My Little Bit is TWO!

Happy Birthday, Little Bit!

You know, my goal as a mother from early on was to make sure that I treasured every single little moment. I did not want to look back one day with regrets. I didn't want to hear a little old lady tell me, "it's over in a blink of an eye" and worry that I was missing something. Although that was my goal, I still feel like these last two years FLEW by without me noticing. I was intentional with my moments where my children are concerned, yet despite my deepest efforts, here I am two years since Little Bit was born...shaking my head and wondering where the time went.

I think with your first born you are so excited to reach each and every milestone that you are looking ahead...not behind at phases that passed by you. I know that is the way I was with LaLa. Plus, as soon as LaLa passed this baby stage, I was so excited about what was just ahead...preschool, being able to be more independent, soccer, more talking, more active, etc.. I was pregnant when LaLa turned two. I think that helped too! I knew the "baby" world was still just around the corner. It is so odd to be excited over such a milestone, yet so sad when those milestones go by as well. Wow, what contradictory feelings!

Little Bit is so excited about her big party on Saturday. She is pointing at pictures of all her friends and family (hanging up on a board beside changing table) and asking, "they coming to my bertday?" She can also hold up two fingers when you ask her how old she is. However, she has to hold up one finger on each hand because she just hasn't grasped the concept of two fingers side by side on one hand! Regardless, it's cute!

LaLa has been a great big sister to Little Bit today. She woke her up by singing happy birthday! We spent the day as a family at Chuck-e-cheese, and the girls had a great deal of fun. I think they should hand prozac out to the parents when you leave. Needless to say, the grown ups are quite exhausted!

Can you guess what kind of party Little Bit is having!?:)

One phone call can change so much...

Yesterday, a friend and I thought we would steal a few minutes away from our families. I am off to the beach this week. She is off to the beach next week. We needed pedicures. Our husbands took on the role graciously of staying home and watching our girls. We sat down in these luxurious spa chairs, feet placed in warm sudsy water, and prepared for some girl chatting and some special treatment for our toes. About that time, my phone rang. It was Robert. All I gathered was panic in his voice (he never, ever panics), blood everywhere, my sweet baby crying, and that she had hit her head. My friend and I, literally, paid the lady something for the inconvenience, jumped out of the chairs, and ran to my car. Somehow I drove to my house without hitting anyone or anything. My friend did say a prayer for Little Bit, but I think part of her might have inwardly prayed for my driving!;)

As we pulled up to the house, my parents had just arrived as well. Robert called them to help with LaLa and for a car with seats if he had to run her to the hospital. Currently, my SUV is the only car we have with a backseat. Fortunately, the bleeding and crying had subsided by the time we arrived.

The story has varied according to who tells it, but from what I can gather, she was playing like the couch cushions were "lily pads" with her sister. Robert was doing the dishes (where he can still see them in the living room over the bar). She tripped in the midst of a jump and hit her head on the wall of the fireplace or coffee table...that's the sketchy part. The part where LaLa was the princess and Little Bit was the frog in the game prior to the accident is the only part that is accurate and consistent on everyone's account.

We decided to take her to Scottish Rite to make sure she was okay (concussion?) and to see if she needed stitches. They were incredible there. I was so shaken up I put her birth date as July 15, 2010...um...not quite, but they still looked at me concerned. I am somewhat of a germ fanatic and hospitals just freak me out a bit (okay, a lot). I did not want Little Bit to touch anything (not to mention that we had grabbed her and left without her shoes). We managed to keep her amused by walking and talking a lot. They checked her out immediately...head wound really gets you to the front of the line. They put this head band and numbing gel on her that had to stay on her for thirty to forty minutes. Hmmm....keeping an almost two year old from pulling it off...interesting. Then, we saw the doctor. He was great...absolutely great. I'm sure it was mostly due to my friend's prayers on the way to the house. He decided to put in a couple stitches because of its location. It would have continued to bleed and not have been able to "close" and "heal" properly. He said that there was no concussion and the wound was not too bad. He reassured us both (pale still, I'm sure) that head wounds bleed a great deal.



Then, the awful part. They swaddled her, wrapped her in a straight jacket, washed the blood out from her hair (right at her hair line), and cleaned the wound preparing it for stitches. She fought and fought to get out of that thing. She was crying, sweating, and pleading for "mama and dada to help". Heart breaking and breaking and breaking. Completely helpless. I am not good in emergencies. I cannot even sugarcoat the extent of my lack of ability to deal with them. I thought I was going to pass out when they took that thing and began to stitch her up.

Once it was over, she was fine. Her daddy handed her milk and her blanket, and she placed her head on my shoulder and fell asleep before we walked to the car. It had been an eventful day for a little girl....and me.

The first thing she said when she woke up was...ow...boo boo...hair hurt. Yes, baby, your "hair" will hurt for a couple days. You are just going to have stop being such a monkey! I think it is going to be Little Bit that gives me a heart attack and makes me gray WAY before my time. She has no fear. Sometimes, I want to be more like that myself. Sometimes, I long for the days when she didn't know how to be mobile yet and was safe!

The stitches should dissolve in a few days. Until then, we can't brush her hair. I can't remember whether or not we can wash it. Hats at the beach...she can't touch it...all that fun stuff. Do you see that girls crazy hair? Well, she will have that same crazy hair for a few days it seems!
It just amazes me that ONE...one simple phone call...can change so much...so fast. Fortunately, it all worked out, and I can this blog post to her scrapbook. Let's just hope that it's the last entry that results in a head wound and blood. On another note...does anyone know how to get blood stains out of a cute Bailey Boys outfit and couch cushions????

Ramblings & My Husband

This is my 200th post. Wow! I just thought that was interesting.

I went to Lowes today to collect 30 of these brick edger things (technical term), spraypaint, and a couple flats of flowers (can never have enough). All over their store, it says, "We will help you load." Well, Lowes...I say "yeah right". I spent almost forty minutes after I asked and paid for assistance and getting and loading these heavy brick things, got my kids in and out of my car four times because I was forgotten about waiting for help, and moved my car three times because the lady didn't know where to send me. Ultimately, I got my kids out of the car (both quite tired, exhausted, frustrated, and crying) one last time and went back inside the lawn and garden section. The lady assured me someone was stacking them this very second. I strolled our circus of screaming children over to the brick section and not one single person was there! I promptly got a refund for EVERYTHING I bought & packed my kids back in the car! YOU have to get this...it's the best part, the lady said, "Let me walk out with you to your car (still blocking the parking lot) to get your return (one brick paver thingie so she could ring up all thirty of them & my flats)". This cashier and a young man walked out with me to get my now returned items. So, they could walk OUT with me to get my returned items, BUT no one...not one...could help me LOAD my car! UGH! Okay, that was my rant and rambling.

Now, on to my husband. He's smart. He's lucky...wins everything and anything he signs up for in contests and activities. He can sale anything to anybody...pretty handy to have around to haggle or sale something at yard sales and such. He thinks and debates through everything and anything he does, especially when money is involved. Let's just say he is the cheapest person that I have ever met. beyond frugal. My dad often says he trips over dollars to save pennies. When he does spend money, I think he physically gets sick. With all that said, he's been (financially) nauseous for a few weeks now with our spending on our kitchen, our water heaters that went out, our air conditioner that stopped working, and everything else in the house that suddenly decided to fall apart! After a good thunderstorm and a full day power outage a couple weeks ago, our television began having a vertical green stripe and a double image. Every other tv worked in our house. Every tv is hooked up to a cable box just like the one downstairs. Only the downstairs tv was not working. Now, what would you think? My thought was the tv is broke. My sad husband mourned the loss of his flat screen, but after much debate, he decided we should replace the tv.

He spent the entire day (yes, mother's day) going back and forth between stores, sales people, the internet, and sales papers trying to decide the best economic decision on a new flat screen. After all, he rationalized that our tv was five years old (how is that old for a tv by the way?!). He purchased a tv. It wouldn't fit on our existing mount because it is now obselete (yes...five years old and they do not make it that way anymore...seriously). Off to purchase a mount. Oops...now we need a special (60 dollars) cable to make the dvd and vcr work. My poor dad and Robert worked hard the entire day working on getting this tv up and working. They turn it on and....

IT HAS A GREEN STRIPE AND A DOUBLE IMAGE!

WHAT?! Let me repeat, WHAT?!

