad my husband is to our three girls...

1.  He knows the name of every Disney princess, the movies they are in, the color of their dresses, most of their storyline and the soundtracks to the movies.

2.  He is a sports nut and has no problem getting the girls shirts for all of his favorite teams (especially Notre Dame football)...in pink.

3.  And because he is a sports nut, the girls love watching sports with him (maybe because he gives them snacks and lets them drink soda, but they like it nonetheless).

4.  He is hands on.  He gives baths, plays with the girls, reads to them, gives horsey rides, listens to Taylor Swift until his ears bleed...enough said.

5.  He is super overprotective.  For example, he won't allow them to wear 2 piece bathing suits, he very begrudgingly let my oldest get her ears pierced at almost 7 years old after a year of begging and pleading, and he already cringes at the thought of boys. 

6.  Finally, he was truly excited each time I was pregnant and we found out we were having a girl.  I was the one who was more like, "another girl?"  Not him, AT ALL.  He was just happy.  He said, "WOW, I am going to have the best Father's Days EVER!" 

So I am hoping today was the best day ever...and that he has many more!



Mom's Summer Survival Tips

DISCLAIMER: I LOVE being home with my kids during the summer.  I am home all year long since I have a home daycare, but I only open daycare one day a week in the summer....so the rest of the days I am with just my own children.  And I LOVE it!  It gives me a taste of being a stay at home mom, which I would really enjoy.  But to be completely honest, there are days when I struggle and count down the minutes until bedtime.  It's normal.  So....

Image from www.themomcafe.com

Are you home with your kids during the summer?  If so, are you banging your head against the wall yet?  Are you sick and tired of listening to bickering and whining?
"Mom, can I have another snaaaaack?"
"Mom, what are we going to do todaaaaayyyyyy?"
"I'm booooorrrred!"

Well, look no further than these little handy survival tips.  Here you go, no need to thank me.

1.  Have candy on hand for bribery. Yes, bribery works.  Whoever told you otherwise is wrong.  Or they just use corporal punishment and the last time I checked, that is illegal.  So go with bribery.

2.  Schedule nonstop play dates.  Find friends or acquaintances or even random strangers at the grocery store and line up some play dates STAT.  Spend as little one on one time with the kids as possible.  They are generally better in a group.  And if you are really lucky, another person's kid will have a complete meltdown and you will come home feeling like mom of the freakin' year.

Seriously? Play date business cards?

3.  Buy some new DVDs and hide them.  Then when the kids are just about to lose their minds, bring one out and say, "SURPRISE, look what new movie I bought for you!"  This may give you anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes of peace.


4.  Join a gym like the YMCA solely for the free childcare.  If the kids are really on your last nerve, drop them off their and go work out some of the tension.  If working out isn't your thing, then go sit in the lobby and drink coffee.  Hide in the locker room and read a book.  Stretch for a hour and listen to your Ipod.  Just a few suggestions. 

A "workout" can definitely lift your spirits.

5.  Keep your "beverage" of choice handy and on ice at all times.  Preferably when the kids are in bed.  But you never know...and hey, it's summer.  So what's the saying?  It's 5 o'clock somewhere?  It's also bedtime somewhere. 

I hope these 5 tips help you get through the next couple of months.  Please share if you have any other useful pointers that I could add to the list!!!!



A Business Card? What do you think?

I was thinking I might need to get a business card.  Why?  Well, I have no clue, but I really want one.  Here is was mine would look like:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

www.somewhatsanemom.blogspot.com

Mom Blogger.  A mom with a blog.

Likes free samples/products.  So technically a PR friendly blog.

To send free crap, email Katie at katiesomewhatsanemom@gmail.com



Specializing in:
Bitching and Complaining                                                                                                         Mom of 3
Laughing so you don't cry                                                                                                         Frazzled
Unsuccessful Dieting                                                                                                                Exhausted
____________________________________________________________________________________________________


So what do you think?  Should I get these bad boys printed ASAP?

Looky here! I got a Kreativ Blogger Award.

I got this award from Mrs. Brady over at The Brady Bunch on Crack.  If you don't know her yet, you need to go check her out. I LOVE her!!!  You should also "like" her on facebook.  She is a mom and step mom.  And she is fabulous!  I am so glad that she nominated me for this because I got to read her post and get to know a little more about her.

As with all Blogging peer awards, there are rules attached.  I actually like this part because it gives us all a chance to get to know each other just a little better.  So here goes, the rules and regulations: (I got these from Mrs. Brady's page)

1.  Thank and link back to the awarding blog. 

2.  Answer seven questions.

3.  Provide 10 random factoids about yourself.

4.  Hand the award on to 7 deserving others.

So here we go...

QUESTIONS:

1.  What is your favorite song?

This is a REALLY hard question.  I have no absolute favorite song that comes to mind.  My wedding song was Rick Trevino's "I'm Here for You".  I LOVE it.  And I am sure most of you have never heard it, so here it is if you are interested.

I'm Here For You (Album Version)

2. What is your favorite dessert?

Anything with peanut butter.  Peanut Butter pie from the bakery at The Boardwalk in Disney World is TO.DIE.FOR.

3.  What do you do when you are upset?

I basically snack.

I also tell people all about it.  Anyone that will listen.  Mostly my husband or my friends Nicole and Kim.

4.  What is your favorite pet?

Well, when I was younger I had a little white Maltese named Molly.  She was so cute and was the BEST dog.

But now, we have a St. Bernard named Darby.  She has about 105 lbs on Molly, but she is the sweetest and most gentle dog EVER!!!! I love her and so do my kids:)

5.  Which do you prefer, white or whole wheat?

I always buy whole wheat but when I am out to eat and they put a nice warm and crusty white roll in front of you, there is nothing like it.

