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Need to lose a few pounds, but a little motivation to do so would be a big help?
Well, there is a weight loss group starting up this Monday over at IowaMoms.com. It's called THE GREATEST LOSER and this week you can win a $15 Target Gift Card if you're the lucky (and hardest working) gal who loses the most.
Check it out over at the IowaMoms.com Message Board and then tell all your Iowa friends about it.
Drew left with his head held high yesterday morning as he waved his excuse to be dismissed early from school for all the kids at the bus stop to see. It's funny how it brought back the memories and the feelings I had when I knew my mother would be retrieving me from school many many a few years ago. I smiled as I watched him skip along the sidewalk, finding myself excited for his excitement.
A couple hours later, the same smiling boy was peering out of the office window anxiously awaiting my arrival. Of course, I was late. Ever since I had the girls, I'm always late ... and I must admit, I don't like that at all. It's all the girls fault. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact I stopped to talk to the neighbor for 10 minutes. I had to. She was outside when I was leaving. It's in the "How To Be A Good Neighbor Handbook!" Hello!
Once Drew was buckled into the car, fidgeting beyond control, unable to control himself because HE WAS SO GOING TO THE DOCTOR AND WOULD PROBABLY GET A SHOT AND I JUST COULDN'T DRIVE FAST ENOUGH TO GET HIM THERE BECAUSE HE WAS SO EXCITED. I know, you don't have to tell me. The kid is mental. He looks forward to going to the doctor, but only because he might get a shot. Is there anything better in this world of ours?
Anyway, we arrived at the doctor and we weren't late. Do you want to know why? Because I dropped the girls off at the sitter. What did I tell you? No girls = On time. Every time. It's true!
Drew found Shrek playing on the waiting room television and I could tell that he was thinking this day just COULDNOTGETANYBETTER. He was glancing around the room and I know he was trying to find a good place to put his bed. When he moved in.
After being called back to the examination room, we only waited 2 minutes before our doctor entered the room. Drew gazed at him like he was a movie star. But only for a second before he blurted out, "I said a bad word. I learned it from my Dad. I learned all the bad words I know from my Dad. Even the middle finger word. My Dad said that a long time ago. He knows all the bad words. All of them. ALL.OF.THEM." (Mental Note: Schedule the next appointment for evening, so hubby can escort him.)
"Hi Doctor. How are you today?" I smiled, as I tried to crawl under my chair, but it wasn't big enough so I attempted to sneak into the cabinet under the sink. Why was it full of urine sample containers? For children. Didn't they know I was coming and would need a place to HIDE?
So, the appointment continued and I was forced to sit in my seat and pretend to be a mature adult. As Drew informed the doctor of everything we've done wrong in the last 7 years we have been his parents, I found I could turn my head to examine the child abuse poster hanging on the back of the door to disguise the deep shade of red my face was turning. Hey, even at the pediatrician's office I can multi-task. I was taking notes as to what NOT to do to Drew when we got home ... so that I wouldn't be reported to DHS for child abuse.
Once Drew said everything he had to say and the doctor and I were discussing where we should go from here ... Drew managed to weigh himself 27 times, ask the doctor to measure how tall he was, open and close the door 18 times, grab all the tongue pressers out of the jar and play the drums with them on the counter, tell the doctor 3 times that the toys and books he supplied for their entertainment were for babies, raise and lower the examination table 8 times before the doctor unplugged it, informed us that we were talking too much and he was missing PE 32 times, lay on the floor 93 times pretending to fall asleep because it was so boring and then laugh hysterically at himself and asked 47 times when he was going to get his shot.
GOOD TIMES. Such a proud moment for Mom.
While all this was taking place, we determined from the assessments and determining the behavior he was displaying in the office was not out of the ordinary, that he was indeed ADHD.
He recommended altering his diet and placing him on meds to get him started. Also to start implementing some of the parenting techniques we've learned with Jake.
I suggested a tranquilizer shot.
What?
He wanted a shot.
I need help. We are attending a surprise birthday party tomorrow evening and I haven't yet purchased a gift.
Why, you ask?
Well, maybe because I've been sick. Or dealing with an unruly child. Or because I didn't have any room left on my TO DO List to write it down.
Or ... maybe because I don't know what to get him. We don't know him really well. Just well enough to know he has everything.
Ideas? What should I get? I'm budgeting about $50.
Help!
In the event you ever go to the doctor and he tells you that you are suffering from Gastroenteritis ...
