a young man who only had 12 birthdays. He only had 12 Christmases and 12 New Years. I was never blessed to meet him. His Mom and I are friends. We met only 5 years ago, but the Head Honcho knew his Mom 'Blondie' all through high school and even when this young man was born. The Head Honcho even remebers this young man as a baby. This young man should have turned 21 today. A special birthday. Blondie would have for sure celebrated with him. Unfortunately, he never reached his 21st birthday. He was taken too soon at 12, in a car accident. He was rollerblading (if I recall the story correctly, remember I really only recently met Blondie) and was hit by a car that ran a stop sign. Sickening. Every.Parent's.Nightmare. Blondie never got to say goodbye or I love you to him. They were trying to save him. Try as they may, he was so special he was called to heaven at only 12 years old to take care of bigger buisness.
A heart wrenching story right? Something that a family member can surely not forget. Losing a child under such horrible circumstances. Why world, why when Blondie commerates his birthday on her facebook page with something along the lines of birthday in heaven, why do people 'like' it and even worse, offer to buy drinks and tell him to rock on?!! Hard enough for Blondie to reach December 27 every year. But now, you insensitive jerk (whom by the way are related!) tell her son who is flying behind her every step of the way to rock on?! Take a class on class. You my friend need to understand that sometimes saying nothing is best. Sometimes being a shoulder is better than voicing a misguided opinion. Please understand that while you may go on day to day and not have to bear the burden of not hugging your child or telling them you love them, some people are not as blessed. Think of them often, ask them how they are doing. See if they need to talk. Be a friend, be someone who cares. Remeber that child's birth (and sadly) death date and check on them in the weeks before and after. With all of the technology today it isn't much to drop them a line here and there and see if they need you. A true friend would. Be that friend.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas to all...
and to all a good night...oh wait to early for that? Not at this house. The Head Honcho is already taking nap. I guess that gives me the ok to nap for a bit right? Well, I would but, I have laundry going, dishes to wash, little freaking plastic ties to undo. I also am saving my customary nap for when there is something that I don't want to do going on...then it is a big ole' nap for me!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Who I won't/can't take parenting advice from...
There are very few people that I won't illicit or listen to parenting advice from... I am a do what works for you type, but some people do not deserve the priviledge of telling me the way 'they' do it. One is convicts... you may not display the best choices...look around you. 'Nuff said.
The second is from the 'nice' lady that helped me at the Walmart Site to Store station today. I am a big HATER of Walmart. So many reasons, so little time. Well, today the Big and Little Kid both tagged along with me to pick up a few items we 'need'. I had to pick up a few site to store things so we headed back to the nook they have set up for it. Just my luck the same lady that was there two days ago (when I asked if both items were in, she said no, I got home 10 minutes later and there was an email that it was in)that harrassed me about the no license thing was there. Well, at least she will remeber me.
She got defensive right away when I said 'I am here for the OTHER order' She was all intimidated by me and told me well it didn't get here until after you left. Like way after I think it was 5 or 6. I blew it off. (so not like me...she was inviting a fight) I said well, at least I don't have to have my license since you remeber me. She went on a tirade about how I may be the person that stole the purse and am now picking up my $30 worth of toys. That is my master plan. Steal a purse, don't produce the id and then go from store to store and pick up that persons gifts. Really?
But when she was finished yelling at me about getting a license she asked if the two 'angels' over there were mine? They were playing which hand and actually behaving so this time I claimed them. She looked at Big Kid and tells me...you know we have winter clothes on sale. He may find something cheap enough that you can buy him. OK Big kid hates pants, coats, sleeves, socks, shoes, shorts, shirts, you name it. I am happy when he has the important parts covered. I think he does it for the looks, he is a joker, but as long as he covers the privates I let it slide. In fact, when I bought him school clothes I specifically bought him shorts and tees as I knew that was all he was going to wear.
But back to the Walmart Lady. I do not care if the clothes are cheap. He is still not going to wear them. Even more so since they come from Walmart. We are not snobs (mostly) but a teenage boy wants to wear 'name' brand and we budget so he can. It has nothing to do with the price, it is his 'style' I have been told. So I told her that he simply prefers to be dressed that way. She said, not in my house, my kids are dressed appropriately at all times. I inquired her kids ages. Eight, Six, Five, Three, and One. My, aren't we a busy lady. And, I noted to her I have a three year old in the cart. He is dressed in Uggs, jeans, sweater, turtleneck, fleece jacket, and has a hat in the back of the cart. I do know how to dress my kids, but once they hit 15 you really can't dress them anymore. You fight the fights you want to. He does wear pants (*the one pair he owns) to work as it required. There is no place else that he goes that he HAS to wear pants so he doesn't. If he is a 'happy' kid wearing what he wears he will. The minute he turns into a brat we will take away the shorts and tees and only have pants and sweaters. For now, it works.
So Walmart Lady, thank you for berrating me about the license, telling me I am a bad parent and also for working at the Site to Store station. If you weren't there today (and two days ago) I wouldn't know that I HAVE to have my license and that I am a bad parent. Happy Holidays!!
The second is from the 'nice' lady that helped me at the Walmart Site to Store station today. I am a big HATER of Walmart. So many reasons, so little time. Well, today the Big and Little Kid both tagged along with me to pick up a few items we 'need'. I had to pick up a few site to store things so we headed back to the nook they have set up for it. Just my luck the same lady that was there two days ago (when I asked if both items were in, she said no, I got home 10 minutes later and there was an email that it was in)that harrassed me about the no license thing was there. Well, at least she will remeber me.
She got defensive right away when I said 'I am here for the OTHER order' She was all intimidated by me and told me well it didn't get here until after you left. Like way after I think it was 5 or 6. I blew it off. (so not like me...she was inviting a fight) I said well, at least I don't have to have my license since you remeber me. She went on a tirade about how I may be the person that stole the purse and am now picking up my $30 worth of toys. That is my master plan. Steal a purse, don't produce the id and then go from store to store and pick up that persons gifts. Really?
But when she was finished yelling at me about getting a license she asked if the two 'angels' over there were mine? They were playing which hand and actually behaving so this time I claimed them. She looked at Big Kid and tells me...you know we have winter clothes on sale. He may find something cheap enough that you can buy him. OK Big kid hates pants, coats, sleeves, socks, shoes, shorts, shirts, you name it. I am happy when he has the important parts covered. I think he does it for the looks, he is a joker, but as long as he covers the privates I let it slide. In fact, when I bought him school clothes I specifically bought him shorts and tees as I knew that was all he was going to wear.
But back to the Walmart Lady. I do not care if the clothes are cheap. He is still not going to wear them. Even more so since they come from Walmart. We are not snobs (mostly) but a teenage boy wants to wear 'name' brand and we budget so he can. It has nothing to do with the price, it is his 'style' I have been told. So I told her that he simply prefers to be dressed that way. She said, not in my house, my kids are dressed appropriately at all times. I inquired her kids ages. Eight, Six, Five, Three, and One. My, aren't we a busy lady. And, I noted to her I have a three year old in the cart. He is dressed in Uggs, jeans, sweater, turtleneck, fleece jacket, and has a hat in the back of the cart. I do know how to dress my kids, but once they hit 15 you really can't dress them anymore. You fight the fights you want to. He does wear pants (*the one pair he owns) to work as it required. There is no place else that he goes that he HAS to wear pants so he doesn't. If he is a 'happy' kid wearing what he wears he will. The minute he turns into a brat we will take away the shorts and tees and only have pants and sweaters. For now, it works.
So Walmart Lady, thank you for berrating me about the license, telling me I am a bad parent and also for working at the Site to Store station. If you weren't there today (and two days ago) I wouldn't know that I HAVE to have my license and that I am a bad parent. Happy Holidays!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Big Fella
So...when Little Kid was a year old I was searching for a Christmas gift for him and heard that the Cabbage Patch Doll had an anniversary doll out. The hardest to find (and naturally selling for 10x the value on ebay) was a bald boy with a pacifier. Well, Head Honcho and I found one! And then, the decision...keep the highly sought after doll or sell? Due to lack of time, we kept the doll. It was given to Little kid. That makes 2 dolls in the house of 3 boys! Big Kid was given a special edition Olympic Cabbage Patch Doll for his first birthday. Sadly, Middle Kid has never received a Cabbage Patch Doll....hmmm maybe a holiday gift this year?
Anywho, Little Kid has rarely had interest in Terrance (we think that was his name) over the last year and a half. Occassionally the thing would be dragged out and beaten up and then put away. He always seems to be the villan or dinosaur in some diaster in Little's room. The last few weeks Little Kid has gotten a little 'soft'. He has carried the doll around here and there. Taken him with us to the store, bank, even rode to school with him.
Since the doll has been tagging along, I asked Little Kid what he was going to call the baby. In my mind I was thinking Peter Parker since he has a deep love for Spiderman and even occassionally will only answer to that himself. Nope, he has a special name in mind. Big Fella. Yup, we are carrying around a doll that we have named Big Fella. Big Fella is starting to go everywhere with us. We even had to find a change of clothes for him since his was 'dirty'.
For now, we think it is cute. If he continues to carry Big Fella past preschool years we will intervene.
Anywho, Little Kid has rarely had interest in Terrance (we think that was his name) over the last year and a half. Occassionally the thing would be dragged out and beaten up and then put away. He always seems to be the villan or dinosaur in some diaster in Little's room. The last few weeks Little Kid has gotten a little 'soft'. He has carried the doll around here and there. Taken him with us to the store, bank, even rode to school with him.
Since the doll has been tagging along, I asked Little Kid what he was going to call the baby. In my mind I was thinking Peter Parker since he has a deep love for Spiderman and even occassionally will only answer to that himself. Nope, he has a special name in mind. Big Fella. Yup, we are carrying around a doll that we have named Big Fella. Big Fella is starting to go everywhere with us. We even had to find a change of clothes for him since his was 'dirty'.
For now, we think it is cute. If he continues to carry Big Fella past preschool years we will intervene.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
One week from today...
By this time next week, the wrapping will be done and then undone, the toys will be bought and opened. The faces of anticipation will be replaced with faces of joy. The checkbook will be thinned out and the store shelves will match.
But to get there...I need to get out there... and shop...wish me luck...the Head Honcho and I are headed out... It could be bad....
But to get there...I need to get out there... and shop...wish me luck...the Head Honcho and I are headed out... It could be bad....
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Attention Rude Cashier...
I know it is the holiday season and by the looks of it you have an animal to slaughter at home. I also understand that your store has set holiday hours and you have your television schedule revolved around that. I am simiply a lady on the hunt for a snowman basket. Your store was one that I was told may just have what I am looking for. Since the Head Honcho and I were in town *we are country folk and all* and I thought I may as well give your store a chance.
I am aware that your door says you close at 9. I did a careful look at my watch when I saw your sign. 8:40. Twenty minutes is plenty of time to run in, ask you if you carry what I am searching for and run out. Five minutes tops I have planned to be in your store. When I walk in the door (well aware you have 20 minutes to stand there and complain about me) and you immediately and audibly groan followed by a loud complaint to your other cashier friend that you hate when customers come into your store when you are about to close you have only done one thing to me.
You my friend have encouraged me. The immediate annoucment that the store is closing in 5 minutes (more like 20 Big Ben) ups the ante. I will now look up and down each and every aisle for anything and everything. Sometimes your annoucments peeve me enough to carry an item from one aisle and put it away. Two aisle away. Don't mess with me cashier. I am simply searching for the right gift and you are not helpful. When I walk out at 20 minutes past close empty handed and smile brightly and say 'Happy Holidays' don't get mad at me.
Get mad at yourself. Perhaps instead of being negative, if you approached me and politely asked me if I needed help finding what I was looking for, I would have asked for a damn snowman basket and you would have told me that no such item is in your store. Instead of your passive aggressive attempts at getting me out of the store a polite how can I help you would have gotten you out of the store on time.
Happy Holidays...How can I help you?
I am aware that your door says you close at 9. I did a careful look at my watch when I saw your sign. 8:40. Twenty minutes is plenty of time to run in, ask you if you carry what I am searching for and run out. Five minutes tops I have planned to be in your store. When I walk in the door (well aware you have 20 minutes to stand there and complain about me) and you immediately and audibly groan followed by a loud complaint to your other cashier friend that you hate when customers come into your store when you are about to close you have only done one thing to me.
You my friend have encouraged me. The immediate annoucment that the store is closing in 5 minutes (more like 20 Big Ben) ups the ante. I will now look up and down each and every aisle for anything and everything. Sometimes your annoucments peeve me enough to carry an item from one aisle and put it away. Two aisle away. Don't mess with me cashier. I am simply searching for the right gift and you are not helpful. When I walk out at 20 minutes past close empty handed and smile brightly and say 'Happy Holidays' don't get mad at me.
Get mad at yourself. Perhaps instead of being negative, if you approached me and politely asked me if I needed help finding what I was looking for, I would have asked for a damn snowman basket and you would have told me that no such item is in your store. Instead of your passive aggressive attempts at getting me out of the store a polite how can I help you would have gotten you out of the store on time.
Happy Holidays...How can I help you?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Shopping Wall....
So, I have hit the preverbial wall. I am a shopping machine. Most of the time. I can buy ANYTHING. I have skills like that. Generally, I can buy anything without paying full retail. Again, it is the skills! Head Honcho and I disagree on my shopping, but he is accepting. And by accepting, I mean he hasn't thrown me to the streets, yet. The one time of year where he doesn't question my shopping, is here. Holiday time! I am given Carte Blanche and usually encouraged to buy more!!!
This should be dream season for me right? But here is the issue. I.Can't.Shop. I can't find one thing that I think one of the Littles needs/wants. I can't decide on who needs what. I am as indecisive as they come! I did go Black Friday and loaded my cart. And then put most of it back! What a fool I am! I could be done with one kid easily. Now, I am at a loss. I don't know what to get them, I don't know what they would like.
