Girl Thoughts

I have become somewhat addicted to the shows What Not To Wear and most recently, How to Look Good Naked. I am forever battling the inner voices of "loose weight" and "love yourself the way you are" Perhaps that is why I enjoy these 2 shows. I do wish that Stacie London would come shopping with me and help me find the perfect outfits. I would love the free cash, but I would even buy the clothes myself if I could get her input. How to Look Good Naked seems to have really hit home with my mental self. It does seem to take "real" women and help them find their outer beauty. I need this too. I swear I go from, "I look good" to "sign me up for lipo" in a matter of minutes. WHY?

I have blogged about all this before and I just don't totally understand why we women don't love ourselves. Why is it that we can tell our friends how great they look, and yet when it is us who is told we look good, just don't believe it? Where did this come from? I blame living with all brothers for most of my life. No one is more mean than a brother. They have the gift of find just the right thing to harp on. Mine teased me relentlessly about my "lard ass" Yet now that I am 35 years old I am sick of thinking that I am still not good enough. My husband likes me, I have beautiful daughters, and good friends. Why don't I feel perfect or at least good enough?

The last thing I want is for my girls to go through this, but I feel it is inevitable.

So I say to all of who are still reading this...YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND SKINNY AND PERFECT. Now go enjoy yourself. I will try to if you do.

Omaha Zoo

Doesn't it look like I took this one in the wild? Well, maybe if the elephant actually had tusks it would be a little more believable

The Gang...Uncle Ben, B, A, and Kylie. Oh, don't forget the big gorilla.

I had never seen a baby peacock before. They were all over the zoo. As were the adults.

Still doesn't look like I am at a zoo, does it? I really like that there is grass.

Fat Lip

My little dare devil has done it again. Many people have been told, by me, that A is my little boy. She is the one who has the chipped tooth, the no fear attitude, hit first then cry method of problem solving, and the lack of listening. Now to the list I add a fat lip.

She was on my bed playing with B and some how fell off. She caught herself with her face. Not the best thing to stop a fall, but then again she is only 3. I really thought she knocked a tooth out due to the amount of blood. It now looks as if her teeth just went into her lip. She seems to really like her fat lip too. Her major concern was if she would be able to suck her thumb. Luckily she is able to. Phew, (insert my sarcasm here) I sure would have hated kicking the thumb habit at this age.

But all is well and she is doing fine. I do miss seeing her bottom lip.

Road Trip Success

We are home. The 7 hour trip took more like 8 hours, but the girls were great both ways. I was concerned with the potty thing for little A, but she did well. The only problem is her love of new bathrooms. She told me more than once that she had to go, but never really had to. Let me say I fell for this more than once. I even pulled to the side of the road to have her pee in the grass, but funny, she didn't have to go then either. I almost put a pull up on her just so I wouldn't have to stop again, but she seemed to settle her bladder. The trip home was way less potty stops.

Our visit with Uncle Ben and Kylie was great. I even got the break I was looking for :) The girls had so much fun with the 2 of them. We went to the kids museum and the zoo. Both were good but busy. The zoo is a TON of walking. Plus I did not know just how hilly Omaha is. For no mountains, they sure have a lot of hills. The place is full of them! I think the girl's favorite activity was trying on lots of Kylie's shoes and asking Uncle Ben and I what we thought of each pair. They did this every day. It was cute, but after the third day of shoe fashion show I was over it. The park that Uncle Ben took us too was also a huge hit. We went every day as well. It actually was a good park. Lots of shade, nice sand, and fun equipment. A of course was a hit each day as she continued to wow others with her "no fear" attitude. She was climbing on things that older kids (like her sister) wouldn't do.

Good times were had by all and we were all sad when the time to leave had come. I will do this again and still plan to continue to CO. It might have been a long 8 hours, but I still liked it more than flying.

Raod Trip

I have decided that I am bored now that camp is over. I feel like I need to get out of my house for a while. So what better than a road trip? Well it would be really fun I'm sure if I was taking it with girlfriends instead of little daughters, but they might be fun too. I decided that I need to go somewhere by car that was not too far. I also wanted a place that would not be super expensive. It also had to have some kid friendly attractions. The winning place?
OMAHA, Nebraska!!!

I know you are all thinking why OMAHA? What could possibly be in OMAHA? Well for starters, my baby brother. Then there is a great zoo(so I've heard) and even a pretty good kids museum. I know I hate kids museums, but the girls don't. So I figured we could make the 7 hour road trip with out husband and be just fine. Plus it will be nice to visit my brother.

