Our crazy Christmas season continues. This year is even busier than last because this year I am adding work to the mix. I am trying really hard to remember why I love this time of year...
As I have mentioned in a previous post I am almost done my Christmas shopping. How are you doing with yours?
For this week's post I figured I would help out my friends and family who might want to buy my kids a Christmas present. If you are thinking about getting my kids a Christmas present, think twice.
We have enough stuff.
I know my friends and family and I know how they react when I ask not them not do something, so I know my kids are going to get presents regardless of what I say (or write..)
So for my friends and family, please keep this list in mind when getting presents:
1. Nothing that has one piece. Toys with small parts are so much more fun than toys that don't come apart or only have one piece. I personally love stepping on the small parts and kids enjoy the colourful phrases that leave my mouth when I do. It's also really great when the kids cry cause the toy won't work or won't go back together. And who doesn't love a rousing game of "fish the part out of the baby's mouth before she chokes"?
2. Nothing that the kids can do by themselves. That's boring. I have all the time in the world to sit with them and show them a million times how to work the toy/or puzzle. Especially fun when I am trying to make dinner or clean something.
3. Nothing age appropriate. It's good to teach the kids how to deal with frustration by struggling with something that is beyond their capabilities. Also teaches them how to deal with failure and persistence pays off, right? I also have lots of time to sit and show them how to work it (see above)
3. Nothing with a volume control. With three kids who are apparently hard of hearing and love to play with the TV remote (esp. the volume), I don`t think that we have enough noise in our house. Noisy toys are awesome. Plus I have stock in Tylenol.
4. Nothing without wheels. Wheels make wonderful squeaking noises on the floor (See above point). As well wheels scratch the wood floor. Gives the floors character. Also toys with wheels are a lot of fun when stepped on. And why not give the baby motion?
5. Nothing that has batteries included, or worse does not require batteries. The baby loves to put batteries in her mouth and the older kids love to remove batteries from items. I also have stock in Duracel.
6. Nothing washable. We love doing laundry. We also love when a favorite outfit is ruined because a well meaning grandma thought it would be a good idea to paint pine cones with paint and sparkles. We love sweeping up sparkles.
7. Nothing non toxic. I am trying to raise mutants with a good healthy dose of strange chemicals that leach off the cheap toys that come from china. Perhaps one day I will have glow in the dark kids. Besides, if the kids don't want to get sick, then they shouldn't lick or eat the toy in the first place.
8. Nothing strong and built to last. The sooner it breaks the sooner I can get it out of my house (to make room for the other gifts that I have to store until my kids are ready for them.)
9. Nothing too safe. A little danger keeps the kids on their toes. How many kids have owned bb guns and did not shoot out their eyes? How many little girls owned play ovens and didn't burn their hands? If the kids hurt themselves playing with a toy, then they learn to be more careful. Sort of like when your child bumps his head when going under the table before he learns to duck when going under the table.
10. Finally, nothing unrealistic. I am talking mainly about dolls here. Something that is the same size as my daughter or looks like her is a wise choice. It is fun to have a mini heart attack because there is a doll with blond hair lying face down at the bottom of the stairs. Also good to scare the kids with creepy looking faces and limbs my kids can pull apart. Most of our dolls end up headless and naked. (Don't ask).
There you have it. A Christmas list just for my friends and family. Happy shopping!!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Go Elf Yourself.
The eagle has landed. And by eagle, I mean elf. Our very own "Elf on a Shelf". Lucky us.
For those of you who don't know,"Elf on a Shelf" is a kit you buy that comes with a little elf that sits--yep you guessed it--on your shelf. The idea is that this little guy or gal (you can get a girl elf too), comes to you your home sometime before Christmas and keeps an eye out to make sure everyone is behaving before Santa comes. Every night the little elf flies back to the North Pole and gives his report to Santa. Then he or she flies back to your house and takes up a new position to continue the watch.
Your kids get to name the elf and the elf comes with a story book that tells the elf's story. Its a chance to start a new family tradition. Your kids can have endless fun getting up each day to find the elf. They can record the day the elf came into your home.
At least that is the vision created by the box. The reality is a little different. Let me enlighten you:
First off, the cost of this kit is about $34.99 at least that is what I paid. I paid this because I was in a bookstore without the kids, I was drinking Starbucks, the store smelled like vanilla, Christmas music was playing. I had visions of cozy family time and new family traditions (See my previous post to see how my visions and reality rarely match). I thought it was adorable and I was excited to see how the kids would react.
Then I opened the box.
The "Elf" is basically a toilet paper roll with felt and a plastic head. Its eyes are painted off to one side and he (ours is a boy) has a creepy smile on his face. I placed mine on a shelf in the kitchen and wanted for the kids to discover him. I didn't have to wait long.
(This is Robin on top of our Christmas tree. The number of shelves in our house is limited...)
I don't know if I believe the creators of this thing really had this as a family tradition as it says on the box. In fact, I do not believe the so called creators of this thing have ever met a child. I see nothing that tells parents how to field the questions the presence of this little guy raises. Here is how I spent the first day we had our elf:
"Mom why did Santa send us an elf and not my friend? Are we bad?"
"How can he watch us when his eyes are painted and looking sideways?"
"Why can't he talk to us?"
"Will you stay up and watch him leave?"
"What if I am asleep and he leaves then I get up in the night to go to the bathroom? Will I see him?"
"Why can't we touch him?"
"Why is he touching himself? Why is he holding is legs like that?"
I managed to spin some yarn about Christmas magic and if the elf is touched then he has to leave and never come back. We read the story and the kids seemed to get it. After a few hours of not walking in the kitchen cause they were afraid of the elf, my kids slowly came around. We even named our elf Robin. The kids talked about all the places Robin might be and they would get up each day to find him. They went to bed that night and right to sleep "So Robin won't hear us playing" I was pretty happy with my purchase.
The next day, the kids excitedly got up and started their search for Robin. They found him on top of our living room blinds. My son was quick to point out "That's not a shelf" however he seemed happy to have Robin with us. For that day, my kids were on their best behavior. My oldest told his two sisters to be good because Robin is watching.
Then I made a grave mistake. I placed Robin on a bathroom shelf. I told the kids Robin was in the bathroom because it was bath night and Robin wanted to see how they behaved in the bath. My kids interpreted this as "Robin can't see or hear us today cause he is in the bathroom" We had to leave the bathroom light on all day so Robin wouldn't be afraid of the dark. The kids were absolute toads because in their minds, Robin couldn't hear them.
