Day #62: as easy as riding a bike

   Riding a bike. Reading. Potty training. What do all of these have in common? So far, they have been some of the most frustrating things to teach my children! It's the things we take for granted, the things we don't think twice about, the things that feel like we've been doing forever. And attempting to teach children how to do it is at times, maddening.
   I took a FB poll recently and discovered that many mom's of boys potty trained closer to the age of three. I know every kid is different, and I know boys are slower at the whole potty training thing than girls. Savannah was a little over two when we started with her. However, she was interrupted by a move and new baby, so she wasn't fully potty trained until just after Luke was born, around 2 1/2. I decided it was absolutely unacceptable, and not to mention crazy expensive, to have two children in diapers.
   To be honest, I'm not looking forward to potty training Luke. I'm in no hurry. Sure, diapers are gross, but they are so convenient for both mommy and baby alike. Potty training is inconvenient. for me. I remember abandoning full shopping carts in the grocery store because Savannah had to go right.that.minute. I'm good with putting that off a few more months.
  Just when I had decided that this summer would be the perfect time to begin potty training, Luke has shown a lot of interest in using the potty. We talk about the potty regularly, we sit on it, we read books about it. Well, last night was the third night in a row that he peed in the potty during bath time. He said he had to go, got out of the tub, stood on his little stool, and peed into the potty! And oh the smile on his face! He is just SO proud of himself. Or maybe he knew what was coming- a pack of fruit snacks!
   I guess if he's really ready, I'm ready. I mean, it is all worth it in the end and ohmygosh- I won't have any of my kids in diapers!!....which also means the end of the baby era. which is a little sad.

Day #61: The backpack part 2

Yes, I'm still talking about the backpack. But this is my last post on it, I swear.
   I decided that the best way to approach the backpack situation was to send my daughter in, armed with her backpack, and see if the teacher decided to call me out on it at the end of the day. I thought about asking if I could bring the backpack, but I feel like since this is a preSCHOOL, I shouldn't have to ask. So I packed up her lunchbox, gloves, extra pair of underwear, and library book and sent her in. At the end of the day, her teacher did call me out. She told me that Savannah did not need to bring a backpack. I asked her where I was supposed to put her gloves, she told me that they teach the kids to put them inside the arms of the coat which I think is stupid. I asked her where I was supposed to put her change of underwear in case of an accident, she told me they have extras at school if that happens (gross, I'd like her to wear her own pair of underwear). I told her that it just makes sense to have a backpack so that at the end of the day(and at the beginning when I'm attempting to get us all out of the door), I'm not holding five school items when I could just put it all into one bag. Unfortunately for her, she made the mistake of telling me, "They just don't need backpacks." Which of course, makes no sense at all. Because they do need them. That's like saying I don't need a purse. Yes, I could hold each item in my hands and stuff them in the sleeves of my coat, but why would I do that when there is something that has been specifically designed to hold my crap?? She then said they don't have room for them and that Savannah's backpack took up HALF of their space designed for lunch boxes. Yes, I'm sure it took up half of the space. So I asked if there was any way they could invest in some hooks for the backpacks, to hang up high so they are not in the way. She looked at me and with some MAJOR attitude said, "Do you want to buy the hooks and hang them up?" To which I said, "I think I just might do that."
   Savannah has only attended this school for a total of two weeks, but in those two weeks I haven't been impressed at all. And I feel like when you pay a monthly tuition, you should be impressed. I don't feel like she has been getting nearly as much out of this school as the one she went to in Virginia. She starts kindergarten in the fall! I want her to be fully prepared and I don't feel that this school is doing that for her, and not just because of the backpack issue.
  Coincidentally, I had been calling around to different schools for Luke for next fall. I had already figured out I didn't want him at this school. I came across one that sounded great and decided to go check it out because registration for next year was already open and filling up fast! I went there and FELL IN LOVE with the director and the school. They seemed more organized, more education-minded, and just nicer. On a whim I asked if they had a spot open for a 4 year old, like right now. She said a spot had just opened that day. Uh huh. Am I taking her out of her other school over a backpack, no. But I know how I am. And every time I walk out of that school holding all of her schoolwork, I'll be thinking, "This could have just gone in a backpack!". But more importantly, this new school leaves no room for doubt and worry that Savannah won't be prepared for kindergarten. I felt confident after speaking to the director (who is also the 4 year old teacher) that Savannah would go into kindergarten with a leg up, and thats really what I want for her.
   Another plus about being the new girl in town- I have no reputation; I have nothing to ruin and nothing to prove. But maybe I'll try not to pick fights at the new school.

