Kids Stuff World — The little things, the big things and all the "stuff" in between

Life in an Instant: the littlest bits

by Stacy on May 13, 2012

Whew,

this was a week I almost didn’t want to write about — a week I was in such a hurry to put behind me, I wasn’t sure I wanted to remember at all …

but then, there was something more.

Those tiny, little almost seemingly insignificant moments. The ones that end up candy coating your day, filling up your heart and giving you that extra little boost you need to keep on going.

For every obstacle I faced this week, there are at least 10 of those tiny little wonder full moments to take its place … and when I think about it in those terms, all I can think is: “well then life, Bring It ON!” The good and the bad, the ups and the downs, the round and the rounds; I don’t want to miss a beat cause when it comes right down to it — it’s not the speed bumps we’re supposed to be focusing on.

It’s those tiny little bits.

And for those, I’ll keep on keeping on.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you inspiring Momma’s out there!

Even when things seem overwhelming, I hope you can focus on those tiny moments that make life wonderful. I hope you can even capture a few of them on film, and take a quick moment to share them with us here. I so love to see what each of you are up to!

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Life in an Instant: Screen Free Week

by Stacy on May 6, 2012

This week was “Screen Free” week, a week where families are encouraged to turn off screens and turn on life. We spent less time watching TV & more time watching things like this …

I like to think I don’t let my children watch too much TV anyway, but we watch significantly more when my husband is home. Having the television ON is just commonplace to him. When he’s away, we watch less … but truth be told, this week we found so many more moments to squeeze in all the things I “want” to do with the kids but never seem to be able to find the time to do.

We went on Adventure Walks, sang songs and really used our imaginations exploring the Great Outdoors.
We visited the butterfly habitat at our local zoo, not once … but twice in preparation for our very own caterpillars that arrived on Friday. It won’t be long until we have a few butterflies of our own!

We made new friends.

We ate outside, tended to our little garden, played in the hose & spent time just enjoying each other’s company.

We tickled. And had a slumber party and extra, extra story time. We crafted and celebrated Cinco de Mayo and even took a trip to the art museum.

We indulged. Went on a date night, just the four of us. Brewed our own citrus green tea and baked muffins and smores and zucchini/portobello spaghetti.

We had an amazing week. Just what we needed to ease in to life without Daddy for awhile. We had so much fun, I think we’ll do it again next week!

Note: We also watched 2 episodes of Zooboomafu while we stuffed our faces with freshly popped popcorn on Friday night and passed out on the couch bed together. Everything in moderation.

Did your family celebrate Screen Free Week this year?
What are your favorite ways to spend time together?

Join us in the growing Life in an Instant community, a chance to meet new friends and share all those special moments you captured on film this week.

<div align="center"><a href="http://kidsstuffworld.com/category/stuff/life-in-an-instant/" title="Life in an Instant" target="_blank"><img src="http://kidsstuffworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LIAI_150_2.jpg" alt="Life in an Instant" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Also joining my friends over at Simple as that. The photos are always lovely and I enjoy meeting all the new ladies — they take such gorgeous photos. If you linked up here, consider linking there as well.

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on gearing up & winding down

by Stacy on April 29, 2012

Oh April, you old stinker you! Somehow you passed me by and I hardly even noticed — all the good months seem to do that don’t they? This month seemed so much faster than the others that I have to keep reminding myself it’s almost gone.

We were fortunate to have the Mr. around for a few weeks in a row this time. It’s always harder to let him go again, after we’ve had a chance to feel what “normal” feels like for awhile.

The kids have been sensing it, each morning they run into our room like its Christmas, only instead of Santa they are looking for Daddy.

So very sweet and heartbreaking all at the same time.

Relieved each day when I tell them, today is not that day.

I can’t tell you how much I am already dreading Tuesday morning.

Thankfully we have plenty of memories from April to get us through, so much to look back on and smile about — Birthdays and anniversaries, easter egg hunts and movie nights, fly fishing lessons and fresh baked cookies. All those moments that make a life well lived.

Join our growing community
and share your special moments here too!