I say (T), "that's not right. it has a green stripe too."
Robert (R) says, "oh, no, this tv is broken too."
My dad (D) says, "well, guys, it must be the cable not the tv."

R looks like he is about to pass out. He turns white, white, white and sits slowly. My D stands looking serious and perplexed. I fall down on the floor laughing, crying and unable to talk.

All that work. All that money. For no reason. We are not real frivalous people. We did not buy the original tv to begin with...my parents did as a gift one Christmas. We try to keep savings for emergencies (like air conditioners, water heaters, etc.). We have just had too much of that lately! We try not to have debt (if we cannot pay for something, we don't get it.) We saved for years to redo our kitchen. Like I said...Robert is cheap  frugal. We would have used the other tv until it died. Now, we have this fancy smancy tv after we have fixed item after item over the last few weeks in our house.

It's just kinda funny...well, let's just say Robert is not ready to laugh yet.

I just figured...you have to laugh or cry, right?!

I couldn't be mad because I assumed the tv was broke as well.
 I was more mad about it taking my entire mother's day than the tv drama!

Come on over and watch a show on our new fancy, smancy tv...

and feel free to laugh at with my smart, lucky, saavy husband about his not-so-smart purchase!

"Happy Mudders Day" & Thoughts About Being a Mommy

Mommy. Mama. Mother. Mamamamamama. Mom. These are the names that altered my life forever. That title of Mommy is the first time that I felt complete purpose for my life. It changed my perspectives. It changed my fears. It changed my goals. It changed my life.



Motherhood...a place that I never thought I would want to be. I assumed if I did ever become a mommy it would be a mom with a career, a nanny, a cleaning crew, and a nice, stylish wardrobe. I did not even plan on making a lot of money. I had dreams and plans of working or creating a non-profit organization to protect/support/advocate for children.



I know so many that dream and fight to have a baby of their own or through the gift of adoption. They have fought paperwork, time, money, infertility, tests, tears, miscarriages, and disappointment working toward experiencing the wonderful gift of motherhood. A gift that is easy to take for granted when you're tired and overwhelmed. My heart goes out to those that go through those trials and tribulations in their journey. There are so many sweet, innocent babies out there that need mothers. I pray and pray that they will find their way into their arms. I know a time after my miscarriage that I felt pain like no other. I felt like I lost a gift before I ever had the opportunity to treasure it.



When I became pregnant, I remember looking for a nanny to help when the baby came. I remember thinking (despite how wonderful and qualified the person was) that there was no way I wanted this individual raising my baby. You know what? I finally came to the conclusion that I was the only one that I wanted raising my baby. Then, I had to break it to my husband. I am finished with working. I will now be a stay at home mom...over night...decision made. One baby changed my mind...my life.



Time after time I feel frustration, confusion, overwhelmed, exhaustion, and just plain dumb as a mother. I heard a statement recently that explained it all. It's not that I have lost brain cells as a mommy. Rather, I just have so much more to do, think about, and worry about as a mommy. I do not have enough brain cells to go around!



However, more often than not, I feel admiration from my kids. My girls are two little people that tell me and think day after day that I am pretty as a princess....even with my glasses, ponytail, and sweatpants. I feel unconditional love when their sweet voices say "I love you, Mommy". I feel happy when my silly faces and "tickle tackles" make them giggle contagiously. I feel secure when they fall asleep beside me and reach out to snuggle in their sleepy state. I feel an overwhelmed need to protect when they cry or hurt, they run to me for comfort, a kiss, or a band-aide. I know for now...a short, very short time....I can make their hurts better.

I want to give my children so much. Most of all, I want them to be happy, healthy and strong. I want them to see God's love through my love. Yes, it is challenging at times. If I cannot show them Christ-like love, then who can I expect to show them the love of Christ.



I know that I would give anything, anything at all, for my children....my body, my time, my thoughts, my nights, my days, my life.



Yes, I would die for them...in a heartbeat...without a moment of hesitation. Could I let them die for me? Honestly, NO, I could not.



When I became a mother, I realized the sacrifice and love that God showed us when He gave us His Son to save us.



Wow...there are no further words to express that kind of sacrifice.



I love you my sweet girls. Thank you for making mother's day my favorite day of the year...the day that reminds me what a blessing being a mother truly is. LaLa and Little Bit, my mom used to tell me that you will never know a mother's love until you become one. It is so true....I will love you both....forever and always.

Love, Mommy



May all of you, Mommies or soon to be Mommies, have a very happy and special Mother’s Day.

Is it still today?

At moments I wonder if my life is a SNL (saturday night live) skit.

Today...
I wore two different socks. They were not just different styles. They were different colors.

Today...
I decided I needed some exercise as this warm weather has finally hit atlanta. The girls and I went on a walk. Well, I walked and they ate cheese its and juice boxes in the jogging stroller. We hit the half mile mark and my stroller had a flat. Of course, I didn't put shoes on either of my kiddos! We still had that half of a mile to back track in order to get home. Obviously, it hasn't seen much use lately. See, hubby, I knew that little pump attachment would come in handy some time or another...just should've learned how to use it. Strange person on the side of the road helped poor pitiful me.

Today...
Caught my daughter's birthday invitation on fire. Yes, I'm serious. Wouldn't a pirate invitation look extra cute with burnt edges? I was trying to go for the whole pirate map look. I was trying to gently burn the edges and the invite engulfed. I blew...bad...made worse. I waved it....very bad....got bigger and flames move. Threw it down in garage floor and stomped on it....worked...soot on floor.

Today...
In the grocery store we stopped by to get that free cookie the bakery gives kids so their parents can shop and spend more money instead of being grumpy and leave quickly....the baker lady sees my wild little bit and says, "oooh, that girl might need two to keep her still." Actually, Lady, even two cookies won't keep my toddler still unless you have a sedative in there!

Today...
I put my cell phone on the back of my car's bumper and drove away. Fortunately, I do most of my talking while I'm driving and noticed quickly....and it was still there!

Today...
I told my preschooler on the way to school to be a good girl. She said, "Mommy, I might just need to be a little naughty. I don't know how the day is going to go yet."

Today...
I told my mom that my kids were probably going to turn me gray early. LaLa overheard and told me I already had gray hair. (I don't by the way...or I don't think I do.)

Today...
I put my toddlers diaper on inside out. Yeah, that happens when they get to the age of not being still during diaper changes. The goal was to just get it on that end of her body.

Today...
I called the vet to schedule a follow up recheck for my yorkshire terrier. I did not get an appointment because the vet I like wasn't there, but the receptionist could not understand what I was saying even though I repeated myself over and over and over. Without realizing it, I had slowly gotten louder and louder the more times I repeated myself. I was trying to be productive and called while I was waiting outside at LaLa's preschool for the children to come. Of course this simple task turned into a quite embarrassing moment. "Yes mam, that's correct. HIS NAME IS MAX. YES, THE DR. I SAW LAST WEEK TOLD ME TO COME IN FOR A RECHECK. IT'S FOR HIS ANAL GLANDS. HIS ANAL GLANDS. HIS A-N-A-L GLAAAANDSSSS. OKAY, WELL, THANKS, I'LL TRY AGAIN IN A COUPLE DAYS. I looked around and people are trying not to look at me. They probably thought my husband was Max, and he has anal gland issues. Good luck, hubby, at donut for dads this week! I probably made you some new friends at preschool today.

Today...
is the day before my 30th birthday. I'm excited because I love, love, love birthdays and celebrations of any and all kinds, but 30 sounds like a real grown up. That is the part that is giving me some hesitation.

My mom used to tell me when I was little that when we are sad and we cry, the angels would cry with us. This comforted me to know that I never cried alone. Well, I think the same goes for laughing. I have laughed at myself all day. The angels must be laughing too. Maybe I need to submit some ideas to SNL.

Bless Her Heart

This is definitely not what I planned on posting today! I guess I'll save what I had planned and share something else...Okay, I just have to share about my day...because you will laugh...hard. I laughed. Well, I laughed...after I cried!

It's one of those things where you just can't truly, truly appreciate it unless you were there, but I'll try to share it anyway.

Here's the background...my little yorkie max is not feeling well. After a week, I decided it was legitimate and not just a little dog pouting (which actually does happen) and took him to the vet today. I was very surprised that they could get me in today; however, I was not prepared at all. I had dropped LaLa at school on time (surprisingly). After missing two weeks of school between being sick, a snow day, and a week of mid-winter vacation, we were struggling to get up, get it together and get out this morning. We also had to remember all of her teacher appreciation items from the week she was out and her valentines to exchange (which she forgot to pass out today anyway).  As you can understand (surely you can sympathize so far), we were lucky to make it to preschool, on time in one piece. We were all dressed, but I had decided to leave Little Bit in her cozy footed pajamas. She was asleep when I put her in the car this morning anyway.

