Friday, December 30, 2011

Chicken noodle soup

Daddy was sick today so the girl and I made him chicken noodle soup. I really must admit, I cut up the veggies and she made the rest. She sauted the veggies, added the broth and stirred every 5 mins. until it boiled. She then added the noodles. She did this all on her own. While she was doing all her waiting she sat and read me a book!

The smile on her little face as her sick daddy and little brother ate her soup and loved her soup was more than words can say.

Friday, December 23, 2011

DC

We went into DC today. The boy looked at the Washington Monument at said, "it looks like a sharp pencil that God never uses!"

I love how kids think!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Sick or Not?

What a doozie this morning was! The girl came into my bedroom complaining of a tummy ache and a headache. As we all know, those symptoms are hard to prove. I sent her downstairs to eat some breakfast to see if that might help. She ate her cereal and continued to complain of a tummy ache, headache gone. Trying to figure out exactly what was going on was quite the challenge. She cried a bit stating that she really wasn't feeling well. I wanted to tell her to march her hiney up the stairs and get dressed but instead I tried a different approach. I told her that she could either go get dressed and ready for school or she could go climb back in bed and rest for the day. That was a BIG no go! She looked up at me with tears streaking down her little cheeks and said, "Mommy I just want to stay home and read." How do you say no to reading?

Luckily most of her morning chores were done. Once she got dressed and finished the rest of her chores she found the book that she had wanted to read so badly. She plopped herself next to me on the couch resting her warm little arm on my leg and began reading. She did such a great job.

Soon it was time to leave for school. She got herself up, shoes on and out the door. We walked to the bus stop and she climbed on the bus. Not one more mention of a tummy ache or headache! I even got lots of blown kisses and hugs through the window of the bus.

Just another say in our home!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Bus love

Waiting for the bus this afternoon was not business as usual. The bus doors open and the bus driver asks me to step up for a quick talk, ummm not good! She goes on to tell me that the boy is having trouble keeping his bottom in his seat. He's turning around and yelling "I love you Erica" to a little girl on the bus. After our discussion she lets everyone off the bus. When it was his turn to disembark he had his head hung down knowing full well he was in trouble....again. I begin to talk to him about the importance of sitting down in his seat for safety. I go on to stress the importance of not yelling on the bus, it makes it hard for the bus driver to concentrate. I then asked him about Erica. I told him he needed to stop yelling to her and telling her that he loved her. He looked up at me with his big blue eyes and round little face and said "but mom, she's pretty!" Fair enough!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Runaway


After school today was an interesting one. The boy refused to do his homework as requested. Instead he chose to throw a temper tantrum on the floor. After 2 short stints in his room he was out and homework was done. As I'm walking around the kitchen the dog runs for her life from a big waving tube of cardboard (the boy's "map"). Goodnight show is now taken away from the boy and the sh## hits the fan. Tears and yells as he is off to his room for the 3rd time this evening. From behind the closed door yells are being heard, "you don't love me!" When the crying has subsided I ask him to join me downstairs for a little heart to heart about what happened to get him where he is at that moment. He comes downstairs and proclaims "I am done with this family." He proceeds to tell me that he wants to live with another family. First he chooses the family down the street, I explain that they have children and are full up! Next he chooses to go live with Grandma. I tell him that I would be very sad if he left but if that's what he needs to do to be happy then he should pack.

Ummmm he called my bluff! Thump thump thump down the stairs comes my little boy and his suitcase, filled to capacity! He gets his shoes and coat on and is ready to go. I tell him that I can't drive him, it's too far and it's dinner time. He looks at me and bursts into tears. He tells me he just can't stay. He then realizes he's going to have to walk to Grandma's house and a whole new set of tears come streaming out of his eyes. I ask him to sit on my lap and I hold his shaking little body. Telling him that I want him to be happy is a hard task, I want to cry and hold tight and ask why he wants to leave so badly. I hold him tight and I ask him to stay. He shakes his little head against my chest that is now covered in tears, his. As we move from the foyer to the livingroom couch (much more comfortable) he asks to call Grandma, what was said in that conversation I don't know but the tears have stopped.

Luckily I was able to convince him to stay until after dinner. After a conversation with Daddy about what was wrong and a nice yummy meal, okay so asparagus aren't his favorite, he's not mentioned that he's off to live with Grandma again. Don't think I won't be listening extra hard for any escapees tonight!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Double Dating

On the way to the bus stop this morning they boy looks up and says, "mommy do you know what double dating is?" The girl tries to pipe up with her definition but I had to stop her so I could hear his thoughts. As we walked he continued, "when you swing right next to another person at the same time you are double dating." I turned to my daughter and she agreed, she continued to tell me that she only double dates with boys because the girls don't swing long enough.

As we're walking and they're filling me in on double dating I'm trying not to laugh. I do hope that they both continue thinking double dating is swinging side by side at the same pace. Life would be so much easier if swinging and laughing and playing were the true definition of double dating.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Girlfriend

The boy announced this morning that he had a girlfriend. I tried to turn it around saying that there were a lot of girls in his class and they should all be his friends. He looked at me with a big grin and announced, no mommy you kiss a girlfriend! I really tried not to laugh and told him that there should be no kissing friends, just Mommy. He laughed then agreed.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The trunk of the car

I forgot to write this one down when it happened.

Mike had the kids for the morning. When I got them back the boy declaired, "Mommy, Daddy said that Abby (our dog) is better than you." Of course I was a bit confused so he went on to explain. "Daddy said if we locked you in the trunk of the car then opened it up you would be angry and yell. If we locked Abby in the trunk then opened it, Abby would be happy and love us up!"

Thanks Daddy!

Baseball

It's been a while since I posted last. We'll see if time is on my side for a while so I can begin again. Bear with me! :)

Last night the boy had a baseball game. Unfortunately it was so early in the evening that I had to shove food in the kids mouths in the car and....Daddy couldn't make it (boo). The boy played an awesome game! He hit 3 for 3. In coach pitch they get 6 balls, he hit the first one each time! He also made 2 outs while playing 1st base. He was so proud of himself. Each great hit or play got me a huge smile, wave of the hand and a kiss blown in my direction. He would yell "Mommy, don't forget to call Daddy and tell him!" He was so excited to tell Daddy that he came right in the house, made Daddy sit on the couch with him and told him the whole game!

