December at my house

Ahh, it's been a month since my last blog update, and I feel that I am due. December is here, and Christmas is only a few days a way. It's been a very fun, yet utterly exhausting month at my house.

3 year old is at the age where everything about Christmas is fun and magical. She really understands Christmas stories and appreciates the fun. I have jammed packed her month with all the holiday events we could find. This includes: The Nutcracker Ballet, Disney Princess on Ice, Festival of Trees Events, Holiday Movies, Frosty the Snowman at Circa21 Dinner Theatre, Cookie Baking, Santa Letter Writing, Gingerbread House Making, and the list goes on and on. She is in for a shock once January arrives and boredom sets in. As it is, she is asking me nightly "what are we going to do tomorrow?". A monster I have created.

22 month old is still pretty young to grasp what is going on. She likes our pretty tree, and eating the cookies. She is not a Santa fan, and is too wiggly during performances. So, she has had a lot of "daddy nights" while I take her older sister out and about. I have a bit of mother's guilt about this. I justify her staying home with the thought that next year she will be old enough to come along.

The biggest stress for me is holiday travel. Husband only has one day off during the holiday..December 25th. We live 2 hours from our families, and it's a lot of rushing around to travel to two houses in one day. We never really get to relax and enjoy our time. So, this year I took control and decided that we are staying home. Letting the girls open gifts at home Christmas morning, and lingering as long as we like at Chritmas Eve services. I invited our families to our home. Husband's parents opted to stay home, but my family is planning on traveling to our house. There is a major storm anticiapted to arrive this week, but I am trying to stay positive.

So, from my home to your's...Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving (and my week as a work widow)

My husband works in the food/catering department of a large grocery store. Thanksgiving is his busy time. The entire week (and the few days after) are filled long hours and little sleep for him. He's worked in the same area for our entire relationship, so I am use to it.

I, on the other hand, am blessed with holiday time off. My Thanksgiving week consisted of a glorious five day weekend. My girls and I packed the week with play dates, holiday decorating, town events, and fun!

I can't believe what a better mother, wife, and person I am when I'm not working outside the home. It was amazing. The house was clean, I spent tons of time with the girls, and we were just all generally happier. My theory is that I can be an great mom and I can be a great employee...but rarely both on the same day.

We traveled (just the three of us) to see the grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins. It was a little over a two hour drive, and we did just fine. The only "glitch" in our trip was the annoyance my grandmother felt toward the high pitcted "shrieks of joy" from my daughters and two year old niece (it bothered her hearing aids). If I had hearing aids I would turn them off whenever it was annoying loud...ahhh, my own special oasis of silence by the switch of a button...

Sunday night, I felt the week was drawing to a close. I decided to go get my hair cut, and grab a latte/tea with my close girlfriend. Husband has been gone all week, more or less, I was sure he'd love some quality time with his daughters. I was gone for less then three hours, and returned to a distater zone. Toys were everywhere, dinner was still on the table (frozen waffles..gotta get those Egos while you can I guess...). The little one was crying for her "blankey", and husband looked defeated. I guess I underestimated how tired he would still be.

Still buzzing from my caffeinated "Sugar and Spice Latte", I busted out the "clean up song", and all was well again. I was in such a good mood, I didn't even care that all my housework had been undone. So, girls and husband went to bed, and I stayed up to watch TV, check email, and reflect on a wonderful time at home. How long until Christmas break...

A Week In The Life...

I have a friend who is very creative. We are part of a scrap booking group, and she is the mommy with the gorgeous layouts and talent. She did a project where she documented the life of her children, using photos and journaling. What a great idea I thought! I am all about writing down memories to share with my girls when they are older (some call this blackmail...)

So, I set out to document the life of my three year old first. It's an exciting little book. I think what this book is teaching me, is that I am ashamed of the meals that I serve!

