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. ; )