Some Kind of Wonderful Holiday Cards

This is the time of year when I get out all our holiday decorations to enjoy for the weeks from Thanksgiving until the New Year. Among the items that are displayed yearly, includes a garland of felt mittens with all our past holiday family cards that hang in our dining room. Almost all of the cards have been created using Shutterfly's incredible selection of products.

Among the reasons we love this photo sharing site includes the ability to design from the hundreds of options, the ease of uploading and saving creations, and the quick turn around ensuring our ability to send out our cards in a timely manner.

Overall Shutterfly is competitively prices and offers many online discounts when you sign up for a free account. While we are still in the process of finalizing out 2010 card the following cards gave us many ideas on generating a card to capture our year.

Luella

As of 7 am we are on our way to SC for the next 48 hours for Thanksgiving. It wasn't the original plan, but things have a way of falling together.

I have kicked out some AMAZING amounts of work this week given Ian napped both days.

Included in this list of feats: our entire Thanksgiving dinner minus roasted chicken finished and frozen, 5 more freeze ahead meals prepped to travel, holiday clothes for the boys purchased as well as the final gifts for my mom to give, and helped Ben make Thanksgiving cards and fudge pies for his teachers.

With all that the next 48 hours should go down without a hitch. Since I am leaving way early to beat holiday traffic we should be golden. All hopes for the drive not taking the extra 3 hours it did last trip with the tour of all NC/SC rest areas.

On a sad, but also thankful note of the end of physical suffering, my surrogate grandmom passed away Monday after a long battle with Parkinson's. Luella Hood was my grandmother's brother's wife and an amazingly strong and outrageously funny woman.

I always secretly wanted the Hoods to be our grandparents. Henry and Lu were unbelievably good hearted, loved kids and always welcomed you into their home (usually with some kick ass southern cooking.)

Lu was quick with a dirty joke and loved life. She was a true steel magnolia in her grace to handle her illness as well as the bouts of depression that plagued her throughout life. Lu hosted a family recipe shower before our wedding inviting all the Hendricks and Hood wives into her home for more than "some damn ugly mints and punch in the church gym."

Last trip down I took my mom as well as the boys for our usual visit. The Hood's always showed kindness to my dad growing up as he worked weekends in Henry's general store. Later when he was sick the Hoods stepped in on a weekly basis.

I debated whether or not I wanted to take the boys to the funeral. I have a good 6 hours of driving to make the call today. Somehow I am willing to trade off what may be a bad parenting decision leading to a hard conversation with Ben later about death.

Somehow taking the boys seems a lesson in how to live a life fully and without regret . Thoughts on how to convey this to a 4 year old are welcomed.

Well That Was Random

Short, Rambling, I need to be either knocking out progress reports to schools or doing the 5 loads of laundry I neglected this weekend. Somehow this seems more important.

1. Ian needs to be sleeping. Day 14 of craptastic sleep. Only ONE day last week did he not wake up before 6. Add falling asleep in the car for any amount of time = no nap. The return of crappy parental sleep. BOO!

2. Good weekend overall on the behavior front with Ben. This included sitting quietly with me at Harvest Table at Church. Somehow the idea of trading for cookies kept him quiet.

3. I really love that each week at the library he insists on getting 4 books for Baby Ian and then attempts to read them to him.

4. Somehow doing anything times four is the magic trick for Ben compliance.

5. We all fell asleep in the car before dinner. The boys fell asleep on the way home from Durham so why mess up a good thing.

6. Post closet clean out = clothes I haven't seen or worn in over a year. I proudly now have a new drawer of workout clothes to get me through an entire week.

7. New playlist for Week 4 for Couch to 5k! Earth, Wind, and Fire made the cut.

8. I kicked ass getting almost all of the T-Day meal cooked and frozen over the weekend. My mom can't have ham and my brother hates turkey. Can we have a meal of all sides and pie?

9. I'm crazy disappointed in the sampler I had framed for Ian's nursery. Thinking of getting it re framed even though it seems wasteful to spend the money

10. However I'm psyched that we are combining our Christmas and anniversary gift giving for a joint family gift. Bill's fav aspect of a new purchase, the research and comparison, are in full swing for a Black Fri deal.

11. No 3 am standing in line to fight it out for a Dyson or shoving a lady with a kind size down comforter in route to said vaccum. Seriously what was I thinking last year?

Show Me the Mommy-Tuesday Date Night

DATE NIGHT!!! Before you ask who books the reservations, remembers the wine, or thinks of protection, sadly the date night is with a 4.5 year old.

We started this weekly plan at the worst of the summer insanity. I was frustrated with ugly behavior towards his counselors at Y Camp, being excessively rough with Baby Ian, and downright nasty to anyone that resembled a parent.

In trying to find the positive, we decided that instead of more punishment we would carve out a weekly special outing with just one parent.

The rules include that we take turns having one on one time to talk, play, eat out, and in general get much needed undivided attention. We have been trying to let the executing parent plan the event as well as taking care of dinner. No amount of bad behavior at home or school can prevent date night. On the weeks we moved the date night to a weekend Ben was the first to notice.

Most recently Ben and I took a tot painting class. I had gotten a great deal for a 2 hour guided class for $9.00. Miraculously he participated and listened for the entire 2 hours! He did have brown paint over his right eye that he proudly wore for the ride home to show Bill and Ian.

Believe it or not, Ben did much of the painting. The instructor outlined the monkey, and I showed him how to hold the brush and make strokes. Ben filled in all the major parts and I went back to clean up and add details. I was overall impressed at the final product that is now hanging in his jungle-inspired bathroom. This was a must do date again!

I really think the Divide and Conquer technique of parenting is working for our family. I think the extra attention has helped Ben settle into the 2nd child routine. Date Night will definitely carry on into the new year with some new ideas for this super, duper parenting trick.

Some of our 2010 Dates:

Dog Halloween costume parade at the SPCA
Playground tour of Wake County
Durham Science and Life Museum
Nature hike at Bass Lake
Open play at Bounce U
Marbles Kids Museum
Picnic, duck feeding, attempt at paddle boats
Trip to Tom's Trains
Ice cream sundaes
$1 Movie Theater
Pumpkin carving
Talking Trees Trail at Jordan Lake (family weekend trip)
In-house movie night in homemade tents
Leggo Store
Scavenger Hunt at the Raleigh Farmers Market (Baby Ian got to go on this daytime trip)

Future date night agenda

Hockey game
Overnight camp with dad
Attend a music concert
Paint your pot studio
Santa's Workshop
Sledding at Bond Park
NC Museum of Art Kids Saturday
Smores
Cane pole fishing
Morehead Planetarium
Read to a Dog (at the library)
Write a letter to Santa
Create an (easy) gingerbread house
Eno river creek stomping
American Tobacco Trail and Durham Farmers Market
New Hope Valley Railroad

Tales from the Little Potty- My Leather Bound Edition aka... A Bear in the Woods

I gave this story the TWO FRIEND TEST.

The one where you risk your friend thinking what the Hell is wrong with her and share, then regret sharing, then tell someone else to make sure you where correct in thinking of sharing to start.

Damn, that makes me tired just to over think that thought. Needless to say when I told the 2nd friend and she blew coffee out her nose, I made the right call.

I hate potty training. I hate it to the point that even thinking of starting Ian (and I'll be damned if I start a DAY before 3) makes me want to cry.

With that we have gone most of 2010 with few accidents including the being dry at night and pooping on the potty with few accidents. Praise Jesus!

