Shape Up Mom Tips, Stories and Photos
In her own words, Kathryn shares photos, stories, tips and advice from raising a family of ten. Look for insightful inspiration as the ShapeUpMom gives you a chance to learn and laugh along with her. If you have a topic you’d like to know Kathryn’s take on, please send an email (kathryn@shapeupmom.com) and she’ll consider discussing it here on her blog.
Happy Mothers Day!
Happy Mothers Day to my almost 99 year old grandmother, YiaYia!
Happy Mothers Day to my beautiful and selfless mother!
Happy Mothers Day to my inspirational Mother-in-Law!
Happy Mothers Day to my 2 amazing sisters!!!
Family Time is Crucial!!!
Take advantage of family get togethers when they pop up! It could be the last time to see an Aunt or someone that is of age! As moms, we are in the business of making memories for our children! Be grateful for those on your lives, and most importantly family.
Kindergarten baseball!
It was all he could talk about..Marco’s first kindergarten baseball game Friday night at 6:30. It had rained all day, and the chance that the game would be cancelled due to muddy fields was high! The minute he got home from school, Marco quickly changed into his baseball uniform, jersey, pants with belt, high socks, hat and sandals. His cleats and glove and water bottle were in his bag to take with him.
I checked my email, as he was patiently waiting beside me to see if the game was cancelled. Yes, it was!! Oh NO!! He was so upset, that he finally laid down on the sofa and fell asleep in his full uniform! 
Easter! TWICE!
We celebrate 2 Easters!! American Easter and Greek Easter. The dates are different because the Greek Easter follows old calendar and falls on the first sundown after passover! So in our family, Jesus dies twice(not really)..bit we are lucky to celebrate with each family and not have to split the holiday and go from one brunch to the next!! Christos Anesti!
Sea World and Disney World
We took our youngest 5 children to Disney World for spring break. 
College Kids Spring Break
A couple of Tips before you send your child on Spring Break
First make them pay for it..likely they will not go
Secondly..get land line of the place they are staying
Get 3-4 cell phone numbers of friends that they will be staying with
Make sure they have their insurance cards
Pray!
Just when I thought I wouldn’t see that sight again..
On a random day, that I had not been feeling good..my son who is busy with Law school, took time to stop and pick out some beautiful tulips for me and bringing them home to me!! I cried
Sights you will Never Forget
My father passed away a few years ago, and one of my favorite memories of him always occurred on Valentines Day! He had 3 daughters and treated us like queens on that special day! He would drive to all of our homes and deliver flowers and candy and want to visit!! I would watch him get out of the car with balloons flying out of the car, him trying to juggle the candy and beautiful flowers that he picked out. I treasured that day and will never forget that sight! True and pure LOVE. Nothing delivered with a quick pick up the phone..he gave of his time and love for us! I miss you dad!
Blended Families
Many parents decide to have new relationships after divorce which will affect the childrena as well. Keep in mind a few things:
Keep all parents involved.
Tell your children that your new partnew will not be a rplacement parent, but another person to support them.
Establish the role of step-parent as more of a friend rather than a disciplinarian and let the biological parent handle the discipline.
Be aware of favoritism and dont overcopensate by giving more attention to the step children over your own children.
Spend time everyday with your child.