The Mother Load

What Do You Get?

2006-09-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you mix Strawberry Perserves, Thousand Island Dressing, & Powdered Sugar?

A very messy kitchen & a smiling little boy trying to make cookies.

What do you get when your son leaves his homework near some scissors?

A little brother with confetti.

What do you get when you let your son watch too much Disney Channel?

A child who says he has visions like Raven.

What do you get when you leave a son to make his own dinner?

A Mac-n-cheese sandwich.

What do you get when you close the door behind you to the laundry room?

You get locked in by a giggling boy screaming he Caaaan't open it.

What do you get when you leave a little one in the bathroom alone for too long?

Your toothbrush in the toilet.

And finally what do you get when you have two very interesting young men?

One speechless mommy.

Ugh!

2006-08-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

I'm a horrible blogger! I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted, so I've probably lost most of my readers. Which is not a big deal, but it was nice to know that people were interested in what I was saying.

My reasons for not blogging in the past month:

1. I can't even get a decent shower much less a decent post done.

2. Suffering from memory loss of summer.

3. Still suffering from shock, CCD classes started and my child was graced by the good Lord! He actually said, "Now HunterBunter I don't think it's appropriate to burp at the table."

4. PTC President status still quite overwhelming.

5. Yet another sport - Soccer.

6. I can't even think of anymore reasons, so how can I post.

Anywhooo! I'm loving my time with the kids and spending loads of time at Seth(ocrates)'s school. I hope to post another great post soon, not like this one. I will plan on visiting my blogroll too.

Claire Bear's Meme

2006-07-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Heth @ From Under the Laundry Pile for a baby meme, a little late but here it goes.

3 things that scare me:
* my brother's monster mask (actually anything my brother has looks scary to me)
* the sound of mommy psychotically screaming @ my brothers (what is up with that lady anyway?)
* the toilet flushing in the stall as I peacefully sleep in my stroller (can't a baby get her beauty rest?)

3 people that make me laugh:
* Hunter Bunter making funny faces
* Seth(ocrates) tickling me
* Daddy smiling

3 things I love:
* FOOD
* My Noonie (pacifier for all those who get technical about it)
* FOOOOOOOD!!!! (I think my mom is starving me)

3 things I hate:
* Turkey Rice Dressing (what is wrong with the world, can't I get a decent meal?)
* Being Cold
* Being Alone

3 things I don't understand:
* Why can't I eat Chicken Nuggets, everybody else does?
* Why do they think I understand goo-goo gaa-gaa- what language is that anyway?
* Why can't my brothers just get out of my grill once in awhile?

3 things on my floor:
* My brothers' toys
* My toys
* My blankie

3 things I'm doing right now:
* Sitting up
* Rolling over
* Discovering the taste of fingers and toes

3 ways to describe my personality:
* Content
* Funny
* Lovable

3 things you should listen to:
* Laurie Berkner
* Disney Lullabies
* My daddy singing to me

3 things you should never listen to:
* The word no
* My brothers - they lie all the time
* My mommy singing to me

3 things I want to do before I die (in other words three things my mom wishes for):
* To love long and hard (Kim shut-up) even if it means I get my heart broken along the way
* See a sunset even if it means staying out all night as long as I call my mom to let her know
* To never end the day without saying I love you and I'm sorry

3 absolute fave foods:
* Squash
* Apple sauce
* Sweet Potatos

3 beverages I drink regularly:
* White Grape Juice
* Apple Juice
* Formula (why do they insist on giving me this - I need FOOOOD)

3 things I'd like to learn:
* How to get my food in my mouth and not in up my nose
* How to crawl, so I can break this joint
* How to get mommy to feed me more

3 shows I watch:
* Play with Me Sesame
* Jack's Big Music Show
* The Backyardigans

3 babies I tag:
* Owen @ Smile-n-Cajun
* Sasha @ My Many Colored Days
* Steele @ The Wardrobe and The White Tree

Yeah, that was Me!

2006-07-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

If this week you were possibly passing somewhere along the Southern Coast you might have noticed

- a woman running down the Interstate after her windshield wiper in the pouring down rain (sorry to the person in the red Honda whose car it hit as it flew in the next lane)

- a woman frantically waving her arms in a minivan and screaming into a cell phone to her husband who obviously didn't give her the right directions

- a woman who desperately looked for a Wal-mart that was located on a dirt road

Or you may have noticed

- the woman who looked insanely at the door greeter when she offered to keep her children, due to the rain, while she got the car, helllloooo wal-mart kidnapper!!! I don't think so!

- a woman, who was still in the rain - was there some Tropical Storm I didn't know about? ;) loosing all her groceries in the parking lot puddles

- a woman who struggled with three children, a diaper bag, a buggy, and two very uncooperative umbrellas that were just purchased turning inside out

Or I know you had to have seen

- the caffeine addicted woman who was shaking in the Starbuck's drive-thru waiting on her extremely huge Peppermint Mocha Latte, while her children cried to the sounds of music

- the woman in the Ladies' mall bathroom viciously grabbing her bathroom stall peeker

- the woman who dared to venture into the scrapbook store with 3 kids - as the storekeepeer glanced at her with the how dare she look

But of course I hope you didn't notice

- the woman on the side of the highway in the middle of the night peeing on the side of the road due to the massive caffeine intake

- or shortly after the woman slipping in her own pee and throwing her back out

- or even the shadow of woman in a minivan bathing herself with baby wipes

My apologies to all who witnessed the last three woman

My Journey

2006-07-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

As a new blog friend of mine, Featherironwould say, "God is never late but He's never early either, He is on time!" I finally have a mode of transportation, one in which all of us can ride including a couple more. After being without a vehicle of my own for 8 months and being 5 miles from town I've learned quite a few things.

1. No vehicle is too ugly to drive.

2. Never refuse a ride to the store or an offer of them stopping at the store for you.

3. That I can just google some recipes with the ingredients in my cabinet.

4. Children don't mind eating pizza and mac-n-cheese everyday, morning, noon, and night ;)

5. Just think of all the people that are driving you around as your own personal chauffeur you can't afford.

6. Foam, glue, and craft sticks can occupy children for weeks. Just be ready to clean the mess.

7. No one will die from missing a ball game or storyhour - have your own at home.

8. And finally, that I have been blessed with the best family and friends to help me along the way.

So, with this new van comes many fears. A lot of haunting images and crazy thoughts. I have only briefly mentioned my accident and not gone into detail due to the mental anguish of it. I have actually avoided writing about this, but here it goes, stay with me now.

