Did we HAVE to confirm it?

Back in August we started to suspect that Sammy had a shellfish allergy.  We were in Galveston and had eaten at a seafood restaurant on the seawall.  Mike gave Sammy several bites of snow crab, which he loved.  However, that night he woke up from a dead sleep throwing up.  He ended up throwing up several times that night, and that's when I decided that he had a shellfish allergy.  Understand that this was not the first time Sammy had thrown up after eating shrimp or shellfish - this was just the first time I started to put the pieces together.

Since then, we've refrained from giving Sammy any type of shellfish.  However, last night when we ate at Red Lobster, Mike and I decided to give him a few bites of king crab.  He had about two bites.  He went to bed at 10 pm (a bit late, to be honest). 

Sure enough, Sammy woke up at midnight, having thrown up.  Shellfish allergy confirmed.  Super fun night, by the way . . . as was laundry the next day.

Thanks for the Laughs

Tonight we went out to dinner at Red Lobster.  While we were there, we ended up running into some friends of ours, Chris and Holly!  We almost never see them, so it was nice to have an unexpected surprise.

I think Sammy enjoyed running into them as well.  They ended up being seated near us, which Sammy got a kick out of.  While we were eating, Mike gave Sammy a piece of king crab leg.  He was waving it around, pretending to scratch himself with it, and decided he wanted to show it to Chris.  So, he yelled "CHRIS!" across the aisle.  Chris looked over and waved, while we immediately told Sammy he needed to use his inside voice. 

Sammy waited a few minutes, dropped his king crab leg, and Mike gave him another one, which he continued to play with.  Then he whispered in a HUGE stage whisper "Chris!"  It was so hysterical - I've never heard him do that before, but it was funny.  You have to hand it to Sammy - he was using his inside voice!

To end our meal on another laugh, Sammy was playing with the crab crackers.  He was using them on his toys, using them to pick up pieces of bread, using them to mess with pretty much everything.  He even asked if we could take them home with us.  When I said no, he asked the inevitable why.  To which I responded, "Because Jorge (our waiter who happened to be standing right there) really needs them and he'll get upset if you take them home."  Jorge graciously replied, "That's right, buddy - I need those." 

Sammy's eyes got big, and when Jorge the waiter turned to go back to the kitchen, Sammy said "Hey, you forgot to take these!"  Jorge turned back without a beat and said, "That's ok, you can play with them for a few more minutes." 

What a funny night - on the one hand, going out to dinner with two children can be a bit . . . stressful . . . to say the least.  But on the other hand, I wouldn't trade getting to laugh about this stuff for the world!

One More Day

Have you heard of Layla Grace?  She is a sweet, 2 year old little girl who is in the final stages of battling neuroblastoma, a form of cancer, and she lives in the next suburb over from Katy.  I've heard of Layla Grace for months on Facebook, from a friend of mine who attends church with Layla's family.  But I've never been strong enough to read for myself how Layla is doing.  I've been relying on posts from my Facebook friend.

Yesterday I took a deep breath and checked out Layla's Twitter page.  Dear, sweet Jesus, please be with this sweet little baby and her family as she is in her final hours before you take her home to be with you forever, where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, only joy in you.  I sobbed openly as I read updates from Layla's mom and dad.  I got down on my knees and bent over in emotional pain for this sweet baby and her family.  And when I had calmed down, I picked up my 3 year old son, and I held him.  I rocked him, and I loved on him. 

Don't ever miss a chance to hold your babies.  Some day they will be all grown up - don't ever look back in regret that you didn't read that 2nd story, or you didn't give them one last kiss before they fell asleep.  Always be grateful for the time that we have with our children - God has entrusted them in our care.  Just like our Father holds us, so too should we hold our children at all times, even when they are their most unloveable selves.

Tonight when I was getting Sammy ready for bed, I noticed he felt a bit warm.  I checked his temperature, and sure enough, he's running a fever.  It's not a high fever - a mere 100.7.  However, he's my baby and I hate for him to be in pain.  I cuddled with Sammy on the armchair, let him watch a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode, and bundled up in a blanket with him.  Then we read his current favorite, Knuffle Bunny.  He loves the line "Abble Flabble Klabble."  I have a feeling we'll be watching a lot of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse tomorrow, and perhaps repeating "Abble Flabble Klabble" and collapsing into giggles.  And I'm grateful that I can.

And now, for a rendition of the song that I sang to Sammy when I put him to bed tonight . . . Diamond Rio, one of my favorites.  Mike and I played this song at our wedding as our grandparents were being seated, in tribute to his late grandfather, Eddie Arnold Chase (whom Sammy's middle name is from), and my late grandmother, Willie Mae Lister (whom Sophia's middle name is from) and late grandfather, Gerald Gant.  It's a wonderful tribute, and so true.

One More Day by Diamond Rio

Last night I had a crazy dream

A wish was granted just for me,
It could be for anything

I didn't ask for money

Or a mansion in malibu

I simply wished, for one more day with you

One more day

One more time

One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied

But then again

I know what it would do

Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl

Then I'd unplug the telephone

And keep the tv off

I'd hold you every second

Say a million I love you's

That's what I'd do. With one more day with you

One Liners

Here are a few one-liners, courtesy of my favorite three year old comedian . . .

