Monday Madness...

As I start this post, there is all of 5 minutes left to Monday, but Lordy did it hang around too long!
This was like the randomest (not a word, I think) day ever! It was just uhhh (I can't find a real word for it), and I am just wuugghhhhh, and can I just vent for a sec?
Whew!
I'm so glad you said yes, 'cause here I go!

Anyone who thinks being a Stay-At-Home Mom is easy, can kiss my tush right now! I know there are varying degrees of being a SAHM, and technically, I'm a WAHM (work at home Mom), BUT STILL...
it really peeves me when I see something like this:
On a Mommy message board, Mom #1 says she can't stay motivated to keep her house clean because she busts her hump doing it and no one helps her keep it that way.  Hubby complains, but apparently doesn't help her clean - EVER!
Another Mom responds (and I paraphrase, but not much):
"I'm confused...clean while your child naps.  Mine is 17 months old and still sleeps for 3 hours every day.  My hubby comes home to a clean house, dinner almost prepared, and errands run everyday."
Anyone else want to knock her teeth out? Because I do!
Now, at the risk of making myself out to be a huge hypocrite here, I am going to assume there is something about Mommy #2's life we don't know.
BUT, having said that, since none of us knows EXACTLY what it's like to be in someone else's shoes/life, we can't ASSUME (or maybe it should be presume, here; anyway) that just because we do things a certain way and are successful that anyone can do it with the same result.  Not really...
that's not how life is...God gave us all different personalities.  My home with two parents and two kids could have a totally different dynamic than another two parent, two child household.  Just like my kids develop differently; both of mine walked around 14 months, but there are plenty of babies I know walked at 9 or 10 months.  Or clapped their hands, or held their own bottle, or sat up alone...it's all relative I guess...
so anyway, not sure what my point was there, but that just really made me want to go through the computer screen! I mean, I think we all try to do our best (maybe not every. single.day; but most of the time) to please our families/ spouses and take care of them.  This chick's response was condescending in my opinion.
On the same subject, someone else said today in conversation, "you can call her during the day; she's one of those lucky stay-at-home Moms."
To which I very quickly responded, "Hey! US stay-at-home Moms work hard! Many days I would give anything to be back at a "real" job just to have a break! (totally did not check myself before it came out of my mouth)"
So I realize it wasn't graceful but judgements and blanket statements drive me nuts!

Also, today I apparently wore a big sign on my face stating that people should tell me their secrets (maybe I wear it many days, who knows?).  Someone I hadn't seen or talked to in a while (other than on Facebook and I'm not sure that counts), totally unloaded on me about a personal issue one of her children was having.  Not that I mind, I just didn't know we were that good of friends! I mean, I most likely would not have told her the same situation about one of my kids.

Other randomness in my life...
my just turned 3 year old son, who is small enough most people think he's 2, but smart enough to pass for 4, is almost-so-close to being potty trained! He was SO much easier than my daughter! So for those who think girls are easier, I say to you- "Not always!"
Also, I love the fact that he's still so small I can cradle him in my arms and he still wants me to.  When he wakes up from his naps (during which I am usually NOT cleaning), he always comes to me and says, "Mom! Hold me!" Which of course I do whenever possible! He is just so soft and cuddly and I love it!

On the other hand, I am starting to wonder if my 7 year old is going through puberty! She has been an emotional roller coaster lately and I am about to lose it! Is this normal?
I mean EVERYTHING that does not go her way is a HUGE deal! Tears, drama, and on and on and on!
She says things like "I feel like everyone hates me" or "I feel so stupid!"
Both of which break my heart because I want nothing more for her than to instill in her healthy self-esteem.  But I almost don't even see the connection most times between what just happened and what she's saying.
Can someone with daughters help me out here?

And YAWN! I hope I didn't bore you with my rant (it was about as random as my day), but my body has decided it needs sleep now.
Thanks for listening to me vent and please leave a comment so I know you were here!
Here's to peaceful sleep for me and you!
~Leslie~

MYOB!

1.) List 10 things you wish you could say to strangers who share unsolicited advice about your parenting skills.


