Deer as Christmas decorations... What??!!!

Nope, those are not reindeer... they are deer.  Wait, What?? Really, deer??

I think I need to give some of my background with deer.  First, I think that they have some secret "in" with body shops or car companies- they can do some serious damage.  When I was 17 I hit my first deer with my car, hello new radiator.  When I was 19 I hit my second deer with my car, actually that time technically the deer hit me, but thats another story.  Insurance paid for it (after my deductible of course), but about $575 in damage to the car.  My parents, siblings, relatives, and friends have almost all either hit a deer at some point with a car or have come VERY close to it.  It is engrained in your brain to constantly keep a look out for deer when you are driving. 

Second, I have spend my entire life watching my mom, and others be so incredibly frustrated trying to make the yard look nice with flowers and plants only for the deer to come up the night after she plants them and mow them down like it was their job to landscape the flowerbeds.  The vegetable garden with the electric fence around it was pretty serious business and they still got in once in a while.  Fences, sprays, research on plants that they don't "like"... none of it has ever worked very well.  Actually, I think that they let some plants grow making you think that you have won, but really they were just waiting for the buds to grow and for you to get your hopes up that you finally beat the deer and were going to have a plant with a pretty flower on it.  Wrong.  Mowed down yet again.  As a bystander where my biggest wild animal problem is a sneaky armadillo digging holes in my grass but leaves my garden alone,  it is pretty funny to hear the attempts and failures of the deer prevention- and there have been some pretty clever attempts over the years.

That leads me to this... Why would you want a deer decoration in your yard that is not only a DEER, but is motorized as well to pretend to be eating the grass!!  I have spent a good chunk of my life avoiding and trying to get rid of the dang things and now every 3rd house has these "angelic creatures" munching away at the grass. I have to admit, at first glance I may have jumped once or twice thinking that I saw "eyes" and called out "DEER!" or that they are about to jump out in front of my car at any second!!  It's just so strange!!  Is it a southern thing or just the new cool decoration.  Personally, deer decorations will never be included in our display- it's like staging a blind date for the real deer encouraging them to come on in and get comfortable in my front yard!

Milestones in Motherhood: A new "first" for the kiddo...

I thought we were past the "awww, this is the very first time one of the kids did ___!!" stage.  Mason is 3 and hasn't really reached any new milestones in a while, Cooper is 15 months now and just finished a lot of new moments so I was surprised when we got to experience a new "First" experience today.

I am marking down the date today, November 16, 2012.  Today marks the FIRST time my kid threw up IN THE GROCERY STORE!  I know, it's exciting.  Here is how it went down... literally, went down. (Ick)

Mason has had a little "tummy bug" (ahem, Annette Encrapara) on top of a cold.  He seemed to be doing better so I thought we were in the clear to run to the grocery store for a few key items that really couldn't wait this afternoon.  We hit the deli, put in our order, zip around to get the other items we needed and jet back to the deli to pick up the order.  I had successfully made it past the free sample cheese tray the first time, but the second time Mason saw it and using his best manners (unprovoked and totally playing me)... "Pleasssssseee Mommy!!! (Imagine folded hands and puppy dog eyes).  Yeah, he is good.  I say to myself, eh, it's only cheese, could be a lot worse.  So, he gets a piece.  I realized that I forgot apples so we run over to the apples in the produce section.  I look back to make sure that Mason had followed me the 12 feet from the deli to the apples (the store is not that big) and I see him with his hand over his mouth.  Silly me thinks that he didn't like the cheese and doesn't know where to spit it out.  I may have even had a little proud moment thinking that he didn't just spit it out on the floor, or sneak it into my purse when I wasn't looking.  That was Mistake #1.  Turns out, he was actually trying to hold in the vomit... with. his. hand.   Not knowing this quite yet, I say "Mase, do you not like the cheese and hold out my hand for him to spit it out.  Mistake #2.  He then threw up in my hand.  At that same moment, once I realized what was happening, I threw my purse on the floor and kicked my phone that had dropped out of my pocket all while Cooper looked on from the cart.  I'm pretty sure he was laughing at me.  Thankfully we were in the produce section where there are little bag stations everywhere.  I grabbed a bag (spilling my handful of vomit in the process) but managed to get it up to his face to catch round two.  The bag was clear so everyone who stopped to watch got a clear view of his stomach contents... serves them right, rubber neckers.
A total stranger stopped and took pity on me and asked "how can I help you".  I kind of just stood there for a second looking at Mason with puke down the front of his sweatshirt, my slimy hand, the pile on the floor all in disbelief that this had just happened.  I looked up at her totally dumbfounded and frazzled and said "I have no idea! I have never been in this situation before!"  She laughed in that I have been in this situation and much worse before kind of way, called over a store employee, and kept Cooper happy while I got Mason and myself cleaned up and organized.  Bless her heart.
So, that is the tale of Mason's "first" time throwing up in the grocery store.  I am forever grateful to the woman who helped us and really, REALLY hope that this never happens again... ever.

 On the awesome situation scale this one is ranking a -2.  Definitely NOT awesome!!

Finally, the election is over... or so I thought.

     Let me start this out by saying that I have not made my political views very public.  I don't actively engage in political debates because someone always ends up with hurt feelings or angry.  I feel that everyone has their own opinions and certain issues that are most important to that individual.  To each their own.  That is the beauty of our country.
     That being said, how in the world did people decide who to vote for without social media and everyone on face book making fun of one party or the other, posting hateful comments about a candidate, threatening to move out of the country, trying to convince others to vote because of the issues that are important to them, and finally, trying to make you feel back/stupid for having an opinion different than their own or voting for a different candidate then them.
     I was pretty excited last night going to bed... the election is finally over!!  This morning I hop on Facebook for some mindless entertainment, hoping for a little bit of someone else's drama, funny posts about what the kids are doing, pictures of the latest new couple... but nope... all there was was post after post of in your face celebration posts, the world is going to end posts, I told you so posts, hateful posts, more the world is going to end posts, and more "ah ha you lose" posts.
     I like to think of things like this.  No, the world is not going to end, that is just dumb.  Elections are in the category of a race, which requires sportsmanship.  In your face taunting,  I told you so'ing, and "ah ha you lose" is poor sportsmanship that sets a bad example and is childish.  Calling names is uncalled for as well.  You don't have to respect the person, but respect the office and what it represents.
     Ok, so today is only the first day after the election so today gets a pass.  Tomorrow on the other hand, I had better see some posts about who stole who's boyfriend drama, something funny about what your kid has done, or even a funny joke... I'm a big fan of the jokes.

Tri for 30: Boom Down!!

I did it!!!! I completed my first sprint triathlon!! I say first, because there will certainly be more in my future!!!  The challenge is insane and the feeling of accomplishment is amazing.  I am a triathlete.
Here is a recap of how it went...

