Wordless Wednesday -- First Grade is on!

It's Wednesday, so it's time time again for Wordless Wednesday.

Check it out over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Also, remember when I told you that I was writing for the great people over at Dr. Smith's.

Well so is Heloise. Yes, the Heloise. I met her.

She's totally nice and exactly like she is on the Today Show.

Well, her first blog post is here today and be sure and go back tomorrow because I have a potty-mouthed post. That's right. I'm talking poopie and tinkle!

This is the Life

My son is learning to play Monopoly. He is passionate about it. When he is succeeding (which in his world is buying properties, he has little interest in collecting rent -- like his mother, he is better at spending than he is buying), he leans back, laces his fingers together behind his head, and states, "this is the life".

I have at times, questioned my path, but it is moments like this that bring my life in clear perspective. Today, I watched my son walk a balance beam. I watched my daughter inhale a milkshake in the lap of her great grandmother, smiling with each sip and slurp. Together they splashed me like the Titanic going down as they demonstrated their ever-growing swim skills in our small backyard pool. And as I write this, he is setting up the Monopoly board yet again.

So as the summer days wane and I look to the scheduling serenity of the school year, I am taking this moment to embrace the last of the summer chaos and remember that yes this is the life!

Day 329 or It's Friday, I'm Fragmented and a Little Bit Green

The last week have been really listening to the things my kids have had to say -- some silly, some profound, and some just darn funny. So in honor of Friday Fragments, I thought that I would share some wisdom from the mouths of babes.

My daughter still speaks a great deal about her grandfather that passed last winter. She also speaks a lot about angels. This week she told me about how she was an angel before she was born. She told me that she was waiting to come to Earth. Now she hasn't been exposed to the Well of Souls so I have no idea where this came from but it was super sincere. She then started an even deeper discussion about how people can be "in her heart". I attempted to explain that when someone dies, they never leave us, that they will always be in our hearts. Well, she then wanted to know how they could get there because her heart was inside. She was concerned that there might not be enough room. It is so sweet how literal she is and reminds of the beauty of child-vision.

On the other side of this coin, my son on a completely different day, started a conversation about ghosts. But should you ever need to put into relief the difference between how a six-year old boy thinks from a three year-old girl thinks, here it is. We were in the car and as a good six-year old boy is known to do, he passed gas. I called him on it and he told me that a ghost did it. I answered that ghosts don't have gas. He then replied that they did not have "hineys". He furthered that ghosts also did not go to the bathroom because they did not have penises. So there you go. Important information to know, right?

My daughter has also begun telling me that she is too busy for me as she has work. (Personally, her "work" looks more like mess-making than I might prefer, but what are you going to do?) This one hurt a little because I actually went back to work this summer. And, when I make a mistake, she says, "You didn't know, Mommy. You didn't know". So you heard it first here, folks, I didn't know.

On a completely different note, I am still having issues with my iPhone after it is was "improved". Since the ill-fated update, the phone says that vibrate is set for sound or silent but it has not worked since the change. Any suggestions?I need my vibration, you know. I know that some of you are tech savvy, if you have ideas, please share.

This week, I was inspired by my new IRL friend, Erin, I re-visited my commitment to being green, I wrote more about it in my other blog Cold Comfort Living. I have failed a lot lately but I am ready to do better. I am proud, however, of what we are doing for Heifer International. The latest tally of $220 buys a goat, two flocks of chicks, and a tree! Yay! That's got be good and green!

Finally, here is my profund thought of the day. I am watching Veggie Tales with my daughter. The veggies are eating fruit. Is that akin to cannibalism? I don't know but it just doesn't seem quite right. Just sayin. :-)

So there we are. Check out Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissing Time and join in the Fragmented Fun!

Day 274 or The Tooth Man Cometh

So many of you asked about the Tooth Fairy so here's the shizzle. The Tooth Fairy did come. Of course.

But, there is a funny story there. Well, I think it's funny. It's funny to me. But I have had a couple of White Russians this evening, so we'll see if the humor carries beyond the bizarre arena known as my brain.

