Too many toys?

My daughter had a friend over today for a play date. Her friend asked where all of her toys were. I explained that we get rid of the old toys and try to keep the ones that are played with. She said she has rooms full of toys and she probably does have a lot. Why do kids have so many toys? When I asked what she got from Christmas she couldn't remember and my children really can't answer this question either.
When I was a child and returned to school after Christmas vacation we shared what we got for Christmas. Everyone said what they got and it was usually one big thing and a few little things including socks and underwear. I remember my Easy Bake Oven. I got it the Christmas we lived in Aurora, IL. It was a great gift. But that was my gift. My children received about 10 things each. I know it's my fault, maybe we just are too indulgent or maybe we just have more to spend. But it seem that children are used to getting "stuff'" almost everyday. McDonald's gives them a toy, Cost Cutters or the barber shop gives them a small toy or candy, the bank gives them stickers. Hey, these kids are used to it.

Learning to use the computer

As a mom who grew up before computers, I find it fascinating to see my children catch on to computer use so quickly. My daughter just turned 5 yet she is navigating her way around with a mouse and learning techniques it took me a long time to learn.

Reflections on Christmas

Well, the holidays are just about over. New Years has no appeal for me. It's a great holiday if you're single but I don't and can't stay up late enough to enjoy the party.
I'll probably take the tree down tomorrow. I love to get an early Christmas tree but a few days after Christmas Day I want it down, the decorations packed away and my living room cleaned. It will take months to get the fir needles out of the room. Just when you think they're gone in March or April and - move the sofa and find some more.
The kids are happy with what Santa brought them. Hubby is happy and I am happy. The family visits were lovely. Everyone ate too much- even me and as a diabetic I have to be really careful. I even slipped a bit and my sugars are a little high. Oh well, Christmas cookies are only around once a year and I had to try a couple.
I'm keeping up with the morning class for the kids. We started again today. I don't want them to have off 10 days and not write their names or have any counting or math. I'm trying to keep it fun and besides, they don't look at it as real school anyway so they both enjoy the routine.

Merry Christmas!

To everyone a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

First day of Christmas vacation!!!

Well, it's the first day of Christmas vacation for the children. We baked gingerbread for a gingerbread house, watched a little of the movies, "A Christmas Carol "and "It's a Wonderful Life". The kids told us the first movie was too creepy and the second is too boring. No snow this Christmas, just cold rain, rain, rain. The kids went out to play and we had a silly muddy mess.
It's now time for sweet tea and cookies.

Being an advocate for your child during an IEP meeting.

I have requested a new IEP for my son. After reading this article about IEP meetings, I feel that I can approach the team with open ears and be an advocate for my son.
I feel that I am realistic of his needs and I look forward to the results of his assessment.

Chicago visit

Hubby and I took the kids to Chicago today for a day trip. The ride is only 1 1/2 hours and it was such a nice day today. Perfect for a road trip. I wanted to show my children the "old " neighborhood. I wanted to show they where mommy went to school. I showed my kindergarten at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
Now, I haven't been in this area for years and all of my family has long since moved to the suburbs, but I felt quite nostalgic. I remember the streets, the church, my old home on Kimball.
We took a skyline photo of my daughter with her Troll for school. We ate lunch in the Ukrainian Village. (20th and Chicago Ave.) and we had a nice walk down some lovely streets.
All in all, a very nice day.

Half Day School

We are starting a new routine at home. After meeting with my son's teachers and principle, we have decided to change his schedule to half days.
He stays home with me in the morning and we work on his handwriting and simple math skills. He will continue to receive speech. I will then bring him to school afternoons so that he will be with his friends for 2 1/2 hours.
He won't have any bus rides or cafeteria time which is too noisy and stressful.
We just started so wish us luck.
Any homeschool sites that you recommend would be appreciated.

Bonding

Here is a piece about bonding exercises. Special needs or not, all children can use more bonding.

Blizzard of 2006

We're still digging out. Over 12" of snow.

Snow Day!!!

Is homeschooling the way to go?

After a difficult day and little sleep, I have be wondering if homeschooling is the way to go for my son. Even though I feel and know that he is stronger everyday, school is a major stress for him. From the bus ride to a noisy lunch room to friendship difficulties, he finds it at time overwhelming. Today when I picked him up, he was wet, poopy and looked in such obvious distress. It took all night, a long bath and much cuddles to get him to make eye contact.
If school causes such distress, maybe he needs to stay home with me this year. One more year to develop emotionally. One more year to find his place in our world.
This is one big decision.

Post-Institutionalized children

I read this article about post-institutionalized children and agree with much of it.
Common sense is best. Stay with your children. Let them first bond with you. Don't over stimulate them. Life in an orphanages is very different than life in the US. Walking through the grocery store with my young children the first time was disturbing to them. Too much noise, lights, things to see. We are a nation of stuff and these kids have had nothing.
Baby them. Many of them never had a mommy to pick them up, coo to them and hold the bottle. These children were left in cribs to cry and a bottle was propped. My six year old still loves a baby toy that when pulled sings rock a bye baby. He still likes a warm milk and sugar sippy cup given to him by me like a bottle. My 4 year old still likes to have me put her in a sling. And at 38 lbs. she fits, but it's hard on my back. But she has such joy on her face to be held like a baby, I can't resist. I really encourage baby wearing for your adopted children and all children.

Giving Thanks

I hope everone had a memorable Thanksgiving. We went to one of my sister's and it was a very nice day. Beautiful weather, kids in great moods, delicious food and good company.
I use to find holidays difficult and stressful because of increased behavior problems of my son. But now that he has resolved much of his anger or maybe just learned to trust, we are having such nice visits and I don't worry that we can only stay one hour before a scene erupts.
I'm glad to see that he wants to play with his sister and cousins. I'm thrilled we aren't having such bad eating/ food / control issues.
I'm thankful for good therapists, teachers, family and God for helping my son feel happiness and maybe even love.
I'm thankful for a strong, wonderful husband who takes such good care of us.
I'm thankful for a joy of a daughter.
I'm thankful for a family who supports us with love and time.