• Mike says, "Sammy's tooting."  "No, Daddy, I'm three."
• "Mommy, why do you have Happy Birthday on your tummy?"  while looking at my princess crown tattoo.
• "I'm sorry I'm so loud, Mommy . . . Jesus keeps turning me up."
• I got tired of him saying Mommy over and over again, so I told him my new name was Fire-Breathing Dragon Snake.  "But Mommy, I don't want to call you that.  I want you to be my mommy, not a fireman!"

My Big Brother . . .

Sophia and Sammy are exactly 2 years 11 months apart.  I've read several articles which say this is the optimum child spread.  I don't really know if that's right or not.  It's not like child spacing is a science or anything . . .

My big brother Aaron and I were almost 3 years 11 months apart.  The same articles claim this is the worst child spread.  I have to disagree.

My mom says that when I was born, Aaron regressed.  He started whining, he didn't want to feed himself, and he generally had a tough time of life for a bit.  I'm here to say that Sammy did the same thing.  He's still going through it.  But I know he loves his sister.

How can you doubt that?

And I know she loves him.  She crawled in his lap over and over, wrapped her arms around his neck, and laughed and laughed.

And I know that I loved my brother as a baby.  Growing up, I vividly remember my big brother, Aaron.  He was so cool.  For some reason, he always wanted to sit on me and fart on me.  And he always wanted me to smell it.  He'd say, "Lindsey, it smells like strawberries, I swear!"  And I'd say, "Aaron, you said that last time and it stunk really bad."  And he would respond, "This time it really does."

I'm so gullible.  I'd take a whiff, and I would be SOOOOO pissed.  It NEVER smelled like strawberries.  And I would smack him and run off.  But every time, I listened to Aaron.  He was my big brother - why would he lie to me? 

One time when I was in the 4th grade, Aaron decided that he wanted to start a fart collection.  He said that we could fart in jars, put the lid on real quick so the smell would still be there, and label each jar with the date, time, and what we'd eaten beforehand.  Aaron thought this was such a good idea that while on a family vacation and eating at Steak and Ale, he actually farted in a cup.  No one would have known, but I announced, "MOOOOOOM, Aaron farted in a cup!" at the top of my lungs, and then everyone in the restaurant knew.  I bet my parents were super proud . . .

When I was a junior in high school, someone stole my band sign.  In high school, it was popular to have a wooden sign in your yard listing what activities you were involved in.  The band signs were a music note.  Several weeks earlier, someone had stolen my band sign from our yard.  I wasn't alarmed, as this was quite a common event.  Usually you would find your sign planted along IH-10 on the way to school, so it wasn't a big deal, but my sign didn't show up for a long time.  I had forgotten about it.

Several months later, my band sign reappeared.  Someone had painted over the sign, changing the name "Lindsey" on it to something quite unflattering, and changing the KTB (Katy Tiger Band) words on it to a more unflattering picture.  That same person had attempted to cement the sign into my parent's front yard.  My big brother, Aaron, home from college at SHSU, saw the cement attempt, and immediately pulled it out of the yard, and proceeded to repaint it in the backyard before I could see the damage.  To this day, I have never seen what the sign looked like before Aaron fixed it.  I only saw the "After" picture.  And to this day, I am grateful to him for trying to shield me from that.

My big brother has come through for me so many times.  I hope I've done the same for him.  I remember one day in April 2006, when he showed up on my doorstep at 10 pm.  I hadn't talked to him in several months, and yet, when he showed up at that time with a toothbrush in hand, my husband and I looked at him, said, "Need a place to stay?"  He nodded sheepishly, and we said "Come on in, brother." 

I love you, Aaron.  Thank you for farting on me when we were growing up.  Thank you for painting my band sign.  And thank you, most of all, for being you.  I know that I can always depend on you, even when I just need you to come over for a bit to watch my kids so I can get my hair done before my husband gets home.  I love you, Bubba!

Things I'm not too proud of . . .

At age 16 I was a bit of a firecracker - to say the least.  Ask my parents if you don't believe me.  Something happened to me right around the new year of 1998.  Something I've never shared with anyone.  Not my parents, not my husband, not my best friend.  But something happened today that reminded me of it.  So I'm going to share.

I went to the Toys 'R Us located by West Oaks Mall.  Back in the day, that was the closest Toys 'R Us to the Katy area, and it was pretty nice.  I was in a hurry, and ran in to quickly grab a present for someone.  It was right after Christmas time, so lots of children were there to spend their Christmas money, and all of the lines were long and busy. 

After waiting in line what had felt like an eternity, my temper was starting to flare.  Right in front of me was a mom with two young children.  I can picture them in my mind even today.  The oldest was a boy, probably around age 8, and the youngest was a girl, I'm thinking about age 5.  I can't honestly remember, because I was young then as well and not very skilled at judging ages. 