Day three and Robin was on top of the China cabinet. But with his flimsy legs the only way I could get him to stay was to wedge him amongst the feet of another stuffed animal I had up there. My son was quick to notice that Robin probably again could not hear what was going on because he had his ears plugged. The kids also played for most of the day in the rec room--outside of Robin's field of vision.
By now you may be starting to guess how I feel about our little house guest. In case you are still wondering, let me share some tips that I have learned in the short time we have had our elf.
1. Make sure you keep the elf out of the kid's reach. If they touch him, its game over. Also avoid putting the elf in kids bedrooms unless you want to deal with nightmares from the creepy elf.
2. Make sure you have an explanation for why there are elves on shelves in every store you go into. Or avoid shopping with your kids. You don't want your kids figuring out that the elf is something you can buy in a store (kinda takes away from the magic of Christmas, now doesn't it)
3. While you are busy putting the elf up high so your kids don't reach it, make sure whatever you do that the elf does not fall from that spot. You don't want your kids traumatized for many Christmases to come.
4. Remember to move the elf each night, or be prepared for a thousand questions about whether or not the elf made it to the North Pole and back again. (Personally I like the bad weather explanation). This elf is turning into more work than I would have hoped--just what us Moms need--more work at Christmas.
5. Don't constantly remind your kinds that the elf is watching. It creeps them out and they just move out of earshot and eyesight anyway. When I was a kid, my parents told me to be good because Santa is watching. Santa is always watching. Hence that whole naughty/nice list. I had imagination enough to come up with an explanation for this without needing a constant visual reminder. I had to be good everywhere because Santa always knows. No matter how much I tell the kids Robin can see and hear them, if they have decided that he can't, I got nothing.
Should you get your own elf? Its up to you. I am all for family traditions. Personally I think you crafty types could probably make your own elf or make up your own story about how Santa knows if you have been naughty or nice. If you have one of these little guys or gals please leave a comment either here or on my facebook page and tell me some of the places your elf turns up. I could use the ideas.
As for Robin, well, he can go Elf himself.
For those of you who don't know,"Elf on a Shelf" is a kit you buy that comes with a little elf that sits--yep you guessed it--on your shelf. The idea is that this little guy or gal (you can get a girl elf too), comes to you your home sometime before Christmas and keeps an eye out to make sure everyone is behaving before Santa comes. Every night the little elf flies back to the North Pole and gives his report to Santa. Then he or she flies back to your house and takes up a new position to continue the watch.
Your kids get to name the elf and the elf comes with a story book that tells the elf's story. Its a chance to start a new family tradition. Your kids can have endless fun getting up each day to find the elf. They can record the day the elf came into your home.
At least that is the vision created by the box. The reality is a little different. Let me enlighten you:
First off, the cost of this kit is about $34.99 at least that is what I paid. I paid this because I was in a bookstore without the kids, I was drinking Starbucks, the store smelled like vanilla, Christmas music was playing. I had visions of cozy family time and new family traditions (See my previous post to see how my visions and reality rarely match). I thought it was adorable and I was excited to see how the kids would react.
Then I opened the box.
The "Elf" is basically a toilet paper roll with felt and a plastic head. Its eyes are painted off to one side and he (ours is a boy) has a creepy smile on his face. I placed mine on a shelf in the kitchen and wanted for the kids to discover him. I didn't have to wait long.
I don't know if I believe the creators of this thing really had this as a family tradition as it says on the box. In fact, I do not believe the so called creators of this thing have ever met a child. I see nothing that tells parents how to field the questions the presence of this little guy raises. Here is how I spent the first day we had our elf:
"Mom why did Santa send us an elf and not my friend? Are we bad?"
"How can he watch us when his eyes are painted and looking sideways?"
"Why can't he talk to us?"
"Will you stay up and watch him leave?"
"What if I am asleep and he leaves then I get up in the night to go to the bathroom? Will I see him?"
"Why can't we touch him?"
"Why is he touching himself? Why is he holding is legs like that?"
I managed to spin some yarn about Christmas magic and if the elf is touched then he has to leave and never come back. We read the story and the kids seemed to get it. After a few hours of not walking in the kitchen cause they were afraid of the elf, my kids slowly came around. We even named our elf Robin. The kids talked about all the places Robin might be and they would get up each day to find him. They went to bed that night and right to sleep "So Robin won't hear us playing" I was pretty happy with my purchase.
The next day, the kids excitedly got up and started their search for Robin. They found him on top of our living room blinds. My son was quick to point out "That's not a shelf" however he seemed happy to have Robin with us. For that day, my kids were on their best behavior. My oldest told his two sisters to be good because Robin is watching.
Then I made a grave mistake. I placed Robin on a bathroom shelf. I told the kids Robin was in the bathroom because it was bath night and Robin wanted to see how they behaved in the bath. My kids interpreted this as "Robin can't see or hear us today cause he is in the bathroom" We had to leave the bathroom light on all day so Robin wouldn't be afraid of the dark. The kids were absolute toads because in their minds, Robin couldn't hear them.
Day three and Robin was on top of the China cabinet. But with his flimsy legs the only way I could get him to stay was to wedge him amongst the feet of another stuffed animal I had up there. My son was quick to notice that Robin probably again could not hear what was going on because he had his ears plugged. The kids also played for most of the day in the rec room--outside of Robin's field of vision.
By now you may be starting to guess how I feel about our little house guest. In case you are still wondering, let me share some tips that I have learned in the short time we have had our elf.
1. Make sure you keep the elf out of the kid's reach. If they touch him, its game over. Also avoid putting the elf in kids bedrooms unless you want to deal with nightmares from the creepy elf.
2. Make sure you have an explanation for why there are elves on shelves in every store you go into. Or avoid shopping with your kids. You don't want your kids figuring out that the elf is something you can buy in a store (kinda takes away from the magic of Christmas, now doesn't it)
3. While you are busy putting the elf up high so your kids don't reach it, make sure whatever you do that the elf does not fall from that spot. You don't want your kids traumatized for many Christmases to come.
4. Remember to move the elf each night, or be prepared for a thousand questions about whether or not the elf made it to the North Pole and back again. (Personally I like the bad weather explanation). This elf is turning into more work than I would have hoped--just what us Moms need--more work at Christmas.
5. Don't constantly remind your kinds that the elf is watching. It creeps them out and they just move out of earshot and eyesight anyway. When I was a kid, my parents told me to be good because Santa is watching. Santa is always watching. Hence that whole naughty/nice list. I had imagination enough to come up with an explanation for this without needing a constant visual reminder. I had to be good everywhere because Santa always knows. No matter how much I tell the kids Robin can see and hear them, if they have decided that he can't, I got nothing.