Well, as soon as I made it back home from dropping LaLa off I put Little Bit back to bed. She immediately fell sound asleep. On my way downstairs, the vet called me back. They could get my Max in to see the vet in 20 minutes (p.s. I live 20-25 minutes away) or I'd have to wait several days. Well, off I run to get Little Bit back in the car (still in her jammies and with no shoes) and then I put my little Max in the car. Off we go to the vet. As I am driving, I realize several things....I have no collar/leash for the dog. I have no shoes or clothes on my child. How am I going to carry them all inside. Well, let's just say a couple hundred dollars later and a follow up visit for Friday, my Max will be okay (my husband is dying over the cost though). He is on antibiotics & pain meds too. That officially makes everyone in my family on antibiotics except for Little Bit and Brutus (my other dog). People and the animals (we saw cats, dogs, a lizard, and a bunny) looked at me with either pity at juggling my child and my dog or they were entertained. I was their personal three ring circus. At one moment, the vet tech had to run after an escaping Little Bit. I was holding Max on the table, and Little Bit somehow opened this locking contraption on the door and took off...looking for a cow by the way (why not? there was every other animal there!).

On my way out, I paid...hmmm...holding a wiggly one year old and a pitiful yorkie and trying to sign a slip of paper. It was creative to say the least. On that note, the tech came out and wanted to give Max his first dose of meds before we left. I decided to take Little Bit on out and wait in front of my car for her to bring Max to me. I waited and waited. Then, I peeked in and asked the receptionist. A different tech returns with the biggest dog...it looked like a small horse. I didn't notice at first because I was fidgeting with Little Bit, and the lady asked if I wanted her to put the dog (Max she said) in the car. I said sure, he has a car seat in the passenger seat. I look over and this lady is trying to put a monster in my front seat. NOOOOO!!! I yelled. Yes, I did. I was stunned. I tried to tell her that was not my dog even if that dog was a Max. My dog is a small, very small yorkshire terrier...hence...the small doggie car seat in my car! Well, I got my dog, and we went on our way.

I thought I'd run into Target with my thirty minutes to spare before I picked up LaLa from school. Then, as I was sitting there, I saw this young, cute girl get out of her SUV. She grabbed her purse and was talking on her cell phone. She opened her back door. She locked the doors; then, she threw her keys in her purse. She slid her purse up on her shoulder and leaned in the backseat to unlatch a super cute little girl. She proceeded to put the little girl on her hip while talking on her cell phone. I had to say, as I watched, that I was pretty impressed at how she was juggling everything. Then, I saw her shut the back door. She froze. absolutely froze. Her face contorted. I saw her pull her arm, yet her arm would not budge. I saw her drop her cell phone and pull on the door handle. She simply stood there for several minutes I'm sure. She looked in pain or maybe in shock or confused. Maybe she was thinking. I'm not sure. I wondered what this beautiful, talented lady could be doing.

Then, I saw her put down the small toddler on the parking lot. What in the world was she doing? The child had footy jammies on and no shoes. The concrete was wet from a morning storm. Hmmm...why would she do that? The lady dropped her purse on the ground and began digging through it looking for something. In the meantime, she was trying to corral the toddler with her leg so she wouldn't dart off in the parking lot and that other hand was still up by the door. So, here is this woman with one hand up by the door not moving it. One hand is digging through her purse. One leg is planted on the ground. The other leg is trying to keep the toddler in her jammies within reach. Any guesses?

Suddenly, the lady looks relieved and pulls her keys out of her purse. She frantically hits buttons, opens the back door again (child is walking off), and pulls her hand out of the door jam. Bless her heart (this is my southern way of saying "oh, that poor dumb sweet girl"). She runs to swoop up her wandering toddler before (thankfully) she walks too far away, grabs her purse, and holds up her arm. Yep, you may have figured it out....This is about the time that I realized that this was happening to me. I hold up my hand as blood was pouring all over my hand, arm and jeans. Fortunately, a nice (an angel from God) that works for Target happened to be in the bathroom and helped me. By the way, Target does not have paper towels only blowie things that will not help you in such circumstances as these. I think I would have completely passed out...not because of the pain but because of the blood if she had not been there!

Well, that was my mama drama for the day...heck, that should cover me for a few months or maybe the year?! I'm thinking my poor thumb nail may not survive...it makes me nauseous to even think about it. It's actually a great story to tell...if only I was actually watching it happen to someone else! Did you notice my adjectives that I used to describe the lady:)? hee hee I figured I deserved those after my ordeal!

Save your Sanity...Try a Fort!

She said the sparkles were tinkerbell dust.

I'm desperate. Absolutely desperate. I need something. I mean anything that would make my little one happy. She has been hacky coughing so much that she can't sleep. Do you know what happens when a three year old can't sleep? I am praying for patience and creativity.

The prayers must have work because I have not heard any whining, crying, or squawking in minutes. Actually, I think the coughing has even subsided to a minimum.

On that note, I put a call into the doctor this morning. She finally called back and because of LaLa's fever (which has broke), complaining about hurting when she goes potty (has a history of kidney reflux) and this hacky cough that is causing her to throw up and be miserable...we have to go back to the doctor's office this afternoon. I'm normally a very conservative mommy on medication. BUT not this time. I want drugs. Give her something to make her feel better. WE were just there forty eight hours ago and left with a chest xray and diagnosis of a viral infection and maybe something starting up. That's an expensive appointment for nothing to be specifically wrong with her...just my thoughts. Don't you hate that?!

Before...

Okay...back to answered prayers. Creativity struck...I'm giving God credit because I actually had just desperately prayed for inspiration and patience! I was moving the chairs to vacuum under the table (umm...still haven't done it after Sunday's company...) and eyed the clean, folded blankets on the stairs (you know from all the LAUNDRY from the three year old throwing up after coughing until she's blue).

After...

Ah-ha! I told LaLa to stay on the couch for a big surprise (not that she was really moving and groovin' anywhere anyway besides being attached to me). I used the blankets to put over the table, grabbed a disco ball and light (I think this stuff was from when I was in college...a LONG time ago! See, hubby, labeling the boxes in the garage did help.), made yummy snacks (oreos, grapes, carrots, and strawberries--desperate attempts to get the sick one to eat anything), lots of pillows and blankets, a mommy note, and hauled down LaLa's little tv. I wanted Christmas lights, but I couldn't reach that box! We turned on Cinderella and climbed in. The note was a big hit because she couldn't figure out how to "get" it because it was on top of the glass table facing down at her. Hee-hee to think like a three year old! As Little Bit says, "TA-DA!" A good old fashioned fort with a few surprises.

Mommy Note that I placed face down on the glass table before throwing blankits on it. It was hilarious listening to her tell me that I was magic because she can't figure out how it's stuck there and she can't touch it.

Let me just tell you...this simple idea saved my sanity...at least for now...We both actually fell asleep under the table for a little while. Can you imagine if someone stopped by? "Oh, just come on in. We were just napping under the dining room table." 8) Little Bit was sleeping in her crib. She may be the Godzilla of a fort when she discovers it!

No pictures, please. Is that actually a small smile from the sick one?

As for when the fun wears off, who knows?!

It seems a lot of us are (or will) be covered in snow. You may not have sick ones to entertain, but you may enjoy a good fort if you have bored little ones! Let us know if you try it out!

Off we go, off we go...to doctors office we go...again! Yep, it's our new theme song!

Learn to say GET NAKED in Spanish...

This is a picture of us in Cozmel. A few things just crack me up about the picture. First, it is the only one that we took that actually has us both in the picture. Even as we had the moment of realization that we hadn't taken any pictures, we asked a random lady to snap a shot. We could have faced the other way and had the ocean in the background or maybe even put down our stuff or even put down Robert's *coke*! Second, Robert received so many compliments with my overfilled beach bag on his shoulder. We are so pitiful in our picture taking when our kids aren't around!

The last time we were in Cozmel at Paradise Beach I was 4 months pregnant with Little Bit. As Robert indulged in one of these "on the beach massages", I just sat back in the chair wishing him muscle cramps because I couldn't get one! Well, this year, by golly, I got one. Robert is the haggler. It's not really that he is a good haggler. He just drives the other person crazy until they just give in to him so he'll go away. Well, he talked this guy Hector in this little tent thingie to do a massage for an hour for thirty dollars. Not bad, huh?