Day # 60: backpack

   I don't consider myself an expert on anything really. But I feel like I am when it concerns the best way to lug around all my kid's crap personal necessities. I took Savannah to her new preschool last week, brought her backpack and was told, "Oh she won't be needing this, you can take it home." Okay, I get it, it's preschool.  She is supposed to bring only a lunchbox with a small snack. However, upon picking her up everyday last week, she had an art project, a book from the library, a note from the school, and the coat that she shed sometime during the course of the day. oh and her lunchbox. And I have no backpack to put it in. So now I'm carrying all of her stuff, trying to keep tabs on both kids, and weave in and out of the cars in the parking lot (because there is not a carpool line, but I'll rant about that another day).
   I know, it's a petty complaint, but it's a stupid not a well thought out way of doing things. And since I'm the newcomer to the scene, I feel like I'm in the perfect position to ask why the kids don't bring backpacks. I mean, is there a way I could kindly suggest that the 4 year old class bring backpacks? I would really just like to hear the reasoning behind the decision. If there is any. I've said it before, but it's the little things that make a big difference in a mother's life like... coffee, or helping a frazzled mother with her shopping cart, or a nap. And bringing a backpack to preschool is one of them.

Day #59: New Year Resolution

   So I'm about a week late on the whole resolution thing. I've completely given up with the big resolutions, like being a size 0 or becoming fluent in Chinese;  I've moved on to much more achievable things, that way, I can actually accomplish what I set out to do. And then I can brag and be like, "yeah, I kicked my New Years resolution's butt". Last year, my resolution was making sure everyone in my family and Tyson's family (my new brother -in- laws included) got birthday cards on or before their birthday. Not just a phone call, FB message, or belated card. an actual snail mail legit birthday card. I know, it seems like a puny resolution, kind of lame even, but it's something I really wanted to make a priority; that  everyone's birthday was acknowledged. And guess what? I did it.
   This year I wanted to resolve to do something just as low key, yet just as important. Now, I don't consider myself a Type A personality per se, but if I had to be lumped into such a category, I would be closer to the Type A people. Those people. I'm a "see what else you can can get done before you must absolutely go get yourself and the kids ready" kind of gal. A scheduler, a planner, a non-procrastinator, a lets-do-things-my-way, Yoga SUCKS (because who can move so slowly and calmly for an ENTIRE hour??), multi-tasking, read two books at the same time type of person. So I end up vacuuming the entire house or folding that last load of laundry before I realize that I have less than twenty minutes to get all three of us dressed and out the door. Don't get me wrong, I'm not guilty of being chronically late. Oh no,  I mean, I get us there on time, but it ain't pretty folks. Unfortunately there is a lot of yelling, empty threats concerning mostly fruit snacks (or the lack there of), and running around that happens to get us to where we are supposed to be in a timely fashion. And that is such a sucky way to start out the day. Because when I start my day that way, it's hard to get out of the rushing around funk that inevitably ensues. That being said, my resolution this year is to start getting the kids and I ready and dressed much earlier than I feel is necessary.
   I have put this plan into practice the last few days, and let me tell you, my mornings are actually enjoyable! I know. Crazy. Let's see if I can keep it up for the year.

Day # 58: the one minute rule

   So I was reading my Good Housekeeping magazine, while soaking in a hot bubble bath, when I came across an article that caught my eye. It was about staying organized, on top of things, so you don't fall behind in household chores. I feel like I am behind all.the.time. Trying to catch up on housework is like, well, an unrealistic goal. a myth. Before I had children, my apartment was spotless, I mean, take-your-white-glove-and -run-it-across-the- mantle spotless. I cleaned once a week, the entire 475square foot, one bedroom apartment. Scrubbed every floor, toilet, and sink. Nowadays, with the exception of that one time a cleaning crew cleaned my house, my whole house is never clean all at the same time. I clean a room a day, so by the end of the week...I have to start over again. Oh and laundry, it is never ending! When I finally think that I have gotten it all washed, dried, folded, and put away, the hampers are full again......but I digress.
   So, as I'm reading my GH, the "one minute" rule grabbed my interest immediately. The rule is, if it only takes a minute or less to do it, why not do it right then? Such as hanging up your coat,  putting those three lone forks into the dishwasher, or unsubscribing to an email. Hmm... I like this rule. Because although I would classify myself as someone who is organized, and generally likes order, its the little things that I let slide.  I look at the BIG picture: clean clothes, dinner on the table, checking facebook.....but the little things often get overlooked. That pile of shoes at the bottom of the stairs. Or the couch pillows that are scattered across the living room, or the junk mail from last week. But really, if I would just deal with those little things as they come up, they wouldn't be there. Or, as a mother of young children, my days are filled with random one minutes here and there throughout the day. Imagine what all I could accomplish?
   I don't know about you, but when my physical surroundings are in order, I feel more internally in order as well. And I am much more productive (and just nicer) when my house is clean and in order.

