Reno blog#1

Dh and I are on a kick of renovating/redecorating the house. It has been a LONG time coming, and finally we have the cash flow allowing us to do this all little by little. Feels great, and finally feels like "ours" even though we bought it 2 1/2 years ago! No longer anothers awful style, but little by little the rooms are becoming our own.
Here is our "new" upstairs main bathroom. Trust me, its a long shot difference then what it used to be like LOL






Notice the burnt out lightbulb, how did I not notice that until I took the picture???



Lastly for today, the master. We painted the walls (no more tacky pink!!!) and bought a new bedset. We are searching out a new dresser and curtains, then I can update with a picture of the WHOLE room!! The last thing on the list for this room, replace ugly pink carpet. We have saved half (who knew carpets would be SO expensive!!) so they will be done next spring.





Last on the list for the 2008 year is.....THE KITCHEN! Yuppie. Ive actually started, but wont post about the work in progress. That will be all until after christmas. The rest of the house will have to wait until after jolly old saint nick makes his way here. Enjoy!

My Kindergardener :)

That's right, my baby is now in school. She goes everyday for 1/2 a day and is loving each and every second that she is there!!! Despite a bit of kindergarden drama (thats a whole other post!), she is adjusting perfectly. I spoke with her teacher today who said Alexis is a gem and was adjusting very well and catching on quicker then anyone could expect. She is currently doing Senior Kindergarden work, while only in Junior K. I asked what would happen next year when she IS in SK, and she said we will fight that battle when we get there if she is still ahead of the rest. So enough blabber, time for pics!

My little lady all dolled up for school


Where on earth did my baby go?


And were off!


Ready - Set - Learn!

Playing the hero

**note to the wise** This is my opinion, take it as it is. Opinions = Assholes. Mine may be more hairy, or less, then you like, but it is mine. It is with me for life and I wont sew it up and pack it away.

As Hurricane Gustav makes it way towards land, I begin to catch myself questioning the sanity of people in its path.

"Overnight, Hurricane Gustav's winds decreased enough to make the storm a Category 3. But the 8 am ET NHC advisory says it could restrengthen in the next 24 hours."

Why risk it? Human error, these stats are not facts. No one knows how strong this storm is going to be until it gets here. Im tired of hearing out the hero. I must stay for my possessions and pets. My house survived Katrina, it will survive again (damn, to be a psyhic). The rest of my family is staying. I don't think it will be that bad.

HELLO! Does everyone forget what happened during Katrina? Who is to say this storm is not going to be worse? Who says your house, after all the battery it took from Katrina, will stand this time? Who says a tree will not fall through your child's bedroom window, who says your house will not be flooded with you stuck in it with 6ft of water?

I just do not understand. They give you warnings, they give you evacuation orders and you stay? Why are you playing hero. Don't tell me your not, your either playing hero or your playing stupid ignorant fool. Put your life, your children's life, you pets life on a higher petestal. You can rebuild your house and buy new possessions, you cant bring a life back. Get out of the mind set of being stronger then the storm, and realize that this is a serious threat!

Call me an idiot, but if I saw a storm like that headed towards MY family, Id be looooong gone without second thought. My children are worth so much more to me then that. You can tell me over and over that it dosnt make you love your child any less. You may love them, but your thought process is all wrong. You are your child's decision maker and protector, do your job!


That being said, my prayers are with all the families down that way. I really hope everyone makes the right decision to stay safe. I pray for all the children and innocent lives that are being forced to stay in this storms wake. May God watch over you and protect you.

Happy Birthday to ME :)

That is right, today is my silver birthday. I am offically part of the 1/4 century club (good god that sounds depressing). Well...not technically yet, not until 10pm tonight :D

Today was a wonderful day. We woke up after a hillarious and out right fun night of drinking (which I really needed!!) and I got breakfast served to me. Timmys in bed, nothing better, Brian knows me too well. I knew from yesterday that I had 2 "appts" for this morning, but had NO idea what/where. So I get ready and head out in the car. Brian drops me off for a nice relaxing massage!!!!!! It was amazing. He booked the appointment with a massage therapist/physio therapist and they were jsut amazing. I really was in need of a great de-stressing massage and that is exactly what I got. When it was time to leave Brian and the girls were there ready for the day and they brought me to the next place. Brian then set up an appointment at a spa for a mani/pedi. Ohhh it was nice. I was very pleased with the place.

Time for lunch. Brian (daring I may add because of the plans he had) asked me where I wanted to go for lunch. Of course, I said Jacks. Boy he is lucky he knows me 100%! We headed to Jacks for lunch and I was suprised by family and friends with a birthday lunch. It was nice to have people there to celebrate with us and we had alot of fun. Great food and great company. It was very sweet.

All in all it has been a marvelous day. We were planning on going to the drive thru tonight but Im not too sure at this moment. We are both SO tired from the day, so we may wait and go for the super feature night tomorrow. Im kind of excited at the thought of a quiet movie night at home with some gelato! YUM :)

SO that was my day. It was great and Im so very lucky to have such an amazing man in my life.

The list

I wrote out a list of all the words Brooklyn is saying, but need to keep it someone I wont loss it. So...here it is. I will add to it as time goes on.

mommy
mama
daddy
dada
sissy
baby
puppy
ducky
shusha (portugese for soother)
she she (another word she uses for soother)
baba
cheese
please
one
two
three
thank you
good girl
quack
no
nana
papa
doggie
up
hi
bye (or bye bye)
ew
pee you (when something stinks)
tub tub
tubby
night night
wow
toy
shoe
nose
out
nummy
yummy
eye
you
juice
dude
boobah
boobies
twinkle
start
high
sky
are
blue
red
toes
madi
kiss


She signs for:
milk
all done
more
kiss

Maybe I am a bit mistaken

Could someone fill me in on where I went wrong. I was very unaware that caring about an innocent child, being respectful and being the bigger person meant that I was kissing people's asses. Everyday of my life does not need to be about drama. I dont feel the need to be over dramatic about every little god damn situation. A child is sick (Yes...child...INNOCENT CHILD) and I want them to get better and offer suggestions....and im kissing ass? I comment on a child's pictures and Im kissing ass? Now I could see if I was constantly complementing those who have hurt me in the past. I could see if I was mailing out mother of the year awards, hell I could even see if I was playing best friend but matters of a child? Common! I am 25 years old, I don't need to stoop to the past levels of others to make myself feel ok. Save the drama for someone else, I dont need it!

oh wait...I thought that everyone deserved second chances. Right, only when it wasnt me in the good books. Gottcha. Ill make a mental note of that for nex time.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRr

ok, vent over.

