Writer's Workshop ~ Challenging? Yes!

Linking up with Mama Kat and her Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop.

The Prompts:

1.) Describe a memorable first date.
2.) Write about a child you find inspiring.
3.) What do you find most challenging about blogging?
4.) Name a pet peeve you have about how other parents raise their kids. Go on…stir the pot.
5.) We often spend time and energy talking about people in our lives we don’t see enough of. Describe a person in your life you are in contact with often. What does he/she mean to you?
6.) If you could thank your mom for anything, what would it be? Create a video thanking her for something.

I'm going with Prompt 3: What do you find most challenging about blogging?

Where to start? 

First, let's start with time. I have 3 kids. Squeezing in me time that usually includes blogging (either writing or reading or both) is difficult. It requires me to make sure all kids are happy and occupied or I blog around them. Blogging around them means I start and then leave it for a bit coming back to it when I have yet another free moment. Blogging in the morning or evening when they are not awake is whole other issue. My son sleeps in our room on a pallet in the floor. That pallet? Just happens to be right in front of my desktop computer. Thus, no computer while he's sleeping. Hubby does have a lap top but I rarely get to use it when the kids are asleep. Cause he's using it for his ebay stuff or whatever.

Second, let's talk about topics? I simply almost never can blog every day because I do not always have something I believe is worthy enough to post. Or sometimes, thanks to the time thing, I know what I want to post but can't because of time.

Example: I've been wanting to blog for days about my NKOTBSB concert experience but haven't been able to. Everything I want to say is all jumbled up and then when I do have the time suddenly all that info is gone. Plus in regards to this I have pics I want to share and have yet to get them from my stupid phone to the computer or to my blogger thing.

Third, there's really no third. Or maybe there was and it just got lost in the jumbledness (that's probably not a word but deal with it, lol) that is my brain. I want to be one of those super awesome bloggers talk about/look up to but really, I don't see that happening anytime soon. I'm happy to post as I can. I'm not gonna lie, I love when I post and it gets good feed back. Either in the form of comments, tweets, or facebook. 

So there you have it. My blogging challenge. What's yours?

Vlog Talk ~ A Song for My 20s

Ok, so I'm linking up with Elena from Mommy Is In Timeout, Jessica from My Time As Mom, & Kate from Mommy Monologues. For their weely....






This Week The Topics Are:


1. A song that best describes your early 20s/college years…tell us about it.

2. Introduce your pets (submitted by Crunchy Navy Wife)
3. Your favorite outfit and why (submitted by Mama Wants This)

First off...  Missed y'all the last, what is it 2wks? Anyways, I'm back this week. YAY!


So, I chose 1: A song that best describes your early 20s/college years.

By 1998 I had been married going on 2 years. We had no kids and we both worked our tails off. By the time I was 23 we added Sean to our family. Below is my Vlog on my song choice.

I love how YouTube finds the worst pic to freeze on. Makes me wonder why any one watches me. =P

Savage Garden  ~ Truly, Madly, Deeply

I'm Sorry, did you say something?

Linking up with the most wonderous Mama Kat Writer's Workshop.

The Prompts:

1.) List 10 things you wish you could say to strangers who share unsolicited advice about your parenting skills.
2.) Write a poem inspired by a picture you took last week. Share both!
3.) Create a bucket list of 50 things you want to do this summer (with or without the kids!)
4.) A country you would like to visit.
5.) What is something you could stand to learn from your significant other?
6.) Getting kids dressed? Cooking dinner? Bed time? Create a video that describes the most difficult part of the day for you.

Let's be honest here, we're all human, right? Well, most of us anyways. We all agree there are days our kids could be better and there are days we could be better. But at the end of the day if I still have the same three kids I started out with (or more if I'm sitting/entertaining others) then I think it's a good day. Even if said day ended up with me practically shoving my kids in bed and tying them down for good measure. (totally joking, in case anyone wonders)

I think I speak for most all parents especially those of special needs types that what you may misbehaving may actually be something more. So you really shouldn't say anything cause you have no flippin clue what is goin on. I know have a son who is ADHD/Bipolar/ODD makes me see things differently than I otherwise might. So when I see kids misbehaving, I don't usually feel the need to comment unless those kids are in danger or endangering others.