Daddy got an email later in the evening stating "if your son is going to play that well with you not at the game, please no longer attend!" So funny!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

School pictures

Both kids had pictures today. As they got off the bus they boy ran to me and declared, "Mommy, I was so handsome they took 3 pictures of me. They only took 2 of everyone else!" As a Mommy I can say, he was darn handsome. As a former teacher I can say, he probably wouldn't sit still! I won't tell him that last hypothesis though. :)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

First Day of School

Well today was the first day of school for my kids. The boy started Kindergarten and the girl started second grade. That will leave me home...alone...sounds good huh? Maybe in a few weeks but not yet!

When heading off to bed last night the girl declared, "Mommy I'll never be able to sleep I'm so excited!" The boy was another story, he informed me that he was "just a little scared." I sat with each of them and told them that it would be a super fun day and yes, sleep would come.

I set their alarms to wake them at 7am (not needed). They were both up and running between each others rooms by 6:45am. For good measure they felt the need to run into my room and wake me from what little sleep I got trying to ignore my nerves as well.

They took no time at all to get dressed, make their beds and head downstairs for breakfast. There was a little snag in the girls outfit, her pants were too big, but we got that worked out. It was an excitement filled morning.

We headed to the bus stop in the rain at 8:45am. We actually drove so that daddy and I could follow the bus and get pictures of the kiddos getting off the bus at school. As we stood at the bus stop I could see the nerves slowly creep into the boys face. I didn't say anything, not wanting him to think about it too much. The bus came and I walked the boy and the girl over to it. I then ran from one side of the bus to the other in search of my two kids peering out the windows. Upon finding them the boy crumbled from smiling waves to bending over crying. My heart broke. Thank God the girl was there for him and took good care of him. I almost lost it in the car following the bus but I held it together so I could go and take pictures of them getting off the bus.

Upon exiting the bus I was able to get pictures of a happy little boy and girl. The tears were replaced with a smile that went ear to ear. The girl told me he was just fine. She had taken care of him.

Here I sit on my couch, the bus will be here in one hour. I can't wait to hear the stories of the day. Daddy stayed home with me today so I wouldn't go crazy. He's sitting here watching the clock as well. And we wait....

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Hurricane


Place: Mommy's bedroom early sat. morning!

Me: "Boy why do you have your backpack on?"

Boy:" I'm getting ready for the hurricane, my backpack will keep me down if the hurricane tries to take me away!"

Contents of backpack: 2 blankies (he calls them bears), one stuffed animal, one blanket and some tissues.

I think we may have to talk about weight soon :)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Garden

Mommy, I wish we could grow hot dogs in our garden.

Hot dogs don't grow in the garden hun.

Where do they come from Mommy?

Ummmm...

(from the boy)

Thursday, August 11, 2011

True love

The girl to me:

"Mommy, just cuz other mommies don't yell or say no doesn't mean we should love them more than you."


ummmm....thanks????

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Fun in the Sun


We just got back from a wonderful family vacation. We met with 3 other families down at the Outer Banks, NC. Four families, 5 kids and a pretty nice house. We were a short walk from the beach and had a nice pool at the house. The kids swam like fish! The morning usually started off over a cup of coffee and the kids begging to head to the beach. As Daddy and I drug our feet and fought to wake up, the kids would eat breakfast and swimsuit up. As we all know summer is wonderful and enjoyable, except the part of applying sunblock. A half hour later, sunblock applied, snacks and juice/water packed and it's off to the beach. There's four of us in our family, everyone had their arms full! We would either stake out a nice part of the beach and the other families would join us or we would meet up with someone who had made it out the door ahead of us.

As Daddy took the time to put up our umbrella the kids would race to the water's edge. I must admit that having older kids at the beach is much nicer than it was a few years ago. We had them wear a life vest when they got near or in the water. They would float over the swells and pop back up if a wave got them. Is it bad to say that the look on their faces when a wave hit them and rolled them was priceless. Don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds, I got smashed once too. Plus, most of the time they popped back up, grinned and choked out "I'm okay." When they were tired of the water they would swim in and play in the sand. Since they were doing so good on their own Daddy and I didn't have to come in with them. They would ride the waves in, keep their life vests on and play. I loved them when they were babies but older and more independent definitely has it's advantages!

After a few hours everyone would get hungry and we'd head back to the house. As soon as lunch was over the kids wanted to jump right into the pool. We only made the mistake of no rest one day. That night was full of melt downs, that didn't happen again! The other days the kids would rest, snack then right back into the water they would go. They got to show Daddy their wonderful swimming skills. Man he was impressed how far they have come since last year. We had to practically pry their little bodies out of the water (if that's possible) to get them out for dinner. The first night we actually let them eat by the pool.

All the kids did very well together. They ranged in ages from 9 months to 7 years old. The girl and the boy shared the bunk room with another little girl, age 3. They all did great but a little too social. They stayed up till all hours and were awake at the crack of dawn. Thank goodness the room came equipped with a DVD player and the kids didn't feel the need to wake us up when they got up. The girl had a 2yr. old admirer that showed up about half way through the week. He followed her around the house exclaiming that she was his. He grabbed her hand and took her all the places he wanted to go. He also ran in and out of the water just as she did, placing his feet just like hers. It was the girl's first summer romance (she just liked having someone do exactly what she wanted him to.)

The 3 year old was a little girl and she and the boy got along wonderfully. The boy actually stood up to his sister and went along with the 3 year old girl instead, a shocker for me!

I can't wait to do it again next year and see how much everyone has changed. I'll cross my fingers and say my prayers that the kids and parents do as well every year as they did this year.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Treasure Hunt


This past weekend our family went down to my parents house. Daddy planned a great treasure hunt for the kids. They had no idea what was about to happen. In order to place all the clues, Grandma and Nonna took the kids to a neighbors house where there just happened to be a pirate ship. After about an hour they came back. The first clue was left in the water under the pier. It was in an empty wine bottle that had "washed up on shore." The girl saw it first and flipped out. She was sure it was left there by a pirate. I tried to convince her it was just a washed up bottle but she was more than excited! She pulled the bottle out, got Daddy to open the cork and pulled out a letter from the pirates and the first clue. The boy was excited about the idea but he was much more excited about the wine bottle that he could submerge in the pool on the porch.