Baths are for babies

And Miss Brooklyn no longer things she fits in that category!! If I try to put her in the bath, she freaks. She points up to the shower head and says tub tub. All she wants is a shower, no baths for this big girl. She will though, let me eventually put the plug down and allow the bath to fill up. Once shes had enough shower she will play in the bath. Damn stubborn kid. Wonder where she gets that from...................................

Getting ready and all excited



In and getting adjusted



PLAY TIME!!!




An extra one for fun!!

Yes....I did it

I gave my baby her first set of piggy tails. Go ahead and laugh at me, I think it looks adorable. She is just too damn cute NOT to do this too. Geesh, how did I ever get so lucky? She is just like her sissy was from the beginning. She sat in my lap, played with her toothbrush and let mommy do her magic. Such a little angel she is!! Here are the pics, aint she darlin'??

Do you notice her hair getting even lighter? It's unreal!! You should see it in the natural light!




Mommys little ham, boy how I love this little lady.

Hair style mama

Brooklyn is a girlie girl through and through. She is obsessed with shoes, jewlery, and putting stuff in her hair. I guess this day she thought mamas hair brushing wasnt enough to tame her wild ways.





You cant really see it in that last one, but its there. Yesterday it was barretts. Why is it the child with NO hair actually likes stuff put in it??

Mommys little helper

Now...onto the more important stuff....my kids!

This pic is from last week but I wanted to show it off. Alexis is such a great helper, without even asking. I have vaccumed the floors downstairs and then went to put clothes away. After a few minutes I heard the vaccum go on again and thought maybe it was possessed. Well...it was! By Alexis! She insists on re-vaccuming the floors each and everytime I do it. Ahh...shes so amazing!! Here she is in action.



Look at that smile, its to die for!



ENJOY :)

I woke up...

on a different side of the bed. I have a different prospective, a different outlook and a different attitude. Im giving myself an intervention. I need to learn to respect myself, accept myself and be damn proud of myself. I deserve this. I know who I am, and I know who I am not. I hate when I find myself acting out in a way that is not me. I hate when I wake up in the morning embarassed of how I acted. I am my childrens role model, and I would much rather prefer them not acting the way I do at times. They will learn their behaviour and attitude through ME, and if they allowed what I do, acted the way I do or shamed the way I do, I would feel as if I failed. They are better then that and therefore, I must be better then that.

Respect, its up there high on my list of what I want my children to know and be. Ive learned the last few years to be a very accepting person. I do not judge nor do I hold against ones lifestyle. I will not throw that in their faces. Being different is not wrong, and my children need to know that. Respecting ones decisions does NOT mean you have to follow them. We are not all alike in this world and I dont for one second want my children to think that we need to be. I am different. I choose to live a different way. That is ok. I am not wrong, bad or immoral. I have to live my life, no one else. I accept who I am, appreciate it and love it. My children need to realize that people in life will do things they may not agree with....that is ok. Its life, not a bubble. I will teach them what I believe is ok and in time they will come up with their own list of what is ok. It may not match mine, but it will be their own.

I give my children stability. Their father and I will always be PARTNERS. We will always love each other and love them. I think that stability, respect, faith and truth are 4 of the most important things in the upbringing in children. You may not agree, and that is ok. I am raising my children, no one else and what I think is so much more important. I am 100% faithful to my family and they will never know any diffferent. That right there is the break of a family and I want them to always feel secure.

I no longer need to justify myself in life. My partner and I (finance by the way) know who we are, and where we are in life with each other. I dont need to answer why I am not married. It is non of your business. We have never once delayed our wedding, because we have never planned. God gives you the right time, and we will have our right time. In our hearts and in our eyes and our families eyes we are one. We are a packaged deal. That package is filled with love, respect and comittment. We together are very unsure why people continue to judge us based on a decision that is not their own, nor does it effect them. My children will always know mommy and daddy as together. Married, engaged, dating whatever, we are together. Children dont come up and ask a couple who are together forever "are you married". Why would you need to answer a question that wont be asked. We live as one, we work as one, we decide as one. We've had many opportunities to head out somewhere and get "married". That is not what we want. We know what we want and work towards that daily. The rest, you dont need to know. The level of our comittment and relationship will not be based on marriage. It will be based on all that we have worked towards in the past 5 years.

For us, it isnt about our vows taken infront of God. We never plan to do that. We do not live the religous life and most people who claim to are a laugh. We live our life based on what we believe, and we are on the same path with that. We have made a committement and vows to each other and our family. That is what we choose to want. That...is....ok!

I am not a hypocrite. I would never judge someone for mistakes that they made, vows that they broke, decisions they choose. They do not effect me. I judge someone on the way they treat me, treat others, respect me and my family. I judge someone on the way they portray themselves. Does God not say "thou shall not judge?" In the end, it is God who I will answer to, no one else. Please dont judge me because I am different. I will not change my lifestyle because someone else dosnt agree with it. If they were truely my friend, they would respect me and my choices. Dont agree with it I dont care, but respect it. I may not agree with your lifestyle but that does not in any way change the way I feel about you. I will not live my life based on anothers moral compass because unfortunatly our compasses are pointing in different directions. For me, that is ok. I accept you, I respect you and I embrace you.

There is no way in which life is "supposed" to be lived. If there was, we would all be a boring pile of mush. God did not say do not have children out of wedlock. God said no sex before marriage. If your going to trash me for my moral-less life, then trash your own as well. It upsets me that people TRIED for what we had (children before married) and because it didnt succeed until after, it is suddenly wrong. It upsets me that now I am shameful for continuing in my education, when thats not the way its supposed to be. It should have happened before kids. But its ok when others want to do it? Just because they didnt go forth with it for whatever reason, its now wrong? Its wrong that I want to better myself? Give my children a better life? My accomplishments and acheivments are now less?

