So... Duane had a football game today... and when I say a football game please don't get confused that he was gone for like 4 hours. No- rather he left at 7:30 this morning, and is still not home. Needless to say the boys and I got some good bonding time today :)
Started out with Makson coming to my room around 7:45 and jumping in bed with me (remember, Duane was already gone). Of course he wanted to watch TV, so I turned on the typical Nick Jr. and rolled over hoping to get some more sleep... what was I thinking??? I was still so exhausted from my 3 hr night of sleep the night before (because I had the great idea of going Black Friday shopping at 3:30 am with the sister), I really just wanted to sleep a little bit longer. I dozed off, 10 minutes later Mak yelled he needed to potty. I told him just to go, but he insisted I turn on the light.. I can't imagine why he would find it difficult to pee in the dark?? So, up I went and turned on the light... I got back in bed, and actually managed to doze off for maybe 15 more minutes when he exclaimed he needed juice and a bar... of course, it's morning, he hasn't eaten in 12 hrs- he's hungry. Up I went again. I still was adamant that I was going to get a few more minutes of sleep, so back to bed I went hoping Kaden wouldn't suddenly wake up. As I was shutting my tired, little eyes, I realized- I gotta take Tobee to the groomers! So... up I got again! I rushed to get ready (it was about 8:30ish, and Tobee's appointment was at 9, 15 minutes away...), then got the bright idea to take the dog to the groomers and run a few errands, while also getting both boy's hair cut...crazy- I know!
I was putting my bra on when getting ready, while of course in complete privacy- hahaha!!! Yeah right- when you have children, I don't think privacy exist anymore. It all goes away as soon as you go into labor. Anyway... I was putting my bra on and Mak exclaims, "I need one of those!" I corrected him and explained that only girls where bras. He didn't like my answer, and continued with, "Yes, I need one. I need a boy one with pictures on it. Like one with Batman!" I had to laugh.. The only thing I can think of is that he wears "boy underwear" with pictures on it like Batman to hold up the boy goods... and he sees a bra as holding up the girl goods... so he must need one of those, too. I don't know... I mean I wear underwear, too... so maybe he just sees it as a duo thing. Anyhow... I managed to get dressed, both boys dressed, get our crap together and out the door by 8:50. Of course I was late to the groomers, and forgot both pairs of shoes I wanted to take back, but we were out the door in one piece.
We dropped Tobee off at the groomers, drove back home to get the shoes I needed to take back, then proceeded to Southlake to get the boys hair cut! Mak of course had to have his cut so he would look like a shark- we were successful in that! Kaden was getting his first major haircut, so I was a little worried at how he'd do. He did phenomenal! Never even shed a tear~ Once I spent a small fortune on their haircuts, I had the wonderful idea of going to Old Navy and maybe get a few Christmas presents. I mean I had the stroller, the boys were in good moods.. it couldn't be that bad.... hahaha! Mak wanted every freaking thing in Old Navy! I mean really- when did Old Navy start selling toys??? He pleaded and explained why he needed every single one. Of course I'm all about bribery, so I told him if he would be really good in the store, I would get him one toy! It worked- he was good, and got one toy. Of course he forgot about the toy he got before we even got back to the car, so it has now become a Christmas present! :)
Next stop- DSW. I had to take some boots back, and thought I could run in with Kaden on my hip, and Makson could hold my hand.. I wouldn't need the stroller. I think due to lack of sleep in the last couple days, I was slightly deranged today. Anyway.. I managed to get into DSW, exchange the shoes, with Makson only pulling down two pairs of shoes, 1 pair of socks, hiding behind a rack of belts, and 2 threats of "You better stop and behave or I will take you to the car and bust your tail, do you understand me? Say yes ma'am!" Kaden of course was a little angel on my hip and only caused a small ruckus when he threw his pacifier on the floor- which I presumed to pick up, stick in my mouth to clean off, and give it back to him- I know, I'm gross.
I had pondered the idea of going to NordstromTobee! We get there, and I leave both boys in the car. I mean the grooming place is this little place in the country, there are a million windows I can see out of to see the car, and the car is only 15 feet away; yet, the whole time I was constantly worried that someone was going to see my kids in their alone and call CPS on me! And of course I had a tiny, little bit of worry that someone might take them; however, I really feared the call to CPS. So, the whole 10 minutes I'm waiting to get Tobes and pay, I'm looking out the window every 5 seconds to see if anyone is looking in my car and making a phone call. I get Tobee, and the lady proceeds to tell me my dog has worms. I was like, awesome! What do I do? So.... we get in the car and head to Wal-Mart bc no vet is going to be open, and I'm sure I need to get my dog some medicine or something.
I load the boys in the basket and into Wal-Mart we go! Of course first thing Mak sees is all the Christmas decor! Long story short we ended up with 4 candy canes, 2 stick in the ground things that say, "Santa, Stop!", and a package of lights for the bushes. He was adamant about decorating today! He was also adamant that I buy him a crocodile decoration thing that went in a fish tank, but that argument didn't get too far. I finally got the dewormer medicine... the only thing I went to Wal-Mart for, and proceeded to checkout. Kaden insisted on holding the dewormer medicine, and tried to throw a fit when I took it away to buy it, but I managed to distract him with food after the keys didn't work and he threw them on the floor! Out of Wal-Mart we finally went, and home to attempt to start decorating!
We get home and of course the first thing we had to do was get the candy canes up and running. The boys were having a great time playing in the dirt, and with the rocks and leaves, I actually managed to get some decorating done. They were perfectly content for about the first 30 minutes, then they both REALLY wanted to help mommy. Mak was pulling lights out of the basket dragging them around, and Kaden was trying to eat the rocks while also attempting to help with the lights. Once Mak tried to plug an extension cord in, out of fear of him electrocuting himself, I finally explained in a firm way... which got through to him that this was a mommy job and he could not help with the lights. While streaming the lights around the bushes, and with both boys nicely watching, I began to smell cat crap. Of course- I stepped in cat crap somewhere among my flowerbed. Cat crap is like the worst smell in the world. I was gagging and yelling at the boys to stay away, in fear they would get in it, while also yelling at Tobee to go lay down so he wouldn't eat it. It was greatness. Mak exclaimed he was freezing, so with that and myself smelling like cat crap, we called it a day and went in.