And now the holiday stress sets in. Along with work, chaffeur boys to hockey, cook, clean, bake 2 bazillion dozen cookies, I HAVE to shop. I HAVE to have the perfect gift. And just when I think I have a handle on it. Oops...guess what I forgot we have to buy for...insert any name here...Crap!
I have just over a week to complete ALL of my holiday shopping. That with whatever time I have in between all of the events and hustle and bustle. Fantastic! I am hoping everyone has been DREAMING of a gift card to Lowe's this year, because that just may be the only thing left by the time I get to the store!
This should be dream season for me right? But here is the issue. I.Can't.Shop. I can't find one thing that I think one of the Littles needs/wants. I can't decide on who needs what. I am as indecisive as they come! I did go Black Friday and loaded my cart. And then put most of it back! What a fool I am! I could be done with one kid easily. Now, I am at a loss. I don't know what to get them, I don't know what they would like.
And now the holiday stress sets in. Along with work, chaffeur boys to hockey, cook, clean, bake 2 bazillion dozen cookies, I HAVE to shop. I HAVE to have the perfect gift. And just when I think I have a handle on it. Oops...guess what I forgot we have to buy for...insert any name here...Crap!
I have just over a week to complete ALL of my holiday shopping. That with whatever time I have in between all of the events and hustle and bustle. Fantastic! I am hoping everyone has been DREAMING of a gift card to Lowe's this year, because that just may be the only thing left by the time I get to the store!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Hockey Mom
I am not talking about the 'normal' hockey mom here. The one that carts kids to and fro, early mornings, late nights, freezing rain, snow up to your ears hockey mom. That job is hard enough... I am talking about a real hockey playing mom.
I am not sure if what I have been doing is considered 'playing' hockey, but I have been putting on the gear (my 10 year old son's gear, but it fits, sad right?) and going out there every Sunday for the past month or so. And. Let. Me. Tell. You. Itishard!!! I seriously didn't even know what hand I was. I assumed right, since I am a righty for everything else. Nope I was quickly told I am a lefty. So the following week I used a lefty stick. I have now been told I switch hands. Since carrying an extra stick on my back isn't possible, I have to force myself to be one or the other. I have bought a lefty stick, therefore, I am a lefty.
I use to be a raving lunatic in the stands, telling my kids and their teammates where they should be and how they should shoot. I am not going to say I won't yell ever again, but I do now know how hard it is to get there and do this or do that. Of course they have had years of practice over me, but man, just to catch a pass is hard. Hell, even knowing which way to look for the puck provides for entertainment. I spin sometimes, not really on purpose, but I do.
Just to skate up and down the ice is tiring. Then to try and keep a puck on your stick, with your head up, and prepare to shoot. Well, sometimes not all three things happen at once. Sometimes they do. That is what I call a miracle. Luckily, we are just a bunch of women with a few men sprinkled in that are out there for fun and exercise. We have a high school student as a coach. He is a great hockey player and must look at us and laugh. Occassionally there is a 'superstar' that shows up. She shoots the puck hard and can skate circles around all of us. One day I will catch up to her and trip her.
Generally, we have a good time, leave the ice with smiles, and go home and soak in a hot tub to soothe the surely exhausted muscles. I sleep great on Sunday nights. It is not always because I have spent 5 hours in the car taking the kids to their games. It isn't always because we got up at the crack of dawn to get to their games and support them. Sometimes, it is about me. And the fact that I am far too old to be skating up and down that dreaded ice week after week. But yet I go back!
So I will no longer be one of those hockey moms. Yelling and screaming for Johnny to skate to the point (side note, I don't know what a point is or where it is, if we are on home ice, it may be the hole that I fell into at practice last night...our ice needs serious repair) or go low...(BTW last night a superstar boy showed up...he told me if he got the puck for me to go low slot. I laughed ... two problems where is low slot and getting there). Just shooting the puck provides an exercise in skill and precision. And then some people can lift the puck. That means it goes in the air. Yeah...If a goal is scored, anyway, I know how hard those 5 skaters out there had to work to get it and how hard the other 6 tried to stop it.
I think instead of parent education on how to behave in the stands, every parent should be forced to put on the gear and try to play for an hour. Appreciate how hard they work and how hard it is. And then enjoy the fact that your kid can do it to whatever level and be proud of them for it.
I am not sure if what I have been doing is considered 'playing' hockey, but I have been putting on the gear (my 10 year old son's gear, but it fits, sad right?) and going out there every Sunday for the past month or so. And. Let. Me. Tell. You. Itishard!!! I seriously didn't even know what hand I was. I assumed right, since I am a righty for everything else. Nope I was quickly told I am a lefty. So the following week I used a lefty stick. I have now been told I switch hands. Since carrying an extra stick on my back isn't possible, I have to force myself to be one or the other. I have bought a lefty stick, therefore, I am a lefty.
I use to be a raving lunatic in the stands, telling my kids and their teammates where they should be and how they should shoot. I am not going to say I won't yell ever again, but I do now know how hard it is to get there and do this or do that. Of course they have had years of practice over me, but man, just to catch a pass is hard. Hell, even knowing which way to look for the puck provides for entertainment. I spin sometimes, not really on purpose, but I do.
Just to skate up and down the ice is tiring. Then to try and keep a puck on your stick, with your head up, and prepare to shoot. Well, sometimes not all three things happen at once. Sometimes they do. That is what I call a miracle. Luckily, we are just a bunch of women with a few men sprinkled in that are out there for fun and exercise. We have a high school student as a coach. He is a great hockey player and must look at us and laugh. Occassionally there is a 'superstar' that shows up. She shoots the puck hard and can skate circles around all of us. One day I will catch up to her and trip her.
Generally, we have a good time, leave the ice with smiles, and go home and soak in a hot tub to soothe the surely exhausted muscles. I sleep great on Sunday nights. It is not always because I have spent 5 hours in the car taking the kids to their games. It isn't always because we got up at the crack of dawn to get to their games and support them. Sometimes, it is about me. And the fact that I am far too old to be skating up and down that dreaded ice week after week. But yet I go back!
So I will no longer be one of those hockey moms. Yelling and screaming for Johnny to skate to the point (side note, I don't know what a point is or where it is, if we are on home ice, it may be the hole that I fell into at practice last night...our ice needs serious repair) or go low...(BTW last night a superstar boy showed up...he told me if he got the puck for me to go low slot. I laughed ... two problems where is low slot and getting there). Just shooting the puck provides an exercise in skill and precision. And then some people can lift the puck. That means it goes in the air. Yeah...If a goal is scored, anyway, I know how hard those 5 skaters out there had to work to get it and how hard the other 6 tried to stop it.
I think instead of parent education on how to behave in the stands, every parent should be forced to put on the gear and try to play for an hour. Appreciate how hard they work and how hard it is. And then enjoy the fact that your kid can do it to whatever level and be proud of them for it.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thanks to Little Brother!!
I got myself into this little mess, and thankfully, Little Brother was there to pull me out! Well, he wasn't there, per se, but he was. I dozed off after hockey practice this morning and was running late. Dropped Little Kid to preschool and called the Head Honcho to give him my day plan. (not that I HAVE to, I just like to let him know the plan) As I stopped at a traffic light I yelped "cop gotta run". Hung up the phone and threw it as far as I could. (As if throwing it to the other side of the van made it so I looked less guilty!)
Within half of a block, his lights went on. Pulled over when safe (and used my blinker, because I am safe like that) My heart immediately started beating 5 times the normal speed. You see, while I was talking to the Head Honcho, I told him I was taking the van in for inspection, since my registration had expired. This is a big oops on my part. A nice little Patrolman walked up. My first thought, please be someone I know. I know 3/4 of the local PD. I have either taught their kid to skate, served them at work, or we have kids on the same hockey team. Of course not, it is a new guy. Just my luck! His first question, and I was doomed!
"License please" To which I go into a long story about how I didn't get it replaced yet since the big robbery. "When was your purse stolen ma'am?" A month ago I sheepishly reply. "Well, I was waiting for the police report and then I had to go to the DMV to get my registration done so I was going to do it all at once, but I haven't gotten an appointment for my inspection. That is why I was on the phone. It was the Head Honcho reminding me to call the garage" (This is why I can never commit a crime. I sing like a canary! Notice he never mentioned the phone, the registration OR the inspection!) He looks at the inspection sticker and looks up. A bright shinny moment for me. He looks directly at the Trooper sticker!!!
He looks back at me. I again went into detail about expiration dates and how I was confused. He stops me. This can't be good. He says if my license is clean he will simply write a cell phone ticket and forgive the 3 other tickets he could write. I slyly say. My brother is a Trooper. I have never pulled that card. (Usually I mention the local PD officers that I know so this is uncharted grounds for me) He asks his name. I reply and mention his station! Bonus points for that I am sure. I even said he noticed my stickers on Thanksgiving. He smirks and walks away.
He comes back and says you are a lucky lady today. Where are you headed? I replied "home, to call inspection place to get that taken care of!" He said you could have 4 tickets. Get that taken care of and have a good day!
I carefully smiled and thanked him, rolled up my window, signaled and pulled out. And came home and made an appointment for my inspection!
Within half of a block, his lights went on. Pulled over when safe (and used my blinker, because I am safe like that) My heart immediately started beating 5 times the normal speed. You see, while I was talking to the Head Honcho, I told him I was taking the van in for inspection, since my registration had expired. This is a big oops on my part. A nice little Patrolman walked up. My first thought, please be someone I know. I know 3/4 of the local PD. I have either taught their kid to skate, served them at work, or we have kids on the same hockey team. Of course not, it is a new guy. Just my luck! His first question, and I was doomed!
"License please" To which I go into a long story about how I didn't get it replaced yet since the big robbery. "When was your purse stolen ma'am?" A month ago I sheepishly reply. "Well, I was waiting for the police report and then I had to go to the DMV to get my registration done so I was going to do it all at once, but I haven't gotten an appointment for my inspection. That is why I was on the phone. It was the Head Honcho reminding me to call the garage" (This is why I can never commit a crime. I sing like a canary! Notice he never mentioned the phone, the registration OR the inspection!) He looks at the inspection sticker and looks up. A bright shinny moment for me. He looks directly at the Trooper sticker!!!
He looks back at me. I again went into detail about expiration dates and how I was confused. He stops me. This can't be good. He says if my license is clean he will simply write a cell phone ticket and forgive the 3 other tickets he could write. I slyly say. My brother is a Trooper. I have never pulled that card. (Usually I mention the local PD officers that I know so this is uncharted grounds for me) He asks his name. I reply and mention his station! Bonus points for that I am sure. I even said he noticed my stickers on Thanksgiving. He smirks and walks away.
He comes back and says you are a lucky lady today. Where are you headed? I replied "home, to call inspection place to get that taken care of!" He said you could have 4 tickets. Get that taken care of and have a good day!
I carefully smiled and thanked him, rolled up my window, signaled and pulled out. And came home and made an appointment for my inspection!
What day is it?
As if it isn't hard enough to remeber what 'specials' and lessons the kids have on what days and in what order the school district has decided to do away with scheduling on weekdays. Now we have everything on numbered days! Fantastic. Is gym a day 4 or day 5 special? Now today is Tuesday, I think, does that mean it is a day 4? Who knows?
I get the whole theory. Mondays are a common day off for holidays. So if you have Art on Mondays only you would miss a lot of Art class. If Gym class was on Tuesdays you may miss a day here or there, but I guarentee you, my son will miss plenty of days because I have forgotten to send him with his sneakers.
I know, plan ahead, write the corresponding day on the calendar and just rotate them that way. Great, except when you miss a day for a snow day. Throws off the rest of the calendar. Now you have scribble marks and numbers everywhere.
Middle Kid takes trumpet, is in band and chorus. That is 3 extra specials to remeber in the rotation. I will be the first to admit, he has forgotten his instrument on more than one occassion. Along with his 3 'extras' we also have Art, Music, Gym, Library, and Computer. Some times he has 3 specials a day! Soon his day will consist of only specials. In this day and age Computer should not be a 'class'. All they do is surf the net. Yeah he does that at home too. There is an extra 30 mins he can use for Math. Gym should be audited if the kid takes part in a sport outside of school for more than 60 mins a week. Middle Kid plays hockey for roughly 240 minutes a week. He plays year round. He gets his exercise. An extra 60 minutes a week to Math again! A kid that is participating in trumpet, band and chorus is getting their music requirement. Another 30 minutes a week to Math.
With that, I have added 120 minutes of class time to Math, and taken away 3 specials to remeber and maybe one day, we will figure out what day to bring the dang trumpet to school!
I get the whole theory. Mondays are a common day off for holidays. So if you have Art on Mondays only you would miss a lot of Art class. If Gym class was on Tuesdays you may miss a day here or there, but I guarentee you, my son will miss plenty of days because I have forgotten to send him with his sneakers.
I know, plan ahead, write the corresponding day on the calendar and just rotate them that way. Great, except when you miss a day for a snow day. Throws off the rest of the calendar. Now you have scribble marks and numbers everywhere.
Middle Kid takes trumpet, is in band and chorus. That is 3 extra specials to remeber in the rotation. I will be the first to admit, he has forgotten his instrument on more than one occassion. Along with his 3 'extras' we also have Art, Music, Gym, Library, and Computer. Some times he has 3 specials a day! Soon his day will consist of only specials. In this day and age Computer should not be a 'class'. All they do is surf the net. Yeah he does that at home too. There is an extra 30 mins he can use for Math. Gym should be audited if the kid takes part in a sport outside of school for more than 60 mins a week. Middle Kid plays hockey for roughly 240 minutes a week. He plays year round. He gets his exercise. An extra 60 minutes a week to Math again! A kid that is participating in trumpet, band and chorus is getting their music requirement. Another 30 minutes a week to Math.