So, without further ado, 10 things you wish you could say to strangers who share unsolicited advice about your parenting skills.

10) Who died and made you boss of me? 

9) WOW! You are so smart, please go run the country or something.

8) Are you a parent? Cause seriously, you have no clue!

7) Why thank you, they're my little heathen devils and I love em like that!

6) So happy I could make your day and give you something else to gripe about!

5)  Awesome! Now I know what I'm doing wrong. Thanks for sharing.

4) So, you're a kids fashion expert, too?

3) No, my mother didn't teach me anything at all. My daddy taught me to take no crap from anyone!

2) Is that your kid over there hanging off the shelf?

1) Please for the love of God, if you have a complaint tell it to my face rather than rudely stating it as you pass me. Otherwise, follow this rule: If you cannot say something nice do not say anything at all. 

Writer's Workshop ~ Get Over It

Linking up with Mama Kat and her Pretty Much Would Famous Writer's Workshop.

The Prompts:

1.) Last week you chose a 6 word memoir to share…this week elaborate. Tell us the story or thought process behind the sentence you wrote.
2.) Write a dramatic synopsis of a memorable day in your life, as if it was a movie or TV series.
3.) Describe what you think your life would be like if you had never had kids.
4.) In honor of the “white” after Memorial Day rule, name a fashion rule that you either break or enforce.
5.) Share a memorable road trip story!

6.) Vlog: Summer is here and it’s time to hit the water…will you be jumping in with the kids? How do you feel about prancing around in your swimsuit?

Let's talk about swim suits and summer. I love summer and water fun. They just go hand in hand. Toss in some popsicle or snow cones and Oh My! Summer is a time for freedom to run rampant. Though as adults, we seem to lose some of the awesomeness that is summer. Generally, we just think there's stuff we need to do and really no time for fun. Sometimes, we just need to get over it.

The below Vlog is probably not my best and I talk more about the dreaded swim suits than summer fun, sorry bout that.

Vlog Talk ~ Annoying Much?!

Linking up with Jessica from My Time As Mom, Elena from Mommy is in Timeout, & Kate from Mommy Monologues for Vlog Talk!

The Prompts:

1.) A toy your child(ren) play with that drives you up the wall and why.

2.) Your favorite meal.

3.) How you met your spouse/significant other (inspired by A Mommy in the City)

If you do prompt 3 you can also link it up with Project Marriage like I did.

For more information on VlogTalk or to have the prompts emailed directly to you go here.

The weekly #VlogTalk Twitter chat is Tuesday June 7th from 6pm to 7pm PST. Hope to chat with you there (until I get sent to #twitterjail).

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Let's talking annoying toys.

For the record the toys in my Vlog are my kids current annoying toys. The King of Annoying Toys goes to that long ago retired (forcibly retired) musical baby rattle (played classical and lit up)  Sean had. We called it the Chucky Rattle. This rattle would go off all by itself without Sean shaking it. It got lost in our living room and took me weeks to find and retire it.

WARNING! In the video these toys look cute and harmless. Don't be fooled! Just imagine these critters running amok all over the place all day long!

Yes, I did forget to say why these critters are annoying but I think you get the point. If not, reread above, replay video at least 100 times, and then picture these things in your house taking over!

Hopelessly Klutzy

Once again linking up with Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop.


3.) Describe a talent or flaw that seems to be in your genes.


Well, I don't have much in scientific proof to support the theory that I have a Hopeless Klutz gene. I don't think it's a flaw, just a unique view of the world. Talent, well it could be that. The kind of talent that requires no effort at all.


I don't know anyone else in my family that came before me that shares in my klutzyness. I do think that I have passed it to the youngest of my three kids. 


Let's just look at a list of things I have done or happened to me.


~ Way back in 1st grade played dodge ball. Got hit in the nose with a ball cause to slow in ducking. (really I was just that bad at the game). FFW to Senior Game Day in HS. Dodge Ball does me in again.  Once again, hit in nose, by QB of our football team, at least I'm pretty sure it was.