Both of the children were clutching their money, and their mom was trying to make their shopping experience a learning experience for them.  Each child checked out separately, and carefully counted out their dollars and change to make their purchase.  I know this now.  But at the time, I was 16.  And I can honestly say I was a brat. 

I was in a hurry, and I was really wanting to get out of the toy store.  I was late for something, but today I honestly can't remember what I was late for, or why it was so important.  What I remember is something I'm not too proud of. 

I was ugly to that mom and her children.  I don't remember what I said, or what I did.  But I do remember the ugly attitude I displayed that day.  Something along the lines of, hurry up already - just pay for their toys and get out of the way.  And I'm not proud of it. 

The mom did something I will never forget.  She turned to me, and she said, "You are so rude and disrespectful."  Then she turned to her children, and said "Do you see how she acts?  Don't you ever act like that.  Ever.  That is ugly and mean.  Don't ever be like her."  I rolled my eyes in typical teenager fashion, but her words were true.  And being a mother now, I can't say that I wouldn't say the same thing to my children.  Especially if I was trying to help them learn about saving and budgeting and spending their money wisely.  Which is honestly all this mother was trying to do.

I'm ashamed of that moment in my life.  I'm so ashamed that I've never told anyone.  If I could go back, I would be the person that I am now.  The one who would squat down and look the children in the eyes, and ask if they had saved a long time for their presents, and what they planned to do with them at home.  I wish I could go back.  But perhaps I needed that to show me the error of my ways.

Today I experienced the flip side of that equation.  Twice.  Once was personal, the second was merely an observation.  When we got to the Y this morning, I was carrying Sophia and Sammy was holding my hand.  I noticed myself that Sammy was being a bit of a pokey little puppy, but he is my son, and he loves to do things all by himself.  When we got to the double doors that lead into the Childwatch area, he reached up to open the door. 

I heard a large, pathetic, disgusted sigh behind me, and turned to see another mom, holding her daughter, approximately age 1, and carrying her yoga mat.  She announced, "excuse me," in a rude voice, and proceeded to reach around my 3 year old son, whip the door open, and barge past us rudely into the vestibule of the Childwatch area.  I turned to the other mom standing behind me, and she shook her head sadly.  I nodded in agreement.

I watched Yoga mom hurriedly sign her child in, and then push her 1 year old towards the room and run off with her yoga mat in tow.  I understand she was late to yoga class, but I have a 3 year old little boy who is so anxious to show his independence.  And she took that from him this morning, when he was trying to open the door, all by himself.  My mind immediately flashed to that toy store, 13 years ago, and remembered the anguish and the hurt in that mom's face. 

Yoga mom doesn't have a child anxious to prove their worth and individuality yet.  But some day, in a few short years, she will.  And maybe she'll remember the day she stormed past my pokey little puppy.  Or maybe she won't.  But either way, I hope she remembers what I will now never forget.  Everyone has worth.  Everyone's life has meaning.  And everyone else's needs are just as important as yours. 

This was further illustrated for me in the weight room.  An elderly woman (or an Active Older Adult as the Y nicely refers to them) was using the bicep curl machine.  I agree, she was working pretty slowly at her bicep curls, but someday when I am 80, I hope I can curl my biceps that well.  Standing behind her was a woman in her early 20's.  She was popping her gum, had fresh makeup on, and had obviously never birthed a child.  Let's call her GymRat.  I watched GymRat make eye contact with her friend across the room, and proceed to roll her eyes and pantomine slowly curling her biceps like the woman on the bicep machine. 

When our elderly friend had finished her sets, she slowly stood up from the machine and ambled across the room.  GymRat popped her gum, rolled her eyes again, and shook her head at the nerve of the elderly woman who had taken so long curling her biceps.  It was honestly one of the ugliest and saddest things I've ever witnessed.  And again, my thoughts flashed back 13 years to that 16 year old gum popper in the toy store who couldn't wait two minutes for two children to enjoy the fruits of their allowance. 

I considered talking to GymRat.  I don't know what I would have said, but I wanted to tell her that although she was a very pretty girl, her actions that day were ugly.  But I decided not to.  What good would have come from it?  Some day, when she is helping her grandparents, she'll remember this day.  And hopefully, she, too, will see the error of her ways. 

What are you ashamed of?  Has a moment, like mine in the toy store, made an impact on your life?

Pics of my Princess

I know, Jaime, I'm being boring.  But she's just so cute - I've gotta' post 'em!

We went to the park today given the fabulous 70 degree weather we were blessed with.  We packed a picnic lunch and went to play!  Turns out, most of Katy thought that would be a good idea as well.  It was crowded, but we still had fun.

Daddy and his Princess

Playing on the playground for the FIRST time!

Look at that pose - she is a ham!

We had such a great time - I love our weekends together!  After lunch and the playground, we walked around the duck pond.  I don't think the ducks liked us very much, though . . .

Two of them were mooning us!

I guess they didn't like the bread we brought . . . oh wait, we didn't bring anything for them.  NOW it makes sense!  Guess they thought we wanted a piece of *ss instead??

