Stop the Bullying! My kid is NOT a sasshole!

Bullying is never ok!

Did you know that name calling IS bullying?

I am one to rarely say that I HATE something. Sure, there are tons of parents that do or say something that irritates me.

The way they put their child on display like a trophy or how they know the best and only way to do xyz.(That's a whole other post!)

BUT, this one phrase, name, whatever you want to call it, I absolutely HATE!

Sasshole:

Sassy-A**hole

(I'm sure you can figure out the definition)

Why? Just why does anyone think this is cute or appropriate?

I don't get it!

This isn't like calling Richard Smith III, little Ricky or junior

This isn't calling your daughter Mini me or Boo Boo.

This is NAME CALLING!

This is labeling your child negatively!

And before you say "Oh, it's just a nickname between us." or "I only say it around close family."

Wrong! We all see your Facebook, IG, Twitter...We see you with the "Sasshole" T-shirt!

We see and we know. It is every where. You're spewing it all over social media.

And, maybe...maybe you really did start it innocently. Maybe it was the catchy phrase that you heard and followed trend.

My sympathies for your ignorance.

The reality is, if you have used or continue to use this phrase as a "term of endearment" for your little one, 

YOU are being a bully.

YOU are the one labeling them.

YOU are the one causing damage to them.

YOU are the one showing them that it is ok to be called derogatory names and to be mentally abused!

There have been several articles and studies done on this.

This one: Why Name Calling is a Big No-No! it is a quick but powerful read.

Also 9 Consequences of Name Calling is a great article.

Do you remember being called names?

The weird one. The fat one. The poor kid. The dumba**. 

How did that impact you then and now? Still today? Get a little tense being reminded of those names?

Sure you do! It hurt!

I bet it would really make that Mama Bear growl if she found out someone called HER baby any of those names!

So, WHY are you doing it to them????

You are sending them mixed messages!

"Don't let anyone EVER call you names or make fun of you!"

"I love you sooo much my little Sasshole."(xoxo)

See that?

Now, in 10/15 years when little Timmy grows up and moves in on your little sasshole, She is all willing to hear any hurtful names he calls her because,... you did. Her loving parent who only wishes the best for her.She is now in a mentally abusive relationship...because it's just words; just a name.

Be a better example. Practice what you preach!

And stop name calling your children!

We are the first to set an impression and example for our children! Do it wisely!

"Three things that never come back. The spent arrow, the lost opportunity, the spoken word."

William George Plunkett

Super Easy Summer Craft For Kids~Paper Plate Fans

Summer Easy and Fun

Paper Plate Fans

I am dying in this heat!

Here in Ohio, the last three days have been above 90F.

I was not made for Winter...but this heat, no rain, no breeze is about to kill me.

I have this very persuasive four year old that is determined we are going to do a craft every day..Every. Single. Day. this week. OUTSIDE!

Yes, she is also very specific. 

So...an outdoor craft that is quick, easy, and...cheap!(saving up for my iced coffee!)

I jump over to my wonderful Pinterest board filled with tons of great ideas. Seriously, my biggest addiction next to my babies and coffee!

I found this craft...

over @ The Pinterested Parent

By the way...She is awesome! Check out her stuff! I have been following her for awhile and she always has something new.

These are so cute and easy to make.

The supplies are things you probably already have on hand. Bonus!

Supply List:

paper plates

popsicle sticks or "crafting sticks"

Elmer's glue or glue gun and sticks

crayons, paint or markers

scissors(my brain is melting. I just had to google...how to spell scissors!)

optional:

stickers, googly eyes, stencils, foam stamps...

Directions:

Cut plates in half(2 fans)

Decorate, design and embellish your half plate

If using paint or anything glued, wait until dried.

Glue 2 popsicle sticks into a "V"(wider is better) for gripping your fan/handle

Then glue the other 2 ends to the back of your "fan"

(press firmly)

Allow to dry

Fan away!!

So, I survived the heat and we got them all finished. I think we made about 8 in total. I even got the middle daughter to join in!

They turned out super cute and...very useful!

Now...fan mommy!

I hope you give these a try and always check back for more fun, cheap, easy crafts!

We have great ideas!

CoffeeWastedMomma kid craft ideas!

Happy July!

Share your fun ideas!