With that, I have added 120 minutes of class time to Math, and taken away 3 specials to remeber and maybe one day, we will figure out what day to bring the dang trumpet to school!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Black Friday...
Man what was I expecting? Toys R Us was opening up at 10:00 Thursday night. They had a gift that I am dying to get for Middle Kid. And of course it was at a GREAT price. Trying to stay within a $$ limit is rough when they are big. Anywho, a good friend had mentioned shopping together and I told her of this deal. Thanksgiving morning she emails me that she would like to go to TRU and brave the crowds. Seems her sister is in town and wants the same thing for her daughter. We devise a plan. 2 hours early we will arrive, wait and then scoop up our 2 identical gifts. What can go wrong right?
We arrive an hour and a half early to a parking lot full and roughly 200 people in front of us. That's ok, not all of these people could be after the same thing. After being in line (did I mention it was 34ish degrees?) for 10 minutes 2 official people came by offering tickets for high demand items. Yet, they were sold out of what we both we after. My friend's sister had a look of 'let's go' but we were all about waiting. Outside. In 34ish degree weather. It was fun. It was a bonding time. We talked and laughed. None more than the kids in front of us who were just 'there'. Ideas of setting up a coffee booth went through minds. A porta potty would have been nice.
About 30 minutes to store opening we were greeting by 2 official security people. They actually hired security for this event! We were told that 50 people would be allowed in the store at a time! We looked in front and realized we were roughly 200 people back. Crap!! We looked behind us. Roughly 500 people were behind us. Seriously the line was about a half mile long! People were 4 thick the whole way! Glad we got there when we did. People tried to cut. They were escorted to the back of the line. That sucks!
Once inside we had 3 carts and 3 women with no plan. It was chaos in a good way. We all found what we were looking for, no fights happened but yet, no big gift for Middle Kid. Did find a few small things for him and Little. I had an observation though.
Some people go black friday shopping and skip the shower. This is a bad idea. You are going to be stuck in a crowded store shoved around a smaller person.I They do not want to smell you. Please use proper hygeine. It was nasty.
All in all we had a great time. My friend scammed her way to the front of the line which I loved! I was still home and in bed by midnight.
We arrive an hour and a half early to a parking lot full and roughly 200 people in front of us. That's ok, not all of these people could be after the same thing. After being in line (did I mention it was 34ish degrees?) for 10 minutes 2 official people came by offering tickets for high demand items. Yet, they were sold out of what we both we after. My friend's sister had a look of 'let's go' but we were all about waiting. Outside. In 34ish degree weather. It was fun. It was a bonding time. We talked and laughed. None more than the kids in front of us who were just 'there'. Ideas of setting up a coffee booth went through minds. A porta potty would have been nice.
About 30 minutes to store opening we were greeting by 2 official security people. They actually hired security for this event! We were told that 50 people would be allowed in the store at a time! We looked in front and realized we were roughly 200 people back. Crap!! We looked behind us. Roughly 500 people were behind us. Seriously the line was about a half mile long! People were 4 thick the whole way! Glad we got there when we did. People tried to cut. They were escorted to the back of the line. That sucks!
Once inside we had 3 carts and 3 women with no plan. It was chaos in a good way. We all found what we were looking for, no fights happened but yet, no big gift for Middle Kid. Did find a few small things for him and Little. I had an observation though.
Some people go black friday shopping and skip the shower. This is a bad idea. You are going to be stuck in a crowded store shoved around a smaller person.
All in all we had a great time. My friend scammed her way to the front of the line which I loved! I was still home and in bed by midnight.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving...
Of course, here it is a day of Thanks and everyone and their mother is telling everyone under the sun what they are thankful for. I am thankful, don't get me wrong. I feel like I am blessed in many, many ways. So, here it is my top ten list of things to be thankful for...as messed up as they may be!!
10.-- I am thankful for my job. Without it, I would not be able to leave the house and let middle kid practice his trumpet. (practice time happens to coincide with my work hours...purely coincidence) Also without my job I would not learn that I have some pretty normal kids and what I feel is horrible behaviour is really just minor compared to what some little devils do when they go out to eat. Oh, and also without said job I wouldn't be able to eat, drive, or clothe my kids. Woo Hoo job!
9.--I am thankful for my bills. With those bills, I have a house, a car, television, internet, heat, air. Well you get the picture.
8--I am thankful for the stuff laying around the house. It is plentiful, and it is a PITA, but it is a sign that we have 'stuff'.
7 .--I am thankful for Diet Pepsi. Although it is an unhealthy habit, I feel it is better and cheaper than alcohol. Yet it has all of the good effects on me. Diet Pepsi people, please don't change your recipe.
6.--I am thankful for the cashiers that have to work today. We ordered cheesecakes and not all of them came in. I need some. Thank you semi-happy cashier at the market for being there today so my family can enjoy some yummy cheesecake.
5.--I am thankful for my business and my customers. I have a wonderful group of ladies that support me and wonderful customers. I am looking forward to another great year of success and growth. And maybe the Conference and another girls weekend in Wisconsin!
4.--I am thankful for hockey. It keeps the boys busy and happy. It keeps me busy and on edge. It may be a money suck, but all in all it is worth it. We have met many friends and people we don't want to be friends with through hockey.
3.--I am thankful for my extended family. I have a family like no other. We laugh, fight, and tease. Man do we tease. And if you ever see Peanut (my little sister) ask her to see the scars from teasing. Yes they are visible. We play for keeps!!
2..--I am thankful for the kids. They are a handful. They run me to a drop of sanity. They fight, cry, yell, and cry. They make me smile, laugh, and cry happy tears. They are resilient and flexible. They are understanding. They are some pretty good looking kids too, but that is just superficial.
1..--I am thankful for the Head Honcho. He works hard. Every.Day. He is understanding of my shopping habits and very forgiving when the shopping habit gets out of control. He also has a way to reel me in. He is a great father and a wonderful husband.
Happy Turkey Day everyone...
10.-- I am thankful for my job. Without it, I would not be able to leave the house and let middle kid practice his trumpet. (practice time happens to coincide with my work hours...purely coincidence) Also without my job I would not learn that I have some pretty normal kids and what I feel is horrible behaviour is really just minor compared to what some little devils do when they go out to eat. Oh, and also without said job I wouldn't be able to eat, drive, or clothe my kids. Woo Hoo job!
9.--I am thankful for my bills. With those bills, I have a house, a car, television, internet, heat, air. Well you get the picture.
8--I am thankful for the stuff laying around the house. It is plentiful, and it is a PITA, but it is a sign that we have 'stuff'.
7 .--I am thankful for Diet Pepsi. Although it is an unhealthy habit, I feel it is better and cheaper than alcohol. Yet it has all of the good effects on me. Diet Pepsi people, please don't change your recipe.
6.--I am thankful for the cashiers that have to work today. We ordered cheesecakes and not all of them came in. I need some. Thank you semi-happy cashier at the market for being there today so my family can enjoy some yummy cheesecake.
5.--I am thankful for my business and my customers. I have a wonderful group of ladies that support me and wonderful customers. I am looking forward to another great year of success and growth. And maybe the Conference and another girls weekend in Wisconsin!
4.--I am thankful for hockey. It keeps the boys busy and happy. It keeps me busy and on edge. It may be a money suck, but all in all it is worth it. We have met many friends and people we don't want to be friends with through hockey.
3.--I am thankful for my extended family. I have a family like no other. We laugh, fight, and tease. Man do we tease. And if you ever see Peanut (my little sister) ask her to see the scars from teasing. Yes they are visible. We play for keeps!!
2..--I am thankful for the kids. They are a handful. They run me to a drop of sanity. They fight, cry, yell, and cry. They make me smile, laugh, and cry happy tears. They are resilient and flexible. They are understanding. They are some pretty good looking kids too, but that is just superficial.
1..--I am thankful for the Head Honcho. He works hard. Every.Day. He is understanding of my shopping habits and very forgiving when the shopping habit gets out of control. He also has a way to reel me in. He is a great father and a wonderful husband.
Happy Turkey Day everyone...
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Happy Birthday Middle Kid!!
So yesterday, November 17, 2010 Middle Kid celebrated his Tenth Birthday! What a whirlwind of 10 years it has been...
Middle Kid was born a little early in Thousand Oaks, California. He is my California Baby! He may have been early then, but that was the last time! He was a good baby right from the start. He was a great sleeper, no problems with eating and happy all the time. That is one thing that hasn't changed to this day!
We celebrated his birthday last night with his Grandparents and the Head Honcho's family. He got to pick out the meal that Gramma made and it was actually a success. Weird but a success. He got his long sought after DSi XL and all of the games on the list he carefully prepared. We split the DSi XL with his Granparents and then we also bought him HIS OWN hockey jerseys. No more association jerseys for this kid. They never fit right and are always worn and dirty looking. So since the number he HAD to have was WAY too small for him we invested in a set of a bit too big jerseys with HIS (and his favorite player's) number on it. He was beaming. He got everything he wanted, but mostly he was the center of attention again, just like he was that day 10 years ago.
Happy Birthday to a Special Middle Kid! Mommy and Daddy love you and can't imagine a second without you and your smiling face!
Middle Kid was born a little early in Thousand Oaks, California. He is my California Baby! He may have been early then, but that was the last time! He was a good baby right from the start. He was a great sleeper, no problems with eating and happy all the time. That is one thing that hasn't changed to this day!
We celebrated his birthday last night with his Grandparents and the Head Honcho's family. He got to pick out the meal that Gramma made and it was actually a success. Weird but a success. He got his long sought after DSi XL and all of the games on the list he carefully prepared. We split the DSi XL with his Granparents and then we also bought him HIS OWN hockey jerseys. No more association jerseys for this kid. They never fit right and are always worn and dirty looking. So since the number he HAD to have was WAY too small for him we invested in a set of a bit too big jerseys with HIS (and his favorite player's) number on it. He was beaming. He got everything he wanted, but mostly he was the center of attention again, just like he was that day 10 years ago.
Happy Birthday to a Special Middle Kid! Mommy and Daddy love you and can't imagine a second without you and your smiling face!
Christmas Downsized...
So, I have been reading blogs and getting ideas in my little head... one that I especially liked was about a family that was trying to downsize on EVERYTHING. Now, I am all about less is more, for somethings. And I could proably get the kiddos to jump on board, but one thing that I think is going to be a hard sell is Christmas. I am pretty sure that downsizing Christmas just may not happen here this year. Here is an example. One family is trying to do 4 gifts for Christmas for each child. A gift they want, one to read, one to wear, and one they need. I thought about seeing how the kids would react starting with Big Kid. He is 15, surely he understands economy and that they truely are blessed with things year round. This would just make the holiday that much more special. We would have more family time. Um, I am thinking he is not interested in family time. This is what he came up with:
A Gift he wants: Xbox Games *there is a list...of about 10 games he would like*
A Gift to read: a laptop
A Gift he needs: XBox Kinnect and sports game (you know for exercise)
A Gift to wear: Hockey Gear--skates, chest protector, jersey, pants
We will re-work the Christmas Gifts list and give him a budget to work within... The current budget he is working within is that of a small country...
A Gift he wants: Xbox Games *there is a list...of about 10 games he would like*
A Gift to read: a laptop
A Gift he needs: XBox Kinnect and sports game (you know for exercise)
A Gift to wear: Hockey Gear--skates, chest protector, jersey, pants
We will re-work the Christmas Gifts list and give him a budget to work within... The current budget he is working within is that of a small country...
Friday, November 12, 2010
Happy Birthday Little Gramma!
So, tomorrow Saturday November 13, 2010 is my Grandmother's Birthday. My kids call her 'Little Gramma'. Mostly because she is well, little! I think she is 4'8", but I could be wrong. I know I TOWER over her and I am a grand 5'1"! Gram is an awesome lady. We don't get to see her very often, but love it when we do! She is a fun lady and enjoys the kids company.
She gets nervous around Little Kid though, he is a bit, active for her! Who would have thought. But now he is a little more 'calm' (and by calm I mean he has stopped jumping off the back of furniture)so I think we will soon visit her and see how it goes. Besides the Big Kids like to see if they are bigger than her. Newsflash Big and Middle Gram isn't having a growth spurt at her age (which I won't divulge but should because she should be so proud to be her age!). You guys are totally towering over her! Big Kid is 5'11.5" you have over a foot on her and you still have a few spurts left I have been told. Middle Kid is 4'10" so guess what, you too have surpassed Little Gramma! Congratulations in your 9 years on earth you have grown taller than her...a feat I might add took me until I was 14, but Gram was taller then too!
I always find it hard to buy gifts for Gram. I mean what do you buy for an older adult who has the means, transportation and will to go and buy whatever she wants? When she wants something she goes to the store and buys it. Simple, she doesn't need anyone to get it for her. Besides (I see me in her in this way) someone else may get the wrong one. I (like her) know what I want and that is that. We are both a little stubborn. We are both little. That's ok...that is what I like best about us.
Happy Birthday Little Gramma for Big, Middle, Little, Head Honcho and me...your favorite Granddaughter!
She gets nervous around Little Kid though, he is a bit, active for her! Who would have thought. But now he is a little more 'calm' (and by calm I mean he has stopped jumping off the back of furniture)so I think we will soon visit her and see how it goes. Besides the Big Kids like to see if they are bigger than her. Newsflash Big and Middle Gram isn't having a growth spurt at her age (which I won't divulge but should because she should be so proud to be her age!). You guys are totally towering over her! Big Kid is 5'11.5" you have over a foot on her and you still have a few spurts left I have been told. Middle Kid is 4'10" so guess what, you too have surpassed Little Gramma! Congratulations in your 9 years on earth you have grown taller than her...a feat I might add took me until I was 14, but Gram was taller then too!
I always find it hard to buy gifts for Gram. I mean what do you buy for an older adult who has the means, transportation and will to go and buy whatever she wants? When she wants something she goes to the store and buys it. Simple, she doesn't need anyone to get it for her. Besides (I see me in her in this way) someone else may get the wrong one. I (like her) know what I want and that is that. We are both a little stubborn. We are both little. That's ok...that is what I like best about us.