After Sonny-Bunny went to sleep, Tooth Fairy and her assistant had a discussion (debate) over what was the appropriate price for the tooth. Tooth Fairy, in her infinite wisdom and elephant-like memory, stated that the previous two teeth (wrought from two separate painful accidents) had brought $5 each. Therefore, TF thought it only proper to maintain that as current retail value. Her assistant however, thought that $1 would be more appropriate. TF won the argument, as she always does, and $5 was properly traded for said tooth.

The next morning, when Sonny-Bunny awakens for school, I say "Let' s see what the Tooth Fairy brought". To which he said (with a great big smile), "I bet it's a dollar." (Yes. "A" dollar. As in one.) When he sees the $5, he is screaming, "Mommy, you have to see this! You have to see what kind of dollar it is! It has a five, Mommy! It's a five dollar!" He was over the moon.

So it seems that the going rate is $1 and the assistant was right. Maybe someone should share that info with the big TF. Maybe a night before would have been even better. Alas.

:-)

Day 273 or A Little Loss, A Big Deal

Of course, my son couldn't be on my blogging schedule because this would have been a perfect Wordless Wednesday post. Alas. Wouldn't it be nice if our kids could be a little more considerate? LOL


Here's the excitement at our house...

Yes. For the first time, my son has lost a tooth the natural way (He has lost two other teeth in two different accidents). He was so brave and as you can see, so proud! So congratulations, little man. You are growing up.

Day 260 or The Honeymoon is Over

Remember that glowing post I wrote yesterday about the beauty of coming home to my children? How they seemed to appreciate me more? Were you laughing then, knowing that the other shoe would drop? That somehow, some way they would make me pay for those days of relaxation and those nights of unhindered sleep? And that they would choose the night that their father worked to do so?

I don't know what pod appeared in our home this afternoon but my children were replaced by an insane alien breed that cannot stop bickering, crying, and/or saying "Mommy" 12 times every minute. They have fought, thrown toys, screamed at the top of their lungs, and kicked the wall.

I swear that every ounce of residual cruise high has gone LOW.

And yet, I sit here laughing. Not because I need a straight jacket, though that is still a possibility -- stand by, boys. Not because my daughter just mooned me. She did. Seriously. But because my son just disappeared to his room and returned claiming that he had just put something on his blog. Yes. You read that right. He told me that baby was being so silly that he posted it on his blog and now everyone can read it. He's six, ladies and gentlemen. Yet in 2010, my six year old has created an imaginary blog wherein he can document his life.

And what do I do? I run to my blog to share it! He then sees me typing and says, "It that your blog, Mommy?" Oh, dear. I feel a lot like Dr. Frankenstein at this moment. Oh, what have I created?

Alas, I scooped up both of my monsters and told them that I loved them. Even when they made me crazy. Even when I yell and they kick. Even when toys have flown and tears have flowed. Always and forever.

I hope one day, my son will blog about that.

Day 224 or It's Friday, It's Fragmented, and It's a Party

Hi guys. Settle in. This is a long one.

Mrs. 4444 hosts Friday Fragments over at her beautiful blog, Half Past Kissin' Time. It's a great opportunity to put voice to all those little things running around in your head that may not make a full post on their own.

First, my son and I had a date last night. We went to see "How to Train Your Dragon". It was a wonderful time just Mommy and Sonny-Bunny. (It was also a great film. You can check out my take over at my other site. Yes, I know shameless self-promotion.) At the end of the evening, during cuddle time, he grabbed my neck and whispered, "I just love you so much". Oh!!! Kill me now. So sweet!

Secondly, yesterday would have been my father-in-law's birthday. This weekend we are going to have a celebration of his life. This was my mother-in-law's wish and I so admire it. We had a very small graveside ceremony and no funeral. Instead, she wanted some time to pass and then use his birthday as a way to remember the whole of his life not the last few minutes when he passed. I can't even conceive of a day wherein I have to think of these things so I applaud her strength and the fortitude of her love.

We have all been watching the mine tragedy playing out in West Virginia. Along with my heartbreak for the families, I have really thought about coal-mining. We so often take so much for granted. I flick a switch and light comes on. Do I think about a man sweating his way through the dark, doing hard, dirty work? No. I sit here crying for them now but do I make judgments on these people -- culturally, politically, philosophically? Yes (she says ashamedly). These people give me convenience and safety and I have never appreciated that. I have never appreciated their contribution not just to society but to MY life. So I say thank you to them. Thank you for givng my world ease and thank you for doing a dangerous job that I would not do. And thank you for opening my eyes to the world I live in. I will try harder to appreciate everyone in this society. Everyone's contribution. Everyone.

