The most all-over-the-place thread. EVER. need suggestions/directions/help/ideas... - Page 2

[aprons_and_acorns]

Originally Posted by pauletoy

This is the trampoline: (hope this link works)
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/...Id=490758#tabs

My 5 y.o. LOVES the trampoline and its great for blowing off steam on a sub-zero day (we have lots of those in northern WI). Ours is a regular old jogging trampoline from Target ($25) that we set up behind the arm chair. He can hold on to the back of the chair for balance if he needs it.

Sometimes we do "100 jumps" and and not only does he blow off some energy but he's really good at counting to 100 now.

[pauletoy]

Originally Posted by EmilyVorpe

Thanks ladies! I'm struggling a bit...
The tv is going to change. I probably won't be able to go 100% without it, but I've told Dh to not put it on in the mornings (while I'm catching up on sleep) and with Xmas presents coming our way, I'm hoping those will help keep the kids entertained a little bit better so that I can keep it off for longer periods.
Activity wise, the only option at this point is indoor. Not only is it WAY too cold for the baby to be outside, the gate is a problem because its not a normal gate. It has big slats that the girls fit through...and because we don't own, we can't replace the gate for a better one. We get out to the mall's play place (quite fun, actually) about once a week...so that's good, but I agree they need more. I'm looking into dance videos and kiddie exercise videos.
Unfortunately, we won't be able to afford a mothers helper anytime soon.
I'm going through the entire house, top to bottom, to kid proof it. No papers, nothing out...chairs, tables, floor, toys. thats it.
And the 2yo wanting to be in the kitchen is mostly when I'm NOT in there...she likes to run. And I think she likes to be in there because I don't want them in there. arg!
Thanks for the tips...I'm trying, I really am!!!!

A thought on the gate - The slats on our deck are too wide. We went to Lowe's and bought a roll of this plastic chicken wire and stapled it to the wood. It actually doesn't look bad at all and was under $10 for the entire deck. Would something like that work as a temporary fix? If your gate is metal you could use some of those plastic zip ties.

[mamarhu]

A very low cost (or free) way to find a mother's helper might be to contact local homeschooling groups. My teen daughter would love such an opportunity. Sorry we don't live nearer!

[LionTigerBear]

I totally get where you are coming from. I am in NH, too. Are you in Manchester? Don't answer here, I will PM you. Maybe we can get together. I know what you mean about it being too cold and honestly, my kids are watching WAY too much TV, too (yes, almost all day on cold days ). We are stuck in an apartment and it was in the low 20s today. Anyway . . . you sound so overwhelmed. I was totally there, too, after I had this last baby. Ugh. If you don't mind, I'd love to drive over to your place (so you don't have to bundle everyone up) help play with the kids, maybe help you with the dishes or something, and it would cheer me up too because I get so bored of being cooped up with nowhere to go! I've started networking with some other moms in this are with kids the same ages and the same kinds of issues . . . it makes such a huge difference! We have to stick together and help each other out.