12 Funny Things My Kid Said This Past Year

March 24.

4:24 PM.

One week after our third wedding anniversary.

Our little girl came screaming into our life.

A rare moment of calm

If she wasn't screaming, she was smiling and babbling.

Before too long she was competing with her older brother for the funniest kid.

Post by Mary Johnson.

I wish I would have kept a better record of the things my oldest said when he was little.

You think you are always going to remember it, but don't. So, I started recording her quips on social media.

Looking back, it was hard to pick a few. I picked 12 out of a thousand things she said this last year.

Post by Mary Johnson.

5 Quotes from 5 Kick-Ass Women

This week, I'm a guest blogger on PR Newswire's Beyond Bylines featuring five of my favorite blogs by some kick ass women for Women's History Month.

I would be so grateful if you went to check out my post but before you go - here are five more kick-ass women.

8 Things I'm Putting Off for a Few More Minutes

Life moves so fast and I want it to slow down! 

I know it's silly, I can't stop the world from spinning but, with the constant reminders that kids are getting older, family starts moving away, and finding a few more grey hairs, it's hard not to wish for a few more minutes.

What I can do is put off some things to do later and enjoy some time now.

8 Things I'm Putting Off for a Few More Minutes 

Who really needs a clean house?

It's not like the dishes will get dirtier, well maybe they will get dirtier but maybe I'll let them soak for some extra time.

Folding laundry

Washing is easy, it's the whole folding and putting it away that takes so much time away.

Writing this blog post

Yup, I admit it - I've been slacking on writing. This is one area I don't want to be idle but, it happens.

Working out

This one is embarrassing because there is no excuse. I should be able to wake up 30 minutes early and I haven't been.

Taxes

Starting to run out of time here but, not yet. This weekend will be tax time, this weekend.

Updating my resume

I'm not looking for another job, which is obvious since I'm putting it off but it is something everyone should do every so often. It's good to look back and see where you have been and where you want to go but also to ditch the old or irrelevant.

Printing photos and scrapbooking

I know I should, it would be nice, but I haven't. And, I really need to do the little one's first year book, now that she is turning five...

Sleeping

There is only so much time between waking up and going to bed to get in extra time reading, sharing stories, cuddling, and being silly. Something's gotta give.

I ❤️ my #silly kids. #igdaily #photochallenge #LetsGetRealSocial #instakids #instagood

A photo posted by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on Mar 10, 2015 at 3:33am PDT

What are you putting off?

Looking Back on 2014 - Top 14 of 2014

No one needs to tell me I am lucky, I know it.

I have great job plus a brilliant hobby that allows me to be creative. I am beyond grateful when anyone stumbles on to my little part of the world wide web and these are the posts that were found the most.

Thank you!

1.   11 Random Quotes from Favorite Books

2.   Hosting a Chili Cook-Off in 5 Easy Steps with Printables

3.   Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cookies

4.   Life is to Short to Explain

Looking Back on 2014 - Instagram

I joined Instagram in 2011 but only really embraced it this year. I'm hooked.

These are not the most liked but they are my favorites Instagrams of 2014.

A photo posted by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on Jan 1, 2014 at 1:03pm PST

Corey reenacting Singing in the Rain

A photo posted by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on Feb 2, 2014 at 7:31pm PST

Looking Back on 2014 - Northeast Ohio Favorites #thisiscle

This is the year I focused on sharing my love of Northeast Ohio! It started with the annual A to Z Challenge and I felt validated when asked to show an out of town blogger around for a weekend by the Cleveland Conventions and Visitors Bureau. Everything else was just gravy.

Here are 14 top posts about Northeast Ohio. I am so proud to live and work here.

A to Z of Northeast Ohio

 

 #ThisisCleveland Weekend Adventure

Unwrapping Northeast Ohio - 10 Family Friendly, Cleveland Inspired (Non-Toy) Gift Ideas

It's that time of year when distant relatives start asking what to get the kids for Christmas. We tend to give standard responses, Legos and Disney, but what I really want to say is - time.

They want your time and attention but since it is not possible due to distance and circumstances I thought I would create a list of what would make them seem closer to you, even when you are miles apart.

Now, this list is pretty specific to things in Northeast Ohio, but that does not mean it can't be adapted for any city, anywhere in the world. These ideas include the whole family, do one and done.

10 Family Friendly Gift Ideas that are inspired by Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

5 Bloggers You Shouldn't Miss

I have been very blessed to be teamed with a group of wonderful ladies through SITS Girls Find a Tribe.

The idea of a tribe is to provide support and be supportive and these ladies are amazing.  I will eventually share all of the wonderful blogs that our in our tribe but for today here are my first five.

