Wednesday, September 8, 2010

I Won Something...and needing some advice



So a few weeks ago I was reading the wonderful blog by Christy at Skinned Knees and saw this awesome mug that she was reviewing. (that is not all she blogs about, she has great photos and fun stories!) She was going to give one away so I thought, why not just comment? I looked at the mugs at their website and thought that they were real cool! So I commented and a little while later found out that I had randomly won! Seriously! I NEVER have won anything...! It is a Brugo Mug with a temperature controlled chamber so you don't burn yourself, but can still drink it hot. Check out her review and the website HERE. When you put the hot coffee in, you tip it so the hot coffee runs into the chamber and then cools it to a temperature you are able to drink! Too cool!

With this pregnancy I have unfortunately have had a horrible aversion to coffee. It is crazy because I used to drink it every day! I actually had my first coffee today after several weeks and thoroughly enjoyed it. So this mug will come in handy real soon!

Here are some silly pics of me enjoying my mug! (I took these pics right after I blow-dried my hair because I knew in a few hours it would be pulled back and a mess!-story of my life!)





Ok...so moms out there, I need some advice. Both my sons (ages 3.5 and 18months) go to a Parents Day Out program once a week for 4 hours. It is the time I get to myself once a week to get errands done, cleaning, appointments, etc. Plus it is at a wonderful church close by. We went to the open house today to meet the teachers and see the classrooms. I got this wild idea to have Logan go one more day a week to help him interact with teachers and other kids, plus I just feel like he is so bored at home no matter what I do! My dilemma is, is that I am very cautious to let my boys be under someone else's care for long periods of time several times a week. It is one of the main reasons why I stay home with them. I don't want or need other people training and guiding my children at such a young age, for this is the time in their life when they really learn heart motivations. (why they do something wrong, how to love others and the Lord, changing behavior, etc) So my question is, do you think a 3.5 year old being gone to a preschool type class for 4 hours a day, twice a week, is too much? (my younger is still going to go only once a week for that much needed mommy time since the hubs is gone). Would it be good for him to learn classroom things such as listening to a teacher, interacting with others his age, instead of here at home? What do you ladies think?

11 comments:

Molly said...

Awesome you won something! And I'm glad you can drink coffee again. Do you like tea?

I think you need to go with your gut feeling on Logan. At age 3 a lot of kids are being sent to a formal pre school 2-3 times a week for a few hours a day, so I don't think it's abnormal for him to be gone 8 hours a week. Some moms are comfortable skipping preschool and sending them straight to kindergarten. Some moms just want one year of preschool, some want two. Some moms homeschool. Some moms send their kids to daycare/preschool 50+ hours a week. Do what works for your family and what you believe is the best thing for Logan. No else can tell you what to do or knows what is best for your family. If it's too much, you can always pull him out for that extra day.

Anonymous said...

That is an awesome cup. Congrats!

I haven't had to do this yet, but I don't think 2 days would be too much. Do what feels right for you all.

Carol said...

Stopping by from the Photo Class. I appreciate your comment.

I love that mug! Does it keep cold drinks cold too? If so, would be great for Orange juice on the go.

Both of my girls attend the pre-school at our church. They are there 35 hours a week. I think over the age of 3 they have a lot to benefit from being in a really structured "school like" environment, especially if you plan on sending them to public/private school and not homeschooling. My girls go to chapel there, they learn bible versus, and they learn social skills. If he is bored at home, I don't think he has much to lose by going to pre-school two days a week. Of course, at his age, you can also ask him! My 4 year old often says that going to school is her favorite part of her day...ahhh, setting the mold for a lifetime love of learning!

Kelly said...

I think you should go for it! If the time away starts to seem like too much or if it's having an impact on his behavior, then just send him the one day a week. You are a great mom, Elissa. You will never go wrong if you go with your gut!

Cooking Up Faith said...

I think it depends on the child. My oldest wasn't ready for preschool until she was 4, my second went right at age 3 - both went two days a week. My third is ready now, but I'm waiting until he turns 3 because our church preschool doesn't start until they are three. If you're child seems ready, and only you know that, then I think 2 days a week is great. I agree with Molly - you can always pull him out if it get to be too much!

Laura Bora said...

Oh how this post makes my heart ache for my own son and makes me so happy for you to be able to be home with yours! I dont think two days a week is too much. I think even when I can stay home with Brayden again (one day, I can't wait!) I will want him to go to some sort of play group/daycare type thing for the instruction and interaction!

Anonymous said...

you are a wonderful mom
I really must have rubbed off on you
if you don't let him "out" he would miss meeting and enjoying a wonderful teacher's aid like me

Anonymous said...

i am learning about this blog
that last was from mom

InsideTheCircus said...

Tough choice but since I'm a FT working mom I'm all for the assistance of childcare. Not only do your kids get the interaction but we have had some amazing teaching moments with Elle due to her experiences with the other kids at daycare. Not only in learning how to treat people but also in her beliefs. However, you really have to go with what your gut tells you. If you're worrying about it the whole time he's gone then it's probably not worth it.

GREAT mug!

Casey Martinez said...

Yeah for winning!!! That mug sound awesome. Might have to get one and glad you can drink coffee again! I think the pre-k is a good idea...probably harder on us moms to send our kids off than for them to go. I hope it ends up being a great experience for both of you!

libbyslp said...

Your mom is right :-) He may end up getting an amazing teacher's aide like her! Can you imagine how wonderful that would be?!?!

Being a good mama doesn't always mean having your children right by your side... you have to feel energized and refilled yourself to be a good mama...

And for a little while, you are a "single" mom and you need time for just you!

i think he'd love a taste of "school" :-)