Turn off your phone!

This morning, I woke up and was tired of looking at my nasty feet.  I've always taken pride in my feet, but lately they seem to have taken a back burner to my life.  My heels are crusty, my toenail polish is chipped, and in general I look like I walk around barefoot all the time.  Which I basically do, but that is no matter. 

Mike generously allowed me to go get a pedicure.  I'm not going to say what I had to bribe him with, but he let me go.  Which is a good thing - for him.

I went to Sky Nails, which has an awesome Deluxe Pedicure for $35.  I love it - scrub, mask, paraffin . . . it's definitely worth the money.  I brought my iPod, which was unfortunately dead because I left it on when I left the Y the other day, and a great book - The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch.  I settled for reading my book, which by the way is beautiful and I highly recommend it.  I very much enjoyed the author's style, and the timeless lessons which he imparted, not only to his children but to everyone. 

So there I am, deep in relaxation . . . nice scrub going on for those nasty scales on my heels . . . deep in life lessons with Randy Pausch . . . when in walks Loudmouth on her cell phone.  She settles into a pedicure chair and proceeds to call practically everyone she knows and have deep, meaningful conversations with them about NOTHING.  Seriously?  I'm paying $35 not only to take care of my disgusting feet, but also to relax, and you're on your cell phone?  I'm sorry to have to say this, but TURN OFF YOUR PHONE! 

For goodness sake - if you want to talk on your phone, go sit in your car.  Not everyone in the nail salon needs to hear about your computer problems.  You RUINED my experience.  You ruined everyone else's experience.  The only person's experience you didn't ruin was your own.  Or maybe you did.  What happens inside when you turn off the "noise" is absolutely beautiful - you should turn it off sometime . . .

By the way, bless your heart, cell phone nail salon woman - I'm praying for you. 

More Natural Consequences

You know how they say natural consequences teach more than any punishment you could devise?  Not so much with Sammy . . .

Today we went to the park with our playgroup.  We were there to make bird feeders.  Apparently, it is National Feed the Birds Month - we're supposed to help feed and shelter birds.  So we were making bird feeders out of milk jugs, and hanging them with cheerio stringers.  It's pretty simple - cut a hole in the milk jug, decorate it with leaves and twigs, then fill the bottom with bird seed.  String cheerios on twine, tie off, and loop the cheerio stringer through the milk jug handle as a hanger.

Part of making the bird feeders was a mama's job.  You were supposed to use kitchen scissors to cut the hole in the milk jug.  So we used kitchen scissors.  We had several pairs of them.  And after we finished with them, we left them on the picnic table.

Fast forward a few minutes.  The kids had a great time playing in the park . . .

Evan, Matthew, Sammy & Grayson playing with the hippo!

Sophia and Abigail playing in the clover!

After playing, it was time for lunch.  Sammy and his best friend Grayson were sitting at the picnic table.  The picnic table where the kitchen scissors were also sitting.  You know what's coming . . . Sammy and Grayson were sharing food.  Sammy gave Grayson some cheese, Grayson shared pudding with Sammy.  I gave Sammy baby carrots and walked over to push Sophia in the swing. 

Princess Sophia just a 'swingin!

When all of the sudden I hear a cry.  And I look over to see Sammy screaming.  Turns out, he wanted to cut his baby carrot in half to share with Grayson.  And instead he cut his finger.  With kitchen scissors.  Are you kidding me?  I thought he would have learned the other day.  He did it so fast that my girlfriend Debra didn't even see it - she was sitting right across from him and he just did it. 

My mommy instincts kicked right in.  I held him, I hugged him, I stopped the blood . . . and he cried.  It was so rough - especially given that I couldn't hold Sophia as well.  I'm so glad my girlfriends were there.  Debbie, and then Phyllis all stepped in to help with Sophia, and I finally got Sammy to calm down as well. 

On the plus side, I think he finally gets not to play with the scissors.  If this didn't make an impact, I don't know what will, because I was afraid he'd cut his finger off . . . He'll heal, even if he doesn't like bandaids . . . And what did Mommy learn?  Put the kitchen scissors away - ASAP!

Your Mouth is Empty . . .

You know all those things you never said that you'd say as a parent?  You're saying them now.  I know you are . . .

Sit down.
Stop talking.
Use your inside voice.
No running in the house.
No jumping on the furniture.
Don't cut your leg.
Your sister is not a trampoline.
Stop doing the Thomas whistle.
Your mouth is empty, put some food in it.

Wait, that last one wasn't me . . . Mike said that the other day.  Sammy doesn't eat very well.  He does eat, but he only likes to eat snacks.  Fruit snacks, goldfish, lucky charms, bananas, cheese . . . anything but dinner.  Dinner is a battle.  A battle that we unfortunately fight daily.

We threaten, we tell him no snacks, but still he doesn't like to eat.  We've resorted to calling food strange names.  Sammy likes hamburger meat, but he knows it by the nickname "Taco."  Hence, we have taco pizza, taco spaghetti, taco helper.  Some day, Sammy will be at a friend's house eating pizza and calling it taco.  Even foods that don't have "taco" on them are called taco. Perhaps we should change his name to Paco.

