Not a Mom of the Year Day

I did not sleep well last night due to a few wake ups and also bad heartburn. So that means I did not want to be a mom at 6:45 this morning. I was, shall we say, grumpy.

I finally went in to get A up and B dressed. First thing I did was open B's underwear drawer to find that she had NO clean undies in it. What? How?Why?

I quickly tried to think of how I can remedy this problem. My first thought was send her in tights only, but then remembered it was a full day and I didn't want her all day in just tights. Then I quickly ran to all my purses and bags looking for a "spare" pair that I usually stash when we go out. No luck there either. Perhaps I can run to Target and buy some? Nope that would take too long. Then I just figured I would hand wash a pair and dry them quickly. As I went to the dresser I stopped at A's and took out a pair of her undies. I told B to "just try these on." There is a God, for these size 2T undies fit!!! Yea! Problem solved. Clean undies on and ready to go.

Now what will we eat quickly for breakfast?

Pumpkin Day

A family tradition, we head to Wisconsin for our annual pumpkin day. This is a full day of stops and food. We begin by hitting a deli called Bobby Nelsons. Here we all stock up on salami and cheese curds. Then over to A&W for cheese fries, root beer, and burgers in our car. After a full belly, we head to the pumpkin farm. Today the weather was beautiful and so the farm was packed! But, we still managed to grab a few pumpkins and head to our next stop the Monastery in Burlington. Here we walk the grotto and look around. The girls had fun going into "Mary's House" . Next stop is a park and finally frozen custard. Yes, we do all this in one day! B has begun to remember all the places we need to go and I'm sure A will do the same too. All in all the day was a good one. I did have a few issues like my camera not working and don't know why, and A spilling root beer all over the front of her new pumpkin day shirt. My camera works now of course and all the root beer came out of the shirt. I did bring an extra white shirt just in case I just didn't want to have to use it. So now I will have to find some more pumpkins and do a fake pumpkin day photo.

Date Night

Tom and I were able to get out together on Saturday. He was gone most of the week in Florida for an annual golf trip and I was a single mommy. Before he left I got an email for this show. Tom has always wanted to see Jewel live and I thought this would be the time. So I got us a couple of tickets. I did it mostly thinking that this would be his birthday gift. The worst seats I could find were 4th row center!

Jewel was performing with the Chicago Pops Orchestra. I knew it would be good plus in the theatre there is no bad seat and it is a rather small. So we were set.

I picked him up at the airport wearing my new pants(Julie) from Ann Taylor Loft and shirt too. I love my pants. They make me look thinner! We went to dinner where we split a bottle of wine (yes, I was drinking) and then off to the show.

Jewel did a great job, the orchestra was great and the Italian singer who opened was fantastic. Tom did seem to take a few short naps, but over all it was a good night. I really don't think I have been that close to a singer before. It was kinda neat. She had a great pair of shoes on too :)

As far as our date nights go, this sure beat our usual dinner and a movie.

Girl Stories

Well I know you all like nothing more than to read funny stories about my girls. So here are a few more.

My oldest, who again had to be talked to about fibbing, is the same girl who has been playing St Rose for the past couple of days. They talked about her at school the other day and B was very taken with the story. Why you might ask? That would be because St Rose was know for growing beautiful flowers and giving them away to sick people. B loves plants and flowers. So she and little A took all my fake flowers from out front and "gave" them away. We also went for a walk/bike ride with a basket full "in case we found more sick people." From liar to saint, who would have thought?

Little A on the other hand is becoming quite a stinker. She spent about 20 minutes being put back on the naughty step this morning. This is the same little girl who laid out all of B's school clothes the other night. She even got B's shoes ready at the top of the stairs. See there is a sweet side.

Right now the girls are in the backyard "playing" together. The day is nice and they are having some fun. The only problem is that I have to go out there about every 5 minutes to get them something, or to stop the fight. So much for peace. But at least they are outside and together right?

The Apples Are Gone... Finally

This is the last of my apples from apple picking day. I had no idea what to do with so many apples. Tom tried to help by providing me with a brainstormed list of dishes he might like. B told me she would really like a pie. So pie it is.