Well, this is a very timely prompt! Just last weekend, I was unable to contain myself and resist responding to another Mom's question about public tantrums on a Mommy forum.
Basically it went something like this:
Mommy with question says, "What do you do if you're out shopping and your child throws a tantrum?"
I wasn't the first responder, not even close! I chose to respond because so many other Moms said, pick up the kid, walk out and leave the buggy or grocery cart right where it is at that moment. 
EXCUSE ME! What?!
The kid definitely didn't want to be there, hence the tantrum, and you just showed him (or her) they could get their way by throwing a fit! Am I the only one that sees this as backwards discipline? Come on somebody, back me up here!
But I digress...
Anyway, if I do say so myself, I very eloquently explained why I felt that wasn't the best discipline and/ or learning process for the child.
I have been in that position many times with my children and it can certainly be embarrassing.
Inevitably, some moron stranger thinks they have the right to soothe my child, shoot me an evil look, or make a snide comment.
Here's my TOP 10 list of things I WISH I could say (but never have...You know? Trying to be graceful and all :-))
10.) Mind your own business! Please and Thank you?!
 9.) Have a nice day (with sarcasm of course)! 
 8.) I'm the Mommy- that's why!
 7.) She's fine (through my clenched teeth).
 6.) Need a camera?
 5.) Would you like to go to time-out too?
 4.) It's been a long time since you had a 2 year old, huh?
 3.) Want to take him home and see how long you last?
 2.) You don't have any kids, do you?
 1.) Watch out! She bites!
WOW! That was fun! Glad I usually manage to bite hold my tongue though...


What would you say?

Just the good stuff...

This Post is linked up to MamaKat's Writer's workshop...
This week's prompts:
1.) Girls Night Out! Describe the last time you got to hang out with your friends? What stops you from doing this more often?

2.) If Social Media died tomorrow, describe another hobby you might get into.
3.) Share a Summer Camp memory.
4.) We're too old to be getting in trouble...aren't we? Write about a time you were scolded...as an adult.
5.) Barefoot and hormonal...describe an incident that upset you when you were pregnant, but now looking back makes you laugh.

Oh, boy! Can I just say I am in a serious writing funk? 

Oh, I have plenty to say! It's just that by the time I have quiet time or "me" time or whatever you want to call it, it's 11pm, everyone else in my house is finally asleep and I am too exhausted to voice, much less write, a coherent thought!

But, for MamaKat, I will at least make an attempt :-)

Couldn't decide what to write about when these prompts first came out, or the second time I looked at them, or tonight as I'm looking at them for at least the 4th time.  None just jumped out at me or called to me or whatever.

I mean, I really don't have girls' nights; it's never really been my thing.  Last week, though, at my training I sprawled across my hotel bed on Wednesday night and enjoyed a glass (or 2) of wine while chatting with two of my "co-workers." Maybe that counts? No; probably not...

As far as social media goes, I'm not sure I would classify it as a hobby.  I actually make a point to only go  on Facebook from my phone since I can only read statuses and post them really.  Most other functions are just too difficult or finicky to mess with, even on a "smart phone."

And Twitter, well don't even get me started on that! I'm so "tweet" illiterate it's ridiculous! 

Does reading other blogs count as social media, because if it does, I'd be in trouble! I mean, MamaKat, texanmama, Jennifer at mommamadeitlookeasy, and Ann at http://www.aholyexperience.com/, they get A LOT of my time! I have a hard time choosing between reading a book on my phone (Kindle App) or reading blogs to find out what's been going on with everyone since I last read.

But no, not that prompt...

And I am DEFINITELY too old to be getting in trouble, but geez it seems to happen alot! I was recently scolded by someone for booking two "parties" in the same neighborhood within a week of each other! As if I were some COLD calculated person only out to have another party without regard  to what that would mean for my hostesses! HELLO? People? This is my job! Seriously, would I do that to myself? I can't make any money if no one come to either of the parties- just saying! Totally a mistake!

But, no; not really enough there for a whole story either.

And while I have many stories that I can look back on and laugh at because I got upset over something in a moment of hormonal angst...

Wait! That happens every month and not just when I was pregnant!

SOOOO, that leaves me with a summer camp memory.

And guess what? I only went to one TRUE summer camp!

For real!