To top off the day, we had chili dogs, cookies, took baths and watched movies! It was a crazy day, but was so much fun! Even when Mak was pulling socks of the racks in DSW and proclaiming that his daddy, "really needs these snowman socks," I remembered to cherish every moment. Watching them play, wrestle, fight, giggle, scream, and Mak fixing K's hair so it looked just like his shark hair, was all such a blessing. Taking the boys out and about can really be a chore, but today, it wasn't a chore... it was fun day with my boys that I'll cherish!!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Introduction, Recent Pic, 15 Interesting Facts
I don't even know where to start... the fact that I'm writing this blog on very little sleep frightens me a bit... I seem to be a tad delirious. But.. whatever- my friend invited me to do this 30 day blogger challenge, so here we go~ :)
A little bit about myself....
My name is Tara.. use to be Parker. I loved my last name. It was a bittersweet thing when I got married and took on my husband's last name as Allred. I am proud to be an Allred, but the last name Parker has such a tie to so many wonderful things for me. I guess down deep I will always be a Parker and just consider it a blessing I got an amazing husband that shared his last name with me :) I am 26 years old, and will turn 27 this next February. I just finished my masters degree in counseling and development last May, and am currently a school counselor. I LOVE my job and the opportunity I have to influence so many people on a daily basis! I work at a middle school, which I'm not sure are good times for anyone- in hopes that during student's most impressionable times, I am making a positive difference! I have amazing parents and sisters whom I would do anything for~ I would not be half the person I am today without their constant love, support and guidance- they are absolutely amazing people! If you don't know them, you're missing out on some wonderfulness!!
I have an incredible husband, Duane, whom I have been married to for 5 1/2 years now. We began dating in March of 2003.. if you ask others they will give you an earlier date; however, technically- March of 2003. We got engaged a year and a half later, and were married on July 16th, 2005. He's my best friend who loves me and knows me better than anyone else in this world! I'm thankful for an amazing man~ :)
On December 21, 2007 we welcomed our first son- Makson Dace into the world, and on November 15, 2009 we welcomed little Kaden Wayne (or who Mak calls K-dub). They both are incredible blessings that I adore, that like to run me ragged and at times make me think I'm going crazy!! Makson tends to have a personality most like me, so needless to say he and I go round and round pretty much every day! Duane tells me, "just whip him, don't let him go round and round with you..." Of course I spank his little butt... usually multiple times a day, but my husband doesn't quiet understand the bond between a mommy and her son. I can whip him, and get onto him like nobody's business; but some times when he grins at me, gives me a hug and says "sorry, Mommy...I love you..." that's all it takes. I'll go round and round, and tear my hair out, and even sometimes scream...it's all worth it to get a hug from my baby and hear those sweet little words! He's definitely my hard-headed one, and will fight you to the end... I can wait to see how he uses that in life- Since I was pregnant with Mak, people have told me he is "special, and God is going to use him." I think God has amazing plans for my little boy!
Kaden- my one year old, I will admit... is my baby. At this point, I'm not sure he can do wrong. Now that I have two, I totally get why people are the way they are with the "babies" of the family. I don't know if it's the thought that they could possibly be your last, so you have to cherish every stinkin' thing because you might not get to experience it again... of if it's just the fact that Kaden is so amazingly sweet, and cute, and I'm just blinded by everything else. Regardless, he let's me cuddle and kiss him whenever I want, and makes me feel like the most important person in the world! He is beginning to really develop his own little personality, and become his own little person. He has some strong-willed tendencies like his brother, and tends to want his way now and then... just not to the extreme like his brother!
God has given my husband and I this incredible opportunity to raise two boys- what a privilege. Watching Kaden and Makson interact is an amazing experience~ To see their love and that brotherly connection develop- there's nothing like it!
Here are 15 interesting (maybe) facts:
- I've always wanted to be able to sing well... and at times, thought I could! :) Rockin' it out at church camp!! ha!
- Forever wanted to have different skin- I don't think many people long to have lots of freckles!
- I have a desire to travel the country speaking to youth, and hopefully making a positive difference
- Going to Mexico on a mission trip when I was in high school was an amazingly, humbling experience.
- I would like to one day get my doctorates.
- I secretly love to dance.... but only by myself, or two-step with my boys
- I sing loudly in the car sometimes and pretend I sound really good!
- I also, Holly, would love a boob job! Babies do a number on the girls!
- I despise folding, hanging and putting up laundry.
- I would like to go back to cosmetology school just to learn how to cut hair right!
- I'm realizing while making this list... I'm not that interesting.
- I really don't want a girl... and would be completely satisfied with all boys. This might have something to do with the fact that I'm around teenage girls 5 days a week!
- Some of the best times I've had were on the basketball team in high school- Our team my jr yr was pretty legit ;)
- I love pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks
- I really don't like cats.. they creep me out.
A little bit about myself....
My name is Tara.. use to be Parker. I loved my last name. It was a bittersweet thing when I got married and took on my husband's last name as Allred. I am proud to be an Allred, but the last name Parker has such a tie to so many wonderful things for me. I guess down deep I will always be a Parker and just consider it a blessing I got an amazing husband that shared his last name with me :) I am 26 years old, and will turn 27 this next February. I just finished my masters degree in counseling and development last May, and am currently a school counselor. I LOVE my job and the opportunity I have to influence so many people on a daily basis! I work at a middle school, which I'm not sure are good times for anyone- in hopes that during student's most impressionable times, I am making a positive difference! I have amazing parents and sisters whom I would do anything for~ I would not be half the person I am today without their constant love, support and guidance- they are absolutely amazing people! If you don't know them, you're missing out on some wonderfulness!!I have an incredible husband, Duane, whom I have been married to for 5 1/2 years now. We began dating in March of 2003.. if you ask others they will give you an earlier date; however, technically- March of 2003. We got engaged a year and a half later, and were married on July 16th, 2005. He's my best friend who loves me and knows me better than anyone else in this world! I'm thankful for an amazing man~ :)
On December 21, 2007 we welcomed our first son- Makson Dace into the world, and on November 15, 2009 we welcomed little Kaden Wayne (or who Mak calls K-dub). They both are incredible blessings that I adore, that like to run me ragged and at times make me think I'm going crazy!! Makson tends to have a personality most like me, so needless to say he and I go round and round pretty much every day! Duane tells me, "just whip him, don't let him go round and round with you..." Of course I spank his little butt... usually multiple times a day, but my husband doesn't quiet understand the bond between a mommy and her son. I can whip him, and get onto him like nobody's business; but some times when he grins at me, gives me a hug and says "sorry, Mommy...I love you..." that's all it takes. I'll go round and round, and tear my hair out, and even sometimes scream...it's all worth it to get a hug from my baby and hear those sweet little words! He's definitely my hard-headed one, and will fight you to the end... I can wait to see how he uses that in life- Since I was pregnant with Mak, people have told me he is "special, and God is going to use him." I think God has amazing plans for my little boy!
