You're Prolly Tired...

Of me complaining about the anarchic state of my household -- despair not! It appears that help is on the way...

So, I was reading another mommy blog and found the website for this FlyLady I've been hearing so much about lately. I'm so excited! She was speaking to me from the first sentence. [Yes! Yes! I am living in CHAOS: "Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome"] Just thought I'd share her with ya in case you are in the dark about her like I was.

Ok, I'm off to shine my sink. She's right! [see step #10] My family will think I've gone nuts :)

*squeal*

Friday's Feast...

[I am officially hooked on these daily memes!]

Appetizer
How do you usually celebrate on New Year's Eve?

Well, ever since we had Oldest in 2004, we've become old fogies and have been staying in and watching the ball drop on tv (if we can make it 'till midnight). I try to make us a nice dinner and/or cocktails though so that we can still feel like we're celebrating! Last year my mom and sis were in town and we stayed up playing poker. That was fun! I went to bed at 12:01 am though...hey, give me a break - I was 6 months preggars.

Soup
Name one thing unexpected that happened to you in 2006.

I finished a 10k marathon!

[Here we are at the finish-- doublestroller and all!]

Salad
Where was your favorite place that you visited in 2006?

Montreal. I just love it in the warm months: my family, the city, the food...It will always be home :)

Main Course
What resolution is your top priority for 2007?

To get my groove back! Lose the baby weight, renew my fashion sense and be a hot mom. I'm bringing sexy back.

Dessert
Using just three words, describe 2006.

blessed. busy. fun.

TGIF!!

Cereal Killer...

Please excuse this fleeting moment of shallowness, but...my house is driving me nuts!! Seriously, there's just too much stuff everywhere. I think we may have outgrown our cozy and cute home.

We don't have enough closet/pantry/bathroom/familyroom/space. Maybe it's because we just came back from my SILs spacious-vaulted ceilings-eat-in-kitchen-just-under-half-an-acre-yard-house but it feels like the walls here are closing in on me. There! I got it off of my chest. Don't get me wrong. I know that we are blessed and I am very grateful for all that we have. But it would be nice to be able to open my refrigerator without having the can of cream of wheat fall on my head because the top of the fridge is jam-packed with dry goods. And yes, this has happened more than once.

I suppose I could start by trying to de-clutter the place. But I suspect that moving to an entirely different dwelling would be tons easier. Don't you agree?? Ok, ok, fine.

I did find this great site today called Mommy Track'd that has some useful tips for getting organized. Sounds like this project needs to be on my Things to Accomplish for 2007.

Alrighty, I'm off to (my cluttered) bed. I won't even torture you with a pic of my room. I do have a heart you know.

Thirteen Things I need to do in 2007

1. I need to stop nitpicking when my husband tries to be helpful!
2. I need to stop saying I'm going to do my Windsor Pilates videos and just do them!
3. I need to finish (ie. start) my scrapbooks.
4. I need to spend more time with my oldest child!
5. I need to do more things that I enjoy doing.
6. I need more girl time.
7. I need to learn to let it go.
8. I need to remember that my oldest is 5 and not 10.
9. I need to finally hang those curtains I bought for Oldest's room two years ago.
10. I need to go and buy those curtains for Middle's room that I picked out 2 months ago.
11. I need to find curtains for the rest of the house.
12. I need a new wardrobe. (okay, that's not a need but a desire)
13. I need to plan things much earlier.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. MommasWorld
2. GuusjeM
3. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thursday Thirteen #2

Thirteen Things That Get On My Nerves!!

Just in case this post leads you to believe that I'm a negative person, let me assure that you that I'm not. It's just that one or two things got on my nerves this morning so here I go!

1. Returning from vacation to a messy house.
2. Unpacking!!
3. Having a dirty car in cold weather (b/c it's too cold to wash your car and DH doesn't want you driving the car through an automated car wash)
4. The fact that there is no post office that is a convenient distance from my house.
5. Using a brand new bathtowel that sheds! I really hate this.
6. Hearing the same 3 annoying songs on every radio station. "Walk It Out!"
7. Leaving my office in the dark.
8. Cleaning my George Foreman grill. There's gotta be a better way.
9. When my pantyhose runs.
10. Spending more than 2 hours at the hair salon.
11. Mothers who hurt their children (the news has been so awful lately).
12. The times of year when all shows are re-runs (I'm a tv junkie).
13. My ridiculously small owner's suite bathroom! I swear I can't take it anymore.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Amy
2. Chickadee
3. My 2 Cents
4. Angela/SciFi Chick

5. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Why do we always spend too much at Christmas despite our efforts to budget?

How was Christmas for you guys? Mine was good, but it went by too fast and it was too expensive. I'm not even sure where I spent money but I went over budget by about $250. Of course, I can't let DH know that. I'm simply praying for a job very soon before DH realizes how much money is actually left in the bank:)

What are your plans for New Year's Eve?