Don't drink pop.
Of any kind.
It will only make you feel worse.
A lot worse.
Trust me.
I've tested the theory.
And it's true.
I don't know about you all, but as a SAHM, I know that sometimes I just need a break. I love my children and want to be with them ... which is why I choose to stay home with them. However, I am indeed human and need a little time to myself every now and then.
A friend of mine, who lives in my neighborhood and also has a little boy the same exact age as Molly, felt the same way as I did. That is when we decided that we would do a child swap every week.
Every Monday I have her son over for 4 hours. It's every single Monday. Always the same time, for us it's 9:30am to 1:30pm. We've found it to be the perfect time frame for us, because then when we return home, it's nap time, giving us another 2 hours.
Then, she takes my girls every single Friday. Same time. Always. We don't have to call and confirm. We just count on it. It is absolutely wonderful to have a day to look forward to that's MINE every week.
No paying a babysitter. Always able to schedule doctor, dentist, hair appointments, knowing the day and time I'll be able to go without my children tagging along. Lunch dates with my husband, which is always enjoyable. A movie and nap. Whatever I want. It's MY day.
Try it.
Find a SAHM friend with children around the same age as yours. The kids absolutely LOVE it. And I honestly think the Mom's LOVE IT EVEN MORE!
Works For Me (And My Friend) ... and I hope it works for you too!
For more great ideas head on over to Rocks In My Dryer.
This Tackle It Tuesday was long overdo. When we moved into this house, my craft room was painted BLUE. While I like blue ... I don't like "baby blue" walls in my basement craft room. It was already dark and cold feeling ... so the blue was a bit irritating.
Did I mention I didn't like the blue? Okay, just checking.
Because of the walls and the overall feeling I got from the room, I didn't spend much time in there. I wanted to, but didn't. Before long, it was a catch all for all things crafts. I would buy things, because I'm always buying things, and I would open the door and just throw it in. There were bins upon bins full of fabric, paper, notions, embroidery threads, embellishments, etc ... No organization at all, most of it still in the sacks that they came in when I purchased the stuff.
I know. It's ridiculous.
My friends always made fun of me because they said I had a craft store in my basement, but I never did crafts. Shoot, how could I? I didn't know where anything was.
But now I can. Check it out.
A lot of stuff is still in bins in the storage closet, because I have doubles and triples of many things ... but for the most part ... I now have easy access to anything I'll need to make whatever it is I'm wanting. I spent my morning organizing and labeling and I'm so excited. As for the paint, hubby did that for me over the weekend. It's a lot warmer and inviting. I just need to make a few wall hangings and such for the walls. They are looking rather bare.
So, I'm sorry to blog and run ... but I really want to get to makin' somethin'.
If you want ... you can go check what others are tackling over at 5 Minutes For Mom!
I just wanted to share! Ya know ... in the event you're really ticked off about something. Not that any of you level headed, even keeled, open minded readers out there ever get ticked off ... but ... in the unlikely event that you do ...
Go here ... Ticked Off Tuesday
Next time you find your blood pressure rising, write a post and save it until Tuesday and then participate in the fun! And if nothing is bothering you ... then go read about what is ticking off the rest of Bloggityville.
You're Welcome! ;)
If you have been reading my blog for awhile ... you may remember Emily doing THIS last March:
Well, I must admit ... she is getting better. This time she only "trimmed" her bangs. However, she got a little scissor happy. It's hard to tell from the photo, but right smack dab in the center of her forehead, she cut her bangs TO HER SCALP! And, she thinks she's pretty darn funny!
And, yes, it's the same dress she's been wearing in the past 3 pictures I've posted of her. SHE WON'T TAKE IT OFF!!! I'm learning to pick my battles!
mean so much. Or at least they have to me. All of the nice and supportive comments you all have left me have totally changed my way of thinking. I was so down on myself, blaming my parenting skills and tactics, because of all that was going on. After reading your kind words ... I know that I'm not alone and that there are people who are there for me ... many people that I don't even really know.
The feelings I had, I'm sure had something to do with the fact I've been so sick ... and I wish I could tell you I was better. But I'm not. I'm still unable to keep anything down. It's been over a week now and if it continues through today, back to the doctor I will go. Something just can't be right.
