The Middle of Everything

We are talking Allowances, Chores, Charts and all the details on this episode...But first, Sarah shares a shame spiral about bad parenting on a first grade field trip.  Then we dig into all things allowance - when to start, whether to tie it to chores, and what dollar amount is age appropriate.  Whether your kids are paid for chores or expected to contribute, we talk about what chores are age appropriate and how we feel about chore charts, with a swerve into how we both navigate laundry and into Sarah's extreme Font Sensitivity (can this be a real thing?).  We talk about the Spend / Save / Share outline, how (and if) to enforce it, and talk about some new apps and devices that help parent's and kids out in the age of digital money and online shopping.

In this episode we talk about:

Discovery Lab (http://discoverylab.org/)

AHHA Tulsa (https://www.facebook.com/ahhaTulsa/)

The Experience (https://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/artsandentertainment/the-experience-conjures-up-dreamlike-exhibits-at-ahha-tulsa/article_cc6c09ae-d4cb-5c8f-a1cf-ddded1f9e56d.html)

Meow Wolf (https://meowwolf.com/)

The Center of the Universe (https://www.unbelievable-facts.com/2016/10/center-of-the-universe-tulsa.html)

El Guapo (https://elguaposcantina.com/)

Council Oak (http://www.tulsapeople.com/Tulsa-People/June-2017/Creek-Council-Oak-Tree/)

Tulsa Historical Society (https://tulsahistory.org/)

Woodward Park (http://tulsagardencenter.com/)

Kids Chore Charts (https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=kids%20chore%20charts&rs=typed&term_meta[]=kids%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=chore%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=charts%7Ctyped)

Save Spend Share (https://www.imom.com/printable/share-save-spend/#.W7Kcli3MyV4)

RoosterMoney App (https://www.roostermoney.com/us/)

FamZoo App (http://famzoo.com/)

ThreeJars App (http://www.threejars.com/home)

Kiddlestix Toys (https://www.kiddlestixtoys.com/)

Vivofit Junior (https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-vivofit-JR-Broken-Lava/dp/B01LR9OFCG)

Octopus by JOY (https://www.heyjoy.io/)

Spoiler Alert: This image is neither of our closets.  This episode we dive into Hand Me Downs...organizing those coming in, transferring between kids and then passing on to another family.  We talk how to pare it down, what to keep and what our boundaries are on familial underpants.  Somewhere in there we drop a couple of handy hints on labeling, what do to with sentimental items, and our favorite places to donate once we are out of kids to wear things. To kick off the episode, Sarah chats about coffee speed, MLMs and we do a deep dive into Oklahoma's new liquor laws (wine in the grocery stores!) and the Tulsa Trader Joe's layout. Riveting, right?

This episode we talk about:

Noonday Collection (https://www.noondaycollection.com/)

Stella & Dot (https://www.stelladot.com/)

Mabel's Labels (https://mabelslabels.com/us/index.php/?___store=us_english_storeview)

Emergency Infant Services (https://www.eistulsa.org/)

Claire and Sarah catch up after a whirlwind week, talk about Tulsa's new park, A Gathering Place for Tulsa and most importantly, talk Games, Games and more Games with XPO Game Festival planner, Richard Mitchell.  For gaming novices like us, we need ALL the information from him.  We talk basics like gaming systems, which ones are best for kids, and he makes suggestions for everything from best games for kids, grownups, families, and more.  We chat about benefits of video games including educational and learning games, as well as social and emotional benefits from player interaction.  He gives us tips for playing with your kids, ways to check that the games they are playing are age appropriate, and explains what the heck is up with watching other people play games online.  Join Richard November 2-4 at the Tulsa Pop Culture Expo and XPO Game Festival, and don't miss his description of the Friday night concert...it sounds amazing!

In this episode we talk about:

A Gathering Place for Tulsa (https://www.gatheringplace.org/)

Joystiq (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joystiq)

Pokemon Go (https://www.pokemongo.com/en-us/)

Kindle Fire Kids (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J90MSDS?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=237632639759&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2835154158748639973&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026564&hvtargid=kwd-341095353348&ref=pd_sl_35eoj0c1ly_e)

Leapster (https://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-Leapster-Explorer-Learning-System/dp/B0038APBDA)

Jurassic World: The Game (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwikitjLqsPdAhVOIDQIHVzEDX0QFjAAegQIBBAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fjurassic-world-the-game%2Fid791211390%3Fmt%3D8&usg=AOvVaw0cMvMes0mkY9RUbGB8sLMr)

Minecraft (https://itunes.apple.com/app/id479516143?mt=8)

Nintendo Switch (https://www.nintendo.com/switch/)

Xbox (https://www.xbox.com/en-US/)

Playstation (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/ps4/?emcid=pa-br-97925)

Zelda Breath of the Wild (https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Breath-Wild-Nintendo-Switch/dp/B01MS6MO77/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537232165&sr=8-2&keywords=zelda+breath+of+wild)

Nintendo Switch Online Plan (https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/pricing/)

Rusty Lake (http://www.rustylake.com/)