At the last minute I chickened out of using my "Mom Bike", complete with kid seat and all.  I decided to rent a road bike.  I was looking to buy one, but it turns out they cost a small fortune.  The bike I rented cost $700 to buy... to rent... $29.99.  Pretty easy decision!  I rented it on Wednesday to train and then returned it and rented again on Friday night to use for the race on Saturday morning.  There is a good reason that those bikes cost so much money- they are awesome.  My first time on it for training I took 20 minutes off of my time. Totally worth it.  To say I would have been embarrassed on my Mom Bike compared to the other competitors is a total understatement.

The morning of the race I was riding down the elevator with another person and he saw me in my workout gear and asked if I was going for an early morning run and I said, "No, I'm competing in my first triathlon this morning"  That was when it hit me that I was really doing this!! And then the nerves set in.  I got there and saw everyone and felt like a total rookie.  I began to second guess myself but then got mad at myself and told myself to suck it up.  It definitely helped that everyone was really nice and friendly.  It wasn't a super competitive atmosphere, just people out to have a good time.

I got my race bib and bag of goodies which included coupons from the sponsors and (shudder) a swim cap.  My vanity was already taking a shot thinking about the bike helmet, but now a swim cap too!??!! Great.

Then it was off to set up my transition area... I though, what the heck am I supposed to do now?? I totally copied off of everyone else and just set out my towel and sneakers to run.  Guess who forgot a bottle of water.  Oops!

So by now I'm all set up and it's freezing out and I'm starting to get nervous about how cold the water is and how I'm going to go into hypothermic shock and drown during the swim. People all around me are getting into their wet suits... while I stand there shivering.... and then I see Mason and Eric walking towards me.  What a relief.  I must point out that I have the most supportive family.  Eric is awesome for putting up with my endless training, stressing, and my poor time management... and for now trying to convince him to do a race with me!!

Finally time to walk over to the starting line and Mason yells to me (with some coaching) "Good luck Mom... Don't Drown!!" At that point, I had to laugh at myself, shake my nerves, and remember my goals.  Finish and don't be last.

The Swim:
Good news!! I didn't drown.  I did not train enough for the swim portion.  In hind sight, I should have swam more, and with people around me.  It is a totally different experience swimming with splashes, wake, and with someone running into you.  1/3 mile finished in 13 min 46 sec.  249th out of 292.  Not great, but not last!!!

The Bike:
I am pretty sure that they figured out a way to make the whole 16 mile bike course UP HILL!! It was hard... even on my sweet road bike.  Rookie mistake, I did not prep a bottle of water on the bike and there wasn't anywhere or any time to grab one.  Needless to say, I could really have used some water at about mile 10.  Despite the hills, I beat my personal best training time.  16 mile bike finished in 1 hr 4 min.  248 out of 292.  Still not great, but still not last again!!

The Run:
Eric threw me a bottle of water as I came through the transition area to drop my bike.  I could have dropped myself at that point, but I knew that I was over half way there and last up was my best discipline. I trained the most in running because it is the one thing that I can do with both kids... and the more I trained, the better I got, and the more I enjoyed it.  I am fiercely competitive so I was really happy that during the run was where I got to pass a few people!! ha ha.  As strange as it was, the 5K run after already swimming 1/3 mile and biking 16 miles was my personal best time.  It's hard to wrap my head around, except for that I was really warmed up.  The odd thing was that I think that I could have pushed myself harder running, but that is something to change up for the next time.  3.1 mile run completed in 24 min 53 sec.  120 out of 292.  Killed it!!

Overall:  1/3 mile swim, 16 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run completed in 1 hr 47 min.  226 place out of 292.  I accomplished my goals.  I finished.  I was not last.   What a great experience.  I am so incredibly proud of myself.  Only a little over a year after having a baby, setting a general goal of just getting in shape to loose that stubborn baby weight, and then 7 months later completing a sprint triathlon.  It makes me feel like there is nothing that I can't do.  As my family knows, my motto since I was very little has always been "I CAN!"  Well, I DID!!  Eric and Mason were at the starting line and at the end of every section of the race cheering me on, and at the finish line still cheering for me.  I am so incredibly lucky to have my family be my biggest cheerleaders.  Without them I am sure that I would not have been able to do it.

Tri for 30... that is what this started out as... a goal to do before I turned 30.  Now that I have, I feel more confident than ever, am in the best shape of my life, I'm ready to kick 30's ass, and actually looking forward to what my 30's  has to offer.  I have the "bug" and am already thinking ahead to future races and goals... I think maybe "Full Ironman Tri for 35" might be a good goal... hmm... better start training now!! ...and saving for a sweet road bike!! ha ha

Thank you to everyone who has cheered me on and supported me through this journey... it is much appreciated!!

Tri for 30: 5 days left...Oh shit.

5 Days left before the big race.  4 more training days.  Yeah, It's on Saturday.  Not the Saturday after next, but just Saturday. Oy. I thought I had more time.  Somehow the time got away from me.  Reality has struck and I just made my hotel reservation.  This will be the first night that I will have ever been away from Cooper and the first night away from Mason, besides from when Cooper was born and I had to stay in the hospital.
First, I don't think I trained enough.  Second, I don't have the right bike.  I have prospects of borrowing a nice road bike, but as I don't have it yet, I'm not counting on it.  Third, and the most ridiculous part, I don't know what to wear.
Training:  I got pigeon holed in running because I can do that with my boys.  I feel really good about the run.  Swimming... goal: don't drown.  I have swam the full distance so I know I can do it, I'm just a little nervous about swimming with other people around.  I need to make contact with a safety person and tell them to keep an eye on me and make sure I don't get held under.
Biking.  Sad fact #1: 5 days before the race and I have yet to do the whole distance.  It is 16 miles.  I have done 8 with Mason (36lbs) in the bike seat so that should count for more.  I plan on doing it today though so I will know how it will be.  Sad fact #2:  I feel like a total idiot in a bike helmet.  I know, I know, there is no vanity allowed in sports, but doesn't change the fact that I still feel stupid. Oh well, I'll get over it... they are mandatory.  I have no other choice.
What to wear... What to wear...  I know this should not be an issue, but unfortunately it is.  I need something that will transition from the water to the bike and still be ok for the run. Sweat suit- not a good idea.  I think I may need to just buy something.  Not a big fan of that since they are not cheap, but I guess it will last a long time and I'll have it for all future races- granted this one turn me off to future races.  I really doubt it will.  I think that my ridiculously intense competitive nature will love it.
I am probably down playing myself and letting my nerves make me think I'm not as ready as I really am.  I have worked hard, trained hard, and am fiercely competitive so I think I will do just fine.  Thats it... New Goal.... Screw Just finishing...Win.