Finally, I have been thinking a lot about this blog. How I started typing at night and screamed in joy when I found a comment waiting for me the next morning. And this did not happen every morning. Now I regularly find multiple fabulous comments waiting for me. Some from places I have only dreamed of -- Greece, India, Alberta, CA -- and from all over this country. Most are fellow moms, but not all. There are even a couple of men out there. I have loved this. It has carried me many a day. But it has changed this blog. And changed me.

I started this blog to get to the heart of me. And having friends has helped carry me, yes. Oh yes. In fact, hell to the yes. I'm not sure that I would still be writing if you guys didn't keep coming. It doesn't just provide support. It makes me accountable. Which trust me is soooo IMPORTANT (Said in a sing-song voice!)

And it has been fun! I am normally shy but online I feel able to express myself and go visit others. I have made so many friends. And I am not using the term friends lightly. I have made FRIENDS. Get in an RV and drive thousands of miles to share a cup of coffee friends.

But sometimes I get so lost in the fun, that I'm not sure I am pushing myself which was the point of this blog. So I am trying to learn the balance of the party that is a blog and challenging myself as a writer and a person. Please bear with me as I struggle with this. Hold my feet to the fire. My countdown is quickly ticking away and I want to make the most of my remaining three months.

All that said, the Today show had an article about parenting blogs and how some people are nasty. WHAT??? I am so thankful that aside from a few offers for fake Viagra, I have had NOTHING but the sweetest, funniest, most supportive comments!!! Thank you. I love every comment (aside from the aforementioned SPAM) that I have received. Every single one has touched me. I don't know how I got so fortunate but my world is better because of you.

That's why I participate in the fun stuff. I love meeting other people out there. Sharing in their journeys. Having them share in mine. That's why I am participating in The Ultimate Blog Party 2010 hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. Because we should celebrate all we do. I know that some people underestimate the power of blogging -- especially Mommy blogging -- but I know that it is a strong community filled with great people trying to reach beyond the walls of their home. So celebrate! Celebrate yourself. Celebrate bloggers. Celebrate blogging!

So whie I am re-committing to the heart of my blog, I still want to have some serious fun! The point of the party is to share your blog and share yourself. Later I will post sharing a little about me, my purpose for the blog, and where I want to go. But I am pretty sure that I have OVERWHELMED you guys with this post. So have a great Friday.

Thanks again to Mrs. 4444 for hosting Friday Fragments and 5 Minutes for Mom for the party!

Day 193 or Recipe for Disaster

Looking for a a special recipe to reek havoc on your family life, stain your carpet, and create at least two new wrinkles. Well,then you have come to the right place.

1 cup of children off their schedule after a weekend at grandmas
2 cups of Daddy out for the evening
1 TBSP of Mommy with a head cold
Sprinkle in spaghetti for flavor

Stir together until Mommy is screaming, son is crying from another room, and toddler daughter is looking bemused. Carpet should begin to develop an orange-red color that seems to spread and darken in direct correlation to your efforts to remove it. Bake until Mommy's hair looks like she had married Frankenstein, son is now wailing, and daughter is still bemused.

Let cool for 15 minutes.

For best results, then resume nighttime activities. Put on PJs, read stories, and give cuddles. Continue until son turns your face to his and says, "I love you, Mommy. We forgot to say that."

Day 173 or Wordless Wednesday

Thanks as always to 5 Minutes for Mom (http://www.5minutesformom.com/) for hosting.

:-)

Day 120 or Christmas!!!!

Anticipation....



A princess in her element

Even the stocking stuffers are cool

Wow!

A blessed and merry Christmas to all!

Day 112 or Joy Colored Glasses

Today was my son's first last day of school before Christmas Holiday and what a day it was!

First, he got to wear his pajamas to school. Even here in Texas (or maybe because of it) kids are fascinated with the idea of being "snowed in" so the kindergarten had a snowed in party. They were allowed to bring a cuddly and a book. They watched movies and read books. All the while dressed in their favorite night clothes.