Saturday...Hardees

Sunday...Panera Bread

Monday...Little Ceasars Pizza

I seem to be tired at night, and quick to order out. I'm sure this is costing us our savings and waitslines. Ugh. Tonight I am motivated to cook something healthy (or at least lie about it in the book!) ; )

There was a time (early in our marriage), when I loved to cook. My mom did most of the cooking when I was growing up, and I never really had the chance to learn how to make anything. It was exciting for me to break open the new cookbooks I received as wedding gifts. It was fun to try out my "mad cooking skills". I will admit that I wasn't the greatest with new recipes, but I wasn't horrible either. My husband was (mostly) kind, and would try my kitchen creations.

Fast forward to present day. My audience is no longer kind, and actually pretty picky/ demanding about their culinary tastes. If it doesn't contain obscene amounts of peanut butter, grape jelly, cheese, ketchup, or mandrin oranges it is deemed unacceptable for my tots. It is exhausting to make a meal, only to have my "mini top chefs" laugh in my face.

"HAHAHAHA, crazy lady you dare to serve me unbreaded chicken in non-nugget form!" "Think again".

"What is this vegetable you attempt to slip on my plate...bring me a Dora Yogurt...walk away slowly and nobody gets hurt".

Baking is another story. I enjoy baking because I know my effort will be well received. Cooking...not so much. Maybe all this stems from psyhological issues I have with people pleasing. Maybe not. I need to just stop giving choices. "Eat this or starve kids". Yep, that's exactly what I will do...tomorrow...Chinese Take Out sounds great for tonight! ; )

Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!

No, say it isn't so! My sweet "baby" is 21 months old tomorrow. We are officially in the "tantrum" stage. Ugh. 3 year old was only 17 months old when she became a "big sister". I remember thinking that she "wasn't dealing well". Ha, I was a newbie to motherhood....I now believe that she was "dealing" just fine, she was just at the Tantrum Stage. (AKA Parent Hell).

21 month old has of late started demanding a lot of independence. For example, wanting to walk instead of ride in a cart/stroller...put her own shoes on (backwards)...brush her own teeth and hair...the list goes on and on. This is very hard for me, as I tend to be a bit of a control freak.

Communication is the key to all relationships...and the parent/child relationship is no different. Most of the trouble we are having right now is because we can not understand/communicate with eachother in an effective way. It will improve as her language grows. But it's going to be a bumpy ride!

A few days ago, 3 year old was playing with her Barbie Dolls. 21 month old decided that was not acceptable. She wanted them, and she didn't want to share. So, she went over, pushed her big sister and took all the dolls. This landed her on the dreaded "Time Out" rug. She cried a bit, then hugged me and said "sorry" to her big sis. Whew, lesson learned (NOT!).

Now, she likes to play the "Time Out" game. She puts her Elmo in Time Out, and chews him out for whatever he has done. Mocking me? Perhaps, and I must say I look very bossy through her eyes! At daycare, she puts herself in timeout. Smiles, and wants the "make up" hug.

Oh, sweet little girl. We sure do love you...and that is a good thing because this tantrum stuff is not for the weak.

Halloween Time!

Halloween time. Ahhh, how I love it so. One of my favorite holidays of all time, which is ironic because I can't stand horror movies or being scared. No, what I love about Halloween is the time of year (Fall is so beautiful), the lack of stress, and the focus on children.

Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter...but these seem to be stressful holidays. Gift buying, wrapping, baskets to fill, and meals to cook keep me so busy. It's also stressful because these tend to be "extended family" holidays. Travel and dividing up time makes me cringe.

Valentine's Day is also a fun time...but I sometimes feel a bit let down. Husband is very sweet, but he's not exactly "sweep me off my feet" romantic. His idea of a great night is a good steak dinner and a Coors Light. My idea of a great night is sushi, cocktails, dancing, and lots of conversation.