So my thinking of late has been one kid down and one to go.

Tales from the Little Potty has now been issued in paperback for wide spread enjoyment.

I made the horrible, horrible parenting mistake of letting Ben pee outside in an emergency just before we left for Disney. Not thinking, I let him do it again (it was the biggest emerengy ever) AT Disney. And no, for the record, it was not at the Park rather in a bush at our hotel.

The Universe owed me an escalation for my own stupidity. Last Friday we took advantage of another beautiful fall day and headed to Kids Together Park. I love this park for the many different playgrounds, the greenway nearby, an ice cream truck most summer days. I esp like the rows of swings near the very, very far away from the bathrooms, back.

As you can guess before even asking he was behind a bush with his pants down.

After what seemed like forever, I check on Ben who is smirking and kicking at the dirt like some geriatric cat. Yep, my pride and joy had sh$t in the woods.. like a bear.

Of course just as we are cleaning up some totally together mom with her perfect kids walks up and is totally mortified and my son's penis just hanging in the wind.

A Golden Parenting Nugget. Actually two, there for all of God and creation to see.

Needless to say we had a very long talk about appropriate places to use the bathroom and that we do not need go outside again. Make that never again for any reason. Period. I further elaborated that only animals go outside, and I couldn't resist using a bear as my subject.

So much for the older child teaching the younger about potty readiness.

God help me.

Count on Mom to Include the Underwear and Toothpaste

Post up about Parade and Fireworks Tips today at Growing Up Disney Mini-Moms Panel

As we get closer to holiday season I've started a running list of things we want to include. My limit is 15 items spread out over the month of December with a cap on expenses. Already events are adding up with Santa Train tickets, a Winter Wonderland event at a local park, and researching if our annual tradition of going to the Messiah at Duke Chapel is making the list (Bill would quickly say no.)

One of the things that makes the list every year is filling Operation Christmas Child Boxes. Our local Chick-fil-a is doing a big drop off event this week. Last night I took the boys and we bought enough to fill boxes from Ben and Ian. I let Ben pick the ages (as you guessed he wanted to pick four year old boys.) My ballpark limit was $75 (or 1/2 of what I want to spend DOING stuff this season.)

For each box we filled, Ben picked out:

play dinosaur
foam football
silly stick (makes a crazy noise and is filled with little pellets)
match box cars
small leggo kit
coloring book
stickers
puzzle

Mom added:
Plastic reusable shoebox to pack the loot
New underwear (Ben picked out Cars)
New toothbrushes and toothpaste
First aid kit
School supplies (pencils, chalk, crayons, glue stick, pencil bag, notepad)
Cars themed water bottle and snack case

So can you tell who was the 4 year old concerned about toys and the 35 year old concerned about practicality?

Aside- Of fast food places I will always pick Chick-fil-a. We frequent the Tuesday Night kids night on the way to Ben date night at least once a month. The minister who married us is a foster parent with the WINSHAPE foundation.

Bill and I stayed with their family on their farm (the Wiley Home) over a weekend to plan the ceremony. Granted they are a for-profit company, but knowing the back story and meeting some of the kids was telling of as aspect of the cooperate culture. The whole "We're Not Open on Sundays" moto seems to be more than just lip service.

Plus, their coupons never expire.

Happy 7 Months Ian, my little speed demon.

Man this kid is fast. It seemed like only days ago Ian was scooting around on his arms on the floor. Late last week he was FULL on crawling.

BAM! This kid is mobile much earlier than Ben. Needless to say much of the weekend was spent re-baby proofing only for him to find something else to get into.

I think we have a potential climber and squealer growing upstairs. His latest trick involves standing up, shaking the side of the crib babbling/squealing at anyone within earshot.

Add to this 7 straight days of no nap. Thank you Daylight Savings Time for totally screwing us out of any sleep or productivity last week. He getting up at 6 or earlier and we are all feeling it. Even after a trip to Umstead Park today he was still going strong with NO NAP.

I've been trying to put him down before he appears overtired, extra solids or bottles , and making sure we are not away from home around usual naps as he is a poor car sleeper. Outside of trying to wear him down in hopes of sleep I'm about out of ideas. Suggestions???

I know that this too will pass as in the scheme of babies, he remains an easy-going happy boy.

Even after this unfortunate accident Friday he was all smiles. This first of many knots and bruisings came from testing out his weight on his baby legs while holding onto a bench.

Something tells me I am going to run a tab with Urgent care before either can vote.

Happy 7 months my sweetie. I'm hoping all those MAAAAMAAAA and GUGGGGG sounds are going to be Ma Ma before Christmas.

Show Me the Mommy- Coming Clean, well kinda...

In my email this morning is the final installment of Mondo Beyondo Dream Lab. I'm a little sad. Actually more than a little sad, rather discombobulated. My daily shot in the arm that does not require better living through chemistry is ending.

There's a bigger post to write about why Mondo? Or why I stuck around for the Dream Lab on Courage? Or what I got out of it (so much that I need to give myself a word count), or most importantly how I hope it changes my perspective long term. I really like the person that emerged and hope she sticks around for a bit.

I have been mum about much of the behind the scenes for the better part of this year publicly. I don't know exactly how to explain the shifts taking place, even before MB. Know that I am saying yes on a daily basis to the smallest of ideas, yes to practicing uncomfortable vulnerability, and yes to crazy pipe dreams that made my list.

Some dreams, like taking a (well-needed) editing basics class online or training to be birth doula are attainable. But then there are the lofty goals like writing and performing my own comedy set that seem so far removed from reality.

I uploaded this pic for my MB profile page and then later also here. It was taken towards the end of the summer just as the first lessons were rolling out. I love this picture. The larger version so perfectly captures our summer of sullen children and a deliriously happy mommy to have made it to the end.

It has only been a few short months ago since I took a giant leap of faith to leave my job and to stay home. By saying yes to this particular opportunity for courage, I discovered a missing part of myself.

Courage Unfolds Yes by Yes by Yes

Then Let's Just Shoot for Plan B

Thanks to the oh so wonderful time change Ian has been up at 6 am and then refuses to nap. Yes, he crashes around 9am for a cat nap but refuses to take his normal lunchtime nap. No amount of extra feeding, extra rocking, making sure we are at home has helped this week.

UGHHHHHHH!

So in keeping with the plan run am online tutoring, then to the gym to do the Wed C25k session then on to yoga/pilates fusion.

No.

I had just dropped Ian off with the childcare at the gym and was programing the treadmill when all the power went out.

You have to be kidding me. I literally just got here late as always after a poop blowout, a peeing dog accident, and then missing the garbage truck.

Once home, I am faced with either not doing the session or striking out and running with the stroller. This seems like a no brainer, but I really wanted to have built up some endurance before heading outside.

I now have a short list of things that will make being outside better including fixing the locking front wheel, getting some running shorts, maybe some double duty ones also for spin, figure a way to make Ian happier in the stroller who cried the whole way, and reconfigure a play list that matches my stride (no comments here on need for super slow songs to match my super slow pace.)

The day was not a total loss, after Ian pulled NO nap we picked up Ben, took the dog with us and headed to Bass Lake Park to the nature trail. It's a town park that we haven't visited since last fall since it's been under revamp. The changes were nice and the new 2 mile trail much more stroller friendly.

A nice way to salvage a day, get outside and enjoy the leaves, and helped tire the boys out for an early bedtime. Which from what I gather from Bill this morning didn't go down as planned. To my credit I had them in the bed before heading out, they just didn't take the hint to sleep.