What's That Quote? #12

I believe EVERY mother needs to hear this!

As a Christian mother, it is hard. We have so much to learn, do, teach, and remember. How do we do it all?

Day in and day out we continue to do our "job".

We have to be completely responsible for another human being. It is not a part time gig! It literally is probably the only job that is 24/7

We are constantly doing things for them, with them, around them. Yes, around them. Even when we aren't doing it directly. You know the saying "Monkey see, monkey do"?

That's it. They will repeat it. Usually, the bad stuff we wish they wouldn't. Why? I have no clue. Million dollar question.

And, even when they aren't with us...we have to constantly be watching out for ourselves. Our health and safety, so that we can go home to them.

A mother's mind is never at rest.

I know I am a constant worrier(working on that).

I am continuously thinking, praying, worrying about my babies. I even do this with children that aren't biologically mine! Siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends' babies. By the way, anyone under the age of 25 years old is a baby to me.

I don't know how mother's can do any of this job without God!

I know I still struggle with giving control to God. I pray and try to let go but it is a tough one. 

How do I know what is MY responsibility and what I should just let go of?

Well, I pray...A Lot!

We all what to do our best. Be the best at this mommin' job.

I strive everyday to remember to give praise to God for these most precious gifts. My babies are my whole world. They are my reason and my soul.

No, I'm not perfect. Yes, I mess up. And my children know that.

They also know...I hope, that I love than more than any other human on this Earth and that I try my hardest everyday to make sure they have all they need. I give them the possible. I trust my Lord to give them what is impossible for me.

I have a prayer.

My own personal prayer that I pray every night. Not word for word, but it is my own way of asking God to handle the impossible.

Lord, I come to you and ask that you be with my children always. 

I pray for their health. Physical, mental, and spiritual. That you heal whatever ails them and restore them as only you can.

I pray for their happiness. That you show them the blessings only you can. That their souls cling to you for true happiness.

I pray for their safety. That you be with them and guide them in their days. Keep them from harm and hatred. Show them the true path and keep them from harm.

Lastly, I pray that they always know that they are loved. Not only by us here on Earth but by You. That their soul is loved and wanted by you more than even I could ever love them.

In Jesus' name I pray this. Amen.

I am a true believer in the power of prayer. As a mother some days that is my greatest comfort. Knowing that I have done the possible. I prayed!

"As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible."

Ruth Bell Graham

You can learn more about Ruth and her life here:

Ruth Bell Graham 

or read some of her books

Books by Ruth Bell Graham

None of us mothers are perfect. If you'd like to read a little about my imperfect mothering, you can find it here:

Lessons from an Imperfect Momma

Blessing to all.

Lessons from the Imperfect Momma

I know we all like to think we have it all,...or most of it together all the time.
News Flash!...We don't!
Most days, we're lucky we keep ourselves alive.(Thank you, Gods of Maxwell House and international creamer!!)
Sure, we have become the Grand Master, Mother of faking it!
WHY?
Why do we constantly feel like we have to prove ourselves or our worth to everyone else?
As if we don't have enough crap to deal with. Pleasing our Lord. Pleasing our children and spouse.
Have we become so wrapped up in the idea that we need to please every human we may encounter that we kill ourselves faking it?

I like to tell myself that, "I don't care what people think of me!"
We all say that to ourselves, Don't we?
So, why don't we actually feel that?
Why can't we just be accepting of ourselves AND others?
Isn't that the lesson we teach our littles?
That everyone is special in their own way.(I know I'm some kind of special!)
To love and accept others as they are.

And the honest truth is...
We probably aren't thinking about you nearly as much about you as you'd like to think we do.
Or, should I say, You don't think about me as much as I stress and believe you do.
That is more likely the reality.
Social media has made us believe that our outside appearance and every single aspect of our mothering is being judged 24/7! That we have to look, do, and be our best at all times.
That is so sad to me. It is absolutely detrimental to all mothers and future mothers.
We were given these little blessings as a GIFT from GOD!
And how do we show our love, appreciation and thankfulness for these gifts??
We brag about Susie's new wardrobe from The Children's Place(Look, how posh my toddler looks in her name brand clothes)
I honestly don't care where you buy them(that was the first store that popped into my head).
Susie could be wearing her brother's torn jeans with a Spongebob pajama shirt, and she would still be YOUR GIFT!
We want to bash the momma who breastfeeds in public!
Oh! What shame she endures to feed her child a healthy meal in the view of others...while your  letting little Dougy eat fries off the floor in the mall!