It was November 23, 2005 a beautiful day I might add. The day before Thanksgiving and the boys and I (8 months pregnant) were just returning from the Super Wal-mart with Thanksgiving food and Christmas gifts. My youngest was sleeping and the oldest reading in the back seat of my Nissan Sentra. The highways here follow alongside the bayou and there is a lot of open road. There are always accidents along both sides of the bayou and yet still lots of drivers do not heed the warnings. I put my blinker on to turn left onto my street and my son yelled, "Mom Look!" In mid turn, I glanced to my left only to be smacked in the face with my door by the grill of an eighteen-wheeler. He came out of no where. I felt my head being crushed into the back of my seat and then as though by some miracle I was able to pull my head loose. My car shifted and skidded along the side of the truck. At this time, I let go of the wheel, my car got caught on his load and began to crumple underneath the truck. I immediately rolled the windows down, unbuckled, and jumped to the back. I explained to my oldest that if we hit the water he would have to hold his breath and hold my hand to swim. I unbuckled my youngest and held on to them both. Angels were with us this day - my car stopped 10 feet from the bank. I finally took a breath and hugged my children thanking God for their lives and mine. Three men and more ran from all over to check on us. Asking us who was driving, due to me being in the back seat. I asked what I had done wrong. One man responded with, "You didn't do anything mam, you couldn't have stopped that. He was passing us all up (four vehicles) in a curve, in a no passing zone, while you were turning and drug you 150 feet. The man from the truck, probably in shock, never came out of his truck, but was not injured. My youngest had a small cut on his head from the glass and my oldest had a brush burn from the seatbelt. Little did I know of my injuries, my adrenaline prevented me from knowing about the baseball growing out of my head, my Joan River's lips and busted bleeding nose. I thought about this image often for months. And how bad I felt that I looked like that trying to talk to my children. It's no wonder I didn't scare them, yet my oldest son just responded with, "Mom you looked like a brave Mom, nothing scary." My husband was offshore at the time, so a call was made to him that I was being rushed to the hospital. I was going into labor. When I got to the hospital, a few things went wrong but nothing as major as what just happened. They were able to stop my labor and that's all that mattered to me. I was in the hospital for Thanksgiving, but released myself later that day. My husband on the way to see me in the hospital got into an accident also, but luckily was okay and did not have to visit the hospital. My ordeal has taught me that your loved ones can be taken from you in the blink of an eye, so don't take them for granted. That my time with them on earth is lived better by moments, not by minutes or hours. And that there is still strength left in me to take on the next challenge. I still have images that flash in my head once in awhile, but I try to comfort myself with knowing that God is with me every step of the way. Every day is a struggle to get on the road, but I know I have to so I press on.

Funny, what lessons from life you get along the way. If anything, anyone that knows me can tell you though sometimes it takes getting hit by a Mactruck for Michelle to get it.

Mushy, but Needed

2006-07-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows we've had a pretty rough year since August '05. Yet, my head still remains above water. I don't believe in pedalling through the storm without getting a little wet. I realize that we all can't have it all our way all the time. But sometimes when you've hit rock bottom and you don't seem to be going up, it gets tough to keep up the positivity. Three very important people to me (two family members and one a very best friend of mine) are going through some really hard times and don't seem to have that upbeat attitude they once did. Almost as though they are losing faith. I once turned to them for enlightenment, grounding, and encouragement through my trials and tribulations, but now I see that I must step up to the plate and give them a dose of their own medicine.

To My Three Very Important People

What I have learned from you:

That we can wish our whole lives that our life will follow the paths we dream or pray for, yet sometimes along the way we find that what we dreamed and prayed for may not have been what was best for us. There are lessons in everything.

That if you bottle up what is keeping you down, you will never see what the true human spirit in others is like to help you get through it. Those are the blessings worth receiving.

That it just takes one friend to "go to jail" for you, to really understand her true love for you and what she would sacrifice. (just a note to readers, don't take that literally)

That a pray unanswered may be your answer. He knows what's best.

That just when you feel like giving up, I'll be there to pick up the pieces.

In my own story, in the past year, we've had a major hurricane, a job loss, a home loss, a car accident resulting in a car loss, and my grandmother passing away. Yet even in my darkest day, full of anxiety on the road, bill stressed, and grief stricken. These three and others guided me through. I don't believe that it is just God that gets us through, I believe he sends Angels to help him with his work. My family and friends have definitely been mine.

Missing Him Is An Understatement

2006-07-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

As I sit here, quite late or early, however you may want to look at it, I cry.

I miss him dearly.

What I miss most:

Our long talks, the ones about nothing at all and the more serious ones that included what are we teaching our children.

His singing, every word of it. Whether the day was good or bad there was always time to sing.

His laundry on the floor, letting me know he worked hard.

His snoring that kept me awake at night.

His inappropriate comments in department stores that made me laugh.

His complaints of me staying up too late working and that I needed my rest.

His playful bantor.

His whimiscal way of seeing the silver lining.

His wrestling move performance with the boys.

His warm touch and loving comments on my "Mother Dearest" looking days.

I miss his toilet seat up, trash left out, clothes not hung, overeating self.

But I will not say I miss his farting, because no I do not miss that - I repeat I do not miss that!!!

The Man of the "Ouch"

2006-06-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Just before leaving my husband had the talk with our seven year old about being the "Man of the House" with our three year old listening intently as well. Their eyes inquisitive and brows twitching they soaked up every word. As he explained that he would be gone for a long time you could see the gears turning with questions ready to fly. "Well, how long is a long time?" "So, will you be back for my birthday?" "Will you be able to watch TV?" "Do they have phones there?" Answers to these questions were just not enough for these heartbroken boys. Their daddy was leaving and no matter what spin you tried to put on it - the outlook still didn't seem good enough to them. But nonetheless, Daddy was determined to leave with no tears. Quite an impossible feat when there is an emotionally stressed mother involved. So, the day came that Daddy had to leave and Mommy was, like predicted, very emotional. Our seven year old quietly walks over and puts his arm around me stating, "It's okay Mom, I'm the Man of the House and I'll take care of you while Daddy is gone." Without missing a beat, our three year old pipes in, "I da Man of the "Ouch" too Mom, I'll take care of your bo-bo."

A Big Thanks

2006-06-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who responded through comments and emails with ideas for making it easier on the kids while Daddy was gone. It has helped a great deal and the boys seem to be adapting well. I pray it continues.

In need of ideas!

2006-06-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas for things to do for the kids to ease the transition of their Dad being away for awhile. Any ideas are welcome.