Let me once and forall answer for you why I am not married. I believe with all my heart that a "marriage" should be the most stable, secure, healthy relationship there is in life. It should NEVER be anything less. THAT is the values that I place on a marriage. I witnessed in life a marriage that should never have been (my mother and father). They got married for all the wrong reasons. They were not 100% truely and wholeheartedly in love. They were not faithful (on one end). I placed so much more into marriage because of them. Yes, I sinned. I have children before I was married. In that I seek Gods assistance and forgiveness, no one elses. That being said until I know that my partner and I are in that place, we will not marry. We are in the same boat as this, and THIS is how we want to raise our girls. We are fighting to make their life better. We are fighting to instill in them what we think a marriage should REALLY be. We work so hard everyday to get to that place, so that when we enter our marriage we will be all that we think it should be. Our marriage will not be broken by faithless love, broken vows and lies. We both agree that our relationship needs to be at its 100% to get there. You may not agree with me. You may think that it is ok to work towards all that while in a marriage, we do not. It is our choice and decision to think this way and it wont change. I don't judge you for the mistakes you made or the decisions you make, please dont judge me for mine.

My children are special because...

- They know how to love. Everyday my daughter looks me in the eyes and says with her pretty straight little face "mommy, I really love you". She dosnt just say it because she wants something, she dosnt say it out of habit. Most of the time it is out of left field and for no reason at all. She will be in the middle of playing a game and walk up to me and tell me she loves me, then goes back to playing. In the middle of the day, in the middle of her favorite cartoon, she will turn to me and say "mommy, do you know how much I love daddy?". This child knows love, true love. That makes her very special!
Although Brooklyn does not speak fluently yet, her ability to love is very aparent! She is a very loving child. Any baby or animal she sees, she hugs and kisses with a big smile planted on her face. If you say "baby, mama loves you" (which I make a point to say atleast 3x a day), her face lights up and she simply puts her head on your shouler, arms around your neck and squeezes with every ounce in her. This child knows love, true love. That makes her very special!


- They know family. Im not saying they know who their family is. They know what family means. They are very lucky to be surrouded by a huge family who adores each and every piece of them. They adore the good (and boy is there lots) and they enjoy the bad (you know...the attitude, temper tantrums and all that jazz). Our family tries very hard to be positive influences in their lives. I admit, none of us are perfect, but they really do try. They make sure both girls feel equaly loved and cherished. They make sure both girls are well aware of how special they are to them. They give each of them the individual time they need, as well as the time together. They are very lucky to have great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins 1-20 and much more who think they are 2 of the most special little beings on earth. for this, they are very special!

- They know reality. I don't hide truths from my children. To an extend (they ARE still young!). This can be a cruel cruel world and I want them to be prepared and confident enough to take their place in life.

- They have confidence. I am very passionate about keeping childrens self esteem at an all time high. My child will never be called ugly, or fat, or stupid. Negativity is not spoken to my children because they deserve so much better. Unfortunatly they will hear alot of negative talk in life. About them, and about others. This kills a persons faith in life, and kills a persons self esteem. It is my duty as their mother to keep that self esteem as high as I can possibly make it. I want them to be comfortable and confident enough to allow those negative things in life not destroy them. I want them to be better then the negativity.

- They know health. I am a firm believer in creating a positive sense of self in my children. They need to know why it is so important to be healthy, active and eat properly. This isnt always easy with a stubbron 3yr old who may not want to eat, or a 1yr old whos teeth are leaving her appetite next to none. This all goes back to truth. I dont lie to them. I let them know exactly why it is so important to have a healthy, well balanced diet. It is my duty as their mom to make sure their precious little brains dont dwiddle away years down the road because they didnt eat properly. It is my duty as their mother to make sure I dont have a 5yr old anorexic. It is my duty as their mother to make sure my children are living a positive and healthy life.

Most of all, my children know me. They know all of me. They know my strengths, and they know my flaws. Brian and I allow our children to see us for who we really are. That being said, because of them, I try to make myself to be the best ME I can possibly be. I am not perfect, and that is ok. They need to know that they dont have to be perfect to be successful. They need to know it is ok to struggle. They need to know it is ok to work so hard that it hurts. I want them to work for what they want in life. I want them to be the best them that they can possibly be. No matter WHO they are in life, I will not judge them. I will accept them for who they are, because I am their mother and I offer them nothing but the truest and purest of love I possibly can give.

Congrats to Alexis!

I should have posted this a few weeks ago, but forgot. My dear Alexis made the spree team at gymnastics. 2 years of hard work and it has paid off. She is very excited to be able to train 2 days per week with her ultimate favorite coach Jacey. She has taught Alexis for the past 2 years and this year gets to run the spree team for 4-5yr olds. I just had to share our wonderful news. We are so very very proud of our little girl!

To be, or not to be....

Let's be honest here, some people should not be parent's. Correct?

I truely apologize to anyone this may offend, but Im going to be blunt in this post. That's what I'm here for, right? If you get offended early, or possibly don't really want to read what Im going to say, turn back now and click the pretty little "x" in the upper right hand box. CLOSE IT.

Ok, fair warning.

Is it ok in today's society to starve and deprive your children? I'm not talking about the parents who's children are picky eaters, have less then an appetite then my piggie or those who have children who just plain old don't like to eat. I'm talking about those parents who do not LET their children eat properly because they are 2 inches short of morons.

Let me give you an example. We will call the child in this situation "a", and the mother/father (since im sure it is both doing this) "b".

"A" is a bit child, nothing short of the worlds youngest giant. Today "A" arrives at my house, "b" in hand, and they enter. I am handed a bag by "b" and told that because "A" is such a picky eater, she packed a lunch and food for the day. "A" may not eat it all, but just try.

Exit door. I take "A" by the hand and lead him into the living room full of toys, and set him off to an activity. I go into the kitchen to unpack the food bag and put it in the fridge. Here is what I find.

***Quick Reminder. "A" is here from 8am until 4:30pm. Yes, that is 8 1/2 hrs.**

1) 2 pk of Activia Yogart (one preach, one prunes)
2) sippy cup with 4.5oz of milk (I measured)
3) sippy cup full of water
4) 1 jar of stage 2 corn
5) 1 jar of stage 1 prunes


I propose to you 2 questions. First of all, how on EARTH is this enough food for a toddler to eat in a 8 hr period?? Why would you starve a child? They should be on table food, they have more then enough ability to do so. So far, "A" has finished almost all of that, and it isnt noon yet. "A" is hungry! Why wont you just feed the child???