Ordinary broccoli becomes "dinosaur trees."  Carrots are "X-Ray vision sticks."  Hey, whatever works, right?  And when all else fails, and he won't quit talking, Mike resorts to, "Sammy, your mouth is empty - put some food in it."

Playing with Scissors

Sammy loves scissors.  He's constantly asking me if he can cut circles.  Why does he want to cut circles?  I understand the fascination with the scissors, but circles?

Today I let him use the scissors.  He cut paper.  He sliced paper.  And he diced paper.  Then I looked up just in time to see him holding up a hunk of hair and aiming with the scissors.  "Sammy - put the scissors down."  "But Mommy, this hair is old and stinky."  "I agree, son, but we're not going to cut it.  Let's take a bath instead." 

Then he tries to cut his leg.  I keep telling him not to cut himself, and finally I give up arguing with him.  "Go ahead, Sammy - cut your leg."  I figure they're safety scissors, they can't do much harm right.  "Mommy, my leg doesn't cut."  Ok then, see - natural consequences.

Speaking of natural consequences . . . two seconds later he starts screaming bloody murder.  Come to find out, safety scissors can't cut legs, but they can sure cut fingers.  It was a small cut, more like a paper cut, but his reaction was pretty reminiscent of the foot injury from the Y. 

Guess who gets the bad Mommy award today?

The Error of My Ways

Naptime is a delicate balance between awake and asleep.  It's a balance I've been missing lately.  We've been getting back into the swing of our lives this week, and unfortunately naptime is not back into the swing, yet.

I can't seem to get both kids asleep at the same time.  And when I do, one of them wakes up, thereby making the other one wake up.  And Mama needs a nap.  I never needed a nap before, but recently it seems that I can't function without one.  I think it may be related to my newfound exercise kick . . .

Everyone calls during naptime.  Has anyone ever heard of not calling between 2 and 4 pm?  The FedEx man rings the doorbell during naptime.  The neighbors let their 3 dogs in the backyard during naptime.  Sammy starts naptime in the car and a train goes down the mostly abandoned tracks in old Katy, thereby ending Sammy's naptime. 

Today was the 3rd day in a row of no naptime in Chase Place.  Or maybe no mama naptime in Chase Place.  I can't take it anymore.  Is it 5 o clock somewhere?  I think I need some coffee to wake me up . . . maybe I'll spike it . . . Mike will be home in an hour, right?

The Maury Povich Kid

You know those kids on Maury Povich?  The 200 pound 2 year olds?  I am deathly afraid that my daughter will be one of those kids.  She never stops eating!

Sophia loves food.  Sophia loves me.  And unfortunately, Sophia loves MY food.  It seems I am unable to eat anything without her crawling over to investigate and demand some for herself. 

The other night when we went out to dinner, I was trying to feed her cheese, and ended up giving her a small slice of strawberry as well.  Once she got a taste of that strawberry, she wasn't eating any more cheese.  I'd try to pop a piece of cheese in her mouth, and she would immediately spit it out and scream loudly until I stuffed more strawberries in her little cheeks.  I have to hand it to her - Sophia knows what she wants!

Today I walked in the door after running to Walgreens.  I came home with a pint of ice cream, ripped off the top, and pulled out a spoon.  I'd no sooner popped a sweet morsel of ice cream into my own mouth when I felt a small tug on my legs.  I looked down, and sure enough - there was my chow hound.  She'd pulled up on me, and had her mouth open and was looking at me expectantly - waiting for her own bite of ice cream . . . That's my girl - she knows the good stuff when she sees it!

Humiliation in Stereo

My friend Lisa held our playgroup's Valentine's party today in conjunction with her son's 3rd birthday!  I knew about the party in advance, but I was procrastinating (as usual), and ended up having to put together Sammy's valentines in the car on the way to the party.  It was the perfect way to continue my crazy day . . .

We were at home all last week, so this week we had to get back into the groove again.  The groove, for us, is working out at the Y each day, plus attending our various playdates or Bible studies.  So, getting back into the groove takes some gumption.  I woke up determined to get to the Y before the Valentine's party, but it seems like my children . . . and everything else in the world as well . . . was determined for me not to.

The worst part, by far, of getting the kiddos ready is getting Sophia dressed.  She does not want to sit still for anything.  I'm trying to change her diaper and she is crawling off in mid-swipe.  It's exhausting - getting her clothes on is literally an aerobic workout.  Not only that, but she wriggles around so much that usually by the time I've gotten her dressed she urps on herself - which is not a good idea when she's been eating her brother's Cocoa Puffs.  I ended up having to change her clothes twice this morning before we'd ever gotten out the door.