However, more importantly, we ARE making progress with the situation with my son. He is being assessed by the teachers for ADHD and will visit the doctor on Thursday to discuss the possibility further. It was rather baffling for me to wrap my brain around the fact that 2 of my children could be ADHD, however, the doctor informed us that it's VERY COMMON actually to have several members of the family with this disorder because it is in fact genetic. CRAZY!
While Jake is a very severe case of ADHD and his problem areas are/were mostly verbal ... Drew is completely different, being very physical in his impulsivity, thus leading us to believe it couldn't be ADHD because he is so unlike Jake. We'll see what the doctor determines from the assessments on Thursday.
Thank you again for your kind words, your words of advice, and your words of support. You may think it was nothing other than just a few seconds of your time to comment on my blog. But to me, it was much more than that ... and I sincerely very appreciative for that.
Of being sick and tired. Really, since last Friday, which just so happened to be my birthday ... my whole life has gone downhill. And fast. I just pray I've hit the bottom and am on my way back up now. After spending 5 days on my couch ... literally ... I'm ready to get back up and moving. Wish my body felt the same. The doctor says in a couple more days, I should be feeling more like my normal self.
My "illness" isn't the only thing I'm sick and tired of though. It's my children too. During the last 5 days I've spent wasting away in my living room ... I have received 3 calls from the school my boys attend. Seems my children, actually one in particular, isn't acting appropriately amongst his peers. Do you know how heartbreaking it is to hear that your child is not behaving as he should? I think I've shed every tear I had left. It brings out so many emotions. Embarrassment, failure, anger, sadness, surrender ... just to name a few. His teacher explains that he is a really good child, just acts so impulsively. We've heard this before. A fews years back.
Is it possible that two children in the same family could both be ADHD?
We've thought this before, thinking it could be a possibility, but brushed it off ... not wanting to use a disorder as an excuse for poor behavior. Now, we are faced with these thoughts again. A call has been placed to our family doctor and I guess it's time to start exploring our options.
I do not want my child being a behavior problem in school. It will not be tolerated. We raise our children knowing what's right and what's wrong. Why is my child not doing as we've taught him. He says he knows better ... but thinks he's funny. I, however, do not think he is funny AT ALL.
Hey, I'm one to always try to look on the bright side of things ... I've lost 9 pounds this week. Maybe one day I'll write a book - The Vomiting, Diarrhea and Stress Diet. It worked for me.
Okay, I'm off to go curl up in my spot, wishing the whole world would just go away. Even if just for a few hours.
I don't know, man, ever since I turned 36 I just can't seem to get a grip on things. First the neck ... thank you by the way for all of your well wishes. I'm better now. Well, my neck is better now. Yesterday morning, I woke up feeling a little under the weather. Thinking it was the hot and spicy chicken wings I ate the night before, I blew it off. It wasn't long before I realized I had some sort of bug. And just so you know, spending 22 out of 24 hours in the bathroom throwing up is NOT FUN! Thank God the boys were home from school yesterday to help me out.
Thinking it was a 24 hour deal, I wasn't too concerned. However, today is even worse. So ... there is no post from me today ... I'll leave you with one (randomly chosen by Emily) from the archives. Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow!
Last week the postlady rang the bell to deliver a very unexpected package. I had no idea what it might be, but it had my name on it and I don't know about you, but when I get a package that I had no idea was coming ... I get really excited.
Keeping my composure while thanking the nice woman who brought it to me, I gently closed the door .... then bolted to the kitchen for a pair of scissors that would be used to tear the box apart to discover it's contents. Almost out of breath by the time I managed to remove all the tape, keeping my surprise safe inside, I use both hands to scoop out all the little styrofoam popcorn (This stuff drives me absolutely crazy when people use it for packing).
I reach inside and pull out a photo album full of pictures from my childhood that my Grandparents had taken and kept. There was also 15 cassette tapes full of recordings of my brother and me as we sang Christmas carols, birthday wishes ... and a range of other things ... that my Grandparents had recorded when we were small. Never really thinking of it until I saw the tapes, I can still vividly remember holding that little microphone, that I thought was the coolest thing ever, and belting out tunes so proud to be "recorded". Now I have the tapes.
My Grandmother passed away several years ago and I have missed her everyday since. My Grandfather passed away last year, and I was never notified of his passing until 2 months after the fact. A long story that maybe I'll someday share, but in a nutshell, my father is the only one left in that area and he's an asshole. That pretty much sums it up.