The girl took the clue to the grown-ups on the porch and began reading it aloud. They were a bit tricky but she jumped from one clue to the next. Often she set off in the wrong direction to be set straight by having everyone help out. The boy became much more interested when she began to find gold deblumes with the clues.

Both kids were so excited they ran from spot to spot until they came to the final map. The map, also created by Daddy, had an 'X' to mark the spot of the treasure. After about 10 mins. they found the X in the ground. They were very nervous but continued to dig until they found the treasure box. They about jumped out of their skin when they opened and found gold and jewels.

After declaring that they were rich for the rest of their lives and sharing some jewels with their grandparents the kids began to hide the treasure box from anyone. They began to voice their concerns about the pirates returning and coming after them for digging up the box. The girl even went for a nap and swore she heard footsteps outside her window (second floor).

I think they've realized that the gold isn't real but....they still aren't sure how all the clues got to where they were and how the treasure got there. They still kinda want to believe it was pirates so, pirates it was!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Perspective!

Let me paint the picture for you. The boy, the girl and I are sitting in an exam room waiting for the doctor to grace us with his presence. In this room which is on the 4th floor is a huge window looking out over everything. Just looking out makes my knees wobble a little realizing how high we are. The girl looks out and says "Mom, if I went out on that ledge right there I'd grab on and pull myself inside as quick as I can." The boy pipes up with "not me! I'd get my backpack parachute and jump out and parachute down, you think I'd get caught in the trees?" REALLY? How different can two kids be!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Test

The girl and I had a very bonding and heart breaking experience this past weekend. As a parent we know our kids are going to get their feelings hurt. We can never prepare ourselves for these moments, the look in our child's eyes and how it cuts us to the core.

The girl, the boy and I went to a birthday party this past weekend. We went to an indoor water park type of place. The problem came when the girl wanted to ride the water slide. Height wise she came to the bottom of the "acceptable" line. We both figured, top or bottom, either worked. Knowing that I couldn't go with her since I had to keep my eye on the little guy she went up the stairs all by herself to go on the slide, this was a big accomplishment in itself. The next thing I know she was back down the steps in tears. They had sent her back saying she was too short and had to pass the swim test. I walked her back up to try and figure things out but they told me the same thing. The girl was very hurt but she stuck her chin up and wanted me to find out how and where to take the test, she knew she could pass it. My heart felt like it had vice grips on it and someone was tightening them.

I did find out what to do and we were off. She had to swim the length of the pool w/0 stopping and tread water for 30 seconds. I'll tell you now, she's never done either of those things. Well, she hopped right in and began swimming. She got half way and her eyes began to tear up, the look of determination was killing me. I yelled, "you can do it, get mad!" she kept on swimming. She got 3 feet from the wall and couldn't go any further, she had to stop. She stopped, took a breath then finished. The lifeguards told me she hadn't passed. I had to break the news to her. Her poor little body was already shaking from being tired, now a fresh shaking began as the tears flowed down her cheeks. A burning sensation began in my stomach and tore my heart apart. Hadn't they seen how hard she had just worked? Knowing full well that it was a safety thing but not caring I gathered my crying little girl up and hissed "I hate this place" as I walked away with her. I wanted to yell so much more but that wouldn't have helped.

We went back to the side where the party was and she just sat in my lap saying she was a loser and too short to do fun things. I held her and told her how proud I was that she had tried and not given up. My heart hurt so much I thought I was going to be sick.

After a while the girl decided to go and play with everyone else which made me happy for her. As she walked off she did tell me that she was never going to come back here again. One more stab in the heart for Mommy.

Today, 2 days later, I watched my little girl at our own pool. She was practicing swimming the length of the pool.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

T-Ball Ladies

The kids and I had lunch today with a group of moms and kids that we met at the boy's t-ball games. I think all these moms, me included, couldn't wait to get out and enjoy adult conversation. The kids were more than excited to see some of their friends again as well. We went to one of the moms houses which was beautiful. The best part was there was a basement for all the kids to play in. By all the kids you should know that there were 8 kids. Can you imagine 8 kids running around while 4 moms are trying to have a conversation? As I mentioned there's a basement, so it really was very nice.

I think it was nice for all of us to see our kids play nicely together, and hit each other....wait sound funny? Na, as a mom it's nice to know that it's not just your kid that gets in trouble, is to rough with other kids or just plain pushy.

Our conversations went from the normal mom topics of "is your kids looking forward to school next year?" To not so everyday topics such as "why do boys always have their hands down their pants?" Between those interesting conversations kids would pop up with a notice of who was hitting whom, such as "the white boy in the orange shirt just hit me." Yes jaws dropped and we all burst into giggles which we could not contain each time a new kid came up.

We would do an occasional basement check and a warning was sent down to the basement from a child upstairs "a parent is coming!" That should probably make us wonder but hey, there were no tears and no blood so we looked, deemed all well and went back to our happy world of adult conversation.

The kids were happy, the moms were happy and in the end who could ask for a better few hours?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Mother of the year hits again!

I don't think I really knew what I was getting myself into when I signed up for this stay at home mom gig. After today I many have to rethink the terms of this agreement.

I mowed the lawn, weed wacked and trimmed trees. The tree trimming was the most difficult part of the task but since the kids were home I figured...free labor! I trimmed 5 trees and the kids were tasked with the job of carrying the limbs around to the driveway and helping me bundle them. By the time we got to this task it was 11am and hot, but it had to get done! I "encouraged" them by letting them know that if they did this job w/o fighting me we'd go to the pool. That definitely sped them up. The girl began singing a pool song she made up and the boy was picking up tree limbs by the hand full instead of one at a time.

Once that task was done we went inside to get ready for the pool. They ate some food, got swimsuits on and got sunblock on. We got snacks ready, towels ready and all in a positive fashion (bribery works). We were all ready except one thing, I couldn't find the pool passes (mother of the year). The kids helped me look high and low. Okay they followed me around while I looked high and low moaning about how we'd never be able to go. The girl went so far as to say "we're doomed!" To get them off my tail, and my nerves, I decided to have them pick up the house a bit while I continued to look. That didn't go over very well. At long last I found the passes and we were off. It was a busy, but in the end, fun day.