~ Once  I got my hair stuck in a hand crank car window. 


~ Hit myself in my own head w/my own car door.


~ Walked into a wall at school. (No I wasn't drunk)


~ Almost daily I run into something in the house. This morning, it was the fan in my room. 


That's just the list of stuff that came immediately to mind.


My Meggie is 4. I see her do these kinds of things all the time. I cannot tell you how many walls she's walked into. She has got the Klutz gene. Yet to be determined if it's the hopeless variety. I'm sure Meggie has had other klutz moments but right now as I type this I just have hit a blank. 


I was hoping to finish this with a little wit and humor but alas I find I cannot.


I'm sure when Rach reads this she'll be nodding her head in agreement with the above statements. Pretty sure she probably has even better examples.

Growing Up & the Tooth Fairy

So, I'm sitting outside enjoying watching Meggie play. As I watch her, I kinda wish I could just keep her this age a little longer.

I got to thiking bout this after Bridgette lost a front tooth last night. See, every time Bridge loses a tooth, Meg asks when she's gonna start losing her teeth. I realized this morning that it's a lot closer than it seems.

I'm pretty sure the actual reason she wants to lose her baby teeth is that she wants a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

Now, our Tooth Fairy never pays more than a $1.50 a tooth. The least she pays is $0.50. It's all very precise. Takes into account what tooth was lost, how it was lost, how traumatic was it (dentist maybe), and how much change is on the Tooth Fairy at the time.

I get that, I do. I get that since getting her piggy bank she's busting a gut to fill it.

At same time I'm wishing Meggie didn't want to grow up so fast, Bridge is growing up way fast. Sean, too. When did they all get so big? Needing me just a little less every day.

The Tooth Fairy is not the beginning of growing up. I just think it's the most notable mile stone and sign that they are.

It all is just too much for me to put into words right now. And it all started with Bridge losing her first front tooth. Her telling me hard it was to talk with that tooth missing. Then Meg asking when she was gonna lose her baby teeth.

*le sigh*

Vlog Talk ~ Eel Squeal

This week for Vlog Talk I am talking bout a memorable vacation.

Thanks to Jessica from My Time As Mom, Elena from Mommy is in Timeout, and Kate from Mommy Monologues for hosting Vlog Talk.

This week’s prompts:

1.) Share the story of your engagement.

2.) A vacation to remember…where did you go and what did you do?

3.) What are you growing? A tour of your garden, flower beds, etc.

For more information on VlogTalk or to have the prompts emailed directly to you each week gohere.

The weekly #VlogTalk Twitter chat is Tuesday May 31st from 6 – 7pm PST. Hope to chat with you there.

Not Her

Linking up with Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop
I'm chose Prompt 2. 

Not My Mother's Daughter...

Hard for me to choose this but it spoke to me. It spoke to me cause I didn't get to grow up with my mom. She took her own life when I was 5 months old to the day. Two weeks to the day before my daddy's birthday.


For several years I was parented by my daddy. It was just me and him against the world. Him holding tight and trying to protect me from all that could hurt me. Even if that meant mom's family. They blamed him, he blamed himself. Looking back now with my adult eyes, I see how hard that had to be on him. I can see why he married her. Why he made other similarly bad decisions.


Her, the woman I swore I'd never ever be. Too bad that women was around for my so called formative years. The years where I was desperately needing a female to connect with. Looking for anyone to bond with. 


She seemed so nice when my daddy introduced me to her. She had 4 girls. The youngest just few years younger than me. The second youngest that cool teen I wanted to be.


She seemed to really love my daddy and I was so happy he found someone to be with. So happy that he might for once be distracted from his demons. Someone who could help them go away.


I was 10 when he married her. 10. So close to the age where a girl really needs her mom. So close to an age that scared the hell out of my daddy. So he found her. I think he really cared for her. I couldn't say if it was love on either side. I see it as a solution to both their problems.