You put WHAT in your nose??

Let me just start by saying that Mason is FINE, no medical attention was necessary, and he didn't do any harm, except to my nerves.  Some how this was my fault, but as a Mom, isn't everything our fault??

There we were, just a normal weekday morning, hanging out ready to get the day started.  I had just finished changing Cooper's diaper and Mason helped me out by putting the box of wipes back... or so I thought.  32 seconds later, 30 of which I dared to take my eyes off of them, and disaster struck.  Every wipe was out of the box.  I'm cheap, and don't want to waste them so I proceed to fold them back up, one by one, and put them back in the box for future use.  I then jumped on the computer to check what homework I had for the day.  There was my mistake.  Really, I should have learned the first time when they dumped out the box of wipes.  All of the sudden I hear a noise that can only be described as a "dry snot rocket" sound.  I am a girl in a sea of gross boys and men... unfortunately, I know what a snot rocket is... Anyway, I ask Mason if he is ok and this was our conversation with him being suspiciously nasally sounding...

Mason: "I got something in my nose"
Me: You have boogies and need a tissue?"
Mason: "Nooooo, I have something in my nose!!"
Me: Well, what is it?
Mason : A wiper
Me: A what??
Mason: A WIPER!!
Me: What the heck is a wiper doing in your nose??
Mason: I put it there!
Oy.

I got out my trusty flash light, put him in a head lock because naturally he wouldn't hold still.  At this point I was well aware of the fact that I am not a doctor.  I looked up his nose and had no idea what I was looking at.  I thought that if there were a big wipe that I would be able to tell right away.  Well, I didn't really see anything out of place, which was a little unsettling because he said it was still there.
I saw a little bulge on one side but to be completely honest, it could have been his normal nose and there was no way that I was going to stick tweezers up his nose and start yanking on things.  I am NOT a doctor.  The ironic thing was that later that afternoon was his 3 year well visit with the pediatrician.  Time to evaluate the situation....
1.  Mason apparently has supposedly stuck a wipe up his nose.
2.  I evaluate and am reminded that my medical skills stop at neosporine and a bandaid and will not include tweezers practically in his brain.
3.  He is not upset or in pain.  Honestly, I think he was kind of happy about it all... thought it was funny.
4. Real doctor appointment in 5 hours
5.  LET IT RIDE!!! Sorry Kiddo.

Fast forward a couple of hours.
We were outside playing in the kiddy pool out back of our house.  Mason is playing and splashing and I hear him sneeze a few times.  Next thing I know I have a piece of wipe in my hand that looks more like a weird slimy cocoon or something in my hand.  Mason brought it over to show me.  At first I didn't realize what it was.  It sounded like this.

Me:  Mase what is this?
Mason: a wiper
Me:  a wiper?
Mason: yeah (big smile on his face)
Me: Why is it all gross and slimy?
Mason: Cause I got it from my nose.
Me: I guess that was something up there that I saw.  Whoops.
Mason: You keep it in your nose.
Me:  No thanks. (What?? Put what in my nose??! Pass!!)

I relayed all of this to the pediatrician later that day and she told me

Doc: "This will not be the last time he puts something in his mouth, nose, ear... pretty much anywhere something will fit and you will need to dig it out... or look through poops for."  I think she was taking a little too much enjoyment in my predicament!
Me:  Real encouraging. Thanks Doc.

So... we survived our first "You put WHAT in your nose!" incident without major medical attention or cost.  Can't wait to see what ends up where next!!

Tri For 30: Sneakers or Humiliation Tool?

I went to a running store (plug) Run-n-Tri Company in Gulfport, MS.  It was a really great experience. I have really just been winging my training with no real plan in mind except for just running because I can do that with my boys, oh, and ignoring the fact that I have to swim because I'm not that great at it... and ignoring the bike because I have a "Mom Bike" with a kid seat on the back which everyone will mock be about but I refuse to take off because it was a serious pain in the butt to put on and I'm not doing that again.  Now that I have (gasp) less than 8 weeks until my debut as a triathlete I realized that I need to take it more seriously- or fail miserably.  This was the first step.. literally.... get it?? Bad pun.
I stood on a platform and had my feet scanned to see where I put pressure when I stand- super cool.  Turns out, not a huge surprise, I have ridiculously high arches.  So that means I need support... A lifetime ago when I did gymnastics my arches always hurt and felt like they were falling... weird right?  Anyway, I would tape them up since we tumbled barefoot and couldn't wear shoes with support.  Even then I knew my arches were "special".
 I stand with even pressure on each foot and evenly distributed for the most part.  I put a little bit more pressure on my right big toe.  I like to think that is my "mom toe" which allows me to spring into action and any second.  Either way, no big deal.  I got on the treadmill and ran for a bit.  The outcome: I have a neutral gait and just need a supportive shoe.  Awesome... especially for my bank account.  I tried on several different pairs, ran on the treadmill and picked the pair that felt the best.  There was a tie between 2 pairs and the $$ was the tie breaker.  The only problem with them is that they are florescent purple. Shield your eyes folks.... yeah, they are bright.

I normally pick the most comfortable pair from the ones that are on sale at Kohl's (when I have a 30% off coupon) and that are the most neutral looking.  Rarely do I spend more than $40 on a pair.  Not this day... $100 later and neon signs attached to my feet- I am all set to run my heart out.  My feet appreciate the upgrade... my vanity, not so much... oh well, at least I don't have to wear a goofy bike helmet... oh wait.

Not again...

How does this crap keep happening to me?  Literally- Crap.  I feel like I'm a pretty tough cookie, but some days make me wonder how I haven't lost my mind yet.

Today's outings... Target, Walmart, Hobby Lobby (equivalent to AC Moore).