Well, Robert took me over there, assured me everything was fine and taken care of, and left. The guy started speaking spanish very quickly. I gathered that I was to lay face first. I was excited that my little bit of Spanish was kicking in...or that I was just a good guesser. Next, he started speaking again. Too bad I don't know how to tell him to slow down and I might figure out what he is saying. I was able to understand two words..."top" "off". I wasn't sure if I was understanding even those words...I was not taking my tankini top off in a sheer tent on the beach. Yes, I'm a little modest.

No, no Hector, I'm fine thanks! Well, I went to lay down face first, and he thinking that I still didn't understand him began to "help" me slide my straps off and my tankini down. I gave up by this time figuring at least I was still covered up...however, even with that, after breastfeeding two babies for almost a year each (they'll never be the same.sad.very sad.), it takes a little positioning to lay face first. This is what was rambling in my head. I just want to point out that men never have to worry about this kind of stuff. Never.

Between watching his toes (Scary men toes.) as my face was in the little donut (Yes, I had a round mark on my head that my husband never told me that I had for several hours) and trying to figure out what Hector was saying, I still managed to enjoy the massage. I tried to focus on the ocean sounds and the breeze. Then, I would get caught up trying to figure out what Hector was saying. It was like when you go get your nails done...I'm thinking the whole time that they are talking about me. Then, of course, I got lost trying to find Robert after the massage. I'm convinced he moved, and it was not just my lack of navigation skills! I tried to relay this story back to Robert. He just laughed and told me I worry too much. Yeah, yeah, a man named Hector didn't want him to get naked in a tent!

Check back to yesterday's post (click older post under this one) to sign up for the giveaway!

See Ya Later...Alligator...

How can an upcoming vacation make you so excited, anxious, and sad all at the same time? Well, that's what happens when you have children! I am so very excited about the opportunity to get away, sleep, relax, read, write...(oh,yeah) and spend some one on one time with my hubby (I've already warned him the other items are very high on my list though! I might just see him at the end of the week & sleep the entire time!).

Regardless, the sad and anxious part kicks in because you wonder how your kids are just ever going to make it with you over the next few days! My mom will be watching the girls. I'm sure she will do a wonderful job and will be very tired by the time we return, yet I am still plagued with this feeling of...hmmm....could it be a brief bout of mommy guilt? I think that's it with a little bit of "supermommy" thrown in there. You know what supermommy is-that feeling where we just have to have our super cape in our back pocket trying to do it all, all the time. Essentially, it is the concept that our kids just will not make it if we aren't there. More importantly, it is the part of our brain that just won't relax even when we have the opportunity. Is there medication for such things?

So, what have I done to get ready for the cruise?

1. 
   
   Written list after list of what to pack, emergency numbers, our itinerary, what the girls need to do each day, where they go, what to feed them...
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Shopped, shopped, and shopped.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Put a lot of clothes out to pack, but I haven't packed ANYTHING. I know...way to wait to the last minute.
   
   
   
4. 
   
   Bought 6 books to read on trip...stayed up LATE last night reading one. I continually told myself to stop reading and save it for the trip, but I was a little excited.
   
   
   
5. 
   
   Talked about everything that I NEED to do before we leave for the trip! (I'm good at this one! Notice I did not say DO anything I NEED to do before the trip!)
   
   
   
6. 
   
   Laundry...until I get distracted. Have you heard that it's a sign of genius if you aren't good at getting laundry and housework completed? Probably not because I made it up, but it sounds good! I would definitely be a genius.
   
   
   
7. 
   
   Procrastinate...you know, like I am now by blogging!
   
   
   

Well, I am not one of those fancy, smancy bloggers that planned way ahead and have posts scheduled to go out on the days that I won't be around! That is one of those things that I thought about doing though!:) I will relax for all of you mommies out there that need a break too! I have lots of fun crafts coming up when I get back. We are super excited about hosting a superbowl party too. I need great ideas that incorporate kids and adults, if you have any! I am sure that there will be great adventures from my Tammy Trip & with my sweet little monsters angels under my mom's care...good luck, mom thanks again, mom!

In a while...crocodile...be back next Tuesday...

Can I just hide in a closet and take a quick nap? Do you think my kids would notice?

Our newest drama is sleeping. Yes, sleeping. I've always been a napper and a late owl. I am most productive late at night, but I would always take a good nap the next day. Well, kids obviously throw a wrench in this theory! My kids have never, ever been good sleepers. I have all of the books on children sleeping. I've actually read them, highlighted parts, and implemented them. Let me just tell you....It doesn't work on my kids. Something will work for a little while. Then, just when I start becoming human again after gaining much-needed sleep, they start waking up again. I remember time after time sitting in a restaurant or church admiring a sweet little baby. Their parents would comment on how their baby is sleeping 8-10 hours a night already. I smile, but I am really yelling at them profusely in my head. If your baby sleeps, don't tell a sleep-deprived mama!

I remember before children (BC) not being concerned with the lack of sleep that children caused. I would come home from teaching and take a nap. I remember hearing other coworkers complain, but I never truly understood their need for sleep! I thought my husband and I would alternate on taking care of the kids so we could both sleep. What was I thinking? My husband suddenly became capable of sleeping through a tornado when we had our first daughter. I thought, I will just hire a nanny or a sitter to take care of them during the day so I can rest. Again, what was I thinking? Did I win the lottery? I was one of those that had never been around babies or small children (younger than school age). I, seriously, had no idea. I guess that is why I have learned so much as a mama!

I became very scared when I realized that life with children was so much different that what I had envisions BC. I had to learn quick and learn well. Thus, became my obsession with these books! I love school. I know, I'm a nerd. I loved getting my doctorate. It was new and exciting. Surely, someone with a doctorate, with a background in child development, can get their child to sleep. I'll just read some more books. I'll just write this author. Perhaps the author has some valuable information that they did not disclose in their book. Let me just tell you, my kids still do not sleep regularly. I think it's a myth that other parents tell each other just to make you jealous...and insane!

Our current sleep situation is odd, but it is working for us right now. LaLa is currently sleeping on this little pull out sofa the girls have on the floor of Little Bit's nursery. I'm serious. She has a queen size beautiful bed in her room, but she insists on sleeping in her sister's room. Getting them to sleep takes some threats, some incentives, some coddling, a lot of patience, and some time. Little Bit stands in her crib saying, "No, no, LaLa. Bye, Bye, LaLa." I think in baby language that is "Get out of my room you crazy sister! I want to go to sleep. Don't make me climb out of my crib again and kick you out." Eventually, though, they both go to sleep. Once they are asleep, they are staying asleep until the morning.

At that blissful moment, when I know both girls are asleep, I take the biggest sigh. I might even do a giddy dance around the house...or maybe just in my head because at this point I am usually too tired to do anything! I just want to know what happen to my BC dreams of rocking a sweet child to sleep, singing a lullaby, and waking them up sweetly the next morning after 8-10 hours of sleep??

Mama Drama Rule #73: Ignorance can be bliss...until reality hits!

My Heart Attack...thanks to Little Bit's Creativity...

I know, I've been somewhat of a blogger slacker lately...no pictures, little blogging, etc! I honestly do not even know where my camera is! Life has been crazy! Holidays hit...starting with Halloween. Then, doesn't it seem like such a big blur all the way until New Years? Whew?!

I have to take just a moment to share my latest MAMA DRAMA...or, I guess, I should say trauma! My Little Bit is just becoming such a rascal. I credit this, of course, to her father. He's been wild, busy, and a dare devil since he made his appearance into this world. Thus, it seems that our children are taking after him! I was more of the artsy, book loving, quiet busy type...not this rambunctious type! See, it has to be because of my husband!

Well, I took Little Bit to her 15 month check up yesterday, which any mama knows that doctor visits are never fun and always a sort of juggling act of trying to ask your questions, make sure you are doing everything, the 'ever-so fun' vaccinations (I'm being so sarcastic) and trying to steer your healthy ones from the sick kiddos in the office and all the germs in the building! I did end up getting Little Bit the flu shot. She has to go back in a month to get the booster...I'm still looking into that part of it! They were out of LaLa's age group flu shot. Did you know they came in age groups? Shouldn't they come by weight...not age?