Kaden- my one year old, I will admit... is my baby. At this point, I'm not sure he can do wrong. Now that I have two, I totally get why people are the way they are with the "babies" of the family. I don't know if it's the thought that they could possibly be your last, so you have to cherish every stinkin' thing because you might not get to experience it again... of if it's just the fact that Kaden is so amazingly sweet, and cute, and I'm just blinded by everything else. Regardless, he let's me cuddle and kiss him whenever I want, and makes me feel like the most important person in the world! He is beginning to really develop his own little personality, and become his own little person. He has some strong-willed tendencies like his brother, and tends to want his way now and then... just not to the extreme like his brother!
God has given my husband and I this incredible opportunity to raise two boys- what a privilege. Watching Kaden and Makson interact is an amazing experience~ To see their love and that brotherly connection develop- there's nothing like it!
Here are 15 interesting (maybe) facts:
- I've always wanted to be able to sing well... and at times, thought I could! :) Rockin' it out at church camp!! ha!
- Forever wanted to have different skin- I don't think many people long to have lots of freckles!
- I have a desire to travel the country speaking to youth, and hopefully making a positive difference
- Going to Mexico on a mission trip when I was in high school was an amazingly, humbling experience.
- I would like to one day get my doctorates.
- I secretly love to dance.... but only by myself, or two-step with my boys
- I sing loudly in the car sometimes and pretend I sound really good!
- I also, Holly, would love a boob job! Babies do a number on the girls!
- I despise folding, hanging and putting up laundry.
- I would like to go back to cosmetology school just to learn how to cut hair right!
- I'm realizing while making this list... I'm not that interesting.
- I really don't want a girl... and would be completely satisfied with all boys. This might have something to do with the fact that I'm around teenage girls 5 days a week!
- Some of the best times I've had were on the basketball team in high school- Our team my jr yr was pretty legit ;)
- I love pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks
- I really don't like cats.. they creep me out.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Kaden's 1st Birthday
All the planning, spending, and decorating was totally worth seeing the smiles on my baby boy's face at his 1st birthday party! He was in a great mood the entire time, and totally dug into his "Birthday Cupcake"! I'm pretty sure he ate almost all of it!
It was awesome!After his birthday party I remembered why I do not like to do birthdays at the house... they totally wear me out! I was so exhausted by the time everyone left and we got things cleaned up... I just wanted to lay on the couch and do NOTHING! Don't get me wrong- I LOVE having the family over to celebrate my babies, but I'm not sure there's anything more tiring than planning a party, buying everything for a party, making sure your house is clean for the party, decorating for the party, entertaining during the party, then cleaning up after the party! However- his party was super cute, and it was all worth it!! I will say though... it will probably be Chuck E Cheese next year! :)
Kaden wasn't too interested in all his presents... he really seemed more interested in the boxes and tissue paper- go figure! He did really like the weeble wobble one that Jen & Matt got him... Mak really liked it, too! (Thanks Jen & Matt for causing tension in the house! ha! ;) Both boys have been fighting over it since Sunday! Kaden tries to play, and Mak takes the weeble wobble away, Kaden screams, grabs it back, Mak says no, takes it back... and the pattern continues! He also really appreciates all the clothes and shoes he got! A BIG thank you to Ms. Lisa- the shoes you got him he can't seem to manage to get off his feet- it's amazing!! I can keep shoes on him for longer than 2 minutes now!
Mak did really well overall at the birthday party. I was worried there would be more jealousy and what not, but he handled it pretty well. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that he got a few presents himself thanks to Grammie and Grand! He also had his fair share of cupcakes. I'm pretty sure he ate the tops off a total of 4 cupcakes on Sunday! I limited him to two at the birthday party... he apparently didn't think that was enough. That evening I was in the bathroom and Duane was doing something with Kaden, and I realized I hadn't heard Mak in awhile. I walked around the house, then heard some snickering in the kitchen... that little toot managed to break open the gate somehow, and steal two more cupcakes off the table. I caught him after he had already eaten the top off of one, and he was working on the 2nd. I couldn't help but laugh and grab the camera! ~ His dad took care of the discipline on that one (Mak had already been told no to having more cupcakes!). Anyway- fun day celebrating K's first year of life! Can't believe how fast time is flying~
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Dinner Time
I am so completely blessed with a wonderful husband who does little things like... did the laundry yesterday morning, went to the grocery store last night, filled up my car, and cleaned up the kitchen tonight; however.... I really wish he got home from work earlier! Maybe if he did, my sanity might be a little more stable! ;)
So I pick up the kiddos today after work. Kaden was still in his pj's because I apparently forgot pants... I swear I put them in the bag, but they were nowhere to be found. I think I may be literally going crazy. Anyhow.. he was still in his pj's. I noticed Mak was in borrowed shorts... so I of course knew he had yet again.. had another accident. Ms. Lisa informed he had had two accidents today.. awesome. When asked why he tee teed in his pants he really couldn't give me a straight answer. Finally when asked for the fourth time, he admitted "I jiggle my pee pee." I couldn't help but laugh. So apparently my child has accidents because he can't refrain from "jiggling" his privates- wonderful! He's almost three... how will things be 10 years from now?? The thought frightens me!
On the ride home both kids were fussy, because on top of Mak peeing in his pants twice today, he also didn't take a nap. Ms. Lisa tried for 3 hours! That is dedication... but the child still refused to nap. Needless to say he was a little cranky. Then poor Kaden is teething so he wasn't a happy camper either! I was actually pretty relaxed on the way home, but still really didn't want to hear whining and crying, so what shuts up a kid better than junk food?? I gave them each an Oreo and they were happy as could be! ( I know.. what kind of mother does that??) I relaxed, turned up the radio and enjoyed the peace- so it was totally worth it! Reaching home I looked at Kaden who had Oreo from ear to ear- and was smiling that gorgeous smile, then there was Mak passed out in his carseat with drool hanging out his lip! Of course he would fall asleep in the last five minutes of the car ride home! I hated doing it.. but I woke him up. God help me if he were to have taken a nap then... he would've been up till midnight!