6 Books to Read for February (and One Not To Read)

This post contains affiliate links

I made this list of 39 things to do before I turn forty and one of those things is to read forty books.

I once lived to read but making time for reading was not a priority for me.  I am trying to make reading a priority again and I have read twelve books so far in my quest.

The Divergent Series Complete Collection

7 Surprising (and Pinable) Valentines Day Gift Ideas for this Mom

This post contains affiliate links

Love is in the air! As I look for ideas for Valentine's Day in my son's class room I keep getting distracted with what I want. All of the pretty, sparkly, and frilly stuff they have for the day of lovers.

Sure it is selfish but what can I say - I like pretty, sparkly, and frilly stuff and sometimes I just like what I like.

7 Surprising (and Pinable) Valentines Day Gift Ideas for this Mom

Say What! 8 Things I've Said to My Kids This Week (that I betcha you didn't say to yours)

8 Things I've Said to My Kids This Week (that I betcha you didn't say to yours)

1.  You can poop in a pull up or on the potty but p-l-e-a-s-e just poop.


2.  Yes, you can have ice cream for breakfast (but only because you can see the laxative in the cereal bowl and we are out of yogurt)


3.  I’m sorry the evil witch turned you into a girl, but I like you as my girl.


4.  If Jesus hung on the cross for three hours you can spend an hour at mass. Besides, we are late that is even less time we will be there.

5.  I’d prefer you don’t call anyone dumb-ass but if you must, you can only say it at home.


6.  No, that is not inappropriate that is Cupid and Bacchus. You can tell by the grapes...

7.  I’m sorry but you won’t be allowed to marry your brother and I’m married to your dad.


8.  No, I don’t remember what I said while I was sleeping.

What have you said to your kids this week?

Prompt: 3.) 8 things you said to your kids this week that maybe other parents did not say to their kids.

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On the Line: Weekly Favorites Issue 3

Top 5 Favorite Blog Posts from Favorite Bloggers

Drunk. Southern Tale of Loss, I Mean Lost
Under age drinking in the land Faulkner (and a lesson on trusting Steve).

Dude Mom Life. Things Moms of Boys Say: Bathroom Edition.
I think the title says it all but to be certain you understand there is a lot of references to pee.

Delicious Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Cheese and potatoes!  Yum!

Edible Eggless Cookie Dough
I think it is all in the title and the pictures are mouth watering.

{52 Weeks of Money Saving Tips} Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

I have said for a few years that I would do this but keep putting it off... 

Top 5 Favorite Pins

And, in cased you missed these this week....

27. I Won’t Cover (or pull) My Grey Hairs.
I don't have many but they are mine.

You Won't See This Guilty Pleasures List on Buzzfeed
Four of my favorite places in Cleveland plus one that is not.

Mark Your Calendar: @GreatBigShow Returns to @IXCenter! Enter to Win #HappyinCLE #Sponsored
It's a giveaway!  Low entry, your odds are really good...

Spending an Afternoon with the Kids at the Western Historical Society

A fun and educational afternoon.

On the Line: Weekly Favorites Issue 2

Top 5 Favorite Blog Posts from Favorite Bloggers

2014 Foodie Resolutions

If I made resolutions this would be what I would make.

Captain and Coke Float

Sheer genius and I am embarrassed I never thought of it!

15 Things You Should Give Up to be a Happy Parent

Being it is a new year and all it is always good to remind ourselves of the simple things.

How To Make Ice Cubes – An Old Family Recipe

I love this post and I refer to it every so often in the hopes that I will be inspired.  My favorite line is  - "you will remind yourself that wine really is essential to all good family recipes."

Writer’s Workshop: 6 Things We Forgot How To Do

Other then bathing - I agree with all of this list of the things we don't do.  Explaining how to dial a rotary phone was one of my highlights from last year.

Top 5 Favorite Pins

And, in cased you missed these this week....

Throwback Thursday Work Addition: My Colleagues Took Their Clothes Off

Dinner in 5 Ingredients - Crockpot Pork Stir-fry Recipe

No. 32. Read Forty Books

Number 32 on my list of 39 Things to do Before Turning 40 is to read forty books. 

Any other time in my life this would not be a challenge. Hell, last year I read twelve and the year before forty-five so there is no telling how I will fair this year but I took the first step and started a list on pinterest.

My list is looking fairly eclectic. There are books on there that I've always wanted to read and there are some that I've read already but with any luck I should be able to check the first few off my list pretty fast. I don't really believe that I will get through this list that fast but the power of positive thinking - right?

Harry Potter Series

What can I say - I never read them.

Divergent (Divergent Series): Veronica Roth

I've heard so many good things about these books and with the movie coming out...

