scream if you got 'em

Recently I bumped into a neighbor at the local Costco. We always chit-chat for a moment and after our "how-are-yous" he informed me that some of the "neighbors" were wondering what was going on in my backyard with all the screaming that was going on. "I just wanted to let you know" he said. I walked away perplexed, Sarah is certainly a screamer, especially in the pool, or if you chase her, or any kind of vigorous play. Isn't that the whole idea of the "inside voice" thing? Am I supposed to squelch her EXTREMELY high energy outside too??



For the past 10 years Hubby and I have had to listen to all the neighborhood children- laughing and screaming. Jumping on trampolines, pool parties, AND this particular neighbor's LOUD MUSIC. I remember Hubby and I being slightly annoyed at it all, before we had kids. Now we understand a little more.



So, I stew and simmer and worry about what everyone else is thinking... Are the neighbors annoyed with my children's play? Is it rude of me to allow her to express her excitement? We are even trying the whole "use you play voice" thing, I really get that the screaming is annoying, but there is only so much I can do- there are so many other things to worry about here.



When all is said and done, yeah, my kids are loud and active, but they are happy and healthy. At 35 years old, I think I can distinguish between rude behaviour and kids having fun. And also, I do wonder, what is THEIR screaming he was talking about, or was it MINE???

momma needs some $$

When Hubby and I started our little family a few years ago, I became the Stay-At-Home-Momma. We chose this because we both had that experience as children and wanted to give the same to our family. Now, as Sarah is almost 5 years old and entering pre-school, we are already entering the realm of Kids-Cost-A-Lot-Of-Moola- dance school, preschool, the necessary clothes and school items. Wow!!! It blows my mind how fast the cash can slip through your fingers, actually, we don't even see it- it goes right to Am-Ex. So now, Momma would really like to find a way to contribute to the family funds without totally upsetting the household. What's a girl to do?
I did start selling Avon, and I love,love,love their stuff, but in today's economy not everyone is splurging on themselves like they did 10 years ago. I will continue as a rep. to maintain my discount and perhaps sell to anyone who asks. Besides, I am much more passionate about the fact that people need to take care of themselves healthwise- nutrition, exercise- then your skin truly glows, that is the key. So I stumbles onto something here- passion. To truly do well with something, you should be passionate about it. So what do I love? I love to learn about nutrition and workouts- I even got the books to study for Personal Trainer Certification quite a while ago, but as it does, life got in the way and I have yet to finish that. But now, what could I do now to make some money? I love scrapbooking, cardmaking, all that paper-crafty stuff. I ran into a really nice woman at the gym who sells http://www.creativememories.com/. It's a direct sales company, like your Pampered Chef or Avon and you hold "Get Togethers" to introduce people to the products, which range from papers and scrapbook, to a computer program for people who like digital scrapbooking. They even have pre-made books where you just pop in the picture and the rest is done for you for those who like the crafty look, but don't scrapbook themselves.

This really interests me since this is definately a passion of mine. I am looking online to compare any of the other similar type companies that are out there to make sure this is the one I want to jump into. So much fun!! I wonder, how much money could I make? right now, I am looking to cover the extra expenses from pre-school and dance school, that would be key, so we are looking at a little over $300/month. If this is doable, then I am so in!

Any other ideas, let me know!!