MamaLaw #7 - Respect the Nap

"Respect the Nap"

And bedtime too for that matter.

Am I right? This really doesn't need to be a long and detailed post because all of you moms out there know exactly what I'm talking about. Naptime is sacred in my household. Unless there is a really extraordinary reason, neither of my girls are missing their naps or thier bedtimes. On the rare occasion when this does occur, bedlam ensues. So...imagine my dismay when the reality of a holiday vacation in another city, at a new house, with a new schedule sets in. First bedtime is all kinds of disrupted when we had to catch our 9:00pm flight last night. Then today, with all the excitement of playing with rarely-seen cousins, naptime was carelessly thrown by the wayside. Tonight, with dinner plans for a special family dinner (reservation time: 7:45pm) bedtime was again disrespected. In sum, after a day full of crankiness, whining, uncontrollable sobbing and Oscar-worthy dramatics, everyone (including DH) is finally asleep. Here's to sleeping in tomorrow morning. [A gal can dream, can't she??]

Nighty night.

PS
How cute is this bedtime chart?

And To All A Goodnight...

Off I go to get ready us ready for tonight's trip. [ok, ok so I'm really going to the hair salon] I'm not sure what the Internet situation will be at my SILs but I will try my best to post at least once while we're away. Happy Holidays to eveyone!

PS
Don't worry - I will still update my TT post with any new Thirteeners who leave me comments!

*New* Our 1st Thursday Thirteen...

Thirteen Things about J. Fergie's Week I'm learning! I found out about Thursday Thirteen yesterday (after finding out about "Works for Me Wednesdays") and decided to try it. Basically, every Thursday you post a list of 13 things about yourself or your week so that other bloggers can get to know you better. Here are 13 things about my week... 1. My family and I are leaving for Atlanta this evening for the Christmas holiday. 2. I have developed a paranoia about saying the "C" word (Christmas) b/c so many people get offended very easily nowadays if they don't celebrate it. 3. I have somewhat finished packing. 4. I am determined to bring along some presents for my DDs to open even though my hubby is against it (b/c he doesn't want to carry extra stuff). 5. I am proud to say that I am done all of my holiday shopping. Holiday cards area another story. 6. I desperately need a mani/pedi. 7. I will never have the time to get a mani/pedi. 8. My DDs are recovering from bad colds. 9. This means sleep has been elusive this week. 10. My Grandpa turned 90 years old yesterday! 11. Since we couldn't be there for his party (in Montreal) we sent a cake. 12. I burned my arm taking the casserole I made for my office party out of the oven on Tuesday. 13. I am new to Thursday Thirteen and hope this works! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. SciFiChick 2. Rene 3. -r- 4. amy ruttan 5. allie 6. ms. george 7. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Christmas presents

I know it's December 20......and I still don't have a present for DH. I've done all the shopping for everyone else -- in fact, I had a list and I had ideas of what to get for everyone, but never added DH to the list. I've bought him a beautiful sweater from his favorite store, but that's it and I don't have any other ideas and I need something reasonably priced. Any suggestions?????

*New!* Works for Me Wednesday...

I've been inspired by the Rocks In My Dryer ("RIMD") mommy blog to join in its "Works for Me Wednesday" ("WFMW") blog carnival. Basically, the idea behind WFMW is that you share little tips (parenting, organizing, cleaning, cooking, travel, you name it) that have helped you and the collection of links to everyone's little tips are posted on the RIMD blog every Wednesday. Cute idea!

So here is our first WFMW tip:

*Keep a box of "quick gifts" in a closet at home for emergency gift giving.

I started this last year after the holidays when I repeatedly was caught in a situation where I needed a little gift but didn't have the time to go out and buy one (i.e. a neighbor stops by unexpectedly; you forget to give your mail carrier a little token of appreciation; you're invited to a party and forget to pick up a hostess gift, etc). So, what I did was get out a medium-sized plastic bin that I wasn't using, make a space for it at the top of my coat closet, and over time, put items in it that I saw in the store that I thought were cute or were on sale or whatever. [This is a great use for items that you may want to re-gift too!] If you're feeling really ambitious, you can keep a running list of what's in the box so that you can keep track. Also, to avoid any gift wrapping debacles, I found this great Gift Bag Organizer at the Home Depot (for like $4), that hangs right in the closet. Voila! You're all ready to get your gift-giving on.

Scheduling Conference...

Following up on J. Jones' comment about wives being their husbands' personal assistants...A Mocha Mom started a company for just that reason. It's called Mommie Concierge. I love the idea and the concept of it...but would I actually use it? I suppose if I took the time to set up an account with them and had them "on retainer" I would use it. But who needs one more thing on their to-do list. Anyway, it just goes to show that wives need wives too. Hey! Maybe we should start our own "Wives for Wives" service :)

UPDATE:

What a coincidence! Check out this mom's list of things to rent for the holidays (look at item #2 on the list) on the Notes From the Trenches blog. We may have a market after all!