Anyway, a woman that was close to my Grandfather (an old family friend) and went over to play cards with him and visit and laugh in his final days, was cleaning out his house little by little as she has time. She ran across these things and instead of just throwing them away ... she packaged them up and sent them to me. It made my day, week, year .... life!
Here is one of the photos I found of myself at age 4 inside my surprise package. This is soooo something I would expect one of my girls to do when I take them to a studio and pay a pretty penny for a photo to capture them at a particular age ...
Can you say ... "Brat!" Yeah, maybe so, but my Grandparents loved me anyway ... even in THAT shirt!
I can't believe it. I WON! I never win anything. Really. Nothing. Ever. You'd think I'd give up entering myself into contests ... because winning if for other people. Not me. Ever.
Until today.
An email arrived in my inbox from Shannon, over at Bloggy Giveaways. An email informing me I won ... I WON ... one of her contests. I was so excited I even grabbed the phone and called my husband at work, talking faster than Garth Brooks sings Ain't Goin' Down 'Til The Sun Comes Up, trying to explain that I won. Judging from my excitement, I believe he thought we'd won the lottery, or the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. Please let me clarify something ... WE don't win those things. I do.
When I explained to him my prize, he didn't feel the need to keep me on the phone any longer as he stated he had a lot of work to do and had to go. But me, I'm still just as excited.
Because I WON! I really freakin' won!
Whoooo Hooooo.
What is it, you ask ... as I've left you sitting on the edge of your seat with about as much anticipation as when you were waiting for them to announce The Amazing Race as the Outstanding Reality/Competition Series at last night's Emmy Awards.
I won ... 75 FREE MINUTES AT TUTOR.COM. Yes, I did! I won. And I'm thrilled. Not only because I WON ... but because now when I can't figure out Jake's Geometry Homework, I will have just the place to send him.
Can you believe it?
I WON!
Emily has taken on a new fascination with a TV character. First it was Dora the Explorer ... now it's Sharpay Evans, from High School Musical. I'm not kidding, my little 3 year old is completely enthralled with this movie and more importantly, Sharpay. Sharpay? Snotty, Sharpay? Why couldn't it be Gabriella?
Emily can be found at any given moment prancing around the house in her fancy dress, hair piece and high heels, either singing or humming any song from High School Musical 1 or 2. She stands in front of the TV, with microphone in hand, dancing and singing at the top of her lungs.
At first it was funny. Now, it's irritating, loud and disruptive.
When will I get my sweet little Emily back?
How long does the High School Musical infatuation last? Anyone? Please. Help.
Today is my birthday. It's just another day to me. Except for the fact I turn 36. 36. 36. I'm on the downside of 30. I'm now officially closer to 40 than to 30. What the hell? This isn't supposed to happen. When did it happen? Last I knew I was in high school, driving my parents crazy.
It's sort of ironic. I woke up and did something to my neck. I honestly can't turn it to the left. Not even in the slightest. I have a VERY high pain tolerance. Many friends think I'm a freak that way. And this morning, as I was trying to bathe the girls, I broke down in tears it hurts so bad. I suppose this means I'm getting old.
Funny how kids know when you're down and out. They somehow know that I can't do anything to discipline them, even if I tried. Seriously, it hurts to freakin' yell. It's so not fair on my birthday ... I can't even yell at my kids. Gesh!
Anyway, it's only 9am and the girls emptied the linen closet upstairs and threw all the sheets and towels over the railing, creating a heap in my foyer. They think it's hilarious. They are running through them and jumping into them, like a pile of leaves, as I type this. Giggling and squealing, and I swear they know I can't do anything. Emily keeps walking over to me and looking at me as though I'm an alien because I'm allowing this to happen ... when she knows good and well there would have been a consequence for even throwing them over the railing in the first place. Who are you and what did you do with my mother? That has to be what's running through her little head.
I'm sure I've got them both freaked out. About an hour ago, Molly was washing her hands after going potty and proceeded to use my entire bottle of hand soap. You know, the wonderful smelling Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy soap. Not the 99 cent K-Mart special. There is soap all over the counter, they did soap painting on the mirror, they rubbed soap all in their hair (thank goodness this was before their bath) and when I tried to open the door after using the restroom myself, the door handle had so much soap on it I couldn't even turn it. My reaction ... "Ooowww, my neck!" The girls looks like deer in the headlights, unable to wrap their little minds around the fact that Mom was NOT freaking out. Oh well, my house smells good now.