Secondly, what is with all the prunes?? And on top of Activia yogart? You have already told me that this child poop numerous times aday...why add to it?? What is the obsession with poop??

So I ask again, why on earth are some people granted the ability to be parents??

Such Beauty

Sunday afternoon we took the girls to the Niagara Butteryfly Conservatoy and Botanical Gardens. It was amazing, we all enjoyed the beauty inside and spent a wonderful afternoon as a family. Unfortunatly due to the lack of eagerness at Future Shop, my camera is still MIA. Luckily I was able to buy a simple (yet utterly amazing) point and shot a few weeks ago, so I wasn't without pictures. That would be a true crime. This picture, we are having blown up and edited. The background will be black with just the butterfly in the middle. (right now, it is sitting on my bright pink shirt...dosnt do it any justice).


While walking through the pavillion, I spotted way up high the prettiest site in the entire place. Although the pictures are not the greatest because my zoom creates fuzzy pictures (again, huge wishing that my camera was back in my arms!) I tried to capture the beauty it was. Just use your imagination and work with it!











It is amazing how life beauty can be captured through the pure enjoyment of a toddler. Ive never seen Brooklyn quite so impressed by nature before, but she was utterly amazed while we were there. Ive decided, because of this face, to make her room into a butterfly paradise.


Last but definatly not least, creativity. This picture really captivates the beauty of nature. The different textures, colors, shapes. Its all so simple, yet all so complex.


Go outside, take a walk through the park, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

and so it begins

Is this heaven, or hell? Someone asked that question yesterday and I am embarking on a journey to find out myself. The laptop. What on earth have I been missing?!? Sitting on the couch last night while my 2 beautiful girls were in bed sound asleep, laptop on my lap, Olympics on tv and cookies in hand (ok, so not really cookies, it was a popsicle but cookies just sounds like it flows better. Here I sit today laptop on table (on the lap it just gets so damn hot!), one child happily watching her favorite cartoon while coloring me a picture. Quite the multi-tasker she is. Second child running rampid in front of me, mum mum in one hand, puppy book in another. Seems like heaven definatly, I mean what could be better..right? Or is this Hell. I shouldnt be sitting here doing my own thing while my children run around and do as they please. I should be playing with them, doing activities and quite possibly cleaning my house. Ohhh....the angel on one shoulder or the cute little (and bright) devil on the other. Which one to pick. Ill let you know in a few days after my house is turned upside down and I still sit here, laptop in tow, smile on my face.

Curiosity. Did it really kill the cat?

There are so many things in life I am curious about. Not all of them killed my cat. I'm sure I am not the odd man out, but there are quite a few things in life that I am "closet curious" concerning. You know, those things you don't dare tell people you really wonder. If you think I'm going to sit here and spew them all out to you, don't go on reading. You may really be disappointed.

There are though, things in life in which I am very curious about and willing to ask. Somehow or for some reason or anything, I have yet to ask them. My cat is meowing and scratching but has YET to come out and play. Got me?

A small list of questions in which I am looking for answers.

1) Why is it that you get looks for being a 20-something mother? Contrary to that, why is it you get looks for being a 40-something mother (new mother)? Im alittle lost on the idea that it is not "ok" to have a baby young, but it is also not "ok" to have a baby old. Did someone forget to let me in on the golden age of child bearing?

2)"it was all his fault". Do you know how many times I have heard that from friends and family (female quite obviously) after finding out they were pregnant.
"He didnt pull out or put on a condom"
I'm sorry, call me stupid, but is consented sex not a 2 way street? Is it really all up to the male to use a form of birth control in order to prevent babies? Do woman suddenly go blind the moment a penis is shown, and therefore are unaware at the time of protection is being used. Sorry sweetheart, if you didnt want a baby, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

3)Why does the sky turn green when there is a tornado. I know, stupid question without any rambling after, but I really have always wondered.


It's silly that as an adult you can be afraid to question. I teach my girls to question what they are taught, question when they are unsure but most importantly I teach them to trust in what they know.

I probably already know the answer to 99% of the things I question, and allow myself to fear the answer. Fear will only render you in life. I've started to trust myself and trust what I know so that I can move forward and continue to develop in life. Wish me luck, it could get interesting!

And the stupidity rolls on....

and on....and on.....and on! It's like word vomit, but this time its vomit of lacking brain cells. Will it ever get any better?? Do you ever look up at God and ask him why over again x20? Ask him why you got put where you are, dealing with the shit you are dealing with. Today, I asked him. BOY did I ask him!

It seems like there is always family drama, and it really makes me wonder what people are thinking. Why on earth is it so hard for others to put their children first. I mean, is being selfless THAT damn difficult?? Am I an alien for being able to practice this trait in life?

***

There are times in life when you need to sit back and re-evaluate the type of people you let into your life. Although their companionship, friendship, neediness and all of that lovely *not* stuff seems wonderful to YOU, think about how certain people effect others. Oh....like your children possibly?
**apologies for rambling without totally explaining, I would be here for hours if I did. Just let me bitch, ok?!**
Why would you let such trash into your life? Letting such negative behaviour happen around your children is uncalled for. I often sit back and wonder, just wonder, why God lets certain people have children. I am sure it is all in his plan and for good intentions, but I just dont see it! I worry. I worry for these innocent kids, I worry for my mothers sanity while trying to deal with all this. I worry that I may not be able to handle it all and be there to help my mom deal with it. Why do I have to deal?? Im the sister, not the mother! I shouldnt be dragged into all this all the time but I am, because I care about my neices and wont watch them possibly be hurt (not by my sister, but by pathetic people she allows around them).
Ugh, Im just so frustrated. In the end it makes me happy and proud for my family. I'm glad my children arnt raised like that, around that. They will never KNOW that!

I go to bed still questioning, and still wondering.



~The truth is plain to see... she was sent to rescue me.
I see who I want to be in my daughter's eyes.~

Bad, yet proud, mommy moment

I make it very clear to anyone who knows me that I allow my children to learn through experience. I won't shelter my children thinking it will protect them. I want them to experience, explore and learn through their triumphs and mistakes. Please don't get me wrong, I would never in my life put my child in harms way to learn a lesson, and I will also protect them to the best of my ability. Given that, I will not always be with my children 24/7 and believe that at some point in life, they need to learn to defend their own. I try to instill in my kids that it is ok to share their opinions, and to always be outspoken. I teach them that it is important to respect others and always keep an open mind when someone does, says, or feels a way you may not agree with. Along those lines, I also teach them to never change themselves in any way just to fall into anothers path of thinking. Don't let others change your views and stand strong in what you believe in.