Electronic Communications...

Isn't email fantastic? It's amazing how many household/marital/miscellaneous arguments DH and I resolve via email. You can properly articulate your thoughts, give calm replies and everything is memorialized! I know I sound like a nutjob, but really - it works for us! For some things. Other issues require a good 'ol face-to-face spat.

No, our relationship isn't dysfunctional at all.

Petition for reconsideration

Earlier this month I posted a comment about the in-laws and Christmas and I expressed how bothered I was feeling by the fact that they wanted us to go up there (AGAIN) and spend Christmas with them. I really wanted to stay at home so "my" family (i.e. DH &DD) could spend it together and so DD could enjoy waking up in her own bed and coming down to open all her presents. Anyway, I said nothing and have done nothing about the situation and simply had faith that it would all work itself out.

So yesterday, DH said "I think we should spend Christmas here and leave for the in-laws later on Christmas Day so DD could wake up in her bed and we could have Christmas breakfast together." I was stunned. It took everything in me not to say "that's exactly what I was thinking and wanting." I was so thrilled that he felt this way and even more excited that he's finally getting that we're "his family" now and that he needs to put us first. Nothing against the relatives, but for many, many years they have seemed to forget that he's got his own family (even before DD arrived) and that they need to respect the sanctity of our relationship. And for an equal amount of time, I've been trying to get DH to understand the same. He treats his family as our family and it's just not the same.

Anyway...all this to say that with faith things work out the way you want it. Maybe not in your time, but in His time. So, keep the faith (and sometimes it may be best to keep the mouth shut too because had I suggested this and finally shared my thoughts/feelings, I would have been villified).

Isn't It Ironic?

You expend every last ounce of energy taking care of your family's needs (sometimes while grumbling about it) and taking care of the responsibilities that each day brings, all the while thinking: "It would be so great if I could just spend time by myself or with my girlfriends." Then, you miraculously find the time to go and get your hair done or enjoy a girls' night out and then, about 2 hours into it, you start to get a strange feeling - do you know which one I mean? - and you begin to hear a teeny voice in your head that says: "I wonder what my family is up to. I hope everyone is ok. I miss them..."

This evening I went out to celebrate a birthday with one of my closest friends. We had a fabulous evening complete with great food, great drinks and great conversation. But...I just couldn't get home fast enough. Even though by the time I got home the girls were already in bed, I was glad to be here. Isn't it ironic? When you're home, you sometimes look forward to being someplace else and when you're someplace else, all you look forward to is being at home. It's simple, really. It's because at home is where you belong. Because that's where your heart is.

More Domestic Diva Essentials...

Ok, Ok, I know I could have just replied to J. Jones' post with a comment...but then you wouldn't get to see these pretty pictures! Here are 2 more coveted "domestic diva" items on my wish list the JOYS Household Filing System and the Life.doc Organizing Binder....

Check 'em out!

For The Domestic Diva in You...

Here is a cool gift idea one of my girlfriends told me about. It's a Recipe Journal from W & S. The description reads, in part, " this personalized binder will become an indispensable resource and a treasured keepsake. The binder, bound in durable faux leather, makes a thoughtful gift for a bride, aspiring chef or favorite family cook." What about for a domestic diva like myself?? My friend told me she purchased one for her mother and aunt. Funny thing is, I want it. Friend is single, no children so has no need or desire to really cook. But it made me realize how different the lives of my single, no children friends are compared to mine. I think this is really cool. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have taken to writing out my recipes. This is something I could pass on to Daugther when she's old enough to learn to cook. I note that I said old enough to cook, not married. My mom started training me when I was about 12. And I am thankful for that.

Temporary Insanity...

What was I thinking? We all know that I already barely make to Friday without losing my sanity and fruit flies taking over my house because the kitchen is a disaster [trust me -- the pic doesn't do the mess justice]. So why - oh- why did I have sudden bout of hospitality and decide to invite my neighbors over for Saturday brunch?? Well, it's because they are wonderful neighbors. They are the classic "can-I-borrow-some-sugar-i-picked-up-your-mail-while-you-were-on-vacation-I-made-you-some-cookies-for-the-heck-of-it-come-on-over-for-our-bbq" kind of neighbors. And they're moving! To Florida for retirement. So since we have been to their place countless times for parties, I wanted to have them over at least once, formally, before they leave. As it turns out, the only time that worked for both of our families is tomorrow morning. AHHHHHH!!! But, since I now have J.Jones and J.Ny permanently in my head saying "relax and breathe!" I know it will be ok. And since my office is like a ghost town today, I plan to leave around lunchtime and get my house in order. After meeting DH to see The Pursuit of Happyness of course [I heard the guy whose life the story is based on, on the radio this morning and he inspired me to go see it. Well, him and Will Smith.]