Should you get your own elf? Its up to you. I am all for family traditions. Personally I think you crafty types could probably make your own elf or make up your own story about how Santa knows if you have been naughty or nice. If you have one of these little guys or gals please leave a comment either here or on my facebook page and tell me some of the places your elf turns up. I could use the ideas.
As for Robin, well, he can go Elf himself.
Friday, November 30, 2012
'Tis the Season....
I am baaaack...again. For those of you who have followed me from the beginning, you know that I am awesome at starting things (See my other blog, Fifty Shades of Awesome, my clean eating plan, my exercise plan....). I am not awesome at sticking with them.
I cannot believe we are in to the Christmas season already. Well, actually I can believe it because where I live its minus 25 in the mornings (without the windchill). This year we were smart and put the decorations up outside before it turned cold. Of course they are not on because none of us wants to go out to plug them in, but that's another story. My decorations are up, most of my shopping is done, I still have baking to do and of course the never ending wrapping. All and all not bad.
Christmas always was my favourite time of year. I love lights, I love to shop, I love Christmas music, I love to decorate, I love hot chocolate, gingerbread and Chinese food (don't ask). In short I love all things Christmas.
Or at least I did before I had kids.
When I was growing up, Christmas was amazing. I could never figure out though why my mom was so grouchy about it. "Bah Humbug" was a phrase I heard a lot as a kid, and not because we liked the movie. Yet despite all the grumblings, Christmas was always wonderful. Thanks Mom.
When I moved out on my own, my love for Christmas grew. I could not wait to have kids of my own to share the season with. I swore I would never hate Christmas like my parents did.
Well my friends, now I have kids and I hate Christmas.
Why, you ask? Let me enlighten you:
My Vision:
My kids and I snuggled up on the couch under a warm blanket watching Christmas cartoons/movies together.
Reality:
Older child crying because he wants to watch Octonauts, Younger child pouting because older child took her spot and her blankie on the couch. Me not being able to sit still long enough to even register what we are watching because the baby has decided to pull her self up on the tree, thereby knocking it over.
My Vision:
Putting on Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate and putting up the Christmas decorations as a family.
Reality:
Kids upset because they want to hear "Gangnam Style". Older child deciding that plyers are necessary to hold the lights while handing them to mommy, breaking the glass bulb in the process. Middle child crying because she burned her tongue on the hot chocolate. Baby eating the glass from the aforementioned broken bulb. Husband who doesn't give a rat's ass about Christmas decorations--he just wants his dinner.
My Vision:
My family and I braving the cold to head out to the mall, do some shopping, perhaps run into people we know then go out to a nice family dinner at a restaurant.
Reality:
Baby screaming almost the entire time because she is hungry/irritable/ bored. Middle child running away and into a store with breakable objects, Older child stealing a newspaper from said store because he knows "Mommy likes to read the paper" 30 min wait at the resturaunt with hyper, hungry grouchy kids.
My Vision:
Listening to Christmas music and spending some fun time with the kids baking cookies, or putting together gingerbread houses...
Reality:
Older two fighting over who gets to pour the flour and who gets to stir. Middle child sneezing into the dough. Older child deciding baking takes too long and "Is too hard" Baby fussing beacuse she wants to get in there and does not want to sit in the high chair watching all the action. Husband who eats the cookies right out of the oven then complains about his sore tongue. Kids bugging to hear "Gangnam Style" instead of Christmas carols.
"The Most Wonderful Time of The Year"? I think not. If Andy Williams were still alive I would punch him right in the face. And no Burl Ives, I will not have a "Holly Jolly Christmas." Go F@*$# yourself.
Bah Humbug.
I cannot believe we are in to the Christmas season already. Well, actually I can believe it because where I live its minus 25 in the mornings (without the windchill). This year we were smart and put the decorations up outside before it turned cold. Of course they are not on because none of us wants to go out to plug them in, but that's another story. My decorations are up, most of my shopping is done, I still have baking to do and of course the never ending wrapping. All and all not bad.
Christmas always was my favourite time of year. I love lights, I love to shop, I love Christmas music, I love to decorate, I love hot chocolate, gingerbread and Chinese food (don't ask). In short I love all things Christmas.
Or at least I did before I had kids.
When I was growing up, Christmas was amazing. I could never figure out though why my mom was so grouchy about it. "Bah Humbug" was a phrase I heard a lot as a kid, and not because we liked the movie. Yet despite all the grumblings, Christmas was always wonderful. Thanks Mom.
When I moved out on my own, my love for Christmas grew. I could not wait to have kids of my own to share the season with. I swore I would never hate Christmas like my parents did.
Well my friends, now I have kids and I hate Christmas.
Why, you ask? Let me enlighten you:
My Vision:
My kids and I snuggled up on the couch under a warm blanket watching Christmas cartoons/movies together.
Reality:
Older child crying because he wants to watch Octonauts, Younger child pouting because older child took her spot and her blankie on the couch. Me not being able to sit still long enough to even register what we are watching because the baby has decided to pull her self up on the tree, thereby knocking it over.
My Vision:
Putting on Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate and putting up the Christmas decorations as a family.
Reality:
Kids upset because they want to hear "Gangnam Style". Older child deciding that plyers are necessary to hold the lights while handing them to mommy, breaking the glass bulb in the process. Middle child crying because she burned her tongue on the hot chocolate. Baby eating the glass from the aforementioned broken bulb. Husband who doesn't give a rat's ass about Christmas decorations--he just wants his dinner.
My Vision:
My family and I braving the cold to head out to the mall, do some shopping, perhaps run into people we know then go out to a nice family dinner at a restaurant.
Reality:
Baby screaming almost the entire time because she is hungry/irritable/ bored. Middle child running away and into a store with breakable objects, Older child stealing a newspaper from said store because he knows "Mommy likes to read the paper" 30 min wait at the resturaunt with hyper, hungry grouchy kids.
My Vision:
Listening to Christmas music and spending some fun time with the kids baking cookies, or putting together gingerbread houses...
Reality:
Older two fighting over who gets to pour the flour and who gets to stir. Middle child sneezing into the dough. Older child deciding baking takes too long and "Is too hard" Baby fussing beacuse she wants to get in there and does not want to sit in the high chair watching all the action. Husband who eats the cookies right out of the oven then complains about his sore tongue. Kids bugging to hear "Gangnam Style" instead of Christmas carols.
"The Most Wonderful Time of The Year"? I think not. If Andy Williams were still alive I would punch him right in the face. And no Burl Ives, I will not have a "Holly Jolly Christmas." Go F@*$# yourself.
Bah Humbug.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Off We Go!!!!
We're off!! .......Like a heard of turtles.