The first two places were great... although I did get a few too many prizes, but we were having fun so I went with it.  Then we hit Hobby Lobby and the little people who hold my sanity in the palm of their little hands decided they had been good for too long and now I was going to pay.
Usually when they cry or throw fits they take turns- a tag team effort, as I like to call it.  Not today.  Today they both cried, fussed, whined, touched everything, and made me repeat myself 100 times the entire time at the store all at the same time.
I needed 3 items from the store. Should have been easy, but alas, nothing ever is.  We finally make it back to the cake decorating supplies, last on the list, (I needed to get fondant to attempt to make little decorations for Cooper's birthday cupcakes next week)  I didn't know what kind of coloring to use so I call my sister, at which point I tell her over Cooper screaming at the top of his lungs, "Cooper is freaking out and I'm going to punch him in the face".  Frazzled- um, yeah.  (Disclaimer: I would never actually punch my kids in the face... it might leave a mark. J/K) I get the information I needed from her and all the while I was on the phone Mason was pushing the cart around in the isle... he was happy so I was going with it.  In my frazzled state I missed the point when he stopped pushing the cart and climbed underneath the cart.  Anyone who has a child who is of the potty training age can recognize what is happening.  OMG he just pooped his pants. Son of a....
Ok, recap time... Cooper is still freaking out and I just saw Mason poop his pants... while we are on isle  number "this can't possibly get any worse"in the store.  Oh wait, it can.... and it does.
I drag the boys and cart to the bathroom.  The doorway is positioned conveniently so that a cart doesn't really fit... me in a panic nearly took out a wall trying to make it fit.  Then I have to back out and leave the cart.  Looking back, I'm not really sure why I was rushing, the damage was already done.  I go into the handicap stall so I don't have to make Cooper sit on the back of the toilet in order for all of us to fit.  Seriously, who designs these stalls!!  The bathroom is disgusting.  Let me repeat- disgusting.  I debate for a minute of just rolling with the poop and dealing with it in the parking lot, but to be honest- he stinks so I have to deal with it asap.  I take off his pants and underoo's to deal with it all.  He magically develops octopus arms and wants to touch everything... unraveling the toilet paper, including the dreaded "sanitary disposal bucket"(shudder).  I am in this crazy crouch with Cooper (still crying) balanced on my knee all twisted  so that neither of us are touching the floor and that I am guaranteed to have a sore everything later.  Mason is spread eagle getting cleaned up and he asks "what about my underwear?" I say "Sorry buddy- those are headed to the trash"  At this point, once he realized that I was going to throw out his beloved "Hulk" underwear, he LOST. HIS. SHIT.  Pardon my french, but there is no other way to describe the level of melt down that was thrown down.  I was holding him up by his arm because he was trying to throw himself on the floor.  I would rather face a dislocated shoulder than the idea of his bare skin on that floor.
Now it was my turn to make a decision.  Deal with underwear and make him happy enough to make it to the check out counter or chuck them and deal with this epic performance ditch the stuff I had picked out to buy and run out of the store in shame.  I am a trooper.  I am fearless.  I am a Mom who will do almost anything (and this tests the limit of anything) to make my kids happy.  This would explain why my hand was in a public toilet today.  I did it.  I washed out the underwear.  I then washed them in the sink and put them in my purse.  Thats right- I washed poopie underwear in one of the worlds most disgusting bathrooms toilet, rinsed them again in the sink and then put them in my purse.  I think I still might be in shock.  There is not enough hand sanitizer in the world to erase the coodies that I now have.  On top of all of that, Cooper cried through the entire event.
I grabbed my stuff and headed for the check out counter.  On my way there, Mason was required to sit in the cart because he still had octopus arms and it was either put him in the cart or give him away.  This is when he cried again, giving my boys the award for most annoying kids in the store.  There were a few people giving the judgy "whats wrong with those kids" looks which I promptly returned the "If you even think about saying something to me about these kids I will rip off your face" look.  I was in that kind of mood at this point.
I finally got checked out and as soon as I get outside I realize I lost my sunglasses somewhere, I assumed in the bathroom since it was such a fiasco.  We had a moment where both boys stopped crying and were happy so I figured if I ran I could be in and out in 3 minutes.  I run back to the bathroom and look for the glasses- not there. Dang.  I tell another woman what I was looking for and she smiled, gave me a knowing, kind, "I've been there" look and said "they are hooked in your back pocket.
So in the end I got a laugh, but I'm still looking for the humor in the rest of it.... it's taking me a while, but I will find it.  Oh wait, I had my hand in a public toilet and wet, pooped in underwear in my purse... there it is! Ha Ha.

A resume?? Whats that??

I think I might be in over my head.  I have decided to try and find a part time job.  I actually have applied for a few jobs here and there which is a funny story in itself, well, to me at least!  I'm starting to think I'm a bit of a train wreck... (insert shocked face)...
The first job I applied for is accepting applications now, but the closing date on it (at which that point they will begin the hiring process) is DECEMBER 5th.  Good think I'm not in a rush!!
The second one I applied for is kind of a joke.  It is similar to what I was doing at a previous unit, but on a MUCH larger scale (GS-11 for those that understand government jobs), both managerial and the actual job... a little over my head.  I figure whats the worst that could happen... they say no?  I'm still waiting for that no and not getting my hopes up, but a girl can dream... and in this dream, it's accented with dollar bills that float down out of the sky... Hello shopping spree!!
And that leads us to the waitressing/server position I applied for at the country club where I live.  Major step down from the big time job I also applied for, but who are we kidding, this is more my speed for right now.  I took an application over to the club yesterday.  What do you wear if you are just planning on dropping off the application?  Is it interview clothes, casual clothes?  I wasn't wearing a beach cover up so that was good, but seriously, I've never tried so hard to look cool and casual.  I should note at this point that I joined the Coast Guard when I was 18 and have been wearing a uniform ever since so I never have needed any professional clothes, and my "mom gear" just didn't seem appropriate.
So after I stressed about that for a while, I finally made it over to drop off the application, looking semi casual in a "I just threw this on" kind of way (that took me more time than "I just threw this on" should have.)  I end up having a chat with the manager whom says that I don't have enough (or any, besides boozing at my own house, but I left that out- didn't want to seem like a lush) experience to be a bartender which is what they have an opening for, and that they weren't really hiring anywhere else.  I was bummed and left.... and double plus- while inside- it started raining. Doubly bummed.
Today though, I got "the call" from that same manager I talked to yesterday.  Surprise, Surprise, now they are hiring and want me to come in for an interview.  He says "oh, by the way, do you have a resume?" Me: "Yes, I certainly do."  Me in my head: "Oh no! Someone is actually going to look at my resume"  I have submitted my resume with the other job applications but there is a big difference between uploading it and attaching it to my application than sitting down with someone who is going to read it in front of you.  I'm a little nervous.
And that brings me to my current spot.  I have a resume, but I'm pretty sure it's not that great.  I don't know if I should have an objective statement, if it should be totally serious (or can I toss in a joke?), what people are looking for, what parts of my life are worthy of including, and the dang format!!
I think I'm going to hold off on stressing about it too much... until 10 minutes before I have to leave tomorrow... that way it might distract me from my ill fitting clothes that might not be totally "interview" appropriate and are hopefully missing smeary kid handprints of some sort of goop, and that I only have 3 minutes to get there to be on time.
I'm not counting myself out just yet, but I wonder if these people know what they are getting themselves into if they hire me!! ha ha

The Disaster Trifecta...