Him, needing a woman for his daughter. Someone to teach her things only mothers seem able to teach their daughters.


Her, needing or wanting a man. A man to care for her and treat her right. A man who wouldn't leave her for any reason, My daddy. A stand up man. For her and her 4 kids from her ex husband.


I lived through a lot of hell with that women. I thank God I made it out. I survived. I am stronger for it. 


My daddy really only knew how to work. Not much time for me and him but he did what he could. I remember motorcycle rides before he went to work the 3rd shift at the rail road. I remember a cold football game in his hometown. Lots of other memories of him and me. I don't think I ever complained once that all he ever seemed to do was work. Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't and I was much wiser than my years.


Later, came the years I still to this day try to erase. Fight not to be. The woman she would have me be. 


The bitter, cold, good is never good enough, always find something to criticize woman. A woman who doesn't care who she hurts to get what she wants. What she wanted was me gone. What she wanted was me to become my mom. A woman who never ceased to tell me how awful I was. A woman who made sure I knew she hoped someday I'd end up like my mom or have no good for nothing step kids like me. Worse, was telling her something truly awful and unspeakable that happened to me and hearing her say to me at 15, "If you weren't such a rotten kid that would never have happened to you. Don't tell your dad, no one deserves to die for what is only your fault."


Yes, there are times I lose sight of it and I may say something similar to my kids. I say similar cause while I can be harsh sometimes I strive never to demean who my kids are. I know how it feels to be on the receiving end. 


The difference is I go and tell my kids I am sorry and what I said was wrong and uncalled for. That I will do better. Maybe they don't get it yet. I think they will. I think it helps them to know that mommy isn't perfect either. That anyone and everyone can and will make mistakes.


No, they don't know about all my past yet. Nor do they need to at their age. I am not sure they ever need to know it all.


What I hope they know, is that I love them so much more than I could ever say. I'd give my life for them if I had to. That I was there struggling with them.


I stump a lot of people because I can't be that parent who punishes first then asks questions. I cannot spank for every infraction. I send kids to sit in time out. I send them to think about what it is they are sitting in time out for.


I want to be what I imagine my mom would've been if she had lived. Gentle, understanding, teaching, correcting but always with love. Always with the understanding that some day these kids will be parents. The cycle stops with me. 


The kind that allows my son to yell and vent his frustrations. Then when the storm is over, talk about it.


The kind of parent that my girls know they can rely on. The kind that will always listen to whatever is on their mind no matter how hard it may be. 


The kind to teach them that their is a better way of parenting. To show by example that you can over come anything and be better for it.


The difference between her and me, is I know where that road leads. It leads nowhere. It just circles round and round, destroying all in its path. Even yourself.


The difference between her and me, is I am overcoming my past and making my future and my kids futures better.


The difference is, I don't want my kids to want to be me. I want them to be them. After all, I'm not my mom.  Better, I'm not step mother #2 either.

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The Prompts:

1.) Write about a time you got in BIG trouble as a kid.
2.) Not your mother's daughter...how do you parent differently than your mother did? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
3.) Photo Story: Share photos of your most recent trip to the beach (maybe an excuse to go!).
4.) Write a poem about starting over.
5.) Your top 10 Summer Don'ts.

Bonus Vlog Option!

6.) Most bloggers have an About Me page...create an About Me video that will give viewers a quick glimpse into who you are and what makes you tick. Consider adding it to your About Me page!

Vlog Talk ~ Magazines & Mistakes

Linking up w/Jessica from My Time As Mom, Elena from Mommy is in Timeout, and Kate from Mommy Monologues for Vlog Talk.

This week I'm talking about the magazines I read, or rather don't read. As a bonus I tossed in a parenting mistake.

Still trying to figure out iMovie. It still stumps me. I need a course in how to do the cool subtitles and add cool music to the titles...Who am I kidding? Hubby barely lets me have his lap top. I basically kidnap it when I can. ;)

Enjoy!

Crazy in my Head

So I'm just sitting here. Listening to iTunes trying desperately to remember what I planned to blog about. Which reminds me, I have gift card in my purse hubby got me that I haven't redeemed yet. No, it's not the one from My Purse Speaks post. Sheesh, I'm bad but not that bad y'all.