Happy Birthday Little Gramma for Big, Middle, Little, Head Honcho and me...your favorite Granddaughter!
Hot Dog Hot Dog Hot Diggity Dog...
As much as that show annoys me... I find entertainment value elsewhere while it is on. Wait, you don't know what awesome time suck I am talking about? Why, it's the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, come inside, come inside. I have been VERY successful at keeping Little Kid's television choices limited to Nick Jr for 3 years. If he didn't like the choice we turn of Law and Order turn off the TV and listen to music.
A few months ago I went away, and Head Honcho's Mom came and stayed with the boys and cleaned my house, SPOTLESS, but I digress. I think part of her master plan was to get Little Kid hooked on the most annoying show possible. Score one for her! We can't go a minute without the dang Disney Channel on anymore. Little Kid doesn't know numbers yet, but can accurately tune into that channel.
But I will give this to the freaking people at Disney. That dang song, well really all of them, are so dang catchy. Little Kid stands proudly and in front of the TV and sings all of the songs. And the topper, the final song, it comes with a dance and Mickey fading out through a circle. We just re-enacted that scene right here in our living room. The song, the dance, and Little Kid jumping in a laundry basket (empty) and covering himself with a blanket. So, it must be over, right? Maybe now Mommy can have a few minutes of Grown-up TV? Nope, there are about 40 more episodes of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse slated to run today and Little Kid can hear the channel change from everywhere in the house. I am stuck! This show will be running all day and all night.
PLEASE.SAVE.ME.
A few months ago I went away, and Head Honcho's Mom came and stayed with the boys and cleaned my house, SPOTLESS, but I digress. I think part of her master plan was to get Little Kid hooked on the most annoying show possible. Score one for her! We can't go a minute without the dang Disney Channel on anymore. Little Kid doesn't know numbers yet, but can accurately tune into that channel.
But I will give this to the freaking people at Disney. That dang song, well really all of them, are so dang catchy. Little Kid stands proudly and in front of the TV and sings all of the songs. And the topper, the final song, it comes with a dance and Mickey fading out through a circle. We just re-enacted that scene right here in our living room. The song, the dance, and Little Kid jumping in a laundry basket (empty) and covering himself with a blanket. So, it must be over, right? Maybe now Mommy can have a few minutes of Grown-up TV? Nope, there are about 40 more episodes of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse slated to run today and Little Kid can hear the channel change from everywhere in the house. I am stuck! This show will be running all day and all night.
PLEASE.SAVE.ME.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Super Mom--Just stop it!!!
We all know one...that Mom, she is beyond a helicopter mom. She not only hovers over her child(ren) she could literally be in their skin. She is the room mom, the cubscout mom, the soccer coach, the church group teacher. She is THERE! I have no problem with a super mom...per se... I have a problem with the Super moms who 1-let everone know they are the super mom. Fantastic! You have virtually no other life than all of these things you do for your kids. Don't get me wrong, if a volunteer is needed I am there. If someone doesn't step up to run the bake sale, I can do it. I am however not going to look for awards at the completion of the bake sale.
I also have a problem with super moms who schedule themselves too thin...you know the one. She shows up at soccer practice in her cubscout neckerchief and then carries her bible with her PTA minutes. Give yourself a minute to cook dinner. Oh of course, you already made a roast in your slow cooker this morning while you were making an organic lunch for each of your children. But seriously, keep scheduling yourself so thin and you aren't going to enjoy all of your child's moments. Sometimes it is nice to sit and watch your kid kick the soccer ball around and not have to worry about little Jimmy sitting on the opposite goal line picking his nose.
Another thing that grinds my gears about Super Moms is the ones that say they can do it all, take the 'job', you know the one that I would have happily done without complaints or constant reminders that I am doing you a favor, and then don't follow through. And they always have that excuse...I am so busy... there is not enough hours in the day. Well there is plenty for those of us who are not trying to be Super Mom. Give me a volunteer job for each kid's activity...one per kid, per activity and I am done. I am not going to try and do it all. I know I can't.
My final complaint about Super Moms are the ones that have multiple kids and tries to do everything for everyone. This causes her to be late for just about everything and does not give off the impression that she is anything like a Super mom. She is never sure where she should be and she she is going to be late, but you understand...she is afterall the ONLY person that would do this. Let me let you in on a little secret. The only reason you are the only one doing these things it is because us 'regular' folks can't stand to be with you Super Moms for more than two seconds without wanting to hang you by your neckerchief.
I also have a problem with super moms who schedule themselves too thin...you know the one. She shows up at soccer practice in her cubscout neckerchief and then carries her bible with her PTA minutes. Give yourself a minute to cook dinner. Oh of course, you already made a roast in your slow cooker this morning while you were making an organic lunch for each of your children. But seriously, keep scheduling yourself so thin and you aren't going to enjoy all of your child's moments. Sometimes it is nice to sit and watch your kid kick the soccer ball around and not have to worry about little Jimmy sitting on the opposite goal line picking his nose.
Another thing that grinds my gears about Super Moms is the ones that say they can do it all, take the 'job', you know the one that I would have happily done without complaints or constant reminders that I am doing you a favor, and then don't follow through. And they always have that excuse...I am so busy... there is not enough hours in the day. Well there is plenty for those of us who are not trying to be Super Mom. Give me a volunteer job for each kid's activity...one per kid, per activity and I am done. I am not going to try and do it all. I know I can't.
My final complaint about Super Moms are the ones that have multiple kids and tries to do everything for everyone. This causes her to be late for just about everything and does not give off the impression that she is anything like a Super mom. She is never sure where she should be and she she is going to be late, but you understand...she is afterall the ONLY person that would do this. Let me let you in on a little secret. The only reason you are the only one doing these things it is because us 'regular' folks can't stand to be with you Super Moms for more than two seconds without wanting to hang you by your neckerchief.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Oh, Halloween, how I hate you!!!!
I use to be such a big fan of the holiday. Really, I was. I would relish in the costume process. I loved every second of it! We would pick out the coolest costumes and dress the boys up and take them to visit the family and then trick or treat and just love every second.
Then, we became homeowners. The Head Honcho thinks we should stay home and hand out candy. We live in a pretty decent development so he figures we are withholding the loot from the little neighbor kids. Well, last year was our first year here, and we had 50ish kids. Now I am certain 50 kids do not live in the immediate area. I am aware that people bring their kids in their rusted out minivans and drive them, block to block. This is what ruins Halloween for me. Stay in your own hood or at the very least, WALK!!! Park at the church behind my house and walk the 3/4 of a mile through the neighborhood. Not only are people lazy for free candy, they are also greedy. Here are the top 5 memories from Halloween 2010 (or soon to be renamed...the reason my kids will no longer trick or treat)
1. 60+ year old woman trick or treating at my home before dark--While still eating a 'family dinner' an eldery lady walks up to the door with 3 teenagers. She promptly says to Head Honcho "Trick-or-treat". Head Honcho who is mad he is now not eating his hotMcRib Rib dinner says "aren't you a little old for this?" Her reply "Nope! I am trick or treating for my three grandchildren" And shoves three pumpkins in his face. His answer "Sorry, we don't even have anything ready" and closed the door in her face. Seriously? You are trick or treating for your grandkids? Go get them a freaking candy bar!! You are the new reason that there will be a sign at the end of the driveway next year... One bucket, one kid, one piece of candy. No siblings home sick, no grandma's trying to be the hero. One bucket, one kid, one piece of candy.
2. Babies trick or treating--I wound up taking the two Biggest to their friends' house in the 'popular' development. Like popular as in the police block of streets and stuff. The swag in our hood is going downhill, and they would rather go out with friends and have fun. I like to go hang out with a pretty cool lady and her sometimes funny hubby so it is a win. Well, because they are in a 'known halloween hotspot' they get all of the 'good ones'. Tops is Babies who can't even look in the right direction on demand. Yet, their (most of the time teen) parent walks up with them on their hip they tell them to say 'trick or treat'. Yep, that ain't happening Mom. How about an award for you instead of candy for the 4 month old. A Mom of the year Award. It is 40 degrees out and you have your infant out begging for candy. Get a clue...you aren't fooling anyone. Baby isn't going to say Trick or Treat and the candy is really for you!! We know...this is the only way to get candy. Next year, you will be receiving Enfamil samples and binkys. Enjoy!!
3. Teens trick or treating--This one really burns me up. IF they are not good kids. I am under the assumption that Big Kid and Buddy behaved, were polite, and gracious. If they weren't they would be DEAD!! I am sure they horsed around with friends. That is their nature. They feed off from each other. I am pretty positive they weren't like Stoner Steve or Greedy Greta that came to Cool Friend's house. Stoner Steve couldn't even look at Cool Friend. He put his hands out like he was at communion and looked somewhere in the distance for his line. As she put the candy in his hands he turned his back, opened the package, and ate the candy bar. That is the one we should have put razors in. Put his poor parents out of the misery of raising this boy!!! While Stoner was taking care of his candy Greedy Greta moves up in line, Cool Friend drops a candy bar in her bag. She replies with Can I have a snickers instead? Cool "what? What did I give you?" "A milky way" "no, all I have is snickers, you are rude go away" Seriously...how about a thank you? If they were at all related to me...Stoner and Greedy would be standing in a corner for hours.
4. Dumbfounded Kid--This kid was a riot!! He was some kind of dragon-ish thing. Cool Friend says "awh, who are you?" Dumbfounded kid looks at her confused, rips the hood off and says "Zachary Jones" Cool was dying hysterical, the Dumbfounded Dad is dying hysterical and Dumbfounded Kid goes... "Trick or Treat" His Dad says he is the evil dragon from Sleeping Beauty. Dumbfounded Kid just turns around disgusted that Cool didn't recognize him.
5. Cost--Halloween isn't what Halloween is because it is cheap. Add up the costs... Costumes for the kids...$19x2 and $95 for one. $4x3 for the bags of candy. $20x3 for the co pay for the dentist. $20x3 for the certain cavities that will arise. $10 for the snacks for school. $10 for the little prizes we will certainly have to have. $20x2 for the halloween jammies that we HAVE to have!! $15x5 for the Halloween teeshirts we also HAVE to have. Nope next year it will be a bag of candy per kid, a dinner out and call it a day.
OOPS!! Just remebered a runner up for #6...I am forced to dress up for work...enough said!!!
Then, we became homeowners. The Head Honcho thinks we should stay home and hand out candy. We live in a pretty decent development so he figures we are withholding the loot from the little neighbor kids. Well, last year was our first year here, and we had 50ish kids. Now I am certain 50 kids do not live in the immediate area. I am aware that people bring their kids in their rusted out minivans and drive them, block to block. This is what ruins Halloween for me. Stay in your own hood or at the very least, WALK!!! Park at the church behind my house and walk the 3/4 of a mile through the neighborhood. Not only are people lazy for free candy, they are also greedy. Here are the top 5 memories from Halloween 2010 (or soon to be renamed...the reason my kids will no longer trick or treat)
1. 60+ year old woman trick or treating at my home before dark--While still eating a 'family dinner' an eldery lady walks up to the door with 3 teenagers. She promptly says to Head Honcho "Trick-or-treat". Head Honcho who is mad he is now not eating his hot
2. Babies trick or treating--I wound up taking the two Biggest to their friends' house in the 'popular' development. Like popular as in the police block of streets and stuff. The swag in our hood is going downhill, and they would rather go out with friends and have fun. I like to go hang out with a pretty cool lady and her sometimes funny hubby so it is a win. Well, because they are in a 'known halloween hotspot' they get all of the 'good ones'. Tops is Babies who can't even look in the right direction on demand. Yet, their (most of the time teen) parent walks up with them on their hip they tell them to say 'trick or treat'. Yep, that ain't happening Mom. How about an award for you instead of candy for the 4 month old. A Mom of the year Award. It is 40 degrees out and you have your infant out begging for candy. Get a clue...you aren't fooling anyone. Baby isn't going to say Trick or Treat and the candy is really for you!! We know...this is the only way to get candy. Next year, you will be receiving Enfamil samples and binkys. Enjoy!!
3. Teens trick or treating--This one really burns me up. IF they are not good kids. I am under the assumption that Big Kid and Buddy behaved, were polite, and gracious. If they weren't they would be DEAD!! I am sure they horsed around with friends. That is their nature. They feed off from each other. I am pretty positive they weren't like Stoner Steve or Greedy Greta that came to Cool Friend's house. Stoner Steve couldn't even look at Cool Friend. He put his hands out like he was at communion and looked somewhere in the distance for his line. As she put the candy in his hands he turned his back, opened the package, and ate the candy bar. That is the one we should have put razors in. Put his poor parents out of the misery of raising this boy!!! While Stoner was taking care of his candy Greedy Greta moves up in line, Cool Friend drops a candy bar in her bag. She replies with Can I have a snickers instead? Cool "what? What did I give you?" "A milky way" "no, all I have is snickers, you are rude go away" Seriously...how about a thank you? If they were at all related to me...Stoner and Greedy would be standing in a corner for hours.
4. Dumbfounded Kid--This kid was a riot!! He was some kind of dragon-ish thing. Cool Friend says "awh, who are you?" Dumbfounded kid looks at her confused, rips the hood off and says "Zachary Jones" Cool was dying hysterical, the Dumbfounded Dad is dying hysterical and Dumbfounded Kid goes... "Trick or Treat" His Dad says he is the evil dragon from Sleeping Beauty. Dumbfounded Kid just turns around disgusted that Cool didn't recognize him.