Boys and Girls

Since back we have been catching up with friends since October was crazy busy. Not like this is a revelation to anyone with boys, girls, both, multiples of one gender but...

Wow there are major differences between the genders. I have said to more than one person commenting on parenting two boys, "yes, I hear they are a good weight loss plan, based on the unbridled energy."

Obviously as Ben was full on open last weekend at a local jump house his female counterpart was frequently teary when someone ran into her (even when it wasn't Ben.) But when getting two babies almost the same age to play again, who goes after the truck almost immediately compared to who wanted the musical toy?

Actually they both wanted the musical toy and fought each other over who could shove it their mouth first. It almost looks like they are discussing who's turn is next in this cute quick pic.

As much as you read and understand that as a parent you need to try NOT to reinforce gender stereotypes, I have to wonder how much can I overcome compared to testosterone or estrogen hardwired biology. I keenly remember the baby Santa gave Ben to practice with before Ian's arrival, was carried around by the head, arm, leg finally to be put on the shelf, ignored.

As we enter into the holiday gift buying season my one request for family (and also Bill, the #1 Toy Buyer at Casa Vinson) is NO MORE TOYS!

Please!

I've been brainstorming for this much low key upcoming holiday season what we can do WITH the kids instead of FOR the kids in the form of just more stuff.

Among the plans of November clean out of our closets and also all toys is making a December countdown of activities at home and some out that we can do together if possible for limited $$$.

Making a gingerbread house is on the list, but not with the expectation of doing anything more than eating the candy and likely destroying the final product. I learned last year that displaying any gingerbread creations on a dining room table is not going to happen.

Of training goals and preschool literacy

I posted an update to FB yesterday after finishing another C5k session.
Thanks for the support, dear friends.

On the goal front I am working towards running on M, W, F before strength or yoga/pilates class. Right now the plan is on using the treadmill until my endurance level builds and then start running with the stroller outside. On the class front Tues/Sat are still spin days and Thursday I leave open for core and free weights.

For my 36th birthday in January my gift to myself is a consult with a plastic surgeon. That is if I can meet a goal of being down 1/2 of my weight to loose before the surgery. So far I've lost a little over 35 lbs with 50-60 to go.

On a totally different take Ben is obsessed with trying to sound out words while reading nigh time books. Last night he called me back in just to tell me he wanted to read another book to me. Nice stall tactic, buddy. In reality nothing could make me happier than to help open up the world of reading with him.

The past week he wants to "read" the same book about riding a firetruck. The only way he really knows the words is through sheer repetition. But in his mind he reads it back to me page by page with a big grin when he finishes. We then go back and pick out words and sound them out, spelling them and pointing out the word again in the book to see if he remembers.

Tonight is date night, 4 year old style. In reality it's my week and we are waiting until Saturday.I purchased a one session Tot Art class with a one day discount on Living Social. If all goes well, we'll have a masterpiece to hang.

Never Say Never

Most of last week was spent getting caught up on my class, housework galore, pulling out warmer clothes for the kids, watching a backlog of Daily Shows leading up the Rally, and getting back to the gym. Not the most exciting of weeks compared to Disney, but back to reality.

Noteworthy is I started a Couch to 5k on Nov 1st. My plan is to train over the winter and run a 5k to celebrate Ian's 1st birthday next spring. Part of this stems from the gift of a little used, heavy duty jogging stroller my neighbor gave us in their move cross country. Also, I finally found a sports bra!!! Nothing else needs to be said on the 2nd reason, other than it's depressing when lingerie has be ordered from another continent to fit you.

Ever since Bill started running last fall, I've been secretly jealous. I credit the running to jump starting his weight loss when he plateaued. Plus his sense of accomplishment is something I really want for myself. He ran a 5K Halloween Race and is running a Turkey Trot in a couple of weeks.

All this from the person who proclaimed she would only run if someone was chasing her. I totally wanted to bail as I coughed my way through the first session, but I stuck it out. Friday I did the 3rd session. A little easier and I rewarded myself by heading to the Yoga/Pilates class I love afterwards. I can't say that I will ever see myself running more than just this race. But then, never say never.

Frankly I have a new found respect for all the work Bill has put into training these last months. His goal for 2011 is to train for a 1/2. Yeah, I was waiting on it. Hello City of Oaks 13.1 one year from yesterday.

We have a deal that I will make him an over the top sign (again) and brave the cold for a cheering section next spring.

New Freeze Ahead post up today for Cider-Butternut Squash Soup paired with Yankee Cornbread. Serious Yum.

Show Me the Mommy- The Vacay Version

This is the first week I'm playing along with Laura's Challenge.

We are back home and slowly going through the almost 400 pictures from our trip. I love this rare pic of just us.

I look genuinely in love with being a mom.

It was taken on our final night at Disney, just after watching fireworks over the Magic Kingdom at dinner at Ohana. So many of our family pics are just the boys or include Ben demanding to be included in the shot. I now understand while there were so few pics of just my younger brother.

My sweet 6 1/2 month Ian crawled yesterday. I want to eat up every bit of his yummy baby goodness and stop time

Yes, They Were Real and Also Spectacular

In answer to those who saw us out seeking candy Sunday night, yes I did make the costumes. I started this project back in September, and my response to the clerk asking to help me find a vest pattern, "Sew Easy My Ass." She was NOT amused in her smart, homely looking smock.

Among the 4, yes FOUR trips to Joann Fabric I bought:

- multiple tubes of liquid stitch
- the tackiest-ass red and gold trim for my chaps. Even strippers at a D-list club would shun this monstrosity
- fake cow fur likely stolen from a Chick filet opening.
- sequins, sequins, sequins. Did someone rob Glamour Shots?
- did I mention red brick brack trim for Bill's shirt, likely stolen from some very sad clogger's USA Pride costume
- 4 tubes of traffic light yellow fabric paint
- Felt and then the 3 different types of glues to attach. At my lowest moment I was considering hand stitching Ian's Mr. Potato Head outfit after the first two failed. Luckily some ultra toxic, will likely cause him some future stunted growth did the trick.

Only a day before the trip, I waited in a double digit line with all the other mothers thinking that homemade costumes will put me in the Good Mom Hall of Fame.

Some very grateful mother let me cut in line seeing the only reason I was back at the cutting counter (again) was MORE of that damn stripper trim.

More like never, ever again.

Once we got to Disney, I realized that the only way of attaching the belt buckles was dental floss. MacGyver-esqe strategy to the rescuer as we headed out the door.

The Final Result? We were stopped multiple times, including the next day by some random woman on the hotel bus who had seen us the night before. Bill tweeted our pic to the movie Director who was looking for best costume. No win, but he did reply back at our AWESOMENESS!.

So yes, the costumes were spectacular and worthy of some pics from the Toy Story Dance Party with the real deal.

Back, Back, Back

BACK after what turned out to be a month long hiatus. Here's a recap:

1. (Most important and the original catalyst for hiatus) A month of better sleep!

2. Major deadline in multiple pieces finished. I still have some residual items to knock out but overall this was a major to-do crossed off.

3. I finished 3 almost 4 books, a personal record for a single month. This included all 600 pgs of FREEDOM which felt like finishing the Bible.

4. Extra long weekend in early October in SC. My freezer is now in need of a major cook a thon to replace. I didn't intend for the freeze ahead blog to also go on vacation. On tap this weekend is a yummy shrimp pasta dish from Tasty Kitchen and Butternut Squash soup.