Now I do like to bake, but have never made a pie. So after looking and finding a recipe I made my first ever apple pie. It really was not as hard as I thought it would be. Now to be honest I did not make my own crust. I did buy pre-made and pre-rolled, but the rest I did from scratch.

The review was great. All family members raved about the pie. I was happy. Even B told me it was great, the best ever. So I figured a week later since I was still looking at apples I would just crank out another pie. ( I did bring half of this one to my parent's house).

Dessert time and B did not want pie. Why? Oh that would be because she doesn't really like apple pie. What? The last pie (a week ago) was the best thing ever I reminded her. She told me she just said that to be nice and that she didn't really like it all that much. What kids of kid am I raising? She seems to be turning into quite a liar. I will say that this little white lie was much better for my feelings than the war lie.

So long story longer... here is the last pie I made. Tom has stated he would like one again for his birthday (few weeks away), but I told him I don't think so. Enough of the apples for now.

Fire Fighter B

B's class went to the local fire house yesterday. She did not seem very impressed with the trip. She did not seem excited about it, nor did she tell me much. She did however like the hat that they got. She also told me that the fire fighter let each kid spray the hose. She did not like it because it got her wet.

Well, I guess today is a new day. With her hat, and boots, Fire woman B was called to action. She ran to help put out the "fire" in the yard. She sure didn't seem to mind the hose and water now. She put out fires for about 15 minutes. I guess if I pay for the water it is ok, but if the water is free, not ok.

Good to know that even though she did not have too much fun yesterday, she still used the experience to play and pretend.

Now if she only remembered to turn off the water and put the hose away when she was done.

I'm In the Army Now

Funny little story for you.

Today when I picked B up from school she informed me that she will be calling me mommy only at home. I questioned this. Her reply was that when she is around her friends she is going to call me something else. Again, I asked, "why?" and I added, "what are you going to call me?" A few words came to mind but I figured she was still too young to use them. She told me she was going to call me babysitter. Again I had to go with Why? She then proceeded to tell me that she had told some of her friends that her mommy was in the army and was away at war. I was actually her sitter till her mommy came home from the war. I did not really know how to respond to this. I tried not to laugh since the whole war thing is not funny. I asked her if she knew that this as not a very nice thing to tell her friends since she was lying to them. Then I asked who she knew who has a mommy away in the war. She told me one of her friend's daddy is at war. This at least helped me figure out where this idea came from. After a few more minutes we finally agreed that she could not tell this story any more and she would need to tell the truth to her friends tomorrow.

I am still at a loss as to why she need to tell this story. Plus the whole class saw me on Friday when I read to them. However my smarty daughter told them that I come back to visit some days, then back to the war I go. She is quick with her lies. Anyway hopefully this will not progress and I will not be known as the mom of the liar. I do find it funny and somewhat look forward to her next little story about me. Perhaps I need to give her a little more attention?

I'm A Bird

There are days in which it is nice not to have to run out the door first thing in the morning. Take a nice chilly Saturday morning for example. Today the girls woke up late (7:30), missed the chance to go to the Northwestern tailgate with Uncle Danny, and got to eat dunkin donuts in front of the television. Sounds good to me! After a couple of shows they decided to play birds. B got A all decked out with feathers (taped on). A then began running around the house tweeting at the top of her lungs. B did not like being without, so she quickly added feathers to her body and joined the fun. They have been taking breaks from running to add more feathers to their bodies. I wonder how long this will last?

Super Kids

I found these capes on the parent's magazine blog and thought I should share them too. I was all over them until I saw that they cost 50 bucks. Like most moms I try to never deny my kids any kind of toy that will foster their imagination, but this is a little high. They are cute and I like the concept. Now all I have to do is figure out how and when to make them myself. Doesn't seem to be all that hard especially now a days with iron on printer paper. I can't think of anything cuter than a super girl A and a super girl B running around the house. These sure do beat the blankets and towels held together by bag clips that they use now. Guess I can put them on the Christmas list right?

Joinning the World of Puree

For those moms out there who have not read a parent magazine, or watched Oprah this week, the big push in feeding kids is hiding veggies in their food. Why this push? Oh that would be because Jessica Seinfeld wrote a cook book all about how she purees veggies and mixes them in her kids food. I was intrigued after all the reviews I had read. I am not a fan of Jessica (although I do like her name) or her husband, but I like the idea of kids eating better. I have already taken to adding flax to anything I can. B used to like all veggies, but is now for some reason changing her mind. And A does whatever B does. So I like the idea of adding to their veggie intake. Heck even I can use some additional veggies in my cake and brownies.