5. Cost--Halloween isn't what Halloween is because it is cheap. Add up the costs... Costumes for the kids...$19x2 and $95 for one. $4x3 for the bags of candy. $20x3 for the co pay for the dentist. $20x3 for the certain cavities that will arise. $10 for the snacks for school. $10 for the little prizes we will certainly have to have. $20x2 for the halloween jammies that we HAVE to have!! $15x5 for the Halloween teeshirts we also HAVE to have. Nope next year it will be a bag of candy per kid, a dinner out and call it a day.
OOPS!! Just remebered a runner up for #6...I am forced to dress up for work...enough said!!!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Futures
What parent can go a day without worrying what will my kids do? What will they become? Of course,we all want the best for our kids. Well, most do, but those that don't won't really be discussed. I just like to assume that everyone is like me.
So, the big kid is really at the point to decide what will he be? Some days, I think if he is awake it is a good day. But I know he is capable of more so we press the college issue. These days, he has realized he will not be a NHL goalie, he won't be a professional video gamer, nor will he be a pilot. (this was a new development when he saw how much they make) He is looking into REAL possibilities. He enjoys science. He is definately looking at going away to college. (that cafeteria is going to dread seeing his smiling face for3 4 5 6 meals a day!) He would like to play some kind of hockey. He would like a video gaming area that he is allowed to stay up all night and play Halo Kill them all or whatever it is. The last thing isn't as important as the rest. Obviously. He actually has 4 schools of choice at this point which I think is pretty good. Now if he could just get his career of choice down to 4!!
Middle Kid has not grown out of the NHL hockey player/video gamer phase. I am encouraging other avenues in a minor fashion. 'That' job looks fun. 'That' is something you enjoy. He is good with my money (as in spending it) so I am thinking investments. He will not be my child to go to far from home. That is ok. I like that kid!!
Little Kid may be too small for most to worry about careers and college, but how often do you hear 'since he was a baby he loved....' and that kid is always the one that has done something HUGE. So we are encouraging Little Kid everyday. Whatever he picks up we look at it as a future career. So today when he started to color (in permenant marker Thanks Auntie!!) on Middle Kid while Middle Kid was still asleep I took pause. Most parents would yell, scream and wake up Middle Kid. Me, well, I thought...needs more green.
So, the big kid is really at the point to decide what will he be? Some days, I think if he is awake it is a good day. But I know he is capable of more so we press the college issue. These days, he has realized he will not be a NHL goalie, he won't be a professional video gamer, nor will he be a pilot. (this was a new development when he saw how much they make) He is looking into REAL possibilities. He enjoys science. He is definately looking at going away to college. (that cafeteria is going to dread seeing his smiling face for
Middle Kid has not grown out of the NHL hockey player/video gamer phase. I am encouraging other avenues in a minor fashion. 'That' job looks fun. 'That' is something you enjoy. He is good with my money (as in spending it) so I am thinking investments. He will not be my child to go to far from home. That is ok. I like that kid!!
Little Kid may be too small for most to worry about careers and college, but how often do you hear 'since he was a baby he loved....' and that kid is always the one that has done something HUGE. So we are encouraging Little Kid everyday. Whatever he picks up we look at it as a future career. So today when he started to color (in permenant marker Thanks Auntie!!) on Middle Kid while Middle Kid was still asleep I took pause. Most parents would yell, scream and wake up Middle Kid. Me, well, I thought...needs more green.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
So helpful...
So, as I venture through the chance of identity theft I am learning that most people are kind and forgiving. MOST PEOPLE. Chase Mortgage company. Totally cool. Apologized for calling me about the mortgage refi! How cool is that...they told me to call them next week and until then they will just mark my account. Credit One. Happy to help me people. No late fees, no reporting the credit agency. Just pay us when you can unfreeze your checking account AND we will send you a new card today with a higher limit so you have some sort of money to buy the necessities. Of course I know that higher limit means bigger payments and more interest for them, but hey, it was pretty cool of them to offer me more 'money'. Oh and they will remove any fees that I incur for a late payment. (it was due the day I reported it stolen)
Ok you know who isn't cool when you are in crisis? HSBC credit company. First I cancelled the card and then had to wade through 800 voice options to get a human... I know the nerve I wanted to talk to a person. I am silly like that. So I get the sweetest sounding lady I think in the world. I think she spits sugar...pure cane sugar she is so sweet. That is where it ended. I told her my card was stolen and I one needed the number of the now closed account so they can put it in the police report. I was refused. For my protection and privacy. Well, the account is now closed so it doesn't really matter first of all and second of all I don't need any protection. My cities finest are on the case. No can do. I am not getting that number. The super sweet lady proved that sugar rots your brain...she told me to look at the card. Which card? The one that was stolen? Sure right on that! I choked back a laugh. She then asked me if I was going to make a payment *also due that day I make it easy on myself and have all the bills due the same day*. I told her I would love to make a payment, but I have not a thing to my name right now. Remeber super sweet lady...car robbed, cash, credit cards *one of yours actually* id everything was stolen...yeah I can't pay you $15 this month...not because I won't...I.Can't. I have it, I would love to give it to you so you have 2 choices. Give me some time to work this out. It may take a week, I will provide supporting documents and depositions. Whatever it takes, but give me time. If you can't wait and that $15 is going to put HSBC into a downward spiral...stop over to the house...I will give you $15 and you can go kiss my knee. It is $15 not the end of the world! I was robbed have some compassion.
Another Robbery unfriendly company is my insurance agent. She has harassed and hounded me to get life insurance 'just in case' as 'you never know'. I did exactly what she asked...I got life insurance AND disability insurance on the whole family. Just not with her. She was not clear on that. Well, as I called to let her know that the payment would be late she first said well try to pay by Friday. I said I think I will have Head Honcho's pay by then, no problem. She then said 'Why don't we set up an appointment for life insurance?' Sure I have all sorts of time in between police reports and statements and regular life and Mommy world. I was just robbed...give me a day or two. Oh but wait...I tell her I have already obtained life insurance and then tried to get off the phone. No she wasn't having that....She needed to tell me I was getting ROBBED by the insurance company that I have now got life insurance through and I need to go in to see her ASAP and get it fixed and buy insurance through her! I promptly hung up the phone and have a call in to change agents.
So the messages I have learned most companies are really helpful when their customer is faced with an issue. Just give them a call and they more than likely will help you. Some people however, are just jerks. Leave them alone. You don't need them!
Ok you know who isn't cool when you are in crisis? HSBC credit company. First I cancelled the card and then had to wade through 800 voice options to get a human... I know the nerve I wanted to talk to a person. I am silly like that. So I get the sweetest sounding lady I think in the world. I think she spits sugar...pure cane sugar she is so sweet. That is where it ended. I told her my card was stolen and I one needed the number of the now closed account so they can put it in the police report. I was refused. For my protection and privacy. Well, the account is now closed so it doesn't really matter first of all and second of all I don't need any protection. My cities finest are on the case. No can do. I am not getting that number. The super sweet lady proved that sugar rots your brain...she told me to look at the card. Which card? The one that was stolen? Sure right on that! I choked back a laugh. She then asked me if I was going to make a payment *also due that day I make it easy on myself and have all the bills due the same day*. I told her I would love to make a payment, but I have not a thing to my name right now. Remeber super sweet lady...car robbed, cash, credit cards *one of yours actually* id everything was stolen...yeah I can't pay you $15 this month...not because I won't...I.Can't. I have it, I would love to give it to you so you have 2 choices. Give me some time to work this out. It may take a week, I will provide supporting documents and depositions. Whatever it takes, but give me time. If you can't wait and that $15 is going to put HSBC into a downward spiral...stop over to the house...I will give you $15 and you can go kiss my knee. It is $15 not the end of the world! I was robbed have some compassion.
Another Robbery unfriendly company is my insurance agent. She has harassed and hounded me to get life insurance 'just in case' as 'you never know'. I did exactly what she asked...I got life insurance AND disability insurance on the whole family. Just not with her. She was not clear on that. Well, as I called to let her know that the payment would be late she first said well try to pay by Friday. I said I think I will have Head Honcho's pay by then, no problem. She then said 'Why don't we set up an appointment for life insurance?' Sure I have all sorts of time in between police reports and statements and regular life and Mommy world. I was just robbed...give me a day or two. Oh but wait...I tell her I have already obtained life insurance and then tried to get off the phone. No she wasn't having that....She needed to tell me I was getting ROBBED by the insurance company that I have now got life insurance through and I need to go in to see her ASAP and get it fixed and buy insurance through her! I promptly hung up the phone and have a call in to change agents.
So the messages I have learned most companies are really helpful when their customer is faced with an issue. Just give them a call and they more than likely will help you. Some people however, are just jerks. Leave them alone. You don't need them!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Robbed...
That's right...I was robbed... broke into my car. Here is the whole story as I would like it posted in the local newspaper...
Sunday evening at approximately 10:15 I arrived home with the Big Kid from hockey at our local facility. I noticed a man who was weirdly dressed and quite honestly didn't fit in. Now I am not a snob. Totally. But he looked a little homeless so what was he doing amongst all of these homes? So, I have heartedly clicked the lock button on the van and walked (quickly) into the house. I got a little glimpse of him. I remeber his outward apperance. It was not someone that was walking a dog or out for exercise. There was something different about him.
I came inside and puttered around for 20 mins or so and then realized I needed to pay my credit cards online. I decided to do it tomorrow so I could just go to bed. Roughly 11:30 the Head Honcho got up for a minute. He noticed that the dome light was on in my van, but blew it off thinking Big Kid was out getting his phone (or something of the sort) out of the van. Being late at night he went to bed.
7:15 this morning I was awakened by the doorbell and the City's finest. I was hoping for a BIG crime. Maybe there was a felony nearby? A murder? OHH I hoped I could solve the crime and go on Law and Order. I was looking particularly fancy mind you. I passed out exhausted in my jeans and my hoodie so although my hair said 7:15 am my body said noon. Good thing my breath was there to break the tie. 7:15 am it was!!!!
I was told that there were some breakins in the 'hood last night and they checked my doors and they were unlocked so they would like me to look and see if anything was missing. Well, what do I have for a thief? Apparently quite a bit. A wallet ($44 thirtyone that I took forever to finally buy), filled with credit cards, debit cards, checks, insurance cards you know the good stuff. Not only was my wallet missing. My mini zip pouch was gone. Inside: pills and CASH!!! Yes, I didn't go to the bank this weekend and NOW I am paying for it! Son of a bad lady... So while I was still in shock (and certain the Head Honcho was going to be ANGRY) I started to babble about the 'weird man' last night. A police report was filed, and now I get to go through the fun times of replacing everything. Cancelling everything and getting new scripts. No chance to go get groceries today. I will be sitting at the DMV endlessly trying to get a simple replacement license.
I really hope that this jerk (or jerks as the case may be) gets caught. Not just because I want my money back, but because I am friends with the judge. I bet for an extra loaf of bread he would give him the death penalty. (totally kidding...he will just do the life sentence)
Have I learned a lesson? Oh hells, yes! Amongst the obvious (lock my car) I learned the less than obvious... make sure you make your hair, body and breath all agree on the time of day. All.The.Time.
Sunday evening at approximately 10:15 I arrived home with the Big Kid from hockey at our local facility. I noticed a man who was weirdly dressed and quite honestly didn't fit in. Now I am not a snob. Totally. But he looked a little homeless so what was he doing amongst all of these homes? So, I have heartedly clicked the lock button on the van and walked (quickly) into the house. I got a little glimpse of him. I remeber his outward apperance. It was not someone that was walking a dog or out for exercise. There was something different about him.
I came inside and puttered around for 20 mins or so and then realized I needed to pay my credit cards online. I decided to do it tomorrow so I could just go to bed. Roughly 11:30 the Head Honcho got up for a minute. He noticed that the dome light was on in my van, but blew it off thinking Big Kid was out getting his phone (or something of the sort) out of the van. Being late at night he went to bed.
7:15 this morning I was awakened by the doorbell and the City's finest. I was hoping for a BIG crime. Maybe there was a felony nearby? A murder? OHH I hoped I could solve the crime and go on Law and Order. I was looking particularly fancy mind you. I passed out exhausted in my jeans and my hoodie so although my hair said 7:15 am my body said noon. Good thing my breath was there to break the tie. 7:15 am it was!!!!
I was told that there were some breakins in the 'hood last night and they checked my doors and they were unlocked so they would like me to look and see if anything was missing. Well, what do I have for a thief? Apparently quite a bit. A wallet ($44 thirtyone that I took forever to finally buy), filled with credit cards, debit cards, checks, insurance cards you know the good stuff. Not only was my wallet missing. My mini zip pouch was gone. Inside: pills and CASH!!! Yes, I didn't go to the bank this weekend and NOW I am paying for it! Son of a bad lady... So while I was still in shock (and certain the Head Honcho was going to be ANGRY) I started to babble about the 'weird man' last night. A police report was filed, and now I get to go through the fun times of replacing everything. Cancelling everything and getting new scripts. No chance to go get groceries today. I will be sitting at the DMV endlessly trying to get a simple replacement license.
I really hope that this jerk (or jerks as the case may be) gets caught. Not just because I want my money back, but because I am friends with the judge. I bet for an extra loaf of bread he would give him the death penalty. (totally kidding...he will just do the life sentence)
Have I learned a lesson? Oh hells, yes! Amongst the obvious (lock my car) I learned the less than obvious... make sure you make your hair, body and breath all agree on the time of day. All.The.Time.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hockey Moms....
Last night I had a great night. I had the pleasure of sitting with a few of my favorite hockey moms and chatting and eating and reflecting on times past. If you have never had the chance to sit with a hockey mom you are really missing out. These ladies in particular, they are funny, fantastic (and a few other 'f' words) ladies. I mean we really are a special brew of women. Who else thinks, 'I am going to strap some SHARP knives to my 4 year old (or younger) little man (or lady as the case may be) and put them out on a sheet of ice and see how it goes! If they do well enough by next year we will give them a long stick and fling a frozen chunk of rubber around' Doesn't that just sound fun? Oh and when they start to fall, we will pay someone to make those knives sharper....makes sense right?
