What was that line about being careful what you wish for?
It was just earlier this month that I wrote about my hate/hate relationship with my minivan. (In case you missed it -- here you go!) I couldn't go online, take my kids to school or watch TV without noticing countless other cars I'd rather be driving than my silver 'Hotyssey.' It's a lovely ride but there's something about it that evokes feelings of mid-life crisis and leaves me longing for the pre-kid me (not to be mistaken for life pre-kids).
Flash forward ten days or so after I hit publish on that post and BAM -- my car is hit. Jeff and the two littlest ones had just left the house a few minutes before (I was actually set to meet them after picking up supplies I needed to volunteer in Lucy's class) and didn't even get more than a mile away when they were rear ended while stopped at a red light.
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Boys Are Gross and Other Gems I've Learned from My Son
May 20, 2004 It was not only the day the world was blessed with the birth of a human being who will forever leave his mark wherever he goes... it was the day I could finally call myself a mom -- something I had dreamed of becoming for as long as I can remember.
I've had this post in my head for weeks now. I would write a tribute to my first born child on his 7th birthday -- sharing all of my love, adoration and admiration for the boy he is. I would describe the feelings I had the day he was born, how his ability to learn, grow and never give up inspires me to be a better person... how his sense of humor and creativity sparks a side of me I didn't know I had. I would gush over how he has been able to face challenges head on and constantly surprise and amaze us with his strength, determination and unwavering sense of self.
But who wants to read about all that?
I've had this post in my head for weeks now. I would write a tribute to my first born child on his 7th birthday -- sharing all of my love, adoration and admiration for the boy he is. I would describe the feelings I had the day he was born, how his ability to learn, grow and never give up inspires me to be a better person... how his sense of humor and creativity sparks a side of me I didn't know I had. I would gush over how he has been able to face challenges head on and constantly surprise and amaze us with his strength, determination and unwavering sense of self.
But who wants to read about all that?
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Mother of All Battles
Happy Mother's Day! If you're a mom, grandma, guardian, physical, mental or emotional mom-stand-in, this weekend is all about you.That is, unless you spend it sans kids.
Hear me out. For the past six years, I've noticed that along with the day to honor Mom, also comes the mother of all debates.
Is it okay to spend Mother's Day without your children?
Chances are, you have an opinion about this -- maybe an intense one. But since when is it okay for moms to use the holiday as an opportunity to judge and criticize each other? Just ask around! I've talked with women who pretty much base a mom's worth on whether she spends time with her family on Mother's Day or instead, may choose to take on the day alone or with girlfriends.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Osama Bin Laden Dead: What Are You Teaching Your Children?
As Jeff and I settled into our seats during a rare last-minute date night at the movies, I checked my phone before turning off the ringer. Quickly, I realized that the Web was abuzz as news that Osama Bin Laden was killed hit Facebook and Twitter.
"Ding dong, the witch is dead!"
Photoshopped pictures of Bin Laden, President Obama and even the Statue of Liberty appeared alongside cheers of celebration, dominating social networks and the news. I had chills as I watched it all unfold, knowing this is a huge moment in history.
But something kept nagging at me. This didn't feel like a celebration at all.
"Ding dong, the witch is dead!"
Photoshopped pictures of Bin Laden, President Obama and even the Statue of Liberty appeared alongside cheers of celebration, dominating social networks and the news. I had chills as I watched it all unfold, knowing this is a huge moment in history.
But something kept nagging at me. This didn't feel like a celebration at all.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tune In: Jackie Talks Trashy Dolls on Today Show
UPDATE: Tuesday's Segment Bumped for Bully Story Check back for updated day/time.
As I mentioned in the last post, my pal Jennifer Brandt hooked me up with the Today Show for a segment about the latest trend of trashy dolls. Have they gone too far or no big deal?
I have to say, I have never paid too much attention to them. But I'm starting to see how quickly kids these days can go from Dora to Hannah Montana - so my eyes are wide open. Sure, I've seen pics of the controversial tarts online, but until the producer brought some examples, a couple being from the Monster High collection, I really didn't know what to expect.
You can hear my opinion Tuesday at 8:09 am on NBC. Until then...
Tell me: What do you think of these dolls? Are they any worse than Barbie or Bratz? Would you allow them in your house?
