I have never, nor will EVER be a morning person. I've seen beautiful sunrises all while grumbling and stumbling over my two left feet. I've been known to shower, shave and get ready in the dark just to avoid the possibility of actually opening my eyes and functioning.
My boys?! A whole different story! They wake up like they ate a bag of coffee beans! It makes me crazy! They then proceed to wake everyone else up and the whole clan is nothing but a loud, giggling, fighting frenzy. I've begged, pleaded, screamed, cried, threatened, bribed and beaten them into seeing my point of view. Nothing has worked. Occasionally when they ARE tired, they give it all right back to me, and I can't fault them. Morning people are crazy! I can watch the sun go down and think it looks just as pretty as when it comes up. I can drink coffee in the afternoon and think it tastes just as good as in the morning. I can eat breakfast food for dinner, shower, shop, clean my house, and exercise just as well at night as I can in the morning. And I'm not loud and giggly while I do it either!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Closet Eater
I'll admit it. I ate an entire box of chocolate in two days. I love chocolate and I DO NOT share it.
I hide it all in my closet. And when I think no one is around, I hide away and shovel it in. The visual for you goes something like this, cartoon character shoveling in handfuls of chocolate, evidence ALL over face, hear someone coming and shovel at LEAST two more pieces in. If caught and questioned about what may or may not be in my mouth, I simply respond as a small child would "nothing, why?" Some moments and some things are NOT meant to be shared. I'm a firm believer that chocolate falls into both categories. I'm also pretty sure I wouldn't know what that chocolate tasted like since I ate it sooooo fast!
I hide it all in my closet. And when I think no one is around, I hide away and shovel it in. The visual for you goes something like this, cartoon character shoveling in handfuls of chocolate, evidence ALL over face, hear someone coming and shovel at LEAST two more pieces in. If caught and questioned about what may or may not be in my mouth, I simply respond as a small child would "nothing, why?" Some moments and some things are NOT meant to be shared. I'm a firm believer that chocolate falls into both categories. I'm also pretty sure I wouldn't know what that chocolate tasted like since I ate it sooooo fast!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
My Favorite Quote
I'm a firm believer that children's movies were made for adults so that we could stomach sitting through them with our kids. With so many quotes, inuendos, actions, and life lessons built in to the stories, it's a no wonder kids actually like or understand what they are watching.
Meet The Robinsons is one of those movies that teaches a great life lesson. It teaches you to never give up no matter how bad you think the circumstances are. At the end of the movie there is a quote from Walt Disney. It reads "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." We all look back and say should of, could of, would of every now and again. But the key to moving forward is to say what if or why not! We can't change the past, but we can absolutely make choices that shape our future.
Meet The Robinsons is one of those movies that teaches a great life lesson. It teaches you to never give up no matter how bad you think the circumstances are. At the end of the movie there is a quote from Walt Disney. It reads "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." We all look back and say should of, could of, would of every now and again. But the key to moving forward is to say what if or why not! We can't change the past, but we can absolutely make choices that shape our future.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Jill of All Trades
I'm not usually one to brag, but sometimes I just gotta toot my own horn. And do a little male bashing in the process.
I was married for 13 years, together 15. The entire time I was with the ex I could count on one hand the amount of times he lifted a finger around the house. Made my father crazy. To this day I am still reminded that the ex could never be bothered to change a light bulb. I did it all. Over the years I have been a gardener, drywall expert, master plumber, auto repairman, electrician, chef, carpet cleaner, painter, window washer, power washing aficionado, appliance repairman, tile and grouting repairman, and the list goes on. Mind you this was all done while either working full time outside the home or pre/postnatal to five small children.
As of last month, and thanks to today's snow storm, I have added yet another talent to my list; Snow Blower. And I'm not talking a little Toro either! I'm talking one of those giant Craftsman models. So yes I am Super Mom and no I don't need a man in my life to help me get the job done. I CAN do it all!
I was married for 13 years, together 15. The entire time I was with the ex I could count on one hand the amount of times he lifted a finger around the house. Made my father crazy. To this day I am still reminded that the ex could never be bothered to change a light bulb. I did it all. Over the years I have been a gardener, drywall expert, master plumber, auto repairman, electrician, chef, carpet cleaner, painter, window washer, power washing aficionado, appliance repairman, tile and grouting repairman, and the list goes on. Mind you this was all done while either working full time outside the home or pre/postnatal to five small children.
As of last month, and thanks to today's snow storm, I have added yet another talent to my list; Snow Blower. And I'm not talking a little Toro either! I'm talking one of those giant Craftsman models. So yes I am Super Mom and no I don't need a man in my life to help me get the job done. I CAN do it all!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Long Lost Treasures
We had a small tragedy in my house about three and a half years ago. My daughter grew extremely fond of a small yellow bear when she was VERY young and it miraculously disappeared. Now you all know how I love to throw things away right? Well, this time I was pretty sure I didn't chuck it.
