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?

Divide and Conquer

Each Tuesday night is date night with Ben. It's been part of our summer strategy to work on discipline by giving him one on one time. Our ground rules are: that we alternate weeks with the other parent at home with baby, try to do something different each week, and that bad behavior cannot take this night away. Date night happens even if he's acting like a total tool.

In the rotation are: Chick Filet Kids night, 1.50 theater kids movies, picnic at the park and feeding ducks, and the ice cream parlor. Last night I took him to our local kids museum's $2.00 family kids night. We got there only for the last hour, but it was just enough time to play together and talk in the car. Last night's topic was about bad dreams and Mr. Steve at daycamp.

We checked out the outside exhibits including this awesome sustainable garden. Inside we did the items he typically gravitates towards car building, giant block room, driving the bus, and the balls that dump from a giant pig into a pit.

He also loves to role play so we spent some serious time making lemonade and then selling it to other kids and then played Vet and brushed fake dogs. Note, this last activity we can do for free at home.

This is a great museum and if it was closer I would consider a membership. But since we already have ones to Durham Science and Life and the NC Zoo, it's worth it to check this out on occasion for our date night. Total cost for dinner and admission was $10.

On the discipline front as a whole the last few weeks have been MAJOR improvement from earlier in the summer. Ben has had several great weeks of daily good reports at camp and aside from some pent up weekend crazies, he has made great strides.

We have been talking to him about the move to the new school. Part of me wants to just let him go back to the familiar even if it's a long drive each day. I fear that moving to a new place, new teachers, and friends we are going to regress back to early summer behavior. So, much to think about, visit the new school again, and believe it or not let him be part of this decision.

Is that crazy to ask your 4 year old their opinion and actually take it into consideration?

Momma Reece

Today is the first day back in workdays for most teachers in the state. Guess where I'm at on a weekday morning? Drinking coffee, doing launrdy, and watching sweet baby play in the bouncy. Guess what I'm NOT doing? Sitting in a welcome back assembly watching all day powerpoints about school scores and being pepped up to start a new year.

Over the weekend one of my favorite SuperTeachers came by to visit the boys. When I think of people that saved my ass first year I think of Kim Reece. My first year was a decade ago and as I started I will be honest, I had no idea what I was doing. I had a great mentor during student teaching who believed baptism by fire method of learning. While others in my masters program where lucky to take attendence for their teacher, mine was having me teach the federal court system two weeks after I started.

I owe Marty B giving me confidence I never knew I had for the year we worked together. But with that said, nothing compares to having your own classes that you are totally responsible for day after day. Because the county I currently work in is near impossible to land a job just out of school, I taught for my first 2 years in a neighboring rural county that at the time had one very large high school.

I worked in a large department of over 20 other teachers that took up an entire floor. In my interior windowless, hot as hell room I moved all my stuff in and started to plan for the 3 preps I had been given including an AP class. Needless to say I spent around 60-80 hours a week for the next year including most Sundays trying to stay ahead. I don't think people outside education undertand how much work adding one new prep for a new class means: creating lesson plans for 90 min blocks, finding media that can be supported, working within the confines of a state mandated objectives (78 in civics alone with 800 terms for the course.)

In walked Mrs. R to the resecue with her lessons, open file cabinate, listening ear, and years of tried and true classroom management techniques. She was mom to both me and my friend Laura H who was also a new teacher next door. I cannot tell you how much I owe Kim for saving me that 1st year. As a graduate of the high school and long time resident in the town she knows (and has taught) most folks in her 25+ years. Her creation of a Mock Life Project is the reason that I wanted to teach, to help instill some real and meaninigful skills outside of sit and get teaching to the state test.

Her B/G twins, who were sweet Freshman my 1st year, are out of college getting married and heading to law school. Just saying that makes me feel really, really old. Just that just as Kim would agree that it's not the bureacatic aspects of the job but the kids are the reason you come back year after year.

As I start next week with my fall sections online I'm reminded that teacher like Kim are the reason that kids succeed. They have a personal cheerleder in their corner that refuses to let them get lost in the system.

A Weekend Phone Photo Friday-SERENITY NOW!

Do you need to ask how this went down? *Hint* it involved my Dyson "animal" vaccum. Aptly named.