Back to the Real World

2006-06-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Our vacation is over and it is time to come back to reality. We had an awesome time and the kids thought it was the best camp ever. I actually made t-shirts to go along with our camp theme. (I'll post those later) Seth(ocrates) wanted to make pants to match and when I said I didn't think I could do that he responded, "Of course you can Mom, Chicken Little did it. Just go get some paper and fold it. Play it real slow and copy what he is doing."You have to see Chicken Little to know what he's talking about. Anyhow, the trip was great, we made lots of crafts and I was able to scrap 10 pages. I cooked everyday (what a miracle, as my husband would say) and I actually tried to cook a shrimp and okra gumbo and no one threw-up. So, I guess you can say that it came out okay. We did our own camp songs, ghost stories, and a glo-stick adventure which turned into Glo-stick Karate. We had a wonderful cousin Brit with us who was such a big help. I actually teared up when she left, leaving me to fend for myself in the land of motherhood.

For those who don't know, My hubby will be leaving soon to stay and work in another state for 6 months. So, when some of these posts get a little psychotic please give me support and pray that there is some sort of medication to get me through :)

Out of the Office

2006-06-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

I will be on a much needed vacation for about a week, camping, roasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories, and having lots of water fun. Of course my boys and husband have chosen to fish majority of the trip, I will have to stay behind because of Claire Bear (HEHE)and of course you know I'll be scrappin'. So if you don't hear from me for awhile, no need to worry or alert the police I didn't go out to the baseball field to commit some crime, nor have I runaway, just hopefully going somewhere peaceful & serene that is not surrounded by laundry, dishes, bills, and dust. I'll try to pop in later in the week if I can. Hey, I think I may suggest to my husband that we have a blogging vacation next time.

Whaddaya' Lookin' At?

2006-06-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not the perfect Mom. And no I didn't just realize this. But apparently most of the world is unaware that I will not be the perfect Mom, nor will I pretend to be just so they can get through a baseball game or practice in peace without hearing my Hunter Bunter crying for mercy. I wonder where people get balls from? No, I don't mean the ones that are thrown or kicked in a game. The ones that people have who can just come up to you like they have known you for 30 years, since you were in diapers, and just ask you, "Do you think he'll have a better day today?" Okay, maybe I'm just a being a tad bit of a witch here, but please don't ask me to start predicting the future of my child. (I can't even predict the future of my checkbook sometimes) If I knew he was going to have a bad day do you think I would have brought him to the baseball field with two other children by myself right at supper time to be stared down by what seems to be a million "perfect Moms" and have them whisper, "Oh, he's always like that." "You should have seen what he did the last time. This is pretty good in comparison." But, instead of saying what I want to say, I say instead, "I guess we'll see." And when he throws his glove or slaps me in the stomach or stubbornly says, "I don't wanna play no more," I gently pick him up and carry him off to my less than perfect world. I believe my son is misjudged and misunderstood, which I'm guilty of at times, but all the same he captures the attention of hundreds of people as I'm dragging him off the field or dodging the bat. I don't question whether something is wrong with him, I focus on what's right. Sometimes, his behavior gets the best of me, but if I ever saw a parent involved in a similar situation I wouldn't ask, "Do you think something is wrong with him?" Of course, something is wrong with him what kind of stupid question is that. He's crying, that usually tells you something is wrong. Instead, I would mind my own business and say a little prayer for her.

Okay, now that I got that out I feel better.

Turning into Your Parent at Age 3

2006-06-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

My sister shared this story with me today, I thought this was hilarious and it had me in tears.

Kyla (3 years old): "Mom can I have some water?" (before going to bed)
My sister: "No, Kyla you'll wet the bed."
Kyla: "Please Mom, I won't Pee-pee." (insisting for what seemed to be hours)
My sister: "ALRIGHT!!!" (finally giving up in desperation for sleep and not waking her other child - hands her the water).
Kyla: "Now was that so hard Mommy?"

10 Things that begin with G

2006-06-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Challenged by Lei of My Many Colored Days

1. Gautreaux - Our family name, my hubby is often referred to by his last name and we have quite a few wrestling moves named after it.

2. "Good Grief" - One of my favorite expressions by Charlie Brown and one I that I quite commonly use when the kids become a little too overdramatic.

3. Girlfriends - These are my GO-TO girls when I think I will either be put in prison or committed permanently - they always seem to keep me grounded.

4. Grill - Oh, how I love grilled food, meat, veggies, fruit, all of it. I use my George Foreman Grill often.

5. Games - We love to play games, all sorts of board, pretend, sports, etc.

6. Grace - For which I have none and need.

7. Gorgeous - How my husband makes me feel, even when I smell of sweat and day old baby spit with my hair half up in ponytail, with no makeup, and yesterday's clothes.

8. Grants - Something I'd like to have to open up my own bookstore or scrap shop.

9. Grandma - Someone we dearly miss.

And finally

10. God - ENOUGH SAID!

Not Any More

2006-05-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Competitions in the Mother Load Household are quite common. Whether it is a display of wrestling, a eating contest, a race, or who can make the biggest mess. There's always some sort of fun going on. But it is NOT fun when the competition is involving the parental figures. Our competition is one long debated in many households around the world ---Who Works Harder---(I hope - if not then maybe my husband is right and I need medication). You would think I could win this contest with ease (as I'm sure most of you moms would agree), but my husband every once in awhile seems to believe he works so hard (implying that I don't). When the words, "Can't I get a break?" come flying out of the Hubby's mouth, it sets off an alarm throughout my body and I shriek, "WWWHHAATTT? Can you get a break? Can Y.O.U. get a break?" I know he didn't just ask the 24 hour working mother of three, if he could get a break. I know he didn't just ask me to lay off, so he can relax. So, of course like a broken record the words come spilling out of my mouth as they have many times before, "You don't know what it's like to be a mom who gave birth, raised and disciplined three children, you don't know what it is like to run a household 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (yes, even on Mother's Day). And furthermore you don't know what it's like to be a woman who has excrutiating pain, bloating, migraines, yuckiness, and moodiness once a month." Hubby just stands there looking at me like I'm a mad woman who needs to be committed soon and out pipes my three-year old, "Yeah, Dad cuz you not a woman anymore." Oh, how I've raised him well.