The Book of Life (All Souls Trilogy #3): Deborah Harkness

July 2014!  Can't wait to finish this series!

Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison: Piper Kerman

I'm watching the series and I need to the read book now.

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism: Naoki Higashida

Written by a boy who can't talk using an alphabet grid - inspiring.  

What's on your reading list for 2014?

Doing St Nicholas Day the Right Way

Advent is here and for many Christians it also means that St. Nicholas Day is fast approaching and we better get our gold coins ready.

Now, I am not a big fan of the whole Elf on the Shelf tradition and was so bad at it my son killed Chippy but I do, however honor St. Nicholas and do that one pretty well. Except that one year that we remembered at 8:00 PM the night of and I was at Malley’s with many other good Clevelanders hoping they had one more bag of chocolate gold coins.

We don’t tell the kids that St. Nicholas will be putting treats in their shoes but instead let them find the goodies in their shoes while they are getting ready that morning. When they find their shoes filled with goodies is when I remind them of St. Nicholas and all of the wonderful things that he did when he was alive. My eight year old forgets every year unless they go over it in his PSR class but remembers when he finds the treats. I can’t wait for my three year old’s reaction this year.

Since Santa also comes to our house, I really don’t go into the whole Santa is St. Nicholas and focus more on his good deeds before he was a priest as well as the miracles he performed as a Bishop.  Stressing that he was a Bishop and had helped so many with his actions is what I hope will remain with the kids.



Traditionally we put gold coins and oranges in their shoes but this year I’ve added a few new ones thanks to a website I found and of course pinterest.

Ideas for St. Nicholas Day

Oranges vs Chocolate 

Chocolate gold coins are a given to symbolize how St. Nicholas gave his riches to the poor. The best gold coins in our area are from Malley’s but if you don’t want to give chocolate or can't find them then oranges are perfect for symbolizing gold without the extra sugar. I say - do both!

Candy Canes to remind us of the staff that Bishops carry.

Since St. Nicholas was a Bishop and wore those wonderful red robes that are now associated with Father Christmas this is a wonderful and easy way to honor him.

We give the kids ornaments every year on Christmas but I think I may start giving them their ornaments in their shoes.

Let them enjoy them just a little longer.

Make Santa into St. Nicholas.

It’s like preparing the kids subliminally for the time when they find out that Santa is St. Nicholas.

Nuts (and apples) is a Czech tradition.

My father's parents are from Czechoslovakia so this is just a nice way to bring the past into the present. Besides, the kids love apples as much as oranges.

A Note

Gifts for St. Nicholas Day must be able to fit in a shoe, one shoe, so a note expressing something from the heart is really is a perfect gift.

On the flip side if your kids are bad then a switch or coal would be appropriate.

Naughty or nice - what will be in your kid's shoes?

9 Hidden (But True) Things About About Me

1. I am participating in NaBloMoPo and can't think of a thing to write but I am basing this list very loosely on the prompt for today.  I also misspelled the original title of this post and did not realize until it was everywhere.

2.  I may be the last of my friends to watch Downtown Abby.

3.  I have panic attacks but a side from one time a few months ago, they are under control.

4.  I won outstanding colleague in the second quarter this year at my job.

5. I still wear socks with my birkenstocks.

6. I admit to my Husband when I have crushes.

7. My Husband is a better cook.

8. This is my favorite instagram picture of all time:
9.  I will be featured on BlogHerFamily tomorrow for this post.  The original post is here.

39 Things to do (in the year) Before I Turn 40

It is so hard to believe that I will be forty next year. I don't feel old. Well sometimes I feel old but certainly not thirty-nine much less forty.

I remember crying to a friend that I would be old before I would get married or have kids. I didn’t even want to get married or have kids but my seven year one night stand had gotten married.

That feeling of utter helplessness because life wasn’t stopping while I figured things out was so heavy. All of a sudden I was feeling stifled by some antiquated idea of happily ever after. There was so much I still had to do.

Then life caught up.

Now that I am a year from being forty I have made a list.

39 Things to do (in the year) Before I Turn 40

1. Do something spontaneous. - I agreed to do a campaign with the Cleveland Visitor's Bureau and it was fantastic! 

2. Get a payout from Google Ads. - so very close!

3. Take yoga again.

4. Get my passport.

5. Take a trip.

6. Keep a gratitude journal longer than four months.

7. Laugh more.

8. Toss out all the granny underwear I have acquired and buy pretty panties.

9. Visit all of the museums at least once in University Circle

10. Go to church more.

11. Send birthday cards.

12. Tailgate for a football game.

13. Go ice skating.

14. Get a tattoo.

15. Go to a concert.

16. Empty the boxes in my basement.

17. Organize the playroom and donate what the kids don’t use.

18. See a musical.

19. Go to the county or state fair.

20. Ride a rollercoaster.

21. Swim in the ocean.

22. Plant a garden.

23. Take a class.

24. Go rock wall climbing.

25. Do a pub crawl.

26. Bake a pie from scratch.

27. I won’t cover (or pull) my grey hairs.

28. Visit my dad’s grave.

29. Throw a party.

30. Surprise my husband.

31. Surprise my kids. - Surprise #1

32. Read forty books. - again, so close!

33. Have a family volunteer day.

34. Complete Candy Crush.

35. Be more creative.

36. Donate blood.

37. Send a message in a bottle.

38. Take a train.

39. Lose 49 pounds.

I've got this.