Once we finally got out the door, I started the truck only to realize I needed to fill up the gas tank, plus I'd left my towel in the house.  No way I'm drying off with paper towels again after a shower at the Y!  I ran back in, grabbed the towel and got my coffee for good measure.  We stopped for gas, and then we finally got to the Y.  No snafus there, thank goodness, but again on the way to Lisa's I was making Sammy's valentines.  And he's yelling at me not to mess with his friend's valentines while I'm driving.  He's a smart child, I'll give him that.

I've been rambling a bit, but the whole point of this blog was to share my humiliation . . . in stereo.  Lisa's son Michael has an electronic keyboard with a microphone attached to it.  All the kids love to play with that toy  - my son included.  So, he gets the keyboard, and begins to sing Wiggles songs into the microphone.  No big deal, except at that point another child wanted a turn.  I asked Sammy to share the toy with his friend, and he replies . . . into the microphone . . . "No, Mommy.  I don't want to share."  Everyone looks at me.  And begins to giggle.

I ask him again to make good choices.  And he says, into the microphone, "I am making good choices.  I'm singing my songs."  More giggles.  I'm trying not to laugh.  Sammy, we need to share - let someone else play with the piano.  "No, I'm playing with it.  Lalalalala."  He is a walking musical.  And today, he humiliated me . . . in stereo.  Normally only I can hear him getting smart with me and refusing to share . . . but today everyone did.  Thanks, Sammy - some day when you are embarrassed of me and don't want anyone to know I'm your mom at school, I'm going to get a microphone and sing hey!  Look at me - I'm Sammy's mom!  It will be humiliation . . . in stereo!

Happy Heart Day!

Happy Heart Day to all!  In honor of my friend Jaime, I will pause to list all of the things that I love . . . in no particular order!

I love . . .

Mikey's hair right after a shower
Kona the wonder dog
Sophia's sweet smile and her imitation of a sneeze
Sammy's everlasting spirit
My BFF Amanda's calm spirit
My mom's laugh
My father's dependability
The joy in my brother Aaron's relationship with Trish
The smell of lavendar baby shampoo
Cream cheese frosting
Fries from McDonald's
Runner's high when you finish the first mile
Rose soap at the Y
Brand new shoes
Panera Bread baguettes
The Chocolate dessert at Chili's
Chocolate martinis
Watching Sammy with his best friend, Grayson
Lotion and socks
Pedicures
A fresh haircut
Cabernet and a bowl of spaghetti
Fresh potroast from the oven
My girlfriends
Fingers in my hair
Brand new Survivor - before it gets old
Twilight
The Y
My awesome playgroup
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Eighties Craze!

Tonight, I rocked the eighties.  Understand that I was 9 years old when the eighties died a slow and painful death, but as a 28 year old, I ROCKED the eighties. 

Several weeks ago my girlfriend Tanya convinced me to attend an 80's prom which was being put on by her church.  Church or not, they were having a cash bar, so I was game for it.  I convinced . . . ok, I TOLD Mike he was going, and in addition I persuaded my brother Aaron and his fiancee Trish to attend as well.

Now to solve the what to wear issue . . . well, as if there was any question . . . I ordered myself a brand new royal blue petticoat with a matching pair of pettipants.  I also hit up Claire's for a rockin' hat, hoop earrings, chain necklaces, bangles, and awesome holey gloves.  Plus I finished off the look with fishnets from Frederick's and an awesome studded shirt from Forever 21.

I looked HOT if I do say so myself!

A bit of a caveat . . . my mom informed me before we left that she could see my legs.  No big deal, right - I was wearing fishnets, plus I had on my pettipants.  So it's not like anyone could see my underwear.  However, I spent the rest of the night imagining that people were looking at my petticoat, trying to determine if I was wearing underwear underneath it or not.  Like anyone cares if I was wearing underwear.  But it really worried me. 

The prom part was ok . . . food was good, DJ played some rocking tunes, but it was a bit low key for me.  Here's our group at prom . . .

Bruce, Tanya, Trish, Aaron, Me and Mike

Bruce and Tanya had to check out early because their youngest was crying . . . been there done that!  Speaking of, thanks Mom and Dad for watching the little ones.  You rock!

After we left the prom, which I was sorely disappointed about not even being NOMINATED for prom queen . . . wait, did I just type that?  Yes, I was disappointed.  I thought I looked awesome . . . but perhaps it was because I don't even go to Crosspoint church, therefore no one knew the chick in the awesome petticoat?

Anyway, we left the prom and headed to Baker Street Pub at La Centerra.  You should have seen the looks on the crowd's faces when we got there.  It was so funny - people were absolutely dumbfounded.  Perhaps they thought we were fresh from the 80's? 

Fresh from 1985 - coming at ya!

My prom date . . . Mike Chase . . . the love of my life!

Trish split her dress while dancing . . . LMAO!

Aaron dancing . . . by himself!

Strutting our stuff and pausing for a drink!

The requisite picture that you take yourself . . . ignore my large arm jutting out of the corner!

I think it was more fun at Baker Street, simply because it was hysterical.  As a matter of fact, in a few months I'm going to put on my eighties costume again, except this time I'm just going to go somewhere.  Just to see what people will do . . . who's with me?

It's Friday!