Anyway, every year hubby and kids ask what I want for my birthday. The response is always the same. I don't need anything. Just a hug and sing me happy birthday and I'm content. My mom's is the only gift I receive on my big day, and she always delights me. This morning I had this ...
THANKS MOM! I LOVE IT! I wish my neck wasn't hurting, so I could go down and play with my new cartridge for my Cricut. Make a few note cards, maybe a scrapbook page or two. But no. That is not in the cards for me today, I don't believe. I am foreseeing a day on the couch catching up on some movies. Actually sounds pretty good to me.
Now bloggin' buddies ... you know what you all could give me for my birthday??? You guessed it, leave me a comment so I know you were here. Comments always make me happy. :) And, if you really want to spread an even bigger smile across my face, you could always hop on over to Moms Turn and participate in the contest (if you haven't already). It ends on Tuesday. And if you really don't want to ... that's okay ... but you could subscribe to the feed so I know you won't miss anything good going on over there. Later today the first posts I've received will be published ... I love pissed off people who are venting. :) Don't you? Come on over and see!
And if you don't ... well ... I can't do anything about it anyway. Shoot, I can't even move.
The girls are quiet again ... this can't be good.
Chili is asking for our help! She needs any and all chore/allowance advice and ideas she can get. While I'm no expert at this ... I do have this handy dandy chore chart (that I made myself thankyouverymuch) that really works well for the boys! So I thought I'd share it with her (and all of you who are reading).
If you have anything you'd like to share ... head on over to Chili's to link up!
We use this chore chart with the following rules and expectations:
- We place the chart outside their bedroom door, in plan site as a reminder each morning to start their chores!
- The kids can go step by step through their "row", moving their photo under each chore as they accomplish it. Because the expected chores are laid out for them in an organized manner, they should not have to be told to do each one. They just follow the chart.
- Once the row of chores is completed their photo should be under the star. Mom and/or Dad check each night to see if they made it to their star. If so, stars are marked on the fridge dry erase board. The children's pictures are then placed back at the beginning of the row so they are ready to start over in the morning.
- At the end of the week, on Saturday mornings (which is when we do our shopping), if the child has accumulated at least 5 stars, they earn their allowance (in our case it is $2.50, we encourage them to place at least 50% in their banks, but it is their choice, after all, they earned the money.) If they don't earn 5 stars, they don't have to start over, their stars carry over, but they can't earn their allowance until the next Saturday. (This is a hard lesson to learn when one child earns theirs stars and they other one doesn't ... it really gives them incentive to do their chores.)
- Some of the chores we have are rotated each week. For example, one week child #1 may set the dinner table, while child #2 clears it. The next week, the chores are switched having child #2 set the dinner table and #1 clear it.
How many time have you planned a family night and once you've got everyone sitting down at the table, a board game set up, and a bowl of popcorn ready to be devoured ... the doorbell rings?
I know I'm not the only one this happens to. The kids and I both LOVE when their friends pop over and ask them to play. But, I'm not such a big fan when we have all been looking forward to "family night" and we suddenly have an extra guest or one of my own begs to be allowed to go outside to play.
Everyone loves family night, but the temptation of a friend standing at the door with a ball glove is sometimes too much to resist.
That's when we created our sign. You can't tell by the picture but it's on bright orange paper and simply states we are having family night. We tape this onto our front door at the beginning of family night and it lets everyone know we choose not to be disturbed. (This sign was made on the spur of the moment, I do plan to make a fancier sign (I'm silly like that), but finding the time to get to my craft room is even more difficult.)
No hurt feelings of being told they can not be included. No children begging to go outside because their friends want them to. Just tons of board games, books, movies and family tournaments on the new video game system ... and fun! We look forward to family night every week and now we do so without worrying.
It works for us ... if you're having the same problem, I hope it works for you too!
For More Great Tips, Visit Rocks In My Dryer!
I promise I won't get into the habit of posting too many of these, but this one made me giggle and I even watched it 3 times ... just because. It's only 30 seconds, so it won't take up too much of your time. Enjoy!
Way to go Granny!
PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE AND GO CHECK OUT MOM'S TURN.
DON'T FORGET TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONTEST TOO!! Because of the popularity of the contest, I will extend it. I will randomly choose 5 winners Wednesday, Sept. 19 AND 5 winners on Wednesday, September 26. Head on over for contest details.
NEW ENTRIES ARE BEING ADDED - SUBSCRIBE SO YOU DON'T MISS ANYTHING GOOD!