Winter is here???

After the wonderful warm weather we had this week, it looks like we have an early taste of winter. Hubby is asking to move south again. 33 degrees and ice and snow make him start his refrain. "Let's go somewhere warm"
I can't stand this weather" I think he is starting to wear me down. He certainly has the kids convinced that there is a magical place to live where it's always warm. Yesterday my daughter asked me why I want to stay here (Wisconsin) and I replied"It's where my family is , honey" I have 2 parents and 7 brother and sisters here in Wisconsin. Numerous cousins and aunts in the Chicago area where I was born. It feels like home.
But my daughter wise to her 4 years replied, "But I'm your family and George and Daddy and Bailey (Our dog).
I can't see where warm weather makes a life better, maybe more comfortable but not better or richer in spirit. But I am wearing down a bit. And bitter cold early winter weather doesn't help.

Fall is here

After a great day in warm 60's weather, I was able to clean up my flower beds and put my garden to rest for the year. I enjoy this part of gardening. I get a sense of completeness. After all of the work of spring and summer to enjoy the gardens I have, I now get to cut everything back and we both can rest. Today it is the normal weather, 40's, and I can sit at the window with a cup of tea and look at everything tidy and ready for winter.

Election Day

To all moms who haven't voted yet, I ask you to try and get to the polls. I don't care how you vote (Well maybe I do, but that doesn't matter)
I ask you to find the time, drag the kids with you and vote. Whether you feel this election is a referendum on the Bush administration, you are angry with the dems or you are voting to have a say in the referendums in your individual state, please vote.
When I went out to vote this morning, my daughter was at my feet behind the curtain of the voting booth, yes, it's distracting but I want her to see that mom votes on election day. She and her brother hear my husband and I discuss the issues and I want them to see that everyone has a voice in our government.

Gotcha Day!

Tomorrow my husband and I will celebrate the children's gotcha day. Gotcha day for those of you who haven't adopted is the day you finalized the child's adoption and you officially "got" them. But for my husband and I, it is the day we "found" our children.
Three years ago we were living in an apartment in Kiev waiting to go back to the Adoption Center and look at all of the books of orphans. Ukraine had the policy that you do not preselect a child to adopt, you find them when in the country.
A date is set and you go with your translator to the Government Adoption Center and meet with a psychologist and look at photos and books from orphanages to select a child to see. You then travel usually by train to the city where the orphanage is and visit the child. You then decide if you would like to adopt the child. If not, back to the Adoption Center in Kiev and back to the books.
We had been in Kiev and selected a 2 year old boy to see. We traveled all night on the train and met with the director of the orphanage to arrange to see the child. I was so excited, scared, eager but when we went to his room we found a very sick, disabled and weak boy. I held him and cried. I was open to adopting a child with many disabilities but this child was not for us. This child needed 24 hour care for the rest of his life and I couldn't do it. I knew this was not to be my son. I still think about this little boy and pray he is cared for and loved.
After returning to Kiev and meeting again with the Adoption Center we were shown a photo of another little boy who had just turned 3. The photo was him in a crib with the saddest look I had ever seen on a child. We said we would see him. Since we had hoped to adopt 2 children, I told them to show me the girls available. Even though it is difficult to find a girl, I knew I wanted to complete out family with a girl and I wanted my husband to have a girl to love and to adore him. We searched but I didn't get any feelings of wanting to see any child until the back of the book one of the last pages was a photo of an infant girl. She was 20 months old now but sick, blind and probably retarded. She was most likely a child of fetal German measles. They encouraged us to skip her but my heart went out to her.
The next day we left by train. The Sunny Orphanage had 300 children 0-3 years old and from what we saw they were very poor. I have traveled a lot in my life but Ukraine was poor.
We met with little Vladdy first, shy with big brown eyes. Small and non -verbal. This sad little boy came to us and I knew that he was meant to be our son.
Later we went to another building to see Masha. They brought her out to the waiting room and I started to weep. A blond pale child with scabs and sores all over her face and body (allergies and exzema) a blind small right eye and low vision left eye and it was evident that this little child couldn't see. But, I knew she was my daughter. Even when my husband said are you sure and the translators said we can find you a better one I knew that she was meant to be ours.
There is so much more I could say, the whole trip and month spent in Ukraine is a book waiting to be written. But tomorrow is the day-Halloween, when we found our children and to me it will always be their Gotcha Day.

Site changes

There will be a few changes to the site. The login for existing members is now a new link at the bottom of the home page.
I have listened to the suggestions for registration and those are in the works. I want the registration process to be quick, easy and painless.
Any other suggestion you have please email me. I am always open to new ideas.

The most perfect day.

Did you ever have one of those most perfect days. I did today. The kids were good in church, they didn't fight all day, even at the pumpkin farm.
The weather was my favorite. A sunny fall day at peak fall colors with a slight breeze. Winter jacket weather but not too cold.
We visited grandma and grandpa after Mass.
Then, after the pumpkin farm and bouncy houses and pony rides, we carved pumpkins and baked pumpkin seeds. We ate caramel apples after supper and still the kids are great. I am very lucky.