I had a ton of errands to run today.  I thought- no problem- I've got this.  Looking back, I didn't have it.  On the to do list: Drop a few things off to a friend, haircut for Mason, drop/pick up stuff at consignment shop, hit Walmart for a few essentials, take Scout the wonder dog to the vet for shots and check up... you know, just a few things... with both kids. Easy peasy nice and breezy.
First item was an easy one and I mistakenly thought I was on a roll... I know, it's not a roll after only one item is checked off, but thats what I'm calling it anyway.  Pop into the barber shop and have to leave the car running for Scout because I live on the surface of the sun. I hop out of the car, grab Mason out of his seat and as I am jogging around to the other side of the car to grab Cooper I hear a strange noise come from my car.  What was that noise??? Scout the not so wonder dog had stepped on the door lock button and locked himself and Cooper in the car- with Mason and I on the outside.  I stood there stunned.  This seriously did not just happen.  I am pretty sure that in my whole life I think I have locked myself out of my car maybe once.  Only once.. until now.  The car was running with the AC temperature set to popsicle so I wasn't worried about the car heating up... but then I thought- how the heck am I going to get into the car!!??  Enter trusty friend, Annette Encrapera.  I called her up and explained what had happened.  She was super kind and said she would go to my house to grab the spare key.  I chatted for a few minutes explaining where the key was and not to judge me to bad for leaving my house in a total state of disaster.  I joked with her that I was waiting for Mason to pee his pants to make the situation really interesting.  She got to my house and we hung up. During that call, Scout the really not wonder dog saw another dog and was barking to save his life... like he was trying to get the other dog to come over and bust him out.  This crazy barking then upset Cooper who up until now was just hanging out.  So lets take a second to recap so far.... Car is locked with Mason and I on the opposite side of Scout and Cooper.  Scout is barking like crazy, Cooper is crying and.... Wait for it.... Wait for it.... 3, 2, 1... MOMMY!!! POOPIES ARE COMMING!!!!  Sweet Baby Jesus... Mason told me he had to poop!  And there is the trifecta. We have been potty training for what feels like 2 years now but he is getting it now so this is a major accomplishment for him/us.  Something he has only recently started doing so I may get a little frazzled when he actually says it making sure he gets to the potty in time... oh crap, we are outside, locked out of the car, with my baby inside.  I can't leave the car and take him inside to use the bathroom.  There we were- Mason with his pants around his ankles, me holding him up, all in the barber shop parking lot next to a tree.  Here is where it gets pretty funny.  I don't know what to wipe his hinny with.  I look around for a big leaf- nothing.  All that is around are these little puny things that will not do.  I look around and lock eyes with this woman in a car waiting for someone in the barber shop.  I do the walk of shame over to her car and ask if she has a napkin, I take it and say thanks, and run back to my kid who is standing with his pants still around his ankles at the edge of the parking lot (for everyone to see and hear) and yells to me- "Mommy!! Look at my poops!!!" He was so proud-  I was mortified.
In the end, everything turned out fine, thanks to a great friend helping me out while I was stranded, and most importantly-a twisted sense of humor about the whole situation to keep me from being upset that I let my kid get locked in the car... and that I let my other kid poop in a parking lot.  See- totally funny... right??

Seriously?? Who has time!!

I may not be the best at time management, ahem, blogging at 1:37am after finally finishing homework but when else am I going to find the time!

I have been catching up on my drills with the Coast Guard Reserve for the last several days and my unit is a little over an hour away.  I got up at 5am... ok, so I hit the snooze... twice. Babysitter got here at 6 and I rushed out the door to beat the traffic.  Left the office promptly at 3- to beat the traffic home.  Got home at 4 and then jumped right back into Mom mode- fixing dinner, cleaning up, prepping for the next day, trying to spend some quality time with kids... oh yeah, and the hubs too.  Oh wait, then there is homework and some sort of exercise squeezed in there somewhere too.  

Exhaustion... check.  Empty fridge... check.  Messy house... check. 

I have a new found appreciation for mothers who work at a job outside of the house.  Who has the time to get it all done!! I wouldn't even know where to squeeze in grocery shopping!! ha ha Really looking forward to comfy clothes all day tomorrow.  I think I'll call it... Wear your Jammies Wednesday.  It does have a nice ring to it.

Yard Sale Etiquette

Over the weekend we had a yard sale.  We had had one a while back and was I surprised at the behavior of some people.  After that experience I was, or I thought I was, prepared for the customers this time around.  Boy was I wrong.  I thought it was common courtesy/common sense, but after this weekend... wow.

Rules for the Customer at a Yard Sale... "aka" Yard Sale Etiquette 101.

#1.  It's a yard sale, not Macy's.
Most things at a yard sale are USED! (insert shocked face)  The nerve of some people for putting out something used at a yard sale. Seriously?? If you are looking for new stuff- go to a store and pay for a new tag.  My yard sale stuff is used.  Be happy it doesn't have holes.

#2. Don't be a jerk- that is my stuff.
It's funny when I make fun of my stuff.  Not so funny when someone else does.  Un-Cool.

#3.  That is my stuff on a table, not trash in a dumpster- be respectful.
No one has enough tables/bins/blankets to lay every item out so that there isn't a need to rummage through.  There is a difference between looking through things and tossing things around, unfolding, letting things fall on the ground, or just making a mess.  I am trying to sell it which means that I think it has some value- respect that- don't act like my stuff is trash.

#4.  Are you really haggling over something that is $1???
True story from this weekend:  A woman holds up a pair of cotton shorts (that I paid like $10 for at Target, but thats not the point) and asks how much.  I say with a friendly smile "One Dollar".  This woman acts like I just slapped her.  She then proceeded to THROW the shorts from the other side of the driveway to the table they came from while mumbling- loud enough for me to hear- "Not those shorts, not for no dollar- they are way to worn, and the draw string is missing.  Maybe for 50 cents but CERTAINLY not for no dollar.  At this point I was seeing red and wanted to grab her face and ask her to leave, but she did by something else for $1 without haggling so I was willing to take her money anyway.  I couldn't believe the nerve of this woman.  It was ONE DOLLAR!!! Really??  If it was more than you were willing to spend thats fine, but don't make a scene about it.

#5.  Don't talk crap about my stuff.  It may be junk, but it's MY junk.
If you don't want it, thats fine, but no need to make fun, snicker at, or dirty look me about it.

#6.  It's not that far to the next yard sale... get your kid off your lap and put them in a car seat.

Bottom line... I'm not having a yard sale because it is fun to give away my stuff for free- I'm trying to make a few bucks... to buy some more crap that I'll yard sale in 6 months.

"Tri" for 30... Running.

Running... the one thing out of the 3 required for this triathlon (that I am DETERMINED to do) that I'm feeling pretty proud of myself about my progress and improvement.