Day# 57: Rude people

  You guessed it, today I'm venting about discussing rude people. Or oblivious people who come off as rude because they don't know what they're talking about. And yes, I may have encountered one of these individuals today at the commissary on base. Clueless single man. No, I do not expect single men to empathize with a woman who has two young children, but I expect common curtesy or at least an insult to the face and not behind my back.  That's not asking too much, is it?
   And here is where I tell you my tale of woe. So it's FREEZING here- like 35 degrees with a wind chill of 20.  I went to the commissary to scope it out and pick up a few items. Well, on base they have baggers who take your groceries out to your car. Unless you go through the express lane, which I did. So I took my cart out with the kids and my few bags. Only after I had unloaded my cart and gotten both kids buckled into their car seats and cranked up the car, did I realize that there were ZERO cart returns in the entire parking lot. none. I would have to go all the way to the front of the store to return my cart. So I did the unthinkable. I carefully placed my cart in a parking space not occupied by a vehicle and got into my car. I know, I know. I was being that person. But I seriously rarely do it. But I did not want to leave my kids in a running car to return my cart. I chose my kids over the cart. However, the wind was blowing and my cart slowly moved toward another car and tapped it, ever so slightly. Well, about this time I started to feel guilty....and then I see this man. The rude man. He is watching me like a hawk from his car parked a few spaces away. So I jump out of the car, grab the cart, and sprint to the front of the cart and return my cart like a responsible patron of the commissary. As I'm shoving my cart into its designated place, this man (the rude one) walks behind me into the store and says under his breath, but plenty loud enough for me to hear,  "That was not a good thing to do!". Really?!? So I turned to him and said, "First of all, if you cared so much and saw me with two small kids, you could have taken the cart from me and walked it to the front. Secondly, you know what's not good? That I just left my two kids in the car to return a stupid cart? And thirdly, next time you want to call someone out on something, say it to their face."
   Okay fine. I didn't  actually say that. I ignored his comment and hurried back to my car. But after thinking about it and having adequate time to prepare my statement, that is what I wanted to say. And I also wanted to key his car. Or at the very least, ram a cart into it. It's one of those situations where you are so caught off guard by someone's comment, you aren't prepared to say anything. But honestly, if I had said what I wanted to say, I probably would have regretted it. And I wouldn't have said it all calm and collected. Knowing me, I would have yelled it.
   If I had seen a mother abandon her cart in the parking lot (which I have seen, on many occasions), I would have understood why. You know what I do at grocery stores? If I see someone who is finishing unloading their groceries (mother or not), I always go up to them and tell them I'll take their cart- that way they don't have to put it away, and I can get my kids settled in before getting into the store. I love it when something I do benefits others and myself at the same time. It's a win- win, and who knows? maybe taking that person's cart helped them out more that you know. Or maybe you just saved a parked car from being hit by a cart.

Day # 56: Starting over again

  I can't say I was super excited about this last move. Besides the obvious hassle of moving, I was just not ready to invest in new friends, find new schools, learn my way around a new city, find a new church, a new gym, a new routine. You get my point, I'm not comfortable with change. It puts me, and most people I think, far from their comfort zone to make drastic changes in their life, like moving to a new city. and starting over again.
   Today is the first day that Tyson is at work and I am home with the kids, attempting to start this new year in this new place right. I think the best place to start is where I began this blog- just continuing on my way to becoming a better mother. Sometimes that is simply setting a good example for my kids with my attitude. I don't want to start over again, but that is where my life is right now. In a few months, I'll find my new groove and this will all be a distant, fleeting problem. But until then, I need to show them how to adjust to a new life, and how to do it happily. So many kids (and adults) have the mentality that if they don't feel like doing something, they shouldn't have to do it. But that is a horrible (and selfish) way to go through life and I sure do not want to teach my children that that is acceptable. I don't feel like unpacking those last few boxes, but I'm going to. I don't feel like making friends and going out of my way to introduce myself, but I will. I didn't really feel like moving to another state (again) (that is even colder!), but I'm going to have a positive attitude about it.
  And I think I'm going to try to be a way cooler version of myself in Maryland. The upside to moving? Reinventing yourself.