Moms from tiny towns

Right now the kids are watching SpongeBob and the hubby is working late. I have had such a busy week that I don't have the time or energy to play games or do something educational with the kids tonight, and of course they are perfectly happy to veg while I work on the computer.
We have a fair at Hamilton HS tomorrow morning to support the Cultural Exchange Club which my niece is in charge of. The kids go to a pumpkin farm with an auntie and I get some down time. Maybe a good chick movie on LMN or Sell House Marathon. I think it's been months since I've had a few hours alone. Yippy!!! I'm looking forward to the Shop till you Drop at Willow Springs in November so that I can register lots of Sussex, Falls, Brookfield and assorted Lake Country moms.

I've had a run of moms registering from tiny, tiny, towns. You know who you are:) The hardest job for me is to find exchange moms for these gals. I have started to write the elementary schools in the town to share the Mommy Time concept and offer brochures and specials so that these moms can find time off.
I just started this but it is helping in some smaller California and Texas towns so I'll keep it up for all moms from more rural areas.

What is a mom like me?

I had a question from a mom who wondered what a mom like me was. Was it "code" for rich and professional?

I told her that I meant it to be a reflection of my home and parenting skills. We are all different in parenting. Ever go to a sports event and see some screaming mom and wonder where she came from? I was recently told that healthy snacks are preferred at school to celebrate birthdays. They recommended rice cakes. What??? These are kids and a rice cake doesn't celebrate anything . I sent fruit snacks. Evil mom.

When I moved to my home 12 years ago, it was an old farm house with wonderful gardens surrounded by corn fields. Now, I am the shabby farm house surrounded by new construction and a golf course community.
Now I have nothing against development but now I look poor by the neighborhood standards. I used to look cute.
My neighbors may think I'm poor and I'm not a mom like them. That would be their loss. I'm a great mom.
Since I have a special needs children, I sometimes think other moms won't understand when my son looks weird or his pants are wet.
I'd like a mom who understands PTSD and RAD and understands what strong sitting is.
My daughter is blind in one eye and I'd like a mom who understands it's ok when she bumps into everything on her right side because she can't see and she is bossy and loud and sometimes a little weird.

A mom like me is a mom who parents like me. Laid back but firm and kind. Non-smoking but not judgmental if you smoke outside.
I want a mom who will give a kid a treat they want and not worry that they will get fat because they play outside and stay active and kids should not worry about those things any way.
I want a mom who understands that kids get dirty. And so do homes with kids.
I want a mom who understands that kids need jobs to feel useful. Just like Thomas the Train! Empty the dishwasher or fold the towels. Give them something to feel important.
A mom like me isn't rich or poor, she just has to parent in a way that I am comfortable with, because this, really , is all that is important.

New changes to the Mommy Time site.

There are a few changes to the Mommy Time site I need to share.
A lot of work has been done to make the site work easier. The submit button is easier and the registration process is easy to understand.

A new leaf was added to the home page flower graphic with a PDF of the Mommy Time Flyer. Anyone can now print the flyer if you would like to post it around town, share with friends and co-workers or bring to a moms club.
Remember to add the coupon code to the flyer so that anyone you share it with can take advantage of an inexpensive registration. This is all part of our word of mouth campaign and it's working great. I have tripled the amount of moms who are signing up each day and we are now in 21 states and reaching more moms every day.

Night time ramblings...

I haven't had much time to write, the kids are in school and having trouble adjusting. At bedtime, they both need extra cuddles and tell me that they don't get enough mommy love. My daughter asked if she could quit school and just stay home and sit on my lap all day. Of course, tomorrow I will tell her it's ok, she can sit on my lap all day and she will, for about 30 minutes and then want to play baseball outside or Go Fish.
And I really want the kids to be outside, it's getting colder and before you know it winter will be here. Ok, I hear you San Diego moms, what winter? Well some of us do have a winter and a *** long one , too.
Hubby would love to move me down south or at least somewhere without snow. We took a drive last year and we looked at other states. But I come from a family of 10 and everyone lives within 30 minutes of each other and I can't see living away from my parents and sisters (7) and 1 brother.
Besides, I like 4 seasons and I don't mind the snow. I just get tired of 6 months of cold weather. 3 would be better. A gal I met at school is from Virginia and said it has the best weather, 4 seasons but very mild. But my life without being around my family would be difficult. I'm rambling...

A note about Mommy Time. I have started Google Ads and it has been fantastic. I am getting a tremendous response and I'm advertising in every state where we have registered moms. The WOM campaign is going great and a few moms have asked me to send brochures so that they can share with their children's school.

Email me if you need a brochure. I can email you a flyer if you prefer.
Register here if you aren't a member.

Mommy Time is growing.

I had a mom ask me how many moms have registered. I told her a few hundred so far. I think that's great since we have only been online a few weeks and this concept is being promoted mainly by word of mouth. I register a few moms every day. It's funny, at first it was the Midwest, Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis that registered in droves. Those areas have slowed down and the east and west coast have taken over. I really don't advertise on the east coast but enough moms told friends and now I get a flood of moms from the northeast.

What I and what most of the moms who email me want is a large database of moms who would be willing to exchange child care if there are local moms available that are like them. No mom is going to drive 40 min. Even if it is a free babysitter. We need a large database of moms every where who can help each other out.

What I want to do and what I am committed to, is the growth of this site so that we can offer moms the Mommy Time they need.
I haven't figured out the best way to reach moms. The Parent Magazine ads are reaching one audience, free classified sites like CL and postaroo are reaching some moms.

But the strongest, most powerful, spreading like lightening way to reach moms is through you! Your sending a letter to your email list asking if anyone wants to join.

I'll keep the registration cheap (coupon MOM, WOM), you send me your friends.

And I promise to keep the info private and never sell out to anyone, if you will trust me with your children's names.

Email about anything

Register here!