Time passed and we all reminisced about the days of Bear Bear. We'd see him in pictures or joke that no one ever really replaced him. In fact it was a little sad for all of us. I'm hear to tell you that wonders never cease! My nosy older daughter was rummaging through some old stuff in the closet when low and behold the tiny, dirty, beat up yellow bear appeared! She was barely 18 months when it was lost. She's five now and it was like her best friend was back! She hasn't let it go yet! I had to beg her to let me wash him.
There's two lessons here today. First, you're never too young to own something that leaves a lasting imprint in your life. And second, there's something to be said about cleaning out old junk!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
School Days
I want to go back to school. I'm not talking graduate school. I'm talking elementary school. You couldn't pay me enough to go back to middle school or high school. WAY TOO MUCH DRAMA!!!
When I hear "I used to walk to school, up hill, both ways, with a hundred pound bag, in a blizzard with 2 feet of snow, without boots, a cheap hat and mits, and a spring coat in 20 below temperatures" I really wonder if that was true! Kids today NEVER have school! A snow day here, a professional development day there, yadda, yadda, yadda. First of all, I pay an enormous amount in taxes. My kids should be there ALL year for what I pay. Second, what the hell is a professional development day when I'm at McDonald's with my kids and all the teachers walk in? Did I just buy them all lunch too? It's truly incredible! Don't get me wrong, I've seen some of the kids at school and MOST teachers do not get paid enough for putting up with them. But, at least make me feel like I'm getting my money's worth by NOT giving the kids a day off every other week! Let them walk in 2 feet of snow! It's good exercise.
When I hear "I used to walk to school, up hill, both ways, with a hundred pound bag, in a blizzard with 2 feet of snow, without boots, a cheap hat and mits, and a spring coat in 20 below temperatures" I really wonder if that was true! Kids today NEVER have school! A snow day here, a professional development day there, yadda, yadda, yadda. First of all, I pay an enormous amount in taxes. My kids should be there ALL year for what I pay. Second, what the hell is a professional development day when I'm at McDonald's with my kids and all the teachers walk in? Did I just buy them all lunch too? It's truly incredible! Don't get me wrong, I've seen some of the kids at school and MOST teachers do not get paid enough for putting up with them. But, at least make me feel like I'm getting my money's worth by NOT giving the kids a day off every other week! Let them walk in 2 feet of snow! It's good exercise.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Spoiled???
I'll admit it, I'm spoiled rotten. I was an only child, my mother was an only child. My poor dad NEVER had a chance. I'm "22" and I'm still getting what I want. In fact my boy friend asked me today "do you always get what you want?" and I actually had a long but completely practical answer.
I said, "I make things happen in my life. I don't mess around. And when it comes to my kids I can make a mother bear look like a scared little mouse. So yes, I do get what I want." I don't consider that being spoiled. I think trying to have the most toys before you die is spoiled. But finding ways to make your life better, happier, simpler, and more enjoyable benefits everyone around you. Including yourself. We hear it all the time, life is too short. Well it is. I saw a video today that said "life is too short to be anything but happy". If that's the case, then I'm going to continue to spoil myself with great friends and family. And few hundred shoes thrown in for good measure. Too much of a good thing is NEVER enough.
I said, "I make things happen in my life. I don't mess around. And when it comes to my kids I can make a mother bear look like a scared little mouse. So yes, I do get what I want." I don't consider that being spoiled. I think trying to have the most toys before you die is spoiled. But finding ways to make your life better, happier, simpler, and more enjoyable benefits everyone around you. Including yourself. We hear it all the time, life is too short. Well it is. I saw a video today that said "life is too short to be anything but happy". If that's the case, then I'm going to continue to spoil myself with great friends and family. And few hundred shoes thrown in for good measure. Too much of a good thing is NEVER enough.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Clutter
I say it every week, "this week I'm going to take a day and clean out closets and bedrooms." Every week I find something else to do. Then it happens. I snap and nothing is safe. I have been known to throw out anything and everything in my path. No one and nothing stands in my way.
It's gotten so bad that my kids will say "oh are we giving that to the people who don't have anything?" Some days I answer yes and other days I say nope it's going to the big garbage dump down the road. With five kids you have to be organized. There is no room for clutter. I can't stand when my stuff lays around so why would I settle for that with someone else's?? It's a good feeling to be clutter free. 1-800-Got Junk is my friend for life! It's very liberating to get rid of things we don't use or need. Try it!
It's gotten so bad that my kids will say "oh are we giving that to the people who don't have anything?" Some days I answer yes and other days I say nope it's going to the big garbage dump down the road. With five kids you have to be organized. There is no room for clutter. I can't stand when my stuff lays around so why would I settle for that with someone else's?? It's a good feeling to be clutter free. 1-800-Got Junk is my friend for life! It's very liberating to get rid of things we don't use or need. Try it!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Peace
Who knew $20 could provide sooooo much entertainment?? I have spent thousands of dollars on toys for my kids over their very short lives. As have their grandparents. And yet it never ceases to amaze me what they find to play with. I actually told my mother one year to skip the "popular" presents and go to the dollar store to buy wooden spoons and Tupperware. They LOVE that stuff!