Anyway, the doctor mentioned that my Little Bit was very busy and a bit of a dare devil and an attention seeker...well, yeah, you can say I've noticed. She pulled out all of her tricks for the doctor. She climbed up on a chair by herself. Then, she proceeded to try to stand and jump off...she has no fear! Then, she reached for the doctor, pointed out his nose, eyes, etc. I didn't know she could do this because when I try to get her to do anything beyond nose, she looks at me clueless despite my multiple attempts!

Finally, we all make it home after a very busy day of preschool, doctor visits, multiple stores searching for special pajamas for LaLa's preschool class' program, baby gym, lunch, and the grocery store...and one quick random stop for LaLa's emergency bathroom trip on the way home. I put Little Bit down for a nap...I collapse at the desk and try to get some work done. Suddenly, I hear a THUD. A THUD where your heart stops because you know it's a bad thud. I immediately see LaLa so knowing she was not the THUD, I run upstairs practically flying all the way. I open Little Bit's door to see her face down sprawled out on the FLOOR! She is squalling and just laying there. I scoop her up, and she immediately stops crying and says "boo boo". This means she had to climb out of her crib and propel herself across the room. She's 15 months old!?! I quickly checked every part of her body, which seemed to be just fine. Then, I checked her crib to see if she had manipulated something to climb with. There was a little baby doll and a lovey...nothing to give her enough lift to climb with!

I ran to call the doctor, which somewhat calmed me down. What do you watch for in case of a possible cocussion when your one year old jumps out of their crib? Just so you know....you watch for pupils changing in light and dark rooms (good), you watch for one pupil being a different size than the other (bad), vomiting (bad), walking wobbly or falling again (Little Bit does this all the time?! I told the dr. she had walked into the wall and fallen again since the crib incident...this is just the way she is!?). Then, we had to wake her up every two hours to ensure there was not a concussion. This is rather a big fall for a one year old. We could not figure it out...how did she get herself out of the crib? Needless to say, I barely slept out of worry she would do it again or would have some sort of concussion.

I was on lookout all day throughout her naps. When she woke up from her afternoon nap, I was in her room putting up laundry before I got her out of the crib. She was babbling and talking. She threw out her "baby" and said "bye bye baby". Then, she proceeded to push her body up until her chest was teetering on the rail, feet not touching the mattress. It looked like some gymnast thing because the rail usually comes to her nose! Then, she grabbed the sleigh part of the side of the crib while she was pulled one leg over the crib slats using her toes curled around it until she got it lodged over the side. I was stunned! Is she part monkey? I said NO NO and grabbed her before she did a repeat of the day before...you would think she would learn?! I said, "You are going to give a heart attack before I reach thirty!" She looked at me, smiled with her big dimples on both sides, and said, "NO NO HEART ATTACK." Does that count as her first sentence? I think it's going to be her mission statement for the rest of her life! Now, if only, I survive it!

My husband and I have rigged up the mattress to be lower than before. It was on its lowest setting, but we managed to fix it...creatively...where it is even lower. Now, the rail comes to the top of her head. Give her a month and she'll probably figure that one out! I guess I should start researching those dome net things that go over a cribs. I vaguley remember making fun of those BC (before children) when I had seen them in a magazine. I guess that serves me right!

Mama Drama Rule #68: When you become a mama, they should hand you a bottle of hair color and heart medicine. Your children will innocently bring out your gray early and encourage heart attacks prematurely...

Quick Coupon Information & Reminders

Just a reminder that it's the beginning of the month. It's time to print out a new set of updated and restocked coupons! I am going to experiment this month and only print out what I would buy. I usually print them all out, but I am spending a fortune on ink and paper. IF you are a coupon guru, share how you deal with all the printables! I'm always so nervous they won't be there when I need that coupon! Here's some sites to check out...or to print out some coupons!

www.southernsavers.com (great coupon planning site)
www.hotcouponworld.com (coupon planning site, a lot of info, LOVE the coupon database!)
www.couponmom.com (coupon planning site, lots of inside info)
www.coupons.com (print)
www.smartsource.com (print)
www.redplum.com (print)

Also, I printed 'oodles' of pasta coupons! It will make whole wheat pasta at publix only 14 cents this week! There are several free or close to free items this week at publix that I believe I might even be able to conquer! There seems to be a debacle over a typo on a publix coupon this week. I am quite interested to see how my store will handle it. Go to southern savers and click on weekly ad to get the info on that one! It'll be interesting! Now, just to figure out when to actually go shopping with my mama drama for the week! We have preschool, recovery from a very, very busy and off schedule and over scheduled weekend, baby gym, a makeup babygym, lots of embroidery orders, house to be cleaned, laundry to be washed, a well check up, flu shots for girls...and that's only the beginning of the week! Have you ever entered into Monday...tired before it even started?!

I guess I need to take my own advice...

Mama Drama Rule #66: You can't eat a whole elephant all in one bite! One bite at a time. Yeah, you'll have a tummy ache (and who eats an elephant anyway?!), but the HUGE, IMPOSSIBLE task will be FINISHED!

So, I'll just start the week with tums before I even take the first bite!

Stone Mountain Adventures...and GPS disadvantages!

Well, today, we went to Stone Mountain. It is another one of our fall traditions that we started doing the year I was pregnant with LaLa. My college roommate, Pepper, and I have taken our kids every year since before they could walk! It's one of those things that I hope to do when they are all teenagers, but they know they can't resist too much because they JUST know it's something we do every year.

This year was a little different. My husband was out of town...convenient and sneaky, huh? Not so sure that one was a coincidence! Well, once he wasn't going everyone else's husbands slowly backed out. So, there we were with our plans made months ago all of us with no husbands and excited little ones! It gets better! We start hearing throughout the week that Saturday is going to be one of the coldest days so far this year. That's okay, we can handle the cold! It'll just add to the Fall atmosphere, Right??? Yesterday, I went on the hunt to find hats and gloves. Of course, I then had to embroider their monograms on their hats! It's an addiction!

I'm not one to go out on such ventures with both of my girls all by myself. Things just happen to me it seems where as it is never a simple task! I had cute outfits for my girls. I packed enough for a week trip...just in case! I had all of our winter gear. I had directions. I'm ready!

I check out the news this morning. It says no chance of rain except in far north georgia and a cold, cloudy day...so we're good, right? WRONG! I start driving up there, and guess what? It starts raining. Yep, raining. Now, cold I can handle. Rain...I'm getting worried. I didn't plan for this! I made it to the park...with only a couple phone calls to make sure that I was going in the right direction. I pull into the park and have no idea where to go to park. So, I decide to follow where all the other cars were going because surely, I think, they are going to park.

Yep, they were going to park, but I end up in some area where there are people...young and old...in kilts...like scottish things. Parking is crazy. There are army people directing traffic. I realize that I am not going to the mountain part. So, I try to turn in an empty parking lot...well, this was blocked off because a helicopter was landing. Literally, it was hovering as I'm aimlessly trying to get out of this parking lot! A person in army clothes runs to me and helps me (probably thinking I'm half crazy) get out of the parking lot. Then, I tell the next army person directing cars that I am trying to get the mountain part, and I think I'm lost. They end up moving a metal fence and cones so I can get out of there. I still couldn't find the parking lot for the mountain stuff! It took me 20 more minutes, and I had to ask two other people. I even ended up going down a lane meant only for the "duck mobiles" that stone mountain uses...that's what authorized vehicles meant I guess! I thought I was authorized because I had paid for parking!

See, this is why I don't venture out to unknown places alone with my poor girls! At one point in response to me yelling "oh no, we're not suppose to be here!", LaLa said, "Mommy, just take a deep breath and look for a mountain." That's pretty good advice from a three year old! Who knew it was going to take me longer to find the parking lot than it did to drive to the actual park!? GPS helped me get there...just not to the parking lot! They probably think most people just need help to the destination...well, obviously, they don't know about my daily mama drama!

I'll share more about our cold, rainy stone mountain fun later! It ended up being a great day...with adventures in and of itself! LaLa even tried to explain to someone that she was not a boy because she had a woohoo (use your imagination). My friends decided the rain and cold was too much, but we were brave souls that stuck it out! We have passes so I don't blame them for saving their expensive tickets for a better day! I guess we weren't just brave...there was NO way I could talk my three year old into leaving after she had been so excited! Never a dull moment in our world! Definitely lots of fun memories...and we all survived the day...even having both girls by myself. By the way, God bless all the mamas that do this stuff alone because they have to! I'm exhausted!:)

Mama Drama Rule #57: Wisdom from LaLa...In times of stress, just take a deep breath!

