The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal Book

Crystal: An interesting book I came across today...I haven't ready it myself, yet, but from what I've seen it looks like it might hold some great ideas.

The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal by Renee Trudeau

I feel that it's really important for mothers to have a self awareness about who they are and what they want out of life. When you have kids, you tend to get so wrapped up in the day to day, that you forget what living is about. For me, having children completed my life, and everything I do in my life is in a roundabout way for them...but I also realize that for the purpose of my sanity, it's important for me to also just be me and do something for myself once in awhile...and sometimes it's hard to figure out who that isor what I want when your whole life has been repurposed for your children.

I don't know that this book is the final solution, but it's probably a good start. I read the mini review from an an Urban Baby email I received last year (that I'm now barely reading)...this is what they outline as some of the suggestions in the book...all fabulous ideas in my mind!

• Go to a deli or natural foods store and pick up items for a delicious picnic. Bring your treats to a local park and enjoy your meal under a shady tree.
• Head to your favorite bookstore and browse the career, self-improvement, women’s health, psychology and spirituality sections. Take note of what topics are most interesting or appealing to you. Make sure you take time to be quiet; sip a relaxing beverage. Resist the urge to turn this into a shopping trip; this is your time to reflect.
• Visit an ice cream or yogurt store and enjoy a new flavor as a special treat. Maybe indulge in a sundae while you sit outside and just chill.
• Take off for a relaxing walk in nature, perhaps near a local lake, river or pond.
• Write a poem about your life and how it’s changed since you’ve become a mother.
• Visit a bookstore or gift store and buy yourself a new journal. Take time to break it in while sipping on green tea.
• Go to one of your favorite outdoor spots to relax and journal on twenty things you’re grateful for.
• Visit a wine bar and have a glass of your favorite wine. Reflect — what are your three favorite things about yourself? Have they changed since you were 20?
• If it’s rainy, use your imagination: where can you find a cozy, quiet kid-free corner in your neighborhood to relax, unwind and de-stress?

And if you don't have kids of your own, you could always pass this along to your own mother...this can also apply to a lot of fathers out there. :)

Jen: What a fabulous book! It reminds me of a book I have called "Snap Out of It". The whole point is to become self-aware and give back to yourself.

Mom's have it rough! I just watched the Mother's Day episode of that new show, The Middle. It showed 3 generations of mothers and daughters melting down over their pressures and stressors (in a hilarious way!). My mom really related to it, as she told me later. Maybe I should get this book for her ;)

The Story

Jen: Here's a little Jen and Crystal history ...

I went to Denker Elementary K-the beginning of 3rd grade, then switched schools. Crystal started Denker in the 3rd grade.

I went to Casmir Middle School. Crystal went to Magruder Middle School. Our schools were rivals!

Crystal and I met at North High School our freshman year in our Algebra class, and quickly became best friends. Odd, right?

Well, listen to this!

Both of our moms were single moms. Our dads lived out of state. We each had 2 younger siblings. Our siblings were the same ages!

Although our siblings started out at different elementary schools, they did attend the same middle school and now high school. That means that Crystal and I get to share in all the graduations together!!!

{Crystal and Jen @ Liz and Johnny's middle school graduation}

{Johnny and Lz}

{Jen and Crystal @ Joey and Michelle's high school graduation}

{Joey and Michelle}

I wish I could find Joey and Michelle's middle school grad pics. Do you have any, Crystal? And the last set will come in 2 years when Johnny and Liz graduate from high school!

Crystal: LOVE this post :) :)

And I definitely have pics from Michelle and Joey's middle school grad....that was when Avery was still here so I know I have them somewhere...I'll have to sift through my files and post them from home. :)

I love our friendship....and I love that we get to partake in so many family-type things...not just going out and having a drink or whatever....but the real stuff that matters. :) :)

Family Pets

{Doyle- Main Coon}

{Veruca- Devon Rex}

JH: I've been researching pet insurance all day, trying to find some sort of dental plan for my cats. A lot of pet owners don't consider this aspect of having an animal in the family (me included until Veruca came along), but regular cleanings are super important for the health of your furry friend.

Doyle has never shown any sign of funky teeth, so I never would have thought twice about dental care (I mean, dry cat food is marketed as a tooth cleaner for goodness sake!) but my little Devon Rex has unnaturally horrible breath. And after all the research I've done, I can see her dental bill costing me $1000+.

The lame thing is that pet insurance seems really shady when you get to the dental coverage. They'll cover claims for accidental death and running away before dental work! If anyone has any tips on how I can best go about this situation, please let me know! It would be really helpful to hear your experiences.


Crystal: Sorry Jen :( I got nothing for you on this one :( :( My work offers pet insurance - maybe Joe's does?

Good luck :(

Jen: Your work offers pet insurance?! That's awesome! Talk about a family oriented company! From what I've been gathering, pet insurance really isn't worth it. They are incredibly selective on what they'll cover, and you have to pay for the treatment up front- then wait and hope for reimbursement. All the while paying those monthly premiums. I think it's good if your pet ends up with cancer, but other than that it seems more like a scam than anything.