Thank goodness for The One-Armed Cook which is my new go-to cookbook. All I have to do is flip to p.87 for the chapter on Brunch and choose from their easy and yummy selections. I am thinking: Overnight Blueberry French Toast, Spinach and Tomato Frittata, Bacon and Mimosas will do. And maybe a cranberry-orange bread or something from Trader Joe's to round it out. Long gone are the days of elegant home entertaining what with the Toys R Us warehouse in my living room and all. But hey -- at least the tree is up!

P.S.

When you have a spare minute, read this post on the Notes from the Trenches blog. Her son turned two this week and she gave hime a "blog tribute" - it's so sweet!

Happy Friday.

Dicta...

This is a pic of my commute taken with my handy dandy cameraphone this morning. It's a wonder I made it in to work today! There is/was this crazy layer of fog over the DC metro area this morning and of course traffic was backed up for miles. I almost turned around and went home - but darn if I was gonna miss today's holiday party.

In other news, I spoke with one of my sisters-in-law this morning and she was telling me about a doctor-friend that invited her to his holiday party. I asked if he "has potential" since she is/was in the market for a husband, but she surprised me with her answer. She said that she has been thinking long and hard about it and she has decided that she only wants a "companion" as opposed to a husband. Someone that she could have fun with but not marry. And, apparently she is certain that she doesn't want to have children. In fact, she had a dream recently where she was pregnant and she woke up to a soaking pillow because she had been crying in her sleep b/c she didn't want kids. It's interesting because DH's family has oodles and oodles of kids. Maybe she's had enough :) Anyway, I just couldn't imagine my life without kids. I've always known that I wanted kids and being a mother is such a huge part of who I am. I often wonder about those women who just have no desire to be mothers. Not to be judgmental, but isn't that central to a woman's purpose? Anyhoo, I fully respect her choice and hope that she has no regrets. Any thoughts?

Break for Recess...

Do you have a favorite holiday recipe? Do share!

I made this White Chocolate and Peppermint Cookie Brittle at a holiday party I hosted 2 years ago and it was a hit. Delicious! And easy to make:

A giant cookie is topped with coarsely crushed peppermint candies and melted white chocolate, then broken into irregular pieces.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour;1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 10 ounces high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), chopped into 1/3-inch pieces, divided; 3/4 cup coarsely crushed red-and-white-striped hard peppermint candies (about 6 ounces), divided.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl. Whisk melted butter, both sugars, and vanilla in large bowl until smooth. Stir in flour mixture until just blended. Stir in 1 cup chopped white chocolate and 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy.

Transfer dough to prepared sheet. Press dough into 14x8-inch rectangle, about 3/8 inch thick. Bake cookie until top is firm and dark golden, about 30 minutes. Cool on sheet 10 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely.

Stir remaining white chocolate in top of double boiler over barely simmering water until melted and smooth. Using small spoon, drizzle about half of melted chocolate in thin lines over cooled cookie. Sprinkle remaining crushed peppermint candies over chocolate. Drizzle remaining white chocolate over top. Let stand until white chocolate sets, about 1 hour. Break cookie into irregular 2- to 3-inch pieces. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.) Makes about 24 pieces.

**Tips: I don't have a double boiler so I use a smaller pot inside of a larger pan with water. Also, you probably don't need to bake it for 30 minutes.

MamaLaw #6 - Stop and Smell the dirty diapers

Well, you know what I mean. These precious moments of our kids' childhoods will be gone all too soon. My Youngest is already 9 months old and crawling. It feels like just yesterday when she and I were sitting in the hospital room together hours after she arrived. For me, the pang of sadness hits once they become too big for you to cradle them in your arms - that's when I realize that they are no longer a teeny tiny baby! Last night I fought traffic after work as usual, hoping to make it home before Youngest went to sleep (since she's usually out by 6:45pm). I ran in the door at 6:20pm, only to find out that was already sleeping! I kid you not, I immediately was overcome with sadness - tears started to well up in my eyes and everything. This was the second night in a row that I missed her. Then the guilt set in. Was I a terrible mom for working full-time during these first years of my kids' lives? What kind of mom only sees her baby for 1 hour in the morning every day during the week?? All I wanted to do was see one of her huge gummy smiles and smell her sweet scent. I suppose I could have woken her up, but how selfish would that have been of me to interrupt her slumber...Then I felt even worse for being visibly upset for missing Youngest while Oldest was still awake! So, I got myself together and spent the next couple of hours enjoying QT with Oldest. It was great. But I still hate the fact that Youngest has only been here for 9 months and I've spent 5 of those months working. But, I guess I have to do what I have to do. So, in looking for the positive in this situation, I decided to make the most of the time that I do have with both of my girls, whether it be an hour or a weekend. Remember: in the midst of the hustle and bustle of each day, make a special effort to stop and smell the dirty diapers. Because before you know it, they'll be asking to use the potty.