                   (About to hurl after 3.2 miles in 29 minutes- My current best time)

Once upon a time I tried to get into running. My heart was in to it, my lungs were into it, but my body just couldn't keep up.  The problem was that my fatty fat legs, ok- total honesty-fatty fat legs, stomach, and sometimes lower back would jiggle when running.  This would in turn make me itchy.  Not just an uncomfortable itch, a I want to scratch the marrow out of my bones itch.  It pretty much ruined any chance I had at getting into running so naturally I quit running.
So, I dropped a few LB's and the jiggles are a thing of the past and I'm giving running another chance.    Several months ago I ran 3 miles in 33 minutes.  I'm not entirely sure where I pulled that out of for my first run (without kids), but I was SUPER excited!!  Since then, my best time has been 3.2 miles in 29 minutes- that is a 9 minute mile!! (insert audience applause) After continuing to walk and run with and without the kids I have come to a few conclusions.

#1 Umbrella strollers are not meant to be run with.  The handles are more than shoulder width apart and makes it nearly impossible to get into a good rhythm.

#2 The perfect kid on a run/walk is a sleeping kid.

#3 I feel like I pack half the house to go for a long walk with the boys.  Snacks, drinks, books, toys... it is ridiculous.

#4  It never fails that as soon as we get to the farthest spot from our house one or all of the following will happen: Mason will freak out because he wants to walk (cause he's a big boy);  It will start to rain; Cooper will start to fuss (cause he wants to be held/wants to get down).

#5 As soon as you get into a good rhythm at a good pace- someone will drop something that needs to be stopped for.

All of this has taught me a few lessons.  Buy a real jogging stroller.  I'm in this to win it- time to fork out some $$ and get the right equipment.  Deal with packing the crap- it's entertainment and will give me a few more minutes of happy time.  Awake kids can be fun too- they give me someone to talk to on our long walks and Mason helps to pick out different things like birds and trees that I would not have taken the time to look at or even notice. There is nothing you can do about the dropped toy- it's frustrating, but I'm no litter bug so I stop and pick it up.   And finally, have an endless supply of patience, determination, and will power to figure out how to run, talk, juggle, and hold an umbrella at the same time.

Athlete+Motherhood=  SuperWoman... in a sports bra, shorts, and sneakers because a bikini top and knee high boots are just not practical.

Tri for 30!! And the swim training begins!!

     I have decided to compete in a triathlon on October 13th. I kind of do an embarrassed snicker when I say it out loud like Yeah right! ha ha!  So I basically have 3 months to get into race shape... honestly I'm a little nervous.
     Swimming- not my strong suit.  I like to say that I swim well enough not to drown.  I imagine that I'm better at it than I'm giving myself credit for because once upon a time, I spent a summer as a certified lifeguard. Still not really sure how that happened! ha ha
     So today was my first day of swim training... state of mind: I'm going to show that pool who's boss!!
I squeeze into my trusty one piece suit... to be sure to look the part, then my first fail.
I know that Mason (2 year old son) had the goggles the other day at the pool, but now that I needed them, they have disappeared.  I had a very limited window of solo training time- left Eric to have diner solo with the boys, but wanted to be back by bed time. Searching for goggles that I had no idea where they were was not in the timeline.
     Second fail... I rode my bike to the pool (about .5 miles- no biggie) and am stopped at the gate by this lifeguard boy (and I mean boy, he couldn't be more than 15 years old and I'm not entirely sure that he could save me if it came down to it!) "Do you have your membership card" Me: "Nope" Boy: "are you a member?" Me: "uhhhh... sure, but I uhhh forgot my card?? Are you really going to make me ride my bike ALLL the way back to my house for the card?" Intimidated Boy "Just pretend you are handing me something" Definitely not getting saved now.
     There I was, pool side, serious swimmer suit, sans goggles, and thought: Ok, what now?  I jumped in and though how nice it was to be in a pool and not have anxiety about one of my kids drowning, being kidnapped, or running away... ok Sarah, get serious. Start swimming!
I thought I'd start out serious... freestyle.  But I didn't have goggles and am a chicken who won't open my eyes under water- it's a salt water pool and to be honest- it hurts and I still can't see anything anyway. So I have no idea how far I've gone but am guessing that I've gotten close to the other side.  Pop up and look around.  Not only am I only half way across, I'm 2 lanes over. Crap.  This is not going to work out.  I look over at the lifeguards who are now giving me the "are you serious?" look and I want to yell at them- my kid lost my goggles!! But anyway I kept going with my head up out of the water looking like a total rookie, but determined not to give up... and thats half the battle right??

Summary: Goggles are a must... along with no shame and a lot of determination to muscle through looking like a fool.  Michael Phelps must have looked like an idiot the first time he swam... probably when he was like 5.  Oh well... as my role model Joe Dirt says... gotta "Keep on Keepin on!!

Herpe's on your face... is waxing worth it??

My sister Laura told me about a story that she saw about this string of lawsuits about people getting herpes on their face from waxing.  How could this happen?? So the back story of it.... Someone with herpes (during an outbreak or not) goes in for a bikini wax.  The technician/waxer does the deed... dip, spread the wax, rip, dip, spread the wax, rip, dip, spread, rip... you get the point.  During this process they use the same stick to dip into the wax and spread onto the nether region thus contaminating the whole bowl of wax with cells and anything else that sticks to the stick and ends up back into the bowl... this thought alone right there is enough to make me throw up, but lets continue.  That client is now thoroughly waxed and teary eyed walks out of the shop having paid for this torture.  Enter client #2 for a simple eye brow/lip wax.  They hop up on the table and the technician/waxer grabs a new stick, dip, spread the wax, rip- sound familiar.  Here is the question... was that a new bowl of wax or did you just get wax contaminated with icky nether region cells spread on your face??? (gag)  Wouldn't you be surprised if at a later date you end up with a herpes outbreak on your upper lip/eyebrows?? (shudder)  I can hardly continue from being so absolutely skeeved out.  I am sure that these cases were flukes from serious dive places, but still, I bet you are thinking- was that a new stick?? Was that fresh wax?? Did I get someones lady part cells on my face??? You are now freaking out right now... with good reason.  Google it... it is shocking.
     So here is my dilemma with this situation. Despite being a girl, I have no idea what I am doing with a pair of tweezers, make up, or any type of hair product.  I fake my way through it with just plain dumb luck that I don't end up looking like a circus clown with shaved off/ permanent marker eyebrows.  This would explain why I pluck my eyebrows about once every couple of months.  In the mean time it looks like caterpillars have taken up residence on my face.  My only saving grace is that I am not overly hairy and what crazy out of control hair I do have- is blonde.  Thank you sweet Baby Jesus for small favors.
     Last night I attempted to tame the crazy situation that has taken over my face.  I climbed up on the counter so I could get an "up close and personal" look at said mess.  While up there not only do I get that close look at my eyebrows, I also get to admire my pores and all imperfections of my face in general.  I would like to add that in the past couple of years, I have begun to avoid the mirror.  There are some days that I can go all day without looking- and most days it is the accidental glance when I am looking at my teeth after brushing.  There just isn't anything that I really want to look at/admire/cry about... anyone that has had babies with in the last 1-3 years that isn't a freak of nature that snaps back into former shape within weeks of delivery knows exactly what I'm talking about.
     Back to my sad story... After 10 minutes of plucking single hair after single hair, missing the hair and pinching my skin, cussing about pinching my skin, back to single hair after single hair... etc. I started to wonder just how bad herpes on your eyebrows could really be.  Really, what are the chances that that would actually happen to me??  I mean seriously, there is hair there to cover it up right, and how often is there an outbreak?? Stupid thought, I know, but I was REALLY missing that hop up on the table and telling the girl "just clean them up" (side note: it is amazing that they know what that means when I really have no idea what I want them to look like, but somehow that phrase makes total sense), close my eyes, two seconds of pain, and viola! Perfect eyebrows with absolutely no effort on my part.  Nope, now I get to sit on the sink, pluck, pluck, plucking till I'm cross eyed only to accidentally look in the mirror the next morning and see that I have missed a few places and have to start all over again.  All of this in fear of getting herpes on my face.  It will definitely make you think twice about going to a shady nail salon and thinking "Hey look, it's only 8 bucks for an eyebrow wax! Sign me up".... but I still wonder- especially after a night like last night... should I take my chances for the sake of vanity and convenience??