Better than that, however, was the party. It was winter carnival style set up in the cafeteria. Bean bags became snow balls. Shoe boxes were ice skates. And in the magic of a six year old's world, marshmallows become perfect snowmen. To see my little man amongst 120 other kindergartners going red-faced singing "Jingle Bells" at the top of his lungs, laughing as he wiped out, and all around being six and happy was the most joy-inducing experience.

I have heard it said that Christmas is for children. That may be so. But if it is so, I think that it is only to remind us to see the beauty and miracle of the holiday through the eyes of a child. In the book, The Wizard of Oz, the people of Oz wear green lensed glasses. They are told that they have to wear them to avoid being blinded by the glare of emerald city. Of course, the reality is that the reason the city looks green is because they are wearing the glasses. Well, if the man behind the curtain is giving out emerald-colored glasses my son is giving out joy-colored glasses and I am wearing them. Yep. I'm wearing the glasses of a six year old and I am loving it. Try a pair yourself. I highly recommend it.

Day 105 or The Things My Mother Said That I Swore I Wouldn't

The Real Title Should Be : The Things That My Mother Said That I Swore I Wouldn't But I Said This Week...

You may judge, but this is my little truth corner so here it is.

1. "Because I said so" -- I used to think this was a cardinal sin. And I never start here but after providing multiple logical answers, multiple times... this is a solid go-to. There is no answer back. Conversation closed.

2. "You're older" -- I hate that I say this to my older child. I was the oldest and no matter how old my younger brothers became, they were always younger which seemed to lessen their culpability because I was always "older".

3. "I don't care who started it, I am ending it" -- Enough said.

4. "I'm going to throw every toy you own in the trash if you..." Insert one of the following -- fight over another toy, don't put up your toys, throw another toy, etc. etc. etc.

5. "You are making Mommy crazy" -- Well, this is true but I am sure that there is a wealth of child-rearing experts that would say that this is a terrible thing to tell your children.

And for the coup de gras, the proof that I have officially become my mother, ladies and gentlemen... "I'm going to call Santa and tell him to put you on the naughty list". And the other night, I did. I called Santa (luckily my children can't read their father's full name on the phone screen yet. This won't work next year.) Okay, you may judge. I know. I know. Perfectly awful.

One thing my mom said that I'm proud to say... "I love you even when you make me crazy. And one day I hope that you have a child just like you".

Day Ninety - Seven or Well, you'll see...

See, those shocked looks. That's because their mom is about to commit a blog-pas. (Blog-pas -- poorly conceived and executed attempt to make a cute Bennifer-style combo word from

the English word blog and the French word faux pas. I know. I know. Cringe. Double cringe.). I have heard of a "Wordless Wednesday" program which I'd really like to participate in (mostly because I am all out of creativity and I have some really cute pics to share -- see above) but I don't know how to give credit where credit is due -- thus the blog pas (I know. Somebody, please stop me.) So if you participate in "Wordless Wednesday" or know the founder, please let me know so that I may avoid such a future blog-pas (Last one. I promise.)

So in honor of the "Wordless Wednesday", I am unofficially submitting this unofficial post.

Wait one minute there, lassie. You can't do that. The pictures would be unsanctioned. They would be a blog-pas (Okay. So I lied. But admit it -- it's growing on you.)

But the pictures are soooo cute. Just look at that snowman at the hands of Sonny-Bunny and The Diva. People will want to see that. They need to see that.

No. Not until it's right. You can't include your children in such blog-chicanery (No, I wasn't brave enough to try a Brangelina with that one. Though I did consider it. I did.)

Okay. I'll wait.

So people I need your help. If you want to see these pictures, and let's face it, you know you do. Please tell me who is to be credited. And then I will officially submit a "Wordless Wednesday" post.

That was a lot of words for wordless, huh?

Day Ninety - Five or American History According to My Six Year-Old

I have an embarassing story to share. Some of you may judge. But I have to tell the story because I haven't laughed so hard in months. I mean pull out the Depends because I have lost control laughter.