I think today I am just going to just enjoy being home with nothing in particular to do. It's nice feeling. I'm not going to allow myself to feel guilty for not doing anything. We all need a day where no housework is involved. A day where doing the bare minimum is ok. Otherwise, how do we stay sane? How do we not feel like we're on the brink of burn out?

Which reminds me, summer is coming up. Wild, crazy, and care free summer. Days that will all too soon be gone. Days I hope my kids look back on with fondness. Maybe even a few giggles of crazy summer antics. This kinda thinking really makes me not mind the need to go shopping for that dratted bathing suit.

Which reminds me, I really need to go shopping for Bridge's GS Twilight Camp supplies. She's really looking forward to it. I am too, sort of. I mean she's the first to go camp. Even if it is just for 4 hours for 5 days. She's so over the moon about her Twilight Camp, Day Camp, and 3 Summer Extreme events! Surely the 2 GS Summer Extreme events that are My Buddy and Me will be blogged about.

Waiting on info from Sean's Cub Scouts Leader bout what summer activities they have. I know one is care of the church's flower beds over the summer. Which reminds me that I need to look at that calendar and sign up for a day or week, which ever it is, I can't remember. Or remind hubby to do so at the next meeting. Which means, he'll need my pocket (purse) calendar so he knows what my schedule is. I think it's not just a scout parent thing but maybe something we can all help with as a family.

Which reminds me, given that Sean and Bridge have activities for the summer I really need to find/think of something for just me and Meggie to do. I wouldn't want her to feel left out just cause she's not a scout, yet. Wonder if she'll still wanna be a Girl Scout when she enters Kindergarten.....Probably. WOW! By then Bridge will be a Junior GS, I think.

Do y'all see what happens when I try to do nothing? Don't get me wrong, a day or moment when I can do nothing is awesome. The only problem is, it opens up my brain for thoughts to freely flow. Except, the only thoughts that seem to freely flow are those of things I need to do. The occasional fun thought, like OMG just over a month away from the NKOTBSB concert!! And, Dear God, please let me & Rach get together for a visit before then. I'm suffering from real BFF with-drawls here. Thanks.

Yup, crazy in my head all the time. Oh well, it works for me.

Writer's Workshop ~ Table Dancing Toddler Style

So due to a misplaced camera cable I'm linking up a bit late w/Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop. Better late than never. =)

I chose the Bonus Vlog Option: Tell about a time your kid/kids made you laugh out loud.

GS Be A Sister Picnic

For Wordless/Wordful Wednesday I wanted to share pics of Bridge from her GS Be A Sister Picnic w/another local Troop. 

There were several great pics but alas I can only show those of my Bridgette. I cropped a few of her cause I didn't get her alone much at all. You see, Bridge has yet to meet a stranger. She is a friend to all. At this picnic they were learning about what it means to be A Sister to Every Girl Scout. I think Bridge was showing by example that partly it means to be friendly to all the girls and not buddy up with just one or two. The GS Law is 10 parts. Be A Sister to Every Girl Scout is the last line. After this picnic Bridge and most of her Troop have now earned their full Daisy. Each petal of the Daisy represents a part of the GS Law they've learned. I know my Bridge can be a bit of a Diva but it warms my heart to see her break out of that when around others. Yes, she still has her moments and sometimes they're very public, but all in all she's showing me that she is listening, learning, and yes even at her age leading.

Vlog Talk ~ Ms P Drama's Kids Names

This week for Vlog Talk I want to discuss my kids and their names.

Sean Andrew 9 - usually just refered to as Sean
Bridgette Merielle 6 - aka Bridge or Diva
Meghan Aileene 4 - aka Meg, Meggie, or Mega Drama

This week I learned a bit bout editing on iMovie. I haven't yet figured out the cute subtitles on a single clip but I will, eventually. =) I had to work on this one quickly while hubby was running errands and his lap top was unattended. ;)

yes, I realized too late I forgot to put title on the photo album...Ooopsies

Linking up w/My Time As Mom, Mommy is in Timeout, & Mommy Monologues

Writer's Workshop ~ Cast of Ms P Drama

This is Blog/Vlog Post is part of Mama Kats Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop. This week Mama Kat wanted to know who it is we blog about.

