Mother of The Year

I have determined that I will absolutely win Mother of the Year this year. In the past few days, or rather most of the year, I have been called evil, told I'm mean, that I'm hated, that I NEVER do anything nice, that I don't care about any of them, that I'm garbage, and that I'm stupid and should get a job.

Wow! That's a lot to stomach don't you think? I'm pretty sure if I ever said any of those things to my friends or family that I wouldn't have either of them in my life. Being a mom is the most thankless job in the world. On the RARE occasion that I'm told "you're the best mom ever" (mind you this ONLY comes after I've given in to some selfish childhood demand), I forget all the nasty heartless comments my children make to me.

Most of the time I'm pretty good and don't take it personally. In fact I'm glad my children can express anger, disappointment, and sadness. Not that you EVER want your child to move out of that utopia bubble, but I'm thankful that they feel comfortable enough to tell me like it is. If there is one thing that I hope I teach them and I hope sticks with them for their lifetime, it's to be honest with their feelings. Both good and bad. I have more respect for someone who is honest than I do for someone who doesn't have enough belief in themselves to actually tell you the truth.

My dad always says "getting old isn't for the weak". Being a mom is much the same. I wouldn't trade it for the world. As rotten as my kids are some days, they are also the best thing that ever happened to me. And in the end, they really are great kids.

I'd like to believe I had A LOT to do with that. And yes, I'll take that trophy now.

Bah Humbug

Oh the holidays...AGAIN! I swear it was JUST Christmas. Oh wait! That's right. As my father says "Everyday is Christmas Julie". No wonder my kids are so rotten! Ok, so maybe I fall into the spoiled category as well.

After my kids left for school yesterday, I went for a run and cleaned my house. Both did wonders for my temper. They are VERY lucky to have a mommy that has an outlet for her rage. By mid afternoon I was calm and in the forgiving mood. Let's not get crazy now. I said I forgive, I DID NOT say I forget. Being the evil mommy that I am I decided to get out the Christmas decorations and taunt them with the fact that Santa ONLY comes to good children. Mhhhhhhh

I have a love hate relationship with this time of year. The chaos keeps me going, the money that goes out makes me cringe, the laughter and excitement makes my heart melt, and the undeniable power I have over my kids makes me smile an evil smile. I absolutely love to threaten "Santa is NOT coming if you don't knock it off!" They are still young enough to know that this is a VERY good possiblity. I dread the day I can't use that line. But for now it keeps me smiling my Grinchy smile.

On Strike

I am so mad at my kids that I have decided to go on strike. Part of me feels bad and the other part of me feels liberated. It's amazing how much time I had to myself this morning when I refused to make them breakfast or pack their lunches!

I've decided that a little tough love is in order around here. I'm tired of yelling, I'm tired of asking nicely, I'm tired of asking twenty times for the same thing to get done, I'm just plain tired! And being a single mom just adds to the frustration. Ooooo and do they ever know I'm mad! Kids are smarter than anyone ever gives them credit for. When I stop yelling and refuse to help them with even the littlest of tasks, they know. It's amazing how beds get made, laundry gets put away, teeth get brushed, milk gets into cereal without me even having to ask.

When I got "why won't you help us mommy? why are you so mad?" I simply replied "I'm tired of asking all of you to do things. If you don't have any respect for yourselves or your home, then I'm not helping you or doing anything more for you." A unanimous "oh" followed. Not that I expect them to be adults. They are still children after all. But the lack of respect for even the basic of needs and their overall sense of entitlement to everything makes me wonder "who are these kids???" Surely they are NOT from my gene pool!

Well, no more! I'm putting my foot down. It has to be a give and take from now on. If you want to go to dance, horseback riding, or hockey, then I guess you better put your clothes away when I ask. If you want me to make you dinner then I guess you better pick up your toys. If you want me to read you a story then I guess you should shower when I ask. THE FIRST TIME! Schools have a no tolerance policy and they follow the rules there. Time to start instilling them at home. I am Mama and I have spoken.

Animals

UGH!!! I am really struggling with making a decision to get another dog. I have come up with several reasons to get another one, and several more as to why not.

Being a lifetime animal lover, this has really been a tug at the heartstrings. The older I get the more they remind me of Grandchildren. They are great when they are someone else's responsibility! That being said, I still think I want one. I miss the companionship, the unconditional love, the sloppy kisses, the feeling of security in my home, the laughter she brought my kids, and on and on. What I don't miss is the poop and the hair! My boyfriend said, it's just like having another kid. I said "no, at least I don't have to clean up poop after two years with a child!"

The sad but honest truth is that I have plenty of time to make a decision. There are so many wonderful animals out there, every day, that need a family and home of their own. I'm just going to continue to do my homework on different breeds, and find the one that's right for our family. He or she is out there, and one day we'll find each other. And the madness of emotions that go with having an animal in my life will start all over.

Horoscopes

Do you ever wonder who writes Horoscopes and where they come up with their facts and information? It never ceases to amaze me when I read one and think "who's watching me?".

Granted some days I read them and just shake my head. Other days it's almost spooky how dead on they are. Take today for example. "Add a little spice to your life...set a new more positive pattern for adapting and evolving..." Couldn't be more true! Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and need a good kick to get us out. I need goals to drive me out of a rut. Some new adventure, new challenge, new quest. No one can get me out of one better than myself. Though a good laugh and a cold beer with friends helps, having a means to an end is priceless for me.

So what's it going to be you ask? Time will tell. But in my case it is never anything small. And the rewards of hard work and accomplishment last a lifetime. You can't be afraid to fail if you want to move forward and get out of a rut. Adapt, evolve and enjoy life. Because you never know where the journey will take you!

School Pictures

I have said this before. I DO NOT understand why we, including my children, have to endure school pictures. I am always shocked that I'm shocked at the results. You'd think by now I'd be numb. Nope!

My nine year old daughter brought home her school pictures the other day. And per usual I am wincing opening the package. The child HATES to have her picture taken. I can't really blame her, I don't either. However, this is the child who refuses to brush her hair, teeth, wear anything that matches, and blah, blah, blah. It's been a struggle that I have gracefully bowed out of. I keep hoping one day one of her friends will say something that will snap her out of these bad habits. So far no one has stepped up.

The irony of all of this? She takes the most BEAUTIFUL school pictures! I cried when I saw it. She looked like a teenager which of course made me wonder what happened to my baby girl. Her hair was brushed, her smile perfect, clothes matched, and she looked amazing. Wonders never cease in my house! EVER!