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Birthday Party

The boy had a birthday party to go to today. We all know how hectic these can be, a dozen 5-6 year olds running around and often times their toddling siblings right underfoot. Fun times!

Well this party was different. It was a party for a team mate of the boys from t-ball and it was at a bounce house. Since I knew most of the moms it was much less stressful for me than some of the usual parties. It was no stress at all for the boy. He found the birthday boy and a few other teammates and ran like crazy. He laughed, jumped, and ran around the place like only a little kid can do. I on the other hand sat with my back to the room and chatted with the other moms. Yes, my back to the room was the only way I could sit so that I could join in on the conversation, so I did! These moms are great, we always have a nice time together. The boy did great on his own, well he did come and ask me if his tooth was cracked at one point but there were no tears and no crack so off he went again.

Sitting with these women and discussing our families is a laugh in itself. It's refreshing to know that my girl is not the only one that is "pmsing" at the young age of 7 (and all the years before that). It's also good to know that there is no "normal" family, we're all crazy in our own ways. Maybe we're all crazy so we can share our stories and make the others have a good laugh!

Well here's to many more birthday parties like this one. At least a good dinner out with my new found lady friends!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

All-Stars

The girl was picked as one of 3 girls on her softball team to participate in an all-star game today at the league picnic. She was very excited and proud, until we got there. She walked up and saw all these other girls that she didn't know and became very nervous! Anyhow, after her first time in the outfield she tried to run off to me. Did I mention she was nervous? I just wanted to scoop her up and tell her it was going to be fine. I however did the right mom thing and told her to hurry up and get with her team!

It's amazing to me how my little girl can walk up to any adult and have a conversation but a dugout full of new peers scared the heck out of her. It helped a little that one of the girls had been on her team before. It also helped that Daddy offered ice cream if she kept playing and added a smile! She did a great job despite the nerves. She went 2 for 2, for all us less knowledgeable people out there that means she went up to bat twice and hit it both times In the end she opted for her first Slurpee and had a great time. I am very proud of my angel!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Singing

I sat in the front seat of my car listening to my kids talking and playing as we drove home from a friends house. Just as I was about to zone out of their conversations and into my own thoughts my daughter yells, "mommy turn the radio up, I love this song!" I happened to be scanning the stations and it was paused, at that particular moment, on 99.5 not a station I thought I'd let my kids listen to. It amazed me that she knew most of the words. It seemed such a teenage song and there my little 7year old is, singing most of the words and all of the tune. I did realize she didn't know what she was saying, thank goodness, but still. When did she grow up so fast?

Friday, June 10, 2011

Addition

As I sit here this morning trying to drink one cup of coffee the children sit nicely at the kitchen table eating their breakfast. Ha, wake up! The morning started off so well with giggles and tickles and playing games, then I had to get them going. Now I sit here listening while the girl tries to teach the boy addition. He's doing so great with anything he can add on his fingers but no she can't stick to that. I hear, "what's 300+300?" and a frustrated little boy yells, "I don't know the hard ones yet sister!" He's so desperate for her to play and talk with him that he puts up with it as long as he can. She wants to prove how smart she is, "mom it's easy, if 3+3=6 then 300+300=600, it's easy see!" The boy looks down with a sad look on his face. The girl crosses her arms and refuses to do the "easy" math with her brother.

It's frustrating to know that they get along so well when I'm not around. I love to watch them from a window as they play so nicely outside just the two of them, or to listen in as they play a game in the basement or in another room just the two of them. As soon as they hear my voice or see me it's all out the window. The bickering begins and gets worse the more I'm around. I guess I'm leading them in the right direction if they get along with out me around, right? They just test the boundaries with me and make sure I"m going to stick with what I say. You'd think they'd know that by now, I win.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Honesty

We went up to NJ this weekend and I found out that I have more followers than I realized. Please feel free to leave comments to anything you read!

We got home from NJ and were very tired. By we I mean me since everyone else took a nice nap on the way. It's okay though because I got to nap when we got home. After my much needed nap we went as a family out to the garden to pull weeds. To say this was not a task the kids wanted to partake in is an understatement. They found many ways to get up, down and in and out of the garden. They did pull weeds, or in the boy's case leaves. We were all relieved once the garden was done and ready for some water.

Once inside the girl looked at me with her big brown eyes and asked me to play dolls. I don't play dolls. I lost my imagination a long time ago. When watching the kids play I often wish I could play with them but....I can't make dolls talk! Anyhow, I gave in. She was being so sweet that I had to play dolls. This lasted for about 5 mins. before I had the great idea to have her help make mac n' cheese for dinner. She was soooo excited that she grabbed her apron and got to work. We made two pots since there are 4 of us. The girl made one and I made one, using the same ingredients and directions, it's boxed mac n' cheese for goodness sake! She was in total princess mode, which means she did everything she was asked and more!

During dinner the girl looked at me and asked if she could try my mac n' cheese. She took a bite and furrowed her blond little brow together. She gave me a half grin mixed with a worried expression. "Mom," she said "I don't want to tell you this, but, ummmm, mine is better. I hope this doesn't hurt your feelings." Gotta love that honesty! The words coming out of her mouth combined with the very cute expression on her face made me want to laugh and tear up. I told her that my feelings were not hurt, tasted a bite of hers and agreed that indeed hers was better. Daddy chimed in that she would have to be our mac n' cheese maker from now on!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

I love them!

We all love our children. I should leave the post at that but you'll be wondering what's going on....maybe. :) My children are wonderful...and awful at the same time. They can try my nerves all day with their questions, talking, screaming and disobeying. At the last minute they turn their big eyes on me, throw their little arms around me and hug....and squeeze...and giggle in my ear. What is a person to make of that? I don't think my body can take all the emotion that two little ones put me through. I guess we're made that way though, to forget the bad and remember the good. If we (mothers) weren't, then we'd have one kid, remember child birth and be done! Nope, not us, we usually want more, forgetting all the pain we were in and continue to be in forever...just ask my mom! Anyhow, I've always wanted kids, I have them and now I'm on an emotional roller coaster for the rest of my life. Good or bad....I'm in! Thank God for my friends and family to remind me why I had these little ones when they scream and for being there to listen to the stories of how wonderful my kids are!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Happy Birthday to Me!

