A day with mom

Yesterday was a fun & exhausting day for the kids and me. We headed up to Monticello to get some more things from the Town home, connected with some friends, went swimming, hit up Target and ran into some more friends, made a few more stops and finally headed home. They were beat! But we had a blast, everyone for Andrew that is! He is not a fan of water, so he and I stuck close together.

Motherhood

I often times find myself sinking in my chair in social settings knowing that someone will ask what I do for a living. I am not sure why I think being a mom isn't enough, but the world around me sometimes feeds me that message, and weakly I buy into it. Who am I trying to impress? What am I trying to prove?

From my friend Tiffany's blog.
"Motherhood is a gift and a season of life to treasure. If you’re a mom, you can stand with dignity, offer no apology for what you do, and say, "I’m a wife and mother. I love my job.""
~Jill Savage

No rub a dub dub

Andrew HATES the bath, in fact, he hates any activity that includes getting wet. This is much like his father, I didn't know that this could be inherited? So, this evening after dinner, the kids were covered with sauce. I figured the easiest way to clean them completely was to bathe them. Brenton and I know that it will be a short, but loud process to bathe Andrew so we are prepared with soap, water and towels readily available. The instant he knows he is going into the bath, he SCREAMS. If the windows were open, it would sound as if we were torturing him. Tonight, was no different except for surprise he had for me when I put him in. He was screaming, like usual, but this time just as I put his bottom in the tub, he pooped! With great surprise, I screamed for Brenton to come up and help me. After all the chaos and commotion, I cleaned out the tub. But because the Lord has instilled me stubbornness, I was not going to let him off the hook, so I put him back in, and finished out the bath. I don't to be the mom of the "smelly kid" at school someday. I can clearly remember who the smelly kids were in my classes, I surely don't want Andrew to be that kid!
I don't get it! My other kids LOVE water and would stay in the bath or pool all day if I would let them. We didn't do anything different with him, but he hates it. Does anyone else have this problem, or any suggestions?

Bonding

Isabelle and I have had a stressful relationship from day one. She was coliclly, a fighter when it came to nursing, and always seemed to want her daddy. Some might say its more the battle of the wills. You see what Izzy doesn't realize is that I am just as, if not more stubborn than her. So when push comes to shove, I won't give into her tantrums, fits or stubborn attitude. Maybe I am the one who needs to grow up -eh? Brenton often times thinks I am too hard on her, but in my opinion, she is not in charge of this house, although she would like to be. But it seems that lately we have been bonding more by going on outings together, reading together, cuddling, and wrestling and laughing together. We have been having fun! And I've been loving every minute of it. Maybe it's her age, or my age, or everyone's age, or maybe it's because I have been less distracted by scheduling when I work on things so she is getting more quality mom time...whatever it is it's great! I love you bear!

Have my cake and eat it too

Have you ever wished it was 5 years later and when 5 years later comes you wish it was 5 years earlier. There have been a few times that I can remember having these uncontented thoughts and feelings. There was the time when I was a kid and all I wanted was to be older, now that I am older, I want to be a kid. Or when I was in College, all I wanted was to be an "adult" with a job and responsibilities and now, I would give anything to have a few careless nights back in college.

I think I am entering into one of those phases now. I want my kids to be a little older so they can be in school, so I can go back to work. And I guarantee that time will come and I will want them to be little again and spend my days with them at home. There have been some opportunities that have come to me over the past few months that cause me to think about going back to work. The thought of it is very exciting for me because I enjoy going to work. I have been really excited about some of the positions, but always as I am in the process I start worrying about my kids. I start thinking about wanting to be able to get them on the bus when they do go to school, and home to talk through the day with them. I think about being an active parent in their schools and being able to chaperone field trips and more. Then my mind switches over and wants to be working and climbing the corporate ladder. I want it all... and know that I can't. I know that I do work by running my own business, but I want to go to work, interact with people, and leave my work at work. Right now I feel like I am shuffling between being a stay at home mom and running an in home business. There is never enough of me to do both successfully (in my eyes). I can't not do Tupperware, we won't eat if I don't, so its a need in our home that I do bring in some income.

So, basically I want it all. I want more time in the day, I want it to be 5 years from now, but I want it to never change too. Why can't I be content with what I have? I love the Sheryl Crow lyrics that say... "it's not getting what you want, it's wanting what you got."

Slap happy

My face hurts...Andrew is slap happy. It's a new thing for him to slap me in the face when I am holding him. I have probably redirected him 25 times today. I am trying to show him how to be gentle with his hands. I have a feeling this is going to be a long hard journey, especially since his brother and sister tend to not be the most gentle. He slaps and then gives me a huge smile like I should praise him. I don't understand why the firm voice and squeezing of the hand and stern look don't work, he just continues to think it's funny. Any advice?