That's what my mom used to say whenever we would go anywhere. Back then I would roll my eyes and wonder why my mom was so annoyed. Why was she so grouchy going on vacation? Didn't she want to go? Why was she yelling at us?
Now I know..and I'm so sorry, mom.
We are about to embark on a two week trip to southern Ontario. Its nothing we haven't done before. We travel south many times a year. However, each trip brings its share of arguing, frustration and exhaustion. Every trip we swear is the last one. We swear we are going to do things differently.
We always decide to do it again. And we always do the same things...
About a month before the trip:
Argue about whether or not we should go on the trip in the first place. Do we have enough reason to go? We just took a trip- should we take another one? Can we take our son out of school for that long?
Once we have decided that we are going, we move on:
Argue about calling the trip a "vacation." As far as I am concerned, anytime I leave my house, housework and cooking is a vacation. My husband doesn't take vacations. As he points out, it is a lot more work to look after the kids in a hotel then it is at home (That's because I do it most of the time at home...) He also feels he has a very strong work ethic so he is very quick to point out that our trips are "working vacations". He is doing work on the road (and it is harder to work on the road then it is at home..)
Next, we argue about telling our families about the trip. For some reason, our parents raise an eyebrow whenever we embark on a trip. They make subtle comments about how tired we will be, how expensive it is--they question our every move. I know its because they know how tiring and stressful it can be to travel with little ones. Ironically, our parents don't come to visit us often up here because "Its too far to travel".
So by this point in the process, our parents have been notified, eye brows raised and the trip rationalized. Now its on to the next phase:
Not speak about the trip again until about a week or so before the trip. Then it is time to:
Book the hotel. Find out the first hotel is full. Scramble to find a plan B. Message our friends (who are actually happy we are coming) and try to make plans with them. Try to come up with an itinerary for the trip. Feel guilty that we did not give our friends enough notice that we are coming.
Talk/Argue about what needs to be done before we leave. Things like cleaning the fridge, cleaning the house, getting oil changes, cleaning the van, kids haircuts, picking up odds and ends..etc. Not write anything down, or assign a person to take responsibility for each task, which leads us to..
Fight about who does more for the trip. Not speak for three days. Realize we forgot to book the dog for boarding and ask the neighbor to feed the cat. Pray the vet has room to board the dog. Realize we also forgot to notify the school. Fight about who is going to do that. (Neither one of us actually does it)
Now the trip is 3-4 days away. Getting down to the wire....
Fight and try to come up with an organized way to accomplish all that needs to be done. Convince husband to take kids for eight hours so I can clean and organize. Then feel overwhelmed at all that should be done and take a nap for five hours. Start the cleaning 20 min before extremely frazzled husband and tired hyper children return home. Yell at entire family for being in my way and not letting me get my work done.
Next day, give up and do nothing. Think about doing trip stuff, continue making plans with friends. Take kids for hair cuts, soccer games, doctor's appts, etc. Decide coming back to a dirty house is not the end of the world. Yell at husband for firing the cleaning service. Make husband do all the laundry...
Two days before the trip:
Decide when we want to leave on departure day--agree to be on the road early, like 7 or 8 am. Realize that means being in bed by 9 or 10 the night before departure day. That means having all the work done by 5pm the day before departure day. Agree that is what we will do.
Blog about all the work we have to do. Still don't actually do any work. Decide that if I start at 6 am the next day, I can get it all done in time.
Day before departure day:
Get up at 8am. Have coffee, breakfast and dawdle. Start work at 11 am. Realize as I clean one thing there are fifty more things that need cleaning. Feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Take a break (from the 30min of work I have done) Curse myself for pulling my three year old out of daycare. Curse husband again for firing the cleaning service.
Night before departure:
8pm: Start packing. Takes about 3 hours. Curse because the clothes I wanted to bring for the kids are dirty. 11pm: Curse myself for always leaving it to the last minute. Start loading the van. 2am: Go to bed.
Departure day:
Turn alarm off at 5am. Decide that leaving at 7am is too ambitious. Sleep until 8am. Argue about why we didn't start earlier preparing for the trip. Finish loading the van. Make a million trips to the bathroom. Make sure we can see the cat.
Give key to the neighbors. Load children and dog into van. Drop dog off at vet.
Stop at Tim Horton's--what is a road trip without timmies? Put movie on for kids.
10am: Actually leave our city for Southern Ontario--only three hours after we wanted to leave.
Approx 8-12 hours later: Arrive at our destination. Have a well meaning family member say "Gee you look tired." Wonder why?
Remind me again why trips are fun?
See you soon!!
That's what my mom used to say whenever we would go anywhere. Back then I would roll my eyes and wonder why my mom was so annoyed. Why was she so grouchy going on vacation? Didn't she want to go? Why was she yelling at us?
Now I know..and I'm so sorry, mom.
We are about to embark on a two week trip to southern Ontario. Its nothing we haven't done before. We travel south many times a year. However, each trip brings its share of arguing, frustration and exhaustion. Every trip we swear is the last one. We swear we are going to do things differently.
We always decide to do it again. And we always do the same things...
About a month before the trip:
Argue about whether or not we should go on the trip in the first place. Do we have enough reason to go? We just took a trip- should we take another one? Can we take our son out of school for that long?
Once we have decided that we are going, we move on:
Argue about calling the trip a "vacation." As far as I am concerned, anytime I leave my house, housework and cooking is a vacation. My husband doesn't take vacations. As he points out, it is a lot more work to look after the kids in a hotel then it is at home (That's because I do it most of the time at home...) He also feels he has a very strong work ethic so he is very quick to point out that our trips are "working vacations". He is doing work on the road (and it is harder to work on the road then it is at home..)
Next, we argue about telling our families about the trip. For some reason, our parents raise an eyebrow whenever we embark on a trip. They make subtle comments about how tired we will be, how expensive it is--they question our every move. I know its because they know how tiring and stressful it can be to travel with little ones. Ironically, our parents don't come to visit us often up here because "Its too far to travel".
So by this point in the process, our parents have been notified, eye brows raised and the trip rationalized. Now its on to the next phase:
Not speak about the trip again until about a week or so before the trip. Then it is time to:
Book the hotel. Find out the first hotel is full. Scramble to find a plan B. Message our friends (who are actually happy we are coming) and try to make plans with them. Try to come up with an itinerary for the trip. Feel guilty that we did not give our friends enough notice that we are coming.
Talk/Argue about what needs to be done before we leave. Things like cleaning the fridge, cleaning the house, getting oil changes, cleaning the van, kids haircuts, picking up odds and ends..etc. Not write anything down, or assign a person to take responsibility for each task, which leads us to..