5. I worked out 6/7 days for the entire month. I lost 4 lbs adding to my post-partum total to around 35 lbs!

6. Celebrated Year 21 with a massage, facial, and mani/pedi package I bought for myself. Also celebrated in a radical, non-typical hv way. This is a post later when I can just think how to express beyond a convo in my head.

7. Battled two different week-long nasty colds that made their way through all V folk.

7. Made the kick-ass family costumes above. Mark that one off the proverbial Best Mom Ever list. We *did* get multiple comments at the Magic Kingdom wide Halloween party. Awesome Part 1.

8. Week-long Disney trip. Awesome Part 2.

While hard in the beginning feeling totally disconnected and was missing out on the happenings of friends, the month bought me much needed time.

Nov To-Do list is already written, including finally sorting and packing the pile of teacher materials in the garage. Add to this an actual Thanksgiving meal to plan and cook for visiting family.

It feels good to be reconnected, but I also hope to keep up the better sleep. So a commitment to not writing posts after midnight. Period.

Hiatus

I decided that after October 1st that I was going to take a self imposed hiatus from all social media. Yep, no blogging, Facebook, Twitter. Before you can ask why as it's not Lent or some other reason for paying penance.

It's about time and the priority of time. Actually since Thursday night, other than work/personal email, I've been non-connected. The first 24 hours were weird, but I have serious willpower and stuck it out. By today I can't imagine I would have finished all my work and done anything else.

October is going to be a crazy month. Between leaving for a week long trip involving driving 12+ hours to Disney in 3 weeks, extended weekend to help with my mom while my brother is out of town coming up, getting a load of freeze ahead cooking ready to take with me, major work assignment with all parts due before I leave. More was added today. I've been working tonight since I got the kids in bed. It's now midnight. I was working at 6 am on a different work project to beat the insanity of the am breakfast rush. I'm tired.

I also need to prep my class with a week's worth of lesson's while I'm gone (I unfortunately still have to grade and be available certain hours each day even on vacation), making Halloween costumes for our Family Toy Story Theme, putting up our house Halloween decorations (we are THAT family), and then this little thing called sleep.

Return of the crappy sleep is in full force. I'm working on the solution, but as always it's not an overnight fix. I fear most that I have in searching for the solution, made the problem worse.

UGH!!!!!!!PRIMAL SCREAM!!!!!!

So with that said, I'm taking a hiatus. I'm going to still try and post to the Freeze Ahead blog as if I'm already getting out the recipe to make food anyway, it doesn't take more time to post it. My next MiniMoms post is written and ready to be sent. It which will run likely later in the month, likely while I am at the happiest place on earth (looking for a place to sleep.)

So, back by the end of month, or mid month, or tomorrow. Who knows, I'm sure that I will be back in all my un-edited glory on some random day with a recap of life. I just need to really focus on what is my #1 priority, finding any way I can to be sleeping instead of (fill in the blank with your favorite time sucking activity.)

Wish me luck, Bill thinks I'm nuts. But he's been asleep for a good couple of hours.

Spittin' Image?

Almost Ben and now Ian's entire life rarely does someone say the kids look like me. Rather that they are both a mini-Bill. Even as newborns they looked like a baby Bill.

As Ben rounded into age 4 he looks ever so slightly a little more like me, esp at the same age. I'll have to find some similar comparison pics when in SC next weekend if I can locate.

Ben and I had a really difficult summer. Between his utter defiance and my parenting skills channeling Betty Draper, Summer 2010 memories are not making a Christmas card. But at the end of the summer I got this great shot of us moments before we got onto what was the highlight of our Hilton Head Trip, a speeding 6 man boat to watch dolphins. It was the one-up of all Tuesday night date nights.

I even think he looks at least related to me. While I don't need him to look exactly like me it's nice to hear the comparison after 4 years of not.

This past week has frankly sucked. Between the insessant rain, finally feeling the isolation of the SAHM thing, being very frustrated with my weight, and still not sleeping well I'm in a funk.

I'm seriously ready for a vacation and change from the ho hum of daily grind of 24/7 childcare while juggling a job, as well as avery serious weight loss attempt. I'm looking at the upcoming trip as at least I'll be changing diapers in the happiest place on Earth while wearing a costume that will make me cry for the time and energy put forth to make it.

I'm sure with the sun that peaked out today and a nice dry, fall forcast we will be outside, and if it dries out a trip to the pumpkin patch. That is my hope, that and one day Ian will look somewhat a little like me too.

Although we are both still wondering who contributed the blond hair gene.

Happy Weekend

Ben-isms

Another successful date night with Ben this week. We opted for a picnic on our rain-free Tuesday night. We fed ducks, hit the playground having a Ben vs Mom swing competition. Bonus points were scored when we sat and watched a man fishing who showed Ben how to remove the hook and then let him fill up his bucket with water for the fish.

Lately I find myself laughing out loud at his 4 year old logic. For as much as he drives us nuts with the incessant questions, the arguing, the attempts to do everything for himself, there is a sweetness to this age that come 5 I am going to miss.

Some examples from the past week:

"I'm wearing my underwear backwards so everyone can see my Transformer"

"Do Mommies wear transformer underwear?"

"Everyone likes my underwear" "Do you like my underwear?"

"I want to be a hockey man, no wait, a helicopter man who drives a rainbow helicopter"

"Do they make rainbow helicopters? Why not? They would make me happy"

"I want to see a rabbit party. Do they have rabbit parties here? I don't want a squirrel party. I don't like squirrels. They make my dog crazy!"

Ben, "why are you getting more than 10 books at our weekly library trip. These 2 are for babies, let's find something else."

"Mommy, I got them for Baby Ian. Can you help me read them to him?"

Sweet, Sweet, Sweet!

The Workout Tourist

The bottom line is I am active every, single, day because I can. I spent WAY too much time in my adult life not being able to do more than walk around the block.

If you visited my kitchen, you will notice I like to laminate. I also like charts. So it figures that I highlighted and then laminated the weekly gym group fitness chart of times/days. In the past 3 months I've tried almost every class.

Note that the following is highlighted:

Likes: Spin, Yoga/Pilates Fusion, Barbell Strength, Zumba
Dislikes: Step, classes that include jumping jacks, the word "Performance"

Ian was eligible for child care at the gym starting at 3 months. The only sticking point is that there are only 8 spots for infants with a 48hr in advance reservation requirement. Ten mins after opening every morning, all spots are normally taken.

Getting time is that important to me and was among the reasons I chose to work from home this year, to have no excuse to not make a serious attempt to loose weight.

I joined Bill's gym 4 weeks post partum. At that time the only time I could pull to be out of the house sans kids was either 6 am or 9 pm. Neither were attractive times, but I went for the sole reason that I am motivated to finish the job.

Google the phrase Total Body Lift and you will see my final goal. Add to it brachioplasty on my arms and a breast reduction and I'm looking at 20k in non covered insurance claims, a min of 2 separate surgeries, and an intense recovery. So how much do I really want to do this.

Bad.

Really Bad.

Crazy, borderline obsessed with doing this Bad.

So much that a substantial part of the day is spent working towards this goal. I still keep food rules that have become the norm doing this lifelong diet. Too many times, Ben eats more than both of us and we work to keep each other in check on what likely will have negative consequence off the menu. I am so glad to have him as an ally.

I worked during both pregnancies to not pack on weight. Both rounds I worked out until around month 5/6 until I physically couldn't pull working out plus walking the dog and working at a job that was physically demanding.

