Family Friendly Tour Guide: TEMPE, ARIZONA

A few weeks ago, we had the honor of being the guests of Tempe Tourism in Tempe, a hip little town located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix. I grew up in Arizona, and a lot of my family still lives there. But even though I am familiar with the state, there is something magical about getting to play tourist and seeing it through the lens of our two-year-old daughter.

Arizona holds an extraordinary place in my heart and my fondness for Tempe, in particular, grew so much over the duration of this trip. We hope you get the chance to visit soon!

Below is a family-friendly tour guide on everything you need to see and do in Tempe, Arizona. Enjoy!

Where Did February Go? Reflections + Ramblings

The last time I posted was on February 18th. I cannot believe it's been that long since I have said hello to you. These last few weeks have been particularly rough on my family.

Winter was hit back to back with two viruses, and after caring for her for eight days straight, I got the same plague and Perry was left to fend for himself.

I feel like I haven't seen the sky in weeks and to be honest, I am starting to lose myself.

MotherhoodTerra LaRockMarch 2, 2018PPD, postpartum depression, postpartum ocd, mommy bloggerComment

10 Ways to Cope When Others are Getting Pregnant and You're Trying to Conceive

I know how hard it can be to hear about your friends and family members becoming pregnant when you are trying to conceive. There is a constant tug-of-war between the joy that you feel for those who are pregnant coupled with the disappointment that you feel for yourself. This dichotomy of emotions can be difficult to navigate and to be honest, there is no perfect way to navigate it gracefully.

In an effort to help those who are going through the waiting game of trying for a baby, I've put together a list of ten ways to cope when others are getting pregnant and you're trying to conceive.

Weekend Links: Tres

Happy Friday, Everyone. I am really looking forward to this weekend. I have a girl's night planned to celebrate a few of our birthdays. I feel really lucky because so many of college friends from Arizona live in Colorado, and although we are spread across the state, when we do get together, we have the best time.

Trying for Baby 2: Reframing the Waiting Game

Another month passes, and as I get closer and closer to the nine-month mark of trying for baby #2, I can't help but imagine what it would be like to be almost due and nearly 40 weeks pregnant. We have now been trying as long as it would have taken to carry a baby to term.

I spend so many moments imagining my sweet Winter no longer being my only child and at the same time, being fully present. I fear if I spend too much time daydreaming about the future that may or may not be, I am inadvertently wishing her to grow up a little quicker than fate intends, and God knows that I don't want to do that.

Craving Spring with Kroma Phone Cases

Although we have had a mild winter in Colorado so far, there have been a few stretches of days where we haven't seen the sun and it's been too cold to go outside.

Right around the time that February makes its way onto the front page of our calendar, I notice myself forward thinking about and craving spring; and instead of resisting it, I let the excitement set in as we start to plan out our backyard garden.

The first step in the process is to always visit our favorite greenhouse to talk to the employees and owner about design plans and soak in the beautiful sights of greenery.

Sweet Valentine's Day Crafts For Kids

Happy February, everyone! I can't stop thinking about how I felt in February three years ago as it was the month that we found out that we were pregnant with Winter. It's such a unique memory for us.

I have always loved to celebrate love, and while I don't always get caught up in the commercialism of Valentine's Day, I really love any excuse to decorate with hearts and do things with my family that is all things LOVE related.

Winter is getting to the age where she is enjoying arts and crafts and helping me when I create fun things. Below is a little round-up of the Valentine's Day crafts that we intend to try together as a family.

Morning Meditations in Motherhood

There is a new technique that I have been trying in the mornings with Winter that I wanted to share with you. It's called 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and it's as simple as the name!

Sometime during the day take two minutes to tap into all five senses and observe what is going on around you. I find the most simple moments for this meditation technique is when I am getting my daughter ready for the day, heating up my morning coffee or when I am doing the laundry. Here's how it works:

Weekend Links: Dos

Well, due to the recent events that took place with our little one (you can read it about it, here), I am way behind on the blog, including Weekend Links.

Remember that in these Weekend Links posts, there will always be a 'Question of the Week'. If you respond to it in the comments below, you will be in the running to win something from me that I will mail to you as a token of my appreciation for reading the blog. Last week, I sent everyone who commented and gave me their address a small package :)

Top 7 Apps/Services to Help You Organize Your Life

I don't know if you're like me, but I tend to get so overwhelmed with clutter. There is so much clutter in my house, on my phone and in my mind. Clutter just seems to be the one thing that I can't seem to tackle. This isn't good because I notice that when my external space is less organized, the less regulated I feel on the inside.