They grow up too fast

I was thinking about how school changes everything about my life. I was so into the summer routine. The snack time, outside time, books and games were all at a nice routine that made my children happy and worked well for my schedule.
Now my son is in kindergarten all day and my daughter is in K4 every afternoon. I feel a little lost. I have 2 hours to work, clean & cook and I am a bit out of sorts. Did you ever feel like this?
It feels like they are growing up too fast and leaving me. I look at my daughter helping me in the kitchen and my heart stops, I want her to stay 4 forever. Since I'm an older mom I have friends with grown children. They say that the children do grow up too fast and that I should enjoy all of the attention, adoration and love that the littles ones give because when they are 16 they never talk to you.
I know that I wasn't the most delightful teenager ( It was the 70's) so I have nothing to complain about. I just have to hold these special moments with my little one's in my heart.

Changes to the site.

We are making a few changes to the site. I hope to continue to change it until we get a great operating website.

The feedback and time log will now have more info about the individual moms.

The registration and payment pages will be separated. I have had complaints about a "sticky" submit button. If you are on the site and ANYTHING is problematic, let me know. I try to test everything but little things can slip by.

I'm adding a page with PDF pages that you can print. The first one will be the flyer on Mommy Time. You can then print and post at work, school, shopping.
I have new brochures on Mommy Time. If you would like me to send you a few, email me.
Where I live, my daughters K4 school is having a Shop till You Drop. This is a school fundraiser where any mom with a business can set up a table and promote their business. Ours is in November and I will have a MommyTime table to sign up Waukesha County moms. If anyone would like to do anything like this where you live , I would be glad to sponsor the table if you man it.
I will be registering with the WOM program so I expect a great response!

To join Mommy Time click here.
To email me click here.

Weekend promotion and birthday party.

We are having a weekend promotion for MommyTime. Register for $10.
The response to the ads in Metro Parent magazine have been good at bringing new moms to us. I also have been advertising on mommy blog and autism blog sites. This has been great.

My weekend has been busy with a birthday party for my son. 6 years old. Busy with family and the perfect weather for outdoor entertaining. (except for the bees)
What I want to know is, does a child really need so many toys? My husband and I talked about it last night and I think the best thing is for every new toy, he needs to give me an old one to donate. We live in an old farm house. Cozy and cute with small little rooms. I don't know where to put anymore toys? So my son is now overdosing on Thomas the Train toys, clothes and Bob the Builder tool belts and the Sussex women's SOS will be getting a box of old toys.

A mom who needs help.

Here is a mom who needs prayers and good wishes.

http://23weeks.blogspot.com/

How Mommy Time works

Mommy Time is a child care exchange or co-op. There have been co-op's for years, usually started by a moms club or school to assist in trading baby sitting so that a mom can have time to help at school or get things done that are difficult with children. I started Mommy Time because I got sick. Even though I had parents and sisters to help me, I was overwhelmed by the thought that other moms may not be so fortunate. Besides, I wouldn't mind a few hours each week to get away. Especially since I have a special needs child who's care at times has been exhausting. So I contacted a local web site provider and we put together the Mommy Time template and operation. The basic theme is find a mom like you so I want local moms to find other moms with a similar home. A mom who wants only organic wholesome foods wouldn't want to come to my home. Bless her, but I feed my kids anything. And I wouldn't want to have my kids go to a house with non-stop video game since I send my kids outside to play.
My goal is to find moms to help each other out anywhere it's needed. Small little up north towns or big cities. It will take a while for me to get the word out. I have a very limited ad budget but you can help me with ideas and feedback.

So here is how it works...

After you register your anme, address and answer family questions and you pay for registration. You now will get an email with a Welcome Letter and login information. Login and accept terms, fill in the names and ages of your spouse and children, click DONE. I will see this information and do the background check. Once this is complete you will have access to the secure area. Then when you login you can see the Mommy Time page. The site will list Moms per state and zip code. You will just have your name listed as "Mary Mom" or "Susan Mom" depending on your name. There will be small icons of a boy or girl with ages on them that show what children you have. There are also icons that describe your home, ie smoking, CPR, TV, Toys, etc. Remember those questions I asked you when you registered. This will tell another Mom, is there smoking in your home? Do you let the kids watch TV? Do you have pets? Do you know CPR? Do you have a child with special needs? and what kind?This will help the other Moms decide if they want to contact you. Moms will also have an availability button to turn on or off. Available means that you may be contacted, not that you are available this minute. It just means that you are open to communication with another Mom. Availability off means don't bother me. Maybe you just had surgery and need a few weeks without an exchange. Maybe you are on vacation. If a Mom wants to contact you,they will email you, you give them a tele# or email back and talk. You are getting to know each other. Once you both feel compatible, set up a time for you to have your children cared for or visa vera.There is no identifying info about you until a Mom emails you to discuss an exchange. You give her the info.

You can also see the newsletter, time log and feedback page once you login.

I hope to be able to send the newsletter by email later. I also will revise the Mommy Page once we grow so that you can see border states and find a mom easier.

I welcome any other suggestions. Email me!!!

Join us today and find your Mommy Time!!!

Why women understand Mommy Time.

I had a mom ask me to explain Mommy Time so that her husband understands. He thinks a internet co-op is strange.
My own brother who is 33 and has 3 small children thought it was strange when I proposed the idea. Of course, my sister in law understood. Moms need time off to be better wives, moms and catch their breath. And who better to watch your children than another mom. And when the mom is near you, her kids most likely attend the same schools as yours and you may worship at the same church and shop at the same stores. It's a great fit.
It certainly makes it better that the baby sitting is free, and it beats the pink haired girl who showed up to babysit last week.

Join us today and find your Mommy Time!!!

Extend your membership when you give or get Mommy Time!

To encourage exchanges this weekend, I am offering an extension of membership. This will be useful for all moms who registered early. I will extend the membership to 2 years for any mom who provides or uses Mommy Time this weekend 9/7- 9/10. Just login time and feedback and both moms will get a 1 year extension. Drop an email, make a call and get to know another mom. Find some Mommy Time this week end!

