Hats off to Working Moms

The other day I had a dentist appointment. It was an afternoon appointment so I left the house around 1pm, got to my appointment at 1:30, saw the doc, was out of there around 3:30 pm, did a few errands on the way home and ended up walking into my house around 5 pm.

I was exhausted. I had put dinner in the crock-pot before I left so dinner was ready when I came home, but while all I wanted to do was flop down on the couch and put my feet up for a few minutes, my kids decided other wise.

The babysitter left, and I was suddenly bombarded with questions, stories, requests and what not from my adorable little brood. 

It wasn't about mommy being exhausted and relaxing for 5 minutes, it was ALL about these little peoples needs being met at that exact moment.

And it suddenly dawned on me. So many people look at me and wonder how I can be home with my kids all day and how challenging it seems. And so many people think that moms who work get a 'break' by going to work every day. But just going out for the afternoon made me realize how challenging it is to be a working mom.

Where I can make dinner and tackle house work pretty much whenever I have an open slot of time during the day, working moms do not have that luxury. Where I can set aside time during the day to take a few moments to relax, for a working mom, that only comes later on once the kids are in bed, once everything else in the house that needs to get done is done.

And when you get home from work, the kids are so excited to see you and get your attention its so overwhelming because all you can think about is how exhausted you are!

So to all you working moms out there, I solute you. You are all amazing in your ability to balance family, work and your sanity. I have the utmost of respect for each and every one of you.

Wishing you all a fabulous week,

Always, 

Seeing the good in a world that seems so evil

A few weeks ago Harper Collins mailed me a copy of the book Rebbe The life and teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, The most influential Rabbi in Modern History by Joseph Telushkin to review on my blog.

Over the past few weeks, I have been reading Rebbe. This book has given me a tremendous amount of inspiration and support in a time where it is very easy to feel frustrated, afraid and helpless by what is going on in the world.

The Rebbe had such love for every single Jew. There was no such thing as 'reform, conservative or modern orthodox.' You were a Jew in the Rebbes eyes, a shining diamond with the tremendous potential and capability to become the greatest person you can be. The Rebbe saw this in every person both Jew and non-Jew alike.

The Rebbe saw the good in this world and made it very clear that it is up to us, to reveal this goodness, no matter where we are, by doing mitzvos, one baby step at a time.

At a time when the world seems so dark, connecting to the Rebbe on this level is very comforting. Here I am, geographically as far away from Israel as one can possibly be, and feeling so helpless while my Jewish brothers and sisters are fighting for and protecting our country, I think, what can I do?

The Rebbe's message has and always will be, to spread the light to take away the darkness. Give more charity, say a blessing, light a Shabbos candle. Do what YOU can to make this world a little more bright.

Not only is Rebbe a very interesting biography on the Rebbe, but it is also a book that is filled with inspiration, every time I pick it up to read a chapter it feels like a warm hug. You get to know the Rebbe and you can feel the love that he had for each individual.

Click on the image below to purchase your own copy of Rebbe.

A little love goes a long way.

As we pray for our soldiers, may we just hear good news,

Always,

Fantastic Online Gemara Class for Homeschooled Boys-

For moms with boys ages 11-13, I highly recommend you get your little guys to try out this Online Gemara class. 

My personal experience with Rabbi Levi has been so wonderful, my son can't wait to begin his private tutoring sessions again this year. 

Let your son try it out for himself, and feel free to leave a comment on how much your he enjoyed it~

Hope you are enjoying your summer,

Always,

Summer Boredom Busters!

This evening while I was making dinner, my 6 year old was sitting at the table and goes, "Mommy, I'm bored."

I know this may sound strange, but my kids have never, ever said those 2 words to me before- "I'm Bored."

My kids have been hanging out with their friends and the kids in the neighborhood a lot more now that its the summer, so something tells me that they picked up this new lingo from their buddies.

I looked at her and said, "Being bored means that you simply can't think of anything to do. I have so many things for you to do! You can start by unloading the dishwasher, when you're done, you can sweep the kitchen floor and if you are still bored after that, you can set the table for dinner- how does that sound?"

She jumped up from her chair and went, "Actually mommy, its okay, I think I'll go and play in the playroom until dinner."

This little event inspired me to make a Summer Boredom Buster chart that I will print out and put up on the wall in the kitchen:

Feel free to print it out for your family. The next time your kids complain that they are bored, show them their list of options- and I can guarantee you that within seconds, they will have found something fun to keep themselves busy with :)

It was actually very cute, my 5 year old came out of bed this evening, walked into the kitchen and said, "Mommy, I'm bored." 

I then realized that my kids are very new to this word and are so great at keeping themselves busy that they don't really understand what they are saying- but probably hear their friends say it or heard it in a video they watched.

But its okay, because they will now know that any time they are feeling bored, there is always something to do around the house!

Hope you are having a wonderful summer,

Always,