Getting them in the house, I looked on the fridge at my emeals to decide what would be for dinner... I really wanted to just order pizza, but trying to be the good wife and mom (and to save money) I opted to cook. The meal I knew was possibly going to be a challenge... but not near the challenge it ended up being! It started out well with both kids playing and entertaining themselves... then Kaden wanted to be held. He latched on to my legs and held on while I walked around with an extra 20 lbs holding for dear life. Of course he began crying because I wouldn't pick him up. I was like I just want to get the food in the oven! Give me 10 minutes- THATS ALL! Of course the crying didn't stop... so he's latched on crying and screaming because he's not getting his way while Makson is chasing me from behind doing his karate moves and trying to fight me. It was fun times! Kaden finally relaxed a little and he and Mak began entertaining one another. I sighed a sigh of relief and thought I was going to get to finish without being hit, latched on to, etc.... WRONG! Soon enough I look and Kaden is laying face down on the tile floor screaming once more. Mak of course claimed he had done nothing!
He slips often, and is usually always fine, so I didn't panic. Kaden got up crying ,but seemed fine.. he began latching on to my legs again screaming like a banshee. I assumed it was because he once again wanted me to hold him. I was almost done with dinner and had promised the boys we would go outside and play with play dough once I finished it!! After 10 more minutes of Kaden screaming and Makson running around doing his ninja moves, I succeeded in getting dinner into the oven! Off to the driveway we went to play with play dough! I gave Mak his portion and let Kaden play with his. All was well, we were outside in the fresh air and everyone was happy! I was thinking to myself "I love these moments~ nice weather, fun times with the kids..." Then Mak exclaimed, "Mommy, Kaden is eating the play dough!"
Awesome- I looked down and he has green spit running down his chin and is chomping away! I quickly scooped my finger in his mouth trying to get any of the remaining play dough out. He screamed, that's when I saw his huge busted lip. No wonder he had been screaming earlier, he busted the crap out of his lip, and where his tooth is coming in at the top was bleeding, too. Wow- what kind of mother am I? I felt HORRIBLE! I had been ignoring his screams earlier when they were actually screams of hurt. My poor baby had busted the piss out of his lip and I just ignored it carrying away with making supper.
He is fine of course, and his lip is fine, too... but tonight I sucked as a mom by not paying attention to my kid. Sure, I know I couldn't have changed the busted lip, but I could've given him some mommy loving that I'm sure would have made it all better in that moment! So I'm not going to win mom-of-the-year, but... on the plus side - I did get dinner cooked, and all my family got to eat! That's gotta give me points somewhere!
So I pick up the kiddos today after work. Kaden was still in his pj's because I apparently forgot pants... I swear I put them in the bag, but they were nowhere to be found. I think I may be literally going crazy. Anyhow.. he was still in his pj's. I noticed Mak was in borrowed shorts... so I of course knew he had yet again.. had another accident. Ms. Lisa informed he had had two accidents today.. awesome. When asked why he tee teed in his pants he really couldn't give me a straight answer. Finally when asked for the fourth time, he admitted "I jiggle my pee pee." I couldn't help but laugh. So apparently my child has accidents because he can't refrain from "jiggling" his privates- wonderful! He's almost three... how will things be 10 years from now?? The thought frightens me!
On the ride home both kids were fussy, because on top of Mak peeing in his pants twice today, he also didn't take a nap. Ms. Lisa tried for 3 hours! That is dedication... but the child still refused to nap. Needless to say he was a little cranky. Then poor Kaden is teething so he wasn't a happy camper either! I was actually pretty relaxed on the way home, but still really didn't want to hear whining and crying, so what shuts up a kid better than junk food?? I gave them each an Oreo and they were happy as could be! ( I know.. what kind of mother does that??) I relaxed, turned up the radio and enjoyed the peace- so it was totally worth it! Reaching home I looked at Kaden who had Oreo from ear to ear- and was smiling that gorgeous smile, then there was Mak passed out in his carseat with drool hanging out his lip! Of course he would fall asleep in the last five minutes of the car ride home! I hated doing it.. but I woke him up. God help me if he were to have taken a nap then... he would've been up till midnight!
Getting them in the house, I looked on the fridge at my emeals to decide what would be for dinner... I really wanted to just order pizza, but trying to be the good wife and mom (and to save money) I opted to cook. The meal I knew was possibly going to be a challenge... but not near the challenge it ended up being! It started out well with both kids playing and entertaining themselves... then Kaden wanted to be held. He latched on to my legs and held on while I walked around with an extra 20 lbs holding for dear life. Of course he began crying because I wouldn't pick him up. I was like I just want to get the food in the oven! Give me 10 minutes- THATS ALL! Of course the crying didn't stop... so he's latched on crying and screaming because he's not getting his way while Makson is chasing me from behind doing his karate moves and trying to fight me. It was fun times! Kaden finally relaxed a little and he and Mak began entertaining one another. I sighed a sigh of relief and thought I was going to get to finish without being hit, latched on to, etc.... WRONG! Soon enough I look and Kaden is laying face down on the tile floor screaming once more. Mak of course claimed he had done nothing!
He slips often, and is usually always fine, so I didn't panic. Kaden got up crying ,but seemed fine.. he began latching on to my legs again screaming like a banshee. I assumed it was because he once again wanted me to hold him. I was almost done with dinner and had promised the boys we would go outside and play with play dough once I finished it!! After 10 more minutes of Kaden screaming and Makson running around doing his ninja moves, I succeeded in getting dinner into the oven! Off to the driveway we went to play with play dough! I gave Mak his portion and let Kaden play with his. All was well, we were outside in the fresh air and everyone was happy! I was thinking to myself "I love these moments~ nice weather, fun times with the kids..." Then Mak exclaimed, "Mommy, Kaden is eating the play dough!"