Concurring opinion?

So....we've finally bought a tree. But why does it seem like we're putting up the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza? Why, oh why, do we have to call in for reinforcements and take a break for a drink every 10 minutes?!?!?!?!?

All, I could think is, that it's just a man thing:)

Cross Examination...

I hate to sound all "Sunday morning television" and whatnot, but I read this article in Essence last night about finding your life's purpose. They had the following exercise for readers to complete to uncover clues to what your true life's purpose is. I thought it might be interesting to pass on. [Note: Don't ponder too hard - the first answers that come to you are probably the most truthful.] Here it is:

"I can't imagine life without ____________. When I'm spending time _______, hours pass and I don't even notice. It saddens me to know that so many people don't have __________, but what gives me hope is knowing that each of us has the power to ____________. Sometimes the effort it takes to ____________ is exhausting, but what keeps me going is the knowledge that _________. When I went through the painful experience of ____________, it just strengthened my faith in _________ and my resolve to __________. My dream is to create ___________. It's the reason I ____________ each day, and it's why I think about _____________ as I go to sleep each night. Some call it a mission. Turns out, it's my purpose."

If you figure it out and if you're up to it, please do share what your purpose is! Not sure what mine is yet...

The Truth Will Set You Free

So today we took the kids to their well child visits. (Chase and Cydney had appointments, Little B. was just along for the ride. And yes, Chase turned 5 two months ago but just now getting around to making the appointment and taking him. Again, don't sweat the small stuff). While the doctor was examining Chase, she asked, "[d]o you brush your teeth every morning and every night?" Chase shly looked at DH and said, "[n]o, sometimes my Daddy forgets." So the doctor looks at Daddy and I could tell he was trying to come up with something to say but really had no legitimate reason, excuse, defense so the doctor turns to Chase and says, "well, if he forgets, you can not!"

It's instances like this that make me glad that I didn't waste my breath, energy, etc. into getting into a big dispute with DH re: his "forgetfulness." I just make sure I do a smell test every morning. He was thoroughly embarrassed and so hopefully he's learned his lesson.

In Need of Counsel...

Is it just me or is it virtually impossible to get out of the house on weekday mornings without feeling harried, frustrated, exhausted and just generally pissed off? Some days are better than others of course but for the most part, the mornings are a marathon of chaos. Making milk cups and bottles; washing faces; changing diapers; overseeing potty use; figuring out the weather; choosing the appropriate outfits; dressing; brushing teeth; fixing hair; finding matching socks; locating stray shoes; finding clean bibs (there is a neverending cycle of bibs being washed in my house, it's unreal); "making" breakfast (it wouldn't even be right to mislead you into thinking that I make things like bluberry pancakes or made-to-order omelets during the week - more like cheerios and milk or an Eggo); remembering to give vitamins; making sure the daycare bag is packed with the necessary lunch and snack items, sheets, diapers, and of course extra bibs... ALL IN ADDITION TO GETTING YOURSELF DRESSED! And...rushing around, looking for cell phones, the envelope that "was supposed to go in the mail today," taking an appetizer for the potluck party at work (I can't even tell you what I brought today, I'm ashamed) loading up the car, getting the girls in the carseats, all while being tormented with myriad high-pitched, repetitive requests for "malamalas" [DD's word for "banana"] which you cannot, in good conscience, grant since the malamalas are nowhere close to being ripe. It's madness, I'm telling you. What can I do?? I know the standard advice:

"Have DH help you"

Problem: None. He does help. Really. We're both running in circles.

"Put out the outfits for the next day the night before"

Problem: By the time the next day arrives, the outfits will have been strewn all across the room during DD's destruction frenzy as she falls asleep. [Note: this is why she showed up with DH to the Mocha Holiday Party on Saturday with a red sweater and pink checkered socks on. Even though, before leaving early to setup the party, I put out her outfit out, including the matching red socks, before her nap. She managed to lose them within the hour. DH never stood a chance at getting her dressed.] Thank goodness for the extra-long pants (3T).

"Pack the daycare bag the night before"
Problem: For the most part, I do. But I still have to prepare milk cups/juice cups/bottles and breakfast in the morning. And it's not like I don't have a gazillion things to do the night before.

"Put the kids to sleep in their clothes."

Problem: No way. I can't get with that. I'd rather be late.

"Wake up earlier!"
Problem: Shut Up.

And so, when I finally got in my car this morning [after changing my sweater 3 times to conceal the spare tire; TRIPPING OVER THE *%@! CHRISTMAS TREE - still in the wrap on the floor b/c we have not had the chance to put it up - THAT YOU WRETCHES ENCOURAGED ME TO BUY; putting the bag of trash around the side of the house in the cans; balancing my purse, cereal, keys, party food, water bottle and arming the house alarm, while wearing gloves] I turned on the car, turned on the heater and realized my gas tank was below "E"

...because I rushed home from running errands last night without filling up so that I would have ample time to do things like make dinner, pack the daycare bag and do a load of bibs so that my Monday morning would go smoothly.