Fight about who does more for the trip. Not speak for three days. Realize we forgot to book the dog for boarding and ask the neighbor to feed the cat. Pray the vet has room to board the dog. Realize we also forgot to notify the school. Fight about who is going to do that. (Neither one of us actually does it)
Now the trip is 3-4 days away. Getting down to the wire....
Fight and try to come up with an organized way to accomplish all that needs to be done. Convince husband to take kids for eight hours so I can clean and organize. Then feel overwhelmed at all that should be done and take a nap for five hours. Start the cleaning 20 min before extremely frazzled husband and tired hyper children return home. Yell at entire family for being in my way and not letting me get my work done.
Next day, give up and do nothing. Think about doing trip stuff, continue making plans with friends. Take kids for hair cuts, soccer games, doctor's appts, etc. Decide coming back to a dirty house is not the end of the world. Yell at husband for firing the cleaning service. Make husband do all the laundry...
Two days before the trip:
Decide when we want to leave on departure day--agree to be on the road early, like 7 or 8 am. Realize that means being in bed by 9 or 10 the night before departure day. That means having all the work done by 5pm the day before departure day. Agree that is what we will do.
Blog about all the work we have to do. Still don't actually do any work. Decide that if I start at 6 am the next day, I can get it all done in time.
Day before departure day:
Get up at 8am. Have coffee, breakfast and dawdle. Start work at 11 am. Realize as I clean one thing there are fifty more things that need cleaning. Feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Take a break (from the 30min of work I have done) Curse myself for pulling my three year old out of daycare. Curse husband again for firing the cleaning service.
Night before departure:
8pm: Start packing. Takes about 3 hours. Curse because the clothes I wanted to bring for the kids are dirty. 11pm: Curse myself for always leaving it to the last minute. Start loading the van. 2am: Go to bed.
Departure day:
Turn alarm off at 5am. Decide that leaving at 7am is too ambitious. Sleep until 8am. Argue about why we didn't start earlier preparing for the trip. Finish loading the van. Make a million trips to the bathroom. Make sure we can see the cat.
Give key to the neighbors. Load children and dog into van. Drop dog off at vet.
Stop at Tim Horton's--what is a road trip without timmies? Put movie on for kids.
10am: Actually leave our city for Southern Ontario--only three hours after we wanted to leave.
Approx 8-12 hours later: Arrive at our destination. Have a well meaning family member say "Gee you look tired." Wonder why?
Remind me again why trips are fun?
See you soon!!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
50 Awesome things....Part two
We have not been awesome this last week
We have had wild fires burning a little too close to home. My children have been wild, staying up way too late and super grouchy in the morning. I have had a cold with a wild cough that has kept me and my husband up at night.
But now the fire threat seems to have abated, my cold is on the mend, and my kids have been getting to bed earlier. It is a good time to count my blessings and spread some positivity.
Here is a continuation of my list of 50 awesome things about parenting kids-- in no particular order:
26. Watching Saturday morning cartoons in your bed: This is something I always dreamed about before I had kids. I had this fantasy of my family all cuddled and laughing together in bed on a weekend morning. Saturday cartoons are fun until the first child cries cause he is hungry, the middle child kicks daddy in the head...Older child and middle child fight over what show to watch...but for those 10 min where we are all happy and content, its awesome!
27. Baby sleeps or naps longer than usual: Gotta love having time to have that second or third cup of coffee...have time to write your blog....see #'s 11 and 18.
28. Child art: Ever notice how kid's pictures all look the same? Awesome. Also awesome: Kid's printing. Nothing says cute like a picture of you with a giant head, tiny sticky body and the word "M Om my" with backwards letters. Both awesome on paper. Less awesome on the wall.
29. Coloring: Relaxing for both you and the child--at least until the child bursts into tears because you can't draw the character they want or you color the butterfly the wrong color.
30. First "roll over": Awesome the first time baby rolls on to her tummy. Less awesome the third or fourth time when she cries because she doesn't like "tummy time" and forgets how to roll back.
31. First smiles.
32. First "babab....mama."
33. Watching kids play: I am always amazed at the worlds my kids create and the level of detail in their play. For example, the new favorite game in my house is "Restaurant" My son gets his apron, walks up to me or daddy and says "Good evening. I will be your server tonight"...Hmmm perhaps my family spends to much time in restaurants?
34. First steps.
35. The parenting "Sweet Spot": That magical time when all the kids in the house are sleeping or otherwise occupied and not getting into trouble...a five minute (That is usually how long it lasts) slice of heaven.
36. Having your child's teacher tell you she wished she had 28 students just like your child.
37. Having your middle child accept a little gift (like a sticker) then ask for one for her older brother..Having your son use his school rewards to choose a hair elastic for his sister because he thought she would like it.
38. Children's songs: Adorable the first time your kid sings you a song and gets the words mixed up....Less adorable the 500th time your child sings the same song and despite your corrections still messes up the words.
39. Dancing with your children...Until middle child slips on the toy that was supposed to be picked up two days ago resulting in a "hurt toe" which brings me to my next point:
40. Children learning the importance of not leaving toys on the floor for two days.
41. Holding your newborn for the first time.
42. Watching your children master a new skill--like when your daughter finally realizes that pedaling the tricycle is far more effective than sitting on it and crying until someone pushes.
43. Watching your children interact with their grandparents. Even better:
44. Convincing your children's grandparents to take your children for the night (or three).
45. Watching your child eat spaghetti--almost as awesome as hearing a child say "Spaghetti"
46. Hearing "Mommy I want to snuggle with you" when you are sitting on the couch. Less awesome: Hearing it when you are sitting on the toilet.
47. Remembering to lock the bathroom door and stealing 5 minutes to yourself.
48. Watching your children having fun and being carefree: There is something about children running and laughing that brings me back to my own childhood. Kids have fun doing everything. Of course they do...they don't have a house to clean, supper to make, laundry to do....but it sure is fun pretending I am that carefree.
49. First ultrasound picture.
50. Hugs and cuddles.
There you have it. 50 awesome things. Cheers to everyone who shares their life with children.
What are your awesome parenting moments? Please share on my facebook wall or in the comments section here.
Cheers!
We have had wild fires burning a little too close to home. My children have been wild, staying up way too late and super grouchy in the morning. I have had a cold with a wild cough that has kept me and my husband up at night.
But now the fire threat seems to have abated, my cold is on the mend, and my kids have been getting to bed earlier. It is a good time to count my blessings and spread some positivity.