"Til You're Married"

2006-05-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Long ago, my Uncle used to tell us, "Oh you'll live til you're married," in response to our woes as a young child. Since of course, my sister and I being the natural females we are, had many woes this phrase became quite common. Much like the ones you hear in your head and repeat to your children. So, I've probably repeated this phrase to my kids, oh a thousand times or so in response to their woes. Of course, never giving it thought that like always it will one day come back to haunt me. Sethocrates as mentioned before is quite the philosopher. He has commented on this phrase several times, like for instance when I did marry hubby he responded with, "So, are you going to die now." and when asked about his girlfriend he responded with, "Yeah, I like her, but I'll never marry her, because I'd like to live a little longer." Shame on me!! for giving my child such an ill-fated vision of what marriage is, but nonetheless he has realized not to take it so literally. Yet, on an outing this weekend I was able to witness the cycle of the ill-fated marriage prediction continue on to the next generation.

Place: LoneStar
Time: Too Late
Date: On a day that should have been more productive, yet ended without purpose.

HunterBunter: "Oohh, it's hot."
Me: "What's hot?"
HunterBunter: "My mac-n-cheez"
Sethocrates: "Oh, you'll live til your married, but it's over after that."
Hubby: "I'll have to agree with you there."
Me: "Ugh"

My guys gotta love them!

ClaireBear doesn't know what family she was born into (poor baby!)

Owlhaven's Very Interesting Person Award

2006-05-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

First I'd like to thank my fans, my agent, the girl at The Hot Spot for doing my hair, and my husband.

Just Joking!

This was definitely an honor, thank you Owlhaven. At least somebody thinks I'm interesting. It has definitely been a rough year, but a proud one too.

Days Like These

2006-05-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

On days like these, I try to reflect on why I love being a mother and not get caught up on focusing on the many "crazy" activities that my children get involved in. I've had quite a bit of a rough time with my Hunter Bunter, yet even when I'm about to give up I try to give it one more round. Just one more fight worth fighting for. In the end, I feel I'm not fighting for my child to behave, but fighting to raise a man with integrity, respect, love, kindness, thoughtfullness, and honesty. Just when I feel like throwing in the towel, I remind myself why I was chosen to be a mother --- because I can. I can mother him through the good and even the bad. I will stand by him and fight with every drop of my being to be sure that he turns out to be the man I believe he can be. It's days like these, that remind me what true motherhood is about - never giving up the fight.

Just Breathe!

2006-05-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

"God will never give me more than I can handle"
"God will never give me more than I can handle"
"God will never give me more than I can handle"

Thought if I repeated that three times, it would give me a bit more confidence.

Happy Late Mother's Day

2006-05-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

"The most important thing she'd learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one." Jill Churchill

Wild Weekend W(r)evelations - Laaate!

2006-05-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

I've actually been so busy this week, that I don't remember falling asleep last night - sitting up. I've been working hard on my crafts to sell. I finally was able to set up at a local shop.

Claire Bear, by the way, has been sitting up also.
She is such a cutey pie. I can't believe she'll be 5 months this month.
Well, I only have two w(r)evelations this week, due to my busy schedule!

W(r)evelation #1: I can't keep letting my child fall asleep at the table, my technique is not working (see Stick it to 'em).

Solution #1: Light up candles and let him blow them out when he finishes his meal.

Result #1: He did it! He actually did not fall into his stubborn Hunter Bunter way and ate his meal and was then delighted to blow out the candles (cheap thrill - which Hubby says I am after half a beer). Bonus: Added a little romance to our supper (well, as romantic as you can get with 3 kids).

Also, found this mealtime game at .www.ftfgames.com. It has 51 challenges designed to get kids to eat. ($16) I'll post to let you know how it goes

W(r)evelation #2: Children are deaf or too much wax in the ears, they will not hear what you have to say, even if it concerns their safety.

Solution #2: They love to play Simon says, except we put our own spin on it and call it "Gautreaux says" Tell them what needs to be done using this game.

Result #2: It worked wonders. I didn't have to repeat myself and they even asked for more. "Mommy, what do we do next?" I know sounds unbelievable, but it worked as well as a Hallmark.

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too!

2006-05-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

Tater Tot's creative use of cake, got me thinking about when was the last time I put my baking skills to the test. It was about a year ago. My son begged me for a volcano cake with dinosaurs for his birthday. I tall order for an inexperienced baker. Yet, I was up for the challenge and took it a step further by turning it into a science experiment as well. I baked this cake and then added a mini lamp shade to the top with a cup of baking soda in the center. Frosted it and added the dinosaurs. My son loved it, but asked me to test it several times until we did it one too many times and the vinegar and baking soda mixture exploded all over the cake.

Sticking it to 'em!

2006-05-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

In someone's blog (forgive me my mind is blank), I read about someone having trouble with getting their child to eat. I responded about this picture and said I'd post it later.
I stood by my word, he could not leave the table til he ate his food. Never imagined he would fall asleep doing it.

Wild Weekend W(r)evelations

2006-05-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Yet another busy weekend for the Gautreaux crew. Filled with Tiger Cub outings, family functions, and loads of laundry. What better way to get through the weekend than to come up with more w(r)evelations.

W(r)evelation #1: Your child is a reflection of yourself. In other words, I need to stop losing my temper, so my Hunter Bunter can have a peaceful childhood and not grow up to be an angry, bitter man who will taunt his wife and children.

Solution #1: Breathe In & Out and sing Mary Poppins' "Just a Spoonful of Sugar"
It's harder than you think.

Result #1: I've memorized the song and came up with my own rap. (I'll share later)

W(r)evelation #2: Child stomping feet in department store draws attention and possible call to social services if you threaten them.

Solution #2: Oh, what the heck, if you can't beat them, join them and have them continously stomp for 10 minutes with you.

Result #2: He cries and you cry. Sometimes it just helps to cry and no one will call social services on you, but they may call a psychiatrist.

W(r)evelation #3: There are some hillbilly/rednecks in the world and your child may be one of them.

Solution #3: Just accept him for who he is.

Result #3: Maybe he'll become another Jeff Foxworthy or Larry, The Cable Guy and make loads of money, so mom & dad can retire early and live in a camper of luxury.

There is a God!

2006-04-26T22:25:00.000-07:00

American Idol, Kelly has gone home and what a butt she made out of herself. She certainly knows how to humiliate herself. I think the poor thing has been sheltered way too long.

By Far the Coolest

2006-04-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Found this recipe on Sandra's Works for Me Wednesday onDiary of a Stay At Home Mom. It really does work and the eggs came out so fluffy and perfect. You wouldn't believe how easy and amazing.

OMELETS IN THE BAG

Have everyone write their name on a quart-size, zip-lock freezer bag with permanent marker.

Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into each bag (not more than 2 eggs) and shake to combine them.

Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.