Day #55: Thankful

   This year we hosted Thanksgiving at our house. I originally just invited my parents, thinking that I didn't want to interfere with my sisters' plans for Thanksgiving with husbands and in-laws. I thought I was being thoughtful, I didn't want them to feel obligated to take time off work and fly here to see us. Well, a week after my parents agreed to come out, my sisters and their husbands decided they wanted to come out too; and why hadn't I invited them in the first place (I'm just so inconsiderate)?!?. Then, my whole crazy family decided it would be cheaper, and well, just more fun, to drive out. A 24 hour drive. Straight through. No stops. The day before Thanksgiving. Yeah...as I write this, they are still an hour or so from  home, safe and sound, to Texas. We also had our good family friends, the H's join us. However, they are slightly more sane than my family, and took a non stop flight to get here. First class. With a glass of wine. That is clearly the better travel choice here.
   Needless to say, Thanksgiving was a whirlwind. Everyone arrived Wednesday night just in time for dinner, and just in time to kiss my kiddos goodnight before putting them to bed. My sisters and I got up the next day and ran the Turkey Trot- which is one of my favorite things to do the morning of Thanksgiving. I feel better about all of the stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, corn casserole, and pie that I eat the rest of the day when I begin my day running 6 miles.... like I deserve that third second piece of pie. And I do deserve it. And yes, 75% of our Thanksgiving sides are casseroles. Translation=butter is involved.
   Our house was maxed out with 12 people, but I LOVED every minute of it. I'm thankful that I have family who wants to drive 24 hours straight to spend the holidays with us. I'm thankful the H's, who are not related, chose to fly out here to spend this holiday with us and my crazy road-tripping family. Too bad Thanksgiving is always overshadowed by Christmas, because between the casseroles, Turkey Trot, family and friends, and pumpkin spice lattes, Thanksgiving really is my favorite holiday of the year.

Day #54: it's that time of year

 You moms know what I'm talking about. It's that time of year where runny noses run rampant and chunky coughs are prevalent. Fall is here, and along with it, the flu, common cold, and a whole plethora of illnesses.
  Some of you may remember Luke's seizure scares from earlier this year. Although this past Tuesday his fever was never higher than 99.4, I kept him home from school. I wanted to see if this was a fever that was going to spike. It seemed to me that with his runny nose, cough, insane crankiness, and three hour naps, that he was just fighting off a cold.  If this were Savannah, I would send her to school without a second thought. Yes, I send my kid to school with a cough, runny nose, and a 99 degree fever. Judge me. Where do you think they picked up that cold in the first place? But Luke is different. Luke has seizures when his fever spikes, Luke is much clingier, and Luke is my baby. So Luke stayed home. By Thursday I had done enough googling and talking to other moms that I realized he had croup. His fever had risen to 101.5, which still is not too high, but for Luke, anything over 99 scares me. So Friday afternoon we visited the doctor where it was confirmed, he did indeed have croup. Unfortunately, it is a virus and just has to run it's course.
  Thankfully Luke never spiked a fever, so there were no seizures. It was a huge comfort and relief to me that we got through this first virus of the season smoothly. Our weekend scuba plans were cancelled; I could not justify leaving my sick Luke with a sitter all weekend. But you know what? It didn't really bother me. I wasn't upset that our weekend plans had to be postponed. If this had happened a year ago, I would have been slightly irritated. My kids being sick used to interfere with my plans. But now, I don't bat an eye. I quickly adjust and am grateful that I can stay home to cuddle, comfort, and love on my sick baby. Not everyone gets to do that, not everyone wants to do that, but I'm happy that I get to.