6:45am and the day has begun. There was a strict warning before bed that I will be listened to the first time I say something, you know, cuz it's my Birthday in the morning. Why I have to ask for this is beyond me but....it doesn't last long. The boy gives me a long hug before realizing it's my birthday and throws in an extra squeeze. Then I have to convince him to get dressed. That's right, he's 5 and wants to stay in his jammies all day long, not conducive to my going out to lunch and dinner plans! The girl comes down with a dismal look on her face, finds out I'm going to go walking today and runs back up to her room in tears. Later I finally coax her out of her room with the promise that I will exercise over the summer too when she can join me. Breakfast finally begins and neither child wants to eat, is it my fault that I really don't feel like fighting that fight this morning? I actually made coffee and opened the computer before school. I give in, 5 more bites then you're done. Still trying to drink my coffee (luke warm by now) the boy is getting his nebulizer. He tries to talk to me while this loud machine is on his face and I have no idea what he's saying so I smile and say "stop talking!" It's amazing how quiet it gets when the machine finally gets turned off, (just kidding) the kid doesn't stop talking and neither do I..."Girl, did you brush your teeth? Please stop chasing your brother. Boy get your other inhaler, okay now go brush your teeth. No, really, go brush your teeth!" And my day has begun....I have to say, no tears so far, well not that many at least. More smiles than most and man they're looking forward to going out to dinner. What a Birthday morning! Can't wait to see what the rest of the day holds! BTW- it's only 7:33am!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The all seeing

I was standing in the kitchen packing lunch for the girl this morning. I told the boy that he needed to go and brush his teeth. Out of the corner of my eye I see the boy running in the opposite direction from which I just sent him. He, however couldn't see me. I yelled out, "Boy get out of living room and get up those stairs and brush your teeth." In a great amount of wonder the boy yells out "Mommy, how can you see me?" I tell him that I'm a mom and I can see everything! The boy responds in great amazement, "you can? Can you see all the way to Nonna and Pop's house in NJ?" I had to give into this one. "No hunny, I can only see everything that you and your sister do." With that thought running through his brain he ran up the stairs and brushed his teeth..."a little longer" I yell.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Dear God

6:15 am

Dear God,

Please let it rain. It's supposed to rain today, right now would be perfect. I know we have a softball game at 9am, meaning we have to be there by 8:30am...rain would be great.

8:00am

God??? Rain??? I don't really want to get out of bed and neither does the girl.

8:05am

Fine, no rain, mist, clouds and cold,we're on our way.

1:45pm

God...Rain?
T-Ball game at 3pm and I'm not ready to get up from my nap. Wait...they boy is dressed and trying to get everyone up. He's soooo cute but still, rain would be nice.

2:00pm
Fine, more mist, clouds and cold. We're on our way. If you see it fit to send rain as we drive I could always go back to napping :)

8:00pm

Rain! Where have you been! I've conquered my busy day. Softball, T-Ball, bath and bed....NOW it rains? Really?

8:20 pm

Please God, no thunder???? Please...we'll see how well this one works!

Friday, May 13, 2011

The parties!

How is it that two children can be raised in the same household and be so different?

The boy went to his birthday party all smiles and joy. He enjoyed every second of the party and babbled all the way home about playing with his goodie bag and sharing it with his sister.

The girl went to her party, had a great time and drug her feet all the way home. She didn't want to leave so she got ticked. She got home and didn't want to share anything with her brother and tried to downplay what he got. She came home with the wrong party favor and threw a temper tantrum when she found out. Not only that she screamed because I wouldn't get her favor until tomorrow. She decided to throw in a few words about how I'm a bad mommy.

It can be fun being a mom but so stressful too.

what to do?

Picture it, it's a birthday party and all the kids are eating pizza. It's time for cake but the boy's not done with his slice. Knowing full well he can't have cake till he's done what happens next? The 1/2 slice slips to the floor....hmmmmm??? Tears begin to flow. Mommy has to decide more pizza or just go right for the cake...luckily the boy is not really that devious, so he moves right on to the cake and the smile returns to his face.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Dear God

Dear God, thank you for this beautiful day. Thank you for all my friends and family. Please watch over everyone and be in their hearts.

God, can you help me to remember to drop my bat when I hit the ball? Can you help me to remember to run to all the bases too?

Thanks!

Amen!

Rest time!

Me: Take a good nap Girl.

Girl: I will Mommy. Do you know why I'm so tired?

Me: Because you played all morning?

Girl: No

Me: Because you've been trying so hard to be good and play nicely with the boys?

Girl: No

Me: Because you woke up early?

Girl: No Mommy, you know, it's because of the tired medicine you gave me!

Me: Oh right Benedryl, gotta love it!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The roof?

Me: Hey guys, can you pick up the back porch please? Ummm, boy are those your socks?

Boy: Yes! How did they get off the roof?

Me: Ummm how did they get ON the roof?

Boy: Come to my room and I'll show you mommy. See I push the screen and put the stuff I don't want out there.

Me: Don't do that!!!!

Boy: But I can't stop!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The timer

Okay so I've decided that already I'm giving my kids a complex. Yes, I love them dearly and yes, I tell them they're wonderful, smart and pretty/handsome but....(there always is one isn't there) I'm going to create children with some sort of eating disorder. No, I really don't want this, who does, but what can I do? They sit at the table and talk/play for at least 30 mins. of each meal. I finally set a timer and they scarf their food down in a matter of minutes. Is it really that hard to eat in a timely fashion? Don't think me the tyrant, when I say I set the timer I don't do if for a few minutes. I usually look at the amount of food on their plates/in their bowls and pick an appropriate amount of time, never less than 10 minutes. Still I feel like I'm creating monsters that only eat when timer is out and by the time they eat it it has to be cold!

Nobody told me motherhood was going to be filled with such big hurdles as eating...ummm eating really? They didn't get this from me I can tell you that!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Nose hairs

The boy: Mommy, what are you taking off my nose?

Me: It was a hair bub.

The boy: Did you know that hairs can stick to your boggers?

Me: Great well...this wasn't one of your hairs it was a dog hair. Did you know that everyone has hair in their nose?

The boy: Really? Granddad has lots of hairs in his nose!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Sometimes bribes don't work

The boy: Mommy I can't find my silly putty can you PLEASE help me look for it?

Me: Do I get a hug and kiss if I help?

The boy: Yes mommy!