Each member adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shakes; make sure the air is out of the bag and the bag is well-zipped.

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes.
You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.

Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.

American Idol

2006-04-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Of course I watch it! I don't really make a big deal of it, but was Paula high or what! I'm beginning to believe she may have a problem. She cried, she cheered, and was quite emotional. Maybe menopause!

Kelly has got to go - no one can be that stupid. If they ever make a sequel to Forest Gump, she would be a perfect cast.

Taylor and Chris show the true spirit of music.

Sometimes I feel Elliot and Paris are trying a bit too hard and never sound any different.

Katherine is absolutely fabulous! I don't care what the judges say!

Cabbage & Yogurt - What a wonderful combination!

2006-04-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

When it comes to my Godchild, only God knows what she is going to say next. In a food obsessed society, it is no wonder that a girl can even get through a story without mentioning food mistakenly. My godchild does just that and does it with sass:

My sister: Kyla, why weren't you dancing? (dance practice in front of parents)
Kyla: Because everyone was looking at my butt and underarms.
My sister: What?
Kyla: Next time I'm gonna put some yogurt under my arms.
My sister: Do you mean deordorant?
Kyla: Yeah, that stuff!

My sister: Stop it, Kyla - you have a bad habit of that and your sister will only follow in your footsteps.
Kyla: (later)Mom says I've got a bad cabbage of that!

2006-04-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

These are the other two I have painted - more to come. Just need a few opinions.

Finally!

2006-04-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

Though a little late, I discovered that I never updated on my sofa situation. Jenny suggested I get his ?*% moving by telling him I would just call my brother-in-law to get my sofa out of storage. Well, it worked.

HaaHaaHaaHaa! My evil plan has worked and now I will disappear to my dungeon to conjure up yet another undone Honey-Do project!

I Am From...

2006-04-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

I have finally taken a challenge, Owlhaven

So here it goes:

I am from pencils with worn tips, from ice-cold Coca-Cola and freshly brewed Community Coffee. I am from the house with the jungle of a yard with a reflection of this on the inside as well. I am from the loving, very full, home that smells of pumpkin spice candles and whatever meal I can whip up in an hour. I am from magnolias so divine and tough and wisteria mysteriously intertwining.

I am from baking with children every holiday to never leaving without saying I love you. From the forgiving Legendre’s and assertive Plaisance’s and determined Gautier‘s and witful Cheramie‘s.

I am from the most forgiving hearts and giving hands. From old spirits in young bodies and open minds.

I am from Christians, who believe God will get you through it. I'm from Cajuns in Louisiana, from France, Spain, and Italy, from Mom‘s white beans cooked in Granny‘s pot to sloppy wipe your mouth fifty times roast beef po-boys.

From the early Sunday morning raves from Granny and Papa on dancing the night away the night before and willing to relive it out once more to the mounds of Mawmaw’s books surrounding every wall.

I am from old tattered albums, self-written poetry books, grandma’s tea set, and hand-made blankets that tell of a journey worth taking again, and again, and again.

The Machine Sleeps

2006-04-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

If you've been keeping up, Hunter Bunter, aka The Machine, hardly sleeps. We have finally found the secret to our problem. The Wedding Planner. Oddly enough, he asked to watch the movie tonight, so I let him in pure desperation to get him off my back. He casually slipped the DVD in and was asleep in a matter of minutes. Remind me to thank J-Lo.

Whadaya think?

2006-04-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

I painted these and will sell them as bulletin boards.
How much would you buy them for?
I'll be posting 2 others, if blogger ever lets me.

"Massive"

2006-04-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

I'm sure we all agree what fun things come out of our children's mouths. But not of all of it is funny when you are on the receiving end. My sister-in-law over spring break let me in on a statement her son made to her that I just had to share.

Mother (rubbing her eyes and head)
Son: What's wrong mommy?
Mother: I have a massive headache.
Son: Well, it'll go great with your massive butt.

"Kids say the darnest things" SMACK!!!

Manmade

2006-04-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

By the way, who decided there would only be 24 hours in a day? (mental note: look that up) Must have been a man. I need a lot more to finish what I need to do in a day.

Wild Weekend W(r)evelations

2006-04-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

In sharing with other moms their stories of raising children, I thought it might be interesting to share with other moms creative ways to discipline your children. So, every weekend I will share with you my "Wild Weekend W(r)evelations".

W(r)evelation #1: Children do not like to shop with their moms, especially if they are boys and especially if she's shopping for a bathing suit.

Solution: Play a game. Have your children hold one hand on the shopping cart. Whoever holds on to the shopping cart the longest scores a point. Whoever has the most points at the end of the trip gets candy and a drink in check out line, the other only gets to pick one.

The Result: I actually managed to find one with three kids without screaming once, "Get over here, before I hang you from the racks!"

W(r)evelation #2: Children will say the meanest things.

Solution: For every mean thing they said to each other, I have required them to sit and face each other, say something nice about the other and then give a kiss on the cheek to each other.

The Result: This was torture for my boys, needless to say I haven't heard anything mean --- Yet!

Feel free to share your own and let me know if you are blogging it also.

The Tearful Tale of a Husband

2006-04-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a husband, a dear and compassionate soul, a supportive and handsome man, yet all these good qualities seemed to disappear as his wife heard the words, "Well, when will you make time for me?" from his mouth. Working five days out of the week, coming home to a meal, a home (for the most part taken care of) and children who greeted him with cheers, fishing and hunting on weekends whenever he so desired was not enough for this young man. Playing with the children and laying on the sofa to watch every male show his heart desired (which means mainly anything on SPIKE TV) just didn't seem to fill that empty space. What he really desired was time with wife, "alone", was he asking for too much? Was he tipping the scales of justice? He just wanted what any man wanted, besides fishing and hunting. He wanted what was rightfully his! His woman! But aahh, lo and behold, his wife has won the battle yet again and will blog away!

Freaky "Friday" Everyday

2006-04-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Seth(ocrates), my eldest son, seems to think he is a thirty year old parent of three. He is forever bossing around his younger brother and thinks he can hold down the fort when I'm busy in mother duties. He actually has said, "Hunter what have I told you, time and time again, don't play with the bubbles without me around." Wherever does he get it?!!! I've also had him say, "What did you not understand about the word No!" I've created a "monster", funny though my husband who you would think be quoting these statements more often is busy playing the whining husband. "I want to fish, I want to hunt, I want to sing, I want more "time" with you." WaaWaaWaa!!! It just seems at moments there is some Freaky Friday thing happening in my household, minus the laugh factor (because I don't find it funny).