Where Has the Time Gone?

My mama drama for today is the overwhelming job of changing closets out for seasons and for sizes! Who would think that this simple, yet HUGE, chore would be a complete and total emotional one? Well, it certainly is for me!

Yes, it is October, and I am just now clearing out the closets. My excuse is the crazy weather down here in the South. We have still had some absolutely beautiful, summer like days...even in October! It's hard to know what to expect from the weather. Thus, I continued to give myself the excuse of putting off this dreaded task.

Then, I begun going through Little Bit's closet and taking out everything that doesn't fit and all of her summer clothes. I am still in the phase of boxing everything up....either for my friend, Pepper, to peruse through later for her little one or for a potential future baby of our own. Then, I think...oh, wow, three girls...oh, the high maintenance of it all-the weddings, the school, the colleges, the prom dresses, the drama!

As I am clearing out Little Bit's closets and drawers, my kids are running around like wild animals. What I put in the tubs...they take out. What I fold...they unfold. Well, you get the idea. Yet, I still am feeling near tears as I fold up each and every piece of baby clothing from Little Bit. We are entering into 18 month sizes...not even a baby anymore. All these little shorts and tops, the little jammies...I fold each one and can remember her (and even LaLa in some of the ones that were handed down!) wearing them.

It's not that you don't want them to grow up. They bring so much joy and excitement with each day and milestone that passes, but it is so sad to feel like time is going faster than you can keep up with. The feeling that you have blinked and missed so much. The feeling that it's gone by so fast that you didn't get to cherish it like you should have. That your babies are growing up faster than you can grasp onto.

Yes, I am being completely sappy over just folding some outgrown clothes. Then, I look over to my loud little monkeys...LaLa and Little Bit are pushing baby doll strollers as hard as they can into each other, they have manipulated one of the under the bed tubs that I emptied as a catapult for the dolls...and eventually LaLa tries out on Little Bit, LaLa tries to sit in her baby doll stroller so Little Bit can push her, and Little Bit has an open (washable, non-toxic) marker in her mouth-which I hide markers in our house like a squirrel with a nut..so I'm not sure how this one was discovered! As I'm soothing Little Bit after she's been flipped with the tub and a couple dolls, wiping marker off her mouth, and helping LaLa get her hiney unstuck from her baby doll stroller, my reminiscent moments only lasted for a few seconds. However, my heart was still tugged as I worked on this task even as my mind was telling my heart that I am completely crazy...I'm blessed I've survived this long with my two little ones!

Mama Drama Rule #55: Cherish each and every moment that you have with your children...grasp to every moment and keep your memories like small treasures. For me, I know the future holds as many wonderful memories as the past has when they were sweet babies...maybe this little task just helped me to remember to treasure the present ones a little more!

Just admit it...you hear voices in your head too!

Do you have five thousand million zillion (not sure that' even a number!) things running through your head that you would like to do, should do, or need to do? I think it's in a woman's nature to have these things running constantly through our minds. It's even worse for a mama. We walk through our house and trigger after trigger goes off. For me, I walk in a room, and I think I have to clean that, I need to put up the laundry on the chair, I need to change the sheets, I need to update those pictures, did I remember to schedule pictures, what will wear for the pictures....that's just walking to my closet through my bedroom.

Then, I finally get to bedroom, and I begin thinking...what am I going to wear today, is it cold, is it hot, I want to take the kids to the pumpkin patch, they would look cute in little orange monogrammed dresses, I should make those, what would they wear under it, what does LaLa need for her fall party, I need to keep working with her on writing her letters, what letter are they on this week, this pair of pants don't fit, (I'm still in my closet trying to find something to wear), I need to go through my clothes and purge, should I give away my variety of sizes (I have everything from 2 to 12 as I go back and forth between pregnant Tammy and regular Tammy), should I just keep them, should we have more kids, I'm too tired to have more kids, I need to go shopping and get some fall clothes, oh, yeah, the girls still need some dresses for cooler weather...oh, I hear someone up...what should they wear? Yeah, by this point, all this has gone through my head and I'm still not dressed.

That is what's wrong with all of us. That is why we can multi-task better than men. If a man had these same thoughts running through their heads, they would curl up in a fetal position and cry. In fact, in some ways...they do this already. It's the times that they call us or insinuate that we are nagging...we're just giving them a small impression of what we hear constantly. They can't handle it so we must go through this world on our own with our thoughts running in circles!

How do we manage this chaos in our heads? Well, for me, I don't think I have an off switch. I just eventually collapse and sleep so hard that I can't hear the thoughts! A better alternative is to make a list and prioritize. What is it you HAVE to do? What is it you WANT to do? What is it you SHOULD be doing? Then, make goals and deadlines for each ones...go ahead and make them cushy deadlines. Publish and Post them so everyone knows what you are working toward! It makes you accountable if you publish and post them in your house! Plus, when you divide all these thoughts into these three columns, it makes you realize what really has to be done. If we let the thoughts continuously circle in our heads, we rarely get anything done and still find ourselves completely exhausted and frustrated at the end of the day!

My list changes constantly because what was a priority last week may change. Do I have to clean out my closet? No, I can live with it...despite my husband's complaints. Should I clean it out? Yes, it would probably save me time and sanity in the long run. So, I'll set a goal and a deadline to get it done! Even if you don't plan on using your prioritized list, it's a great form of release. It's like taking charge of all those thoughts in your head that you just can't ever master! Keep working at it...and accept that it's part of being a woman...and becomes even worse as a mama...then, you have your own thoughts, as well as the thoughts of your kids' well being and needs running through your brain!

Mama Drama Rule #53: All those thoughts that run through our head constantly telling us everything we should be doing, need to be doing, and really want to do in our lives is often like clutter in our homes. It can take over and take control of us. It can squelch our spirits and our joy. So, take charge...or as a last resort...just admit you hear voices in your head and maybe somebody can help out! I haven't tried that one yet, but I haven't ruled it out...

Tweezers, a nose, and a mama driven to drink...

I'm veering off my plan of posting about part two of my coupons...I'll go back...but I had to share about how my LaLa literally drove me to drink last night. Seriously, I, as well as friends, have always joked, "oh, my kids are driving me crazy...etc. etc., but all of us rarely, rarely drink." Well, let me tell you...after LaLa's experience last night, I sat in a dark bathroom, in the tub, with a large glass of wine to relax my heart beating in my throat!

Sundays are so busy for us. We have church, awana at night that we teach and have to plan for, I usually get my coupons and lists ready, lunch, dinner, naps, straighten the house, get ready for the week, baths, bed, etc. We rush the entire day. Yesterday was one of those days where I'm questioning my sanity and continuously looking behind me to see why my supermom cape is being a dud! We started off well. We were dressed and in the car on time for church...then, I noticed that Little Bit's dress was really more of a shirt...I haven't switch out their summer clothes for fall yet. So, I run in to get another dress...and back in the car. I dress her in the parking lot. We take our drinks (we had volunteered to bring) to our Sunday School class...which we can't stay at because we have nursery the first of every month, take our girls to their classes, do nursery, pack up everyone, and off to lunch. The day goes pretty much the same...

After awana, I insisted that we run in Publix to do our shopping....to put me a little ahead of the week...because I know the week is busy. Two little girls are tired and not happy...and one man that you would think was being tortured by shopping through Publix with his family! (BTW, I did well with my coupons...BUT I am still not doing as well as my friend the wizard! I spent $67 and saved $114 with coupons. I'm still buying stuff to stock our pantry and our necessities (organic milk, bread, eggs, deli meat, fresh fruit, etc) that is hurting my total! I'm working on it though!

We get home...my husband unloads the groceries and I put the girls to bed. Well, LaLa is in this stage where she gets out of bed five hundred times with five hundred excuses. One of the excuses was legit..she was sneezy and getting stuffy because she had helped daddy cut the grass that day. I told her to come on back downstairs and gave her a claritan and some water. She handed me the cup and went upstairs. Minutes later, I hear in an urgent monotone voice, "Moooooommmm, Maaaammmmaaa, Moooommmmmmyyyyy." Yes, all three possible names my girls call me, and it scared me to death! I run to the top of the stairs. She looks at me moving her head very slowly like it might just roll right off and says, "I stuck my sneezy medicine in my nose. It won't come out!" Although I always thought I would be wonderful with emergencies...I'm not...not even a little bit.