6.  What is you biggest fear?

Like Mrs. Brady, something happening to one of my children.  Hands down, that is my biggest fear.

7.  What is your attitude, mostly?

I would say that most of the time I am pretty easy going.  Don't get me wrong, I am a spaz and I complain.  A LOT.  But I am generally happy and try to look at the humor in things.  Sometimes I am frazzled and unorganized and flustered, but I can always laugh at myself. 

TEN RANDOM FACTS:

1.  I want an RV. BAD.

2.  I love going out to eat.  No cooking, no cleaning up.  It's a win/win situation.

3.  If I won the lottery, I would like to open a no kill animal shelter.

4.  I have never been to California, but I really want to go.

5.  I have been to Ireland twice and I loved it.  The second time, my brother and one of my best friends and I rented a car and travelled to a few cities.  It was great.  We returned the car rental minus a driver's side rear view mirror.

6.  I am a little obsessed with avocados.  They are good plain, on sandwiches, in salads, as guacamole.  YUM!

7.  I hate credit cards, yet I continue to use the occasionally.

8.  I have M.Ed in Literacy.  Maybe one day soon I will go back to teaching and put it to use.

9.  I have never broken a bone (KNOCK ON WOOD.)

10.  I secretly, now not so secretly, wouldn't mind having a 4th child some days.  Notice I said some days.  Mostly, I am good with my 3 girls.  My husband is definitely not on board with any more.  And thank goodness for that, because if he was game I would probably have another. 

Now I have to pass this award on to 7 other bloggers:

(If you have already received this, I apologize.  Just consider yourself SUPER AWESOME for getting the award multiple times!)

Twins Happen- I love this girl!  She has twin boys and is so honest and ambitious.  Keep an eye on this one:)

Ninja Mom-  I love Nicole from Ninja Mom.  She is hysterical and I can basically relate to everything she writes.  She is a terrific writer...you have got to check her out!

Mommetime- I really really LOVE this blog.  Not only is it about, you know, mom kind of stuff.  She also talks about depression and addiction.  Very honest and just a wonderful site. 

Frugalista Blog-  This woman right here...well she rocks.  I so desperately want to go clubbing with her.  And here is the kicker, I NEVER have liked going clubbing. 

The Nitty Gritty Mommy-  I can relate to EVERYTHING this mom writes.  She has 3 preschool aged children, twin boys and a little girl.  So needless to say, she has her hands full.  Oh, and sometimes people point out this obvious fact to her when she is out in public.  WTF!  Anyways, she is hilarious and awesome.

Mommy to three monsters-  So one day, I went and read all of the blog posts on this page.  I just LOVED them and how open and honest (and funny) she was!  She has three little monsters (note the name of the blog) and ONE ON THE WAY!

Funny Pregnant Lady- Well now she is the Funny POSTPARTUM Lady.  She is the mother of 4, including a new baby girl.  Her blog is great!  Along with regular blog posts, there are giveaways and recipes. 

It's that time again. The June BLOGGER DANCE OFF!

Here we are...the first Monday of June.  It's time for the June Blogger Dance Off created by Kerry over at http://www.housetalkn.com/

Last month, I tore it up to Lady Gaga's Just Dance.

I decided to slow it down a bit this month with some interpretive dance.

Let's see how that worked out for me.  HINT: not too good.

ENJOY!!!

Reflections on My Birthday

When I was in high school and college, I babysat alot.  A whole hell of a lot.  I babysat my nephews and my niece all the time.  In college, I had several families that I would babysit for on a regular basis.  The summer that I graduated from college, before I started my teaching job, I nannied for a family.  I only did it Tuesday through Thursday each week. 

Yes, I would be with children during the days when I nannied.  I would make meals, clean up messes, play games, take them swimming...the whole nine yards.  But then when their mom got home, my time was my time.  I would hop in my little silver Volkswagon Beetle and head down to the beach for the rest of the week/weekend.  My time.

The mom of the kids that I watched would sometimes come home from running errands or shopping and she would show me her clothing purchases.  She would tell me that when you have kids you feel guilty buying stuff for yourself.  I would think, that's ridiculous.  She would want to know what I thought about the clothes because I was young and I guess she thought I was stylish.  Hold on a sec, I need to think about that.  I was young and stylish.  I need a moment...

Okay, I am back.

She would always want to know what my plans were and she got a real kick out of the funny stories that I told her.  She would want to know all the drama.  She would laugh and then suddenly be sad that I was starting my real job and she was "losing" me as a babysitter. 

Now that I look back on it, I wonder if she looked at me and thought, "Someday you will be me.  You will be in your mid 30s.  You will have children and you will feel guilty about buying things for yourself.  You will want to hear stories or live vicariously through those younger than you.  You will be me."

Because guess what?  When I see younger gals...in their early 20s, partying and having a nice carefree time, I think, "Good for you girls.  Because someday you will be me.  You will be in your mid 30s.  You will have children and you will feel guilty about buying things for yourself.  You will want to hear stories or live vicariously through those younger than you.  You will be me."

And you know, I am fine with being me...and being 34.  Nope, I don't shop for myself much.  We don't get out and party hardly EVER.  My husband and I got a night out last night.  We went to dinner and then we checked out the new Whole Foods store near us.  You got that right!  ROCKSTARS.  But it was such a nice night.  And did I mention that Whole Foods has a little brew pub in it?  That was nice too.

So here I sit.  34 years young.  It's all relative.  You are as old as you feel.  Isn't that the saying?  Welp, I feel 34.  And 34 is fine with me!

And while you are here, since it is my birthday and all, go on over to the right and click on the Top Mommy Blogs link.  One click in one vote.  Thank you!!! ---------------------->