Dark Forces Beware

2006-04-07T00:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it - I AM A CHARMED FREAK! If you don't know what tv show I happen to be raving about check it out @ http://thewb.warnerbros.com/web/show.jsp?id=CH
So, I Netflixed Seasons 1-4 to catch up, since my children and husband just so happen to get a few wild hairs up their butts and start wrestling just when any decent show comes on TV. I was able to watch all of the seasons, but not without once in awhile Hunter Bunter observing also. At first, all he did was ask, "Mommy, I want to watch the witches." I didn't see any harm, yet I do realize this is probably not the healthiest show for my child to be witnessing. So, my son and I continue on a mission to see all the seasons and he begins to express that he has "powers". He even makes the motions of Piper (the one who can freeze time and blow things up with her hands). He says to me one day in the grocery store, "Watch Mom, I'm going to blow him up." He flicks out his hands in true Piper form and says, "Don't worry Mom I vanquished the demon." I hope this phase ends before preschool, I'd hate to have to come to school because they think my child is a bomb threat.

When?

2006-04-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

When will I see the day of a sofa in my living room, or my TV connected, or clothes in a dresser? When I ask. When my husband feels like it. These requests are no major act of God, yet my husband seems to believe so. He'd rather be fishing, I'd rather be sitting on my sofa (that belongs in the living room, not in storage) watching Desperate Housewives or American Idol. He promises often that he will attend to these matters, but to no avail. I get quite irritated by it and after awhile I'm guilty of throwing around a few choice words until he gets off his butt and does something about it. The last home we were in, the many projects were pushed aside until it was too late - we had to move. The home before that took him 2 years before he fixed a leak in the bathroom. We solved it by removing the entire bathroom and making it a closet. I get a bit weary of always being the nag and he says he doesn't like my nagging, yet I wouldn't have to if he would just go get my damn sofa out of storage!

To Take Another Blow

2006-04-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

With the Hurricane season fast approaching, I wonder if we could survive yet another blow. It's almost as though I don't want to think about it. It has been a very difficult year for many and is still for some. We were graced with blessings, but you have to admit nothing seems as normal as it once was. The lines of communication are quite broken both politically and physically (cells, phones, & mail). To say the coast would ever return to the way it once was is an understatement. I think with all the rubble that floated away, a bit of spirit did also. Many have come to help, to provide, and to support, yet the numbers are dwindling and with hurricane season in less than 2 months I'm not sure if Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama is ready to take another blow.

In Need of Medication

2006-04-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

I believe I'm in desperate need of medication. In pursuit of trying to make cash, I began the day cleaning my cousin's home. It took me 6 hours. This was not due to the fact that her home was messy, but due to my obsession with cleaning when I do clean. Yes, you should clean things right and try to achieve the white glove effect - but please somebody help me. I can't stop when I get started. I'm cleaning the doors, next thing you know I'm cleaning the frames, and the molding and then I notice the corner and then the spot on the wall. I've walked into her house a thousand times and have always said how clean it was, yet here I am striving for perfection. My goal was to do a spring cleaning so cleaning it in the next few weeks would be a little bit easier, but I may have gone a bit overboard. To top off my back aching, knee wrenching, ears ringing day, my husband comes home to ask when will I clean our house. My response, "When you pay me!" The nerve!

PUT IT BACK!

2006-04-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

Hunter Bunter is obsessed with wanting his things back. Now, I'm not talking about the usual, "Give me my toy back" or "I want my drink back." Nooooo! He wants his hair back after I've cut it or his nails back after I've clipped them. Can he just beg like a normal child and stomp his feet. Noooooo! He has to literally grab the hair off the floor or the clippings from the trash and try to assemble them back. Begging me, "Please, mommy put it back." What does he think I can do? Glue them? Oh, the tragic life of a 3 year old.

The Machine

2006-03-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

Hunter Bunter is the frickin' Energizer Bunny! I don't know how he does it, but you'd swear he's on crack. He could probably bottle up what he has in his blood and sell it to dopeheads like Whitney and Bobby. He can stay up til 1 or 2am with a nap or no nap and wake up at 6 or 7am, screaming, "Mom the sun's up, so get up." While I, in a zombie like state, reach to strangle him, but miss!

Hunter Bunter proud of his big boy underwear!

In mentioning, his big boy underwear, I just thought I'd share a story about our toilet training experience. When his grandmother purchased these underwear, I told him if he pooed or peed in them I would throw them away. Thinking this would work. I came to my desk one morning to find pee flooding the floor and a nice long terd plopped on my desk. Well, he didn't poo or pee in his underwear now did he?

3 Man Fartin' Band

2006-03-27T21:35:00.000-08:00

Geez! My boys and husband could create their own band with the variety of farts they provide. It is quite interesting, but stinky (as my husband is known as the "Green Fog"). They could title their record, "Stink." The songs could be entitled, "What's that stench?", "Pull my finger", "That's the night that I lost my sense of smell", and "It was the cabinets." My husband has turned my boys into farting machines and I find no humor in it. Hunter Bunter even asked my dad in church to pull his finger, he made a farting noise and laughed. They make music with it and force each other to smell it. One night my husband farted and Seth(ocrates) came around the corner running to tackle him and you'd swear there was an invisble force field around my husband, because Seth(ocrates) hit it and said, "Whoah! God that stinks Dad!" and fell down. Just a little sympathy would be nice for the woman who has to listen and smell the "3 Man Fartin' Band". Thanks!

Breakfast Guest - Courtesy of Family in Scotland

2006-03-24T23:03:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law sent me this story about their experience with some very large birds, I just had to share it with everyone. Had pictures, but of course blogger is not working with me.

"I just thought you might enjoy seeing pictures of some surprise guests we had Monday morning. Ethan was in the living room watching cartoons, and I was taking a bath upstairs when they arrived. Ethan came up to tell me about the big black birds in the yard. I told him they where probably ravens, thinking (quite naturally) that he was exaggerating when he shouted "They're bigger than me". When he failed to get the response from me that he craved, he dragged Hayden out of bed and down the stairs to see them. At which point Hayden started to scream "TURKEYS, mom we have turkeys in the yard." Being of true cajun blood, both then decided that we should have turkey for dinner and let Savannah (the dog) out. I was finally able to convince them that perhaps the farmer up the road may take offence to us killing his escaped fowl. In the bushes behind the turkeys was a pheasant. The day before we had about 5 grouse running about the yard. Ethan says (and I quote) "What next cows and sheep?""