Feedback time

Now that we have been online about 2 weeks, I'd like some feedback.
Come on girls- let me know how the exchanges are working. Are we asking the moms enough questions to match similarities?
Are we making it easy to find another mom? We did change the Mommy Time page to show the city and zip code of the moms.

If you haven't had time to look around the site, I have just posted 2 articles from a mom writer in Tennessee. The articles are in the newsletter and are about parenting and taking time for yourself.

The brochure is just about complete. I had to find a nice photo of a mom for the ad. I couldn't use a photo of me. As you see here, I'm so untypical of a mom of young children it would scare moms away. Here is a photo of me with my son and daughter in the kitchen. Yes, I know I'm older than you thought. Madonna and I are the same age. She is just richer and thinner than I. But I bet I'm happier.

Photo shoot for charity.

I took the kids to Hunger Task Force this morning. They needed kids for a commercial they are shooting.
Now, my son is extremely photogenic. He is very handsome and knows it, but man, did he freeze. Now, personally I don't care. I don't need my kids to be models but it was a little embarrassing. And to top it off he had steri-strips on his chin because he fell in the shower last night and split his chin open. The had him drink a glass of milk to hide the chin.
Now my daughter is beautiful to me. Actually, she looks a lot like me. But like her ma, I'm not photogenic and neither is she. But she really did well. Shy, but cute. If you Milwaukee moms see the next commercial for Hunger Task Force, mine are the 2 shy young ones.

The brochure is just about completed for the PDF on the site. I have a great designer working on it. I found her on GURU.com. I have had very good results whenever I need a designer from there.
I am also making a brochure that I will use as a mailing. In order to help moms that have registered have more available moms, I'm starting a mailing to school districts. I will be offering MommyTime as a school fund raiser. Schools will get brochures to give to each child and a special registration code. Every mom who registers will mean that the school makes money and we get new moms. Anyone who thinks that their school or church would be interested, let me know.
I'll start with school districts of all registered moms. Besides, if the schools register a lot of moms, the moms may have more time to help in the classroom.
When I was a teenager, my mom did home day care for a couple of years. Even though she was an RN and could have gone back to work, she stayed home when my brother Paul was born. She did child care in Wauwatosa and offered free child care to any mom who helped out at school. Particularly, St. Bernards.
This way she felt that she was giving to the school indirectly while other moms would volunteer.
I think she did a great thing. But she is a great mom and a wonderful example.

What I am doing today.

In addition to baking Toll House cookies and running errands, I am working on a promotional piece to mail to every school district of current members. It is an ad piece and fund raising proposal for the schools.

The new moms registering are a very diverse group. This will keep me on my toes working on new ways to promote the site to new areas. This idea started in the Midwest and that is where I thought it would stay and grow until we expand. But I forgot that most women like to share a good thing so they told their friends on the coasts and once they signed up, I wanted to be able to provide them with new moms. So we are now nationwide and at this time in 22 states.

I am also finishing the brochure that I will have on the web site in a PDF so that anyone can print it and post it in the city you live. I have one at my post office, Laundromat and Piggly Wiggly food store at the present time.

What can I do for you?

Now that we are online and the site is working as it should, I am open to requests.
Is there anything I can do to make this a better site for you?

I know a lot of moms have asked why can't they see their name. See FAQ
I can't change this but we are working on the access to other states.
I also would like the database to narrow down the choices per state. I am trying to see if we can have our city under our name so that it would look like this:
Barb Mom
Sussex
Then you could search through zip codes in your city. Any suggestions, I'm all ears.

The email system is still in flux so continue to email my personal email or the web site will forward any messages.

The resources page is a free listing for any local non-profit. Just email me and give me your suggestions. This provides a link to the resource site.

The directory page is for business to advertise. I am hoping to keep costs down by having advertising space. Members have a discount advertising rate so if you would like to promote your business to local moms, please submit your ads. This links to your business. I have hubby's real estate ad in already.

I will also do barter with business who promote the site, hang a flyer, or write about us in a newsletter. Any mom who wants to help promote the site with distributing a flyer, let me know.

The press release on the site launch has been sent out.

After any mom has taken some mommy time? I'd love to hear from you personally on how it went, any suggestions. I also will post the child info sheet in the FAQ so that you can print a new one with each exchange if needed.

There is a TV station in Minneapolis which may do a story on the Mommy Time idea. I have moms who will be interviewed and this would be a great way for other moms to hear about us.

That's all for now.

Resources and Directory pages

On the website there are 2 pages now operational.
Resources Page:
The resources page is a place to list any resources that a mom might need to use or want to know about.
Any one can submit the name of a community resources that might be helpful to a mom in this area. I need your help. Please submit any site you want me to post. Food pantry's, community clinics, and other non-profits.
Directory:
This page is to find a place to spend your mommy time. Hair salons, restaurant, shopping, etc. This is a place for advertisers to invite you to check them out. Since I want to encourage small business, the mommy members have a reduced ad cost. If you would like to advertise, the directory page has a checkout feature so that you can submit ads online.

What a wonderful weekend!

Wow, what a weekend!
Thanks to all the new moms who registered. Especially to the mom who said she doesn't mind being the first in her state. That's a gal who believes in this concept!
We are still working on the site and getting registration fine tuned.

If any mom registered and has not received an email, let me know.