Tails from the Toilet... The Saga Continues...

I swear that I am two poops in the pants away from giving up on potty training and letting Mason wear diapers till he is in college and it is not my problem any more.  Before he was born I thought... wow, being pregnant is kind of uncomfortable... then he was born and then there were the newborn struggles, then he got mobile and the struggles of baby proofing the house so he didn't drink drain cleaner on accident.  Here we are 2 1/2 years later, having survived all of the above and taken everything pretty much in stride.  It makes me think of the movie "He's Just Not That into You".  You hear of these kids who are potty trained well before they are 2 years old (ahem Wyatt Engelmann) and the parents did nothing to encourage it- just went with it (ahem Laura Engelmann) and poof! Success!!  I have come to the conclusion that the stories you hear like The Engelmann's are the "exception" that make you think that there is hope for you to have the same success.  My family is the "Rule".  Mason is now more than half way to 3 years old and is working on potty training (for the last several months)-key word here is "working", which means that I am ready to pull out my hair.  I had heard that it is more difficult with boys (thank goodness I have two of them) and that it takes longer, but I though- hey, I'm super mom- totally going to be a breeze- I will get him to do it in record time.  NOT the case!
I have done tons of research, tried several methods, waited till he was "ready", and even bought the "Potty train in 3 days" book.  And what have I learned? It is all nonsense and despite my efforts, research, and proactivity- Mason still goes #2 in his pants.  Potty trained in 3 days... yeah, don't even get me started.
I have just about hit my limit.  I have done some things as a mother that I NEVER imagined in a million years that I would EVER do and am shocked every time at how it doesn't phase me at all anymore to rinse out undies in the toilet anymore... I'm sure he is going to get it- I pray every day that today will be the day- but until then I just refrain from losing my temper/patience/confidence/etc and stick with it because gosh darn it- today WILL be the day he gets it!!!

Fitness Model...I am not.

This is what I want to look like... ladies, don't we all??  Unfortunately, I do not.  I do not have a personal chef to cook my healthy meals, a personal shopper to pick out the best foods at the grocery store, a nanny to watch my kids while I spend 4+ hours a day at the gym, nor the money to pay for any of that, or even the overall body structure to look like that.  Until we win the lottery and kids take care of themselves and I can work out like it's my job, I will do my best to do squeeze in my Netflix workout video's, push the kids around the block a few times, or wait till the kids go to bed to work out and rely on weight watchers to govern what I eat.  

Maybe if I got my time management skills together I might find some more time in the day to exercise, but now that I have a few extra minutes, why exercise when I can BLOG about being chubby!! Ha Ha

I'm late, I'm late... for a very important date!!

Time management where have you gone??  My husband, Eric, does not think it is very funny that I am really proud of myself when I am only 10 minutes late to be somewhere.  He prides himself on being early... which needless to say aggravates him to no end to go anywhere with me.  In the Coast Guard they have a saying.  "If you are on time you are late.  Five minutes early and you are on time."
I know I'm not the only one who is chronically late. (ahem, Laura Engelmann)  I don't know if I have always been like this because my life before kids is like a black hole.  My brain is so consumed with kids and all things kids that I really have a hard time remembering what life was like before them. 
In my opinion, if you know about something that you have to do the day before you should have enough time to plan ahead and be ready on time and out the door on time.  Does that ever actually happen for me? Nope.  Sometimes I even tell myself that I need to leave 30 minutes earlier than I need to just to balance out the "late factor".  How is it that I still end up late even with the extra 30 minute window?  I'll tell you how- crap happens.  Literally.  It never fails just as I am ready to walk out the door, there is a potty emergency- whether it be in the pants/diaper or in the potty.  Cooper usually waits till I put him in the car seat and then do the last sweep around the house turning off lights and when I get back to him 30 seconds later- poop.
That is my first excuse... the second is that I am no longer just getting myself ready.  I am responsible for making sure everyone is clean, fed, dressed, snacks/drink packed, extra clothes (just in case) and that is not even counting the 4 minutes that I have to throw my hair up in a "mom tail" and change out of my jamies and into some equally form flattering outfit.  My goal lately is to simply not have spit up/pee/poop on me when I leave the house. And lets not forget finding the keys to the car and then the battle of strapping the kids in to their seats.  Mason wants to help with everything and so everything takes 5 minutes longer than it used to.
My third excuse... I'm blogging now... I have to drop Mason off at his friends house at 2 and it is now 12:30 and I have spent the morning cleaning up the house and playing outside with Mason so I look a mess, Mason lost all of his clothes as some point so is now cruising in only undies- and Cooper is sick.  Why wouldn't this be the perfect time to blog about not being able to manage my time... yeah, I know.
The forth excuse (apparently I have a lot of excuses!!)  I do things that really don't matter when I should be doing anything else.  Have to leave in 20 minutes, perfect time to clean out the junk drawer! Then I wonder why I didn't make it!  I heard a funny story this morning about a girl (I won't mention my sisters name for her privacy) Who was running a little late for work (It might run in the family) and thought it was the perfect time to hem her pants... tadaaa- late.  In her defense, she only works one day a week, and not every week.  This puts her in a category all on her own.  I can deal with shlepping around in a tee shirt and jeans where she has to look like a respectable professional... that requires finding more than 4 minutes to get ready... and apparently time to hem pants?? ha ha  And then there is the "this is not my normal routine" factor.  Full time working mom's have their morning schedule and have every day to perfect it. The one day thrown in here or there is what I like to call the "wild card" of time management... anyone who can be on time on one of those "wild card" days... I commend you... and could use some advice on how that actually happens!
Lastly, I think I am an adrenaline junkie.  I think I put things off till the last minute just so that I can rush around and stress and then when I finally get out of the house- I think "Yeah, I did it!" and only 10 minutes late- Whoop whoop!" Don't judge me.  It's a sickness... and as soon as I finish this post and  organize my closet I'm totally going to start working harder on being on time.