Here's the thing, Mommas! We all live and do the best we can! Every day!
It is a learning process and none of us have all the answers.
Yes, I want my child to eat and be healthy. That is the goal!
And, yes! She has chocolate milk and Pez candy for breakfast!
It happens! Life goes on!

I have three daughters and while I have tried to teach them the best I can. I mess up!
I have honestly said to them...I don't know!
I don't have the right answer!

There are some wonderful, (and hilarious) Mom authors that have written books about just how imperfect being a mother is. This is what motherhood is. Not photoshopped or edited. Real and Raw. Some stories are a hoot, some will have you crying, but every one of them will ease your idea that there are perfect moms.

They do not exist!

When Did I Get Like This? By Amy Wilson

Confessions of a Scary Mommy By Jill Smokler

Motherhood Comes Naturally: And Other Vicious Lies By Jill Smokler

Ketchup is a Vegetable:And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves by Robin O'Bryant

Are You There God? It's Me, Mommy By Robin O'Bryant

RealMoms:Exploding the Myths of Motherhood By Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall

These are a few things I KNOW I have taught my daughters! 
And I am totally cool with them learning these lessons! I'm imperfect! They know it. I know it. My lovely husband knows it. God knows it!

1. Brushing your hair is optional! Washing it is not!
Hail praise to the woman who invented the "messy bun"! She is my secret idol!
Me+ 3 daughters= hair nightmares!
"Ain't nobody got time for that!"

2. Bare feet are preferred!
I don't care. I'm a hillbilly, true and through.
I hate shoes, they hate shoes. Yes, we own them and will wear them when it is required, but it will not be done willingly or happily.

3.I love Jesus and I cuss a little. Well, I'm being honest.
It happens. He knows it, so why hide it.
I say SH*T...a lot! I wouldn't say, I'm proud of that, but I'm not completely ashamed either. It is what it is.

4. If you can win an argument or make me laugh by bursting out a movie quote...your punishment will most likely decrease.
Me: "Let go of your sisters (hair, toy, book, etc)"!!
Kid:"Let it Go, Let it Go..."
(This one is worn out! Y'all need new material!)

5. You have to at least try what I make.

 I'm not a professional Chef, but you won't die!

I am a fairly good cook, some dishes I can rock out, others I bomb. I do what I can and hope for the best.

6. Hugs, kisses and prayers are mandatory!
You will give me hugs and kisses at my every request, and prayers will not be skipped.
I try to pray with them every day, or at least remind them to say their prayers.

7. I'm not doing it all! I have good, productive days and I have days when I don't even care if you brush your teeth!
If you want food...the kitchen ain't moved.
(make me a sandwich while you're in there!)

8. We don't need the television!
It is a luxury, not a requirement. You can do something other than watch TV in your free time!
"What you're bored?....Wannna wash a dish, scrub a toilet?"

9. I will forget.
I'm sorry..not sorry.
I remembered to fill out your athletic form, and I remembered the lunchable(cheese pizza, not pepperoni), your raspberry cereal bars, red Powerades, bikini, not brief pack of new underwear, and your 2 rolls of "Volleyball" ribbon for Monday. I forgot your only white, ankle, not shin lengths socks.

10. I'm not giving you "free money"
I buy what you need, and you can earn money or activities.
You don't work for it, you ain't getting it.
Don't hate, Appreciate! xoxo

I know this isn't the best list, but hey, I'm not the best!
I'm just a Momma trying to keep it going...one cup of coffee at a time!

I guess the lesson here is, this post isn't about what we teach our children, it's about what we can teach ourselves and other moms.

I want you to know:

It is ok if Timmy walks into church with jelly on his face.

It is ok if you haven't given them a bath in 2/3 days.

It is ok if they come running in, mud caked.

It is ok if they stay up too late.

It is ok if you forgot to schedule their dentist appointment.
It is ok if you've fed them McDonald's three times this week.

Mommas! It is ok! They will be ok! You will be ok!

We all have got to start being kinder, more helpful. We need to be less judgmental, less scolding!