Day #53: Falling into Fall

  Doesn't it always seem that this time of year absolutely flies by? Once October hits, I know I'm in for a ride and that when I finally get around to looking up from the chaos of the holidays, it will be January 1st. A new year. Again.
  But I do love fall, especially in Virginia. As strong as my Texas roots are (no, I will not stop saying, typing, or texting "ya'll"), the fall here is breathtaking, the colors are intoxicating, the crispness in the air is energizing. All of that aside, I know this holiday season will be a whirlwind like no other. The next few weeks we have some fun things planned: Tyson and I are getting certified in scuba diving, Savannah and I are running the Monster mile, and we are going to Annapolis, MD with friends to watch some Navy football! Throw in a little trick- or- treating, trying to rent out our house, the holidays, and well ya know, just life, and it's a recipe for a stress fest. For me. Not Tyson, because he does not seem the least bit apprehensive about anything the upcoming months.
  I am SO looking forward to Thanksgiving. I have my whole family (parents, sisters, brother- in -laws, and the H's) all driving/flying in. Two weeks after that, the packers and movers come to and by the second week in December we should be moved into our new home in Maryland. Seven days after moving in, we fly to Colorado for Christmas with the other side of the family. I am totally stoked to have a white Christmas. Tyson is going to get some skiing in, I hope to take the kids sledding, and great grandma may possibly come to visit. And to top it all off, if Santa were a woman, it would be my mother in law. She knows how to do Christmas, and she goes all out. Needless to say, the next few months will be a blast! BUT. I would be lying if I said that looking at my calendar did not give me heart palpitations and make my hands sweat. Cooking, packing, unpacking, flying, moving, renting, shopping...
  This is when I have to tell myself, remind myself, it's one day at a time. If I can get myself to just look at today, I think I can really enjoy this holiday season to the fullest. So I will try to relinquish control of the things I cannot control and enjoy today.

Day # 52: Lessons learned

So I actually wrote this post a few weeks ago, but am just getting around to editing it and posting it...

As my sweet, precious Luke nears his second birthday, I've been looking back on what I've learned in my last 4 1/2 years of motherhood. This post goes hand in hand with my new mom post from yesterday; a compilation of things I've learned my children have taught me.
1. It ain't about me anymore.
2. Luke goes to bed at least twice a week without dinner, and he's still alive. He eats when he's hungry, and let me tell you, that boy will put away a banana, yogurt, and two whole grain waffles the morning after! Don't stress over the little things, it's just not worth it.
3. You will sleep again! The first year it felt like sleep was a luxury of the past. But alas, I now sleep a good solid 8-9 hours  each night.
4. A Starbucks coffee and a laugh with a girlfriend can cure any bad day.
5. My ability and capacity to love and understand others has increased exponentially.
6. Patience increases along the way. Ask my mom, I was not given the gift of patience. But in the past few years, I have become more patient.
7. Progress is progress. A little is better than none at all. A little house cleaning, a little work out, a little down time, a little sex. It's better that none at all- appreciate ALL progress!
8. Stay at home mom's are underrated. I try not to take offense when other women/mothers ask "what do you do?". I simply say, " I have two young children. That's what I do." Be confident in knowing you are doing one of the most important jobs on earth: raising children, caring for them, ensuring them that they are loved. I love what I do and wouldn't trade it for any other job in the world.

Day #51:To all the new moms

I was reminded yesterday of the absolute exhaustion that accompanies motherhood. But especially the new mothers. I am no expert but I have learned a few things along the way. But first off I want to say, being a mom is HARD, and sometimes new moms are not told just how hard it is. Yes, babies are adorable, you wouldn't trade them for anything, they give your life new meaning and purpose, and gosh darn those tiny little clothes! BUT. Sleepless nights, breastfeeding, smelling like puke, not having time to take a shower....
So here are a few tips I've learned along the way:

1. Sleep when the baby sleeps. This is not a helpful suggestion, it is a survival skill. I know you haven't taken a shower, and you don't remember the last time you did laundry, and you want to check Facebook. But don't.
2. Schedule a break. Have a sitter on the calendar and commit to getting out of the house WITHOUT your baby, once a week, once a month, whatever you need to be sane. An hour alone can make your entire day better. I promise.
3. Have friends who are moms. Listen, there are days when you will feel crazy. Actually crazy, like you are seriously considering seeing a therapist. Welcome to the mom club! I'll let you in on a little secret: we all feel crazy most of the time. Especially the first few years months. You need other mothers in your life who can reassure you that you are not crazy, you are just a mother!
4) I know in the beginning, you really feel like you don't know what the H you are doing. But you know more than you realize. At some point you will understand that although your Pediatrician has a degree in babies, and your mother has been a mother much longer than you have, and that your friend has more "mom experience" than you...you know YOUR baby best. Just because your Pediatrician/mom/friend tell you what you are supposed to do or what works best, YOU know what's best for your baby. And it's okay to do things your way.
5) Don't lose yourself. Yes, you are a mother, but you are still who you were before you were a mother. Keep doing the things you love.