Site update

Well moms, we are up. Not without a lot of glitches.
The email system isn't working so please email everything to my home account.
I am almost done entering the pre-registered moms. If you sent me an application up to a week ago, you should have received an email from me. The welcome email has a introduction, login password and child info sheet. If you haven't recieved it- Email me!
Once you have the welcome letter and login info- login and change or update all of your information on the My Page . Sorry ladies, I wanted to enter everyone as soon as possible so I entered the basics. Add anything you want and save.
Look for a local mom. I know some areas have only a few moms. Some areas of the country had a great response, some like Seattle had a tremendous response for applications but few who sent them back. I am starting the advertising in the Metro Parent Magazines and I will add more soon. This is a shoestring operation. That's why I need word of mouth and friends to join so that we can start to grow.
I have had a few questions from moms.
1. Can a pre-register anymore? No. We were able to get online a week early but we are online. I have a promotional registration of $35.00. I think this is a great price for what this service will provide. Yes, we need to grow, but we will quickly.
2. Can I see other states? I am working on this one. Some moms pointed out at they may live on the Illinois border with Wisconsin or New Jersey to New York. You need to look at connecting states, zip codes and other states if you relocate. This may take a little while but we are looking at this request.
I will use this blog to update you on the site. The newsletter will be for mommy info, child care, parenting advise, craft ideas, etc. I am looking for mom writers to submit artlcles for publication. This newsletter will start when we get everything elso going a little smoother.
I will continue to listen to you and we will make this a great place to visit and a great place to meet other moms.

Welcome to Mommy Time!

Welcome to the first online nation wide child care exchange. We are just starting but will strive to give any mom whether stay at home, working, special needs, older, younger, single, rich, poor, liberal, conservative, rural or urban a chance to have some Mommy Time. I really believe in this idea.
Help us grow this community of moms. Register on the site and start meeting great moms like you to share child care.
Registration is $35.00 a year for this promotional period and this gives you access 24/7 to the database. We will continue to promote and register moms every where. There are 6.8 million SAHM's. There are 2.2 million who have children under 3. That' s a lot of moms who could use a few hours off a week or a regular date night with the hubby.
Register on the site and start finding your Mommy Time!

We are live!!!

Mommy Time is now live and up.
I'm sure we will have glitches to work out but anyone who wants to can register and I will start entering the already registered moms in the site.

Patience please. Email me with questions but we'll all work it out.

Welcome moms- let's all find our mommy time!

Mommy Time starts tomorrow!!!

Well my patient moms, the site goes live tomorrow! Of course we will find glitches and little problems but email with anything and we'll work it out.

I have to enter all of the moms that registered early tomorrow when we go live so wait for the email from me with your login.

To all of you who registered early, Thank You for helping to start with me.

For all of the moms who chose not to pre-register and the new moms who read this- please join us in creating the first and largest online child share site where we can finally find our Mommy Time.

Recap on how the site will work.

We are finishing the site this week and we will be online soon. For those of you who have registered, I'll be sending your login soon. I have been emailing the application to any mom who requests it and I hope everyone will be returning the applications soon. The free registration ends when we go live. As soon as you are registered,I will put you in the database. When we are online you will get a login number to have access to the secure area. This is the Mommy Time page. The site will list Moms per state and zip code. You will just have your name listed as "Mary Mom" or "Susan Mom" depending on your name. There will be small icons of a boy or girl with ages on them that show what children you have. There are also icons that describe your home, ie smoking, CPR, TV, Toys, etc. Remember those questions I asked you when you registered. This will tell another Mom, is there smoking in your home? Do you let the kids watch TV? Do you have pets? Do you know CPR? Do you have a child with special needs? And what kind? I'm grateful for all of the moms who are saying that they would love to take a special needs child even though they have no experience. They just want to be educated. The icons will help the other Moms decide if they want to contact you. Moms will also have an availability button to turn on or off. Available means that you may be contacted, not that you are available this minute. It just means that you are open to communication with another Mom. Availability off means don't bother me. Maybe you just had surgery and need a few weeks without an exchange. Maybe you are on vacation. If a Mom wants to contact you,they will email you, you give them a tele# or email back and talk. You are getting to know each other. Once you both feel compatible, set up a time for you to have your children cared for or visa versa. There is no identifying info about you until a Mom emails you to discuss an exchange. You give her the info. Please email me with any other questions. Let's all find some mommy time.

A Day off for Mommy Time

Sorry for the delay in applications. I just got back from a few days in Door County and internet access was difficult.
Glad to see so many responses while I was gone. Especially special needs moms. We were mentioned in this blog and the response has been great. I also heard that we are being promoted on mommy forums around the country.
There is nothing like us moms if you want to spread the word. Especially if it makes our life easier!

Mommy Time Update

Registrations are coming in from everywhere. Thanks everyone. I want to share an observation about our starting up this September. I want any mom who needs mommy time to be part of this and especially special needs moms. But I don't want you to be disappointed when we start and there are only 5 moms in your area. I will do what I need to do for promotions but I will need your help.
1. Encourage everyone to register now while there is no cost to you.
2. Help me promote by word of mouth.

I will:
1. Work on a site design that will be easy to use to find local moms.
2. Promote mommytime where ever I can.
3. Offer a promotional fee when we go online to encourage even more moms to register. I will start the registration at $35.00 so that moms can afford to register and help us to grow.

Application update.

I have been emailing the applications to Moms that are requesting to join. I have been sending it back as a word attachment and most of you are printing it and mailing it back to me. A few gals have typed onto the document and emailed back to me. It works either way. When the background check is done, I email a welcome letter to you.

I am advertising by word of mouth, CL, and other internet classifieds. My ads in Metro Parent Milwaukee and Portland start in September.
October I will start in Metro Parent Chicago and Detroit. If any Mom's registered or not know of any Mom friendly advertising publications please Email me!

Any major metropolitan city is fine. I started ads in the Midwest ( Because we are in Wisconsin) and have now expanded to the coasts.

What is Mommy Time?