Add to it the stress of working at a new job on the ground level, going off meds for my PCOS during each pg, babycare over personal care, and the year of fertility drugs I had close to 80 lbs to loose after Ian arrived. Essentially almost 1/2 of my initial 147 lb loss since 2004. Disheartening.

I've needed motivation so I am reneging on not watching Biggest Loser after vowing not to continue after the first season. It sounds insane, but it's a really hard to watch even the most inspiring of stories knowing that I weighted more than some of the women at my peak.

Besides there is WAY too much crying and I hate crying.

So looking for motivation to get to a weight goal to do the surgeries, to stop using the phrase, "when I am thinner I want to...", I decided to watch this season.

I added the classes as I am more likely to not bail if I have to do it publicly. I love early Sat am Spin the best. One the instructor has kick ass play list that ends with the gospel choir piece that is crazy inspiring.

But, the real reason I love her class, was when she said, "before my surgery I couldn't imagine I would ever be leading anyone towards a healthier lifestyle."

That was my motivation and you can bet my hopeful much smaller ass that she had me.

Does Tim Gunn Makes Housecalls for Halloween Costume Bailouts

Sept Minnie Mom post up today! Topic- Preventing Cranky Kids (and Spouses) at Disney.

Speaking of Disney, we are leaving in 3 Weeks! We started a countdown chart this weekend as well as bought the rest of our costume materials. As we are going to the Magic Kingdom wide Halloween party while there we had to have themed family costumes. Yes, I'll repeat, family costumes that needed to be G rated. After all hoeing it up at Disney my guess will get you booted by Park Officials. All bets are off for anything lewd with Chip and Dale.

So back to the costumes. We let Ben be the deciding factor based on what he wanted to be. He picked Buzz Lightyear after seeing Toy Story 3 with Bill. He's being playing "Infinity and Beyond" a game of Buzz Lightyear crashing into Leggo Buildings most of the past couple of months so I was safe to assume that we were going as Toy Story Characters.

Bill- Woody, Heather- Jessie, Baby Ian- Mr. Potato Head

We had planned for this to be a Bill/Ben event and then I started reading about the party, trick or treating throughout the part, a parade, special fireworks, and dance parties. All the rides are decked out to be family-spooky as well as all thecCharacters in costumes.

So once again, I drank the Kool-aid and am going with the pretense that if someone has to go back with a fussy Baby, I volunteer.

This weekend we picked up the the remaining items for the costumes I have to make. Disclaimer here: I don't know how to sew, don't own a machine, am frankly scared of how bad the Cow Print Vest for Bill, Cow print chaps with the tackiest gold/red fringe for me, the wagon wheels in red sequins I have to create on both shirts, and then Ian's whole Costume are going to turn out. One of the patterns is called,"SEW EASY." My ass this is going to be easy.

Needless to say, I have started already.

I mentioned to a friend last night on the phone our family plans. He quickly responded with the line below. Note** Only a few short years ago at his annual Halloween party I had gone full out as a dominatrix (also at my lowest weight, I'll add.)

"Heather, to think you have gone from showing up leading Bill in by a dog collar that read Daddy, to a Disney Character from a movie you likely slept through, yeah you have really fallen a long, long way into Married with Kids territory"

Well said. So I promise to make my cow print chaps very family friendly and only to make an appearance while hanging out with Chip and Dale.

Future Resume Contender? Deep Fried Ambassador

Last week I saw my Taco Party gift giving friend Eileen. If had a twin or wish someone could be my twin it would be Eileen. It never fails that she makes me laugh until I am usually so out of breath, crying, or a combo of both. She took me to see David Sedaris in Clayton, NC as a Christmas present a few years ago. I am fairly sure he was collecting new material, seeing he was in the armpit of Johnson County in a 1 stop light town. She had to pick me up off the floor at one point.

Her family is heading to Disney next week and also going to the Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom. I've been berating her with costume ideas that involve unitards for the whole family. But back to Eileen...

She is one of the funniest people I've ever met. And seeing I was coming off the "dropped my kid on the floor, yelling at Urgent Care people to please not take my child away" the night before, I hoped she would be armed with the funny when she showed up for coffee.

She did.

Somewhere in the midst of talking she threw on her latest challenge to bring notoriety to herself. After all her post of the SheWee a self urination containment unit for ladies, much like the Stadium Pal is for Men, was ACTUALLY is picked up by the manufacturer and used in promotions.

Famous, she is.

She is entering our local upcoming State Fair as the Deep Fried Ambassador 2010. Say what? This couldn't possibly exist for my amusement only. BUT IT DOES, and I spent way too much time over the weekend reading up on last year's ambassador who visited the fair EVERY.SINGLE.DAY eating her way through an artery clogging good time.

Needless to say I have no desire or want to visit the fair on a daily basis. Once you've seen the racing pigs, the tractor pull, the demolition derby, eaten too many country ham biscuits that you would lick the underside of a rusty livestock expo arena bathroom water fountain, and yes gorged yourself on this year's, "can we fry it and put in on a stick" foods, I'm through for 2010. I am done and ready to spend the next 11 months forgetting the sights and smells of the fair.

So Eileen, if you are selected know that I am there in spirit as you bite down into what would be a fitting testament to only a job you could do. My guess is you better be wearing a SheWee to get to all those food stands as well as sit atop a throne make of fried dough.

Video Post Friday- Why I Foresee Many Co-Pays Before Age 18

It's been a long, crazy week. I've had a lot of work as the class is in full swing, and I haven't been sleeping as well again lately. But then there is this problem called a 5 month old Ian. Don't skip it the video for the story... it makes sense why this 2nd child is nothing like the first.

PLAY ME for 15 sec of pure baby goodness. Turn up the sound for even more fun.



In the past couple of weeks Ian is pushing up on all fours rocking,rocking, then getting stuck/frustrated and then collapsing. I think unlike Ben, who was as average as it got on developmental milestones, is going to be mobile much earlier. I also think we have a potential climber and into everything earlier child. Most likely in trying to keep up with an active older brother.

Ian pulls up on all fours over, and over, and over. He could do this for an hour on the floor until he collapses in exhaustion. He hates to not be where he can be mobile. We have abandoned the swing, bouncy, and Bumbo to the attic as they are pointless as a baby sitter.

Enter in Wednesday night as I am feeding him the two bowls of oatmeal topped off by 2 full bottles. This is Ian's am and pm routine. I imagine that I'm likely going to have to sell my kidney to feed him at age 18.

It's almost 7pm, feeding kids at the table hoping that Bill might make it home to eat with us. No sign of him. Ian is strapped into his chair chewing on a bib while I go to make another bottle. We are 15 mins and home free for baths, books, and bed.

Massive, huge thud followed by screaming. Screaming also by a very scared Ben who is now rummaging the freezer for ice pops to put on Ian's head.

Somehow Ian managed to work his way free and slide under hitting the floor face down. A hardwood, no rug on it due to the peeing dog, floor to be exact.

Needless to say the next 15 mins were spent soothing him, checking him over and being unbelievably grateful that all seemed to be ok.

I called our Peds office to speak with the after hours nurseline to see if we could go to Urgent Care over the ER based on his totally normal appearance. Bill by this time had gotten home, corralled a now hysterical Ben who was chasing the dog in full fireman gear brandishing a fireplace broom as a sword.

After a major disagreement with the peds after hours line involving my cursing, I headed to Urgent Care getting there 10 mins before they closed. I begged them to see us even though we were 3 weeks shy of not being punted directly to Big Wake Med Hospital with kid emergencies. Big Wake is great, but also a good 30 more mins away and likely a multi hour wait in germy nastiness.

