Sunday, November 18, 2012

Captain America & His Angel Arrive

**Readers, scroll down until you see a post you've read already...I went update crazy today**

Happy Halloween...ish.  Okay, I'm about half a month late.  Better late than never.  This year T went as Captain America (he's still obsessed with superheroes...and we have almost all the costumes).  I bought a 2.00 costume last year for B...gotta love Halloween clearance..so thankfully it fit.  No scouring the local Halloween stores or fighting the crowds at Target this year.  It was seamless.  Both dressed up at daycare.  T was allowed to go to Kindergarten in his costume, and he wasn't supposed to.  I was a bit irked that the daycare let him get on the bus fully Captain America-a-fide, and that his kindergarten teacher allowed him to wear it all day long (he was the ONLY one...mortified working mama here)...but such is life.  He didn't seem to mind.  T trick-or-treated for the two hour window and brought home more candy than his humanly possible to eat in a year.  B and I struggled to stand outside in the cold rain to hand out our own candy.  It was kinda miserable...but I stuck it out.  I'm not a huge fan of this holiday either...given I feel like I'm contributing to the obesity of kids, and our own household...alas...I keep up the the Jonses and I comply...for my kids. 
 Really mom?! 
 Our Captain
 An attempt to photograph them both in the freezing rain
 "Candy"



Hubs and I also attended a Halloween party this year as Mario & Luigi.  I think it was one of my better ideas.  It was easy and comfortable.  I got to be the skinny one :)
Put another Halloween in the record books.  Now onto my absolute favorite holiday...Thanksgiving.  I think it's one of the only holidays left that is (mostly) pure.  Although Walmart is doing their best to taint it...::sigh::  Can't wait for the feast and giving thanks with my family...oh and a fun-filled 5K (yippee!!!). 







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Falling into the Season 2012

I'm still struggling to catch up, after a long blog hiatus (read work is killing me and we are drastically over scheduled).  Fall is, by far, my favorite season.  Pumpkin spice lattes, football, leave piles, fun outside activities, back-to-school excitement, and I love fall fashion.  Hubs, the kids and I have been enjoying the fall season. 


 Our annual trip to the local pumpkin patch was also a success.  We had to schedule and reschedule it a few times due to other family events and weather issues...but we got there a few days before Halloween.  ::phew::






 this one cracks me up...it's a "mama" moment.  She wanted her mommy.  lol.


 Then we carved our loot





Just in time for Halloween...we were in the spirit.  Costumes to come next. 








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These ARE NOT My Children

I'm hoping all I'm going to divulge will be a phase in their lives.  I don't want to wish away any special time watching my kiddos grow.  But...I can definitely do without these issues...

The last few weeks have been a series of growing pains and comedies of error around here.  We are dealing with some major changes in our household, as well as suffering from over-scheduling and the pesky daycare germs.  It's been quite a ride. 

T has become quite the talker.  Okay, he's always had the gift of gab (my genes...damn) but it's been taken to a new level.  A story that could take 1 minute, takes a good 15.  We find ourselves saying "get to the point" way to often.  He also has picked up some funny words and phrases (oh, the joys of public education and other people's kids):  "I'm serious", "I'm not kidding", "like" and "darn it" are the most frequently used these days.  We are also having a listening problem.  I repeat myself to exhaustion.  But, he's a boy...nuf said.

In school, we have REALLY struggled with organization.  Ok, I know what you're thinking, "come on mom, he's only in kindergarten".  A part of me understands that, and agrees with you.  However, the OCD, type-A, educator in me tells me to nip this in the bud NOW!  I foresee a migraines-worth of problems in my future with this kid and homework.  He can't find ANYTHING.  If he does bring things home, it NEVER actually finds his "take home folder" and is often carried home in his hand and stuck in the daycare bin or crumpled up and thrown in the bottom of his backpack.  He has already lost his reading bag, twice, which is supposed to come home everyday.  He leaves his hat, gloves, jacket and anything else just about everywhere but home (read the bus, daycare, in his cubby, in daddy's car, etc).  It's infuriating.  I truly believe beginning good practice early is important.  Hubs thinks teaching him sports skills is important, this is the battle I choose to wage with him...his education.  I've already become one of THOSE moms, who emails the teacher on a regular basis.  I'm an educator.  I say, suck it up teacher, it's your job.  I deal with crazy parents regularly, and I'm not one of those.  I am just concerned, or that's what I tell myself anyway :)  So, we continue to try to find new ways for T to stay organized and remember, short of pinning things on his body.  Any advice or tools you have found to work would be greatly appreciated.