All I can say is you asked for it!

P.S. Hubby didn't want to be on camera but he was. Attempts to rectify this by redoing the video were unsuccessful.

Positive Tuesdays ~ Concert Tickets!

Yes, I realize this is Wednesday. I totally meant to do this blog post yesterday but it just didn't happen.

Anyways, this week's Postive Tuesday (Wednesday) is all about me! YES! ME!

Last week was fairly awesome week! Mostly because finally got to order my NKOTBSB tickets! Me and my BFF Rach are going in June to the American Airlines Center to see them! Shea never been to an actual concert before. (unless you count that summer we went to Six Flags & saw Kiss FMs concer thing) I've been to like 8. (including that Kiss FM summer concert thing) I've also been lucky enough to see a true legend, Loretta Lynn, in concert. But being able to go to NKOTBSB and take my BFF...WOW!

For those that may not know NKOTBSB stands for New Kids on the Block Back Street Boys.

NKOTB was the boy band of my late elementary and Jr High years. I so wanted to go see them in concert then. Was slightly jealous a friend of mine got to go. I knew better than to ask my dad if I could go. So I lived a bit vicariously through her.

Backstreet Boys was boy band in late 90s.

Last Friday I got the confirmation e-mail that the ticket seller confirmed my order. I was so scared I'd have to fond different tickets. You see, I didn't know about this concert til very late. So I couldn't get tickets from ticket master. Hubby found stub hub and voila tickets! Yeah, bit more than it would of cost if I'd known about the tickets sooner. I've just been out of the loop as far as concerts go. Thanks to Dancing with the Stars and NKOTBSB appearing on a results show I found out about the concert.

I'm just so excited! Probably doing a bad job of conveying that on this post.

Excited to finally she NKOTB in concert as super group NKOTBSB. Excited to take my BFF with me. Hubby is probably happy he doesn't need to go with me to see a group he could care less about. I know Rach is excited.

In fact, on my FB page I posted this status:

I'm such a dork (or whatever, but also happy one!) my NKOTBSB tickets have just been cofirmed! ***Happy Booty Shakin I Don't Care What You Think Dance!!!!***

That I think says it all. I mean seriously, what more can I say? Words fail me. I think the best part isn't so much the concert, don't get me wrong that's awesome, but getting to spend a day in Dallas w/my BFF w/no kids or husbands!

Vlog Talk ~ About Ms P Drama (sort of)

So this is a Vlog post for Vlog Talk by My Time as Mom and Mommy Is In Timeout and Mommy Monologues.

Basically I am fairly new to blogging and very new to Vlogging. I look forward to the chance to do more Vlogs.

Questions Kids Ask

Honestly, is there anything as mind boggling as things kids can say much less ask? Maybe, but I kinda doubt it. I'm sure y'all are probably constantly amazed as to what kids ask just as much as where you are when they ask.

This started off as a list of questions I've been asked while in the bathroom. It morphed into a bit more. Plus, hubby accidentally tossed original list. (Note to the wise: Don't jot down things on envelopes that can be mistaken as trash.) So, I began again...Some from memory some from new questions asked.

While in the Shower:

S: Mom, can I go to so and so's house?
Me: OF course you're gonna get fed!
S: NO! Can I go to so and so's house?
Me: I'm in the SHOWER! Wait til I get out to ask me things.

While on potty:

M: Can I play your iPad?
Me: I'm on the potty! Is this important right now?
M: No.

Miscellaneous:

M: Mommy, where are you going? (note Bridge's GS Vest across my arm)
Me: I'm running away.
M: No you're not. You're going to Girl Scouts.
Me: If you knew then why'd you ask?