As I mentioned in the last post, my pal Jennifer Brandt hooked me up with the Today Show for a segment about the latest trend of trashy dolls. Have they gone too far or no big deal?
I have to say, I have never paid too much attention to them. But I'm starting to see how quickly kids these days can go from Dora to Hannah Montana - so my eyes are wide open. Sure, I've seen pics of the controversial tarts online, but until the producer brought some examples, a couple being from the Monster High collection, I really didn't know what to expect.
You can hear my opinion Tuesday at 8:09 am on NBC. Until then...
Tell me: What do you think of these dolls? Are they any worse than Barbie or Bratz? Would you allow them in your house?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
5 Habits Mom Should Ditch
If you're walking around today with a black spot on your forehead, you already know it's Ash Wednesday, a Christian tradition that kicks off the first day of Lent. During this time, many give up a vice, treat or habit, opting to take a spin a self-discipline - like a religious New Year's resolution. I once tried to give up sarcasm for Lent, something that came so close to killing me, I swear I saw someone raise those paddles to bring me back.
"Clear!"
Okay, before you click away thinking this post is of a religious nature (because no one wants to read about that here), my point is that I think there's something to the whole 'trying to better our selves' movement. So what better time to challenge you to give up those negative mom behaviors, at least for the next 40 days (plus Sundays)?
5 Habits All Moms Should Give Up... For Good
- Judgment Yeah, yeah, she works too much... she stays at home eating Bon Bons... she yells all the time... she doesn't discipline her kids... Seriously - STOP. Unless your child is so saintly, you've seen his image in a grilled cheese sandwich, you are not perfect either. Besides, if you notice, judgment is spelled pretty close to "Judge Me," something that is ultimately guaranteed to come back and bite you in the butt.
- Comparing Kids Whether it's between your own kids or you're constantly competing with someone else's, not only will it drive you crazy, you'll raise a kid who's constantly watching his back. No one's self worth needs to hinge on whether they're more successful athletically, academically or even physically than someone else. Embrace your child's unique gifts, let go of whoever you thought your kid would be and appreciate who your child actually is.
- Being a Martyr I get it, your kids come first...blah, blah, blah. But does that seriously mean we should sacrifice our own health and well being, so we can give 100 percent to everyone but ourselves? I remember, when my kids were babies, feeling like the more exhausted I was -- my body physically aching - the better I was at being a mom that day. Take a class, see your girlfriend, go on a date night or just take a walk, but please, please, please don't play that whole good-moms-give-up-everything game. Not only is it untrue, it actually teaches your kids that only their needs are important. Do you really want to subject your family (and the rest of the world) to that?
- Projecting You hate roller coasters, are terrified of dogs and don't love the great outdoors (you'd rather stick needles in your eyes than go camping)... that's fine. But don't decide how your child feels, just because you do. In fact, his/her livelihood could be doing something you absolutely hate. Your child is not you. Your child is not you. Click your heels together and say it with me.
- Beatings Calm down, I'm not talking about the kids here. I'm talking about that emotional beating many of us subject ourselves to every day with negative self talk and impossible expectations. You didn't exercise, had an extra cookie, were impatient with the kids or forgot to do one of the 10,000 tasks on your to-do list... so what?! If you wouldn't say it to your BFF, don't say it to yourself. Don't you deserve the same kindness and respect?
Whether you're giving up chocolate, wine or yelling... I wish you the strongest of will power. But if you can improve in one of these lifelong problem areas, even if just for the next several weeks, days or hours... you will be contributing to something much, much bigger - a peaceful, happy family.
Outside of that, I think I'm going to give up giving things up.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Apple Dumpling Gang
If I could sum up my parenting fail in a word, it would have to be -- FOOD.
When Jacob was almost a year old, we thought it would be so cute to get him his very first "kid's meal." That Sunday afternoon move may have been one of my biggest mistakes -- ever. I have spent every day since bribing, threatening, begging and bargaining, hoping my five-year-old would just eat a meal that wasn't shaped like a dinosaur, covered in pepperoni or come in a color not found in nature. When I do get him to try something, it often ends up in a gag/vomit combo that leaves me on my hands and knees wiping up food that looks nothing like the treats meal I had prepared.