There in her nose was a little round purple pill....way up in her nose...I could only see the bottom of it...passed the point of even a finger could reach....and she was getting upset, which just made the pill move up higher. I yell...calmly...well, probably more frantically to my husband to come now and quick.

He calmly says he is getting a tool (tweezers) and it's okay. He works on it for about 15 minutes with no luck. He calmly tells me to go call my parents to see if they can come and watch Little Bit for a while...then, I began to not be able to breathe....because I know this is code for WE ARE GOING TO THE ER. I CANNOT GET IT OUT! I go to call, and just as my mom picks up I hear, "I got it! It's okay." LaLa then breaks down all the sobs and anxiety she had held together while her daddy stuck these squeezy things that "saved her life" according to her!

Now, I have to confess. I told my child that she was so lucky we got it out. And, if she ever, ever did it again, we would probably have to go to the hospital. They would probably have to cut her nose off to get it out. It would probably bleed. There would probably be shots involved. Yep, I wanted to scare the "bujesus" (I have no idea the meaning of this word...it's just the word we use for such a statement.) out of her because not only do I not want her to do it again, but I don't think this mama can handle that drama.

So, that is why my day ended with me sitting in a dark room, in a bathtub, with a very large glass of wine. It gives me the "hibbyjibbies" to just think about it! (another one of those words that I don't know where it came from or what it means...but it's just the appropriate word for such a statement!)

Mama Drama Rule #51: Never stick anything up your nose....ever. Go ahead and scare your kids now so you don't have to experience it...go ahead and throw in any other holes they have in their head as well and make sure you've got yourself covered!

A Mama's Trauma: Am I Being Punked??

I have got to tell you about my experience Friday. I thought I would use Friday to get some things done at our house...you know when the cable guy or the bug man or whoever gives you this random, ridiculous range of time that they plan to maybe come to your house and provide their service. Well, that was my day. I took a day, after I picked LaLa up from Preschool, and made my entire afternoon and evening available to these appointments. Well, the last one left was the bug people to do our monthly service. We've had a lot of rain in Georgia lately, and from what I understand that is why I keep seeing sporadic little ants on my kitchen tile. Hmm...don't care why...just don't want them here!

So, I have an appointment from 2-4. No problem, right? Well, you would think. A friend of mine has an emergency of sorts. And, because I worry about her (she tries to take on the world...all the time) & because she has that super mama syndrome (where she never lets friends help her...hope she's reading this!) and begged her to let me watch her two little girls while she had to run to the doctor. Her girls are both my girls ages so it's perfect playmates. We did puppet shows & played outside...crazy with two one year olds and two three year olds, but it was a lot of fun.

Well, the wonderful bug..let's say technician...had not arrived by four so I called the office. After being transferred twice, they contacted the tech to say they were running an hour late. Well, great, thanks for letting me know! So, we wait. An hour and a half late there is a knock on my door. It was an individual that was so tall she literally seemed to duck walking into my doorway...she wore a uniform bearing the companies name....long braided hair...had a deep voice...seemed kinda stocky, etc. I didn't think twice about it. She asked me what was the problem...I said, "Well, it's our regular monthly service they do, but I have seen a few little black ants on my tile in the last couple weeks and they won't go away." She asked probably a dozen ridiculous questions. Then, she asked, "Are all of these (referring to the children playing behind me) yours?" I explained that two were and two were a friends that had an emergency. She said, "they are just everywhere...talking about the kids." Let me point out that she still hadn't entered the house.

I won't go into the whole ordeal, but she basically told me that she couldn't spray inside because of the kids and couldn't spray outside because they would get chemically burned potentially for the next three weeks. Now, I have had this service for three years so I was concerned she was full of it or they had been doing this at the risk of my family. She asked us to leave...so we left to play outside...again...while she sprayed three rooms...maybe four of my house. Then, she went outside and we came inside. Four different times, she asked me to come outside to discuss bugs. Seriously, one time there was a dead beetle of some kind on the edge of my driveway. She came in, requested I come outside because she had something to discuss. I've never discussed so much with any bug tech ever! I grab one baby on each hip with two concerned preschoolers behind me and follow this person outside to see a cluster of ants on this beetle....seriously!

One time, she had me come outside and see that there were ants near my trashcan that we roll down the driveway. Hmm...imagine that. My husband drove up about then, and she had him move it. He moved it a few yards away looking confused at the chaos he drove up into. She said speaking to me, "See mam, this is why I think you need to have more ant knowledge if you have an ant problem. Sir, (to my husband) move it farther from your home." I told her I have a doctorate degree and ant knowledge was obviously left out of it...but if I had ant knowledge then I wouldn't need her! In response to her comment, my husband looked at me and moved the trash can another few yards away INTO the lot next door where they are building a house...I don't think they're going to go for that either. Our trashcan has been there for six years, and it's never been a problem. Probably because we pay her company to spray monthly!

She wanted to know why I had fences in my house...referring to the child gate at the bottom and the top of my stairs. She said she's never been in a house with fence. Odd person. The list of odd things, which I won't bore you with, continue until the grand finale!

Since we are trying to avoid being in the house...you know because she scared us to death of being in our house after she sprayed for our ants (seriously, I have seen maybe 10-20 in three weeks). We decided to take the kids...all four...for a walk. I didn't want to leave this odd person alone in my house so I asked if she was finished (as she was putting her equipment away)....I asked if she sprayed the exterior of the house...she said she wouldn't because I have kids! (They have every month for three years...never telling me it's dangerous...by the way, I called and it's not.)

Let me emphasize that four little ones are vying for my attention during all of this. I had already discussed with the tech that our former tech that consistently came out, Kevin, never mentioned these concerns, which made me concerned on what was reality. I look at my husband and say, "Kevin never told me any of this. I can't imagine that it's dangerous or why in the world would they have been doing this service for the last few years."

I continued to say to my husband, "Did he ever mention it to you." The tech turns around and says... I kid you not..."I don't appreciate being called a HE. I'm a transgender, and I've worked very hard to overcome being a HE to be a SHE." WHAT?! Let me repeat...WHAT?! I said, "excuse me?! I don't care if you are a he or a she. I care about the safety of my family and the service that you are here to provide. Your gender is your business, but I was referring to our former tech, Kevin, who was a HE. You are mistaken and you are obviously insecure with whatever you are or were. I'll have someone else come and finish my services." Then, when she/he left...I had to ask my husband what in the world a transgender was. Wow, was I shocked. At first, I thought it was a man dressing up as a girl...just a guess...I don't know!?! Yes, I'm sheltered.

Now, I have a different person coming out next week to do my exterior...at this point...what's the point?! I contacted someone...in California...who laughed hard at the story. I am not at the point of laughing at the situation quite yet! I'm sure I'll get there. I also have supervisor names and corporates phone number...and now, additional stuff to do on my Monday list. Hopefully, at least my friends can get a laugh from my mama trauma! Frustrating to say the least, a learning experience...maybe...made a Friday evening interesting....absolutely!

Mama Drama Rule #47: Sometimes being sheltered can be a blessing in disguise! Remember that with your kiddos! Filter what the world teaches them...there are times at my age I even wish I had a filter from the world's lessons too!

A Nation of Vaccinations-How do you know what to do?

To vaccinate or not? Hmm...that is the question as Shakespeare says, but I have to add...that is the really scary question. And...that is this mama's drama regularly. It's all came back to light with the option to vaccinate for the N1H1 (swine flu) this year. I think it is scary either way you look at it. I think this is such a controversial issue because no one knows the exact right decision so they get rather defensive about their choice...even subconsciously. When I taught, I taught and met so many children and parents with various disabilities that swore it was due to vaccination injury. Then, I did see children go through vaccination recovery, as they called it, and it made an incredible difference in their child's lives. Now, through many, many years of school, I also know that there are some really scary diseases out there that could spread throughout our younger generations like a wildfire if we aren't careful. Hence, the recent scare of N1H1 (swine flu). So, what is a mama to do?

It's frustrating at the lack of options that we mamas are given when it comes to something as controversial and scary as shots. My problem with them is it is considered a "one size fits all" for children. They same shots are given to children at the same time. Some little bodies can handle this and some can't. That is where I think doctors and such have to step back, provide parents with more information (not bent one way or the other...just unbiased facts) and let parents use their gut to make decisions. However, there are obvious problems with that also. My pediatrician pointed out that so many parents would choose the lazy way out not because of their strong beliefs or inclination but because no copays, no dr. visits, and no thought behind it. That's frustrating too!