Dear Daughter: A Letter Of Gratitude

Dear Winter,

It's been awhile since I have written to you. I feel like in the last week, following the accident you had (you can read about it more, here), we have become even closer than I ever thought imaginable.

MotherhoodTerra LaRockJanuary 21, 2018dear daughter, letters to baby, mom blog, top mom bloggers Comments

Play Kitchen Essentials

Winter is really starting to get into pretend play. We spend hours "making" pancakes and sandwiches and feeding our furry friends such as all of her stuffed animals and our dog.

I searched high and low for the best products out there to complete her kitchen set, and I wanted to share them all with you. I love that she can cook alongside us while we make dinner. I hope you all enjoy these products as much as we do. Not only is playing kitchen great for a child's imagination, but it also helps to develop strong eye-hand coordination and fine-motor skills!

Weekend Links: Uno

Every Friday I will be compiling a list of things that I am loving from interesting mindfulness or parenting articles, fashion and home decor inspiration, songs or movies to watch, toys that Winter is currently enjoying and more.

I really enjoy connecting and learning more about you, so each week I will also choose someone who leaves a comment to the 'Question of the Week' and send them a small gift as a token of my appreciation!

So let's begin!

Trying For Baby #2: Accepting Our Family Size

Every time I open my phone, I am either tagged in a pregnancy post or I see someone new on my feed announcing that they are pregnant. My first response is always joy, but then comes the reminder that they are pregnant and I am not.

MotherhoodTerra LaRockJanuary 11, 2018trying for baby #2, mommy blogger, trying for a baby Comments

3 Ways To Make The Magic Of The Holidays Last

As Winter gets older we find ourselves adapting, revising and starting new holiday traditions. Last year I wrote a post on our holiday traditions (here). This year I really want to focus on making the magic of the holiday spirit last throughout the year. Below are three meaningful ways to achieve a little extra holiday cheer.

The Best Winter/Christmas Books for Kids 2017

Eek! Tomorrow is December, which means I have put away all the fall books and got out all of the winter ones. I am super choosy when it comes to books. I feel like because I work in an elementary school and have a daughter that lovesssss to read books, I have had my fair share of reading some doozies over and over. Below is a round-up of my most favorite winter/Christmas themed books out there right now. I hope you like it!

A Working Mother: Privilege

Okay, I am going just to come out and say it, I don't want to be a working mother anymore. I realize that my privilege allows me to even have this thought. I understand that the reality for many is that this idea could not, would not be entertained due to certain circumstances and the fact that I CAN think it makes me feel well, privileged.

MotherhoodTerra LaRockNovember 28, 2017a working mother, mommy blogger, mom blog, working mother Comments

5 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season 2017

We want to teach Winter that Kindness is infinite and oh so important. A few weeks ago, Winter and I had the opportunity to participate in a campaign called the #DoGoodWeek. We bought four dozen roses and gave them out to strangers to people walking in the park, coming out of a nursing home and at a local school. At first, WInter was so shy and wanted me to hold her while we passed out the photos, but within 10 minutes of being at our first location, the park, she was so excited and willing to hand them out. She would say, "here" or "more" while smiling and handing them out to people. I found myself stepping back a bit and just watching her interact. The joy I felt that day was indescribable and I want to keep the momentum going and do some more selfless acts for others.

Gifts that Mean Something

Perry and I will be traveling to Arizona this year to be with my family for Christmas. We plan to pack up our belongings including a 70 pound Husky and drive the whole 13 hours to Phoenix (if you have any travel tips with toddlers. please let me know)!

Because our car is going to pretty full from the get-go, we are opting to either send our gifts to the family via mail and/or be very thoughtful about what we pack in the car. When I discovered, Snapfish, a digital photo printing service that helps you personalize your prints, I knew that this was the route I wanted to go for my family.

MotherhoodTerra LaRockNovember 21, 2017personalized gift guide 2017, best personalized calendar 2018, mommy blogger, gift guideComment

Winter at Two

Winter,

Today you are two-years-old.

You have mellowed out quite a bit in the last few months, yet you are still our mighty Winter. Your independence, language, and empathy have soared to new heights over the past few months. You are our little observer; taking in the world around you, watching others and patiently waiting to engage once you feel like the time is right.

You express so much love for those that care from you. You look sincerely into the eyes of those you love and provide us with the sweetest gestures of affection from holding our cheeks with both hands, saying "te amo" (which means "I love you" in Spanish) and asking for besos (which means "kiss" in Spanish) or to hold our hand.

MotherhoodTerra LaRockNovember 6, 20172nd birthday, letters to baby, mom blogComment