When Jacob was almost a year old, we thought it would be so cute to get him his very first "kid's meal." That Sunday afternoon move may have been one of my biggest mistakes -- ever. I have spent every day since bribing, threatening, begging and bargaining, hoping my five-year-old would just eat a meal that wasn't shaped like a dinosaur, covered in pepperoni or come in a color not found in nature. When I do get him to try something, it often ends up in a gag/vomit combo that leaves me on my hands and knees wiping up food that looks nothing like the treats meal I had prepared.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Will Work for Food
Dear Mac Boys,
I know you don't believe me when I tell you this but if there's a food item on your plate that you either haven't tried before or believe you don't like, you can actually leave it there on the plate and not throw it across the table. You won't actually spontaneously combust if it's in the vicinity of your pizza, macaroni and cheese or chicken nuggets. I promise.
Love, Mom
If only I had given birth to Mikey. He eats everything.
I know you don't believe me when I tell you this but if there's a food item on your plate that you either haven't tried before or believe you don't like, you can actually leave it there on the plate and not throw it across the table. You won't actually spontaneously combust if it's in the vicinity of your pizza, macaroni and cheese or chicken nuggets. I promise.
Love, Mom
If only I had given birth to Mikey. He eats everything.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Why Ticking Off Your Kids Is Good
Last week, I asked readers... if you were seriously hungry, had one bite of food available, your kid had just eaten but asked you for that one bite... what would you do?
The winner of the "eat or defeat" poll (by just seven votes) was to eat it and explain that mommy needs food too. Splitting it in half came in a close second. 21% of you said you'd shove it in your mouth and yell "sucka." Not so great for the kids psyche but it certainly made me chuckle!
Complete results:
Eat it and explain mommy needs food too. 37%
Split it in half 31%
Shove it in your mouth and yell "sucka." 21%
Give it up, kids come first. 11%
Why did I such a random question?
When I first became a mom, I was absolutely, 100% in the mindset that a good mom would "give it up, kids come first." I lived and breathed the theory that the more uncomfortable I was, the better I was at being a mom. In fact, I would find myself annoyed when Jeff didn't subscribe to the same way of life, making his own needs a priority as well. It was like I saw my sacrifice as living proof that I loved them more than anything or anyone.
I don't know if it's experience, exhaustion, or a combination of the two, but my attitude has changed quite a bit since then. Of course I would still do absolutely anything for my kids but I now see the tremendous benefit of them realizing that mom and dad matter too. I think it's crucial to them becoming caring, empathetic, generous adults that they learn at a young age that it's not always about them.
I remember the battle that ensued on my blog months ago when I said I wanted to use the bathroom without a toddler on my lap -- the commenter accusing me of not being there enough for my daughter because she didn't have access to my arms for 30 seconds at a time. Ten months after coming home to us, my happy, independent daughter knows she is loved yet realizes that, like her brothers, sometimes she can't have everything she wants every second she wants it.
I regularly see parents who bend over backwards to constantly do for their kids. But the result is not always what they intended it to be. Instead of it making the kids feel loved and cared for, it creates a sense of entitlement and expectation, something that carries on throughout the rest of their lives. Praise, rewards and accolades are important, but no more so than frustrating your kids. In fact, some would argue it's our duty, the best way to show our kids we love them is to have them do for themselves. But where's the line between creating strong, self-sufficient members of society and sending them to therapy?
The winner of the "eat or defeat" poll (by just seven votes) was to eat it and explain that mommy needs food too. Splitting it in half came in a close second. 21% of you said you'd shove it in your mouth and yell "sucka." Not so great for the kids psyche but it certainly made me chuckle!
Complete results:
Eat it and explain mommy needs food too. 37%
Split it in half 31%
Shove it in your mouth and yell "sucka." 21%
Give it up, kids come first. 11%
Why did I such a random question?
When I first became a mom, I was absolutely, 100% in the mindset that a good mom would "give it up, kids come first." I lived and breathed the theory that the more uncomfortable I was, the better I was at being a mom. In fact, I would find myself annoyed when Jeff didn't subscribe to the same way of life, making his own needs a priority as well. It was like I saw my sacrifice as living proof that I loved them more than anything or anyone.