Awesome- I looked down and he has green spit running down his chin and is chomping away! I quickly scooped my finger in his mouth trying to get any of the remaining play dough out. He screamed, that's when I saw his huge busted lip. No wonder he had been screaming earlier, he busted the crap out of his lip, and where his tooth is coming in at the top was bleeding, too. Wow- what kind of mother am I? I felt HORRIBLE! I had been ignoring his screams earlier when they were actually screams of hurt. My poor baby had busted the piss out of his lip and I just ignored it carrying away with making supper.
He is fine of course, and his lip is fine, too... but tonight I sucked as a mom by not paying attention to my kid. Sure, I know I couldn't have changed the busted lip, but I could've given him some mommy loving that I'm sure would have made it all better in that moment! So I'm not going to win mom-of-the-year, but... on the plus side - I did get dinner cooked, and all my family got to eat! That's gotta give me points somewhere!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
I Love a Cranky Child!!!
how cute is he in his Batman costume!
Bringing up the rear!
Now leading the group!
Mak's class :)
Thumbs up mom!
My little superhero~So.... the day started fantastic! I dropped Kaden off with Mrs. Lisa, then got to take Mak to preschool and watch his first costume parade (note the pics)! He was adorable walking around with his little class, so proud in his Batman suit! He told me this morning (as he attempted to fight his brother) that he was a bad guy. I explained to him that he wasn't, and that we don't want to be bad guys- we want to be good guys. He told me that he wanted to be a bad guy, so I tried to correct him again. He then proceeded to grab his Batman mask and said, "Mommy, look at this face... he's a bad guy!" Needless to say I laughed, and left it that. Anyway... the parade was super cute, then he flashed me the thumbs up letting me know all was well... so I left.
I got in the car pleased with my decision to attend the parade. I debated literally all night whether to go, or to attend my counseling PLC with work this morning. I talked to my sister asking if I missed the parade did it make me a bad mom. She of course was super supportive and said no... however, she hadn't seen my son's face when I told him last night I wasn't going. He got huge crocodile tears, and said, "But I want you to..." Then I cried. Then I talked to my mom. She made a good point... she said, "Tara, at your funeral is anyone going to comment on the fact that you made it to every PLC for work? Or will they comment about you being a mother? Which is more important?" That pretty much made my decision. Being a mom and having a job... sometimes juggling both is incredibly difficult, especially when you're a pleaser. I try to pretend that I'm not at times, but.... I am- I own it! Anyway... the mom card trumped, and I am so glad it did! He was precious... that is until I picked him up from Mrs. Lisa's this afternoon.
So the car ride home was pretty brutal... bearable at least to the point where I didn't want to stab my eyes out, but still brutal. The first thing Mak and I discuss is where we're going to go... Daddy's football game, Auntie E's volleyball game, or home to get a cookie. He insisted on going home to get a cookie... which was fine with me, I was pretty beat and happy to go home! Then he started with the million questions... for example: "Mommy, where is that blue truck going?" Me- "I don't know." "Yes, you do!" "Okay, he's going to the store." "No he's not!" "Okay, he's not..." "Well, where's he going?" While saying all of this he is using his oh-so-lovely tone that usually ends up with me jerking him up and spanking his bottom. We seriously went round and round with questions and answers like this the whole way home. I would tell him I didn't know and he would tell me I did... then when I would answer him, he would scream I wasn't right... It was a NO win situation that was driving me to want to drink. In the midst of it all while he's whining, yelling, getting threatened to get spanked with the paddle, my sweet baby Kaden is just smiling and laughing. Thank God for that easy going child! Kaden would reach over towards Mak and try to play or get his attention and the only response he could get from my hellion child was "Stop, brother! Don't do that! Don't touch me! Mommy, I don't want him to do that!" I just laughed and watched Kaden keep doing it... it was too funny to watch the interaction! Kaden just kept smiling and laughing never once seeming to mind the fact that Mak was incredibly irritated with him!
The car ride ends and I decide the best thing was to stay busy and out of the house for my own sanity! So we went for a walk/jog around the neighborhood and made a pit stop at the park. It was a wonderful 40 minutes of enjoying the great outdoors, with the children chipper and happy! We got back to the house and I realize I should probably feed my kids being that it was almost 7... what to do for dinner? I offer chicken nuggets (dinner of champions), leftovers, and anything else I could manage to find that would not take much effort to cook... long story short, I ate some meat (from leftovers) on bread, Mak ate yogurt, Kaden ate whatever he could manage to bum from me or his brother... because when I tried to feed him his baby food, he spit it all over me and himself, and knocked the spoon out of my hand getting it all over the floor! He refuses to eat baby food for me- which I honestly don't blame him. The crap smells horrible, and doesn't seem appetizing at all! So needless to say he had a lot of bread!
After dinner, was bath time! Which usually is somewhat peaceful because they play, and I can chill on the toilet seat and play some Words with Friends, Bejewled or check up on the recent updates on Facebook. Not so much tonight... Kaden wanted whatever toy Mak had, knocked over whatever toy Mak managed to fill up with water- resulting in a super wet floor, and Mak refused to let K play in the water from the spout, because he believes he's the only one who should be able to do that... so in return there was lots of screaming! Finally I just got them both out and decided it was bed time before I beat them both :) I had to make Kaden's bottle... so I thought I would just shut the gate and keep everyone (including the dog) out, so I could accomplish that in a timely manner. Who knew that both boys and the dog (Tobee) would all latch onto the side of the gait and proceed to wail about something or another.
Mak began to cry that he wanted in, which I informed him he could not, so he began balling, Kaden was screaming and wailing because he wanted a bottle and bed, which I obviously was not meeting that need! Then Mak wanted another cookie... and so on and so on..... Eventually I just started screaming right along with them... I was screaming, Makson was screaming and crying, Kaden was screaming and crying, and Tobee was howling right along with us... if anyone would have walked into my house at the moment, they might have taken me away to be institutionalized. However, after I screamed, I actually felt a lot better inside and started laughing! My night amazingly got a little better after that! So... lesson of the day: To all you moms out there- when the children are driving you to drink, and nothing is going right and you feel like pulling out your hair, just scream like a mad woman! Your children might get a little scared and look at you like your insane, and the dog may even lower his ears and look a little frightened... However, in a weird way...it amazingly brings some laughter and happiness to the soul :)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
5K
What an amazing weekend! I managed to get through the whole thing without being pooped on... amazing! Friday night I enjoyed an evening with the kiddos- After Thursday's craziness, and my "I'm so incredibly tired and stressed mom crying breakdown" it was nice to have a peaceful evening :) Of course I didn't share it with the husband because he was at work- gotta love Friday night football. And I do... most of the time. This week though, it would've been really nice to have him home on Friday. Anyhow... I got the kids into bed early and enjoyed laying my butt on the couch watching the Rangers! I cheered to myself and cherished the moments watching them clench their way into a World Series. Would've been better to share the moment with the hubby; however... I jumped up and threw my arms in the air anyway and pretended to be way more excited than I actually was!