10 Signs You Need to Get Out More Often

2006-03-24T22:49:00.000-08:00

1. The highlight of your day is your trip to the mailbox at least here the creditors may find you, but you pee in peace.

2. You can get drunk on Starbucks Coffee.

3. Conversations begin with "What do you think I am doing?"

4. Mac-n-cheese has become your new favorite delicacy.

5. You can recite all the words to all Disney songs with feeling.

6. You catch yourself watching Disney channel even when your kids are not around.

7. Your children ask you if you have any friends.

8. You've run out of Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Body Wash, so you settle for Spiderman's Watermelon Kid's Wash instead.

9. You have more playdates a week, than real dates a year.

10. You take the time to think of 10 Signs You Need to Get Out More Often!

Boys are Weird!

2006-03-22T23:29:00.000-08:00

My boys are from another dimension. There must have been some time space continuum I missed. I don't get their humor. Maybe I'm just a stiff and dry mom, but ending every word with BUTT is not as hilarious as one may think. Hunter Bunter is so similar to his dad, in that he laughs at himself (see post below). I sit there thinking they have got to be sharing some brain wave that I'm missing due to a bad connection. Hunter Bunter and his dad got into a name calling match (which I in no way condone, but is harmless - well I hope so, okay there goes the guilt again, also see post below).
Anyway it went something like this:

Husband: Monkey Boy
Hunter Bunter: Monkey Boy BUTT (laughs at self)
Husband: Silly
Hunter Bunter: Silly BUTT (laughs at self, dad as well)
(Now turning into a joke)
Husband: Scratch my back, BUTT
Hunter Bunter: Knock, Knock Who's There? BUTT (laughing hysterically)
Husband: Okay, Power Ranger
Hunter Bunter: Power Ranger BUTT BUTT (laughing with tears)

This went on quite awhile until I BUTTED in!!! Oh! God I'm doing it, too.

Can't Take Him Anywhere!

2006-03-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

To anyone who may know my husband, they know without me saying He is as Cajun as they come. We are sitting in Olive Garden having a nice dinner, surprisingly without kids due to some sad circumstances, but anyhow a night away and out comes "They sure do have a lot of wine here." Now that may not sound bad, yet he is kind of loud about it. Then he proceeds to say again, "Look it's everywhere." I'm sitting here thinking he can't be serious. The waitress then comes for our order and he makes an inquiry about the salad, "It's the big one right." As if we haven't been here a hundred times or so and he doesn't know it's a big salad. He then asks, "What kind of salad, do you serve here?" Again, normal questions but you have to understand, he asks the same freakin' questions everytime. Thank God, we don't get the same waitress or I would just have to tell her he has amnesia or something. So, we are sitting waiting for our food and he blurts out, "I don't have a spoon, if I owned a joint like this everyone would have a spoon." Stating this as if he is making a promise to America, "I vow to improve our children's education, decrease taxes, and to have a spoon in every restaurant." What next? "They probably make a pretty penny here, huh?" We are now questioning The Olive Garden Restaurant's success. I don't even begin to answer any of his questions or respond because all I can do is shake my head and think why do I take him anywhere. So, now we have gotten our meal. I'm praying conversation is going to improve that maybe he is just lacking oxygen and nutrients to the brain, maybe we can talk about something a little more serious or at least important. Wrong!!! Again, loud and proud, "You know this is going to go straight through me, I hope I can make it to our house." @#$%, please God save me from my Cajun husband. I eat thinking if I just hurry, maybe he won't say anything else and try as I may to change the conversation he still keeps coming with the one liners for everyone to hear. "I hope you have enough money for this, because I don't." Ugh!!! What's sad about this is, this is not the first time. Once in a nice department store, he looked at a pair of shorts and loudly stated, "$25 for a pair of shorts, I can go to Wal-mart and get them cheaper than that." And another time in Chuck E. Cheese, "The pizza at Pinnochio's is so much better." Or how about our wedding at the altar, "You look hot tonight." To make sense of it all would take a century or more, but he knows he is so embarrassing and enjoys every minute of my cringing, hands in front the face, wide-eyed reactions, thinking God just strike me down now and just laughs. Laughs at himself. If only everyone thought they were funny, maybe they could all be as wonderful as my husband is.

Oh, Guilt - You Haunt Me So!

2006-03-22T22:32:00.000-08:00

Guilt, by definition in the "mother guidebook", an overwhelming feeling that you have somehow or another affected your children in a negative way through their upbringing and will spend eternity blaming yourself for all the wrong paths they take. Guilt, something all mothers live with. You'll feel guilty that you may not have given them a wholesome breakfast, or sent your child off to school , but not before yelling at them, or that you spend all day writing blogs or reading them, or secretly watching mindless TV, or telling your child that Power Rangers doesn't play today, or even telling your hubby that due to your lack of sleep most of your body parts won't function properly so don't ask me for anything tonight.
Most of all, my guilt lies in what I may slip up with every once in awhile. Did I say something that will scar my child until late adulthood? Will he or she carry that emotional baggage with them and seek counseling for me telling them to "Shut-up" while American Idol was on, instead of "Be Quiet, Please!" Why do we torture ourselves with such thoughts? It's called anxiety or worry, but I'm going to give it another name for light of humor - Inyamama. So, when I'm spinning in a downward spiral of tears and my little one asks me why - I can turn around and say "Mommy has Inyamama. It's all in ya' mama's head, baby don't worry"

Flowers

2006-03-18T22:31:00.000-08:00

My three-old son has to stop coming to the bathroom with me. He now believes I pee out my butt. What do you tell him? Any advice would be nice. All I could think of in the moment was, "No, mommy pees out her flower." What!!! I don't know what to say. How stupid! I'm sure this one is going to bite me back soon, since he does know what flowers are. I can hear him saying to the kids in the park, "See these flowers, my mommy pees out of them." Great conversation starter.

Heck on Liberty, give me some Space

2006-03-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

In the room, in the living room, in the kitchen, outside, in the laundry room, in the bathroom - I feel as though I'm being raided. It's just such a coincedence that my children are right there every step I take. It never fails that when I leave one room that they migrate to that room. I love having my children around, but sometimes I feel I have a magnet on my butt that pulls them into every room I enter. When I realize one is distracted I make a mad dash to the bathroom, lock it, and pee in peace. It's a race, a race for space. How far can I get before they realize I'm not there. And it's not just my kids, I think my husband is in on the game, too. Especially when I'm on the phone. It's like a silent alarm goes off and one sends out the morris code to the others to say "Breaker, breaker mother goose is on the loose. 10-4. We are sending Jack and Jill up the hill." And as you desperately send out the SOS of mother sign language to go to the other room or quiet down, they look at you like you are some mad woman that needs to be committed.