I think I'm going malamalas.

More Devastating News...

An acquaintance of ours died today. She was driving her son to school and had a head-on collision with another mother who had her 2 sons in the car. Both moms dies instantly. Fortunately, all of the children are in stable condition. This news hits close to home -- DH went to high school with the mother who was a teacher, and she went to college with J. Jones and I. She leaves behind a loving family, including her 5-year-old son, husband and twin sister. Let's keep them all in our prayers. Another reminder that life is sacred and not to take today for granted.

You can see the story here.

Community Service...

About friends.

I like the saying that friends come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. As I get older, I am realizing who my lifetime friends are. Time passes, we each become busy with our own lives and those friends that we were closest with 5 or 10 years ago, we may hear from once in a blue moon. That doesn't make them a bad friend necessarily, but perhaps their "season" is over. On the flip side, friends that we have made only recently now may be our closest friends. Ever since grade school, I always have been the type of person that thinks "everyone" is my friend. I also always try to see the good in everyone and so it never occurs to me to assume that someone is purposely not calling me back or not sending me an email or that they are harboring feelings of jealousy towards me (for whatever reason) or what have you. Girls are strange in that we are sensitive, yet cruel and extremely indirect with our feelings (our husbands would concur, I'm sure). For example, if DH hasn't heard from a friend of his in a long while, here is how the conversation would go:

Guy#1: Yo
Guy#2: Yo, whatup
Guy#1: Man, where you been at? How come you ain't never holla at me?
Guy#2: My bad man. I've been hemmed up with [work, the wife, whatever]
Guy#1: So what man. We're all busy. You can't diss your boys like that. That's green.
Guy#2: You right man. My fault.
Guy#1: Cool. So whatup?

And just like that the issue is resolved.

More importantly, guys never "pretend" to be friends or to maintain friendships with guys that they don't really consider to be their friends. They just aren't that complex/crafty/sensitive. But, for what it's worth, they undergo much less drama and pain. So here is your homework for this weekend: think about who you really consider to be your close friends. Write their names down. Think about when the last you called them was. Email is fine for some things, but nothing beats you picking up the phone and calling. Think about the last time they called you. Have you returned their call? Have you returned their email? If not, be honest with yourself about why. Are they always initiating contact? Why? What friendly deed have you done for them lately? Did you send them a funny trinket in the mail that made you think of them when you saw it? Did you send them an e-card when you knew they were going through a rough time? Did you invite them to go to church with you? Did you invite her over to watch a chick flick? It can be anything to let them know that you are thinking about them and that you cherish your friendship. It's the gesture that counts.

So, demand more from your friends. If she can't even return your call from one week ago, then obviously, to her, your friendship is not a priority. Don't let her off the hook with a "oh, that's just Karen. She never returns calls." Alternatively, realize that those that you thought were your friends, are not. This is hard and may be hurtful. Are you always "giving" and never "receiving"? Why? Think about telling that "friend" how you feel. Finally, check yourself. Be a true friend to those that you care about. Friends are special and life is too short to do otherwise...

This has been a public service annoucement. *wink*

Guilty Conscience...

This morning, as I opened the fridge and saw the thawed chicken breasts that have been sitting on the bottom shelf since 11/26, I realized that I have not cooked a real meal for my family in almost an entire week! Friday, we went out to eat, Saturday we had people over and I made food [does that count?], Sunday we had pizza, Monday we had leftovers from Saturday, Tuesday we had pizza (I know, shameful), and Wednesday I threw frozen hamburger patties on the George Foreman. What has happened to me!? Not to mention, DD usually takes dinner leftovers with her to daycare for lunch, but since there have not been any dinner leftovers, she has had the nutritious menu of Kraft mac n' cheese, PB&J, Chef Boyardee Pasta and leftover fajitas. Bless her heart. Lately, I have just been tired when I get home and not in the mood to cook. Luckily DH hasn't complained.

Am I going to hell? I promise to cook tonight. And to throw away the week-old thawed chicken.

What I need is to do our Dream Dinners at home again. That was great. What do you say J.Ny? Are you up for it again?

In Deference To...

The story of what happened to the Kim family is really on my heart. I just wanted to echo J. Jones sentiment of a few weeks ago that we all need to count our blessings and thank God for today because tomorrow is not promised. Imagine -- one day you are celebrating Thanksgiving and on your way to a vacation resort and the next you, your wife, and your 2 babies are stranded in an snow storm for 2 entire weeks. I read that the mom ended up nursing both her 7-month-old and 4-year-old when they ran out of food. I guess the blessing in all of this is that 3 of them survived. Please keep the Kim family in your prayers. And give your babies extra kisses tonight!