So maybe we take a bit of our child's life in danger. Maybe. But we will also get up earlier than the morning paper man in freezing temps to take our child to the freezing rink so that they can practice. It must be love. Because my body certainly knows it is not right that I force this upon it every October-March. We forgo our weekends and weeknights. We spend our expendable cash and work overtime to make more expendable cash so they can attend camps and have new equipment. (that stuff is NOT cheap!). We eat frozen dinners *heated up...most of the time* and fast food. We live on caffeine and alcohol (much more that latter as they grow) We live a 'special' lifestyle. People look at us and shake their heads. They feel sorry for us. Sometimes, it feels awful. Your superstar gets cut from the team he wants to be on. He must face the truth. Sometimes you aren't the best. Sometimes you are and you just get screwed. Sometimes there is an adult who somehow, someway has the world thinking he is gospel and you get the short end of the stick. What are you going to do? Crawl in a hole and cry? Quit? Or, persavere and let them kick themselves?
We as hockey moms, feel all of the things our kids do, and we love it. We let them dream, we let them try. We sit as a group at games, we confide in each other things we can't tell others. We are a family. A dysfunctional family maybe, but eh, what family isn't?
So maybe we take a bit of our child's life in danger. Maybe. But we will also get up earlier than the morning paper man in freezing temps to take our child to the freezing rink so that they can practice. It must be love. Because my body certainly knows it is not right that I force this upon it every October-March. We forgo our weekends and weeknights. We spend our expendable cash and work overtime to make more expendable cash so they can attend camps and have new equipment. (that stuff is NOT cheap!). We eat frozen dinners *heated up...most of the time* and fast food. We live on caffeine and alcohol (much more that latter as they grow) We live a 'special' lifestyle. People look at us and shake their heads. They feel sorry for us. Sometimes, it feels awful. Your superstar gets cut from the team he wants to be on. He must face the truth. Sometimes you aren't the best. Sometimes you are and you just get screwed. Sometimes there is an adult who somehow, someway has the world thinking he is gospel and you get the short end of the stick. What are you going to do? Crawl in a hole and cry? Quit? Or, persavere and let them kick themselves?
We as hockey moms, feel all of the things our kids do, and we love it. We let them dream, we let them try. We sit as a group at games, we confide in each other things we can't tell others. We are a family. A dysfunctional family maybe, but eh, what family isn't?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Music, preschool, and hockey..oh my!!
So, Middle kid loves him some music. He already likes to play his guitar with his Dad. He listens to music all the time. He loves it! So when the note came home last year to sign up for an instrument Middle Kid was all over that! He had trouble deciding which instrument he wanted to torture us with play for us. I helped him with the decision. Trumpets, they are cheap and fairly small. How bad can it be? Well, lesson two is over with and there is a new rule in the house. We MUST practice. If he wants to get any better he MUST practice. That goes with out saying. Everynight there will be time set aside for practicing. Coincidentally, that time seems to be also the schedule block when I am at work. Surely it was a coincidence.
Little Kid got into a preschool. It appears to even be a decent one. There were no kids climbing on the play kitchen *there were at our previous choice so now I look for that NOT to happen* there was no fighting and debating on toys. It appears to be a perfect fit. My favorite part? Well, one of them anyways... he is not the bully of the class!! Appears there is another boy that is surely threatened by Little Kid and his newness and had to show him who is boss. Pushed him down the stairs today. Hit him in the face with a brick. (wood I am assuming) Now the report I got was onesided and told by a 3 year old so I am not sure what my little angel could have done to deserve the beating that he got, but he did report one thing... HE is his best friend. I guess he needs someone who cannot only take a hit, but can give one too! They are the new Bash Brothers.
This weekend my freedom ends. No more leisurely Saturday and Sundays with the family. Hockey officially starts. This week I must pull out the equipment size the boys to see what fits and what doesn't.Sign away my paycheck for the next 6 months Perhaps purchase a few reasonably priced items and then sit in the ice rink for the better part of the next 6 months. Yeah! Maybe this year the city will add video games to the warming room so not only do I have to pay $2. for a gatorade x4 (times at the rink)x2( kids that will be begging for said drink) but now they will want to play a video game everytime (that is 4x per child) we are at the rink. Yeah! I hope they will still want to try and get the crap out of the gumball machines too! I can not live without another $0.75 bouncy ball or felt moustache!!
Little Kid got into a preschool. It appears to even be a decent one. There were no kids climbing on the play kitchen *there were at our previous choice so now I look for that NOT to happen* there was no fighting and debating on toys. It appears to be a perfect fit. My favorite part? Well, one of them anyways... he is not the bully of the class!! Appears there is another boy that is surely threatened by Little Kid and his newness and had to show him who is boss. Pushed him down the stairs today. Hit him in the face with a brick. (wood I am assuming) Now the report I got was onesided and told by a 3 year old so I am not sure what my little angel could have done to deserve the beating that he got, but he did report one thing... HE is his best friend. I guess he needs someone who cannot only take a hit, but can give one too! They are the new Bash Brothers.
This weekend my freedom ends. No more leisurely Saturday and Sundays with the family. Hockey officially starts. This week I must pull out the equipment size the boys to see what fits and what doesn't.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Why you should really answer your phone...EVERY.TIME.
So Little Kid is on the waiting list at three preschools here. He was enrolled in one, but due to the fact that it looked overwhelming (15 3 year olds and 2 70+year old teachers) We decided to just keep him on the wait list at the three other schools and see what shakes out.
I have kept in touch with 2 of the three schools waiting. School is started, my vacation is over. It is the 'right' time to send him! I hoped that he would be placed somewhere by Thursday as I want to attend my MOMSNext meeting and there is no childcare. Well, last night I was leaving work and saw some strange numbers on my phone so I decided to listen to the 15!! Voicemails. Apparently I don't answer my phone.
Most of the voicemails were insignificant. But there was one. It was significant. Little Kid was next on the list for their school. Except, I couldn't hear which school it is. And she wanted a call back by 3:00 today. It was 10:00 when I got the message. I am hoping she is holding that spot for him until Monday. After all she did make a point to tell me that she was going to be there all day Monday.
I wonder how weird it will be when I ask her what her address is again. I have been to all of the schools more than a few times.
I have kept in touch with 2 of the three schools waiting. School is started, my vacation is over. It is the 'right' time to send him! I hoped that he would be placed somewhere by Thursday as I want to attend my MOMSNext meeting and there is no childcare. Well, last night I was leaving work and saw some strange numbers on my phone so I decided to listen to the 15!! Voicemails. Apparently I don't answer my phone.
Most of the voicemails were insignificant. But there was one. It was significant. Little Kid was next on the list for their school. Except, I couldn't hear which school it is. And she wanted a call back by 3:00 today. It was 10:00 when I got the message. I am hoping she is holding that spot for him until Monday. After all she did make a point to tell me that she was going to be there all day Monday.
I wonder how weird it will be when I ask her what her address is again. I have been to all of the schools more than a few times.
This is for you
I promised you a blog post devoted just to the excitement I had that you read AND liked my blog. Here you go...now be nice to me today, it is going to be a long day!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Warning to Overprotective Parents:
You know who you are. I am not saying it is good or bad. In all honesty I slide on the spectrum of overprotectiveness. Depends on the situation.
Today while running our errands Little Kid wasbehaving not killing anyone so when he asked for grabbed a lollipop that those genuises at the car part store concealed under the counter I didn't fight him. Too much. I looked around. It was a small store. He screams loud. I did a win/lose analysis and decided to win this one. Buy the dang lollipop. Little Kid was happy. He was quiet. I was happy. A few stops down the road he is still sticky happy with his lolli and we stop in the paint store. While waiting for the nice man with holes big enough to drive a car through in his earlobes (seriously those are gross!) to mix our paint the other associate decides he needs to judge me and my quiet well behaved not killing anyone lollipop sucking 3 year old.
Apparently, his future Mensa member, does not eat candy. He is 3 years old (well 45 months to be exact, he did not give me hours or days old...I guess you stop that at 36 months. Who knew?) and has NEVER asked for candy, nor been given any. Well, isn't he just a dentist's nightmare? The associate didn't notice my touch of sarcasm (note to self, lay it on thicker or Iamgoingtopunchthisguy) and decided to continue. Now, I am all for bragging about your kids. Don 't get me wrong. Your little Johnny pooped on his potty? Wonderful! Susie drank without a sippy? Awesome! Your mensa member is building a special machine that will eliminate cancer from our world? Doubtful.
Paint Store man tells me his Einstein is sheltered. And he says it like it is a GOOD THING. He watches Noggin only. And only for 20 minutes a day. Seriously? How is this good? When does paint store man's wife get a shower? cook a meal? talk on the phoneendlessly to complete daily tasks? I reply that we don't monitor tv in our home. (ok that is a slight lie. We don't allow porn) I feel that tv only enhances our lives and it makes it so I don't have to talk to Little Kid. I am seriously joking here. But Paint Store man doesn't get it. He looks at me with disgust and shakes his head. Little Kid yells, I like Zombies! (I wish I could say I encouraged this outburst but this is just how he is!) and we start to walk away. As we go to walk out of the store, Paint Store man yells, 'Good Luck'. I am assuming he means on the whole painting thing, but I think he really meant with the parenting.
See here is the thing with super sheltering your kids. 1-you think everyone else is doing it wrong and 2-you will have the only perfect kids. A few facts... however it works for you is right, however it works for someone else is right for them. There is no wrong if it works, it is right. There are no perfect kids.
By sheltering your kid however, let me give you a glimpse into your child's future. My Little Kid who has not been sheltered is going to eat your kid up and spit him out! Seriously, he is being raised in a house with 2 brothers, they are 12 and 6 years older than him. He therefore is surrounded by teens and tweens all boys, all who think it is funny to teach him 'naughty' things. We are getting to the root of that problem, but some things they just 'learn'. My kid is going to be the one to teach your kid these things. When Mensa Boy comes home from Pre-K in his cute smocked longall and boy maryjane shoes and sailor hat and throws a ball (or car or block) at your head and yells "HEAD SHOT YOU DEAD" you can call me and complain. I will be on the floor laughing.
Today while running our errands Little Kid was
Apparently, his future Mensa member, does not eat candy. He is 3 years old (well 45 months to be exact, he did not give me hours or days old...I guess you stop that at 36 months. Who knew?) and has NEVER asked for candy, nor been given any. Well, isn't he just a dentist's nightmare? The associate didn't notice my touch of sarcasm (note to self, lay it on thicker or Iamgoingtopunchthisguy) and decided to continue. Now, I am all for bragging about your kids. Don 't get me wrong. Your little Johnny pooped on his potty? Wonderful! Susie drank without a sippy? Awesome! Your mensa member is building a special machine that will eliminate cancer from our world? Doubtful.
Paint Store man tells me his Einstein is sheltered. And he says it like it is a GOOD THING. He watches Noggin only. And only for 20 minutes a day. Seriously? How is this good? When does paint store man's wife get a shower? cook a meal? talk on the phone
See here is the thing with super sheltering your kids. 1-you think everyone else is doing it wrong and 2-you will have the only perfect kids. A few facts... however it works for you is right, however it works for someone else is right for them. There is no wrong if it works, it is right. There are no perfect kids.
By sheltering your kid however, let me give you a glimpse into your child's future. My Little Kid who has not been sheltered is going to eat your kid up and spit him out! Seriously, he is being raised in a house with 2 brothers, they are 12 and 6 years older than him. He therefore is surrounded by teens and tweens all boys, all who think it is funny to teach him 'naughty' things. We are getting to the root of that problem, but some things they just 'learn'. My kid is going to be the one to teach your kid these things. When Mensa Boy comes home from Pre-K in his cute smocked longall and boy maryjane shoes and sailor hat and throws a ball (or car or block) at your head and yells "HEAD SHOT YOU DEAD" you can call me and complain. I will be on the floor laughing.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Casino--oh look at the pretty lights...
I am on a girls weekend in Wisconsin... And it is AWESOME!!!
Here are the highlights:
An amazing walk with my amazing friend. She gave her beautiful daughter to the Heaven's last year and we walked in the Light the Night walk in memory and honor of that beautiful little girl. I have never been as moved as I was last night. I shall no longer complain of my aching feet or hurt toenails. What that little girl endured and my friend went through as her mother... is... well there are no words... I am blessed to know such a strong wonderful woman. She truly is amazing.
Now onto less emotional highlights....
I ate lunch at the restaurant that inspired Happy Days. And by far they had THE best burgers I have ever had. I could have eaten two of them, but I didn't want my friend to think I was a pig within the first day of vacation...
I went to the mall and bought...NOTHING....now this is more of a highlight for my hubby but it deserves mentioning~
I went to and am staying at a resort with an indoor waterpark. It has an amazing wave pool that gave me a decent workout. Tomorrow I will be testing out the waterslides and lazy river.
I got atan sunburn in the indoor waterpark...I won't know the full damage until morning, but right now I am feeling a little red.
I went to the casino and didn't spend nearly as much money as I planned to. I actually won a little and was able to cash in and walk away with money still available to gamble.
And the absolute topper to the trip was waking up this am to find out middle kid had called. I returned his phone call...it was answered BY HIS TEACHER!!!! I am staying in a different time zone so while I thought he should be on his bus on his way to school, he was in class writing in his journal. Oops...good thing his teacher is wonderful and understood the mistake.
So this so far is the highlights of Girls weekend... I am sure there will be more fun to be had tomorrow!!
Here are the highlights:
An amazing walk with my amazing friend. She gave her beautiful daughter to the Heaven's last year and we walked in the Light the Night walk in memory and honor of that beautiful little girl. I have never been as moved as I was last night. I shall no longer complain of my aching feet or hurt toenails. What that little girl endured and my friend went through as her mother... is... well there are no words... I am blessed to know such a strong wonderful woman. She truly is amazing.