Got to bed at a decent hour because I had the big "fun run" in the morning. I swear my mom can talk me into anything! We were suppose to run at 8, so I figured leaving by 7:30 would be sufficient. Of course my mom calls at 6:50, when no one else in the family is up but me, and informs me the fun run starts at 7:30. Awesome- no way are going to make it. So... I tell Duane he can take my registration fee and apply it to the 5K... because there's no way my out-of-shape butt is doing a 5K, pushing a stroller! I informed my mom of this as well and she said she'd take care of it. Of course to no one's surprise, we get to the race and my mom had not only registered Duane for the 5K, but moved me there as well... GREAT! I love you mom... but you suck at listening! :) Oh well, I decided to suck it up, and just decided I'd do a little walk/jog for a mile or two and get my little workout in! So.... that's what I did... Once I hit the mile mark I just told the guy working the turn that I was going to take a short cut! He looked a little confused, but I didn't really care.. I was not doing the full 3.1 miles trying to jog with my 2 1/2 year old asking a million questions every 5 seconds. I mean seriously... I can barely run a mile without stopping as it is... there's no way I'm going to do 3 and try to talk/negotiate/explain to my son in the process!! So we cheated! :) I'm trying to teach my children good morals at a young age!
I ended up towards the front and somewhat pretended I earned that spot honestly... however, anyone running who knew me, knew better! My mom eventually caught up with us and we ran to the finish line with her! I was glad to be done... but I will say it was pretty cool running in with my mom. I mean how blessed am I to have such an amazing mother who stills has the energy to run a 5K???? And she won her age group!!! And... Duane won his, and Erica won hers. If they would've had it, I would've totally won the "Stroller-pushing cheater" age group! :)
Okay... I just realized the bad smell I've been smelling for the last 20 minutes is myself... I guess the puke my son decided to project on me earlier is finally getting to me. Guess it's time to bathe and get rejuvenated for another week!
Got to bed at a decent hour because I had the big "fun run" in the morning. I swear my mom can talk me into anything! We were suppose to run at 8, so I figured leaving by 7:30 would be sufficient. Of course my mom calls at 6:50, when no one else in the family is up but me, and informs me the fun run starts at 7:30. Awesome- no way are going to make it. So... I tell Duane he can take my registration fee and apply it to the 5K... because there's no way my out-of-shape butt is doing a 5K, pushing a stroller! I informed my mom of this as well and she said she'd take care of it. Of course to no one's surprise, we get to the race and my mom had not only registered Duane for the 5K, but moved me there as well... GREAT! I love you mom... but you suck at listening! :) Oh well, I decided to suck it up, and just decided I'd do a little walk/jog for a mile or two and get my little workout in! So.... that's what I did... Once I hit the mile mark I just told the guy working the turn that I was going to take a short cut! He looked a little confused, but I didn't really care.. I was not doing the full 3.1 miles trying to jog with my 2 1/2 year old asking a million questions every 5 seconds. I mean seriously... I can barely run a mile without stopping as it is... there's no way I'm going to do 3 and try to talk/negotiate/explain to my son in the process!! So we cheated! :) I'm trying to teach my children good morals at a young age!
I ended up towards the front and somewhat pretended I earned that spot honestly... however, anyone running who knew me, knew better! My mom eventually caught up with us and we ran to the finish line with her! I was glad to be done... but I will say it was pretty cool running in with my mom. I mean how blessed am I to have such an amazing mother who stills has the energy to run a 5K???? And she won her age group!!! And... Duane won his, and Erica won hers. If they would've had it, I would've totally won the "Stroller-pushing cheater" age group! :)
Okay... I just realized the bad smell I've been smelling for the last 20 minutes is myself... I guess the puke my son decided to project on me earlier is finally getting to me. Guess it's time to bathe and get rejuvenated for another week!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
A Poopy Day...
So this was my life in a nutshell the last 24 hrs...
At approximately 1:45 last night my darling, almost 3 year old decided he was scared in his room and pranced himself into ours. My husband who was "still asleep" picked him up and laid him in bed with us... I exclaimed in my own way that that wasn't going to work... but no one seemed to care.. and to be honest I was so tired I decided to deal... So for the next 45 minutes I attempted to sleep with a foot in the back, tosses and turns, whispers from my child, and my husband doing his fair share of moving himself. Then I got a foot to the face and that was it. I grabbed Mak and marched to his room explaining that he would sleep in his bed, no there was nothing in there with him, and no mommy was not going to lay down beside him. I will admit it took everything I had to be somewhat nice in this negotiation, because what I really wanted to do was shake him and scream it's 3:00 in the freaking morning!!! GO TO SLEEP!!
However...We finally compromised and I turned the bathroom light on and left the door open. He seemed content, so I went back to bed. Lo and behold not even 5 minutes later he was screaming and whining for me to come in there. I shoved Duane (in a loving way of course) and explained that he needed to go deal with it.... Duane went in, explained the same things I had, and came back to bed. I of course was awake attempting to sleep and was in a foul mood... I can't imagine why?? Duane called me a mean person because I snapped at him when he asked what was wrong. I was like seriously... you're asking what's wrong? It's 3:15 in the morning and I've been up for the last hour and a half, and I'M TIRED!!! Needless to say after two more attempts by our lovely Makson to get out of bed, Duane did his dad thing, whipped his little booty, and the child went to bed... and people say spankings don't work... ha!
Well... finally falling back asleep... I get a good hour and a half in when I am then awoken by my sweet baby boy, Kaden, who of course is hungry. I try to ignore it and pretend he's not crying in hopes it will stop.. it doesn't, so up I am again! Yay for rough nights :)
Because of the lack of sleep, I didn't get up until 7.... yeah... we're suppose to leave at 7:15... which again- didn't happen! After mad rushing around the house, and only having to run back into the house 4 times because I forgot something... I made it to work on time, with the kids successfully dropped off with Ms. Lisa.