Mommy Time will be online as of September 2006.Please read about the service, how it works and the benefits for area Mom's. There will be a Limited time for FREE membership before the site is online so Email me! if you are interested. 2myMommyTime.comMommy time is your time to meet a friend, have your hair done or go to a doctors appointment all without your children!And without paying for day care or a baby sitter.I started Mommy Time because as a stay at home Mom, I found it hard to get away for a day or a few hours, Day care doesn't take drop in kids and you most often need to arrange the time a week ahead. Parents and friends are not always available nor do they always want to baby-sit. The neighborhood teenage girls aren't plentiful and many don' t babysit because they don' t need the money. Besides, I wanted to have a few hours during the day. Hours to treat myself or just get away and sit in a book store.Mommy Time is a web site based child care exchange where Moms meet other Moms and exchange child care in an comfortable, informed, and safe way.Registrants and household members have an annualbackground check done, complete a home survey and questionnaire. Information is shared with other Mom's who can review and choose a member nearby with compatible home values to exchange child care.The 2myMommyTime.com web site is your place to meet new Moms, choose a Mom to talk to and meet, handle a child care exchange andregister your exchange time. We will also have information on community resources and a business directory so that you will have fun new options in spending your free time. There will also be a blog site where you can read other Mommy blogs.For every 4 hours you watch children you have 4 hours of child care.And to keep it fair, all Moms must register their time after the exchange.And to keep it real, all Moms share feed back on the exchange.MEMBERSHIP FEE WAIVED UNTIL WE ARE ONLINE!!!JOIN MOMMY TIME FOR FREE For a limited Time.This fee covers background checks, registration packet and web siteaccess.Interested?Email me! today with any questions or your name and email so that we can get you pre-registered and find a Mom like you.

Register for Mommy Time now for FREE!

Just an update on the 2myMommyTime.com child care exchange.Register now for Free until we are online. Email me with your name and address! I am hopeful that we can get as many Mom's as possible in the Mommy Time exchange before we go online.We are working on the web site daily and are getting closer to going live.Mommy Time will be your time to rest, relax, and refresh your soul so that you are a better Mom when you come home. Besides we all need a day shopping or to the nail salon without the children!Thanks to all of the Mom's who have written and requested a registration packet.They're going out as soon as I get them.Please share the site information with friends and other Moms- We want this to be a great experience!

Application form

Hello all Mommy Time Mom's

For those of you who were concerned about security and may have tossed out your application, I will email everyone with a new one. Security fraud is a big issue and I'm sorry that it felt too invasive. I'm trying to balance security with trust so that we all feel comfortable sharing child care. Remember, I also want to share my 4 and 5 year old with someone. If you need a new application, print the word attachment ,complete the questionnaire and sign the terms. You will have to mail it back to me.
Thanks.

How the site will work!

After you send back the registration packet and the background check is complete. I will put you in the database. When we are online you will get a login number to have access to the secure area. This is the Mommy Time page. The site will list Moms per state and zip code. You will just have your name listed as "Mary Mom" or "Susan Mom" depending on your name. There will be small icons of a boy or girl with ages on them that show what children you have. There are also icons that describe your home, ie smoking, CPR, TV, Toys, etc. Remember those questions I asked you when you registered. This will tell another Mom, is there smoking in your home? Do you let the kids watch TV? Do you have pets? Do you know CPR? Do you have a child with special needs? and what kind?
This will help the other Moms decide if they want to contact you. Moms will also have an availability button to turn on or off. Available means that you may be contacted, not that you are available this minute. It just means that you are open to communication with another Mom. Availability off means don't bother me. Maybe you just had surgery and need a few weeks without an exchange. Maybe you are on vacation. If a Mom wants to contact you,they will email you, you give them a tele# or email back and talk. You are getting to know each other. Once you both feel compatible, set up a time for you to have your children cared for or visa vera.
There is no identifying info about you until a Mom emails you to discuss an exchange. You give her the info.

Great question about Mommy Time.

This is a question I recieved and my reply. I thought it would be helpful to everyone.

Question:
Hi There.
I caught your ad on Craigslist and thought I’d inquire as to what you are doing. I’m a Mom that works full time, and have a very busy husband and there is never enough time for ourselves, much less myself. Can you give me more information as to what you are looking for as a commitment? Besides a babysitter being expensive, how do you ever know who you could leave in your home, with your kids??

Response:
If you read my blog www.2myMommyTime.com , you will read that I am starting an online child care exchange. There is no commitment. You join and then look at the information on other Moms in your area for compatibility. If you find one that you like, email, talk on the phone and set up a time to have her watch your children. The children go to her home. You then owe the same amount of hours to someone else. You don't have to exchange with the same Mom.
How do you know if you can leave the children with a stranger? Good common sense, communication and the background check we did upon registering.
I drop off my 5 year old son at birthday parties all the time. I don't know these people. But if I felt funny, I would take him home.
If you showed up at someone's home and it felt weird, go home. No apologies needed. They are your children. But, I bet most of the women are pretty much like you, small children , busy lives and need some time off. I also know that after paying for a sitter, the night out with my husband just got very expensive.
I hope you will register and find some Mommy Time.

Application & social security number questions.

Mommy Time Mom’s.

I want to update with everyone about the registration/ application packets we sent to your home. I have had a great response . Thank you! We are sending out packets daily.
The one’s that have returned have had background checks done and all are approved! Welcome!
( I will send you an email when you are approved)
I want to tell you that after doing the background checks, I found that I am getting good, reliable information without the need for the social security number. We are not doing a credit check. We check your names against federal, state, local criminal and sex offender databases.

Furthermore, I will not require your social security number for the background checks. I will only ask for it if I can not confirm my information or a similar name is on the database.