Sippy cups... AKA "My Nemesis"

 Moms out there... you know what I'm talking about.  You mention sippy cups and fellow mom's instantly roll their eyes or cringe.  OK, calling them my nemesis seems a bit dramatic, but seriously, there are few things that cause more aggravation than sippy cups.  Let me count the ways... 

First off, I just did a rough count and in my cabinet right now there are approx 18 cups.  Yes, I only have one kid using these cups so why in the world do we have approx 18 cups?? I call it the trap of advertisement... this cup promises not to leak and I'm so frustrated with previous cups that I'm going to just go ahead and believe them.  So, here we are, 18 cups later- most of which are different types... straws, hard spout, soft spout, disposable, real cup like spout, sport top, valves, no no valves, flip straw... etc.  All of which promise "Absolutely NO LEAKS.... well I have a few choice words about that... the first being LIARS!!!!  They all leak in some fashion.  What is it about the straw cups that if you put anything cold in it the liquid just pours out the top while it is standing up?? Seriously, it's not even laying down!! Standing up!!! Ugh!!  The best that we have found are the no insert cups, but once your little one learns that he can poke the holes or they get a little old and the holes get worn... leaksville.  That would be why we have so many... my search for one that does not leak and that is age appropriate for a 2 year old.  

     That leads me to my next frustration.  If you look at the age guideline for the cups, they usually say for 6mth+ or 18mth+... I realize that the goal is for them to be able to drink out of a normal cup like an adult.  I know that I don't want Mason to start school using a baby cup, but right now he is 2, has great coordination, but has no regard for stuff like our couch, hard wood floor, etc.  So, while he does good at drinking out of a real cup, he would not think twice about reaching in to grab the ice, or tossing the cup down wherever and then the shocked reaction "Oh no!! A mess!" Yeah, no kidding a mess, you just accidentally knocked it over on purpose!  So, we stick with the sippy cups unless at meal time, quarantined at the table.

     Who has room for 18 kid cups in their cabinet? Not me... not anyone I imagine... which means that they are crammed into that one shelf in some sort of imaginary organization that when you try to get the one you want- it is naturally the one all the way in the back- and as you try to wiggle and squeeze your hand to the back without disturbing the others, ultimately they all fall out.  This is where I would like to throw them all across the room, but then I remember that I will be the one to have to pick them up so, defeated again, I pick them up and put them all back.

     Then there is the gross factor.  I never felt like the insert valves ever got clean enough.  I have been known to stand at the sink with a soapy tooth pick trying to make sure it was clean.  And then there is that awful feeling when you find the mystery cup in the toy box from who knows when.  I have found a few of those and the glutton for punishment that I am open it up all while chanting "Please be water... Please be water!!" It never is.  The mystery cup is ALWAYS milk... or what used to be milk that is now a gross science project.

There is no real conclusion... it is just an understanding that sippy cups suck, but are a necessity until that magical age when they can successfully use a regular cup.  Until then I just have to wonder... why do I keep all of these cups that leak and cause so much frustration... the simple answers: I deliriously hope that next time I put a drink in them they are magically not going to leak... I realize that is a dumb idea, but a girl can hope right?  Then there is the answer that I spent precious dollars from our already tight budget to buy these dang things so they will stay in the cabinet.  Finally the best answer I can think of... I am a glutton for punishment. Period.

Day Light Savings... you mother...

I am a mess.  More so than usual. The reason... Day light savings time was Saturday.  Today, the kids slept in... I even had to wake Cooper up.  This is not my first rodeo with day light savings, nor with a baby who wants to sleep in.  What does that mean?  I know first hand  from my naive/ tired/ first time mom experience that enjoying the few extra alone minutes in the morning while the kids slumber away equals out to disaster.  Everything is off schedule... everything. Which means that I am off schedule and that makes me a bit frazzled. So, since I know this- my boys do not sleep in.  The latest I am willing to go is 7:30 (which almost never happens) and even then I'm pacing in front of the door for 30 minutes thinking "any minute... any minute he is going to wake up and we can get the day started".
So today was off from the start.  I stayed up WAY too late last night enjoying the quiet of the house and the control of the remote.  After a long day of loud and crazy- I NEED that down time. So, I was extra sleepy this morning.  I may have slept past my normal wake up time- anywhere between 6-6:30 ish courtesy of one of the boys... which is too early but as long as the clock doesn't start with a 5 I'm all good.
Breakfast was delayed, Coop's first nap was a mess. Lunch was late and now I'm struggling with naps again... Hopefully at some point today we can shake it and be back to normal tomorrow but until then I'm blaming and cussing the ole' day lights saving time... today, you mother, you win.

Tales from the Toilet: The disaster that is potty training our son...

Mason pooped in his pants this morning.  Today would be different though because where he usually tells me immediately after, today I was in for a bit of a surprise.  How did I find out he did the deed?  I was putting clothes away for 3 minutes- I know, I know... another situation where I wasn't watching his every move, I am a terrible mom.  I heard the toilet flush and I was instantly concerned.  I did have a delirious moment where I thought "OMG! He used the potty, wiped his own hiney, and flushed all on his own"... yeah, not the case.  I rush to the bathroom and what do I find? Drum roll please...  A no pants wearing, dirty hineyed Mason elbow deep in the toilet washing out his big boy undies... awesome.

Getting started...again

It's a rainy day and I have a million things to do and so now seems like the perfect time to sit down and write.  So, here is a little about myself and this blog for anyone who cares to know... I started this blog about 6 months ago... I wrote about the peril of our fish and the antics of my kids but then life seemed to get in the way and then when I went back to start back up- POOF- Gone. So now I made a new blog- with the same name- and here we go... again.

I am a wife of 6 years, Mother of 2 totally awesome boys, Coast Guard Reservist, Stay at home mom, Weight Watchers member, exercise enthusiast, wanna be martha stuart, and wanna be chef... I don't claim to be able to do it all, but I do give it my all and that is all that matters- Right?  

Here's hopefully more than just my sister will read this... someone famous will want to turn my life into a movie, they will pay a gizzilan dollars for the rights, and I will be played by someone totally fabulous and I can pretend that they picked her because she looks just like me! Hey, a girl can dream!!