I don't know if it's experience, exhaustion, or a combination of the two, but my attitude has changed quite a bit since then. Of course I would still do absolutely anything for my kids but I now see the tremendous benefit of them realizing that mom and dad matter too. I think it's crucial to them becoming caring, empathetic, generous adults that they learn at a young age that it's not always about them.
I remember the battle that ensued on my blog months ago when I said I wanted to use the bathroom without a toddler on my lap -- the commenter accusing me of not being there enough for my daughter because she didn't have access to my arms for 30 seconds at a time. Ten months after coming home to us, my happy, independent daughter knows she is loved yet realizes that, like her brothers, sometimes she can't have everything she wants every second she wants it.
I regularly see parents who bend over backwards to constantly do for their kids. But the result is not always what they intended it to be. Instead of it making the kids feel loved and cared for, it creates a sense of entitlement and expectation, something that carries on throughout the rest of their lives. Praise, rewards and accolades are important, but no more so than frustrating your kids. In fact, some would argue it's our duty, the best way to show our kids we love them is to have them do for themselves. But where's the line between creating strong, self-sufficient members of society and sending them to therapy?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Who Wears the Pants?
"I don't WANT to wear THOSE PANTS," Brady yells at me. What happened? When did my 3-year-old actually care what I put on his body? This is the same kid who would poop his pants and sit in it if we let him... now he's turning into a fashionista.
"Those are the pants we picked out and you're going to wear them," I demand.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Different pants!"
Fine. Wear these.
Sometimes the only thing he and I have left is our mutual sense of humor.
Related posts: Shower of Victory
Be Careful What You Wish For
Off the Sauce
"Those are the pants we picked out and you're going to wear them," I demand.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Different pants!"
Fine. Wear these.
Sometimes the only thing he and I have left is our mutual sense of humor.
Related posts: Shower of Victory
Be Careful What You Wish For
Off the Sauce
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Four-Play
Jeff did his third live show this year when he played an encore performance at the kids' preschool -- this time in Jacob's four-year-old class. It took everything in me not to weep at the way Jake looked up at his dad with such pride -- truly an expression I won't soon forget.
Speaking of people impressed... for every ounce of pride the kids feel for their dad, my heart expands to a point I think it's going to burst. How did I luck out with such a creative and devoted dude who'd do anything for his kids? Watching him interact with the kiddos singing and dancing is the ultimate... well, let's just say date night Sunday can't come soon enough.
Related posts: I'm a Loser and Other Weekend Discoveries
The Parenting Conspiracy
I'm Not Ready for This
Speaking of people impressed... for every ounce of pride the kids feel for their dad, my heart expands to a point I think it's going to burst. How did I luck out with such a creative and devoted dude who'd do anything for his kids? Watching him interact with the kiddos singing and dancing is the ultimate... well, let's just say date night Sunday can't come soon enough.
Related posts: I'm a Loser and Other Weekend Discoveries
The Parenting Conspiracy
I'm Not Ready for This
Thursday, April 23, 2009
What Would You Do?
After having a bath, your strong-willed three year old asks to wear his favorite t-shirt to bed. The next morning when late getting ready for school, he throws a fit that he doesn't want to take it off.
You...
A. Try to reason with him.
B. Let him know you're the parent and pull it off him.
C. Ah, who cares -- it's not worth the fight.
D. Pour yourself an 8 AM cocktail.
By the look on his face, can you guess which one I did?
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Off the Sauce
This is something that's been bugging me since it happened over a week ago. I'm sharing it to hear if others also find themselves in similar situations ... or not.
The day started out like any other weekend. I woke up early with the kiddos, made breakfast and hit the coffee -- hard. Nothing out of the ordinary. But I've noticed that my Saturdays lately have had me a little more on edge than those in the past. I don't know if it's just the end of a long week playing kid relay with Jeff, never having a moment to connect with my husband, or perhaps control issues within me... or maybe it's just my love affair with apple sauce.
Apple sauce is the fruit of choice around here. Where getting two-out-of-three of my kids to eat fruits and veggies can be quite the challenge -- thanks Jeff -- apple sauce and bananas are usually consumed with a minimal amount of encouragement. But this particular morning, Brady was having none of it.
No big deal, right?