Work.. well work was work. Nothing too spectacular, but good.
Time to get the boys. The boys had a good day... Mak only peed his pants once- yay! I load them up and head to a meeting with my mom and Danielle so we can discuss our jewelry party... which once again.. not real sure how I got conned into that.. but whatever.. my mom and I are stupid- we think we're like superwomen or something- why not throw a jewelry party into our oh-so-calm lives?? :)
Mak is in a mood at mom's office, where he proceeds to scream no at me. My mom then gets on to him, where he then in return freaks out and cries... because when does he ever get in trouble by Grand??? Mak's crying, my mom is trying to console and teach a lesson while I watch and add input... the whole time Kaden is crawling up my legs, crying because he wants me to hold him. AWESOME!
We finally get to the car and get home.. I'm so thankful to get home. We walk in and I notice a funky aroma.. great- smells like poop. Sure enough my dog, Tobee.. crapped all over the one rug and puked on another. YAY for poop and puke~ So... my first thought is if the boys get to it before I do, they'll play in it... bc they're boys, and they're gross! So I put Kaden in his jumper where he immediately starts screaming, and yell at Mak to stay on the tile and not go near the poop. Which of course he cannot just accept. I'm running around trying to clean the poop and puke up, and the whole time Kaden is screaming and Mak is asking why he can't touch the poop. Really???
Well got everything cleaned and everyone happy.... and played outside till daddy got home. Got Kaden bathed, fed and in bed.... left Mak with Duane... then headed to Wal-Mart to end my wonderful evening to do my oh so favorite thing- grocery shop. I know- you're all jealous of my day... admit it! ;)
At approximately 1:45 last night my darling, almost 3 year old decided he was scared in his room and pranced himself into ours. My husband who was "still asleep" picked him up and laid him in bed with us... I exclaimed in my own way that that wasn't going to work... but no one seemed to care.. and to be honest I was so tired I decided to deal... So for the next 45 minutes I attempted to sleep with a foot in the back, tosses and turns, whispers from my child, and my husband doing his fair share of moving himself. Then I got a foot to the face and that was it. I grabbed Mak and marched to his room explaining that he would sleep in his bed, no there was nothing in there with him, and no mommy was not going to lay down beside him. I will admit it took everything I had to be somewhat nice in this negotiation, because what I really wanted to do was shake him and scream it's 3:00 in the freaking morning!!! GO TO SLEEP!!
However...We finally compromised and I turned the bathroom light on and left the door open. He seemed content, so I went back to bed. Lo and behold not even 5 minutes later he was screaming and whining for me to come in there. I shoved Duane (in a loving way of course) and explained that he needed to go deal with it.... Duane went in, explained the same things I had, and came back to bed. I of course was awake attempting to sleep and was in a foul mood... I can't imagine why?? Duane called me a mean person because I snapped at him when he asked what was wrong. I was like seriously... you're asking what's wrong? It's 3:15 in the morning and I've been up for the last hour and a half, and I'M TIRED!!! Needless to say after two more attempts by our lovely Makson to get out of bed, Duane did his dad thing, whipped his little booty, and the child went to bed... and people say spankings don't work... ha!
Well... finally falling back asleep... I get a good hour and a half in when I am then awoken by my sweet baby boy, Kaden, who of course is hungry. I try to ignore it and pretend he's not crying in hopes it will stop.. it doesn't, so up I am again! Yay for rough nights :)
Because of the lack of sleep, I didn't get up until 7.... yeah... we're suppose to leave at 7:15... which again- didn't happen! After mad rushing around the house, and only having to run back into the house 4 times because I forgot something... I made it to work on time, with the kids successfully dropped off with Ms. Lisa.
Work.. well work was work. Nothing too spectacular, but good.
Time to get the boys. The boys had a good day... Mak only peed his pants once- yay! I load them up and head to a meeting with my mom and Danielle so we can discuss our jewelry party... which once again.. not real sure how I got conned into that.. but whatever.. my mom and I are stupid- we think we're like superwomen or something- why not throw a jewelry party into our oh-so-calm lives?? :)
Mak is in a mood at mom's office, where he proceeds to scream no at me. My mom then gets on to him, where he then in return freaks out and cries... because when does he ever get in trouble by Grand??? Mak's crying, my mom is trying to console and teach a lesson while I watch and add input... the whole time Kaden is crawling up my legs, crying because he wants me to hold him. AWESOME!
We finally get to the car and get home.. I'm so thankful to get home. We walk in and I notice a funky aroma.. great- smells like poop. Sure enough my dog, Tobee.. crapped all over the one rug and puked on another. YAY for poop and puke~ So... my first thought is if the boys get to it before I do, they'll play in it... bc they're boys, and they're gross! So I put Kaden in his jumper where he immediately starts screaming, and yell at Mak to stay on the tile and not go near the poop. Which of course he cannot just accept. I'm running around trying to clean the poop and puke up, and the whole time Kaden is screaming and Mak is asking why he can't touch the poop. Really???
Well got everything cleaned and everyone happy.... and played outside till daddy got home. Got Kaden bathed, fed and in bed.... left Mak with Duane... then headed to Wal-Mart to end my wonderful evening to do my oh so favorite thing- grocery shop. I know- you're all jealous of my day... admit it! ;)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Being a Working Mom
I love being a mom. It's the best job in the world. I love being a school counselor.. it's the best career in the world! Both can be so incredibly exhausting at times... but when I lay my head down at night, I know every tear, scream, mess to clean up, spanking when necessary, bottle made, diaper changed, pee in the underwear, food wiped off the face, toy tripped over, laundry overflowing the basket, nighttime story and prayer, corrective behavior, yell in the hallway or lunchroom...was totally worth it. Some moments at home I want to scream in frustration... then the next my heart is so full of joy because Makson comes willingly, and gives me a hug and a kiss, and says, "I love you, Mommy." Or Kaden looks up and grins that snaggle tooth smile and melts my little heart... Or when a kid runs to me in the hallway and says "I'm having a great day Mrs. Allred! Thanks for the help yesterday!" Or cries in my office because their parents are divorcing, and I can be that one constant in their life for the time being... all of the sudden all those little, petty things that happened at work and at home...don't matter anymore.