For a few days preceding Thanksgiving my son has been impressing me with his understanding of the holiday. He told me about the Mayflower and pilgrims and the American Indians that helped them. One day he wore home a paper pilgrim costume and the next day he wore home a beautiful hand-drawn Indian vest made from a grocery bag and wore a headband naming himself Cave Bear.

On Wednesday night, he presented a two minute show with a pilgrim puppet, a drawing of an Indian chief, and a drawing of a turkey. It was wonderful. It was short. It was relatively historically accurate.

So I made a rookie mistake. A call to your mom to tell her the baby is talking and then watch helplessly as the once talkative baby goes silent rookie mistake. I bragged. I talked up the impending play to everyone. "Wait until you see his show after lunch. It's soooo good." What the fudgesicle was I thinking?

So I gather everyone in the living room. I introduce him. And then something happens. I should have known that my son might demonstrate some love for an audience. So he starts to smile a half-smile. Always a sign that something is coming. So with an impish gleam in his eye, he begins the play. The same look that he gave before his shepherd turned his backside to the audience at his Christmas Pageant last year, leaned over, pulled up his tunic and did a booty dance.

It started innocently enough. The pilgrim met the Indian. Then for reasons never explained the Indian went gansta on the pilgrim. He pounded the pilgrim. Now understand, my son is dressed as the Indian. So he is punching the pilgrim puppet on his hand. Then the puppet pilgrim punched back.

At some point, I believe that aliens flew in and shot up the Mayflower. Honestly, it looked like one of those moments in a Robin Williams film where the filmmakers just raise their hands helplessly and just let him go. My son literally channeled the genie from "Aladdin".

So the two minute Thanksgiving play became a ten minute "Pilgrims meet Independence Day". (I can hear the Hollywood pitch now). Now here's where you may judge. I kept trying to encourage him to go back to the story but I'm not sure that he was able to understand anything I was saying from my position on the floor convulsing in hysterics. I was not able to address the violence, the historical issues, anything. I just rolled and rolled with laughter.

So in a couple of years, I am expecting a call from the school asking me to explain why my son's answers in American History sound like a James Cameron film ("Aliens", not "Titanic"). And it probably won't help when I roll on the floor laughing. Oh. Did I mention we have this on tape? I'm not sure if that will come back to haunt me or him more. Probably me. Yeah, definitely me.

P.S. Stay tuned... Tomorrow I get to tell you about something exciting that I'm a part of. :-)

Day Ninety or A Funny Thing Happened...

Hi guys. I'm a lousy blogger this week. I've been posting intermittently and I've not been good about visiting, so sorry. I wish everyone a super-duper (yes, I said super-duper, could've done totally awesome but I went with my heart!) Thanksgiving. I have so very much for which to be thankful, not the least of which is this blog and those of you whom I have met via this crazy journey of mine. I've said it before but thanks for being my friends, my shoulders, my support.

Now I have a funny story to recount from my Fried Momma Sunday.

"Funny, haha. Traci? Or funny, weird?"

"Well, I think funny, haha, but you can tell me after". So here goes...

Flashback, Sunday afternoon. This particular Mommy still recovering her voice. Still feeling low. Sent Daddy to grocery store. In the absence of any speaking parent, sonny-bunny and little princess get a little crazy. Well, a lot crazy. Just as Daddy is bringing in bags, spinning little princess collides with sonny-bunny. Full-on head butt. Cue screams and copious amounts of blood. Coming from the mouth.

Swoop up sonny-bunny and run to the local clinic that has Sunday hours. Six year-old in arms, Spider man ice pack to mouth. We run in to admitting. They call a pediatric nurse. Moments later, a very calm "seen-it-all' style nurse comes to us. She takes a look and starts telling us how she doesn't think that he needs anything. And then over her shoulder like some bizarre parrot-nurse spoke Miss Perky.

Well, Miss Perky (At least 10 years younger than I. No, if I'm honest, probably closer to 15) thinks we should admit him to ensure that there is no underlying tissue damage. And then the first nurse (we'll call her Nurse Cool) turns around and says, "I've got this" and then turns back to me and says "Interruptus". Now, anyone in their right mind would have thought that would have been enough to shut down Miss Perky. But they underestimated the power of the Perk.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm cheerful. I don't mind happy, optimistic, positive, etc. But when my son is bleeding all over my new-to-me J. Crew sweater, I don't want peppy or perky. I want calm, cool, possibly even jaded. And that's what I got with Nurse Cool.