I've always wanted one of those built in desks in the kitchen, but it just wasn't in the cards for me. Maybe someday if we renovate the kitchen, but since the house is only 3 years old, I don't think that will be happening any time in the near future.
So, I kinda created my own. I've always tried to be somewhat organized. However, my pantry was the "catch all" for EVERYTHING. I loved it, because I could just close the doors and no one realized what an unorganized pig I had become. Until yesterday ... when I just COULD.NOT.TAKE.IT.ANYMORE.
It was bad. You think I'm kidding? Take a look at this ...
I told you it was bad. But now, I've reorganized a bit and even made a little place for my computer to live. I love not having it sitting on my kitchen counter anymore.
After looking at these pictures I think my next Tackle It Tuesday should be "GROCERY SHOPPING". The pantry is looking a little bare.
Go see what others are accomplishing over at 5 Minutes For Mom!
Okay gals (and guys). I started something new. Recently it's been brought to my attention that several of my blogging buddies have had to restrain themselves from writing something on their blogs because they were afraid of what the repercussions might be if they did.
I, myself, have been in this situation as well ... wanting to post about something that was bothering me, however, couldn't because I was concerned about hurting someone's feelings. I almost felt robbed of the freedom I had when I first started blogging and no one read it.
Because of this, I decided to create a blog where people could post anonymously. Getting their feelings out there. Obtaining the support and understanding from others who have no idea who you even are. Or on the other hand, lending a shoulder and kind word by commenting to someone who needs to hear they are not alone.
Please go check it out at: Mom's Turn!
To help spread the word, I'm holding a contest ... you'll find all the details over there. I do hope I can count on all my blogging friends to help me spread the word about this much needed type of blog ... for our own sanity as mothers (and fathers).
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Take the 52 seconds it will take to watch this. It will put a smile on your face! I promise!
For those of you who care, the votes for a replacement picture have been cast. I tallied all the ones I received via both email and comments and picture #8 won! People ... I sooo don't like that picture. I don't like any of them, so I guess I shouldn't complain. My bangs are falling in front of my eye in that photo and it drives me crazy. CRAZY I TELL YOU! Maybe one day, I'll "recreate" the picture if I can ever get my hair to look decent. I'll shoot for sometime in 2008.
So, the photo has been replaced. Thank you to all of you who voted. That made it much easier on me. Much much easier.
I also added links to the blogs I read everyday. If there are any you haven't visited, I encourage you to do so because they are all great reads. I enjoy them thoroughly. A new one I just discovered is BECAUSE I SAID SO. Absolutely hilarious! A must read!
While I'm on the subject of links ... my brother recently started his own blog, My Debt Free Blog. Do me a favor and go check it out ... especially if you want to learn a thing or two about becoming debt free.
Now, for my link. It's http://www.aniowamom.com now. If you still have the typepad address in your feed reader, please change it or subscribe using one of the handy buttons on the right side of the page. Thanks!
I have something new to introduce to you next week. I know you can hardly wait to find out what it is ... the suspense.
Have a great weekend everyone!!
I don't get to do much alone. From the moment I wake up (literally) until a few minutes before I crash for the night ... I have at least one child with me at all times. I try to manipulate things a bit so that I could possibly have a few minutes alone to ... you know, like ... use the restroom!
Today was one of those days. I was feeling a little flustered with all the things I have going on and the things I need to get done, so I figured if I fed the girls their lunch and bribed them with a chance to watch High School Musical AGAIN I may, JUST MAY, be able to eat my own lunch in peace and quiet. This would give me 10 minutes to get my thoughts together. To get organized ... possibly allowing me to get something accomplished.
As I sat down at the counter, and smiled at the silence that filled the house, I took a bite of my tunafish sandwich. Unable to believe I had pulled of a few extra minutes of alone time, I congratulated myself for finally figuring out the dynamics of being a mother, I swallowed my first bite with pride.
Then I was jolted out of my thoughts and back into reality while Molly climbed up on the stool beside me.
Molly: Oooh, chips! Can I have a chip Mom?
Me: No honey, this my lunch. Why don't you go back and watch your show?
Molly (reaching for a chip): Can I have a chip Mom?
Me: Please don't reach onto my plate. This is my lunch.
Molly: Yummy chips!
Me: Yes, they are yummy. Please go back and watch your show.
Molly: Are those your chips Mom?
Me: Yes, Molly. They are.