Ok, so now onto my little story. As Alexis is going away to kindergarden in September, Ive come to realize that my little baby will no longer be under my wings all day. I can't always be there to stick up for her, help her with issues and hold her hand in a situation she may find frightfull. Ive had to teach her to use her independance in positive ways, trust in herself and to trust her instints. Its been hard, as I like her feeling safe and knowing mommy is always going to be there.

Monday night I took Alexis to watch her cousins soccer game. Alexis herself plays, and is alittle unsure of the sport and having her watch her big cousin playing seems to help her wanting to play herself. Normally we go as a family, but Brooklyn was overtired and daddy had some plays he needed to run to. He decided to keep Brooklyn home and walk into town and head to a few stores, knowing she would fall asleep on the way. I took Alexis with me and we headed to the field.

Normally she will watch 1/2 the game, get bored, and want to go play. Her and her cousin Kaitlyne decided they wanted to go to the park. Luckily, it is right beside the field they were playing at. So I sat on the step to the park, while being able to watch the game as well as my baby playing. A few minutes into her fun time, she game running to me complaining that a girl was being mean to her. I asked her what she was doing, and she said throwing rocks at her face. I said ok sweetie, remember when someone is doing something mean to you, ask them nicely to stop and tell them you dont like what they are doing. So she runs back and I see her talking to the little girl, who laughs and runs away. Fine by me, she did what she knew she was supposed to. Given this girl was about 8-9yrs old I was proud of my little 3yr old girl being respectful and the bigger person.

A few minutes later, Alexis runs up to me again crying saying the girl was still throwing rocks at her. This time I came up with her, and stood there as she asked the girl to stop. The girl started laughing and said no. At this point, I asked her myself and told her that I would like her to stop throwing rocks at the other children. The little girl ran away. Instead of keeping my eyes on the soccer game, I stood by on the side and watched the kids interact. Alexis was sliding down the slide and when she reached the bottom, the little girl came running up to her and threw rocks in her face. God what a brat! I started to walk towards them and the little girl saw me and ran to her father. Great, thank you! I walked over to the little girl and her father and told him what was going on, and explained that my 3yr old and myself had asked her to stop throwing rocks in her face. THe little girl laughed, and the father said "kids will be kids". I was fuming, swore, and walked away. The little girl ran over to where Alexis and Kati were, and I was standing there with them. She just stood there with a sneer on her face. I bent down to Alexis and simply said "sweetie, if this girl does not stop bugging you, I give you permission to knock her out". Alexis replied "what?" I said "Permission hunny, to hit her!" Then, I walked away. God that felt good, and the little girl went running to her father. He came over to me and asked what I told my daughter to do and I said to him "knock her out, and if you dont stop, Ill knock YOU out" and walked away, alexis in hand, and got a freezie from the snack bar.

Call me a bad mommy, thats fine. Unfortunatly I feel it was in my daughters best interest to teach her that at certain points in life, you may have to defend yourself. Luckily, i know my daughter very well. I know for certain she wouldn't hit another without absolute belief that she was in danger and it was her last option. I sat her down at home afterwards and explained to her how it is not proper to put your hands on another person, unless in specific circumstances, and explained those situations to her. She seemed to take it all in, and i trust she did being such a smart little girl.

Who would have thought!?!

Please give me some credit, and remember that my now very smart 3yr old decided that talking as not a necessity in everyday life until she hit the age of 2.

So on to my second daughter. My ignorance shines through when I automatically assume that they will be the same sort of person living in 2 bodies. I never once thought I would have to watch my sometimes trucker mouth around my 14 month old daughter! HA! Guess I was wrong, so very wrong.

Lately, Miss Brooklyn has been occupying herself by repeating simple words she hears on an everyday basis. She started around the time we went camping (not quite 2 weeks ago) and the entire weekend walked around saying "good girl". (*positive note, I tell her shes such a good girl all the time!!*). Ever since then, its been new habit. She will say please whenever she wants something, followed by a "tank tu" afterwards. Everything with more then 2 feet is a puppy in her eyes, and every man/woman/child/infant ext is a baby.

So on to the story. 2 days ago I was in the kitchen cooking Alexis her favorite lunch. Mamas homemade chicken and veggie soup (wish she didnt like it so much, it takes too long to make!). Stupid mama decided it would be a good idea to place her hand on the hot burner. Of course, I scream "OH SHIT!" and run off to put my hand under cold water. Out I come of the bathroom to hear "SHI" "SHI" . Just about the entire word, minis the T. I laughed at first, and told her nono and figured that would be the end. WRONG! My little einstein walked around the house ALL evening screaming, oh yes, SCREAMING "SHI" at the top of her lungs and then laughing.

Long story short, even though you child is a mere 14 months old, watch your trucker mouth. They may come out and suprise you one day.


**ending note, its been 2 days and we havn't heard "SHI" sence. THANK GOD!**

Not Always Right.

I just really needed to post a few of these. Thank you to Heather for sharing, you made my night that much brighter!!

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Water You, Stupid?
Airport | Kansas City, MO, USA
(While passing through airport security, a passenger’s bag needs to be pulled because the x-ray operator sees an obvious big bottle of water when the limit is 3.4 oz.)

Me: “Whose bag is this?”

Passenger: “Oh! Oh! Oohhh! It’s mine! Is there something wrong?”

Me: “I just need to take a quick look inside, ma’am. This shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.”

Passenger: “Well, hurry. I think they’re boarding my plane.”

(I open her bag and find the bottle almost immediately. She gasps as I pull it out.)

Me: “Ma’am, I’m afraid you cannot have this beyond this point.”

Passenger: “Why not? I just bought it, and it’s unopened!”

Me: “Ma’am, the rules clearly state that you cannot have any liquids over 3.4 oz in your carry on. If you’d like to, you could–”

Passenger: “But that’s not a liquid!”

Me: “Excuse me, ma’am?”