So I'm trying desperately to listen to Nurse Cool but Miss Perky couldn't stop herself. Finally Nurse Cool shut her down. And sent her on her way. Then sent us on our way. And she was right. Sonny-Bunny is fine. No stitches needed. Just a bizarre half mustache of blue and purple on one side.

"Say, Traci, that definitely wasn't funny, haha. It was marginally funny weird".

"Yeah, I know, but here's come the marginally haha part and definitely weird part."

I'm recounting the surreal events to my friend, FW, and she says that she thinks that she knows Nurse Cool. Especially when I describe her over-the shoulder "interruptus". So she calls her and yes, her friend was my calm, Nurse Cool. I don't know how she puts up with Miss Perky. But thank you, Nurse Cool. You saved us three hours and $100 plus way too much time with Miss Perky.

So that its my marginally funny, slightly weird, but not really ironic recounting of my Fried Momma Sunday. Thanks for listening kids. And have a great Thanksgiving!

Day Fifty - Seven

First off, how much do I love Unknown Mami? If you have somehow found me without finding her first...Stop reading. I mean it. Stop reading, scroll down to my blog list, and click on her link. You won't regret it. If you find your way back to me, terrific. If you get lost in her lovely blog, well, can't say as I blame you. She is insightful, funny, and darnit she likes me so I really can't do anything but adore her. In all seriousness, however, she is a dynamite lady in person and my blogging goddess. So go already... go.

Wow, did you come back? How amazing is that? Is it because she told you to? Gosh, do I love that woman.

So we are entering the weekend and my son has a playdate this afternoon. And two offers for next week. So my son is officially way more popular than me. And that is great. I love that he is a confident, together little boy with lots of friends.

I especially love that because I have never been confident and together. Hollywood is full of characters like Ally McBeal and Bridget Jones. In those versions, the women are far more attractive than their situation would otherwise suggest and despite everything, they are adored. Well, here in the land called Earth, men do not instantly fall in love with the clumsy, insecure, messes of the world. Employers do not appreciate inappropriate dress in the workplace. And doors don't fly open when you are the kind of person who throws herself full force into a door that clearly says "Pull". (Yes, I really did that. More than once. Okay. Okay. Lots more than once.)

So I confess. I am a mess. Though I did have a dear grad school friend who told me I wasn't clumsy, I was endearing. Really good friend. Really bad liar. But I love him anyways. If you're out there, AA, big kisses.

The good news, however, is that it is not a genetic condition. (My husband might suggest here that he had such a great pool that it counteracted my genes, but you haven't seen his closet!) I have managed to create and raise a great kid. Funny, bright, and best of all he likes himself. At the end of the day, this messy girl did something right. (At least for now....) And that makes me like myself.

Day Fifty - Two

I just finished birthday bonanza weekend. Yesterday was my son's actual birthday but today was the party so we are officially overloaded with cake, coke, and pinata candy. We are tired but we are happy.

We had an old school backyard birthday party. I dug out three different party games from three different past parties. (Our theme was Transformers but we had A Spiderman bean bag toss, a Cars ball toss, and a Star Wars skee ball.) I then let them loose. They actually chose to have an epic battle with pool noodles over almost anything. It just goes to show...

It reminded me of the many parties that my mom threw for me. I now know all the hours that went into each event. How she must have never sat down (as I did not sit). How I never knew or truly appreciated. So I say thank you. But more importantly, I know that it's okay. Because as happy as my son is today, he doesn't have a clue. Which is just fine. One day he'll know and I'll have the joy of sitting at his child's party Sitting and watching and knowing.

Day Fifty - One

Today was my beautiful sonny-bunny's big 6th birthday. He is officially a BIG boy (at least during daylight hours -- he can't seem to sleep a whole night in his own bed). And today was a wonderful way to remember that there are few pleasures greater than a day at the Aquarium, riding on a carousel, and getting your face painted. Thank goodness for kids and the little pleasures of life.
:-)