Here is a continuation of my list of 50 awesome things about parenting kids-- in no particular order:
26. Watching Saturday morning cartoons in your bed: This is something I always dreamed about before I had kids. I had this fantasy of my family all cuddled and laughing together in bed on a weekend morning. Saturday cartoons are fun until the first child cries cause he is hungry, the middle child kicks daddy in the head...Older child and middle child fight over what show to watch...but for those 10 min where we are all happy and content, its awesome!
27. Baby sleeps or naps longer than usual: Gotta love having time to have that second or third cup of coffee...have time to write your blog....see #'s 11 and 18.
28. Child art: Ever notice how kid's pictures all look the same? Awesome. Also awesome: Kid's printing. Nothing says cute like a picture of you with a giant head, tiny sticky body and the word "M Om my" with backwards letters. Both awesome on paper. Less awesome on the wall.
29. Coloring: Relaxing for both you and the child--at least until the child bursts into tears because you can't draw the character they want or you color the butterfly the wrong color.
30. First "roll over": Awesome the first time baby rolls on to her tummy. Less awesome the third or fourth time when she cries because she doesn't like "tummy time" and forgets how to roll back.
31. First smiles.
32. First "babab....mama."
33. Watching kids play: I am always amazed at the worlds my kids create and the level of detail in their play. For example, the new favorite game in my house is "Restaurant" My son gets his apron, walks up to me or daddy and says "Good evening. I will be your server tonight"...Hmmm perhaps my family spends to much time in restaurants?
34. First steps.
35. The parenting "Sweet Spot": That magical time when all the kids in the house are sleeping or otherwise occupied and not getting into trouble...a five minute (That is usually how long it lasts) slice of heaven.
36. Having your child's teacher tell you she wished she had 28 students just like your child.
37. Having your middle child accept a little gift (like a sticker) then ask for one for her older brother..Having your son use his school rewards to choose a hair elastic for his sister because he thought she would like it.
38. Children's songs: Adorable the first time your kid sings you a song and gets the words mixed up....Less adorable the 500th time your child sings the same song and despite your corrections still messes up the words.
39. Dancing with your children...Until middle child slips on the toy that was supposed to be picked up two days ago resulting in a "hurt toe" which brings me to my next point:
40. Children learning the importance of not leaving toys on the floor for two days.
41. Holding your newborn for the first time.
42. Watching your children master a new skill--like when your daughter finally realizes that pedaling the tricycle is far more effective than sitting on it and crying until someone pushes.
43. Watching your children interact with their grandparents. Even better:
44. Convincing your children's grandparents to take your children for the night (or three).
45. Watching your child eat spaghetti--almost as awesome as hearing a child say "Spaghetti"
46. Hearing "Mommy I want to snuggle with you" when you are sitting on the couch. Less awesome: Hearing it when you are sitting on the toilet.
47. Remembering to lock the bathroom door and stealing 5 minutes to yourself.
48. Watching your children having fun and being carefree: There is something about children running and laughing that brings me back to my own childhood. Kids have fun doing everything. Of course they do...they don't have a house to clean, supper to make, laundry to do....but it sure is fun pretending I am that carefree.
49. First ultrasound picture.
50. Hugs and cuddles.
There you have it. 50 awesome things. Cheers to everyone who shares their life with children.
What are your awesome parenting moments? Please share on my facebook wall or in the comments section here.
Cheers!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Fire!!!
"Attention Attention...This is an emergency..."
Relax.
That is my son playing his new favorite game. Yep, you guessed it, "Emergency". His school did a lock down drill a couple of months ago. This sentence has been said around my house numerous times for the past month.
Its getting a little old.
You can imagine then, I was not terribly impressed with our city officials declaring a state of emergency. This forest fire is the biggest story to hit my city in recent years. I am a tad critical of how its been handled so far.
First off, though I want to thank the fire crews. My complaint is not with them. We are very lucky to have people willing to risk their lives for us and we owe them a debt of gratitude.
My complaint is about the local media and the flow of information. Now I will stress that I am not a journalist nor did I go to journalism school--but I am married to someone who did. I am wondering why I have to tune into Toronto media to find accurate reporting of our story.
I have a few thoughts for our mayor and local media personnel.
First off, you guys should know that the fastest way to spark panic in a community is to urge everyone to "Stay calm." You cannot tell us that a "State of Emergency" has been declared but it is no cause for panic. You especially should not say this on a day when the sky is orange and its raining ash. Furthermore, when you live in a community where there is only one remaining hwy out of town that is not affected by the fire, urging people to stay calm pretty much guarantees mass panic.
Secondly, you tell us to tune into your websites and news casts for the latest and fact based information...which you only update at 8am, and 2pm. You tell us not to believe "Joe Smith" on the street or facebook, but on one of the newspaper's website it was mistakenly posted that the fire was
much closer than it actually is. Perhaps you could check your facts and not print the very things you are telling us to ignore. Don't get me wrong, I am glad you are printing word for word the press release the MNR gives you. I am sure it takes a lot of work to come in on your weekend off and copy and paste an email you got to your website so thanks.
You will forgive me if I trust "Joe Smith" a little more than I trust you.
I am also wondering why I have to rely on Toronto media to tell me how big the fire is. I know, I know. The ministry of natural resources (MNR) reports that the fire is approx 40, 000 hectares. God forbid you should tell me how big that is in km (it is approx 80km long and 8km wide). Sorry but a 80km fire burning 30km from my house is a little disconcerting. I also want to thank the Toronto media for telling me I should pack my bags just in case, cause that is not something I would hear from my own local news.
Finally, I am resentful of the paternal, authoritarian approach to covering this story. The local DJs are sarcastic when telling the public not to believe any rumors from people on the street. My own city website tells me that the fire is "Not a 50km inferno heading for the city" (Actually its 80km....) I especially don't appreciate being told "The more time we spend correcting wrong information the less time we have to get the right information out there" True, I know it takes a long time to copy and paste a press release. Thanks for scolding me like a child, and making making me feel like I am over reacting in preparing to evacuate.
Perhaps you could use the time you have (since you only update fire situation at 8am and 2pm) to bring some analysis on the story.
Here are some suggestions for you (if any of you reading this know, please fill me in)
Tell me how fires are put out--what do the terms fire suppression, containment, mean in terms of forest fires? What do the terms "Contained," "Being Held" "Under Control" and "Not Under Control" mean--I can of course guess at these terms, but it would be nice to have fact based information here.
How fast does fire travel? This one apparently is moving 15-20 meters a minute--so is that 1km every 5 minutes? So it could potentially reach the city in what--20min? Could you perhaps post an updated map? Again, I know that you have links on your websites to the MNR website where I can find out all of this information but it would be great if I didn't have to research the story--I thought that was your job.