Click here for the full story. James Kim was the Senior Editor at CNET.com which I use almost daily at work. So sad.

MamaLaw #5 - The grace Period to lose the baby weight should be at least 1 year post-partum

Am I right? Perhaps this is an important law to me because GummiBear is already 9 months old and I am nowhere close to my pre-baby(#2) weight. Whatever the case, how is a new mom (and YES, I still consider myself a new mom) supposed to get her figure back any sooner? Let us review the impeding factors, shall we:

1) NO SLEEP
Really, do you need to see any more factors? I shouldn't think so, but if you are from the School of Hard Knocks and believe that moms should have the endurance of a US Special Forces Soldier, then here are some more...

2) Breastfeeding
Time consuming, exhausting, difficult, and makes you hungry. Granted, not all moms breastfeed, but even if they don't, the child still needs to be fed. All day. All night. Which takes us back to point #1.

3) NO SLEEP
See point #1.

4) No time/energy to cook
See above for reasons why. This means you are eating whatever you can get your hands on, no matter what time of day. If you are in the slim minority of women whose husbands cook the meals (first - keep it to yourself, you wretch) consider yourself fortunate. Otherwise, if you are like the rest of us and make the meals, then a new baby means no healthful meal planning or preparation and therefore, for the most part, unhealthy food choices.

5) NO SLEEP
Are we seeing a pattern?

6) No time/energy to exercise
Not to mention, if you were like me and your pelvis didn't fall back into place until at least month-4-post-partum, the mere thought of getting on an elliptical machine caused you emotional trauma. You ever hear the medical advice that a woman should wait at least 9 months after giving birth before trying to conceive again because her body needs to recover? Well, hello! Your body is still recovering! I joined a lunchtime toning class at work and, the following happened:

instructor: "lie in your backs"

me (to myself): ok, no prob

instructor: "now lift both legs off of the ground until they are at a 90 degree angle with your torso"

me (to myself): ok, no prob

me (to myself): wait a minute, I could have sworn that I told my brain to lift my legs. why isn't it working? Oh my god, I'm paralyzed! HELP. Oh wait, it's just because I have NO ABDOMINAL MUSCLES.

True story.

7) NO SLEEP
It's really annoying.

8) Priorities
So let's say by some miracle you do get a free minute from your mommy-duties. Do you really want to spend it doing lunges? Or do you want to: call your bestfriend-watch your baby sleep-check your email-eat something-open the mail-watch Grey's Anatomy-throw in a load of laundry-sleep-take a bubble bath-mop the floor or make love to your husband? [in that order, lol] That's what I thought.

9) NO SLEEP
What day is it?

10) You don't want to wake the baby.
Laugh if you want to, but this was/is a real concern for me. The elliptical squeaks extremely loudly and would most certainly wake a sleeping baby (for real!) Running up and down the hardwood stairs would make noise. As would jumping around to an aerobics tape. What am I supposed to do?? Sit-ups? Yoga? Stroller Strides? Who asked you anyway.

11) NO SLEEP
You try staying awake for 90 consecutive days. I dare you.

12) You just don't feel like it.
Be real. Unless you were into fitness before, chances are you just don't have the motivation to get out in the December weather to run 1.5 miles. Despite the fact that you have the "support" of your husband to "motivate" you by saying things like: "I think those pants are too tight".

To which I would refer you to MamaLaw#1.

P.S.
Make sure to check out the Mama Blog Spotlights of the Day! I try to scope out the good ones.

So Ordered...

Okay, I just have to say this before I go to bed - I just finished watching the season finale of The Wire and there is no question that it is the best show on television... If you haven't seen it, rent it, On Demand it, Tivo it, get over to your friend's house with cable, whatever just watch!!

Nighty night.

Contempt...

Read this momblog: http://mamawolf.blog-city.com/ It's about a mom whose small children were molested by their teenage neighbor last year. There's only about 4 or 5 postings but start from the oldest one and work your way up. I can't even imagine.

Concurrence??

You know how there is an unwritten rule among wives that if you have an idea that you want implemented, you have to make your husband believe that it was his idea all along? Well, I get that, but it's so annoying that they truly believe that they came up with it! For example, DH has been vehemently opposed to enrolling DH in a nursery school program because of the costs. My point of view is that, yes, they are ridiculously expensive and should not be, however education and academic development is so important at this stage that we have to sacrifice to give her the best start possible (hey! this sounds like my breastfeeding pitch) even if it means taking some dollars out of savings (GASP!) or what have you. [Sidenote: I'm not saying that you should dip into savings willy-nilly, but aren't times like this what savings are for?] Anyway, we got into an argument about it, of course, and I said, very calmly, before bed last night: "Why don't you just give my idea a chance until you can come up with something better?" And to this he agreed. SO. This morning we went to 2 openhouses that I rsvp'd us for. The first was a Montessori school (the idea of which I wasn't necessarily crazy about) but we both loved it. I think it really opened DH's eyes to what DH would be missing out on if she didn't join a academic-geared program. When he got back in the car he was thinking of all of these ways that we could pay the tuition and how "we are already paying a good amount for where she is now..." so a little bit more for a pre-school environment wouldn't be that bad. Um, excuse me, what? I could have sworn that I had been preaching the same thing for days. But, alas, remembering the ol' Wives Code, I held my tongue and nodded my head. But let me just tell you that I was dying to say: "I told you so!!!!"