I will let you know how it goes. The best part is that since we really don't have much to do when we get back I have a very open return date. I have to be back to get our niece from the airport on Wednesday, but till then nothing! So I packed till Sunday, but who knows. Perhaps I will go another 7 hours and visit peeps in CO. Husband says I can't, but if I'm on the road he can't stop me right?

Well off to watch tv pack.

My Newest Boyfried

Well I have become infatuated by this man. His name is Duff and his laugh is the best. For those of you who don't recognize him you obviously don't watch as much tv I do. He has his own show called ACE of CAKES on the Food network. His team of cake designers are amazing. How could I go wrong liking a man who bakes?

I'm not sure my husband fully understands my attraction to Duff, but then again it is all about the cake. He would not mind, I'm sure, if Duff was making cakes for us. Or perhaps if I was making cakes for us. But neither is going to be happening soon.

For now I will have to love from a far and continue to get my fix when Ace of Cakes is on Tuesday nights.

Snapshot Sunday

The girls wanted to play library. So they set up shop (on all available seats)and we checked out books and even had story time. Perhaps we do frequent our library too much?

From The Backseat

As we were driving yesterday this is what I heard.

A: Mom there is a booger in here.

Me: In where?

A: My nose hole has the booger.

Me: Would you like a tissue?

A: Don't worry I got it. See?

Me: Can't see now I'm driving. Do you need a tissue now?

A: Oh it is gone now. Don't worry it is on the floor.


As you can tell he favorite phrase right now is "Don't worry..."

Camp Mommy

As Daddy leaves each day he tells the girls,"Have fun at Camp Mommy!" I found this funny when the girls were actually going to real camp. Now however they really are attending Camp Mommy. This is the first week of no day camp. (B still has this week of tennis and swimming) Even though their day camp was only 3 days a week for 3 hours a day, it was still a great outlet for them. Now all the fun activities are on me.

This was my first activity.

We made our own bubble blowers. I found this activity a few weeks ago on a blog that I read. It is easy to make and actually rather cool. The long snake of bubbles is different than just the regular round ones. The girls though it was pretty cool too. So I guess I did a good job at camp today. Now if I only knew what to do tomorrow.

What Is In Your Backyard?

In the past I have shared my dislike for the deer in my hood. However today was a different story. My sister had just pulled into my driveway and called me in the house on her cell. I found this weird till she told me to look in the backyard. When I did this is what I saw....



Yup, right next to the sandbox was this little cutie. She was so small and seemed unsure how to stand. This is the only photo I was able to get for as soon as she heard the "click" she was off. I only hope her mama can find her later.

Over Reaction?

Tonight we went out to dinner at a local eatery. We decided to sit outside since there were few families doing the same. Plus, there is a play house for the kids to use outside. A few minutes after we placed our drink order a multi-family group also decided to eat outside. The problem was that they needed 3 tables and there were only 2 left in the shade by us. So they decided to all squish at these 2 tables. I was not going to be giving up my table, but did give up most of our chair space for them. No big deal.

My girls decided to venture over to the playhouse before their meals arrived. I did notice that the large group had all boys who at this time took over the playhouse. Well my little A would have non of that. Go girl power! Unfortunately her girl power was not strong enough for this nasty group of little boys. I (loudly) told A and B mant times to tell the boys that they could play too and that the house was not "just for boys". Funny, the parents (and I use this term loosely) did not move a muscle nor did they spew a word to their boys. So I got up and went over to the house to use my teacher voice and looks. I got the girls to be allowed in the house, but now A was a tad bit scared and did not want to go in. I don't blame her for I was a tad unsure of these boys too. So I took the girls back to the table and again loudly stated that when the boys were eating their dinner my girls could go in the house since the boys were not being nice. AGAIN, nothing!!!

A wanted to try again so daddy took her this time. He sat right in front of the house and when A told the boys, with hands on her hips, that"they had to share 'cause the house was not theirs" The shit hit the fan. One of the little boys told my sweet girls to "shut up or her would smack her." I have not seen daddy so pissed in a while. He now stormed back to our table and looking at the group of so called parents repeated what one of their sons told his little girl. Finally one dad did go get his son and made him apologize, but the other "moms" actually stated that he should calm down for they are just boys. WHAT!!! Now mommy wolf took over. "And if it was your daughter you would allow someone to talk to her that way? It is ok for a kid to tell someone they would SMACK them?!?!" I was told by skinny bitch mom to settle down. Oh I settled down all right only because our food came and the boys were now at their table too. The rest of the night went fine and I focused on my family. I also thanked God that my girls are good and that I do have decent parenting skills.

So I ask...Did we over react? Perhaps I did not react enough?