I hope this puts many Mom’s at ease. I don’t want you to worry about identity theft but I want to register safe families.

Application questions about Mommy Time.

I have had a question about the application we sent out to a Mom's home to pre- register.
As I explained before, Mommy Time is an online service but we will not be up and operational until September. You folks are the first Mommy's. This means that anyone who is willing to fill out a paper application and mail it back will be online when we start for FREE. This will give us a nice pool of Mommys to start out with and you will get to use the service at no cost for one year.

A shared benefit!


I know in this time of internet speed, a paper application with personal information seems cumbersome, but it will be worth it when you take your first Mommy Time day off with another Mom watching the children.
Please email me with any questions or to request a registration packet.
Remember, to request a registration packet you will need to
Email me with your name and address.

Mommy Time registration for FREE until we are online.

Just an update on the 2myMommyTime.com child care exchange.

Register now for Free until we are online.

Email me with your name and address!


I am hopeful that we can get as many Mom's as possible in the Mommy Time exchange before we go online.

We are working on the web site daily and are getting closer to going live.

Mommy Time will be your time to rest, relax, and refresh your soul so that you are a better Mom when you come home. Besides we all need a day shopping or to the nail salon without the children!

Thanks to all of the Mom's who have written and requested a registration packet.
They're going out as soon as I get them.

Please share the site information with friends and other Moms- We want this to be a great experience!

Mommy Time is for everyone.

I was asked if a (SAHD) stay at home Dad can join Mommy Time.
Of course.
The criteria is that an annual background check must be passed.
Everyone is welcome.

To join at this time Email me! your name and address so that a registration packet can be sent out to you.

Mommy Time for Mom's with special needs children

I've had a few more questions from Mom's with special needs children.
When you fill out the family questionnaire, you can list the special needs that any of your children have. When you need Mommy Time, you will look for another Mom with a SN designation. You can email each other and discuss your child's needs and whether the provider Mom is comfortable caring for your child.
I agree that if you are a Mom with a special needs child- you really need your Mommy Time and most of us don't take the time to refresh our souls. This could be a day at the spa or an hour listening to our favorite music with the bedroom door closed.
All Mom's need Mommy Time but those of us with special needs children can benefit greatly.

Answers to some of your Mommy Time questions.

Thanks to all of the Moms who have emailed me to ask about Mommy Time. The web site is being developed at this time and I can't wait to be online and running. One of the most important aspects of the site is safety and this is what we are building into the site. And this aspect takes time. You will be the first to sign up for a concept I haven't seen any where. A internet child care exchange- It could revolutionize the life of the 6.8 million full time stay at home Mom's. We all need a little time off and this concept will allow us to share our mommy time with other children to receive a little mommy time back.

The one question I have had from 2 mom's is -will it be safe.
I want to share with you- Yes! Safer than meeting another mom at school or dropping off your child at a birthday party when you have never met the parents. I know I've done this. The 2myMommyTime.com web site will have a secure area that only registered Mom's will have access to. All registered Mom's will have had a background check done. This may sound scary but I had one done when we adopted and if you don't have anything to hide-don't worry.

We will also have a strict privacy policy so that you will know we will not share your personal information with anyone unless we have your consent. We will also give you the ability to edit the information you provided us.
We want to keep this simple so there will be an easy way to find another Mom. The Mommy Time page will have a Mom's first name, her philosophy, how many children she has and ages and lifestyle icons.
These will tell another Mom what the home environment is like. Are snacks provided, does anyone smoke, is there a back yard to play in, does Mom know CPR, and since this is important to me, -can Mom provide care to a child with special needs.

When you find a Mom you like, email them, then share phone numbers, then set up a time for one of you to provide mommy time. When you first meet, share your home by offering to give a tour, make the Mom feel comfortable and talk about the children. Leave the child information sheet and have a great day off.

When the mommy time day is over, both Mom's will enter feed back about the experience and login the time exchanged.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Email me with any more.

What is mommytime?

Mommy Time will be online as of September 2006.

Please read about the service, how it works and the benefits for area Mom's. There will be a Limited time for FREE membership before the site is online so Email me! if you are interested.


2myMommyTime.com

Mommy time is your time to meet a friend, have your hair done or go to a doctors appointment all without your children!

And without paying for day care or a baby sitter.

I started Mommy Time because as a stay at home Mom, I found it hard to get away for a day or a few hours, Day care doesn't take drop in kids and you most often need to arrange the time a week ahead. Parents and friends are not always available nor do they always want to baby-sit. The neighborhood teenage girls aren't plentiful and many don' t babysit because they don' t need the money. Besides, I wanted to have a few hours during the day. Hours to treat myself or just get away and sit in a book store.

Mommy Time is a web site based child care exchange where Moms meet other Moms and exchange child care in an comfortable, informed, and safe way.


Registrants and household members have an annual
background check done, complete a home survey and questionnaire. Information is shared with other Mom's who can review and choose a member nearby with compatible home values to exchange child care.

The 2myMommyTime.com web site is your place to meet new Moms, choose a Mom to talk to and meet, handle a child care exchange and
register your exchange time. We will also have information on community resources and a business directory so that you will have fun new options in spending your free time. There will also be a blog site where you can read other Mommy blogs.

For every 4 hours you watch children you have 4 hours of child care.

And to keep it fair, all Moms must register their time after the exchange.

And to keep it real, all Moms share feed back on the exchange.



MEMBERSHIP FEE WAIVED UNTIL WE ARE ONLINE!!!
JOIN MOMMY TIME FOR FREE For a limited Time.

This fee covers background checks, registration packet and web site
access.

Interested?

Email me! today with any questions or your name and email so that we can get you pre-registered and find a Mom like you.

Welcome to Mommy Time

Welcome to Mommy Time.