Passenger: “It’s not a liquid! It’s water! W-A-T-E-R! You know, H-2-O? For the love of God, don’t they hire anyone with more than a grade school education for security?”


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iPod, Meet iDiet
Retail | Minneapolis, MN, USA
(I’ve just spent about 10 minutes answering fairly standard questions from a customer about an iPod. Then, they asked this one…)

Customer: “Oh, before you leave I have one more question!”

Me: “Sure, what can I help you with?”

Customer: “Will the iPod get heavier if I put more songs on it?”

Me: “No…?”

(I was so dumbfounded I didn’t realize how stupid the question actually was until 10 minutes later.)

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Read a few for yourself, get a good laugh in tonight!
http://notalwaysright.com/

The sweet things in life

Is there anything sweeter then hearing your 3yr old randomly say "mommy, you're my best friend!" or your 1yr old screech out loud "MOMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!". My girls remind me of those sweet things life holds daily, and they make me realize time and time again why I am so blessed. Nothing in my life has been solid, everything has always been a big question. They've given me stability and a reason to answer all those questions. I thank them. They have saved me, and helped me to be the best person I can be. Beacuse of them I want to be honest, caring, open-minded and non-judgemental. That, I believe, children deserve. If I want them to be good people, it is me who needs to teach them how.

Let me tell you though, those sweet things in life my children teach me comes at a mighty price. Dealing with these characteristics they clearly gained from their mama makes me have alot more respect and understanding for my own mother. Let me paint you a small picture of who exactly these 2, seemingly innocent, children really are.

Alexis. Shes cheeky. Never a dull moment. You want an answer, boy will she give you one. You wanna know if your ass looks big in those jeans, ask her! (please, dont use ass though, she repeats everything and will never let you forget it was you who taught her the word ass!) You want honestly, this girl is dead and determined to give you just that. I've taught her to be honest, and never tell a lie. Unfortunatly, she dosnt quite understand just yet how to do this with tact, so blunt honesty is what she gives LOL.
Alexis is sassy. If she wants something, she will get it. She's not afraid to give attitude where attitude is needed. She will give you that "hell you KNOW im cute" smirk and sit back knowing, just knowing, that she is going to get what she asks for. You tell her no, she'll laugh at you. No only gives this child more drive to get what she wants!
She is silly. Always wants to have the last laugh. She loves watching people giggle at her silly faces, laugh at her jokes that only make sense to her fellow 3yr olds. Shes not afraid to make a plain old ass of herself if it means having those around her laugh. Quite the character she is!

Brooklyn....ohhh my dear Brooklyn. Anyone who has meet this young lady will tell you that she's got attitude. 14 months going on 14 she is! You tell her no, shell yell in your face right back, laugh, walk away, and do as she pleases anyways. You tell her danger, she will smirk that cute little smirk and go on her merry way regardless, all the whild looking back to make SURE you are still watching her do exactly what she is not to do. If she wants something, she will get it. Wether that means she has to scream at you, steal it from you or act cute and sweet to get it, she will.
Fearless. Up and down the steps walking, climbing on whatever obsticle is in her way. This little girl knows no fear. As im sure she would say if only she could talk "A little boo boo never hurt nobody!"

Daily I have to edure the trials of these 2 beautiful, charming yet secretly devilish young ladies. They drive mama mad, they make me yell and pull my hair out, but at the end of the day I wouldnt trade them for anything. No one can match the beauties they really are.

Update from the crazed

Things have been so hectic here on the home front. I don't get alot of time on the computer, so when I do updating this thing just wasn't on my mind. Apologies to all my avid readers...as well as the avid "hidden readers" (that's a whole nother blog).

So I will start off with Miss Brooklyn. Shes running, jumping and making a mess. She is such a character and has one attitude I would trade in no problem. I call her determined, I think that is my nice way of saying she can be a complete PITA! I will say, her whine spells have become fewer and farther in between. She is a wonderful, and I mean wonderful sleeper. That little girl begs for her crib by the time 7:30pm rolls around, and we dont hear a peep from her until 8am. She gets up, nurses, and goes back down until around 9ish. She is very happy in the morning, and loves to just play on her own (not so happy if someone is in her face). Nap time is the same time daily, 1230/1pm and lasts about 2hrs. Mama really shouldn't complain now should she?!?
She is learning new stuff on a daily basis. She loves body parts and will show you when asked where her eyes, nose, mouth, ears and belly are. She still isnt the biggest talker but some of her newest that she says daily are "tub tub" (while she is trying to climb in), "out" when standing by the door crying to go outside and "yummy". She loves to sing twinkle twinkle...which is really humming the tune with you and throwing in a few words like star, high and meeeeeee. As JM, she sang for her on the phone LOL. So cute!

Alexis....ohhhh miss Alexis. She had her gymnastics competition last weekend. She did AMAZING, and we were SO proud of our little girl. She got first place for her floor routine and her bean routine. She got second place on the vault and she got third place in the pit race. She has her ribbons and is more then pleased to show them off to anyone who asks. We went to her kindergarden orientation last night and she loved it there. Her teacher Mrs. O'Neil is just amazing. Her current J/K (pre-kindergarden) class is at a stage 5 (grade 1) reading level, and all but 1 child in her class can read. She showed us their writing journals and all the different activity stations she has planned. Great ways to learn math and science all while playing with things kids just love to play with. Alexis is now very excited for summer to be over and to be able to go to school. She really didn't want to leave last night, and has talked about it ever since.
Soccer started a few weeks ago and its going good. She was shy and apprehensive at first but has really come to love playing with her new friends there. We are deciding on swim lessons, but may just do a few private at a family members pool so we dont have to be stuck obligated for weeks when we wont be home. Other then that, Alexis is her same, cookey, silly, smart and playful self.

Other then all of that, things are going great. We have 2 concerts coming up. We are going to see John Mayer and One Republic with our BFF's in August. We are also going to see Hedley in October. Next weekend we are going camping with JM's family a few hrs away, and in August we are going to PA to Idlewild for a weekend of fun. Im sure we will plan lots more (like Marineland with our best friends, and lots of other fun stuff with them). Should be a great summer...about time!

Check it out!

A little tribute to my baby girl, who just turned 1! Happy Birthday snuggle butt, we love you SOOOOOO much!
Mommy, Daddy and sissy

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

And the fun begins!!