*later in the day*

Me: Put your clothes away

The boy: Will you please help me mommy?

Me: No you're a big boy, you can do it.

The boy: I'll give you a hug and kiss if you help me!

Me: Ummm not this time kiddo!

Friday, March 18, 2011

What does a flute and beer bottle have in common?

So the boy has had a memorable year in the eyes of his teachers. The first thing he did was sing a solo for his Christmas show. He did such a great job he had every adult in tears!

The second thing he did, just recently I must add, was see a group of teenagers playing instruments. Not exciting? well the story's not over. The flute player was explaining to 4 preschool classes how to hold the instrument under your mouth and blow, not actually touching the instrument to your lips. The boy raised his hand and in full voice said "like blowing into a beer bottle."

Yes, I am very proud of my boy and so are his teachers!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Mommy to Mom

It happens though we don't want it to. I'm talking about our kids and how they grow up. There are many processes that we are familiar with such as birthdays or the beginning of school. The one that no one warned me about is the transition from Mommy to Mom. It sounds like such a simple word, Mom, but man it really cuts right to the heart. The girl has been trying this new name for me on for size. When ever it slips out of her mouth I have to do a double take, who is this girl sitting with me? I say a little prayer, "Dear God please let me stay as Mommy just a bit longer." I'm not ready for the days of Mommy to be over. The days when friends matter just a little bit more than what "Mom" has said. Mommy used to rule the world, could do no wrong. Mom on the other hand is questioned, looked at like she's crazy and sometimes spoken back to!

Yes these slips from Mommy to Mom have me very nervous. I love being Mommy. I love being looked at like I'm her everything. I'm not ready to go from public hugs and kisses to a quick peck before anyone sees. So far she goes back to calling me Mommy so she's not quit ready either but, I guess I should prepare myself. I know the growing up has to happen and I'm pretty sure I'll never be used to it but for now at least I have the boy to continue with the "Mommy" portion of my life!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Are you there tooth fairy?

The girl had such a great birthday party. We had the family over, yummy food, drinks and just a plain good time. The girl ran around, played with friends, opened presents, ate pie and lost a tooth. Yep that's what I said, she lost her front right (her side) tooth. This tooth had been hanging on by a thread for about a week. Once it fell out she was instantly worried about what people would say or laugh at her. Daddy and I swooped in and did the wonderful parent thing. We consoled her, let her know that everyone looses their teeth and she looked adorable! We also told her that the tooth fairy was going to be very excited and leave her something wonderful.

We ushered her off to bed with stories of the tooth fairy and what she was going to get for that wonderful tooth. The girl and boy both slept in the basement with Grandma that night which was another exciting thing. Both children finally fell asleep.

WELL.... a few drinks later and it was morning. I woke up and wondered downstairs to start the coffee. You'll never guess what I found on my counter...an empty zip lock where the girl's tooth once sat. I couldn't move, I raced through my memory. Had we put the tooth under her pillow? Did my husband remember to leave money and take the tooth? I ran upstairs only to confirm my nightmare, he had not left money for the tooth. I then raced downstairs to the basement back into Grandma's room. I slowed, trying to act normal and excited to see what the tooth fairy had left. I found the girl in tears (what a crappy mom!). She was devastated that the tooth fairy had forgotten her. I then had to think of a story off the top of my head (not my forte). Maybe the tooth fairy had gotten confused when the girl wasn't in her own room. Maybe she had left a note. Since the rest of the house was still asleep I crept back upstairs, wrote a note with my left hand, and brought it down to my little teary eyed girl. She read the note and a smile crept across her face with a cute little hole in it. (Did you know the tooth fairy leaves notes?)

That night the tooth fairy made her appearance. The next morning a happy little girl came running down the stairs to show us what was left for her. Her daddy and I still felt awful about the previous morning but he we managed to skate by the mistake this time!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Discipline

If you have children then you know about discipline. I'm not going to preach about what you should or should not do because well, I have no idea. Sometimes I feel like I'm sinking when it comes to disciplining my kids. I have such great ideas and they work for....well about 5 minutes. I have tried everything from positive reinforcement, scoldings, time-outs, taking things away, grounding, and the list goes on.

Back to the 5 minute thing. Everything I do with my kids lasts for only 5 minutes and then they are no longer are affected. They sit in time-out, wait patiently then say "Mommy am I done yet?" Really???? They're not even upset! I've scolded them, they cry, stick out that cute bottom lip and promise never to do "it" again, then off to playing again like nothing every happened! I've grounded them in their rooms, they go up crying, it gets quiet and I find them sitting quietly reading or playing. Really???

On to the next attempt, finding their "Achilles heel" or the thing that affects them the most. Sure, I take away a toy they love for a little bit of time, they cry, then it's like that toy was never their favorite, they've got a new favorite...Really????

What's a mom to do? I want to raise kids that are respectful, follow the rules, and all around good kids. If I can't find some way to discipline them when they've gone off the path for a bit how will they learn? "Sigh..."

Monday, March 7, 2011

Dirt

As a mother I feel like I live in a constant state of dirt. To begin with there is the dust that settles right after I finish vacuuming. Given the right stream of light I get to see every piece of dust and dog hair float around my home at any given moment of the day. I try to be a clean person, I try to keep my home clean for my family but sometimes I sit with an exasperated sigh feeling like I'm fighting a never ending battle. There are always nose prints on my windows, some dog, some kids. There are always little hand prints on the appliances that the children never actually use. I mop the kitchen floor and somehow 10 mins later there are cracker crumbs trailing from the table to the trash can. The bathroom is a whole different story! I clean that and the next thing I know toothpaste has jumped in the sink, on the sink, down the sink and sometimes, if it's truly in a good mood the toothpaste will jump onto the mirror! At one time in life I recall the boy telling the girl that they had to make some mess so mommy would have something to do during the day. Well all I have to say is, I'm good! Please don't make mommy work, I'm tired of cleaning the same things every day just to find new foot prints in the foyer because someone had to go potty so bad they couldn't remove their shoes, never mind wipe their feet! I love my family with all my heart but a whole day with no dirt....a mom could get used to that!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Private parts

In my convalescing state Grandma was in charge of bringing the boy to and from school. One day on the way home Grandma and the boy were having a particularly interesting conversation. As a woman wasn't driving just how Grandma felt she should a few good words fell out of her mouth. The boy, sitting in the back, felt the need to chime in..."ya Grandma, lets kick her in the private parts." Grandma giggled and replied, "good idea boy let's do that."