They took us and proceeded to have at least 5 different staff to ask me to repeat what happened. My guess was to make sure it was not intentional and based on my frazzled appearance I probably needed someone to ask me to repeat the story.

All was good and we were home much earlier than if we had been booted cross town.

So this morning you can guess how tight I pulled the straps on the high chair while I once again was getting Ben out the door and working with my early am class.

Something tells me Ian Vinson will one day be referred to as "the Neck" as he plays full contact sports. All bets that he will kick Ben's ass for tormenting him. I predict both before age 5.

In all seriousness this was a major wake up call that we need to be on guard now and rebabyproof sooner rather than later.

What The Heck? Ben-Age 4

Sleeping in shifts overnight after a LOOONG evening. Thankfully everyone is asleep and come 2 am I will be too.

Onto the funny...

We finally had the told you so moment over dinner the other night. Ben started saying, "what the heck" about something only important to him. Bill and I both looked up with shocked faces. Already knowing the answer, I asked where he had heard that phrase.

"YOU MOMMY!"

***NOTE*** Don't ask questions like this and really expect the answer you WANT to hear.

He must have picked up from my mom just got schooled look and preceded to repeat, "what the heck, what the heck, what the heck" at least a good 10 more times, hysterically laughing in between.

Bill had to excuse himself he couldn't contain laughing and didn't want to encourage more repetition or giving Ben the audience he SO wanted.

Part of me thought, what he was saying COULD have been SO much worse.

But this is pause to take note of all those times I am cursing under my breath, dying to spat out a litany of foul words.

One can only push it so far before he figures out what my kid substitute phrases "fudge pocket, cats and dogs, and gravy boat" really mean.

So what the heck will come out of his mouth next?

Fairly Sure LeVar Burton is Locked in My Basement

At the start of the year, one of my goals was to double the number of books I read this year. Looking back I'm basically at the same number as last year, but I have pledged as part of the whole more time thing to try to finish more books by end of year.

Actually I have found myself more nights than most sitting on my porch in the chaise lounge reading something over watching TV. This is not to say I can't lay on my couch, like tonight, totally zoning out to Biggest Loser (more on why I'm watching this show after boycotting it after season 1 later.)

Anyhow for the rest of 2010, I'm committing myself to 1: audiobooks to play why walking the dog in the am. 2. Making sure I read the bookclub book 3. Once finished with Bclub book read something else from my growing list of book lust.

That's 3 WHOLE books a month and a total record for me who has done well to squeak by the past few years with only the bookclub pick each month.

Currently I'm reading Freedom (audiobook), have just finished An Invisible Sign of My Own (book club), as well as my personal pic Runaway (short stories). I'm picking up Let the Great World Spin and This is Where I Leave You tomorrow.

Looking back at my list here's my top pics:

AWESOME... Freedom. So glad I picked The Corrections up again, finishing it on the 2nd try. I don't think I would have gone for book two if not. Totally worth all the pre-publication publicity. It is totally my catalyst to walk our dog!

Hunger Games. About to reread this Nov book club pic. This better be a kick ass discussion and how cool would it be to go as Katniss Everdeen for Halloween? On board to read Catching Fire and MockingJay before year's out.

The Help- Great book and the fact I own my great grandmother's sterling silver makes me ashamed. I will not be seeing the likely movie adaption that undoubtedly will SUCK!

Also good reads for 2010- NurtureShock, Rant, Drop City, and Runaway

I'm sure that if I had a basement that Levar Burton would consider rebroadcasting Reading Rainbow to today's generation.

The Tree Whisperer

Multiple posts up on Freeze Ahead Frenzy since last update. I'm VERY excited about planned Tomato Soup with Salsa Verde and using up the last of any good summer tomatoes. This is a freezer to crockpot meal. SO EASY!

I have been wanting to visit the Talking Tree Trail at Jordan Lake since Notes from a Chapel Hill Mom posted this summer.

Sunday after naps (Ben included!) we headed out, managed to get totally lost, almost witnessed a seen from Deliverance on a wrong turn, and finally get to the location. NOTE.. the address is wrong on the linked post.

Bill said multiple times Saturday that I was totally overselling this nature hike and Ben was going to be disappointed. And... true to form at one point he turned to us and said, "where are the trees that talk" not totally picking up that we were listening to stories about trees not actual trees with voices.

The trail itself took only about 30 mins. Maybe longer if you take into consideration Ben's questions, racing to the next tree (for more questions), and then admitting he really had to pee. So not only did we talk to the trees, he peed on one. What an ironic milestone of public peeing in all places?

What is great about this location is you can also explore a helicopter and bulldozer near the trail both retired from State park service. Picnic facilities are also close although we opted to head out to dinner instead since we had gotten a late start and mom forgot to pack a picnic.

Also close are several entrances to Lake Jordan's beaches and boat launches. If heading out here again I think I would plan for a longer day at the lake. This is a must do again and makes me plan more nature hikes with Ben this fall since our pockets were filled with rocks, leaves, and sticks on the ride home.

Phone Photo Friday- My glass is 1/2 awesome

I ran into someone from my old school yesterday at preschool pick up. Her first words were you look really happy. I was a little taken aback as I was getting baby out of the car and schlepping it inside like normal. Without any hesitation I said, "yeah, I am and I think taking the year and working part time was a really good decision."

There's so much more I want to say about this whole transition, the components that are making it successful, and how it's impacting me/family,

But not today.

Just know that this is what I have been waking up to do the last few weeks: "office" set up on our screened in porch, laptop (with anything that gets me sidetracked... ie personal email, twitter, fb turned off until I get slug through teaching class each day), stuff to run the class including the ever present to do list of student, parent, school contacts to make, and always a giant mug of coffee.

I am really happy. Unbelievably happy that I took this leap of faith and am committed to making it work. Minus the lack of adult conversation during the day and juggling baby care with work, it is one of the best decisions made in a really long time.

For the future, I need to trust my instincts when a long time whisper becomes a loud screaming voice telling you that change is needed.

So This is How I Told Him

At the end of June we found out that our appeal for the final installment of filing for IVF has been denied. I could have lived with the decision as we were SO incredibly thankful that in a world of limited, if any, infertility coverage we had most of our procedures paid for by Bill's former employer.

BUT.. there were the meds. The several thousands in injectable meds, the same ones I carried packed in ice along with enough needles to get myself on the no fly list to Boston last summer. The same ones that had we filed the claim only 48 hours before we did, would have been covered. The same ones that sit in the back of my fridge because I can't seem to toss them.

In the realm of stupid marital fights that never should have been, our total failure to file these after months and even the birth of the baby they created goes down in the stupid hall of fame. This simply was avoidable stress.

So after the June denial of our 1st appeal, we appealed again. The reason why and the technicality we felt were on our side are inconsequential. Since we were going up again a behemoth of a company we figured that we would loose and were prepared to suck up a really stupid mistake.

So enter the thin envelope and the dread of what I thought it contained.

This is how I told Bill, attached to the door.

Paid in Full, and minus long term shortage fees and some of the early testing, the entire cycle was paid. Top that with Bill's surgery, his parting gift for a company that laid him off was 50k in claims.

Talk about an ending to the story. Didn't see that coming.