Miss Brooklyn has been steping and learning to walk for a few weeks now. She's really doing great, and gets so proud of herself! Too cute :) She officially walks more then she crawls and gets right back up when she falls down to walk again. She's still working on perfecting that balance, and maybe not having her hands up in the air LOL. Mommy loves that though, I always get a good giggle!! She will now walk in all rooms of the house, before it was hardwood and tile only, now carpet dosnt phase her and she even walked on the grass. I don't want my baby to keep growing up, so I enjoy every moment of her still being still and quiet. Which of couse just does not happen all that often!!! Alexis loves that she is walking now, and you can tell that their little bond grows each day. Its unreal the way they can make each other laugh and smile, like they already have their own secret little world. Its adorable to walk into a room and here your 3yr old say "See Brookie, EYES!" as she is poking her own eyes out. HAHA. Private little teacher. You can tell that Brooklyn tries to copy what Alexis does, even if it means trying to break into a run and fall flat on her poor little noggin. Dosnt phase her in the least. Her carry me phase is over, unless of course she is tired or hungry. Shes eating great, sleeping amazing and still her stubborn, determined little self.
Ok, mommy brag moment is over.
wait...no its not LOL. Alexis heads to the discovery center tomorrow and she told me that they will be seeing how flowers grow from tiny little seeds ("just like how a baby grows mommy") and how muscles work. They have a spring exhibit set up and also a human body exhibit right now. Sure she will enjoy her class trip. Other then that little news, she is her typical self. Full of energy, bright and shining little self who is suddenly interested in all these new things life has to offer (like dress up, littlest pet shop and puppet shows). We are all SO glad the weather is cooperating and being nice, because outside is the best place for these little rugrats to be. Of course I love it too!

*I need to check to see if the other blog is linked to this one, its a must read. Just the beginning, but definatly a must read in the future!*

Till next time...ta ta

Pics and Video

So I promised before and I've been slacking. Appologies. Here are some recent pics of my future beauty queens, and a video of Brooklyn walking last week. You should really see this girl go now, she tries to run so hard, but it usually ends up in a face plant after a few steps. Dosn't bug her, she still keeps trying to run! Definatly thinks lifes a marathon.

Heres the Video of her walking. I will post more this week or her from this week. See how far shes come!

Brooklyn walking


Now on to some new pics!

Sweet sweet sisters.



Brookie loves to give hugs! Such a tweetheart :)



Mommys little Eintein at dinner.



Mama and Boo at dinner



Look at that smile :D Waiting for daddy to get out of work.

A little update

So I just thought I would post a little update on the girlies before I get back to my insane nonsense posts.
Alexis is...well...Alexis. The dead typical 3yr old with the personality of a teenager. Wait...did I say personality, I meant attitude! Shes a character, and acting classes would do her some good. She had march break last week so there was no school. That made for a good time. She really needs that educational stimulation to keep her sane. I dont know what we will do during the summer, why don't they have summer school for 3 yr olds?? Like usual, she is a sponge. She has taught herself (curtosy of her leap frog book) how to count to 39. She keeps forgetting that 40 comes next. Now, if you ask her "10, 20, 30, what" she will say "40, 50" BUT when doing it number by number, she forgets 40. I dunno, crazy little girl she is. She is praticing to count by 2's which normally makes for a good crack up, some how this humors her. School taught her the days of the week, so she will go around the house trying to remember starting at different points. Example "monday, then Tuesday. Friday comes after thursday, and then one more sleep is Saturday." Shes really nailed them down. Of course, amazes us daily with what she comes out with. Her teachers told me on Tuesday that they have had to pull out the writing station to keep her busy, because they have noticed her attitude change when she gets bored with the regular activities. Her pedi called Fatima (the school she will be in next year) and had requested a parent/teacher meeting during the orientation. The school is great for advanced learning, and there are programs she could be weeded into. They have different programs during the 2 kinder yrs that gear towards different learning levels, and that makes us all very happy.
She starts soccer on may 31st, saturday mornings. Right after she heads to gymnastics, and possibly keeping that up 2x a week during the summer, if they start the spree team early. We will see. If not, swimming it will be and possibly one more because bordem is NOT her friend.

Brooklyn turned 11 months and this stage is just remarkable. She is a very bright little lady and I love to watch her learn new things. She can now take 4-5 steps at a time..but ONLY when she wants to. Shes stubborn as a mule but determined as hell. Weve also realized she has a much more timid personality then her big sis. She knows the nose, belly and eyes on any animal, doll or person. She can get you a pig, duck, dog or cow if you ask her from her toys or animals. Words nothing really new, just the regular mama, dada, papa, lala for Lexi, up, duck is the newest and the other bibble babble that fills our ears daily. She has been a GREAT sleeper lately and we only hope that keeps up. We ALL need the sleep!!!

Well, I will be back shortly with an aray of new pics fo ryou all to oggle over LOL. C U then.

Love, Hate, Appreciate

Its the rules of life. Always need true love, be passionate about what you hate, and appreciate all you have...and sometimes don't have.I love my fiance. He is the love of my life. A real man, great father and very hard worker. Sure, he can be a total and utter pain in the ass (something I hate) but at the end of the day, he is true, loyal and faithful. Give and take. I accept the bad for all the good.I love my children. They are the light of my life. They have saved me from a place where I know my live would have swerved to. They make me a better person. Because of them, I try daily to be the best I can be. I've learned to be positive, take things with stride and see the good in every situation. Sure, they can be a total and utter pain the the ass (sound familiar?) but at the end of the day, they are true, loyal and faithful to me. I accept the bad for all the good.I love my best friend. She allows me to be the real me. She is honest and truthful and knows exactly what to say to make me laugh. Because of her I have grown the confidence to show the world who ERIN is, not what others want me to be. Sure, she can be a total and utter pain in the ass, but at the end of the day she is true,loyal and faithful to me. I accept all the bad for the good.I love my family. Through all the bad experiences in my life, they have stuck it out with me and showed me the light at the end of the tunnel. They accept me for who I am and cherish my spot in their lives. Beecause of them I knew how to recognize true love, true friends and respect each individual for exactly that, their individuality. Sure, they can be a total and utter pain in the ass, but at the end of the day they are true, loyal and faithful to me. I accept all the bad for the good.I love my close and dear friends. Our lives have lead us down very different paths but they are always right there behind me to partake in my life. They love my family as if it was their own. They find time to visit, to call or to email. They know they are able to call me at 2am with a question, middle of nap time for a simple hello or at 9am to update me with what I need to know (hehe ange...yes...I was up!). Sure, they can be a total and utter pain in the ass, but at the end of the day they are true, loyal and faithful to me. I accept all the bad for the good.Hate is a very strong word, yet at some point in everyones lives, they will stroll across something they hate. I am very passionate about what I hate, and nothing or no one will stray me otherwise. I hate abuse, war, judgement, racism and cruelty. Yes, those are very vague but they include within them so many things I keep within myself and fight to the end for. I am not a hateful person, I do not carry around alot of anger because I have learned to let it out and let it go. I have allowed myself to find the good in some of the worst situations, but what I hate is the exception.To appreciate. To be greatful and thankful for. To value or regard highly. I appreciate all that I love. I appreciate my life, my love, my family and my friends. I appreciate the opportunity God has given me. I appreciate all that is different in life. To be able to appreciate the people and things around you gives you the power to hold so much love. To apppreciate gives you the power to let go all that you hate. To appreciate gives you the power to truely live a full live filled with happiness and love.Remember, I appreciate YOU.