It's Friday!  Ain't got no job . . . ain't got stuff to do . . . actually I have a lot of laundry to do, plus I need to clean up the house given the sickfest we've been having this week, but regardless, I don't have anything I HAVE to do . . .

So, we headed to Heritage Park Nursing Home for our monthly playdate there!  Come to find out, the activity director quit, so we had a new activity director to work with now, Alicia.  Between you and me, I think Alicia does a great job . . . she sat down with the residents and interacted with them, and helped them with their craft.  Not saying anything ill of the old activity director, just pointing out reasons why I like Alicia!  Here are some pics from our adventures!

Miss Eileen and Sophia!

Sammy and his best bud Grayson!

Residents look on as Grayson, Bailey, Sammy and Sophia build towers

Sophia, Grayson, Bailey and Sammy

I'm not sure why but I didn't get any pictures of Abby at the nursing home.  But she and Raffaela were there as well!  We had so much fun - it really warms your heart to be there - the residents absolutely love seeing the children. 

BONUS points - we didn't even have to bribe the kids to hug everyone when they left today!  They willingly shared hugs with all the "grandmas" as we call them.  How sweet!

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see Mr. Joe today.  I was concerned because we've seen him every time we've been thus far.  I was so concerned that I even ended up checking in Alicia's office before I left to make sure Mr. Joe was still at Heritage Park.  I was afraid to voice my real question, which was, was Mr. Joe still with us.  I'm glad to say Mr. Joe is still with us, and at Heritage Park.  We'll see him next month!

A Lesson in Density

Before you think we are all play and no learn, allow me to share a bit of our science lesson today . . . I saw this on A Place of Our Own yesterday.  I love that show - it comes on PBS during naptime.  I try to catch it when I can, and I should honestly DVR it, but I need room for my shows!

As my fellow scientists know, liquids have many properties, including density.  Here's an easy way to demonstrate density to your child by using items you have have in the house already!

Materials:

• Shampoo
• Water
• Cooking Oil
• Dish Soap
• Large clear tumbler glass
• Measuring Cup

Gather all materials and get set up!  Occupy your little one . . . Sophia loves to jump!

In the following order, measure 1/4 cup of water, cooking oil, dish soap, and shampoo.  Assist your child in pouring each liquid into the tall clear tumbler glass.  Point out to your child that although you poured in the water first, it does not stay on the bottom, but moves to the top each time.  Ask why the liquids separate.  Discuss that density is how heavy or light an object or a liquid is.  Point out that the water is lighter than the shampoo, which means the water is less dense. 

After all the liquids have separated, you can pour them into a different glass to mix them up again, and watch them separate.  It's pretty cool!  Your child will be amazed, AND they are learning! 

I love this picture because he looks like the mad scientist that he is!

Sammy told me emphatically that we were not supped to drink this because it was nasty!  Agreed, kiddo!

Did you discover anything new today?  I discovered wonder and amazement in the eyes of a 3 year old.

A Ketchup Kid . . .

I've created a monster . . . a ketchup kid.  I hate ketchup.  I've never liked it, and honestly I don't get why people eat the stuff.  Mike is a ketchup kid.  Or I suppose he's a ketchup adult.  I hate ketchup people - they have to get ketchup in the drive thru, and then they sit there with the little tiny ketchup packets and squeeze ketchup onto each individual fry.  It really bothers me.

So I've never wanted to introduce Sammy to ketchup.  It's just one of those things - I didn't want him to freak out if we didn't have ketchup, or have to eat ketchup in the car when he gets french fries.  And yet, Mike is always trying to introduce him to ketchup.

Today at dinner, Mike finally got Sammy to eat ketchup.  It took some coaxing, but once he had some, he was hooked.  He dipped his fries in it, he dipped his chicken fingers in it, he even dipped his fingers in it.  It's so gross.  So now I have a ketchup kid.  He's going to be begging me for it everywhere we go. 

On the plus side, Mike thinks he'll start eating anything we put in front of him now as long as he can dip it in ketchup.  I don't know if I can stomach that . . .

He Sharts . . .

We've been home all day in our pajamas as Mama is still getting over strep.  I've been on antibiotics for over 24 hours now but I'm still running a low grade fever.  Yuck!

Regardless, we've been trying to clean up the house, pick up the toys, and put away clothes.  I'm not saying we're actually doing that, but hey, we are trying. 

Earlier today Sammy was upstairs, and he came running down the stairs and said, "Mommy, I farted in my pants a little bit."  WHAT?  "I farted in my pants a little bit."  Seriously?  Come here, let me look.  I peek in his pajama bottoms . . . sure enough . . . he sharted.  He's 3 years old and he sharted.  Are you kidding me?

You know the drill . . . remove pajamas, place pajamas in the washing machine . . . try not to gag . . . stick him in the bathtub . . . try not to gag thinking about it . . . get him cleaned up, get him a new pair of pajamas . . . try not to laugh at the fact that he sharted . . . try not to gag thinking about it . . . wonder where he learned the word "fart" from, and why he's not saying "toot?" . . .