In a flash, I went from instructing him to eat it... to bribing him... to demanding he take a bite... to sending him to his room.
WHAT??
Hey, I know I'm tired and worn out and the rat race has been getting to me a bit more than usual lately. But sending a kid to his room for not wanting to eat something he usually happily ingests... that's questionable parenting.
What do YOU do you're not proud of?
The day started out like any other weekend. I woke up early with the kiddos, made breakfast and hit the coffee -- hard. Nothing out of the ordinary. But I've noticed that my Saturdays lately have had me a little more on edge than those in the past. I don't know if it's just the end of a long week playing kid relay with Jeff, never having a moment to connect with my husband, or perhaps control issues within me... or maybe it's just my love affair with apple sauce.
Apple sauce is the fruit of choice around here. Where getting two-out-of-three of my kids to eat fruits and veggies can be quite the challenge -- thanks Jeff -- apple sauce and bananas are usually consumed with a minimal amount of encouragement. But this particular morning, Brady was having none of it.
No big deal, right?
In a flash, I went from instructing him to eat it... to bribing him... to demanding he take a bite... to sending him to his room.
WHAT??
Hey, I know I'm tired and worn out and the rat race has been getting to me a bit more than usual lately. But sending a kid to his room for not wanting to eat something he usually happily ingests... that's questionable parenting.
What do YOU do you're not proud of?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Be Careful What You Wish For
Seven months ago, Brady and Lucy got off to a... well I guess it was what you could call a "sibling" start. I was afraid the rivalry would never end.
While they still push each other's buttons like no one else can, they've found their unbeatable power lies in teaming up with one specific goal in mind... driving us MAD.
From a lotion-covered hardwood floor to standing high on the tile seat in our shower causing my heart to stop for a split second ... Lucy has discovered that life is much more interesting with Brady, than against him.
And here I was hoping they would just get along.
While they still push each other's buttons like no one else can, they've found their unbeatable power lies in teaming up with one specific goal in mind... driving us MAD.
From a lotion-covered hardwood floor to standing high on the tile seat in our shower causing my heart to stop for a split second ... Lucy has discovered that life is much more interesting with Brady, than against him.
And here I was hoping they would just get along.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Parenting Conspiracy
It's starting to all make sense to me. I remember the day after Jeff and I got married, a distant relative on his side of the family blurted out something about turning Jeff's parents into grandparents... we hadn't even been married 24 hours. Why were people encouraging babies already?
When we got pregnant with Jacob, it was like those we loved were pregnant right along with us. The happiness and excitement was enough to make a girl want 100 kids. And after he was born, forget it! It was like the world came out of the woodwork with love and support and listened to every tale of spit up and every tear after another sleepless night. But I'm realizing now, it wasn't because everyone was so darn happy for us.
It's because we were about to be as beaten down as they were!
If you haven't had a kid yet, let me tell you something. Everyone and their mother will offer you advice... "sleep when the baby sleeps"... "white noise will calm him"... "drink a beer to produce breast milk." (ok that one I enjoyed.) But no one will tell you that those cute little cuddly baby days last like two minutes and soon you're parenting a toddler, or preschooler, or a kid who's about to enter KINDERGARTEN.
(breathe)
Enjoy those infomercial-watching late nights, the bi-weekly trips to Sears portrait studios because you don't want to miss a moment, and the thrill of the first steps and words. I remember thinking how hard it was to be home with two kids under two who were on two totally different schedules. And it was. But I'm starting to see why my sisters would smirk when I would be exhausted and stressed out. They knew that it only gets more and more complicated. In fact, they're probably reading this now and are 100% positive that the worries I have now are the same ones I'll be begging to have back in just a few short years.
The scariest part? I know that they're right.
When we got pregnant with Jacob, it was like those we loved were pregnant right along with us. The happiness and excitement was enough to make a girl want 100 kids. And after he was born, forget it! It was like the world came out of the woodwork with love and support and listened to every tale of spit up and every tear after another sleepless night. But I'm realizing now, it wasn't because everyone was so darn happy for us.
It's because we were about to be as beaten down as they were!