The Room (http://www.fireproofgames.com/games/the-room)

Susan Arendt - Pocket Gamer (http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/writer.asp?a=290&sec=7)

Yoshi's Island (https://www.amazon.com/Super-Mario-World-Yoshis-Island-Nintendo/dp/B00002SVG0)

Celeste (https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/celeste-switch)

Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/)

ESRB - Entertainment Software Ratings Board (http://www.esrb.org/)

Mario Party (https://www.amazon.com/Mario-Party-nintendo-64/dp/B00000IFRI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537232874&sr=8-4&keywords=mario+party)

Use Your Words (https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/use-your-words-switch)

This week we chat with Alayna Benefield, the ultimate multi-tasker, about the process of designing and building her family's home.  A designer, photographer and now sales rep by trade, Alayna's family bought land outside town and started from scratch, ultimately taking over 3 years from start to finish.  We talk with Alayna about her design priorities, the struggles of doing all the contracting work, and deciding to have a second baby somewhere along the way.  While they were building, their family lived in a 950 sf apartment with a toddler and eventually their second child...so we also chat about getting creative with space, downsizing, and the perks of apartment living.

Plus, Sarah talks about poop and her kids make a surprise cameo!

In this episode we talk about:

Alayna's Photography at Ruby Jewel Studi (https://www.facebook.com/rubyjewelstudio/)o and Prairie Hive (https://issuu.com/prairiehive)

KI andTakeForm signage (https://www.takeform.net/)

Oh, this is a weird one guys...Sarah hits up Claire for a free therapy session as we chat about Fall as a good time to reset everything from checking off to-dos that have been postponed over the summer to rearranging the house.  We decide moms should have back to school makeovers (our kids get them, why not us?), and go off into a crazy tangent about white jeans, Southern Living and how photo shoots work.  Claire fills us in on her family's Annual Labor Day Pig Roast and then we talk about our other fall favorites like camping, football and layers.

Enjoy!

In this episode we talk about:

Antoinette Baking Company Release the Pumpkin (https://www.facebook.com/events/1932868753470520/)

SELF Journal (https://bestself.co/products/self-journal?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-YmInZuf3QIVjLlkCh0LuQ6dEAAYAiAAEgJtJPD_BwE)

Southern Living September Issue - Jennifer Garner (https://www.southernliving.com/)

Prairie Hive Magazine Issue 3 - Movable Feast (https://issuu.com/prairiehive/docs/issue_3_final)

Texture Magazine App (https://www.texture.com/)

The Sense of Order (https://www.amazon.com/Sense-Order-Psychology-Decorative-Wrightsman/dp/0714822590)

Girl, Wash Your Face (https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Wash-Your-Face-Believing-ebook/dp/B072TMB75T/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535991258&sr=8-1&keywords=girl+wash+your+face)

We are back from vacation! And School Started!  So many things with Exclamation Points! We give a rundown of our first week back to school (spoiler alert, Sarah has had 2 meltdowns already) and talk about our upcoming juggling of Extracurricular Activities, schedules and other after school fun.

And in a new segment (?) we just share some things we are into these days.  With summer over, we are reclaiming some personal time and wanted to share a few things we recommend to keep us entertained and informed, from books to podcasts to addictive iPhone apps.

In this episode we talk about:

Bringing Up Bebe (https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=bringing+up+bébé&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=229049967755&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14402342289885682429&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026564&hvtargid=kwd-300863342384&ref=pd_sl_ylrszhk0t_e_p38)

My Favorite Murder (https://www.myfavoritemurder.com)

Maximum Fun Podcasts (http://www.maximumfun.org)

McElroy Brothers Podcasts (http://mcelroyshows.com)

Bubble (https://www.maximumfun.org/shows/bubble)

Wow in the World (https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510321/wow-in-the-world)

This Podcast Has Fleas (https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/fleas)

Tulsa People 10+ Podcasts You Need to Download (http://www.tulsapeople.com/Tulsa-People/July-2018/10-Tulsa-Podcasts-You-Need-to-Download/)

Museum Confidential (https://www.npr.org/podcasts/557204718/museum-confidential)

Citizens of Tulsa Podcast (https://citizensoftulsa.com/blogpo/)

How to Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-middle-of-everything/id1375558498?mt=2)

Cool Mom Picks - Rusty Lake Games (https://coolmomtech.com/2018/07/rusty-lake-cube-escape/cube-cave-rusty-lake-app/)

Claire checks in on her Enneagram type, and we both have a bit of a personality crisis...Then we talk BACK TO SCHOOL! We give our thoughts (and a few tips) on backpacks and lunchboxes, uniforms and new shoes, supplies, after school activities, and welcome gifts for teachers (IS THIS A THING?).  Enjoy!