REALLY! Is there anything else I should know about these wonderful trips back and forth to school? I am now riding along and censoring all conversations. :)

Sunday, February 27, 2011

It's begun...

The weather is beautiful so the family goes outside. Dad and Grandma work in the garage, mom works on the front garden and the kids head out to play with the neighborhood children. All the kids have been couped up in their houses for the winter and now they are released to get to know each other once again. Getting reacquainted can be tough for kids. As the mom I sit back and watch what is going on. (Sometimes I have trouble biting my tongue.) All ages play together for a little while. The pecking order has changed some. The older kids tolerate the younger ones for just a little bit. Everyone runs around like happy kids until they start breaking off into little groups. The older kids no longer want the little kids following them around. The younger kids break into smaller groups and feelings get hurt with some whispers and not wanting to play the same game. While we enjoy being outside and having our kids out with their friends this is just the beginning of all the "games" that these children "play." It's only been a few hours and I'm exhausted just from helping the kids "work out" their problems. Though I don't enjoy the cold weather of winter I must admit that sometimes it's much easier to just let the boy and girl play together in the basement where I can regulate what goes on. Outside with the other kids we have to let go and watch our kids giggles go to tears and back to giggles which can be a stressful time for us parents. Guess I'm going to have to suck it up and ride the ride of leading the kids down the right path. Would it be bad for me to whisper in their ears that mommy will always be here to wipe the tears and give the big hugs if they get their feeling hurt?

Sunday, February 20, 2011

No ball in the house!

Just to let you know, it's not just mothers that have that "Mother of the Year" moment. Fathers too get to participate in that "what did I just do!" moment. Our Daddy had one of those moments just recently and I must say, it made me feel pretty good knowing I'm not the only "perfect" parent in this family. As it was, Grandma and I had gone out shopping and as stated before Daddy was "grounded" so the boy stayed home with him. It was a beautiful day so daddy and the boy went out to toss the ball around. It got a bit colder and a bit darker so they both headed into the house. Well as most parents know we don't play ball in the house, Daddy missed that in the parenting manual. Well he decided to practice catching ground balls with the boy in the house! Right as Grandma and myself pull into the driveway the boy went to catch a ball, his socks slipped and he fell face first onto the hardwood floor. I came into the house to a little boy with a purple goose egg on his forehead and a bottom lip sticking out in his traditional boo face. It stinks when that stuff happens but at least it wasn't on my watch!

Grounded

As a parent I thought I knew what grounding my child would entail. Sure, they commit some crime that needs to be dealt with so you ground them. They aren't allowed to enjoy normal every day activities such as playing outside with their friends or even playing inside with family. As the parent even though you have doled out this punishment it still breaks your heart when the child can not participate in those activities.

Well, something I hadn't anticipated, when your child is grounded...so are you! Oh yes, there are no impromptu meals out at a restaurant. No fun trips just because a warm day has come upon you. Sine the child is not allowed to leave his/her room when grounded, it ensures that when one parent runs out for something the other must stay in the house.. Yes, while grounding sounds like such an easy way to discipline it sure does make life much more difficult for us parents.

Friday, February 18, 2011

That was yesterday!

It's 5:45am and you are awoken by a scream "get out of my room!" What a way to start the day. After determining the source of the scream you decide to being your morning ritual which consists of getting the kids ready for school. After getting the girl back in her room you let her know what she will be wearing today, ha! like that would go smoothly. She looks at you like you're crazy offering up several different ideas, none of which are to your liking. With great reluctance she puts on what you tell her to wear. Of course pulling the pants on are a 10 mins. ordeal for her but hey, you get to brush your teeth! When she's done dressing you ask her to brush her hair. She comes down the stairs dressed in the outfit you chose and the front and side of her hair brushed with clips in. Of course she didn't brush the back because if she can't see it in the mirror, neither can you! You both move on to breakfast where the next fit begins "my cereal's all gone!" Well since you obviously should know when foods go missing or are finished up it's your fault! Once the very dramatic tears have finished (2 mins top) she decides on her second choice, oatmeal. Between chattering, singing and dictating what she wants for lunch the girl finishes her breakfast. She takes her bowl and cup to the sink and puts it down on the counter, she doesn't wash it, oatmeal is much to sticky for her to touch! Now she's off to brush her teeth. Of course those darn steps have moved since she came down so she's off to find them on her tour of the house, the family room, the living room, the dining-room and still no steps. Oh wait, there they are right in the middle of the house right where she left them, well off to brush her teeth! Making sure to put a glob of paste on her brush, run it under water and shove it in her mouth just long enough to spit the glob back into the sink she is now done. Dressed, hair brushed (kinda), breakfast eaten and teeth brushed (kinda) it's now time to head off to school.

Sitting back observing what I can, fighting when I don't want to and stopping the tears when they get out of control I believe I just may lose it before 8:00am

Well that was yesterday and everyday is a "second" chance, wish me luck!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Money

G-ma: "Here's a quarter, and here's 5 nickles. A quarter is 25 cents how much does 5 nickels equal?"

The Girl: "Ummm (counts by 5's) 25 cents!)

G-ma: "Right, they both are 25 cents!"

The Girl: "Grandma, how did they fit all those nickles in this quarter?"

Hard time remembering?

Aunt G: "I'm so sorry I forgot those Valentines for you and the girl. Things just fall right out of my brain."

The Boy: "Well if you don't turn your head sideways then it won't fall out!"

Aunt G: "So if I keep my head straight up it'll stay inside?"

The Boy: "Yes, and if you think it might fall out just put your hand over your ears."

Monday, February 14, 2011

Kindle vs. candle

Me: "Grandma, don't you wish we had gotten you that Kindle now?"

The Boy: " Ya, you'll need light so you'll have a candle, and you can hang it up!"

5 years old

Me: "if you don't finish your dinner guys you won't be getting any dessert."

The Boy: "what's dessert?"

Me: "do you know what dessert means buddy?"

The Boy: "no, what?"

*what 5 year old doesn't know what dessert is? My kid!

Can I say???

Okay friends, I know that I've only just started this blog but I feel the need to share a MOTY moment that happened between the boy and myself about a year ago.