The major problem, in my own opinion, is that the information out there is biased. It is either somehow sponsored by the vaccination companies or someone getting kickbacks or it is the other extreme represented by the small minority (although my heart goes out to them) that have been affected negatively by the shots. Then, you have doctors that won't even discuss the issue. I mean, "hello!? did you forget that I pay you and I birthed this child not you? So, knock off the initials at the front of your name & pretend you're a parent as concerned as I am about what is being put in my baby?!" I, personally, contacted 8 doctors before I found one that would consider my perspective on shots and let me be the decision maker...with his input and support. Honestly, we, mamas, don't have time to go through 8 doctors, research unbiased opinion, etc. Unfortunately, that is the way it is!

Through my research and my experience with these families that were affected...and more importantly, my gut...I'll share what works for us. And, honestly, it's a pain. It would be easier to just go with the government's opinion...because that is what doctors and insurance companies go along with also. With both of girls, I decided that I don't know a half of what I need to know about these shots and their ingredients. I know they need some of them. I know they have to be marginally safe to be provided to the public...notice I say marginally because years from now...who knows what they will find out! I was told not to use a pacifier with LaLa and two years later...I was encouraged to use a pacifier because of SIDS! It changes, but pacifier use is one thing and injecting my kids with stuff is another.

So, until the doctors and the government get their acts together on the issue. I give my girls most of the shots. In my opinion, there are a couple they don't need, but I'll let you research and decide that for yourself. Then, I split them all up over time. They are finished with their shots by 30 months rather than the average 24. Do you know when they are just 2 months old, they usually get 7 shots? Seriously, look it up. It's Pediarix-"1 vaccine for 5 diseases". It's three injections, but one shot has five combined in it. They did that so parents would not freak out basically and less pokes for the child. Regardless, that's too much, in my opinion, for a little body. Now, every body is different so each choice is different.

Unfortunately, you can rarely find anyone that splits up these combo shots such as Pediarix and the MMR anymore. I will let them give the shot...wait 14-30 days determining on the shots side effects recommendation, and we will come back for the others. For the controversial ones and the stronger ones, I tend to wait until they're older. Then, I feel their bodies are stronger. I also feel it gives me the opportunity to really watch for any changes or differences in speech or behavior, which is what is debated about whether these shots are connected to injuries, allergies, and disabilities. I also won't give any shots if my child is so much as acting sniffly or acting like they might be sick. By the way, I get a lot of leery looks even at my doctors office from the PAs and the nurses. I don't care though!

Is my way the right way? Probably not. But, this is the only way that I could determine after taking in all the facts on both ends that met in the middle ground. It gave me confidence in giving them shots...when my confidence was low on what the CDC was saying, these drs. were saying, and the extreme ends on either sides were saying. Ultimately, you have to remember, I truly believe there is not a right way and a wrong way. It has to be done what is right for YOUR child. You are the mama or the daddy. They are YOUR child. FIGHT for what you want to do...regardless of what the doctor or anyone tells you. There way isn't right either...it's usually what's easiest and best for the masses...not your little one in particular.

Go with your gut, but don't be ignorant. Know what you believe and why because you will have to fight for it...regardless if it's shots or something else in your child's life. People take you seriously if you know what you are talking about...rather than 'just because'. I also encourage you, regardless what you believe in shots or scheduling, to keep track of their shots personally. You would not believe how often it is messed up and not even realized. Also, always check the shot that they are giving your child...don't just trust them that it is the right one! They give a lot in one day and go in five different directions at once...so ask to see visually that it is the right one.

Mama Drama Rule #45: Remember that they are your children and you get to make the decisions. If your gut tells you something and you research and ask questions and still feel that something is wrong, then don't be intimidated about someone being a doctor or a teacher or a government agency. They look out for themselves and look out for the masses. Your child is an individual and yours. Very often, you will know best.

Part 3: Laugh or Cry? The most memorable car trip of my life…

We finally make it to the condo after a couple more stops and several hours later. Both kids are contentedly sleeping in their seats. We explain the situation to the first security officer we see at the gate’s entrance. He tells us to go the other entrance and tell them. We go to the second security officer at the second gate entrance and explain that we are here…hours away from home…without our key. I really think they assume we are lying and are trying to break in. They walkie talkie somebody, say somebody from security will meet us at the building, and tell us to go to the original gate entrance. We go back to the original gate entrance and are sent to our building. We get to our building, and Robert and I go in to meet Barney Fife…I mean the security officer sent to help us. I was thinking…are you serious…is this a joke? I wish I could vividly describe this man to adequately give you an idea of how closely he acted like dear old Barney Fife with a few extra pounds on him. Let’s just say…he took his job as security officer very, very seriously.

He had this notepad and took down our name. I spelled our last name 11 times, letter by letter. He still wrote Robert’s name ending with a “y” (which would be Robery???) and our last name with a “J” despite how many times I said “G”. I wanted to take his little pen and do it for him! I explained the situation. He looked at both of our owner cards, our licenses, and then asked the questions that I just explained to him already. Sir, I explain slowly…we need security to get us into the maintenance office or to the building director’s office. They have keys to all the owner’s condos for emergencies.

He nods and swags his way to take us up to the 19th floor. Concerned, I explain to him that we are owners not renters, he won’t have a key. He says, “Missy (seriously, he called me missy. my husband gently put his hand on my arm knowing I was about to physically attack him), this is my building, I got a key to everything” and pats his ring of keys like an affectionate pet. He proceeds to push the 19th button to the elevator again. I say, “no, sir, it’s the 20th floor. And, I believe the maintenance office would be where we need to get the key or the director of the building's office.” He says, “mam, I know what I’m doing. This is my building.” I’m thinking…but resisted saying…sure, I’m sure you know even though it’s our condo for the last 6 years, and you wrote down a “J” every time I said “G”." We get to 19, and he says…"well, it must be 20". He looked at us like he was telling us our mistake for being on 19. We get off on 20…there are only 2 condos on this floor. It seems like you would know this information…being it’s your building, Barney!

We go to the door, and he pulls out a ring with over a gazillion keys. He says, “This is a hard lock. I thought it was going to be a card swiper. I don’t think I have a key for this. I can’t open it for you. I guess you’re just out of luck.” I, again, explain where the key should be. Long story short, we walked with this man for over an hour to various places, and he once again decided we were out of luck. This security man should not have been given a ring of keys much less any authority. We try to break in with a credit card…no luck. We consider sleeping in the truck. We call a couple locksmiths…a lot of money. We wake up my dad for his inspiration…no luck. He is usually the most resourceful person I know...but you can't expect a lot from someone at 4 in the morning. We walk around the parking lot thinking. We walk around the lobby thinking. We talk to Barney Fife again. We consider a hotel. We consider crying. We consider sleeping in the lobby.

We call the head of security, despite our little Barney Fife standing there with his arms on his hips assuring us it would do no good because he’s already reported the situation to him. Head of security gives us a number to the building director’s after hours person...he’s not sure how much this will help. What can we lose at four in the morning? The on call lady tells us, “Yes, security can let you in. They obviously just don’t know what they are doing. We’ll call them. Then, we’ll call you.” They contact Barney Fife and he begrudgingly leaves his post of chatting with a buddy about his “busy night” helping us who forgot our key and about some people after hours playing in the pool. Fortunately, crime is low in the area because I have no faith in the protection of Barney Fife! Miraculously, he is able to discover the key and let us in. We get in at about four thirty in the morning….both girls are awake. The director makes a spare key the following day and apologizes for Barney. She is our hero. As any good southerner, I’ll respond with “God bless that man” every time I speak of Barney!

Little Bit was all revved up and didn’t sleep until about six. LaLa, who had slept in the car and quickly fell back asleep after we unpacked, got up at seven. Oh, what a night. I seriously wondered if it was all a joke, but it was all so ridiculous…all you could do was laugh. The rest of the trip was great. Little Bit and I took a long nap the next morning, and then everyone else got to take a nap that afternoon. We were blessed with great memories, good weather, and yummy food. I was just glad I lived to tell about the trip down there…because I wasn’t sure if I would at times!

Mama Drama Rule #35: If you are faced with a situation where your only two choices are laughing or crying, go with laughing…at least you’ll burn some calories at the same time!