Welcome to my blog! My name is Christina Cole. I am a stay at home mom of 3 kids with 12 years separating the oldest from the youngest. My hubs and I made the choice to live on one income when my oldest was 4. With that decision has come much sacrifice and stress. But the trade off has been well worth it and I’m happy to say all of my children have survived…so far.

Timeouts are a routine part of my day.  Most of the time they are inflicted on my children as a consequence, although they may view them as a retreat from their crazed mother.  Then there are my mommy timeouts.  These are imperative to me and my sanity.  They range from “in house” timeouts like getting lost in a book, taking a bath, or even cleaning (it’s amazing how much noise a vacuum cleaner will drown out!) to the less common “escape” timeouts like shopping trips or the coveted girl’s night.  My timeouts are free of children, although that gets tricky in the house.  A relaxing bath that is interrupted by the wayward child usually ends badly…for the child. Don’t misunderstand me.  I love my children.  The kind of love that makes you feel like your heart will explode from your body it’s so full.  But I love me too, and a happy mommy makes for a happy family.  Every mommy should get a timeout once a day, even if it’s for 5 minutes.  It’s a time to collect your thoughts, release your stress, and take a few deep breaths.  Lock yourself in the bathroom if you must.  The kids will be fine.  That’s what smoke alarms are for.

This blog is a gift to myself, a new timeout if you will, and hopefully a gift to you.