While in Bathroom attempting to shut door:

B: Mom, am I to be  commended?
Me: Dumbfounded look on face, not able to answer Bridge
B: Mom! Was I good at Girl Souts? Am I to be commended?
Me: Yes, you were very good. Now get out of the bathroom so I can go potty.

This is just a list from over the weekend. I didn't include the million times a day asked, "Mommy, what are you doing." This is pretty standard question and usually asked when the answer is obvious, like when folding clothes.

What are questions your kids ask?
What do they say that amazes you they know?

Writer's Workshop ~ Chaos Central

This is Blog/Vlog Post is part of Mama Kats Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop.

This weeks prompts were:

1.) A memorable high school job.
2.) That time you ran away from home.
3.) A boy you had a crush on…where is he now?
4.) Ode to your mother…write about a special memory you have of your mom in honor of Mother’s Day.
5.) 10 reasons why you could not be a real housewife from any county.

Bonus Vlog Option!

6.) Last week we talked about how your blog got it’s name…this week show us where the magic happens! Where do you do your blogging? When does it get done? How long does it take to write a post? How much time do you spend on the computer? etc. Tell us about the process!

As you have probably deduced by now I have taken the Bonus Vlog Option.

So what I learned:

I am brave to appear on camera like this.

I am a fairly excellent multi-tasker.

I have no desire to be a real *snicker* housewife of any county.

I think I need to talk someone into operating the camera for me.

Sometimes Silly Gets Outta Hand

Sometimes kids just gotta be silly.

Sometimes....

Mommy taking the picture needs to pay better attention

I told the kids if they sat for a few good pictures for Awesome Teacher they could have a silly picture. This has got to be one of the few times I didn't catch what was going on and that a certain someone didn't know what they were doing.

This has been a post for Wordless/Wordful Wednesday

Positive Tuesdays ~ Teacher of the Year ~

Clearly this is not about me as I am not a school teacher. What it is about it something so awesome it almost impossible to comprehend.

I don't know who reads all my blogs or who doesn't so for this post no names will be mentioned. The teacher who's getting Teacher of the Year at her school doesn't know it yet. For this post will call them Awesome Teacher. (creative, I know)

My kids current teacher contacted me and told me about it and about how much they knew Awesome Teacher meant to my kids and our family as a whole. This teacher asked if I'd contribute something to a scrap book they were putting together for Awesome Teacher so they'd forever know how much they really meant to those lives he/she touched. There was no way I was going to say no. Teacher Awesome went so far above and beyond to help my kids and us. There's no way I could tell them how much it really meant to us.

For Awesome Teacher to get this honor makes my heart sing and know that all is right in the world. Awesome Teacher was the stepping stone for my kids to really truly embrace learning and believe they could achieve it. I cannot go more in depth as I don't want to risk any surprise being spoiled.

I may not be there when Awesome Teacher sees the photo of my kids and the letter that'll be written but I know it's sure to bring a smile to their face.

To all you teachers who may never be recognized in this way, please know that somewhere you have made a difference.

Parents, please never forget to thank your kids teachers every chance you get.

Sometimes I just wanna....

Sometimes I just wanna scream til I can't scream any more.

Sometimes I just wanna cry til I can't cry any more.

Sometimes I just wanna shake the people I live with and scream at them.

Last night was rough. In fact, the whole day was just off. It seemed that way for everyone in the house.

The morning started off with lots of screaming from Sean. It was about 10am. He was mad and let everyone know it. Why?

 Backtrack a bit, Saturday night we all went to Peter Piper Pizza (except for BIL, he wasn't home). It was a blast. One of the prizes Sean got from his tickets was a ninja toy set. I wasn't with him or I might have discouraged this choice. Nana, had no such issues.

So, yesterday morning he was playing with his ninja set. Meg was too. She accidentally hit Bridge with the nun chucks (or whatever they're called). This is when we all decided it was a toy for outside and that Sean needed to put them away or go outside to play with them. Simple, right? Nope. He went into meltdown over it for over and hr. We sat him in Pop's office. Told him he couldn't come out til he was over this screaming and fit throwing.