Molly: Can I have a chip Mom?
Me: Molly, please stop right now and let mommy eat her lunch.
Molly (big sigh): But I only want four of them.
A girl who knows what she wants, eh? And is honest about it too.
I gave in and gave her FOUR chips.
The Lesson Here ... Never Give Up Going For What You Want ... if you have a sucker for a Mom, you'll usually get it.
All I am gonna say is that it's a good thing we check Drew's (2nd Grade) homework before he returns it to school.
I know this is the easiest question and for some reason we can't figure it out. It's one question (of many) on Jake's homework. It's a riddle. And, like I said, I know it's easy ... but we must all be having a brain fart, because we can't figure it out.
I AM A POLYGON
I AM A QUADRANGLE
ALL OF MY SIDES ARE THE SAME LENGTH
NONE OF MY ANGLES ARE RIGHT ANGLES
WHAT AM I?
Winner gets ...
the bragging rights to say they can complete a 4th grade math riddle.
Today is Brand Loyalty over at Rocks In My Dryer ... so my Works For Me Wednesday will be some of the brands I will always remain loyal to:
Bounty Paper Towels - I will not use any other brand in my home. Period.
Cottonelle Toilet Paper - Again, nothing else will grace my toilet paper holders.
Direct TV - I have had many friends disappointed with Dish Network and local cable companies. Direct TV has always been helpful, nice, and has never done us wrong.
Toshiba Laptops - I had a Dell. I hated my Dell. I have my Toshiba now (as does my hubby) and we will never own another brand of laptop. By far the best, in my opinion.
Wonder Bread and Buns - I have bought other brands, including store brands and they just don't compare.
Tone Bath Soap - When I use anything else, I break out. Tone is the only one that works for me.
Kraft Mac and Cheese - Don't even think about the generic when it comes to mac and cheese.
Tide Laundry Soap - Nothing washes or smells as nice.
Bath and Body Works Wallflower Air Fresheners - Their smell is real. Doesn't smell like a chemical. I will never use another Glade or Air Wick Plug In again. I just hope B&BW carries these forever.
Miller High Life Lite - I know people who think a beer is just a beer. I am very loyal to my brand and will not drink a beer unless it's this! I know, I'm high class. It's the CHAMPAGNE of beers, ya know?
I'm sure I have a hundred more, but this is all I can think of right now. :) If I think of others, I'll update my list.
Happy Wednesday!
To find out what other brands people are loyal to, visit Rocks In My Dryer!
No ... I'm not getting a face lift. I probably should, but it's not a priority on the long list of things I want in life. However, I'm giving the blog a little face lift, nothing major just sidebar updates and I've gotten a few comments lately about my picture on my website and how it's not very appealing. Yeah, it's bad, I know. So, I'm going to be changing it so you all will stop emailing and commenting about it. Such pressure! Geez!
The sad thing is ... I have NO photos of me. You read that correctly ... I, like so many other Moms, am always behind the camera ... very rarely in front of it. I went through the photos I have on my computer and figured since I think they are ALL bad and I wouldn't pick ANY of them, I'd post the few I have for you all to vote on and the one with the most votes, I'll post as my new photo on the blog. Some of them aren't really appropriate for a blog photo, but I am including every single photo I have on my computer right now ... and there are only 9.
It's going to be hard, I'm warning you ... I am not very photogenic. But this is all I have to work with, so I'm leaving the decision up to you all. You vote. And after all the complaining ... I'm going to be angry if you are reading this and don't vote. Get to it. Leave a comment with the photo number of your choice!
Try to contain yourselves ... I know this is such excitement for a Tuesday afternoon, especially following a holiday. But I trust you all can hold yourselves together.
Thanks!
PICTURE NO. 1
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PICTURE NO. 2
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PICTURE NO. 3
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PICTURE NO. 4
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PICTURE NO. 5
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PICTURE NO. 6
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PICTURE NO. 7
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PICTURE NO. 8
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PICTURE NO. 9
My kids were sitting around talking about how the neighbor makes the best cookies EVER!!! Yeah ... this conversation was taking place in MY kitchen just after I made 50 giant sized chocolate chip and M&M cookies for Drew and his classmates. Not to mention the 24 cupcakes and 2 special cakes he had requested.
Emily, even at 3 years of age, must have sensed my frustration. She turned to me and said, "Mom, you make the best cereal ever!"
Geez, thanks Emily. I feel so special ...