You know your a mom when....

Ive seen SO many versions of this on the internet lately, and I find them all so funny and mostly fitting. I thought Id come up with one of my own to relate to how I see things as a mom!

You know your a mom when....

*You begin to refer to yourself in the third person. "ok hunny, mommy is going to bed" "mommy needs your help" "No sex tonight sweetheart (to your SO), mommy is too tired"

*You shrug off when your 3yr old yells with all her might in a public bathroom "thats a BIG poop mommy!" and starts to do the potty dance.

*You faithfully crumble and agree that celery and PB is a perfectly healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime snack

*Refering to post2, you dont think twice to do the potty dance yourself when your kiddo sucessfully goes to the bathroom in a public place...regardless of how many strange looks you are getting

*You no longer have to ask for a mop or paper towel at the restaurant when your 3yr old spills her chocolate milk all over the table...for the 5th time that night. You know better by now, you carry cleaning supplies in your purse!

*Your purse is no longer YOUR purse. It is now filled with a spare diaper, 2 extra soothers, clean kids undies, a spare snack and a toy if you can manage

*You count down the minutes until 8 o'clock. Not because your favorite show is on, not because you want to head out for a beer. Only because that beautiful number 8 means bedtime...peace, quiet and maybe some shut eye

*When making DH's lunch for work, you never forget his fishy crackers, apple sauce and spoon OR his sippy.... :S

*5 times a day you hear yourself saying "god I sound like my mom"

*You call your mom nightly to say thank you

*You lick your thumb to wipe off the dirt, paint or food from your childrens faces

*Shower time is no longer a solo mission. It now consists of a 3yr old at your feet and a 1yr old screaming from her exersaucer to join in on the fun

*Soap operas and reality shows are exchanged for magic school bus adventures and dora explorations

*You are dying of sleep, but set your alarm regardless to get up twice a night and check on your babies.

Last but not least. You know your a mom when you get tears in your eyes when you hear those sweet little voices wisper I love you, when the best message in the world is "mommy your my best friend" or that sheer screech of happiness when your baby simply sees your face.
**sigh**

An end to the mayhem

Cease the chaos....somebody? Anybody? Hello....can you hear me?!? Guess I'm still alone in this world of "mommy, sing me the silly song" "mommy, why do birds fly?" "mommy, my leg itches, but I don't want to scratch it".
Hold on, one minute, mommy is out of commission at the moment. *breathe* Mommy is going to slowly walk away, backwards. See those marbles rolling away on the floor hunny, those are my patience. They are escaping what I can't.
11 hours and 34 minutes with the kids myself today. 11 hours and 33 minutes too long. Today, in this house of craziness, sat a mom who was about to fly off the high board, head first, into a pool that was just drained of water. Please pray, right along with me, that tomorrow there is no minute too long!

I want you all to enjoy in the conversation with a three year old, who sometimes I believe, is a 30 year old trapped in a cute, bubbly 3yr olds body:

"mommy?"

"yes hunny?"

"nothing."

"what do you mean nothing, you just called my name"

"oh, just wanted to make sure you were there"

"But Alexis, Im sitting right here beside you"

"but I was just checking, ok?!?"

"ok."

....30 seconds pass with pure silence.....

"mommy"

"Im still here Alexis"

"I know silly, your sitting right beside me."

"oh of course, how foolish of me. Do you need something?"

"yes"

"well, what is it?"

"Its sunny outside today"

"I know, isnt it nice! No more couldy days"

"I dislike cloudy days. remember at the restaurant yesterday, on my paper? We wrote cloudy days, monsters, robots and crying"

"yup, your right! Do you remember what we wrote as your likes Alexis?"

"yes, daddy said I like just about everyone, because Im PERFECT"

"well, if daddy says so!"

"mommy"

"yes Alexis"

"you still there?"

"yes Alexis"

"Its sunny out....."

"uh huh....and?"

"Do you remember what you said we can do when it was sunny out?"

"whats that?"

"play with my sand"


....GRRR....why exactly did I tell the kid at christmas time, the kid who has the memory of unbreakable ice, that she could play with that STUPID moon sand once it was sunny out. I hide it...she never mentioned it again...until today!!!! She said I promised, and who can break a promise to a 3 year old. Boy, better watch was I promise her from now on!

The start of it all

HI everyone, Erin here. Ive decided to start this blog as an outlet. A place to vent, brag and share in all the craziness that is my life. Im a mom, with a wild streak. I dont sugar coat life for my children. I dont pussy foot around issues with my friends. Once in awhile, I even like to break a rule or two. I have peircings, I love tattoos. I let my kids listen to music off the radio....even the uncencored shit (sometimes!). Ive lived and learned, and will allow my kids to do the same. I'm teaching them to be individuals, and to be the best that they can possibly be. I stand here with the love of my life and together we raise our family the way WE believe we should, not how we are told we should. Call us rebels, I call us real!
I hope you all enjoy my blog. I intend this to be a place you can come and see my family for what we really are. **In my eyes, were pretty cool cats!** Come back and have a laugh, shed a tear and crack a smile....I'll be seeing you real soon.