Being a working mom definitely has its advantages and disadvantages. I often ponder how life would be if I chose to stay at home instead of going to work every day. I absolutely adore my job and the opportunity I have to influence student's and make a difference in a kid's life. I also really enjoy the adult conversation I get to have every day... I'm not going to lie- it's really nice! Sometimes though when I'm driving my kids to the babysitters I notice some of the other moms walking with their little ones snug away in the stroller, and my heart gets a little jealous. What would it be like if I didn't have a career??? Let's ponder that...
Well, my alarm wouldn't be set to go off at 6:20. When currently it does.. then I proceed to hit the snooze button multiple times until it is eventually 6:45. Then I'm like "crap, it's already 6:45, we need to leave in 30 minutes.." which never happens by the way! Of course it did the first couple weeks of school, then slowly but surely I figure out exactly what time I could get out of bed, get ready, get the kids ready and in the car, to the babysitters and walk in the door to work. Which I can do with getting up at 6:45... so there ya go. My hair usually looks like crap, but makeup is always done! However, if I was a stay at home mom... who cares if my hair is in a ponytail every day and if my makeup is perfect?? Mak will tell me my hair looks good if it's in 5 pigtails sticking straight up!
But then again... when Mak wakes up whining and crying because he doesn't want to watch Mickey Mouse and we have the wrong juice, and his bar is broken in half so he doesn't want to eat it... I am more than happy to load his little butt in the car and drive to the babysitter's! Where of course is where the car rides come in.... which will be a new post. I have way too many stories about the car rides to include them all on here!
Anyhow... any working mom could probably relate to the guilt they sometimes feel about not being home with their kids during the day. I use to feel it more often, but now I know at this time in my life I'm not cut out to be a stay at home mom. Don't get me wrong... I think I'm a good mother... I just think people are all called to do different things... I think being a stay at home mom is not for everyone. Some are just better at it than others. I often worry if I was a stay at home mom CPS would be called on me within a week! I'm just not sure I have the patience.... especially when dealing with my lovely almost 3 year old.
Sure staying home has its perks, and sure maybe I'm missing out on some things with my kids when I'm at work... but is it really detrimental to my kids? I actually had a mother this summer come to my school to talk to me about her own child. She was admiring the pics of my boys (that are posted all over my office) and asked me if I wanted any more children. I said sure, at least one ore two more! She then proceeded to tell me that she didn't agree with that, and it was not fair to my children for me to work and to continue to have kids. Her words were short, and she didn't carry on about it; however, her words hurt and are something I'll carry with me forever. I often think about what she said, and wonder... should I have more kids? Is it fair to reproduce then go to work and pawn them onto someone else for 8-9 hours a day? Maybe she had a point... but I do know that if I stayed at home, I would not have influenced the 100's of kids I have at work. Is it possible to be a working mom, and have the ability to influence kids at school, and my own children, to the extent that I want to?
Two jobs- Being a Mom and have my career... lots of people do it. People ask where I get the energy to do it all... Easy- the look on all my kid's faces when I've made a difference!
Being a working mom definitely has its advantages and disadvantages. I often ponder how life would be if I chose to stay at home instead of going to work every day. I absolutely adore my job and the opportunity I have to influence student's and make a difference in a kid's life. I also really enjoy the adult conversation I get to have every day... I'm not going to lie- it's really nice! Sometimes though when I'm driving my kids to the babysitters I notice some of the other moms walking with their little ones snug away in the stroller, and my heart gets a little jealous. What would it be like if I didn't have a career??? Let's ponder that...
Well, my alarm wouldn't be set to go off at 6:20. When currently it does.. then I proceed to hit the snooze button multiple times until it is eventually 6:45. Then I'm like "crap, it's already 6:45, we need to leave in 30 minutes.." which never happens by the way! Of course it did the first couple weeks of school, then slowly but surely I figure out exactly what time I could get out of bed, get ready, get the kids ready and in the car, to the babysitters and walk in the door to work. Which I can do with getting up at 6:45... so there ya go. My hair usually looks like crap, but makeup is always done! However, if I was a stay at home mom... who cares if my hair is in a ponytail every day and if my makeup is perfect?? Mak will tell me my hair looks good if it's in 5 pigtails sticking straight up!
But then again... when Mak wakes up whining and crying because he doesn't want to watch Mickey Mouse and we have the wrong juice, and his bar is broken in half so he doesn't want to eat it... I am more than happy to load his little butt in the car and drive to the babysitter's! Where of course is where the car rides come in.... which will be a new post. I have way too many stories about the car rides to include them all on here!
Anyhow... any working mom could probably relate to the guilt they sometimes feel about not being home with their kids during the day. I use to feel it more often, but now I know at this time in my life I'm not cut out to be a stay at home mom. Don't get me wrong... I think I'm a good mother... I just think people are all called to do different things... I think being a stay at home mom is not for everyone. Some are just better at it than others. I often worry if I was a stay at home mom CPS would be called on me within a week! I'm just not sure I have the patience.... especially when dealing with my lovely almost 3 year old.
Sure staying home has its perks, and sure maybe I'm missing out on some things with my kids when I'm at work... but is it really detrimental to my kids? I actually had a mother this summer come to my school to talk to me about her own child. She was admiring the pics of my boys (that are posted all over my office) and asked me if I wanted any more children. I said sure, at least one ore two more! She then proceeded to tell me that she didn't agree with that, and it was not fair to my children for me to work and to continue to have kids. Her words were short, and she didn't carry on about it; however, her words hurt and are something I'll carry with me forever. I often think about what she said, and wonder... should I have more kids? Is it fair to reproduce then go to work and pawn them onto someone else for 8-9 hours a day? Maybe she had a point... but I do know that if I stayed at home, I would not have influenced the 100's of kids I have at work. Is it possible to be a working mom, and have the ability to influence kids at school, and my own children, to the extent that I want to?
Two jobs- Being a Mom and have my career... lots of people do it. People ask where I get the energy to do it all... Easy- the look on all my kid's faces when I've made a difference!
Starting a Blog...
Finally decided to get this thing rolling! A blog is something I've considered doing for awhile. I've finally just done it! I'll probably end up using this somewhat like a diary, and hope that people enjoy some insight into our lives and maybe even laugh... and maybe a miracle will occur and someone will read my posts and want to publish them and make me rich! :) One can dream...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)