Here's the situation, I picked him up from preschool last year. As he did every day he got in, he buckled himself in his seat and we were off. He was a bit quiet this particular day so I turned the radio on and was singing along. Next thing I know the boy pipes up from the back seat, "Mommy" "yes buddy" "can I say sh**?" Stunned I quietly responded "ummm no." All went quiet until "Mommy" dreading this next one I responded "yes buddy?" "Can I say da## it?" At this point I will share with you that I have sneaked a peak back at him several times and his face is as straight as can possibly be. Mine on the other hand is breaking into a huge grin, I mean really, where did he learn these words? Anyhow I respond to him with a firm "NO buddy." I want to laugh, scold him and call his daddy all at the same time! While I'm thinking of what to do next the final question comes rolling off his tongue as easily as if he were asking the color of the sky, "Mommy can I say fu**?" Well now I've been really thrown off my game. My 3/4 year old is saying curse words, where did he get them from....ummm lets see, he spends more than 90% of his time with....ME! Could I have put these words in his head? Did I subject him to someone who uses these words? It couldn't have been me...right? Okay MOTY it had to have been something I had said or done. Great! I've corrupted my child and am just now finding it out.

What else have I taught the boy and the girl that one quiet trip in the car will show me? Can't wait to find out!

We're walking, we're walking....

On my first day home from the hospital I make a delicate circle around the house. My husband gently guides me on my right side, the girl grabs hold of my left hand to help lead me and the boy asks, "Mommy, why are you walking so slow, nothing's wrong with your legs!" After a short explanation he gently puts his hand on my thigh and helps me walk. How many people does it take to walk around the house? Well for me it took: me, my husband, the girl, the boy, and two dogs, all for one walk.

The following day my pace increased a bit. The girl, being the ever encouraging child that she is, looks at me and says, "Mommy, you're almost ready for a race!" That made me laugh which of course hurt like...well you get the point. Man I love these kids!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Surgery

The girl: "mommy I don't want to let you go, I want you to come right home"

The boy: "yay, Grandma's coming"

Who loves you most in your life?

It's just me!

After a few weeks of the boy being on albuterol his teacher has confirmed that he is fine at school. He keeps his hands to himself, he doesn't run around and he is kind to his classmates. So.....how do I explain the bruises on my thighs from his running "hugs," the pillows on the floor in the house from the boy who runs and jumps from one couch to the other 20 times w/o stopping and the constant kisses that end in him drooling all over me? I'm guessing it's just me. He loves me soooo much sometimes it hurts, literally! Oh well I guess that goes to show how comfortable he is with me....right?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Did I mention the smile?

Well folks, thank God for no ice, both kids went to school. Of course when they found out that there actually was school after being home for who knows how long tempers flared! They went from two loving siblings playing quietly so mommy won't hear to, two screaming, flopping children that didn't want to get dressed, eat or brush their teeth. This was all due to the fact that there was no ice on the roads and there was a very wide smile spread across Mommy's face. Did I mention the smile? After several complaints by the girl that she wasn't feeling all that well I managed to get her on the bus, I even got a few sad waves! Then it was off to drop the boy off at school. I dropped him off with the albuterol warning for his teachers. Albuterol sends this child bouncing off every wall there is but hey, for a few hours they aren't my walls! I did forget to mention the black eye...oops. I managed to get a few hours of enjoyment walking around one of my favorite grocery stores with my best friend. Can you imagine, who relaxes at a grocery store? Me! Well let me tell you that a happier and more relaxed Mommy makes for a much more enjoyable household.

Oh and guess what...they're calling for warmer weather this week. You know what that means? School for the kiddos and another big smile for Mommy.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Don't worry folks, we're leaving

As I mentioned before the kids were great all morning. After the prior incident and my tearful shower, I decided we needed to get out of the house so we ran to Target. I told each child they could get a small toy for their good behavior (we're trying not to reward with food). Well they were even good shopping! So we headed to the famous dollar section of Target to pick out a goodie. The boy found his instantly, silly putty. He held it to his chest and said "mommy, you're the best!" The girl took a while. She finally came to me with 2 items of which she could not decide between. She was so torn that I took them both put them behind my back and had her pick a hand, that didn't work. Finally I put my foot down and said it was time to go, the tears began. She had to pick between a pen with a rose on the end or a squishy pink pig. She chose the pig and tearfully put the pen back. All the way to the register she wailed and flailed, she wanted both! She was afraid someone would take the pen before she could be good and come back again! Then she got angry and screamed and cried harder. All the while I'm calmly checking out and the boy is declaring his love for me as loud as he can. The girl continues to sob the whole walk out of the store as people stare "yes, she's mine and we're leaving." So much for trying to reward good behavior!

Evidence

The kids were awesome, the girl cleaned 2 bathrooms and the boy was running errands all around the house for me. When they were done the both sat at the table and signed all their valentines for their classmates, sounds good doesn't it? I had to finish vacuuming so when the boy was done writing his name for the 20th time (never once was it written the same way) I told him he could go play.

I went right back to vacuuming

He was so excited he rounded the corner in a sprint right as I pulled back on the vacuum handle. The handle and his face met. It was not pretty, he was hit right under his eye on the bone. The evidence was left right away. I grabbed him up, got some ice and bribed him with his favorite show if he'd stop screaming (it worked). He held the ice to his sore little black and blue eye and watched his show while I went upstairs ran a shower and cried. I felt horrible what mother hits their kids with a vacuum. Okay so I know it was an accident but does it make me feel much better? Only when he's not looking at me with that cute little face and that black eye!

MOTY101

MOTY101 stands for "mother of the year." I plan on writing this blog to share my MOTY moments with friends, family and who ever would like to get a good laugh or just feel good about their parenting moments. This isn't to say I'm an actual mother of the year! Good Lord though I try I'll never come close to the woman I always dreamed of being (before actually having kids). I was never going to let my kids have junk food, use TV as a babysitter or bribe my kids to be good. Then the kids came and lets just say those are only a few of my "nevers" that have been thrown to the wayside. Through this blog I want to keep a record of the cute things my kids say, the stupid things they do and the down right dumb things I do as a mother. I also want other moms out there to know, you are not alone! We all do dumb things and we can all get the "MOTY" award at any moment.