I need a refill.
What are some wacky lessons you have taught your children? 

Did you teach them intentionally, or did it sort of just happen?

What have YOU learned?
How do you honestly feel about some of the lesson you have passed on?
I love feedback and other opinions.

Amazing LIST of Books about SCHOOL for PreK and Kindergartners

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents"~ 

Emilie Buchwald

I am an admitted book hoarder and hopefully will pass on this wonderful love of reading to all my children.

I strive to read every day!

My children see me reading, book shopping, logging in or researching books, doing a book review or recommending books on the DAILY!

They can't get away from me and my addiction..err, habit.

Tidbits of my hobby here: A Novel Experience

My youngest just turned 4 years old, and she has already become the boss of..."Read one more, Momma!"

This I hear 3 to 4 times a day. 

Usually, when "Mr. Sun" is sleeping and my coffee has worn off for the day!

It has become a nighttime ritual.

And while...honestly, there are times, I just want to read my OWN book or try to let her "read" independently...I usually end up reading to her, the same book...again!

And again!

I love that this is "our time".

 I could sit and read to her for hours, if we had all that free time. I love that she would allow me to, and she enjoys it.

I see her remembering what happens next and asking questions when she doesn't understand something in the story. She has even begun reading along or "spoiling" the next page by reading ahead because she is remembering the story!

It is so amazing watching her go through this process of learning. I can sit in awe of this accomplishment!

These important times are the beginning steps in her learning to read,...and enjoy reading!

I have learned it is so much easier to get her interested if I let her choose the book and also let her pick out what she likes at the library or bookstore.

It doesn't always have to be "kiddy books".

Non-fiction, science, nature, animals, transportation, even cookbooks with pictures....all these subjects have a book that will intrigue a child if they are interested.

I wanted to try to make some lists and also help organize her books to be ready for homeschool/preschool.

Organizing by author didn't really seem too practical for our needs, so I am trying to separate them by theme or "characters"(Arthur, Berenstain Bears, Disney, etc)

So, My first list is of books about school.

Do you need #books to help your #child get ready for #backtoschool or starting school.
Here are a few we lovehttps://t.co/VKvUMEhgRi

— Trema Renae (@CoffeeWastedMom) August 1, 2018

We seem to be moving backwards in working on "Back to School" in week #2, but that is okay. It's still September and she is enjoying the books. Well, and that seemed to be a subject we found a lot of books about.

Some we have read, some I had read years ago to my older girls, and some I found online or on other great lists.

So here they are:

My List of Amazing Books about School!

**UPDATED LIST**

1. Olivia and the School Carnival~ Tina Gallo

2. Tom's First Day of School~ Beth Robbins

3. Strawberry Shortcake Goes to School~ Grosset & Dunlap

4. Wonder Pets: Off to School~ Sascha Paladino

5. Little Pirate Goes to School~ Lawrence Schimel

6. Kindergarten, Here We Come~ Quinlan B. Lee

7. The Berenstain Bears Go Back to School~ Stan and Jan Berenstain

8. A Place Called Kindergarten~ Jessica Harper

9. First Day, Hooray!~ Nancy Paydor

10. If You Take A Mouse To School~ Laura Numeroff

11. Preschool To The Rescue~ Judy Sierra

12.Llama Llama Misses Mama~ Anna Dewdney

13. Mouse's First Day of School~ Lauren Thompson

14. The Night Before Preschool~ Natasha Wing

15. Back To School? Cool!~ Suzy Spafford

Here is a great "box set" of beginner activity books:

My First Activities Book series

I hope you will find these books to read and enjoy with your littles!

Please comment on any you have found or any you would like added to the list!

I know there are SO many more wonderful books out there!

What are your favorites?

Happy Reading and Happy Learning!

Sunday Funday....Last day of Summer

Summer isn't officially over....

There are technically 39 whole days of Summer left!

I will never agree with the kids going back to school so early in the summer. It's too nice outside. Too many glorious days of sunshine left. There are things we haven't done yet!

You know all the projects and adventures you had planned in your head. All the neat things you had "pinned" on Pinterest and determined to do.
(What am I going to do with all those toilet paper rolls we've been saving???)

 All the fun places you read about and swore you were going this year!