No, Halloween is my time. This year has been full of pumpkin patches and carving, cookie making, costume wearing, and Halloween parties. I feel like I can really focus on my kids and spending time with them. That to me is the defination of a great holiday!

My life

I'm a mommy, and I'm just not cool anymore. This is a sad reality that I have to face. This is a fact that I have known for a while, but lately I feel like there are reminders everywhere I look.

1. I actually told my sister the other day I am hopeful that soon jeans will be out of style and black yoga pants will be all the rage. Seriously, my post baby body does not look too hot in jeans, and they are not at all comfortable. I blame maternity clothes for my current style. I spent almost 2 years pregnant (since September 2005). Maternity clothes are like heaven...they are so comfy and have great elastic waists. It's like wearing sweats all the time. I got use to that comfort, and I hate going back to yucky buttons and zipper. (Oh the horror!).

2. Last weekend we took the girls to see "Disney:Live!". It has been a while since I attended a concert. Honestly, I can't remember the last adult show I saw. Anyway, I found myself getting all dolled up to see Mickey Mouse. No joke. I spent extra time on my hair and makeup. This was my event for a Friday night...entertainment from large Disney figures singing. I'm not going to lie...it was a good time.

3. I rock out to Miley Cyrus. Without even meaning to, I found myself singing along to a Miley Cyrus song "Party in the USA" tonight. I knew all the words, and almost subconsiously started rocking out in my mini van. The shame.

4. Speaking of music...Phil Collins song "Take a look at me now" is now a remake by Mariah Carey. A group of my 5th graders at the school I teach at werre singing this remake. I informed them that it was a remake of an older song, and they gave me the "you're old" look. I actually remember doing this to my dad when he pointed out that songs I use to like were actual remakes.

5. I've been called "lady" lately more then I've been called "miss". Also, getting IDed for alcohol is starting to become a rare occurance.

6. My idea of a wonderful night involves at least 8 hours of sleep. WHICH I rarely get, and it's not because I'm doing anything wild...I'm reading, googling, or up with a toddler.

7. I spend a great deal of time talking about poop. I also speak in terms of "potty" "pee pee" and "poopy". This is due to potty training, which is a disgusting task.

8. "New Moon" (Twilight series) movie is coming out Nov. 20th...and I happen to be obsessed thinking about it. Husband reminds me it's fiction, but I can't accept that. I am convinced Edward will come and take me. ((sigh)). I want to see the movie opening night, and I'm afraid I may have to push aside a bunch of "tweens" to get a good seat.

I think about how my life has changed in the past 5 years. I seem to be becoming my parents, and actually they seem to be getting a bit "cooler". It's the circle of life ((sings The Lion King Song)). I blame my kids, and I wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm cool with it". ; )

Preschooler Reality

Today we traveled 2.5 hours each way to attend my niece's second birthday party. My girls LOVED seeing their cousin, and a good time was had by all. The party was held at a children's museum, followed by a chilly stop at a local Pumpkin Farm.

The Pumpkin Farm was decorated for Halloween, complete with a haunted house, corn maze, and creepy statues. Husband loves everything horror, and wanted to go through the haunted house. He asked 3 year old if she wanted to go in it with him. Oblivious to what was going on, she happily took her daddy's hand and bopped over to the Haunted House entrance. Then the screams began...

She got about 6 feet from the entrance and saw the witch with the glowing eyes staring at her. That was too much. So, she stayed with 19 month old and me, while Husband went through alone. All the while, 3 year old is sobbing that her daddy has been "taken by the monsters". We had a tearful reunion, and all was well about 5 min. later.

I tried to explain to her that this was "not real" and "make believe". She looked at me as if I had two heads. Then I realized, that her reality is different from mine. This is a child who makes her Barbies talk, dresses up in play clothes regularly, and speaks to imaginary people. When she plays, her reality is what she makes it.

Oh the fun that is childhood...

Toddler Vocabulary

The things children say. I have been told many times to write them down so I won't forget someday.