Top 5 Songs to be Played at My Funeral

After writing my eulogy in 9 lines I learned of a relative who passed away.

Instead of dwelling on the bigger picture and the woulda, shoulda and the couldas I thought I would focus on what I would like played at my funeral.

Please understand that I think funerals are for the living and I know my family would never go for this however, if they did I would like to present to you my

Top 5 Songs to Be Played at My Funeral

On Eagles Wing's

As a Catholic this is mandatory but I would like this version and not the douche choir director who could not make it on Broadway.

In The Arms Of The Angel - Sarah McLachlan

Josh Groban's  appearance here is coincidental but if he did come to my funeral to sing the first song I am sure he could stick around and sing this one more time with Sarah. And, yes I am on first name bases with all of these performers.

Glory of Love - Bette Midler

This brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. You gotta give a little, take a little and let your poor heartbreak a little... words to live by.

If I Ever Leave This World Alive - Flogging Molly

If you have seen 'PS I Love You' then you already understand, if you have not listen to the words. This version has a special twist for my 10th Doctor friends.

Home - Phillip Phillips

Since I will technically be going home, this gives me comfort on so many levels and what a great song to walk out of the church with.

Because African Zoo Themed Baby Showers are Fun!

This may come as a shock but *dramatic pause* 

Iamnotafanofbabiesorbabyshowers.  

There I said it.  I don't like babies. 

I like my own but baby girl has cured me of ever wanting another baby, wanting to hold another baby or even being within ear shot of another baby.  

I do, however, love that my friends are having babies because it means they can experience the joy of motherhood.  So, when a good friend from work became knocked up I knew that I wanted to do a baby shower in the office and that turned into a true blue baby shower afternoon at my co-conspirator's house.

I was a little naive thinking it would be cake and wine coffee water fruit punch.  My co-host had much better ideas like finger sandwiches, crudites (aka: cut up veggies) and a theme (African zoo animals).  

She is also way more organized than I am and as we plotted over wine and cheese I came up with a list of baby shower ideas that would make any shower fantastic - with or with out crudities - for anyone to do on a budget.

My Top 5 Baby Shower Ideas Guaranteed for Baby Shower Success

(from someone who has never thrown one before)

Cute party favors that go with your theme

Yes, I am starting with the thing you give away last but that is only because I almost forgot to get them! 

Since mom-to-be is having a zoo themed nursery and this is a zoo themed baby shower, animal crackers seemed best to gave at the end.

"Thank you for sharing this special day,
I'm sorry I had to stay away.
But I may be a little longer,
'Cos I have to grow much stronger.
Thank you for your love and wishes,
I'd like to shower you with kisses.
Love from the Baby."
(By Babbee.com)

Clever food presentation

A Game

I personally am not a fan of games but I am a fan of bingo and having something to do while the mom-to-be opens gifts is a bonus.

free printable here or click on image

Non baby related prizes!  

You can't have a game with out a prize!  I found the cutest scented candles at my local craft store and dressed them up with tinsel.  I bought ten and TEN different scents.

Cake

This goes without saying really but no matter what you have or don't have at any event you have to have a really great cake.

Needless to say that thanks to the co-host (and Grammar Hammer blogger) the afternoon was a smashing success and mom to be got showered with lots of love.  Heck, I even held someone else's baby.

And to prove that I am not really a baby hater...  my gift to the baby.  I made a fiddle blanket.

6 Random Facts About...

6 Random Facts About Me

1. I am terrible at keeping a clean house.

2. I sit on a ball at work.

3. My letter to the object of my affection was featured by Mama Kat.

4. Until last year, I have never been to the theater in Cleveland and I grew up in Northeast Ohio.

5. I am currently tracking everything I eat on fatsecret, now.

6. I wish I could be a stay home mom because I am that bad at keeping house, keeping kids clean and keeping the husband happy.  It was so much easier when I was younger to juggle two (sometimes three) jobs and now... not so much.

What are some random facts about you?

The Prompt:
2.) List six random facts about yourself.