SuperMoms

2006-03-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

Got sick last week and you swear that WWIII broke out in my house. I was running fever of 102 and was laid up in bed for a few hours. My mistake thinking the household could run without me. My mistake thinking at least the house won't be torn apart. Hello, what was I thinking? When I awoke from my world of feverville filled with hallucinations - I found a fingerpainting of lotion on my bathroom mirror and another display of art using the medium "Ivarest" (maybe you've heard of it - it's the newest trend - poison ivy cream) in my shower. Did I dare venture to the rest of the house - of course - let's get it over with. Streamers of beautiful white toilet paper decorated my living room and brightly colored fruit loops lay on display on the kitchen floor. A white blanket of snow on my tabletop, looking quite similar to powdered donuts, and a wonderful structure built of VCR tapes lay on the floor. Now how could I get mad, I may have the next Picasso or Michaelangelo (I hope I spelled those right) under my roof. This expression of art of course was cleaned up, but I wasn't asking myself what will I do with this child. I was asking myself why didn't I ever hear of stories like this from my mom or other moms. Do you want to know why, because Moms don't get sick! At least they didn't long ago. So, to all those moms of long ago - please tell me what you drank, what you ate, what kind of air were you breathing, or heck did ya smoke somethin' - give me the secret of Supermom before my next Art Show.

No Easy Street Here!

2006-03-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

Claire Bear
Living near the Big Easy, definitely doesn't make life easy. I look at my little girl's smile and I wonder if she realizes what she has in store for her as she grows up. The position of female is a hard one to fill. In her smile, I remember what joy it was to be a kid - naive, oblivious to the world outside our town, our home, our room. The enlightening teenage years that brought pimples on your face and on your doorstep follows quickly after. Ah! those puberty years full of crushes, heartbreaks, restraints, and freedoms. Then comes the hard part, how can she smile, knowing that she will have to be the one who grows up to bleed for a week, bloat up like a hippo, and have breakdowns every 5 seconds and when she's not PMSing, she's bearing a baby, facing stretch marks & the reality of there is no turning back, and of course the big, huge, enourmous duty of a mother labor and delivery - why - because the blessing of childhood is she doesn't know. She's happy just laying there without knowing the world outside her playpen. Her pleasantries come from friendly faces, smiles, strange baby talk, cuddling, farting, bottles, and love. It doesn't matter that before she knows it she'll be the one cleaning up after the kids full of vomit and diarhea or picking up after her husband, paying the bills, cooking, volunteering at school, taking the kids to the park, baking cookies for the bake sale, and coaching or cheering on her big star's team. It doesn't matter, because right now she's just Claire Bear and hasn't realized the path set before her. On second thought maybe she's just smiling because she does know and will enjoy every bit of it as I have. I then smile realizing the journey on the beaten path was worth taking.

Save the Drama for Your Mama!

2006-03-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

Kyla & Kaydi
Posted by Picasa

While observing my godchild, Kyla and her sister, Kaydi, in their true form today for Kaydi's first birthday; I realized what my sister has in her home - TOO MUCH ESTROGEN! I think I have a lot to learn on handling girls. You'd think because I'm a girl myself (as my three old has informed me that I don't have a "birdie" I just have a butt - guess I'll be locking those bathroom doors now) anyway it seems that I would know how to handle girls. But I don't! I'm quite known as the tough mom and I stick it to them. I don't think girls respond well to, "Get over it," or "Do we need to cut it off? No, then you're fine." Those words are much more traumatic to them than to boys. My boys find it quite funny when somebody is hurt in some wicked way, so cutting off their arm they fell on might actually be fun. When a boy cries it may be for a moment, when a girl cries break out the orchestra, maybe a movie and popcorn - you are going to be there awhile. Trust me no belly bubbles work here. Let it be known - she wants to be heard and heard she will be. Can't say I'm that different though. Just ask my husband, he hears it quite often. But these are the most beautiful girls emotional outbursts and all I could ever ask for - besides I can return them anytime I want.

Boys of a Different Color

2006-03-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

Hunter - Bunter & Seth(ocrates)
Posted by Picasa
Partners in crime. Where there are puddles - we will splash, where there are cries - we will scream along with, where there are corners - we will draw, where there is anything of value - we will be there - to break it. My boys are quite the adventurers and let it be known loud and proud (probably a maternal gene). Hunter is my 2 second kid - In 2 seconds, he can manage a number of things - finding the hidden markers that I can't remember where I hid them and drawing his best impression of picaso on the dining room wall, tables, chairs, & numerous other household items; managing to climb on a few cabinets to jump off the sofa and roll on the floor where he placed fruit loops; and finally able to pull out every DVD we own being sure to scratch each and every one along the way. Seth is the philospher. His theories on life have become quite enlightening. Just this week, I was informed that his legs were getting older because he is now seven, so he can no longer get me the remote or turn off the light whenever I want him too. He also let me know that his sister doesn't just cry for nothing, she has a reason - "she's a baby, I'd cry too." They've adjusted well so far to having a baby sister - they've actually cut down the noise one decibel, and only require me to get up and discipline them every 10 minutes, instead of every 5. Progress!

Estrogen!!

2006-03-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

Claire - Snow Princess
Posted by Picasa

Finally, estrogen in the family. It's been long awaited but her arrival has brought such joy that all the tremendous pain and agony over her pregnancy, labor, & delivery was well worth it. I just ask that my husband doesn't ask me for more kids or I will have him surgically implanted with my uterus. Claire is such a wonderful change to the norm in the family. I've already taken a picture of her in every outfit I can find due to the fact that I'm lucky if my boys put on any clothes at all. The birthday suit is the trend here. I look forward to the girly things, that's if my husband doesn't get to her first. Nonetheless, I will enjoy what girly things I can now, cuz all she can do is just lay there and take it like a lady. (HA!HA!)

My First Adventure!

2006-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

This happens to be my first adventure in the "blog world." I just thought it would be quite interesting to share with others about the loads of motherhood (fatherhood is welcome as well). Sometimes it's just nice to know you are not the only one going through a crisis. That you are not the only one having a nervous breakdown before dawn or the only one thinking was I under the influence when I signed up for this. Don't get me wrong, I love my children (I have 3) as anyone can tell you, but sometimes late at night, or in the morning, or basically anytime I just wonder if I'm really qualified for this. So, in ending my first post I say to all those parents out there you are not alone. Let others know what you are going through you'll be surprised to know they may have had to take a Tylenol PM also.