Now onto less emotional highlights....
I ate lunch at the restaurant that inspired Happy Days. And by far they had THE best burgers I have ever had. I could have eaten two of them, but I didn't want my friend to think I was a pig within the first day of vacation...
I went to the mall and bought...NOTHING....now this is more of a highlight for my hubby but it deserves mentioning~
I went to and am staying at a resort with an indoor waterpark. It has an amazing wave pool that gave me a decent workout. Tomorrow I will be testing out the waterslides and lazy river.
I got a
I went to the casino and didn't spend nearly as much money as I planned to. I actually won a little and was able to cash in and walk away with money still available to gamble.
And the absolute topper to the trip was waking up this am to find out middle kid had called. I returned his phone call...it was answered BY HIS TEACHER!!!! I am staying in a different time zone so while I thought he should be on his bus on his way to school, he was in class writing in his journal. Oops...good thing his teacher is wonderful and understood the mistake.
So this so far is the highlights of Girls weekend... I am sure there will be more fun to be had tomorrow!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Park after all day rain=bad idea
Sometimes I just do not think. Clearly the early 90's can attest to that. My latest round of non-thinking came just today. Yesterday it rained. ALL.DAY. I knew that today should be an indoor day. But here is the thing. Well two things. I am going away in 3 days. I have a lot to do before I go, one being pack. In order to pack, I need to do laundry. In order to do laundry I need little kid napping. I do the best work when he is asleep. I am not sure why, but I do. The other thing is, I like for little kid to get out and get fresh air. When little kid gets fresh air he usually naps. Then I can do laundry and pack and go away.
So we called little kid's BFF from down the street and we decided on a fun and sure to be a great place to play park. I would like to note that we did pick a park that was sand free as of course that would be STUPID to take two 3 year old boys to a park with sand the day after Noah's Ark went through town. Luckily BFF's mom was smart enough to bring a towel to dry the equipment. Well, she dried the slides and I tried to dispute middle kid's $380 cell phone bill *to no avail BTW*. Great we had dry slides.
What we didn't have was dry steps, or tunnels. Guess what, wet painted playground equipment mixed with wet plastic shoes and 30 mph running boys equals a sheer diaster. BFF had on a new outfit. I am pretty sure when we left it wasn't suitable for the homeless man we use to see at Carl's Junior that Big kid use to ask "why doesn't he just go to Carl's and ask them for food, why do we have to give him our food?". The boys were filthy at best. Wood chips were stuck to their clothes, faces were dirty. And the topper... a few bumps and bruises. BFF was twisting the swing only to have it twist back and smack him in the side of the head. Do you know how heavy those swings are? Ask BFF, they are pretty heavy. He will remeber that for a while.
While BFF was getting consoled for his near fatal accident, little kid ran over to me. I was sitting on a swing. He ran right past me. And into the pole. It was funny, even if it wasn't, but it was. He has a nice bruise mid-forehead to remember the fun day at the park. Or not remember depending on what grade concussion he got.
So the lesson was learned today. If it has rained at anytime in the last 24 hours we will be forced to play indoors for the safety of the child. I do not need a CPS visit because I was trying to let my kid enjoy the park on a not a safe park day.
Side note...he did not nap, but considering the lump on his head it is proably for the best, I would have had to wake him up every 30 minutes to insure he was still breathing and stuff.
So we called little kid's BFF from down the street and we decided on a fun and sure to be a great place to play park. I would like to note that we did pick a park that was sand free as of course that would be STUPID to take two 3 year old boys to a park with sand the day after Noah's Ark went through town. Luckily BFF's mom was smart enough to bring a towel to dry the equipment. Well, she dried the slides and I tried to dispute middle kid's $380 cell phone bill *to no avail BTW*. Great we had dry slides.
What we didn't have was dry steps, or tunnels. Guess what, wet painted playground equipment mixed with wet plastic shoes and 30 mph running boys equals a sheer diaster. BFF had on a new outfit. I am pretty sure when we left it wasn't suitable for the homeless man we use to see at Carl's Junior that Big kid use to ask "why doesn't he just go to Carl's and ask them for food, why do we have to give him our food?". The boys were filthy at best. Wood chips were stuck to their clothes, faces were dirty. And the topper... a few bumps and bruises. BFF was twisting the swing only to have it twist back and smack him in the side of the head. Do you know how heavy those swings are? Ask BFF, they are pretty heavy. He will remeber that for a while.
While BFF was getting consoled for his near fatal accident, little kid ran over to me. I was sitting on a swing. He ran right past me. And into the pole. It was funny, even if it wasn't, but it was. He has a nice bruise mid-forehead to remember the fun day at the park. Or not remember depending on what grade concussion he got.
So the lesson was learned today. If it has rained at anytime in the last 24 hours we will be forced to play indoors for the safety of the child. I do not need a CPS visit because I was trying to let my kid enjoy the park on a not a safe park day.
Side note...he did not nap, but considering the lump on his head it is proably for the best, I would have had to wake him up every 30 minutes to insure he was still breathing and stuff.
Friday, September 10, 2010
It's a good thing my brother is a trooper...
and I hope he has pull with CPS (child protective services). I am expecting a visit from them any minute. Them or the local police. Maybe I will get both. THAT would be exciting!!! Really though, I have done no wrong...
Mostly....
I am donating a gift basket to a co-worker's son-in-laws golf benefit. (need a map to follow that one?) You see, he has been stricken with Cancer only 28 years old and his baby turned a year old this July. Kinda pulls at your heartstrings right? So, me, the kind, caring person I am decided to donate a gift basket. I purchased one of my products that I sell, which happens to be a cooler. Hubby decided the best thing for the target group there... 28, men, golf, beer. Of course it just flows!!
So I head down to our local market. Not my usual market. This store is sketchy at best. There are more food benefit cards than cash being handed out. I had little kid in the cart and I picked out three different fall beer choices. As I run to the checkout little kid is looking sad, he has been running all day with me and got nada...now he doesn't HAVE to have something at everystore, but today was a long day so I throw in a bag of M&M's.
The lady in front of me looks in my cart and surveys my purchase. 3 six packs of various beers, a toddler (mind you he is fully clothed in CLEAN clothes ~a rarity in this store~) and a pack of candy. She looks at the cart, looks at little kid, and sighs. Loudly. Directly. At. Me. I said 'I know, I just hope this lasts me the rest of the night, or at least until I pass out. I DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE HOUSE AGAIN TODAY!!!' Make note, that one, I hate beer, two, I don't drink and drive (little brother would not be able to help with that and I wouldn't deserve help) three, it is none of her business. I am a good mom and a good (most of the time) person. I am donating this gift to a family that is having a rough time. Don't Judge Me!!!
But the funny part is, as I am walking out, I notice the nosy lady still in her car. I unpacked the cart, sat little kid in his seat, and went and put the cart away (again a good person). I notice her still sitting in her car. I get a little nervous (not sure why, I surely haven't had a drink) and get in the car and start it. Little kid yells from the back seat... apparently I was too busy being a good mom that I forgot to buckle him into his carseat!! Score one for the nosy lady!
I think it is important to mention that the nosy lady must live nearby as she followed me mostly home. I am expecting the police and/or cps any moment. I have brownies baking and coffee on!
Mostly....
I am donating a gift basket to a co-worker's son-in-laws golf benefit. (need a map to follow that one?) You see, he has been stricken with Cancer only 28 years old and his baby turned a year old this July. Kinda pulls at your heartstrings right? So, me, the kind, caring person I am decided to donate a gift basket. I purchased one of my products that I sell, which happens to be a cooler. Hubby decided the best thing for the target group there... 28, men, golf, beer. Of course it just flows!!
So I head down to our local market. Not my usual market. This store is sketchy at best. There are more food benefit cards than cash being handed out. I had little kid in the cart and I picked out three different fall beer choices. As I run to the checkout little kid is looking sad, he has been running all day with me and got nada...now he doesn't HAVE to have something at everystore, but today was a long day so I throw in a bag of M&M's.
The lady in front of me looks in my cart and surveys my purchase. 3 six packs of various beers, a toddler (mind you he is fully clothed in CLEAN clothes ~a rarity in this store~) and a pack of candy. She looks at the cart, looks at little kid, and sighs. Loudly. Directly. At. Me. I said 'I know, I just hope this lasts me the rest of the night, or at least until I pass out. I DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE HOUSE AGAIN TODAY!!!' Make note, that one, I hate beer, two, I don't drink and drive (little brother would not be able to help with that and I wouldn't deserve help) three, it is none of her business. I am a good mom and a good (most of the time) person. I am donating this gift to a family that is having a rough time. Don't Judge Me!!!
But the funny part is, as I am walking out, I notice the nosy lady still in her car. I unpacked the cart, sat little kid in his seat, and went and put the cart away (again a good person). I notice her still sitting in her car. I get a little nervous (not sure why, I surely haven't had a drink) and get in the car and start it. Little kid yells from the back seat... apparently I was too busy being a good mom that I forgot to buckle him into his carseat!! Score one for the nosy lady!
I think it is important to mention that the nosy lady must live nearby as she followed me mostly home. I am expecting the police and/or cps any moment. I have brownies baking and coffee on!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Kind words...
Sometimes a rough night or a so-so night can really be lifted by the kind words of someone, out of the blue. Tonight I received the kindest words from an unexpected source and it lifted my spirits to a new high. In the words of a wise man I know, 'that is all'.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Paparazzi Mom
I have 3 boys. I like to dress them. I like to see their faces as they play, work, smile. I take their pictures. Often. I know that one day they will not be this size. Tonight when they come home from school, they will have a little more knowledge in their brain (let's hope) and a little more wear on their skin. I want them to remember every second of their lives. I want to look back at graduation and say Remember when we took Big Kid to Universal Studios 15 times in one season a few times that one year? Remember when he played hockey with that team in Canada? I love memories. I love having the chance to do things and then record them. Occassionally I miss out on a memory. Occassionally.
No way in H-E- double hockey sticks this Mom is missing the first day of school. I may have missed Third Grade with Big Kid. I will not sleep now until I confirm this or put him in some shorts and stand him on his knees and take a pic in front of our third grade house. (yes, many of our homes have only lasted one school year. I am not proud of that fact, we were renters, some worked out, some did not...happily we are now in OUR home and plan to take every picture for the next 15 years in front of the same porch railing...but I digress). Yesterday was the first day of school. I took a few pictures. Big Kid was disgusted with me. How could I? I was forced to take 2 pictures (only allowed the second one because I told him that the first one he looked fat....not a great Mommy moment, but I am honest and the kid is 6' tall and 175lbs. he knows he isn't fat) I did unknowing to him post them on facebook. I was careful not to tag him, lest he find out. Middle kid loves his picture taken as does the little one. I am their personal paparazzi, I follow them daily and chronical as much of their day as I can.
I don't have a super fancy camera. Not like what I would like, but it seems to take some pretty decent pics and people are always impressed by it. I just wish it were 'bigger' and more 'paparazzi-like'. You know 4 foot long zoom lens with a tripod...that would be SOOO cool.... but for now...the kodak easyshare works. Any camera and kids is a winner!!!
No way in H-E- double hockey sticks this Mom is missing the first day of school. I may have missed Third Grade with Big Kid. I will not sleep now until I confirm this or put him in some shorts and stand him on his knees and take a pic in front of our third grade house. (yes, many of our homes have only lasted one school year. I am not proud of that fact, we were renters, some worked out, some did not...happily we are now in OUR home and plan to take every picture for the next 15 years in front of the same porch railing...but I digress). Yesterday was the first day of school. I took a few pictures. Big Kid was disgusted with me. How could I? I was forced to take 2 pictures (only allowed the second one because I told him that the first one he looked fat....not a great Mommy moment, but I am honest and the kid is 6' tall and 175lbs. he knows he isn't fat) I did unknowing to him post them on facebook. I was careful not to tag him, lest he find out. Middle kid loves his picture taken as does the little one. I am their personal paparazzi, I follow them daily and chronical as much of their day as I can.
I don't have a super fancy camera. Not like what I would like, but it seems to take some pretty decent pics and people are always impressed by it. I just wish it were 'bigger' and more 'paparazzi-like'. You know 4 foot long zoom lens with a tripod...that would be SOOO cool.... but for now...the kodak easyshare works. Any camera and kids is a winner!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Mrs. Fix-it
A few months ago we had a 'small' issue with the washer and the water draining. Turns out, the pipes were backed up and the kitchen sink was draining through my open washer, onto the floor, into the clothes I had 'strategically' left on the floor of the laundry room. My Dad came out and cleaned out the pipes, and all was working good. Well last night I was trying to do more laundry and the washer came up with an error code. It was the one that says it was taking too long to drain. I told the hubs I was going to fix it. So He took the pipe cover off and Big kid and I sat there and ran things through the pipe. Things like a hair catcher, a section of pipe, a hockey stick. You know all the regular plumber tools. Finally, I had a brillant idea!! I will tape a small sock to the end of a broomstick and that will clean out the pipe. As I shoved the stick in the pipe I faintly heard the Hubs say, 'you may want to check the tape and make sure it is on there tight!'. No, why do I need to do that?
You see where this is going right? Pulled the broomstick out and no sock. Good, I planned for it to stay in there...it will be a filter! I am so brillant!! So at 7:30 on Labor day Monday I am off to Lowe's to buy a snake. Back home with our new snake we cleaned the pipe and cleaned it good. Closed it up and KNEW that the washer would drain properly. We are good you know. Washer started and made it quite a while and then it flashed a new code. CRAP!!! Looked up that error code. It appears there is a trap on the front of the washer under the drum. We removed the front panel and Hubs had to get in to remove the cover. It was full of water. And other stuff. I think we could have made $100 in change if w cleaned it out of the lint, paper, hair, and lord knows what else that was shoved in that trap. So I slowly but optomistically forged ahead. Maybe we fixed it this time?