Perhaps you could go to the roadblock site (where all the other media is stationed) and interview someone involved with the fire? Like for example the MNR spokesperson? (If you are unsure of how to do that, ask the reporters from CBC cause they seem to know how to do it)
Time to put on your big boy underwear, local media. You are playing with the big boys now.
Guess I will keep checking Toronto stations and facebook for the latest updates. Now where did I put Joe Smith's number....
Relax.
That is my son playing his new favorite game. Yep, you guessed it, "Emergency". His school did a lock down drill a couple of months ago. This sentence has been said around my house numerous times for the past month.
Its getting a little old.
You can imagine then, I was not terribly impressed with our city officials declaring a state of emergency. This forest fire is the biggest story to hit my city in recent years. I am a tad critical of how its been handled so far.
First off, though I want to thank the fire crews. My complaint is not with them. We are very lucky to have people willing to risk their lives for us and we owe them a debt of gratitude.
My complaint is about the local media and the flow of information. Now I will stress that I am not a journalist nor did I go to journalism school--but I am married to someone who did. I am wondering why I have to tune into Toronto media to find accurate reporting of our story.
I have a few thoughts for our mayor and local media personnel.
First off, you guys should know that the fastest way to spark panic in a community is to urge everyone to "Stay calm." You cannot tell us that a "State of Emergency" has been declared but it is no cause for panic. You especially should not say this on a day when the sky is orange and its raining ash. Furthermore, when you live in a community where there is only one remaining hwy out of town that is not affected by the fire, urging people to stay calm pretty much guarantees mass panic.
Secondly, you tell us to tune into your websites and news casts for the latest and fact based information...which you only update at 8am, and 2pm. You tell us not to believe "Joe Smith" on the street or facebook, but on one of the newspaper's website it was mistakenly posted that the fire was
much closer than it actually is. Perhaps you could check your facts and not print the very things you are telling us to ignore. Don't get me wrong, I am glad you are printing word for word the press release the MNR gives you. I am sure it takes a lot of work to come in on your weekend off and copy and paste an email you got to your website so thanks.
You will forgive me if I trust "Joe Smith" a little more than I trust you.
I am also wondering why I have to rely on Toronto media to tell me how big the fire is. I know, I know. The ministry of natural resources (MNR) reports that the fire is approx 40, 000 hectares. God forbid you should tell me how big that is in km (it is approx 80km long and 8km wide). Sorry but a 80km fire burning 30km from my house is a little disconcerting. I also want to thank the Toronto media for telling me I should pack my bags just in case, cause that is not something I would hear from my own local news.
Finally, I am resentful of the paternal, authoritarian approach to covering this story. The local DJs are sarcastic when telling the public not to believe any rumors from people on the street. My own city website tells me that the fire is "Not a 50km inferno heading for the city" (Actually its 80km....) I especially don't appreciate being told "The more time we spend correcting wrong information the less time we have to get the right information out there" True, I know it takes a long time to copy and paste a press release. Thanks for scolding me like a child, and making making me feel like I am over reacting in preparing to evacuate.
Perhaps you could use the time you have (since you only update fire situation at 8am and 2pm) to bring some analysis on the story.
Here are some suggestions for you (if any of you reading this know, please fill me in)
Tell me how fires are put out--what do the terms fire suppression, containment, mean in terms of forest fires? What do the terms "Contained," "Being Held" "Under Control" and "Not Under Control" mean--I can of course guess at these terms, but it would be nice to have fact based information here.
How fast does fire travel? This one apparently is moving 15-20 meters a minute--so is that 1km every 5 minutes? So it could potentially reach the city in what--20min? Could you perhaps post an updated map? Again, I know that you have links on your websites to the MNR website where I can find out all of this information but it would be great if I didn't have to research the story--I thought that was your job.
Perhaps you could go to the roadblock site (where all the other media is stationed) and interview someone involved with the fire? Like for example the MNR spokesperson? (If you are unsure of how to do that, ask the reporters from CBC cause they seem to know how to do it)
Time to put on your big boy underwear, local media. You are playing with the big boys now.
Guess I will keep checking Toronto stations and facebook for the latest updates. Now where did I put Joe Smith's number....
Monday, May 14, 2012
50 Awesome things...Part One
"Owwww! Wahhhhh!" This coming from my middle child.
"Shhhh! Stop crying!! Do you want mommy to take away your bear? Be quiet!" This coming from my oldest.
I am not sure what is going on in the room the two oldest now share. I have decided not to find out.
It could be worse. At least they are having fun sharing a room and they are bonding as brother and sister. That's my attempt at positivity. How was it? Yeah, I'm not buying it either. However, I have become concerned that anyone reading my blog might think that I don't really enjoy being a parent. Can't imagine why anyone would think that.....
In honor of mother's day, and for everyone out there who has kids in their lives, here are 50 awesome things about parenting kids (Well the first 25 `cause 50 would be long to read here and as my husband pointed out I tend to be "wordy").
Here they are in no particular order:
1. Cute things: The kids themselves my not be cute, but ever notice how cute the stuff that goes with the kids is? I'm talking little dresses, little suits and other little clothes (what is it about little clothes that makes them so cute?) tiny socks, little shoes.--My personal favorite, little adorable jammies. I haven't even mentioned the teddy bears, dolls, cars etc.
2. You get to feel smart (even when you are not): I have long lamented that my kids are smarter than me, but I can still explain to my three year old why we have elbows. The best part is my explanation does not have to be true or accurate, and they still think I am the smartest person in the world. If you are wondering, we have elbows so our arms can bend.
3. Bath time: I know bath time can be such a chore and I usually make my husband do it, but there is something funny about little children splashing around the tub with their hair all wild from the shampoo. Also adorable wrapped in the hooded towel--see #1.
4. You have an excuse to play with toys.
5. Sleeping angelic faces: I haven't seen that in a while, but when I see other people's sleeping cherubs I smile.
6. Bonding with complete strangers: Kids are great conversation starters. Either I am getting sympathetic looks from kindred spirits who have been there, or people stop to tell me how cute my kids are. Either way I am talking to adults.
7. Delight in the simple things: It doesn't take much to make my kids happy. I was cleaning out a closet the other day and found an old pair of swim goggles. My son wore those goggles everywhere we went for three days--he wore them on the playground, at the mall, at the restaurant--which brings me back to point #6.
8. Kids make great "Gofors": They go for the diapers, the wipes, my keys, my cup of water, etc. You can get them to get your stuff for you and they feel great cause they are "helping" you.
9. "I love you, mom"--need I say more?