Lately, I have noticed that there are certain things my kids say that only I understand. This seems to be true for other mom's too. For example, a close friend of mine informed me that her son needs his "sassy" (pacifier in big people vocabulary).

My 19 month old has been talking up a storm lately. She says the basics "mommy/daddy", but also has a strong interest in animals. If I had to make a prediction today on the paths my girls will take in life, I put 3 year old as a princess and 19 month old as a veterinarian. She enjoys pointing out and talking about pets.

The other morning we are driving to work/daycare. 19 month old says "Look mommy, puppy!". I hear this over and over the whole ride. I don't see a single dog, so I begin to think she's a bit off her rocker. Finally as we park, she squeals with delight as a "puppy" crosses the street in front of us...it was a squirrel. Yes, my sweet little girl has her animals confused. 3 year old and I laugh and tell her it's a "squirrel". As we hop out of the van, 3 year old says to me "mommy, I need my nebulizer". "Nebulizer" I have discovered, is her name for a flashlight. She is studying flashlights at preschool, and it is a new fascination.

I guess I should add the term "translator" to my title.

What time is it?

I am new to the world of blogging. However, my life is so slow right now (ah, I kid), I felt the need to document the ins and outs of my daily experiences. A little background, I am a mother and wife. I have been married 7 years, and have two little girls (ages 3 and 19 months). I work full time, and am trying (some days better then other's) to manage a balance between all the "roles" I play. My husband works many hours, and I have no extended family in the town where I live. What I do have is a wonderful support system of friends, and a pretty sweet little family of my own.

To begin my blog, I thought I'd give a run down of what a typical day means for me. However, days are so full, that I decided I'd start with just my morning routine.

Alarm, 5:00 a.m. (this morning was not so great, as 3 year old was in and out of our bed all night). Snooze. 5:30 a.m....I am up, ok! Husband has already left for work. Quick shower for me, and as I am about open my shampoo bottle, I have (on cue) 3 year old flinging open the shower curtain to watch me. This is such a regular occurance, I just tell her "good morning" and continue to clean up. To think I was at one time a very modest person. I finish my shower, dress, and put on make up. By this time, almost every toy from 3 year old's room has now been carried into our bathroom. I step over her Disney Princess figurines and pick her up. I then dress 3 year old (in a dress obviously....I am told pants are only for boys...of course I am in cords when this fact is pointed out to me). Her hair is curly, so it must be sprayed with water, combed, styled (bows must be added obviously). She then brushes her teeth, needs her newly pierced ears cleaned, and then demands to be fed. Frosted Flakes and OJ buys me time to dry and style my hair (I use the term "style" loosely, as I am ready in 10 min.).

It is now 6:30, time to wake up 19 month old (who sleeps like a log). She's a mama's girl, and is not happy to be woken up. I dress her, and comb her few strands of hair. It's then teeth brushed, and on to a cup of Dora yogurt and OJ.

While she eats, I throw in a load of laundry and clean the cat's liter box. This is followed by letting both dogs outside to do their business. I then clean up both children and the kitchen from breakfast, and turn on a little Seasame Street (I love you Elmo). This is when I make three beds, and run the vacum. I am a bit OCD, and feel the need to eliminate all pet hair from the floor.

7:30, I need to pack a quick lunch, put on everyone's shoes and jackets. This is when I will notice either a diaper needs to be changed, or 3 year old decides she wants to try to use the potty.

7:45, I am so going to be late for work.

7:52, I pull into work. The girls have a daycare that is next door to where I work (thankfully). I take them to their sitter's. Remove shoes and coats, make them feel comfortable (and reassure clingy 19 month old that I am not abandoning her). I then scoot to work at around 8:04. Late again.

It's only 8 a.m. and I am exhausted. However, in front of me is an 8 hour work day, followed by a night of events/activities, and time with the family.

Yeah, I totally have time for a blog. ; )