If you haven't had a kid yet, let me tell you something. Everyone and their mother will offer you advice... "sleep when the baby sleeps"... "white noise will calm him"... "drink a beer to produce breast milk." (ok that one I enjoyed.) But no one will tell you that those cute little cuddly baby days last like two minutes and soon you're parenting a toddler, or preschooler, or a kid who's about to enter KINDERGARTEN.
(breathe)
Enjoy those infomercial-watching late nights, the bi-weekly trips to Sears portrait studios because you don't want to miss a moment, and the thrill of the first steps and words. I remember thinking how hard it was to be home with two kids under two who were on two totally different schedules. And it was. But I'm starting to see why my sisters would smirk when I would be exhausted and stressed out. They knew that it only gets more and more complicated. In fact, they're probably reading this now and are 100% positive that the worries I have now are the same ones I'll be begging to have back in just a few short years.
The scariest part? I know that they're right.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Fantasy VS Reality
I think it was Jacob's first birthday when I really discovered that the way things really go is not how you planned it in your head. When he woke up on that momentous occasion with a crusty nose and fever, uncomfortable and cranky while friends and family celebrated his birth, I knew in my heart that this whole parenting thing wasn't going to go down like I had imagined it would.
Every birthday, Christmas, vacation, and the like has confirmed that theory. While they are all memorable and special, I compare it to trying to get a puppy to sit for a photo shoot... it sounds all cute and precious but chances are you'll end up sweaty and frustrated, up to your elbows in poop.
But it doesn't keep me from finding myself with that glimmer of hope that it will be the magic and memory that I dreamed of when fantasizing of being a mom in my younger days. Case in point, my birthday celebration.
The way it would go in my head:
Jeff takes three kids to pottery place to make handmade goodies for mom to treasure.
Jacob leads the pack in making Mom a homemade cake.
Mom comes home to discover kids and Dad have prepared celebration for her big day.
A baker's age-appropriate beautiful cake -- my favorite Angel Food -- makes Mom tear up.
All of that happened -- check, check, check! But then reality sets in.
A tantrum so severe, it knocks a kid out...
No candles to be found except a random #6... A birthday song without said tantrumer.
Handmade gifts not ready at the store when it was said they would be. In fact, not even ready two days later. It wasn't until Mom gets on the horn during tantrum boy's antics and has 12-year-old worker call owner of the store who calls back and gets an earful from Mom letting owner know she will NOT allow her children to be crying that the gifts they made for Mom aren't ready and the birthday party is ruined. Owner gets the message and finds a friend to deliver said gifts in less than an hour -- crisis averted.
Mom loves gifts from her angels, poses while tantrum boy sleeps unaware that his gift has arrived.
I won't bore you with the details of the dinner filled with "but I wanted THAT" and cups of milk being dumped... and the battle that ensued during pajama time, where tantrum boy awoke to find that the party had gone on without him.
I will just say that Dad, before leaving us all for his 8 hours in the office, found Mom cowering in the corner with the best birthday gift there is -- wine.
Every birthday, Christmas, vacation, and the like has confirmed that theory. While they are all memorable and special, I compare it to trying to get a puppy to sit for a photo shoot... it sounds all cute and precious but chances are you'll end up sweaty and frustrated, up to your elbows in poop.
But it doesn't keep me from finding myself with that glimmer of hope that it will be the magic and memory that I dreamed of when fantasizing of being a mom in my younger days. Case in point, my birthday celebration.
The way it would go in my head:
Jeff takes three kids to pottery place to make handmade goodies for mom to treasure.
Jacob leads the pack in making Mom a homemade cake.
Mom comes home to discover kids and Dad have prepared celebration for her big day.
A baker's age-appropriate beautiful cake -- my favorite Angel Food -- makes Mom tear up.
All of that happened -- check, check, check! But then reality sets in.
A tantrum so severe, it knocks a kid out...
No candles to be found except a random #6... A birthday song without said tantrumer.
Handmade gifts not ready at the store when it was said they would be. In fact, not even ready two days later. It wasn't until Mom gets on the horn during tantrum boy's antics and has 12-year-old worker call owner of the store who calls back and gets an earful from Mom letting owner know she will NOT allow her children to be crying that the gifts they made for Mom aren't ready and the birthday party is ruined. Owner gets the message and finds a friend to deliver said gifts in less than an hour -- crisis averted.
Mom loves gifts from her angels, poses while tantrum boy sleeps unaware that his gift has arrived.