Can you hear me now...part 2

About a year ago, I put up a post about my lovely daughter putting my cell phone in the bath. Well, it happened again yesterday. Except this time it was the toilet and she it flushed down. Thankfully Brenton and I fished it out last night, not before having to take the whole toilet off the floor, carry it outside and stick a metal hanger in there to push it through. It's unknown if the SIM card will still work, everything is drying out. The phone has died, but I can put the SIM card in another phone, like last time. So, if we have ever talked on the phone before can you please email me your phone number. THANKS!

Sabbath?

A few weeks back, we talked at church about keeping the Sabbath holy. Aka... a day to rest. It has occured to me, that mom's (especially Stay At Home (SAH) moms) don't really get a day of rest. I was examining my life. My husband has been working 50-75 hours/ week in May and he only has one day off a week, Sunday. So, he too wants to rest and have a sabbath. BUT that means if he rests than I don't and that Sunday is the only day I know that I will have help. So, we are in the tug-a-war battle, of who gets to rest? What is rest? I feel like on Sunday's I am just as tired at the end of the day, if not more. I feel like there is not a day for me to recharge, rest, have some quiet moments, and be still with God and prepare myself for another long week. The only time I have is at 9:30pm and at that time I have holding my eye lids open with tooth picks to stay awake. I am really not trying to complain. I love my kids and my husband and I appreciate his hard hard work away from the house, so I can be a SAH mom. So, I am wondering, how do others mom's do it, or are we to assume that we will rest sometime in 15 years? Maybe I am complaining? It's been a really LONG month. I feel drained in all senses of the word. When I do get a quiet moment, there is laundry-lots of laundry, dishes, emails to return, Tupperware business to tend to, phone calls to make, packing to do, and teaching Jake some preschool things.

Because I don't like to be a complainer, I am trying something out for this week. I will be going to bed no later than 10:30 (lights out) and waking up at 6:30 to work out and be with God. I feel refreshed and recharged after working out and after reading my Bible, so I am going to make some changes and sacrifices to find the time I need to be healthy. You all know that I despise getting up early, but if I don't the "me" time will continue to get pushed back until I have nothing left to give of myself. And I know that, that is not good for me, my husband or my kids. This doesn't really answer my question of having a Sabbath, but at least it will guarantee some quiet time every day this week that I hope to meet God in. Keep me in your prayers. My body will be in shock!

Taming of the tongue

Jacob has been sassy to say the least the past week. It seems that he disagrees with everything I say and has to do the opposite of what I ask him. I am starting to pull my hair out because I don't know what to do. It seems the consequences I have used are not working. Jacob and I had a conversation tonight about using the soap bar tomorrow if he didn't stop the sassiness and rudeness. I am not sure how I feel about this. I thought about using vinegar like a friend of mine suggested.
Brenton has been working a lot the past couple weeks, and Jacob seems to be the most affected by that. I think it might be why he has been so mouthy. I try reasoning with him and telling him that daddy needs to work so we can get a new house and on and on, but he only sees that Brenton is not here, and he thinks that equals Brenton not loving him. It breaks my heart. It so hard to discipline him when I know he is sad, but I know that I have too, or he will always act sad to avoid discipline. Pray for him, and all of us. We are really in a crazy busy time of life that has no rhyme or reason. We pray for some definite leadings and conformations about the future. If you have any advice about taming the tongue please let me know.

What's a mom worth? $$ Or dad

I got this article from my mom. I think the government should pay mom's for their work. I would be willing to live by a set of state standards if it meant I could get a pay check how well behaved or prepared my kids are for life. I think I already try to raise them well, so some payback would be nice.

What's a mom worth? (Or dad)

According to one new report, $138,095 a year.

That's the figure in a report by Salary.com, which calculates the wages that would have been paid a stay-at-home mom in 2007 if she were compensated for all the elements of her "job." That total is up 3% from 2006's salary of $134,121.

Moms who have jobs outside the house would earn another $85,939 for their mothering work, beyond what they bring home in existing salary.

To read the whole article or additional related articles, click here

Lil Diva

Isabelle came down stairs today in her robe (from when she was a baby) and her dress up heels insisting that I take her picture. She was so cute! Then she stomped off, did a little dance and collapsed on the floor in dramatic Isabelle style.
Girls are so different from boys. It's really starting to come through in her. Usually she will just chase Jake around and wrestle with Him, Andrew and daddy. But lately she has been wanting to play more with her dolls, dress up, and put mommy's makeup on. It's fun having a girl and a boy near the same age because I really get to see the different ways each acts without me having to prompt them to do so.

Cleaning tips 101

Ainsley posted some great cleaning tips for those everyday accidents that Children have (at least my children)

1. Crayon on the wall: Heat the stain with a hair dryer, then squish a small piece of bread into a ball and rub it against the wall.
2. Play-Doh on the couch: Let it dry overnight, then loosen with a stiff brush and vacuum.
3. Juice on the carpet: Pour a 50-50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water on the spot. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar to 1/2 gallon of water. Rinse again with plain water.
4. Markers on clothes: Rinse the fabric under cool water. Add a little rubbing alcohol, then launder.