Talent Show

Tonight B wanted our family to have a talent show. She made score cards and all. The problem was that this talent show was going to happen right before bed. So we told her we couldn't really have it. It did not go over well, but became funny when she made this comment.

ME: B we can't have a talent show, we don't have any talents.

B: Yes you do mommy. You're talent is being BOSSY!

So glad she is my kid :)

The Next Hannah Montana?

On the 4th of July, the girls got into the dress up wigs. A seemed to love the blond one. As soon as she put it on she began singing Hannah Montana songs. It was really funny as well as funny looking. I always wanted to know what she would look like with hair. It was interesting to watch her play with her hair. She was a natural blond beauty the way she was tossing her golden locks around.

My Ears Hurt

For 20 minutes straight all I heard was "Why is that man walking?" "Why are we going this way?" "Why are the houses not moving?" "Why is that lady wearing a hat?" "Why is that dog walking?" and so on and so on. I kid you not. A asked me more questions in the 20 minute car ride than in an entire day. I have no idea why she was so into the WHY questions today, but God it hurt. If I hear another question starting with WHY it will be too soon. I will say some of her questions were thought provoking, yet others (like why the houses are not moving) not so good.

Many of you know B can talk, but I think A can out talk her! I'm sure many of you are thinking that when A out talks ME that will be something. HA-HA-HA! Seriously, I think she can out talk me. My husband swears that after just a few minutes with her his ears are bleeding. Constantly he asks me, "How can I stand it all day with her?"

I'm not even sure I can remember a time when she did not talk. I remember when she didn't have many words to say, but that is about it. It is funny when she talk grown-up. Example: "Don't worry B, you will be fine. It is just camp, so don't be scared." This was told to B on the first day of camp this year. Where does she come up with this stuff? I can only wonder what things come out of her mouth at school.

Thank God she is sleeping, for it is the only time her mouth is closed. How I do love the quiet. But then again I do love her little voice.

Snapshot Sunday

B's legs all scrapped and bruised from summer fun. These legs are a sign of lots of activities, just the way I like it.

4th of July Recap

The day began chilly, but quickly became a perfect weather day. It was not too hot, but sun was shinning and there was a touch of wind. We had a busy, fun-filled day. We began with breakfast at a friend's house, followed by the bike parade. Yes, I live in a town in which they only have a bike parade. It is actually a big deal and there are LOTS of people on their bikes. I We decorate the girl's bikes and hope to win a prize.

B's bike fully decked out in red, white, and blue

Even A got her bike all done up.

We were disappointed when we found out that again we were not winners. I really want to see the winning bikes, so I know how to win next year. I don't think there was a spot on B's bike that was not red, white, or blue. Still no ribbon! Oh well I guess it gives us a goal for next year.

After the parade we gather at the community center for a ton of excitement. There are all you can eat cotton candy and snow cones, 5-6 inflatables for the kids to jump and crawl through till they fall down exhausted, a few crafts, face painting, races, egg toss...and good food. The best part is they have BEER! They only thing we pay for is the food/beer. The rest is FREE! The girls really love that mommy is on a "anything you want" kick. This means that for this one event I don't care how many cotton candies or snow cones they eat. They are in total heaven! They usually get by with 2 of each, however this year I think B made 3 cotton candy trips. (they are not all that big)

We played it smart this year and while most of the kids were in the races, my girls got in the very short line now for face painting. This woman was AMAZING! In just a few minutes this is what B looked like.

Quite the butterfly, huh?

By 1:00 we were finished with all the fun and were ready to head home for a team nap.

We had some of my family over for dinner and then Tom and B went to the fireworks. I think B just fell right into bed totally exhausted for a long eventful day. It was a great 4th and I hope the rest of you had a good one too.

Perhaps Duct Tape?

I am beginning to wonder why I ever took down the crib. When the crib bars were up A was not. Now that she is in her big girl bed with out bars, she gets out often. Her new thing is to come down the stairs ever so quietly, saying that she "bumped her head on her bed" I have no idea where or how she could bump it on or in her bed. But that is her ticket downstairs. Next it is that she "wants a bedtime snack."

At first I was not bothered by this. I figured once she got used to the new bed and its freedom things would settle down. Not so much. I am now going to have to result to tough love. No more quick snuggles on the couch, or pieces of string cheese to take back to bed. No, it is now "Go to bed time!" I have tried the counting thing, and that seemed to work most times, I have also begun the I'm not talking to you you are just going right back to bed tactic. Neither seem to be big hits. I did just read on the Goody blog about a sticker chart when she stays in her bed, perhaps we will try that one. If this doesn't work I will have to do the only other thing I can think of...Duct Tape.