That's all I got, but I'm still learning new things every.single.day. My kids are great teachers, I think they teach me more than I teach them!

Day #50: My "first" half marathon

  I say "first" because I think I should get credit for the one I signed up for a year and half ago, but never ran. I originally started training for it at the beginning of 2010, to help shed the last of my baby weight from Luke. The race was mid March. I ran and ran, trained and trained. Two nights before the race, I became violently ill (I'll spare you the details) and could not run (let alone pry myself away from the porcelain throne). I was SO pissed bummed! I mean, I had paid the $100 and trained my little heart out...for nothing!
  I have wanted to run a half marathon for years, yes, years. But between having babies, being a wife to a twice deployed husband, and finishing grad school...I just couldn't fit it in! Needless to say, after the attempt (and fail) of half marathon #1, I was less than anxious to pay and train for another one. After a year and a half of of pouting about what happened, my friend finally convinced me to run the Rock and Roll half marathon here in Virginia Beach. So we have trained for the past 2 months, diligently increasing our mileage each week. Yesterday was the BIG day and I have to say, I'm thrilled that I can check that sinkin' half marathon off my bucket list. However, I have no plans to run another half marathon EVER again. EVER. And yes, I'll tell you why.
  I love running. I've mentioned this before. I've been running for 17 years and I do it at least 5 days a week. Voluntarily. I actually enjoy it. But I run 3-4 miles at a time, not 10, and certainly not 13.1. 13.1 miles is not fun or enjoyable. It is painful and honestly, downright boring. Running for over two hours...um, why? I was DONE at mile 10. I didn't have cramps and I wasn't tired, but my knees and hips were screaming at me to stop! Luckily my sweet little family was there to cheer me along right as I was ready to stop. I completed my first (and last) half marathon in my personal goal time of 2:10 exactly.
  It took me over two hours to recover! My stomach does not like when I run more than 10 miles, I mean, I pay for it. So being in a beach port-a-potty post race was an awesome way to end my experience. Not! Not to mention my hips, knees, feet....and EVERY muscle in my body ached. But I did it, I had the experience, and I'm never doing it again. I would much rather run "fun" runs throughout the year, because I do love running in races. The people, the atmosphere, the excitement of it all. But I think I'll stick to 10K's and mud runs and maybe look into training for a (mini)triathlon. I like running too much to run for 13.1 miles. Or at least that's what I"ll tell my myself and other people. I like running too much to ever run another half marathon. That makes perfect sense to me.

Day #49: Irene Shmirene

  Hurricane Irene. Really? It was the most lame hurricane ever. Or at least thats what I'm told; My people (cat included) and I evacuated. Yes, we were evacuees. I'm from Houston, people.  My dad was a Houston police officer and was not allowed to leave the city during natural disasters and my mom never wanted to leave without my dad, so we rode out every single hurricane that rolled our way. The word hurricane just doesn't phase me. It was something that was pretty common growing up and evokes no fear or sense of urgency in me. So evacuating is something I just don't do. My husband, however, is from Colorado and never had the experience of hurricanes. He is also a pilot in the Navy. The military hears hurricane and evacuate ships and aircraft ASAP. And Tyson pretty much always makes me and the kids leave as well. Honestly, I'm fine with stocking up on water and beanie weenies, topping off my gas tank, and making friends with neighbors who have generators. But my northerner husband prefers to get the heck out of dodge.
  Tyson has learned over the past five years or being married to me how to carefully phrase things.  Instead of suggesting we evacuate, he suggested we do a mini vacation to wherever I wanted within driving distance. Other than the beach. But anywhere else. If you know me at all, you know I'm a planner, a scheduler. I like to plan in advance. Way in advance. I don't do spur of the moment or spontaneous. So this was going against all of my natural instints. But Tyson persuaded me and finally I decided that as long as we had a hotel suite, I would survive. We packed up quickly Thursday night and left early Friday morning. Let me tell you, Best.Vacation.Ever. Who would have thought? Not me! I was envisioning sleepless nights in a hotel, screaming and bickering in the car, and misery. Yes I know, slightly dramatic, but I have learned with children to expect and plan for the worst. The absolute worst. So I was pleasantly surprised and just downright SHOCKED that our spur of the moment evacuation trip turned out so incredibly well.
 We are now back from a relaxing vacation; no laundry, no cooking, no cleaning for the past three days and now I'm refreshed and renewed. Plus the kids start school next week and this was some good quality family time. We came home to no damage, just a bunch of leaves and branches in the yard. Letting go  and being more flexible is a challenge for me, but a good quality to develop as a mother. I cannot control and plan for everything, especially hurricanes. If my husband wants to do a mini vaca every time we may or may not encounter a hurricane, I'm on board!