Can't wait to try these out!

Going crazy

I don't know what it is going on in this house today, but my kids were INSANE-O!!! Bouncing off the walls, screaming, hyper, having potty accidents (3 times). They have forgotten how to listen and obey. And the sassiness, whinning and complaining is unbelievable! I am positive that I got some grey hair today. It's been a long time since I can remember a day like this. I have tired all the strategies: loving them with one on one time, spanking, time outs, even yelling (I am ashamed to say). It's been one of those days that I wish I could blink away. My mom came up today to hang out and I felt so bad because of their crazy behavior and Brenton's mom came over and got to feel first hand one of the potty accidents. They are going to bed an hour early tonight, and I think I might have a glass of wine. I am looking forward to the end of this week, it's been a long one!

Who is it?...Can I say hi?...I want to say hi!

I spend more time on our family home phone than anyone else does. This is because it's my primary business line for Tupperware. Lately, whenever the phone rings both my kids are in my face asking if it's their daddy. If I shake my head no or tell them it's not him before I answer it, they will usually walk away. However, Isabelle, lately has been continuing to ask who it is, unless I stop and tell her. Then she insists that she wants to say hello. If I say no, she will instantly throw a fit. It was cute at first (not the fit), but my last couple calls have been customers and I have to excuse her rude behavior as I am trying to have a business conversation. I've even ran and hid in the bathroom just so I can have a conversation. For the most part people are very forgiving and understanding, but I get so angry because I think it's very unprofessional. I have been trying to talk to Isabelle about not continuing this behavior, but it does continue.

Mom my ride

Ainsley posted this on her blog. It's a sad fact that my van has seen days like this!

Mom's at home

To read the whole article click here. Are you happy to be a stay at home mom? Do you wish you could be a stay at home mom?

65% of stay-at-home moms are pleased with their choice.
("What Moms Want Now," Redbook, March, 2003).

Four Reasons Women Are Becoming At-Home Mothers:
1. They don't want to have latchkey kids like their parents did.
2. They want to focus on love, marriage and family, because life is short.
3. They're fearful of the world, and want to be there for their kids.
4. They want more time with their children.
("What Moms Want Now," Redbook, March, 2003)

What is Your Dream Job?
* Best-selling novelist: 41%
* Stay-at-Home Mom: 36%
* TV Anchorwoman: 14%
* President of the United States: 9%
("The Secret Life of the American Woman," Woman's Day, April 1, 2003)

FREE STUFF!

If you live in MN, you must check out Momtalk.com. My sister-in-law told me to check out the site. It's filled with great information for Mom's in the Twin Cities area. If you register at the site they will send you 2 free passes to the Water Park at the Mall of America. Check it out- it's a great resource for Moms in MN.

Rock a Bye Baby No more

Andrew has gotten to a place where he depends on someone holding him til he falls asleep. So today the journey begins, he is crying in his crib for the first time, to fall asleep. I hate doing this to my kids, I hate hearing the piercing screams come from the room. I hate going in the room to reassure him he is ok and that it's time to go to sleep. But, I have so much on my list to do, I can't sit and hold/rock him for 10-15 min til he falls asleep. I put him in at 8:55am, it's now 9:16 and he just stopped crying. YEAH that is the shortest with any of the kids. The first time Jake cried it out it was over an hour. Isabelle, she's a whole other story. She cried 3 hours and never went to sleep- I don't think she ever cried herself to sleep- that's the will of her!

So, hopefully I can stick to it. I love cuddling with Andrew, he is so sweet!

Mixing Playdates and Happy Hour

Check out the Reston baby blog about the alcohol and play dates article. Watch the Today show video and give your feedback.

Gotta Go, Gotta Go, Gotta go right now!

I apologize for the graphic description below

HOORAY!!!!! Finally, it was a struggle, but I think we broke through whatever was keeping Andrew blocked up. I will admit it was extremely disgusting I had to use my own finger to help assist out the blockage. It smelled as if something died inside him. It seemed so painful for him, he was screaming, kicking and grunting but he made it. The nurse line told me to double the amount to stool softener I was giving and that should get him going. I did, then I gave him a bottle with prune juice and sure enough it was definitely soft. Hopefully, his body will continue to clean itself out. I am so relieved that he is starting to come around the corner. Thanks to those of you that were praying for him and for all the suggestions, they were all tried out. If someone would have ever told me I would be assisting my child's stools out, I would have thrown up on them on the spot and never had children. While it was happening I was in 'just do what ever you can to help' mode. It's amazing how much a mother loves and cares about her child that nothing could gross them out.