10. You really earn your relaxation time: Okay. So I know most of you don't need a reason to relax and everyone earns their relaxation time. When you have kids or are around kids, the time to yourself is so much more appreciated because you really earned it.
11. You deserve the second or third cup of coffee--- Or a glass of wine (oops I almost wrote "whine" see what mommy brain has done to me?) No questions asked (see above)
12. Playing with your kids on a playground is better and cheaper than any gym membership you can buy. Which brings me to # 13:
13. Your kids keep you in shape: The baby makes a great weight for weight training, running after children is great cardio, running up and down the stairs 100 times a day builds endurance. My husband just bought new running shoes so he can keep up.
14. You have a reason to go see the new cartoon movie you want to see but are afraid to admit (or go without a kid...)
15. Birthday parties are fun: Especially when they are at someone else`s house and all you have to do is drop off your kid and pick them up. I will gladly buy a present for anyone willing to take my kid for a couple of hours.
16. You have an excuse to buy toys and hang out in a toy store--though most parents I know (myself included) only go to toy stores without the kids.
17. You can experiment with new recipes and your kids have to eat it cause they are too young to make something themselves ( I do love a captive audience...)
18. Kids provide a wealth of material for many hobbies: Scrap booking, sewing, photography, blogging....
19. Bubbles: I don`t care how old you are bubbles are fun. "Bubbles" is fun to say, and blowing bubbles is fun to do. Of course its even more fun watching kids blow them and chase them.
20. Hearing a child say "Spaghetti".
21. You have an excuse to stop and pet puppies--and talk to the owner of said puppy. Puppies too are great conversation starters.
22. Realizing your kids do listen to you: One of my proudest moments was when my son could not find his cherished blanket and my daughter said to him, "Open your eyes and look". Good job, my girl.
23. You get to love your bed and any time you manage to be alone in it so much more when you have kids.
24. You have a reason to take a nap--even more awesome if you take the nap cuddled with your child
25. Leftovers: You get to eat whatever your kids don`t finish. I no longer have to order my own fries or desert as I can usually share with my kids. Something that makes me think I am making healthy choices. Even when I am not.
So there you have it. The first 25 awesome things about being a parent. The other 25 will follow when I think of them. What are your awesome parenting things?
"Shhhh! Stop crying!! Do you want mommy to take away your bear? Be quiet!" This coming from my oldest.
I am not sure what is going on in the room the two oldest now share. I have decided not to find out.
It could be worse. At least they are having fun sharing a room and they are bonding as brother and sister. That's my attempt at positivity. How was it? Yeah, I'm not buying it either. However, I have become concerned that anyone reading my blog might think that I don't really enjoy being a parent. Can't imagine why anyone would think that.....
In honor of mother's day, and for everyone out there who has kids in their lives, here are 50 awesome things about parenting kids (Well the first 25 `cause 50 would be long to read here and as my husband pointed out I tend to be "wordy").
Here they are in no particular order:
1. Cute things: The kids themselves my not be cute, but ever notice how cute the stuff that goes with the kids is? I'm talking little dresses, little suits and other little clothes (what is it about little clothes that makes them so cute?) tiny socks, little shoes.--My personal favorite, little adorable jammies. I haven't even mentioned the teddy bears, dolls, cars etc.
2. You get to feel smart (even when you are not): I have long lamented that my kids are smarter than me, but I can still explain to my three year old why we have elbows. The best part is my explanation does not have to be true or accurate, and they still think I am the smartest person in the world. If you are wondering, we have elbows so our arms can bend.
3. Bath time: I know bath time can be such a chore and I usually make my husband do it, but there is something funny about little children splashing around the tub with their hair all wild from the shampoo. Also adorable wrapped in the hooded towel--see #1.
4. You have an excuse to play with toys.
5. Sleeping angelic faces: I haven't seen that in a while, but when I see other people's sleeping cherubs I smile.
6. Bonding with complete strangers: Kids are great conversation starters. Either I am getting sympathetic looks from kindred spirits who have been there, or people stop to tell me how cute my kids are. Either way I am talking to adults.
7. Delight in the simple things: It doesn't take much to make my kids happy. I was cleaning out a closet the other day and found an old pair of swim goggles. My son wore those goggles everywhere we went for three days--he wore them on the playground, at the mall, at the restaurant--which brings me back to point #6.
8. Kids make great "Gofors": They go for the diapers, the wipes, my keys, my cup of water, etc. You can get them to get your stuff for you and they feel great cause they are "helping" you.
9. "I love you, mom"--need I say more?
10. You really earn your relaxation time: Okay. So I know most of you don't need a reason to relax and everyone earns their relaxation time. When you have kids or are around kids, the time to yourself is so much more appreciated because you really earned it.
11. You deserve the second or third cup of coffee--- Or a glass of wine (oops I almost wrote "whine" see what mommy brain has done to me?) No questions asked (see above)
12. Playing with your kids on a playground is better and cheaper than any gym membership you can buy. Which brings me to # 13:
13. Your kids keep you in shape: The baby makes a great weight for weight training, running after children is great cardio, running up and down the stairs 100 times a day builds endurance. My husband just bought new running shoes so he can keep up.
14. You have a reason to go see the new cartoon movie you want to see but are afraid to admit (or go without a kid...)
15. Birthday parties are fun: Especially when they are at someone else`s house and all you have to do is drop off your kid and pick them up. I will gladly buy a present for anyone willing to take my kid for a couple of hours.
16. You have an excuse to buy toys and hang out in a toy store--though most parents I know (myself included) only go to toy stores without the kids.
17. You can experiment with new recipes and your kids have to eat it cause they are too young to make something themselves ( I do love a captive audience...)
18. Kids provide a wealth of material for many hobbies: Scrap booking, sewing, photography, blogging....
19. Bubbles: I don`t care how old you are bubbles are fun. "Bubbles" is fun to say, and blowing bubbles is fun to do. Of course its even more fun watching kids blow them and chase them.
20. Hearing a child say "Spaghetti".
21. You have an excuse to stop and pet puppies--and talk to the owner of said puppy. Puppies too are great conversation starters.
22. Realizing your kids do listen to you: One of my proudest moments was when my son could not find his cherished blanket and my daughter said to him, "Open your eyes and look". Good job, my girl.
23. You get to love your bed and any time you manage to be alone in it so much more when you have kids.
24. You have a reason to take a nap--even more awesome if you take the nap cuddled with your child
25. Leftovers: You get to eat whatever your kids don`t finish. I no longer have to order my own fries or desert as I can usually share with my kids. Something that makes me think I am making healthy choices. Even when I am not.
So there you have it. The first 25 awesome things about being a parent. The other 25 will follow when I think of them. What are your awesome parenting things?
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