I won't bore you with the details of the dinner filled with "but I wanted THAT" and cups of milk being dumped... and the battle that ensued during pajama time, where tantrum boy awoke to find that the party had gone on without him.
I will just say that Dad, before leaving us all for his 8 hours in the office, found Mom cowering in the corner with the best birthday gift there is -- wine.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
It Was Fun While It Lasted
As I drove the boys home from preschool today, we got to chatting...
Jacob: Mom, your birthday is in two days.
Me: That's right.
Brady: We got you a present!
If I could raise one eyebrow, I would be doing it here
Me: Yeah?
Jacob: Mom, how old are you gonna be?
Me: What do you think, Jake?
Jacob: 30. Cause you were 29.
Eyebrow goes back down... darn, he's realizing I can't stay the same age.
Me: That's right, sweetie -- the big 3-0.
Considering he's believed for the past three years that I was turning 29, I should just be happy I had a good run.
So I guess I'm turning 30 this week.
Jacob: Mom, your birthday is in two days.
Me: That's right.
Brady: We got you a present!
If I could raise one eyebrow, I would be doing it here
Me: Yeah?
Jacob: Mom, how old are you gonna be?
Me: What do you think, Jake?
Jacob: 30. Cause you were 29.
Eyebrow goes back down... darn, he's realizing I can't stay the same age.
Me: That's right, sweetie -- the big 3-0.
Considering he's believed for the past three years that I was turning 29, I should just be happy I had a good run.
So I guess I'm turning 30 this week.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Suck It Up, Babies
Every generation seems to think the next crop of kids is spoiled. You know it was some middle-aged parent imparting wisdom on their entitled and whiny kid, muttering the words "up hill both ways in the snow." Kids always think they have it hard and the older, wiser adults are always compelled to dispel the myth that things have gotten tougher.
I should know, I was that kid once. Now I'm that adult.
When I sent the kids outside to play today in 80 degree temps -- the first beautiful day that allowed us to enjoy the great outdoors -- within minutes I get...
"Mooooom, it's hottttttt out here."
"Mommmmeeeeeee, can I have an umbrella? The sun is on my face!"
It made me think back to my own childhood and wonder if we seemed so fragile to those who grew up before us. While life seems to get more complicated for kids as time moves on, the luxuries they enjoy create an expectation that things should always be comfortable.
I remember getting sunburns so bad, I had to go to bed for two days.
I remember standing in line at Disney World in humid unbearable temps, wearing a long-sleeve turtle neck so I wouldn't get burned again.
I remember being eleven years old and delivering newspapers to 54 houses in our neighborhood and ripping my pants right off because they stuck to the freezing chain link fence that we used to jump over to take a short cut.
I remember a time when kids would walk to school the few blocks and not have parents pull up in some parade they call a carpool lane.
I remember when baby proofing meant a smack on the hand when a kid reached for a cabinet or hot stove. And a bump on the head meant "they won't do THAT again."
I remember a time when not only could you not pause live TV, you watched what was on when it was on. There were no requests. There were three networks -- pick one.
I remember when remotes had wires. Or worse -- you had to actually get up to change the channel.
I remember lying down in the back of the station wagon playing spaceship with my brother. No seat belts.
I remember when you could only call someone at home or work. And if they were on the phone, you got the annoying busy signal. If they weren't home, you tried again later -- no messages, just lots of ringing phones.
I remember when you liked a boy, you could call their house and hang up. No one saw your number and they certainly didn't hit a couple of digits to call you right back. (I apologize to the mother of the one boy I liked for six years of my childhood.)
I remember when a parent said no, it really meant no. And when they threatened to 'turn this car around,' they turned the car around.
I remember when time-outs were used exclusively in sporting events and kids were sent to the store to grab parents' cigarettes.
I remember when popcorn had to be cooked either in a designated popper or on the stove top. (Man I longed for Jiffy Pop.)
I remember when cashiers had to type in prices for grocery items and moms could finish an entire gossip mag while waiting in line.
I remember when you went on vacation, you were actually away from it all and couldn't be reached by cell, text or email.
I remember when people didn't want to get a call from work, they just didn't pick up the phone.
I remember when toys didn't have bells and whistles and our imaginations were necessary.
