Back to School

So we are back to school in 1 week from today! I confess I'm looking forward to this! The summer was fun buuuut we are ready for school. It seems my 6 yr old and 4 year old want to fight over everything this past week and I should just get a black and white striped shirt. So first grade and pre-K here we come! Though I'll still be home with my 2 year old for 2 and a half hours, that time seems so appealing to me... sound mean? Ha! If you have more than one you totally understand and what it feels like to be spread thin and pulled in several different directions at once. There is a reason the title of my blog is SURVIVAL guide. Anyway, last minute back to school shopping and bed time schedule in full effect this week! So here is the schedule I will attempt to stick to:

5pm Homework (once school starts)(craft time this week)

6pm DINNER

7pm Showers 1 - 2 -3

8pm Bedtime

7am is wake up (school starts at 9am)

some important tips:

• homework before dinner but not right after school. They need that playtime for sure!
• use dessert as incentives! I know sneaky and manipulative but it works! Check out my desserts on the recipe page and you will see the power they have.
• During shower time lay out 2 outfits for them to choose from in morning. Eliminate trying to find something in the morning and eliminate them not wanting to wear what YOU chose by letting them choose.
• While tucking in and giving goodnight hugs and kisses talk about the fun and exciting things that will come the next day. Its like magic! They suddenly WANT to go to sleep so tomorrow can come quicker. I learned this when my six year old came home from school one day and told me he wanted to go to bed. I was so confused and kept asking why and he finally told me "so tomorrow will come quick and I can play with Aiden" Ha! I took that bit of information and shall use it to my benefit.

So this is the plan... check back to see how it goes... I'm sure I'll be thrown some curve balls along the way but I'll survive... and tell you how ;)

Now if you will excuse me I need to go put the ref shirt on....

BiRtHdAy WiShEs

So today is my birthday... 34 for those wondering... not a big deal. I'm pretty content with life and appreciate all that I have. Life is good... really good. Buuuut if I could have ANYTHING I wanted no limitations here are my TOP 5 FANTASY Birthday Wishes:
5 - A new house. I know I know for those of you that know me we just bought this house just under a year ago... and its great -it really is but this is my fantasy list so this NEW house means my DREAM house with all dreamy things included... it would most likely be about a 7 bedroom/6 bath home with a den for an office/craft room, theater room, man cave for the hubby, game room, library, a kitchen made for a Food Network Star... and an outdoor kitchen too... also made for a Food Network Star... what can I say? Brad and I like to cook :) Along with this fab outdoor kitchen is a fab pool and hot tub... with all the magical things like a grotto and such... and other really cool things we see on HGTV...
4 -Well now that I have my fantasy house -I need a staff to go a long with it. Helloooo I can barely keep my 4 bedroom house clean -I will surely need maid service. lol And a chef on hand -I mean we looove to cook so the chef can be part-time and he can do the grocery shopping too... and a PT Nanny too so I don't have to have Charlotte moments and cry in the pantry. I'm referring to Sex & the City 2 which wasn't as good as 1, which wasn't as good as the series... but the scene with Miranda and Charlotte at the bar when they talk about motherhood and end in "Here's to THEM!" I swear that's for me! lol
3 - Travel the World: Must hits -Australia -must go hold a Koala and scuba diving on the Great barrier Reef. Tahiti - who doesn't want to go stay in those huts on the water? I mean seriously?! Italy -all over the country... there is so much there... Greece - I'm just really intrigued with the beauty...
2 - Now that I have my dream house with staff and traveled the world I'd do good for mankind (do I sound like Cher from Clueless - a classic) and wish for a cure for ALL medical problems... I can't really just say cancer -there is so much more... So poof now the world is in good health :)
1 - Despite good health and everyone should have their happy pants on, I still have to give the pageant queens their crown and wave pretty and wish for world peace because lets face it -its just not going to happen... BUT in my fantasy birthday world it does!
Aaaah sounds dreamy huh? Now back to reality! lol My real as in realistic top 3 birthday wishes:
3 - Zumba for Xbox -yes I totally just said that. lol My butt doesn't make it to the gym but I sure could turn on the xbox during Mason's nap time and get some cardio in! My butt needs it!
2 - So I'm quiet the amateur baker so basically any baking tool I can play with to make treats I get super excited about. William Sonoma has great novelty pans... Or any Wilton tools...FUN!
1 - some new clothes.... but only after I get 2 and 3 because if I get 2 than I reeeally NEED 3 so then I can 1 :)
Well, there ya have it... a few simple birthday wishes and handful of birthday dreams.... hope you have a wonderful day. I know I certainly intend to :) I get a REAL date night with Brad! Woohoo!

Oh I totally want a Crumbs Bake Shop Oreo cupcake....