Day #48: It's not easy being green, or is it?

   On to my next venture. I'm going to take on recycling. I am, admittedly, the world's WORST green/eco-friendly mother on the planet. I go through paper towels and plastic baggies like no ones business. And although we actually have curbside  pick-up for recycling, I still don't recycle. I'm just being lazy and not wanting to sort trash. But I've been thinking and asking some of my eco- friendly mother's for some easy tips. I gotta start slow. It's like a diet, if you take on too much all at once, it ain't gonna happen. So here is my proposed plan:

1. Use less plastic baggies for snacks and more Tupperware. Same goes for paper plates. But paper plates are so easy, especially when I don't feel like doing dishes. But alas, I will reduce my paper plate use! This also goes for paper towels (I can use a sponge/washcloth) and napkins (I have some cloth ones, I think I could handle a switch).
2. Turning off the lights when they are not being used. I blame my children for the bulk of this. But I'm guilty as well. just a little.
3. Sorting trash from recyclables. I am going to get another trash can and make it my recycle bin and put it right next to the trash can.
4. Reuse. I always forget that reusing an item is a form of being green and I actually do reuse my plastic baggies already. I will attempt to reuse other things as well.
5. I am hesitant to commit to reusable bags at the grocery story, that seems like a BIG step. Plastic is SO easy. I wonder if I can bring back my plastic bags to reuse? Does that count as being green?

That's what I'll start with for now and I'll see how/where it goes. These are all very easy changes. I guess when I hear "going green" I think of big inconvenient changes. I think of solar lighting, cloth diapering, and Hybrid cars. But it doesn't have to be big at all to make an impact.

Any other tips would be helpful; I'm open to suggestions. What green lifestyle habits have you adopted?

Day #47: Recap

So I was thinking the other day, since starting this "project" back in March, how much progress have actually made? I mean, I've made a lot of statements, plans, and promises, but how many have I actually followed through with? So I started looking back through my previous blogs to see what I've actually done.
1. Couponing: Although I am no where near as successful as the ladies from Extreme Couponing, I have made some progress. I now get all my diapers and wipes through Amazon using my mom prime account; I love having them brought to my door once a month. Seriously, could it get any easier? I get all of my bulk paper items, laundry detergent, and yogurt (can you really have too much yogurt??) from Costco. I still clip coupons, but probably only save about 5$ when I use them. Hey, 5$ is a Starbucks coffee, so it's something! I justify this with the fact that I do shop at the commissary which typically has better prices than Walmart on most items. I guess I still need to step up my coupon clipping game, but I'm doing better than I was in March.
2. Doing more activities for/with the kids: I have to say I have stepped up my activities for my kids. I mean, I don't mean to brag but, okay yeah, I do mean to brag. I'm kicking but on the kid friendly activities! We go to the zoo, bike ride, Busch gardens, the beach, the aquarium, have make your own pizza night. We also have plenty of outside play time, play with play dough (although I have yet to make my own), coloring, cooking (with Savannah),  and reading books.
3. Reading with Savannah: I got a reading book that Savannah and I have been diligently working through. We have not made a whole lot of progress but we are still working on it, so that's what counts. She doesn't have to be reading novels by the end of the year, but if I can give her a leg up before kindergarten, then I'll be happy.
4. Luke: We have really been working on colors with Luke. Every now I'll ask for a blue crayon and he will actually bring me a blue crayon. But most of the time he brings me a different color! We have also been reading to Luke every night before bed. He LOVES his bedtime stories and sits still and pays attention throughout the book. So he will at last have that skill down when he starts preschool (yikes) in a few weeks!

All in all, progress (slow and inconsistent) has been made since I started this "mommy project" in March.  It is nice to look back and be able to see that I am moving in the direction I want to as a mother. Some days it feels like I'm standing still, other times it's one step forward two steps back. But in the overall big picture, I am moving forward. Slowly.