Note that the 10 cans of playdough and subsequent mess are behind me, ground into the carpet. The same new carpet that I put two cats down to get in hopes of selling this house.

The chair and leggo table are now out of the room. If he wants to get to his shelves he will have to scale them. May I point out this would be good practice for prison.

The Last Time I Reference Hobos

So after publicly declaring that I have the oral hygiene of a hobo yesterday I am indeed the owner of a mouthful of new fillings. Since it took 7 shots to numb me up I opted to fix another small one on the same tooth. I could not feel my face given that all sides top and bottom were numb until afternoon.

The boys were FABULOUS yesterday. Ben asked me if I wanted to lay down with him so we curled up in his tiny bed where I was out cold and woke up covered in stuffed animals. He was all too fascinated and kept wanting to rehash why only Baby Ian had gone to the dentist.

Ian was a sweetheart and minus having to change a poopy diaper while totally drugged up he was a happy, content baby. It probably helped that I think everyone in the office carried him around during the 3 hour visit.

My dentist is quite chatty so I brought my own music to zone out. Instead I think he talked louder and his assistant turned up her morning TV viewing of Dr. Phil, The Doctors, and then the Price is Right. After crashing super early thanks I feel much better today.

So I am a total coward when it comes to dentists. It's like I can deal with pain most anywhere else on my body but not anywhere related to my face. Given that I never had a single cavity until after I had Ben and found out I had nine, I think I get a pass.

Actually being post gastric bypass it is more likely related to vitamin deficiencies which I thought I was treating with a hella lot of supplements I take each day and extra bloodwork throughout the pg to check levels.

Can not wanting to go to the dentist be a valid excuse for being done having kids?

Tattoo Removal

Reason #912 I should have turned around on the drive home from the pool when it was too quiet. It took a good 30 mins to remove all those stickers aka "tattoos" as Ben so proudly told me as he begged me not to rip them trying to remove them.

Ben demanded band-aids to cover all the places the tattoos had covered as a small amount of leg hair was removed in the process. Uh.. no you get 4 bandages, pick your favorite places you LA INK lovin' preschooler.

Speaking of pain, I'm on my way to have FIVE cavities filled post pregnancy. I had 9 after Ben. With those numbers you would think I have the oral hygiene of a hobo.

The Insanity Meter

As of around 2 am I am DONE, DONE, DONE with grades and contacting schools for my summer class. For the next couple of weeks I am free to get done with the neglected summer to do list.

Item 1- Clean out my classroom and haul 10 years of teaching home.

I am driving solo with the boys to meet the inlaws in Hilton Head in a couple of weeks. Seriously looking forward to a week of an extra set of hands as well as the only real vacation we are taking this summer. We do have a big family trip in the works for October.

This past weekend was filled with highs and lows mainly on the parenting front. I'll give it 1-10 on the insanity meter.

Friday afternoonn- Met up with a friend contemplating IVF while the boys played in the pool and Ian napped. Insanity factor- 2 (the boys did great and Ben had 5/5 great days at camp)

Friday night- Great family pizza night, Bill and I got caught up on True Blood Season 2 after the boys were in bed.

Sat- ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE before 7 am. Ben is in time out before 7:30am, the first of many 4 year old showdowns. The whole day is like one extended fight with him. We swap kid duty half way through the day. Ben is a holy terror until he goes to bed. We bypass watching tv in place to talk about what is triggering behavior outbursts. Also, after 2 years my Obama car magnet was taken off my car while we were out to dinner. SUCKS! Insanity factor- 10

Sunday- I took the boys to the child activity center to head to the am spin class I've been going to the last month. It's typically a great workout but I should have known something was not right when the substitute instructor put on the best of Superbowl highlights instead of the usual visual of rolling hills. Add to it, his playlist was no less than 60 mins of speed metal. Really dude, this was NOT what I needed today. I thought about bailing half way through the class. I stuck it out and hit the pool with Ben afterwards where we managed to loose half of the pool toys we packed. Much crying and mom checking the drains. Insanity factor- 5

When we got home both Ben and Ian took a glorious hour long nap at the same time giving Bill and I both time to get some time to get something done for work. I almost cried that I had to wake either of them up to head to a big 1st birthday party for our friends' daughter. Ben so rarely ever actually sleeps anymore and not sleeping usually means the late afternoon until bed is crazy town at the house.