What happens to the 3 frozen possibilities I really can't answer. Part of me says you got what you came for, don't overstay the party and tempt fate. Life after the 2nd has been a huge and difficult adjustment. It would some very serious discussion (s) to be a +3. Luckily I do have time in the next couple of years to let the +2 play out.

But not knowing the end of the story? What can I live with doing/not doing with them? When could I make a final and non-reversible decision.

I'm/We're not there yet, not even close.

5 Months!

Are you kidding me? My squishy sleepy newborn is now a full on baby. The last month has seen starting solids and refusal to be on his back or the swing for any amount of time. This boy is a wiggle worm. He's reaching and grabbing for toys to hold, vocalizing and laughing. Oh the laughing! May I hear that sweet sound on the most stressful of days.

I totally won the baby lottery!

We have just moved to the exersaucer/bouncer with lots of blankets for support. Ian also loves to be on the floor rolling and is pulling his head, arms, and legs off the ground in a swimming motion. His current favorite toy is a tripod mirror best viewed on his tummy.

I think he is going to be mobile much earlier than Ben, and who would blame him living with big brother who in the same breath tries to protect him and share his gazillion cars but also attempts to play full contact sports with him.

Ben has finally turned the corner on understanding Ian's not going to be returned. For family picture day he told me he only wanted a picture of him and his brother :-)

Ian is game for daily walks with the dog to the park as long as he has his teether, keys, and taggie all linked together to chew. We are hitting the everything in the mouth stage, socks being the appetizer for most any toy.

What I would not do to freeze time at this age of no whining, tantrums, procrastinating, telling of long drawn out stories with no end.

Just pure, joyous, yummy baby goodness.

Happy 5 months sweet boy-

Putting it on the back burner

We had a good but busy weekend. Both Friday and Sat nights I hit bed early which is totally unlike the norm. I watched a movie in bed, the other finished one book and started another really great book of short stories. I think the short story genre was invented JUST FOR ME and my attention span of a gnat.

Speaking of bugs on Saturday we headed to Bugfest at a downtown Raleigh museum. This was our first trip to the annual event with Ben (Ian came too) and we had fun but given the growing lunchtime crowd left after a couple of hours. Ben especially had fun at the Bug Olympics of kid friendly obstacle course events.

Bill took Ben to his first Basketball practice early Sat am. We opted to do something at our gym over yet another place to shuttle a child to this fall. We are trading taking/watching the practice and taking him to our existing parent date night on Tues so we both get individual time with Ben. Yes, it is making a difference.

Saturday afternoon Ben pulled a Sybil and so nasty and obstinate that we canceled our pm plans and put him in bed at 7pm. Bill and I were out loud counting the time until we could reasonably put him in bed without a 4 am wake up call. I believe there was a fist bump around 7:05 pm that we made it. It felt like the 5 hour fight that no amount of time outs and trying to break it could touch.

Sunday we opted for somehow to make it a better day. But, before 8 am I was scrubbing sharpie off his arm. And by 9 the entire screened in porch looked like a tornado had hit. Bill had already made plans to escape, sorry I mean leave to enjoy a preplanned movie, so I stayed home and literally held down the fort.

We tried out Baby Einstein on Ian over the weekend and as expected, he was mesmerized. Note Ben was too and asked to watch it again over WordGirl. Who's the baby in this house? I did even manage to call every student in my class for Sunday check in between the boys zoning in front of the TV and double naps.

We opted to try our Sat night plans again after naps/attitude and headed out to grill out with friends. On the way we stopped to get Ben's Halloween costume. We are going to be at Disney the week of Halloween and are going to a Magic Kingdom wide Halloween party. Yes it will be insane with trick o treating throughout the park, dance parties, parades, and of course fireworks. YES we are going and are dressing up as characters from Toy Story based on Ben wanting to be Buzz. We are Woody and Jessie and Ian is going to be Mr. Potato Head. GO ahead and comment on how cute we are going to be OR that I am dressing up as a Disney character.

I LOVE Ben's costume. He was so giddy trying it on that I was on a high of happiness bought him two shirts to wear at Disney. Note, buy at home not when you get there to avoid the crazy marked up price.

We had a nice evening, grilled sesame ribs and honey glazed chicken were perfect and as usual there was loud, crazy, boy madness echoing through the house involving masks, swords, Leggos, and as always the trampoline.

Post on Freeze Ahead blog later today to plan this week's session of Sheppards Pie with Rosemary Mashed Potatoes and Cornbread Dressing.

Ch..Ch...Check it out!

Over the week at the beach I found myself up most nights late. Actually in my perfect world minus kids that get up before 7 am, I would stay up every night in my zone of 10-2am when I am most productive.

Part of the week I worked on what has been a 2010 resolution, to start to digitize my fav freeze ahead recipes and begin to load them onto a separate website. I added a link to my sidebar and am hoping that I can update a couple of times a week and compile 100 by end of the year.

The plan is for an early week post about what's on tap for weekend cooking session with a grocery list. Later in the week post a main dish as well as a side/veggie/appetizer during the week. Most every Saturday I am making something in triplicate and keeping 12-15 dishes/month in the freezer. Go Me! Although frozen waffles do make the rounds on super busy nights rest assured.

So far my Favorite recipe one for Steak Skewers with blue Cheese dipping sauce and the best summer grill marinade for Honey Glazed Chicken. Plans to make Heirloom Tomato Tart this weekend to use up the last of my crop.

I also added a link for my friend's Disney blog that I'm writing group articles for on a monthly basis. If you are thinking doing Disney because you can flush a $100 bill down the toilet and not flinch then check out the site, lots of good travel advice. I have a post there today topic doing WDW with a preschooler.

To the blogroll I added several new places that I have started lurking around after finding them on Twitter. My favorite being the Bloggess. I think I may have found someone who enjoys cursing more than me. Is that possible?

Also I added the 30 Day Better Parent Challenge. I think I'm going to try this once I finish up my Sept project, but instead of doing it over 30 days try one a week for several months with a weekly post on how I'm trying the idea at our house. I think I would explode to do all 30 suggestions back to back.

Last Year We Drank the Kool-Aid, Now I'll Serve You a Pitcher

A month or so ago my husband's college roommate's girlfriend (now wife) little sister in our college sorority found me on Twitter. How do you like that version of 6 degrees? We have been catching up and lo and behold if she is not a wealth of info on Disney. She writes a Disney Blog and was forming a mom's panel.

Amy has asked me along with 3 other moms to serve on the panel (one of which, Corby, was also in the same sorority.) As a panel we will be writing guest posts, answering reader questions, and serving as a resource about traveling to WDW with kids of differing ages.

Yes, one of the FIRST questions I asked, "do you edit, no like double and triple edit?" As well as, "please give me a max word count." BOTH she was happy to oblige to do :-)

The first post of the Minnie-Moms went up last week and was a 2-part series. Mon was to introduce the moms, and Tues our first group post about first attractions for our kids.

So the next question is how are you going to continue to write given you have taken Ben on ONE trip last November. I think you know where this is going.

After much consideration and pricing a trip to the Dragon Boat Festival/San Fran this fall, we opted to go back to Disney in late October in time for the Food and Wine Festival as well as the park-wide Halloween party (think matching family costumes.) The other trip WILL happen, just not this year.

Yes, I know and fully admit that I drank the Kool-aid last year and had one of the best family vacations. EVER. I cannot even begin to describe how much utter joy and fun the trip was for us. If you really want my double entry recap, check the Nov archives. When thinking of an uber family friendly place to travel with a 6 month old, Disney won hands down.