Well, 3 loads later and it is all running in working order. I am so GLAD that I was here to fix that!!!
You see where this is going right? Pulled the broomstick out and no sock. Good, I planned for it to stay in there...it will be a filter! I am so brillant!! So at 7:30 on Labor day Monday I am off to Lowe's to buy a snake. Back home with our new snake we cleaned the pipe and cleaned it good. Closed it up and KNEW that the washer would drain properly. We are good you know. Washer started and made it quite a while and then it flashed a new code. CRAP!!! Looked up that error code. It appears there is a trap on the front of the washer under the drum. We removed the front panel and Hubs had to get in to remove the cover. It was full of water. And other stuff. I think we could have made $100 in change if w cleaned it out of the lint, paper, hair, and lord knows what else that was shoved in that trap. So I slowly but optomistically forged ahead. Maybe we fixed it this time?
Well, 3 loads later and it is all running in working order. I am so GLAD that I was here to fix that!!!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Dear Mr. Garbage-Man,
An open letter to my garbage man, an apology of sorts!
Dear Mr. Garbage-Man,
I apologize for the long stop here at Chez-me today. A funny thing happens when the happiness of Back to school, mixes with the sadness of back to school. Shopping has been accomplished, but now, where in the world are we keeping all of these new treasures? The kids closets are bursting at the seams as it is. And now, I just went and bought them each no less than 10 new outfits, shoes, socks, unders, well you get the picture. *and we will get back to the backpack debacle soon enough* So to make room for all of the new treasures, I ventured into middle ones room. Now when I say ventured, I alerted the authorities, left my next of kin with all of the necessary paperwork. I worked fast in that trench, I was in and out in 35 minutes. I left there with 3 bags of garbage and 3 bags of clothes to donate/giveaway/burn. The closet is now semi-organized, the drawers in BOTH dressers are now so organized Helen Keller could find an appropriate outfit. *no offense to Helen or any other blind people, just saying I made outfit matching so easy a gecko can do it* Middle Kid needs it THAT easy!!
I am going to continue through the house for as many hours as I can stand it and try to remove 50% of the clutter that we are drowning in. The next stop is the Big Ones diaster. We have already removed the backpack from last year. It is the same backpack he told me he was going to carry this year. I had not purchased a new backpack for him since his, as told by him, was still in fine working order. I had to disagree...it was removed from his custody with long tongs and a man wearing a hazmat suit. It is the same backpack that your partner just touched with his bare hands. I would rush him to the ER for shots and testing. But first please collect the rest of the garbage from out here.
Thank you for your faithful service,
Your job really stinks!
CEO of Chez-ME!
Dear Mr. Garbage-Man,
I apologize for the long stop here at Chez-me today. A funny thing happens when the happiness of Back to school, mixes with the sadness of back to school. Shopping has been accomplished, but now, where in the world are we keeping all of these new treasures? The kids closets are bursting at the seams as it is. And now, I just went and bought them each no less than 10 new outfits, shoes, socks, unders, well you get the picture. *and we will get back to the backpack debacle soon enough* So to make room for all of the new treasures, I ventured into middle ones room. Now when I say ventured, I alerted the authorities, left my next of kin with all of the necessary paperwork. I worked fast in that trench, I was in and out in 35 minutes. I left there with 3 bags of garbage and 3 bags of clothes to donate/giveaway/burn. The closet is now semi-organized, the drawers in BOTH dressers are now so organized Helen Keller could find an appropriate outfit. *no offense to Helen or any other blind people, just saying I made outfit matching so easy a gecko can do it* Middle Kid needs it THAT easy!!
I am going to continue through the house for as many hours as I can stand it and try to remove 50% of the clutter that we are drowning in. The next stop is the Big Ones diaster. We have already removed the backpack from last year. It is the same backpack he told me he was going to carry this year. I had not purchased a new backpack for him since his, as told by him, was still in fine working order. I had to disagree...it was removed from his custody with long tongs and a man wearing a hazmat suit. It is the same backpack that your partner just touched with his bare hands. I would rush him to the ER for shots and testing. But first please collect the rest of the garbage from out here.
Thank you for your faithful service,
Your job really stinks!
CEO of Chez-ME!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Back to school....
Such a happy phrase, such a sad phrase...I love back to school, because I, well, love to shop. I love to get outfits, and pick out shoes. I adore the sales on supplies...who doesn't need nickel folders? And of course I need to buy $6 worth! We will never have a shortage of spiral notebooks either...of course they were a PENNY!!! I found a dollar's worth of change in the van and went to town!!! I thought I was thinking ahead...surely the kids will need 'some' and why not buy them now at such a huge discount. And then it happened...in the mail came the school supply list...not one spiral notebook on the whole dang thing!!! Foiled again! Thankfully, middle did need 12 pocket folders and I have roughly 120 of them...foiled again...he needs specific colors and I didn't pick up purple for my boys... back to the drawing board!!
This year back to school has a new meaning...little will be going to school... it is only 2 days a week, and it is only 2 and a half hours, but it is school! He has will be learning and not playing, and meeting new friends. He will be doing this without me. The other days of course he will be home with me 'unlearning' what the school is so hard trying to teach him. He will still get to see the big ones afterschool and on weekends. He will miss his xbox time with his big brother and beating the crap out of the middle kid. So let this serve as a warning to the kids in his preschool class, he will be looking for someone new to beat the crap out of!!!
This year back to school has a new meaning...little will be going to school... it is only 2 days a week, and it is only 2 and a half hours, but it is school! He has will be learning and not playing, and meeting new friends. He will be doing this without me. The other days of course he will be home with me 'unlearning' what the school is so hard trying to teach him. He will still get to see the big ones afterschool and on weekends. He will miss his xbox time with his big brother and beating the crap out of the middle kid. So let this serve as a warning to the kids in his preschool class, he will be looking for someone new to beat the crap out of!!!
Friday, September 3, 2010
WWDD?--What would (the) Duggar's Do?
You know who they are, the Duggar's, right? They are that crazy, fertile, extremely religious family that continue to procreate freely believing God will not give the more than they can handle. They are at 19 kids right now. One is already married and has one of his own.
So as I sit here with my 3 boys calling them the wrong names, I wonder. How often does Jim-Bob (his real name) call the kids by the wrong name. There are days when I can't get 3 names right. Imagine 19!! All starting with 'J'. Honestly I wonder how often do they get it right on the first try?? I go through all three kids names and add in a few extra before I get the right name. I have trouble remebering 20 friends names, how the heck do they remeber each kids name? I bet when the TV cameras aren't there filming thier ultra-conservative lifestyle the make those kids wear name tags.
I believe everyone I meet will be greeted with a handshake and a name tag. Kids in my home will ALWAYS wear them (well until my tv career takes off!).
So as I sit here with my 3 boys calling them the wrong names, I wonder. How often does Jim-Bob (his real name) call the kids by the wrong name. There are days when I can't get 3 names right. Imagine 19!! All starting with 'J'. Honestly I wonder how often do they get it right on the first try?? I go through all three kids names and add in a few extra before I get the right name. I have trouble remebering 20 friends names, how the heck do they remeber each kids name? I bet when the TV cameras aren't there filming thier ultra-conservative lifestyle the make those kids wear name tags.
I believe everyone I meet will be greeted with a handshake and a name tag. Kids in my home will ALWAYS wear them (well until my tv career takes off!).
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Social Gathering....
So they say it is important to socialize your toddler/preschooler. Little gets PLENTY of that. I mean he hangs with 15 year olds and 10 year olds. What could a preschooler teach him? I mean who needs the ABC's when they can play COD? What is more precious than a little blondie telling people HEAD SHOT! As they throw random objects at other's heads? We did learn body parts as they were flying off the man on the video screen.
As preschool fast approaches, we have decided to 'socialize' little with a fun activity. Water Fun Day with his little boy buddies and the MOPS kiddos. We.Are.Hosting. We have made a fun game of 'PICK UP ALL THESEDAMN INCONVIENTLY PLACED TOYS' It is a race and I think they are really making headway! I just hope they don't expect a prize! The dog has been bathed. He.Needed.It. It has been months since he has gone to the groomer. That is on the list of to-do when school starts. The little is in his swimsuit. He can not wait for his friends to come over.
We are supplying a snack and the water fun...everything else, well you are on your own... and please don't judge if you need to use the restroom...the house is 'semiclean messy'
As preschool fast approaches, we have decided to 'socialize' little with a fun activity. Water Fun Day with his little boy buddies and the MOPS kiddos. We.Are.Hosting. We have made a fun game of 'PICK UP ALL THESE
We are supplying a snack and the water fun...everything else, well you are on your own... and please don't judge if you need to use the restroom...the house is 'semi
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
House Arrest
You will find my 9 year old (middle) in his room for the next 2 weeks at least. He has shown his immaturity and blantant disregard from right and wrong this week. In my home house arrest includes, but is not limited to, no phone, no ipod, no video games, no bike, no outside, no friends, no food, (ok we will feed him, but he may not like it and we won't make a special dish for him!) He will this week be cleaning his room Mommy clean, not kid clean, helping with yard work, cleaning out his closet, and any other yucky non kid friendly chores.
What did middle do to deserve this treatment? He used his phone as a downloading machine. As we handed the phone over to him the exact words we used were...'this is NOT for the internet and games, this is for VERIZON phone calls and texts'. 63!!! downloads later the phone bill has arrived!! He has learned a valuable lesson right away!! NOTHING is free and NOTHING goes unpunished.
After two weeks we may put him on probation and see how he behaves. MAY being the key. We shall see how the behavior in general has changed.
Now we will see how good I can get at the xbox that I now own for at least the next 2 weeks.
What did middle do to deserve this treatment? He used his phone as a downloading machine. As we handed the phone over to him the exact words we used were...'this is NOT for the internet and games, this is for VERIZON phone calls and texts'. 63!!! downloads later the phone bill has arrived!! He has learned a valuable lesson right away!! NOTHING is free and NOTHING goes unpunished.
After two weeks we may put him on probation and see how he behaves. MAY being the key. We shall see how the behavior in general has changed.
Now we will see how good I can get at the xbox that I now own for at least the next 2 weeks.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Slacker, slacker, slacker
That is my new nickname. I am slacking at the updating...we had an exciting vacation jam packed with exciting activities and I got nothin'. I am making it a priority to get on here now every morning and post a little blurb...just a little one..
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Best.Invention.Ever!
I know I am getting old when this excites me, but if you knew this was out there you would be stoked like I am! I ventured to my local Marshall's last night for no reason at all and found the absolute perfect comforter set for small fry's room. What better for little 'Jeter' than Yankee's toddler bedding? Full set: sheet, pillowcase, comforter, and top sheet. Now in store, I thought, top sheet? Eh, we can throw it in the closet. I hate messing with the tucking and folds and that crap. So I am putting the sheets on the bed this am and low and behold, the top sheet is fitted at the bottom!! How freaking ingenious is that? Who thought of it, and why did it take until I was a mom and didn't care about fitted top sheets to make them. Why did they not make these when I was a kid and my mom insisted that a bed was not made without all of the proper sheets? I am now going to search out fitted top sheets for every bed in the house. They must make them for bigger beds and if not, Martha Stewart stole the idea from me. You heard it here first!
Bonus a pic of the bed...please note, we are in the middle of re-doing small fry's room so this is the first piece of the puzzle...
Bonus a pic of the bed...please note, we are in the middle of re-doing small fry's room so this is the first piece of the puzzle...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Spilled smoothie
It will never be a good day when you start it out with a spilled smoothie. Ask TJ, ask Mommy. I told him time and time again "sit up at the table, you are going to spill that". It is like I have freaking superpowers, or something, or I just know that a 3 year old with a large uncovered cup is going to spill. He dropped the WHOLE thing on the floor. You know what sucks more than a spilled smoothie and a 3 year old crying? Cleaning up said smoothie while listening to said 3 year old crying! I went through a whole roll of papertowels. Quicker picker upper my arse! And then the real trauma started. 9 year old brother has a full smoothie and 3 year old has none! Oh Crap this could be trouble. Without skipping a beat 9 year old says 'we can share mine'! AWWWW!! Heaven sent that one. He is so kind and caring....today! They shared the smoothie with two straws and the world was good again...
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
We have Baby
No! Bite your tongue!!! Not 'we' as in the Crofford 'we'...'we' as in 'me' as in I started babysitting today for a 9 month old little man. Toughest boss I have ever had! I have an acquaintance that was looking for daycare while she finishes her degree and I thought 'else do I do Tuesday/Thursday from 9-4?' Certainly not anything too pressing that I can't fit a baby in right?? I figure, he naps, I nap, I clean, he crawls around, I crawl around, I follow and clean as he goes. This week will be pretty tricky. I have to work in the middle of my 'babyshift'. Good thing I have a well-trained babysitter at home. I have most everything still at the house from TJ so baby 'stuff' wasn't an issue. Of course the food I had saved was no longer any good (I kid, I kid) but luckily his mom isn't a total deliquent and she is providing it along with a nutritionist's guideline for what and when he should eat. Cool...little to no thinking there!!
TJ is a little jealous of this new little creature. He has TJ's things and seems to be requiring a lot of mommy's attention. Though, little man made no friends by taking TJ's spiderman right from TJ's hand within minutes of being left here. As reported by TJ "him's Mommy forgot him, go get her, he can't stay here!" yeah, they are going to be great friends!! Keep taking his toys, you will see what a sweet caring kid he is, with your black eye!!
TJ is a little jealous of this new little creature. He has TJ's things and seems to be requiring a lot of mommy's attention. Though, little man made no friends by taking TJ's spiderman right from TJ's hand within minutes of being left here. As reported by TJ "him's Mommy forgot him, go get her, he can't stay here!" yeah, they are going to be great friends!! Keep taking his toys, you will see what a sweet caring kid he is, with your black eye!!
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