I remember when Lite Brite was high tech.
I remember when schools allowed things like Dodge Ball, thinking it built character and not damaged a child's psyche.
I remember how a girl could enter her teens playing with Barbies and not worrying about things reserved for adults.
I remember when childhood was simple.
What do you remember?
I wonder what our kids will be shoving down the throats of the generation after them. Will they be reminding them that cars couldn't fly and they actually had to physically go to school and not just learn by firing up the latest technology?
Should be fun to see.
I should know, I was that kid once. Now I'm that adult.
When I sent the kids outside to play today in 80 degree temps -- the first beautiful day that allowed us to enjoy the great outdoors -- within minutes I get...
"Mooooom, it's hottttttt out here."
"Mommmmeeeeeee, can I have an umbrella? The sun is on my face!"
It made me think back to my own childhood and wonder if we seemed so fragile to those who grew up before us. While life seems to get more complicated for kids as time moves on, the luxuries they enjoy create an expectation that things should always be comfortable.
I remember getting sunburns so bad, I had to go to bed for two days.
I remember standing in line at Disney World in humid unbearable temps, wearing a long-sleeve turtle neck so I wouldn't get burned again.
I remember being eleven years old and delivering newspapers to 54 houses in our neighborhood and ripping my pants right off because they stuck to the freezing chain link fence that we used to jump over to take a short cut.
I remember a time when kids would walk to school the few blocks and not have parents pull up in some parade they call a carpool lane.
I remember when baby proofing meant a smack on the hand when a kid reached for a cabinet or hot stove. And a bump on the head meant "they won't do THAT again."
I remember a time when not only could you not pause live TV, you watched what was on when it was on. There were no requests. There were three networks -- pick one.
I remember when remotes had wires. Or worse -- you had to actually get up to change the channel.
I remember lying down in the back of the station wagon playing spaceship with my brother. No seat belts.
I remember when you could only call someone at home or work. And if they were on the phone, you got the annoying busy signal. If they weren't home, you tried again later -- no messages, just lots of ringing phones.
I remember when you liked a boy, you could call their house and hang up. No one saw your number and they certainly didn't hit a couple of digits to call you right back. (I apologize to the mother of the one boy I liked for six years of my childhood.)
I remember when a parent said no, it really meant no. And when they threatened to 'turn this car around,' they turned the car around.
I remember when time-outs were used exclusively in sporting events and kids were sent to the store to grab parents' cigarettes.
I remember when popcorn had to be cooked either in a designated popper or on the stove top. (Man I longed for Jiffy Pop.)
I remember when cashiers had to type in prices for grocery items and moms could finish an entire gossip mag while waiting in line.
I remember when you went on vacation, you were actually away from it all and couldn't be reached by cell, text or email.
I remember when people didn't want to get a call from work, they just didn't pick up the phone.
I remember when toys didn't have bells and whistles and our imaginations were necessary.
I remember when Lite Brite was high tech.
I remember when schools allowed things like Dodge Ball, thinking it built character and not damaged a child's psyche.
I remember how a girl could enter her teens playing with Barbies and not worrying about things reserved for adults.
I remember when childhood was simple.
What do you remember?
I wonder what our kids will be shoving down the throats of the generation after them. Will they be reminding them that cars couldn't fly and they actually had to physically go to school and not just learn by firing up the latest technology?
Should be fun to see.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
My Message to Working Moms
You know when something comes up at your kid's school and you're stressed out because you have a deadline? Or you think you shouldn't go because you have to leave early the next day to take the kids to the dentist?I understand that feeling -- oh man do I. But if there's a way you could take one morning and spend it at your child's school -- maybe reading to the class or teaching them a dance (oh yes, I danced) -- then you just might get an expression like this on the face of your child.
That little grin on Brady made making an idiot of myself SO worthwhile. I can't even look at his smile without it bringing me to tears. I'm going to print this photo and put it in my car, so when those times come up when I'm sweating whether I can really pull it off or whether I should skip the school thing, I will be reminded of what's really important and where I truly need to be.
Sometimes being a mom is the best freakin' thing ever.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
All That Matters
When your four-year-old works on an art project, and this is what he is thinking... you just know, as a parent, you're doing something right.
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