Suburban Housewife

This is highly, highly inappropriate, but absolutely hysterical.  Do not watch when your kids are awake!



Sorry about that, but I really needed this today.  I spent two hours in the waiting room of my regular doctor's office, WITH two children.  Apparently, although I had an appointment at 10:30 am and was early to it, I was still considered a "walk-in" since I made the appointment that morning.  If you are a walk-in, then they see you AFTER they've seen all the other patients that had appointments.  Sorry, but I wasn't aware I was going to develop an illness until late last night!

I gave up after two hours.  I called Katy Urgent Care, they had a 10 minute wait, and I left with both kids in tow and drove over there.  I walked right in, filled out paperwork, paid my copay, and 10 minutes later had the results back of my rapid strep test.  It was positive.  Are you kidding me?  I haven't had strep since I was a kid.  And it is brutal, let me tell you. 

I think the worst part of it all is being stuck at home.  No Y for me, no playdates for the kids . . . just me, Sammy and Sophia . . . plus every Thomas the Tank Engine movie ever made.  On the plus side, my friends are the best ever - they've offered to pick up Sammy and get him out of the house, bring me dinner, come over so I can sleep.  I love them!  I've refused all offers, mainly because I don't want to get anybody else sick, and plus I just have Mommy Syndrome - I will never be sick enough that I can't make dinner or deal with my kids.  Try telling that to Mike - he knows better, but hey, I'm trying to keep up appearances!

Sing it with me, girls . . . Oxycontin, washed down with Jack D . . . put it in a cup, it looks like iced tea . . . Oxycontin, washed down with Jack D . . . put it in a cup, it looks like iced tea!    Peace Out!

The Ickie Sickies . . .

Since becoming a mother of two children back in April 2009, I have miraculously managed to avoid getting sick.  Don't get me wrong, I've had days where I just plain didn't feel good, but on the whole I have been relatively healthy.  Not anymore - those days are gone.

I woke up this morning feeling great!  We went to the Y where I got my sweat on, and then headed over to Sarah and Noah's for a Mardi Gras playdate.  Sarah made some yummy jambalaya, had an awesome king cake, and of course, plenty of thunder beads. 

No, not those kind of thunder beads.  Allow me to explain the term "thunder beads" as it works at Chase Place.  Mike and I rented Maid of Honor with Patrick Dempsey one night, where a pair of REAL thunder beads made quite an appearance and impression on the bride's grandmother in the movie.  The next day, Sammy was playing with Mardi Gras beads he'd gotten on the SeaWall in Galveston one night back in August. 

While I do agree that the beads in question appear a bit "thunder" like in composition, they are, purely, Mardi Gras beads.

Henceforth, all Mardi Gras beads are now termed thunder beads by my 3 year old.  So, thank you Mike, for teaching our son the term "thunder beads."  I'm the one who gets to explain that one on the playground, Childwatch at the Y, the Sunday School teacher . . . the list goes on. 

Where was I?  Oh yes, plenty of thunder beads at the Mardi Gras playdate.  We headed home, took a nap, and when we woke up, I woke up with a killer sore throat.  At first I thought it was because I slept with my mouth open and the fan on (happens to the best of us), but as the afternoon wore on it became quite clear this was something more than a sore throat. 

To sum it up, my throat feels like I've been raking knives down it, my entire body hurts (and it's not related to the Deathmill), I've got the chills, and it's all rounded out with a strong 102 degree fever.  I don't know where it came from, but it came on quick, and I'm only hoping it will be gone tomorrow.  If not, that means I get to navigate going to my doctor's office with two children in tow.  Perhaps I will be buying Sammy that Leapster before his birthday after all . . .

Who Dat?

Yep, I posted a Who Dat!  I'm not a Saints or a Colts fan, but I enjoyed watching the game tonight at Aaron and Trish's.  Trish and Cheryl made some awesome sangria, and Mike grilled beef country style ribs.  We really enjoyed ourselves, and Sammy had fun playing with the big kids.  It is exciting to me to see him venture out and play with his older cousins and their friends.  He enjoys getting to be a part of the fun, and getting away from Mommy and Daddy for a bit.

And while he was playing with the bigger kids . . . we all enjoyed a laugh at Jaycob and Kaytie's antics.  I'm not sure, but I really think Kaytie is going to miss her big brother Jaycob when he goes to Texas State next year.  Aunt Lindsey will miss him, too, but I know he'll be having fun up in San Marcos, my old stomping ground!

More Birthday Celebrations!

Today we continued our birthday celebration for Mikey!  His parents and grandparents came to visit, and we all went out to dinner at Pappadeaux with my family for dinner!

Sophia, Lindsey, Mike & Sammy

Gigi, Mike, Grandpa Bittner

Grandma Bittner, Mike, GoPaw

PappaTony & Meemar

Grandma Evelyn & PawPaw

Uncle Aaron & Aunt Trish

We had a great time, dinner was awesome, and Meemar and PappaTony brought two cakes - German Chocolate and Carrot Cake.  We really enjoyed getting to spend time with all!