Feel free to comment, although be kind. Kids have no appreciation for sarcasm as I have sadly realized.

Phone Photo Friday...What Was I Worried About?

Going for 5/5 fabulous, wonderful, no tears only bashful at drop off days at the new school. Ben has been talking up a storm about all the new people (including our next door neighbor's child in his class), homework!, teachers, and the new foods he's trying on the no thank you bite mantra.

YES!!!!! THIS IS WHAT IN MY WILDEST DREAMS I HOPED TO HAPPEN. Afternoons are now kiddo time exclusively thanks to simply having more time.

So on the "I thought that changing your status to WAHM was going to mean more time" it's been a busy week.

-First full week of online class. Busy, busy calling kids, schools, setting up student records.

-Working on the Freeze Ahead Blog (up to 15 entries... so far) and NEED to post about writing for my friend's blog since she posted and tweeted the entry 4 days ago. Sorry Amy :-(

-Need to do a HHI beach recap before we forget we went. Although being on a speeding 6 man boat trying to outrun a afternoon rainstorm doing 40 mils/hr holding unto Ben for dear life, this will not be soon forgotten. Note, being on a speeding boat was the highlight of Ben's vacation.

-Managed to get in 2 appointments, 4 work outs at the gym, a book club, and a bunch of housework in between 24/7 baby tending.

-My knee has gone from red, purple, black, green, and today YELLOW. It's still sore but SO MUCH BETTER. I feel a little silly that we wasted time and $$$ at Urgent Care

-Going to bed. Just finished writing a online tutoring review I have to run at 7:30 am. NO one should be learning about Naturalization before 9am and a pot of coffee.

Happy Labor Day weekend. Plans here to meet up with friends both Friday night and again on the holiday to grill out. Good bye summer, what a ride you have been.

Giving Cookie Fleck A Limp For the $$$

Pic/wrap up from Hilton Head coming soon, but I can't NOT comment on yesterday. After spending a week eating my weight in seafood we made a 2 hour appointment in the child activity area for the boys so we could hit the gym, then the pool with Ben.

The *plan* was to go to a am spin class while Bill did Couch to 5k. We got there late, so no spin class. I instead I opted of the elliptical with plans for weights and core afterwards. At 10 am I decided to change to the Stairmaster so I could watch Meet the Press and finish cardio.

I was getting off and bam... hit the final step up under my kneecap. Holly Hell I was in pain. I tried walking around and even got the treadmill at a super slow pace thinking that moving it would help and I could walk it off.

I looked like Cookie Fleck from Best in Show dragging her leg showing her Norwich Terrier before the Captain took over with his 2 left feet.

Bill and met up and I was nearly in tears. I wanted to just go home and ice it and put it up, but Bill overriding my usual stubbornness took me to the Urgent Care. This with a hangry and whiny Ben, and Ian who has taken to screaming, not just crying anytime we put him in the car. Yes, all 8 hours home Friday from HHI were spent crying escalating to screaming.

Good times, Good times....

Note that this didn't happen on the drive down but has happened every SINGLE time I have put him in the car since Friday. Can we say our drive in October for family vacay will be done at night, even if Bill and I succumb to taking Speed to stay up to drive in shifts.

Back to my knee, which after 4 x rays, my refusal to get in a wheelchair and decision to instead walk out, and then most of the afternoon fighting with Bill to stay off my feet it's only severely bruised and swollen.

A fav pic from a really great trip. Wrap up coming soon as well as a link for my recent guest post for a friend's blog.

LOVE, the *short* version

Yes it is possible to be brief :-)

LOVE these cheesy but sweet pictures of the boys from the quick pics for gmom/MIL

LOVE that there were tears all around at final day of camp last time hugs. Thank you to wonderful counselors for not booting us, esp Mr. Steve, Ben's 22 year old superhero.

LOVE that Bill put up with my mini-loosing it and went to REI at 9 pm along with help getting us out the door. 7 days of quiet what will he do?

LOVE that our pool/beach bag is bigger than our suitcase of clothes

LOVE that for the next week there are extra hands to hold, change, feed, entertain, and love on the boys

LOVE that when I get home is up to me. I can't recall the last time I used the phrase "open ended."

That's What I Get For Thinking Out Loud...

So my little aside that we were thinking of letting Ben help make the decision about changing schools has generated some thoughts. I brought it up with friends last night and again today over the phone with a couple more. Wow, I didn't think that "thinking out loud" would generate interest.

The boys fell asleep in the car after the outdoor movie we attended tonight. We proceeded talk over the options and make a decision. Bill is going in early to meet with the Director (again)the other classroom teacher. Letting Ben "decide" was not the plan, rather that I wanted to gage what he thought once we checked out the new setting. There's stupid parenting mistakes and then letting your kid run the show.

I had already preplanned to take Ben back to introduce him to his new teachers today and see his new classroom. We went this afternoon and lucky me the firehouse next door were washing the trucks. So before and after the visit we sat and watched and talked while Ian napped. I think Ben is expecting firetruck fun everyday at the new school.

Here are the options: Start at a new school for his final year of preschool or return to the school he was at last year. Both days will run 8:30-3:00 are are around the same price.

Pro- New School. Seriously closer as in no more 1 hr round trip commutes, more transparency in what they are doing (workbooks, "homework", parent involvement is required), lead teacher has years of preschool experience and is focused on getting the K ready, computer in the classroom that is used for more than gaming, inside play area for cold/wet days, school lunch is provided.

Negatives- This is 3 schools in 3 years and while I agree kids are adaptable, Ben is a creature of habit more so that I think people realize. Getting him out of any routine = major ugly meltdown. While I have mentioned that this summer has been tough I will likely never publicly post how bad it had gotten or to the extent I feel I crossed the proverbial parenting line to reel him in.

I simply do not want to set up a situation that then takes months to recover from or pushes him back into negative behavior. Today when we visited, Ben was shy, hesitant to join in and later told me he didn't like the teachers. I know that given time he would adjust so I want to give him every chance to adapt and make the change be positive. Adapting to change is a social skill to be learned on the way to Kindergarten and uh...life.

Pros on going back to the Old School- Ben had an amazing teacher experience with Ms. Becki, he knows the routine and how Montessori works, a huge focus with this method is teaching self-control, there are monthly field trips (which I can now go on) and monthly walks to the library. There is a lot of outdoor time which he needs.

While I can recreate much of the pros, there is something to be said of doing it as a class. If I need care past 3:30 then it's always an option on a day by day basis. If we decide we wanted one of the 8 spots for Ian at 18 months staying there is about our only way to get him in. Most importantly, I know Ben was loved on the most difficult days this year.

Cons- the drive, the feeling that sometimes I wonder just what he did as there as there is not a weekly report in the way I expected, his best friend has moved to K and Ben has been very upset in a way I have never seen him. Part of me thinks going back to this school is just a daily reminder that this friend is never going to be in his class again and that too is a lesson I don't want to have relive every single day.

The visit today was so -so. It was a lukewarm reception today, reaction to teacher bordered bad based on his comments later. Hearing that the indoor play area is not always a weekly thing will be crushing to him as I think it's the only card I can play to keep him interested and willing to try something new.

SO as of now unless something drastically changes after Bill's visit tomorrow am, Ben is going to do 2 trial days when we return and hopefully make the change. Damn, I don't want to be classified as one of those, "the grass is always greener parents", but Bill and I just want to make sure that we did everything we could to set him up for a successful year. I think I am going to get t-shirts printed that say, "parenting is not for pussies." Want one?