The party was really cute in a 1st birthday's are really for the parents way. I had gotten a super cute ladybug hat for winter made for Gretchen on etsy. Ben was well behaved until we got home and he was wired on sugar, the heat, and way to many times playing Peanut Butter and Jelly Time on the hour drive home. Insanity Factor - 7

Luckily yesterday was good from start to finish minus once throwing a screwdriver from helping replace batteries in his jambox for afternoon dance party. Thankfully his playlist is restricted to the car.

Result of a Preschool Hip Hop Dance Party

I have to admit I stole this idea from Beth and have for months been planning on setting up a car playlist for Ben. We are in the car at least an hour a day most days, shuttling somewhere and if Ben is being grumpy the drive is painful.

After attending a recent Family Day Y camp (a hip hop dance off) Ben begged me to have a dance party at home.

I talked to one of the counselors and asked for some of the music that he has been singing in the car. The list is not totally complete but as of Thursday pick up I am proud owner of my first Hannah Montana song, set on repeat 4 times on the drive home. Oh brother.

Some songs aren't that bad. I'm thinking after playing this list repeatedly on an upcoming 8 hour solo drive to Hilton Head I'm going to be beating my head again the steering wheel.

Apache (Sugar Hill Gang)
Ice Cream Freeze (Hannah Montana)
Real Gone (Cars Soundtrack)
Peanut Butter and Jelly Song (DJ Chipman from The Buckwheat Boyz)
Life is a Highway (Cars Soundtrack)
Woody's Song (Toy Story Soundtrack)
Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack)

Walking the Plank

Last night I was making dinner with Chef Ben's help. He decided to proceed to pull out all his hats (don't ask why they are in a kitchen drawer) and try them on Ian. Too cute! .

And YES I know that using a Bumbo on the counter is like literally making your kid walk the plank into the floor. No worries, I was within arm's reach. We learned the hard way with Ben, who managed to get out of a Bumbo and was sitting on the kitchen counter in about .0934 secs. Yeah.. not a fine parenting moment.

Hot Pocket

Last weekend Bill and I had 24 glorious hours sans kids. Back in April in our newborn haze Bill found out through Twitter that one of our fav comedians were going to be within driving distance.

If their is one thing I want to be remembered for its loving to laugh and making others laugh. I spent much time in detention for either being late to class or being part of a disruptive pair with my friend Nathan P. We singled handed were responsible for our 9th grade Science teacher retiring early. Yes, she actually told me this when I saw her after I graduated.

Bill and I our entire 16 year relationship have seen more comedians than music concerts. In fact we have planned whole Vegas trips based on who was going to be headlining.

We had a fab time. I booked a suite at the Marriott, sat by the pool and read for a full hour minus MY own screaming kids (other than the family reunion that took up the entire 2nd floor, pool, lobby all in matching tshirts.)

We had a great dinner at the Chesapeake House (actually sat at the same exact waterfront table as we did on our June Beach vacation), enjoyed the show, and leisurely walked around an outdoor shopping area afterwards and shared ice cream at Maggie Moos. The presentation was in the Alabama theater complete with this ginormous painting circa 1987 of the band. I don't know what is worse the vomit sweater, sunglasses, or the use of a directors chair in a painting.

We did find the MOTHERLOAD of redneck/Dixie Flag shirt shops. I had to hold Bill back from buying a General Lee shirt from Ben not to spend my $$$ supporting the ROOM of confederate flag shirts. I now know where the state of SC shops. Minus the speeding ticket we got coming back it was a great break, although I missed bedtime stories with Ben and rocking Ian to sleep.

Several folks mentioned they had never heard of Comedian Jim Gaffagin. So to check out his most famous bits about the nastiness of Hotpockets... Enjoy!

Hole in One

One year ago today we found out that sweet baby Ian was a reality. My apologies to those trying to play Wacky Golf in Destin, FL when we got the news. Jumping up and down on hole 11 should have been a tip off we were shooting MORE than a hole in one.

Man, where did the last 12 months go?