I have to admit in an aside, however, that being a working mom to a school-aged child is very hard.  I, myself, forget to put money in his bag, sign a permission slip, send his library book to school on the correct day.  I'm failing at my own jobs.  How can I judge him...ya know. 

Who me, mom?!  How can you ever be frustrated by this face?!

Completely different struggles with B, albeit normal ones.  We have now entered the hitting and tantrum phase (oh the whining and crying...kill me now).  How fun.  ::eye roll::  Ever since the daycare moved B to the older room (18-24 months) she has found her inner baby beast...like she entered a game of survival of the fittest and it's hit or be hit (oh, and bitten...twice...fun).  It's always nice to have a raging toddler coming at you (or, sadly, the dog) with her hand raised, ready to lay a wallop on you.  She hits when she's frustrated, mad, sad, or wants a toy.  She aims for the face, and I get the majority of the blows.  She also likes to scream bloody murder and throw her head back (no matter where we are).  The tantrums aren't horrible.  We just put her in timeout and ride it out.  I had to be reminded that T was even worse at this age.  He used to scoot himself across the floor on his back while screaming and bucking wildly, trying to get attention after we put him in timeout.  I have blocked it all out, I guess.  We rode his stage out, and he did grow past it, thankfully.  Here's hoping B also finds her communication skills, and that they don't include hitting, screaming or throwing herself to the ground.  And boy does this girl like the word "no".  Wow.  She's a finicky girl, for sure (see the diva look she's giving me below). 
How can this sweet girl turn into a hitting, screaming tantrum-throwing diva?  Oh, folks...it can happen. 
 
However, my kids are, overall, polite, sweet and loving kids.  Sometimes their heads spin around and I wonder who's children they are at that moment.  But, I would never trade them for the world.
 Next step...getting rid of that pesky binky.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  We are tryign to limit her usage to just naps and bedtime.  We are failing miserably.  It's hard to say "no" when she begs for it by name, while screaming and crying on the way home from daycare.  Momma is a tired, overworked wimp...and I give in and plug her up every time.  ::slaps hand::  HELP! 







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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Mommy Likey...My 2012 Xmas List

Okay ya'all I'm going to make a big confession...I'm a big ole scrooge, a regular grinch who stole Christmas when it comes to these pesky holidays.  Since T & B have come along, I'm a bit more perky.  But, quite honestly, I am not a fan of the greedy, entitled, lengthy and expensive thing they call Christmas.  I'm sorry Xmas lovers...I'm just not one of you.  I guess this is why it's so difficult for me to put a list together when the holidays roll around.  I just feel "forced".  I try to keep a running list all year, but I fail miserably, and end up asking for things I "want" instead of "need".  ::slaps own hand::.  Of course, after the holidays I come up with countless items I really NEEDED.  I know some of these are NEVER going to happen...but here's my list so far:

Keurig Mini Plus - in red               Revlon Quiet Pro Ionic Hair Dryer                        


Far From The Tree (I know, I'm a science geek)    Nike Sweatpants with pockets
                                     


Rose Gold Watch, like this one...     Microsoft Surface -or- Macbook Air (a girl can dream:))
                                




Winter car mats (a type A-girl's dream)
Chicago Flag iphone 4s phone case


Portable Computer Speakers...because my TV blew at school and my kids can't hear my videos!  boo!
Love these Arctic Sounds S111 Ultra portable speakers

Heart Rate Training Books - I'm a track coach and need some ideas 


Nike Sports Watch powered by Tom Tom & accessories
  
Flameless candles...so genius      Scotch Tape Shoe Dispenser...would look great on my desk:)
Beaded Flameless LED               


New Dinnerware that isn't stoneware...which chips...a lot!  I like these two from pier one.
        
Any running clothes...especially running tights (I prefer cropped) and cold running gear

A white coat (fleece).  Like this one perhaps... or with a hood.  I like the furry ones.


infinity scarves.  I have a cream one and a purple one, would love a gray or black one too or some colorful scarves.


MAC Brush Set - Holiday 2012 (It's been wayyyyy to many years since I replaced my brushes)

Okay, now I look like a spoiled brat. It's just a wish list people.  :)  Link up to get some good ideas.  I may be a day late...but that's how life works these days.  Go visit Growing up Geeky.








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