<div align="center"><a href="http://kidsstuffworld.com/category/stuff/life-in-an-instant/" title="Life in an Instant" target="_blank"><img src="http://kidsstuffworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LIAI_150_2.jpg" alt="Life in an Instant" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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Every Child a Superhero

by Stacy on April 28, 2012

This post was written in honor of National Superhero Day (April 28th) and my friends in Pittsburgh lining up to take a stand against child abuse and trying to break a World Record for the most superheroes in one place at one time, here’s to being SUPER! The cape pictured in our photo is from Power Capes. Quick shout out to them as well for sponsoring the Super Hero Run today, we love our cape, mask and wristlets and that they offer them at great discount regularly on Zulily too!

I’ve given parenting a lot of thought these last 6 years, intentional thought, on how I wanted to raise my children and the type of grown up I want them to become. Having a child is such a monumental event in and of itself, but the responsibility to raise good stewards, kind citizens and contributors of society weighs heavy on me at night. I have a set of basic core values I instill in my children whenever possible, but as I got to thinking this week in the days leading up to National Super Hero Day … I realized really what I am trying to create in my children is the underlying desire to do and be good — a sort of everyday hero, if you will. Then I realized I’m probably not the only one, I mean don’t we all want the same for our children?

So, I came up with 20 ways you can help you child unleash their inner superhero. Simple ways you can instill kindness, inherent good and thoughtfulness and those qualities we look for in a stand up superhero. You might be surprised to find that those qualities we admire most about these fictional characters are so much of what we are looking for in ourselves. These qualities really aren’t that spectacular or superhuman at all, in fact, I’d argue to say we are all capable of living our lives this way!

20 Ways to unleash your child’s inner superhero

- Teach them to have Integrity, do the right thing even when no one is watching

- Give it all you’ve got, no matter what you’re doing give it 110%

- Try to see the good in people, even when it may be hard to find

- Whenever possible, lend a hand. Helping others is fruitful & rewarding

- You can do anything if you try, try, try. Believe in yourself

- In every situation, be the good guy. Trust your instincts and do what feels right

- Be strong in mind — keep a clear head, stay focused, be present and in the moment

- & body — eat to nourish your body, stay active and challenge it constantly with new activities

- Take the initiative- when something needs doing, get up & get started

- Be Resourceful. A little bit of creativity and ingenuity goes a long way

- Solve Problems – saving the day is all about solving problems. Brainstorm possible solutions, talk with others and keep an open mind

- Make a Difference – the smallest of gestures can make a huge difference in someone’s day. Seek out those opportunities and embrace them

- Overcome Great Odds – somethings are difficult, but chances are you will get through them. In tough times, endure and lean on family. In the shadow of insurmountable tasks, break them into bite size pieces and get started achieving your goals.

- Do something BIG – dream big and find a way to bring your dreams to life

- Take Chances – the only way to know if something will work, is to try. Don’t be afraid to fail. Take risks and take them often.

- Take a Stand – there will always be someone or something out there that needs a voice. Speak up.

- Change the World – the tallest mountains are made from the smallest grains of sand, chasms and canyons were carved in to the earth by tiny drops of rain and so can your efforts imprint themselves on the world. No effort is too small or done in vain. Do every deed with great purpose.

- Rock your look , we are all individuals — be your own person. Own who you are.

- Know your talents & USE THEM!

- Be AWESOME.

Note: As with all life lessons, the best way to teach is to lead by example

Got any lessons to add to this list? I’d love to hear them

Special thanks to these Super Mamas for helping me brainstorm this list: Crystal of Growing a Jeweled Rose, Maria of Mama Mia’s Heart 2 Heart, Cathy of NurtureStore, Bernadette of Mom to 2 Posh Little Divas, Laura of Play Dr Mom, and Kristina of Toddler Approved. Looking forward to featuring more great ideas from this post.

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:: picnic in the park ::

by Stacy on April 22, 2012

Today was one of those magical, lazy kind of days. The kind of Sunday where it’s OK to eat chocolate for breakfast and munch on cold watermelon while grinning from ear to ear. When bike rides reign supreme and the sun feels like its shining just for you. For a brief moment, I felt like a kid again and then I felt even better, watching the day unfold through the eyes of my own children. It looked a little something like this:

Tell me, how did you celebrate Earth Day?

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