Day # 46: Make your own pizza night

I think we are going to officially start a "pizza dinner night". I mean, who doesn't like pizza (besides Luke when he's being stubborn and trying to piss me off)? And I love the idea of the kids helping with the cooking, it's a good life skill to have. Pizza is so versatile too, so I think we could mix it up enough so we don't get bored with the same thing. Veggie, meat, chicken pesto, mexican, mediterannean, BBQ...the possibilities are endless! It may not be every week, but I'm thinking we could squeeze it in twice a month. So we test drove this plan Saturday night and combined it with a movie and it was a hit. 

   I bought individual pizza crusts for the kids, and a big whole wheat one for Tyson and I (He says it tastes a little like cardboard, I mostly disagree). I found sauce that is squeezable, so the kids had no problem squirting it out and spreading it around with their hands a spatula. I put all the toppings on the table: pepperoni, cheese, and veggies and let them choose what to put on. They had a blast! Throw in an animated movie and my kids thought it was the best.night.ever. Sometimes I forget how easy it is to entertain kids, they don't need Busch Gardens, bike rides, and tons of toys. Sometimes making dinner together and watching a movie is even better than all of that!

making pizza!

                                                    

and this is why they ate their own pizza! Luke snuck in a few licks of the sauce!

Luke was pretty upset when I took the pizza away to put in the oven.

                                                      

Day #45: Boys vs. Girls

   I was told last week at the gym that the teacher had to take Luke's sippy cup from him him because he was hitting other children with it. Sippy cup as a weapon. Great.

   I have a confession to make. When I heard mother's talking about the difference between boys and girls, it always seemed it was the mother's of boys doing all the talking. Boys are more aggressive, active, and just...different than little girls. Well it sounded like a bunch of crap excuses to me. We were (and still are) pretty strict with Savannah:we made her eat what we ate, never let her sleep in bed with us, restricted her t.v watching, and consistently disciplined her. I attributed her good behavior and obedience to our solid parenting techniques. I mean, I must just be that awesome of a parent. Well turns out, I'm not. I know, I was shocked too. And I owe all those mother's of boys a big FAT apology. I secretly and quietly thought that yall just sucked (for lack of a better word) at parenting. Turns out, boys ARE completely different than girls! Yes, what everyone has been telling me for years, I now have seen for myself. Turns out boys really are more aggressive, more active, and, well, just boys! They like dirt. Playing in it, eating it, throwing it, spreading it around my carpet. Luke throws anything and everything. A ball, his sister's toys (after he takes them away from her), books, crayons, and apparently sippy cups. He loves taking his toys to the top of the stairs and launching them down. He takes his diaper off and pees and poops on the deck. He spits when he's angry. He is obsessed with any type of motor vehicle- trains, planes, helicopters, semi trucks. He loves to climb. He ate 8 chicken nuggets yesterday. He is all boy and he is completely different than my girl. But I guess, "boys will be boys". And that's not an excuse!

  

Day #44: 37 minutes

   37 minutes is how long it took us to arrive at Fuddruckers, order our food, eat it, and get back into the car. I attribute our speedy dinner to three factors: A) not a whole lot of people eat at 5PM on. the. dot. like we do B) Luke decided a 30 minute nap in the car was sufficient for the day and C) I thought Luke could handle the booth experience rather than sitting in a high chair. He could not. I mean, there were no broken plates, no tantrums, no spills, so overall I rate this as a successful dining out experience with the fam. I appreciate where we are in life, where we are in our eating out experience. You know, my kids always went through that phase where we literally could not eat out with them because they could not sit still long enough to get through dinner in a semi-sane fashion. It's usually around that 9 month-18 month age. Fun times. So I know we have come a long way a little ways from that, and I acknowledge that and look forward to the day when we can sit together and eat dinner as a family without the high chair, or the shoes coming off (and subsequently being thrown under the table), or having to bribe plead with my children to eat their food.

Day # 43: Family reunion

   We just returned from a week at the beach with my parents, Aunt, Uncle, five cousins, the cousins children (does that make them my second cousins?) and a boyfriend. A grand total of 23! Unlike the vacation from hell trip to New York in June, this one was actually incredibly relaxing. Our days were filled with naps, margaritas, and the beach.  I must admit that things started to take a downhill turn towards the end of the week. A few of us passed around the stomach bug (which I was included in), my mother was bitten by a spider, and my cousin had to be rushed to the ER for emergency surgery for compression syndrome. Not to mention a bit of sea sickness during a deep sea fishing trip and yacht excursion. We sure do know how to have fun!  We have now (grudgingly) returned home, back to the daily grind of laundry, the gym, grocery shopping, and not laying on the beach. Aside from all of that, I came home relaxed, rested, and very tan.