So when I find a steal of a gift I feel compelled to share. No joke $20 will buy you a Lava Lamp that will awe struck even the youngest of children. I have to admit, it is pretty cool! My five year olds can't get enough of it! "Mommy come watch! The bubbles are eating each other!!!" It's too bad you can't run them for more than eight hours. I honestly think my kids would sit and stare at it for 24 hours if I'd let them! It has provided hours of peace and wonder. Go to lavalamp.com. So many colors, so much fun!
So when I find a steal of a gift I feel compelled to share. No joke $20 will buy you a Lava Lamp that will awe struck even the youngest of children. I have to admit, it is pretty cool! My five year olds can't get enough of it! "Mommy come watch! The bubbles are eating each other!!!" It's too bad you can't run them for more than eight hours. I honestly think my kids would sit and stare at it for 24 hours if I'd let them! It has provided hours of peace and wonder. Go to lavalamp.com. So many colors, so much fun!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Never Good Enough
I have an eating disorder. I eat everything. All the time. Maybe that's just a problem, not a disorder. I love food. There was a time when I would only eat chicken, turkey or fish. How silly of me really. The older I get the more I realize how much I missed. I don't make that mistake any more. I'll try just about anything, as long as I don't know what it is ahead of time.
My kids are a whole different case. I'm always amazed that I produced these creatures. I have one that can't even stand the smell of food, one who eats everything, one who picks apart, one who used to eat everything and now won't touch most things, and one who'd eat pasta for every meal. Cooking for children is a nightmare. Trying to appease the majority of the troop is a rarity unless we eat pizza or macaroni and cheese for every meal. Even then it's a fight as to who gets served first! I can only hope that one day God blesses them with children who are worse. Revenge will be mine then! Mhhhhh
My kids are a whole different case. I'm always amazed that I produced these creatures. I have one that can't even stand the smell of food, one who eats everything, one who picks apart, one who used to eat everything and now won't touch most things, and one who'd eat pasta for every meal. Cooking for children is a nightmare. Trying to appease the majority of the troop is a rarity unless we eat pizza or macaroni and cheese for every meal. Even then it's a fight as to who gets served first! I can only hope that one day God blesses them with children who are worse. Revenge will be mine then! Mhhhhh
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bubble Wrap
I firmly believe bubble wrap was invented to protect our children, not to send packages through the mail. In the past nine years I have had three of five children stitched eight times, one broken elbow, five surgeries, countless splinters, abrasions, goose eggs, falls, crashes, bloody noses, and the list goes on. I've been to urgent care, several hospitals, doctors, and specialists. With five children I have earned my own private wing and clearly paid for my OB/GYN's children's college education.
And through it all, I remain remarkably calm and focused. That is until the doctors start giving details of ALL the ways they had to fix my children's boo boos. I see lips moving, my head starts spinning, my eyes roll back and I am on the floor passed out cold. I'm a mess. Why can't they just say "all better, go home"? I am getting better with the more experience my children help me obtain. At least now I can stop them and say "That's great. Stop talking or I'm going to be sick." Works like a charm every time!
And through it all, I remain remarkably calm and focused. That is until the doctors start giving details of ALL the ways they had to fix my children's boo boos. I see lips moving, my head starts spinning, my eyes roll back and I am on the floor passed out cold. I'm a mess. Why can't they just say "all better, go home"? I am getting better with the more experience my children help me obtain. At least now I can stop them and say "That's great. Stop talking or I'm going to be sick." Works like a charm every time!
Monday, February 1, 2010
I'll Admit It...
Ok, I'll admit it. I'm one of those moms that MAKES their kids go to school sick. My mother did it to me! I was NEVER allowed to stay home unless I was on oxygen and in a coma at the hospital. Even then it was questionable whether she'd wheel me in to fifth grade on a gurney. Honestly, school is like a germ fest. You just never know what your kid is going to bring home next.
Let me tell you, I've seen just about everything too. The worst by far has to be a stomach virus. You never know when it's going to hit or how hard. I can handle pink eye, flu, fever, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, blah, blah, blah. But that stomach thing knocks you out hard. And yes thanks to my children, and someones mother who let their kid go to school sick, I got it. I love food!!!! And for me not to want to eat anything is grounds for insanity. Fair warning, when I feel well, lock up your children because there won't be enough food in the state of Michigan to feed me.
Let me tell you, I've seen just about everything too. The worst by far has to be a stomach virus. You never know when it's going to hit or how hard. I can handle pink eye, flu, fever, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, blah, blah, blah. But that stomach thing knocks you out hard. And yes thanks to my children, and someones mother who let their kid go to school sick, I got it. I love food!!!! And for me not to want to eat anything is grounds for insanity. Fair warning, when I feel well, lock up your children because there won't be enough food in the state of Michigan to feed me.
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