On another note: Isn't it funny how being a mom is like being a member of a universal sorority. No matter where you come from, what color you are or where you are in life, you will always share the common bond of the joys and pains of motherhood. Case-in-point: I overheard a conversation at work today about the holidays and the woman not wanting anyone to give her kids anything this year because they already have too much stuff! I could totally relate. In fact, I am only buying my kids 2 presents each for this reason. [ok, ok, so I already have 6 presents hidden in the closet] But I digress. The lesson is: when you become stressed about something, just remember that you're not alone!

Dicta...

DD is now one-year old and DH believes that it's time for me to start looking for a job. Despite my protests (as passive as they may be), I can't disagree with him because we had an agreement that I would stay at home with DD for one year. It's just been so much fun that I really don't want to go back to work.

But anyhow...I'm now trying to find some decent child care. DH will be working from home, but he will undoubtedly need help -- probably lots of help, but I won't tell him that. And, there are a few days that he will need to attend meetings etc, so we will need to have someone who's reliable and can take good care of Lady Day.

I've explored various day care centers in the area. They are either ridiculously expensive or their facilities look like assembly lines. So, I figured we should explore in-home care for the next year, as some of the programs that have caught my eye require the children to be at least 2 years old. So, I posted a want add on craigslist.com and I've received a few responses. (I am in search of Justice Jones' Evelyn but have had no luck as yet -- I am keeping hope alive though.) So, I arrange to meet one candidate today at 11 am at my house. Hmmmmmmm, I'm still waiting. Please tell me that this is not a representation of the quality of people out there trying to take care of other people's children!?!? I am not at all thrilled by this first showing and I am hoping that it gets better. I have another interview scheduled for Tuesday. Keep your fingers crossed for me as I wait for the perfect nanny.

Confession...

I have just spent an hour and a half reading mommy blogs! No lie. Instead of SLEEPING or catching up on missed episodes of Top Chef (I'm so behind), I stumbled upon tons and tons of fantastic mommy blogs. I am way too tired to talk about them in the detail that they deserve but I am so excited at the mommy blogosphere out there. Seems that the Internet has really given moms a voice. I especially think that blogging has offered a fabulous sense of community to SAHMs who may tend to feel isolated during the days...Anyhoo, I hope that I can get my fellow justices as hype about blogging as I am. They will be "sad" to find out that we missed National Blog Posting Month aka NaBloPoMo (http://www.fussy.org/nablopomo.html) [eBlogger is tripping and I can't create my fancy hyperlinks at the moment] which challenged bloggers to post one new post per day on their blog for the ENTIRE month of November. Seems like the mommy bloggers I visited really enjoyed the whole challenge. My friends would have NEVER done it! But it would have been fun to try nonetheless.

So, of course, now it is 11pm I am p.o.'d at myself for not taking advantage of an evening "by myself" [DH is "out with the boys" and the gals are knocked out sleeping] Instead I've been surfing the Net and reading about Roombas and microwaved ankle weights (a kid-special) Not to mention that my behind NEEDS [I can't italicize either, doggone it!] to be asleep since I have a full day tomorrow in preparing for the Non-Baby Shower that I am hosting for my friend. She is extremely low-maintenance and didn't think a shower was necessary for Baby #2, but as my mom says, "the shower is for the baby, not for you!" So we are having a "Mexican Food & Milkshake Shower" since those are her constant cravings.

I'm thinking that one of the shower games should involve taking shots of Pepto.

Nor can I change the font of my post to "Georgia." I just love that font. Is that weird? Ugh! I'm soo ticked. "Arial" just drives me crazy.

Plea...

So, despite the obvious fact that it will cause an argument between me and DH, I am proud to say that I have located and contacted a potential housekeeper. She is supposed to come over tomorrow to give us a quote for housekeeping services, including laundry (woo hoo!) and possibly even cooking (yahoo!). That would be a dream... Just like the illustrious "Evelyn" that we all have heard so much about, I need a "Lystra!" Lystra is the name of my sister's and my (is that proper english?) childhood nanny. She was the best. She moved to Canada with us from Trinidad and really and truly became part of the family. She cooked, cleaned, gave us baths - you name it, Lystra did it. What a lifesaver she must have been to my mom who worked/works full-time. Anyway, I'll let you guys know how it goes - I hope the MommyFairy is listening!