For over an hr we heard things like "I hate you!" "I hate it here!" "I hate my sisters! I want brothers!" "They don't love me! They love the girls more!" "Why can't we get our own house!" "I wish they were all dead!" "I wish I was dead!"

Luckily it wasn't a violent fit. We've learned when Sean gets like this it's really best to find a place he can safely vent and not try to talk to him or anything. If you try talking or anything else in this kind of moment he usually turns all that rage on the adult. We're talking hitting, kicking, biting, etc...

This seemed ok to all in the house. Nana and Pop generally stay out of it. We have an agree to disagree and don't interfere unless asked. We were all just pretty much ignoring it.

Then in comes BIL who is like can't you make him stop. I want to sleep in. I decided not to comment with what I really wanted to say. I'm not certain it came from him (BIL) but spanking Sean's butt was mentioned. Hubby pointed out how that would only make the fit worse and louder. I pointed out it also tends to make it more violent.

BIL grumble grumble...in my head I'm thinking get the hell over it it's 10am!

It was fairly quite for rest of day. Everyone minding their own business and not really interacting with each other. Well, except for the kids. They played a little together but mostly they just swapped turns on computer, x box, and iPad. BIL took off to do goodness knows what. Pop was staying out of the way of Nana. Nana was doing her laundry and cleaning. I was taking day off. Didn't make kids beds. Didn't clean anything. Sean spent most of afternoon at friends house.

Peaceful, enjoyable afternoon.

Until dinner time.

We had dinner rather late, 8:30pm. Don't know why it just happened that way. Everyone was in a mood. The silent broody don't talk bout it mood. I thought it was something we did (hubs, me, or kids). Nana said it wasn't. I left it at that. Then she made some comment bout it being 9pm and we were eating dinner. Well, it wasn't quite 9pm and it was barely 8:30pm.

Then came Sean meltdown #2. He said he was done with dinner. We asked him to go get in shower. Simple routine happens every night. Enter irrational fit over shower.

"WHY DO I HAVE TO TAKE A SHOWER! The Girls didn't!"

We point out that the girls had baths earlier in the day. (Sun eve they fell into bed w/no bath) The girls were in the house all day and did't get dirty enough to require second bath.

Finally got him calmed from that one. Getting everyone in bed and stories read. Only not.

After tuck in, girls popped up few times cause Sean was. How'd they know? (they don't sleep in same room) It's not like Sean was quite bout the whole thing.

"I'm NOT TIRED!" "Stupid medicine hasn't kicked in yet!" "I hate medicine!" "My stomach hurts!"

By now I was getting frazzled. Hubby, not so much. He was handling it so well. Only Nana came in behind once and said "why don't you lay down with him?"

I look at hubby and said, "He's already in our room. Why should we have to lay down with him to make this stop?" Decoded that means, I want some quality time for us. Even if it is just us watching TV.

You can understand how difficult it can be living with 8 in a house. 3 of whom are my in laws. I love them like they're mine and they love me like I'm there's.

But over last 2 wks I'm getting really pissy that I have no privacy.

Sean is in our room. Fine, he ends up there in middle of night anyways. But this means that at bedtime, we cannot be in our room. One, because I have to be real tired to go to bed between 8:30p and 9pm. Two, I'd only want to read, play on computer, or watch movie. Don't even get me started bout other quality time with hubby. It was difficult before. Now it's down right near impossible.

Life would be so much easier if in laws would really take the time to understand Sean and why he does what he does. It's not so simple as a fit because he didn't get his way. He really does have problems. He really does need us to all be on the same team and playing by the same rules. I think that he either know or senses they're not buying into his diagnoses. This allows him to play us against each other.

I was hard enough to be going through all this with just us in our house. Now it's painful. I don't know how to change it. Talking to them and showing them what we've recherched doesn't help. Is it as simple as they don't want to admit they have a grand son who is bipolar/adhd/odd?

I don't know. But I do know that for as much as I wanna scream and cry I know it'll work out.

The sun does shine.

Most days I wanna laugh til my stomach hurts.

Most days I wanna smile til my cheeks hurt.

Everyday I hug and kiss my kids and thank God he sent them to me.