But, alas...
The days have come and gone. Along with it the excuses, priorities, responsibilities, and of course the crazy, hectic, ridiculous schedules!

Tire blowouts...Speeding tickets...(*sarcastic cough...Sean*)
The yard work needed done. The softball games had to be played. The bills had to be paid. The weather didn't cooperate....

We've had some mini-adventures.
Driving through the country, seeing new places.
Just enjoying God's natural beauty and feeling the breeze and sunshine.
Quick impromptu ice cream dates
Days spent at the park. Either watching the game or playing on the playground
Endless trips to McDonald's and eating in the van... before, between or after the game
Lots of unforgettable cookouts, parties and stop in visits with family and friends
Splashing around in the kiddie pool
Going to the Strawberry farm...that didn't have ANY strawberries. LOL(That's another story!)
Sitting on the porch with a good book and coffee in hand
Sunsets, summer storms(not enough)...
Working in the garden
Bonfires and marshmallows...
Movie/game nights with popcorn
Young's Dairy and seeing GOATS!
Card games, Wii games and playing Legos...Endless hours of Legos

As I sit writing this...

I realize our summer may not be fancy or extravagant. No lavish cruise or trip to Disney.
Sure there are TONS of things I wish we could have done. As I'm sure any of my children would have a list of things "To Do" but I see how truly blessed I am. We are.
Everyday, we are together. We have each other and are surrounded by others who love us, enjoy us, and want to be a part of "our summer".
Every year I get a little crazy thinking...
Thinking how fast they are growing up.
How many years do they really have to be TOGETHER?
D #1 is already 19. She has her own agenda, her own responsibilities. I am blessed beyond words that she still wants to spend as much time as she can with us.
D#2 is in her last year of junior high. She has sports, church, all these friends and things she wants to do...without mom and dad.
D#3 is only 3 years old but I already know all too well how fast the years will go.
I treasure each of my girls so so much and try to never take a second for granted.

I joke that God loves me more because I always wanted all girls and that is what I have been so blessed with.
I have always taught them they are each others best friends. No matter what and to treasure each other.
If God and I have taught them anything...
That is it!

I can honestly say that they have such a bond.
Sure they tease and aggravate each other to no end some days. They bicker and fight. The stomp and scream. They throw hairbrushes and kick.
Have I mentioned I have 3 girls???

They are typical, yes.
But, at the end of the day, they still want to snuggle and be together. They still say their prayers together and always want sung a lullaby or some song I have sung thousands of times before. They pretty much fall asleep simultaneously.
They are sisters no matter what. No matter what life throws at them or what one may be going through individually. They will always have each other.

Even on those boring Summer days. The days when we did....Nothing!

My Little Pony Obsession

My Little Pony Obsession!

It's a real thing.

    Are you or someone you know a member of the MLP blind bag fan club?

My daughter is the Queen President of the club!

This is a real thing! I'm not kidding!  I have even become a little too excited about "prize day". When I already know exactly which way our shopping cart is headed. I know what the prize is going to be...yet, you don't actual know which pony/prize you'll get. Will it be Pinkie Pie? Flutter Dash? Rarity? Sweetie Drops?

You just don't know!

It's totally the anticipation of that secret prize.

If we had done a side by side, my face would look exactly like hers!

Now, the best part(for me) and any momma that has too jumped on this blind bag wagon.

If you notice E's package is a two for one....BONUS PACK!

SCORE!

It is $2.88 at Walmart  or $5.99 if you order online.

Everywhere else we have found them, Walgreens, Target, etc they are at least $3.99 FOR ONE!

So, not only do we/you get 2 they are cheaper!

Double score!

And they have different "sets".
You can get cupcake, apple, friendship and the rare ones in Sparkle friends!

I'm so in love with these little minis and they are so cute!

Not recommended for children under 3 years old but they make great collectibles or what I call, "grab and go" toys.

We throw a handful in a back pack, my purse or whatever and she has toys for on the go.

TOP 3 FAVES!

I told you she has a ton of these...and yes, obviously you do/will get duplicates because you can't see who you've gotten until after you purchase and open your blind bag.

This isn't even all of them...

Only what I could find and grab up to take a few pics!

Oh! And....

They come with collectible cards you can save(like a baseball card). It has their name and some little fun facts/info about each pony!