Well anyway, I thought I would check it out and see if it really as great as everyone is saying. I can't find the book anywhere! It is sold out all over, and I am not going to order it online and pay shipping. So I figured I would wait and get it free from the library. Well no good there either. They don't even have their copy yet. ARGH!!!



Funny, as I was in Barnes and Nobles (coupon in hand) looking for Jessica's book I came across another cookbook just like Jessica's called The Sneaky Chef. This one is written by a publisher of Eating Well magazine and founder of a natural baby product line, not the wife of a famous person. So off the shelf it came. From the glance I gave it it looks just like Jessica's. It even has some similar recipes.



Yes, I bought it. Remember I am addicted to cookbooks and shopping. Now all I have to get is a rice cooker/steamer instead of just using my pot and steam basket on the stove. Oh, and I will need a smaller food processor, and perhaps some sort of container system so I can organize all my purees in the freezer, and ..... Sounds like a shopping trip to me :) SHHHHH, don't tell my husband.

My Sweet Girls

No, really these are a few sweet moments from the girls. I know it is unusual, but I found a few of these moments and thought I should share.

1. Last night as the girls were in B's bed doing their night time snuggle A hugs B and says,"wub you B" I have never heard her tell us she loves us without us saying it first. She said it a few more times, it was so cute.

2. B cleaned up her painting things all by herself today. Some of you might not think this is so sweet, but then you have never seen B's art area after a painting session. It usually takes me 10 minutes to clean it all up. So for her to do it all by herself was so great.

3. Now at first glance this will not seem so sweat, but keep reading. A was grabbing a bag of candy from me telling me to "let go mommy!" I finally did and she brought it right over to B with a proud look on her face. See, the bag of candy I was holding was B's and A was the hero for getting it away from me and giving it back to B :)

Well that should be enough for a while. I'm sure things will go back to fighting and screaming with a mix of hitting and pushing before long. Just wanted to let you in on my change of peace, I mean pace.

My 20 Minute Store Run

Today I went to the grocery store with A. We left B at the library for story time and went to get a few items. Little A wanted to go with me, she did not want to stay to hear the stories. So I figured she would be good. SOOOOO not the case.

As soon as we got there she was on the hunt for a car cart. These obviously were invented by someone who does not have children nor has ever been in a grocery store. Those of us who have had to use this stupid cart now of what I am talking about. These carts are good for about 2 minutes. Then it is all about getting in and out, climbing on top, and no longer wanting anything to do with it. So I end up having to push this monster cart for the whole time instead of a regular cart. They are not easy to maneuver either by the way. They are not a fast stopping nor easy to turn. Both are essential with a 2 year old. So needless to say I was pleasantly pleased to find no available car carts upon entering the store.

A was ok with this fact, but now turned her attention to her new must have. "Holdie Momma" All she wants is for me to carry her. I think not! I am not going to push a cart while holding her. So I again explain that she may walk or ride in the cart. Neither of these options were good to her so the tears and screams began. We have been working on this for a few weeks now so I am used to the tears, and the "Holdie Momma" chant. I am not used to the hitting that began today. Nor am I used to the running into my crotch with huge tears running down her face. My shorts were all wet from these tears. Needless to say I wanted to leave, but really need the few items on my list. So I continued. I tried my best to ignore all the other adults staring at us, and tried to focus on the moms with the "I've been there" looks on their faces. I tried to get her interested in other things like finding the bananas, but that just resulted in her telling me I am mean. Yes, she actually said to me "Momma you are mean". Oh how I love this child.

After 4 aisles and what seemed like 20 minutes of screams and tears, her mood changed. She was now all about helping me and putting everything in the cart. She was picking out different things that she wanted to add to our list too. It was so strange how long this tantrum lasted and then how quickly it vanished.

All I can say is that I do not recall my B ever doing this and I never want to do it again. It does make me remember why God made my little sweet A so darn cute.

