It’s been almost 18 months and I still have not lost the baby weight.  I never imagined being at least 13 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight at this point in my life.  One of the reasons I know the weight has not come off is my lack of consistent exercise.  I resolve to make aerobic exercise a priority in the new year.  Now of course having Wii Fit in my house would make it soooo convenient to work out at home.  But regardless of whether or not my santa hubby delivers, I have a gym membership and I’m determined to use it come January.  

2009 is all about change!  The most important change I’d like to make is rearranging my priorities.  Work, household chores, and even blogging will always be works in progress.  But my family…my husband and my son….they are my priority.  I always need to step back from the chaos and busyness of my life and remember that regular, quality time with both of them is most important.

Every year at this time, people reflect on the days that have gone before them.  There is something refreshing about a new year.  New beginnings and opportunities are on the horizon.  How will you “get your act together” this upcoming year?  Other parents are talking over at the Parent Bloggers Network this weekend.  And if you head on over, you may just win a $250 Target gift card courtesy of Big Tent.

Here is a little bit of information regarding Big Tent:  

 BigTent is the online home for trusted groups. BigTent hosts nearly 1,000 parent-led groups – including play groups, moms clubs, group blogs (like the Silicon Valley Moms) and even PTAs – on a completely free and easy to use web platform. Leading these groups can be a three ring circus – but BigTent simplifies group management while providing a one stop shop for everything members need.

BigTent is partnering with Compass Life and Business Designs CEO and founder, Kimberly Fulcher, to offer a special “Get your act together for 2009″ promo. For any group leaders who start a group on or move to BigTent by December 31, Compass will provide a free one month membership ($19 value) to Compass Coaching Network, and all new group leaders will be entered in a grand prize drawing for a “Life Makeover” private coaching series ($1500 value). Groups must be of at least ten members.

I have to admit that I’m not the most creative or gifted when it comes to handmade gifts.  One year in particular, when I was a starving college student (hehe), I decided to make all of my friends and family member’s a personalized ornament.  I went to Michael’s and bought the supplies.  I wish I had taken a picture because they turned out really cute!  I used puffy paint and glitter and filled them with tinsel.  Everyone loved them and I felt a sense of accomplishment in what I had made.

I truly hope that handmade gifts are not a thing of the past.  They elicit creativity and thought and personalization. This week I’m joining other moms and dads over at The Parent Bloggers Network as they share their handmade gifts from seasons past.  Klutz, the creators of activity books, is helping you with your handmade gifts this season.  They are also offering free shipping and a free copy of the award-winning Activity Book when you order $50+ via this link. So head on over and share what you’ve made.

1.  I cook chicken and fish without defrosting it.  I don’t know why it works but it does.  I don’t notice any difference in taste, texture, or quality.  It saves me time in defrosting and I don’t have to deal with raw anything!  

2.  I buy seasonings, sauces, and other prepared condiments to quickly season chicken or fish.  It’s easier on those days when I need a tasty, quick meal and don’t feel like going all out and cutting veggies.  

3.  Whole Foods and other markets sell the ingredients for meals in one package.  For example, their stir-fry package includes chopped vegetables, sauces, etc.  It’s a fresh, homemade meal but I don’t have to spend as much time prepping (definitely not the most inexpensive way to go but definitely quicker).

What are your secret shortcuts?  I’d love to know how to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible less time in the kitchen.

Who knew that after spending many nights walking and rocking our son to sleep that we would all find respite in humming Frère Jacques?  Don’t ask me how or why my husband chose a French nursery rhyme to lull my son to sleep but it’s working.  After dinner we play and read a story. I sit down with him in the glider and give him his bottle milk.  I brush his teeth and then daddy takes over and hums Frère Jacques while patting his back in the crib.  We’ve tried other songs but we always come back to Jacques.  As soon as my husband starts humming my son lays his head down.  It’s adorably cute!  We’re all sleeping much better now thanks to the French!  

Did you know that children who are regularly exposed to music do better in subjects like reading and math, focus better, and have higher self-esteem (KidsHealth.org)?  My husband and I have a deep appreciation for all kinds of music and we are hoping to instill that within our son.  

This week’s blog blast is all about the songs you sing to encourage and teach your children.  You have probably all heard the song “beans, beans the musical fruit…”  You’re a smart bunch too since you know that beans are a veggie.  Bush’s Beans is holding a contest where you rewrite the lyrics in their Magical Veggie Challenge.  You could win $5,000!  

And while you’re at it, head on over to The Parent Bloggers Network for your chance at one of two gift cards to Best Buy!

This post was written for Parent Bloggers Network as an entry for a contest sponsored by Bush’s Beans.

My son is too young to dress himself (although he tries really hard) but I wanted to share with you an awesome blog blast over at The Parent Bloggers Network this week!  Parents across the web are blogging about their kid’s fashion mishaps!   Polly Pocket Pop ‘N Swap encourages girls to express themselves in how they dress and how they play. Girls can mix-and-match outfits for Polly and friends as they Pop ‘N Swap heads, torsos and bottoms to create a variety of unique fashion combinations…all without creating a single load of laundry!