In this episode we talk about:

 

The Road Back To You: An Enneagram Journey to Self Discovery (https://www.amazon.com/Road-Back-You-Enneagram-Self-Discovery/dp/0830846190)

Whiffer Sniffers (https://whiffersniffers.com/)

Kiddlestix (https://www.kiddlestixtoys.com/)

Zappos (https://www.zappos.com/kids?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=sem_g&utm_campaign=52705&utm_term=kwd-104965339:loc-190&utm_content=6050021887)

Insane Locker Decorations (https://www.pbteen.com/shop/backpacks-luggage/shop-locker-accessories/?cm_src=OLDLINK&cm_type=lnav)

Judge John Hodgman Podcast (http://www.maximumfun.org/shows/judge-john-hodgman)

We hit up Ashley Daly (the Ashley on the LEFT) for some design advice in the Great Playroom Debate, talking about ways to work with (or around) all our kids STUFF! Ashley gives us genius tips for displaying collections (aka rocks and sticks) and passing the buck to family members - as well as some ideas for purging, rotating and generally reducing the number of toys in our kids lives.  We also talk about gardening and outdoor play, and it's importance in our kids development, as well as rambling on about date nights, instagram and getting deep about parenting.  At the top of the show, Sarah gets some tips from Claire about cultivating R-E-S-P-E-C-T from our kids.  Enjoy!

In this episode we mention:

Parenting with Love and Logic (https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Love-Logic-Updated-Expanded/dp/1576839540) by Foster Kline

Episode 04 with Ashley Palmer (the co-owner of Retro Den) (http://middleofeverythingpodcast.com/2018/04/30/ashley-palmer-of-retro-den-on-working-with-baby-decorating-a-shared-space-for-a-toddler-and-a-newborn-potty-training-struggles-and-whats-next-with-the-ok-teacher-walkout-episode-04/)

Retro Den Home Styling (https://www.retrodentulsa.com/home-styling)

Allison Lackner's Kid-Friendly Home Tour (https://www.retrodentulsa.com/blog/2018/modern-artistically-layered-tudor?rq=allison%20lackner)

Birthday Eve-Eve (Episode (http://middleofeverythingpodcast.com/2018/07/02/birthday-parties-locations-treats-swag-gifts-and-more-episode-12/)12)

We get silly this week with our friend Brooke Knight, as she uses her fancy teacher words to talk with us about her experience with moving homes with two kids in tow (Pro Tip: touring 8 houses is too many).  We also chat with her about her unique work situation - she and her husband both teach at the same school, that both kids attend as well...talk about work/life balance, could you do it?  In addition, Claire is relieved that her son made it home safe from sleep away camp, and Sarah gives a foster puppy update.

In this episode we talk about:

The Humane Society of Tulsa (http://www.tulsapets.com/)

Camp Raven and Riverfield Country Day School (http://www.riverfield.org/activities/campraven.cfm)

Zillow (https://www.zillow.com/?utm_content=104778782%7C4644069062%7Ckwd-570802407%7C150062614991%7C&semQue=null&k_clickid=5a723512-f603-ff29-bb8d-00007980942f&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7PnynYjI3AIVjshkCh3JywlgEAAYASAAEgKUZvD_BwE)

Lortondale (http://www.lortondale.com/)Tulsa

The Middle of Everything Episodes 13 (http://middleofeverythingpodcast.com/2018/07/16/postpartum-anxiety-therapy-and-textiles-with-natasha-ball-of-house-sparrow-fine-nesting-episode-13/)and 14 (http://middleofeverythingpodcast.com/2018/07/23/premature-birth-loss-and-nicu-life-with-leah-harper-of-preemie-mom-camp-episode-14/)

We've got another episode with a more serious focus this week - we chat with Leah Harper, founder of Preemie Mom Camp (http://preemiemomcamp.com/)- what Leah calls "a gathering place for preemie moms to discover tips, research and personal stories so they can find comfort and community while their child is in the NICU and beyond." Leah shares her stories with us about her 3 premature births, the loss of one of her babies, and gives us a glimpse of what life in the NICU can be like for both moms and babies.  She shares tips for what we can do to support friends, family, or ourselves if we are ever faced with a premature birth, and Claire shares her story about her sons brief hospital stay after his early birth as well.

On a lighter (and completely unrelated) note, we also chat about The Enneagram (Leah is an enthusiast too!), and give Claire a homework assignment to learn her type.

In this episode we talk about:

KidzBop (http://kidzbop.com/)

H2Oasis Float Therapy (https://www.h2oasisfloatcenter.com/)

Preeclampsia (https://www.preeclampsia.org/)

MTHFR Gene Mutation (https://wellnessmama.com/27148/mthfr-mutation/)

HELLP Syndrome (http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/hellp-syndrome/)

Preemie Mom Camp (http://preemiemomcamp.com/)

You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are by Rebekah Lyons (https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Free-Who-Already/dp/0310345529)

Selfie Podcast - What is The Enneagram and Why Should You Care? (http://lifelistened.com/selfie/selfie10/)

The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery (https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Free-Who-Already/dp/0310345529)by Ian Morgan Cron

The Enneagram (https://www.amazon.com/Enneagram-Helen-Palmer-ebook/dp/B005AJU4XO/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1532374661&sr=1-10&keywords=enneagram+book)by Helen Palmer