Easy To Please

This weekend I was able to go through some of my Grandma's jewelry with my mom and sisters. It was so interesting to see all the great pieces she had. Some look very expensive and others look like, well not me :)



The best part was watching B look at all of the jewelry too. She found every "ugly" piece sooooo beautiful. More than once she stated "Gigi sure was lucky to have all these beautiful things" Every pair of costume clip on earrings or gaudy necklace went right to her. She was never happier. The best part was watching her pick out a ring. It was even better when we showed my dad which piece she picked to keep. I'd say it is a GOOD ring. B asks me now constantly when I am going to take it to the jeweler to find out if she can keep it. I have to keep reminding her that even if she get to keep it (based on value) it is not a play ring. It is a wedding day ring. I'm not sure she totally understands it for she then reminds me "that it fits her finger now."



Good luck to her husband, is all I can say, for she does like pretty things.

Famous Last Words

I AM NOT TIRED AND I'M NOT TAKING A NAP!!!!!!

And then just minutes later I find this. I actually was a little worried that she couldn't breath for it looks like her nose is pressed into the couch. After a quick breathing check I found she was breathing just fine. She ended up napping for about 30 minutes. Good thing she was not tired.

I don't know why I listen to the words of a 5 year old. Good thing I knew she would fall asleep and didn't fight her on this one. I am learning when to battle and when to let it go. Hey, after 5 years one would hope I have learned something. The only problem is that all the great things I have learned are useless with A. For she goes by a whole new set of rules that I have not learned just yet. It sure make for interesting days.

It's No Use

Here is a conversation between A and I this morning.

A: I doing sticker book. K mommy?
ME: Is that B's sticker book?
A: Yes, I do.
ME: I think you should go get your Elmo sticker book
A: No, I do B's
Me: Don't you think it will make B sad?
A: yes, B sad
Me: than go get A's sticker book
A: I do B's book, K mom?

We continued down this road for a few more minutes and then I decided to let it go and she can just use B's book for now. There really is no use trying to reason with her.

Another First

As a mother of a Kindergartner I knew I would be asked to help in different ways. I am so happy to volunteer to read to the class, help with projects, chaperon field trips (as long as it is some place fun)and other ways in which I could use my talents.

There was only one thing I was staying away from. This one thing is lunch mom. This is a mom / dad who watches the class while they eat their lunch. The teacher is on her "kid free" time so they count on parent help for this time. It does not entail going outside, it is strictly while the kids are eating. Not hard really, I just wanted no part of this duty. I like kids, but not that much. Oh who am I kidding? I really don't like little kids all that much. (Main reason why I taught middle school)

Anyways... B was very interested in having me be lunch mom. For weeks she asked when I was going to come. I got her to accept that Daddy could do it and I would do it after Christmas. Well as of Monday I am actually doing it every other Thursday!!! I could not believe this. I had tried so hard to stay away from this job. I know I never signed any paper that said I would do this. How did I get put on the list once let alone twice?!?!

Well, today was my first day as lunch mom. I had to watch 8 kids :) yes, the Thursday group is rather small. Little A comes with me and eats her lunch right next to big sister. She was so excited. B was so happy too. The kids were good, and the time went by quickly. So I guess I can do this a couple of times a month. I mean what is one more trip to school in the grand scheme of things? For all I know this could be the only year I can do this if I go back to work right? I should take all the opportunities that come my way.

So another first accomplished.

We Got Apples!

Today we went apple picking. This is something I used to do with my siblings and grandparents every fall. It was a good time and a special event. I decided that I wanted the girls to experience this too. I planned to go with a friend, but her girls were still not feeling well. I figured the idea was a dead one.

Woke up today and decided that I did not want to stay home and since it was a beautiful day I would take the girls apple picking after all. So after B got out of school we came home, ate lunch, waited for Daddy, and went to Wisconsin to pick us some apples.

There are only a few places left in which one can actually go to the tree and get the apples. Most places now just pick them for you. We decided (and by we I mean me) to go to this dive place where one can still pick from the trees.

The girls had a great time. It was so fun to see the girls looking for the "perfect" apple. I now understand why the apples are not cheep. They need to make up for the "not good enough" ones that get tossed to the ground. Little A took right to eating and enjoyed every bite. I see us doing this again next year.

Now what to do with all these apples???