When I was about 11 or 12, a friend's Mom found two free spots to a girl's camp in the mountains of our state (about 3 to 4 hours away).  A local group wanted to sponsor two girls for a week, and my friend and I were the lucky ones!

I remember leaving before the sun was really up that morning and being keyed up on the entire ride. I was so excited about "sleep away" camp! All my previous "camp" experiences were with my church children's group and of course I knew everyone there; they were very predictable trips.

BUT THIS! This was going to be whole new experience! No parents! Only one friend I already knew...lots of opportunities to make new ones!

And I did! In the midst of hiking, touring some of the sites of the campground itself,  swimming, going to a local amusement park, participating in "Cabin Challenges," etc...I made lots of new friends.

I took pictures of them with my cheap-o little 110 camera and I still have those pictures to this day.

I remember my counselor's name ~Kim~although not all of my fellow cabin member's names.

It was a great experience!

I had a memory of this place just the other day and decided to see if it still existed.  I found it online and was able to show Sweetpea some pictures of it and tell her a little bit about my experience there.

And you know what's funny?

In reality? The 5 days I spent there?

They were full of drama! My friend was having some serious monthly cycle issues- I mean like she'd been having it for over 2 weeks and it showed no signs of stopping! We were 11, people! She was miserable!

There was a big showdown one night in the main cabin/ dining hall because one cabin got disqualified from a challenge for talking out of turn.  To this day, I don't think they were the ones talking, but c'est la vie, right? 

One of the girls in the disqualified cabin wouldn't let it go the next day.  She was hell-bent on redeeming herself and her cabin-mates.  People kept saying she was having a serious case of PMS, and whispering behind her back. (And, yes; I still remember her name too.)

So that was my short week at camp.

I guess it was really my first introduction to Drama Queens, hormones, and all the other fall-out of feelings and emotions.  But I still remember it fondly! Thinking of that place makes me nostalgic and I would love to go back just to walk around and remember the scenery.

It was a beautiful place and a beautiful time.

I am so grateful for all the little pieces, places, and times in my life that make me who I am today!

168 Hours...

I know I've been pretty slack about writing recently, but please, believe me, it's not because I don't want to!
Writing, and more specifically, blogging here has become like therapy for me.
A way for me to express my opinions, my fears, the ups and downs of life with little (or in most cases, no) criticism.
This week I was in some pretty intense training.  In addition to my roles as wife and mother, I have a pretty successful home based business.  I am an upper level leader with my company and I feel blessed that they invest so much time and so many resources in me and my peers! They do things like get us together for these intense, but immensely helpful, trainings and brainstorm sessions. AND by the way, it was FREE!
It was 30 minutes from home for me, but they paid for me to stay overnight in the hotel where the conference was held.  My friend, Brandy* shared a very nice room suite with me, for the few hours we were there between dinner the first night and the early breakfast the next.
One of the things we talked about was the 168 hours in a week.  168 hours that are the same for ALL of us.  168 hours that we have to choose how to use; how to live in; how and who to be and be with.
I've taken lots of classes like this before.
Before I was a Mom, I worked retail, retail management, and customer service banking (teller management).  MANY times, I was encouraged to take Franklin Covey classes; a lot of times, they were set up for everyone in my position.
They always make me emotional - a little guilt-ridden, because I know I am wasting moments.  Moments and seconds of magic that are fleeting and often contain the true JOY we are searching for, racing to, creating emergencies for!?
I've learned how to determine "what matters most," how to "put the BIG rocks in first," and how to schedule accordingly so that my family can really and truly take "First Place." I come back from those seminars inspired, encouraged, ready to make a positive change!
AND THEN, LIFE. TAKES. OVER.
Things happen...I'm tired, exhausted is usually more accurate.  My almost three year old son, still doesn't sleep very well at night. OR he's awake at insane hours of the morning when I generally make it to bed after midnight.
AND THAT, that? That is the root of evil in my world! Mama does NOT function well without sleep!
I'm trying to improve, trying to do better.
I want more patience, more joy with my family, more time.
Today I found another blog that goes along with a lot of what I'm feeling and living, really.  She had some great suggestions for books to read, and like me, she's reading Ann Voskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are."
Read her post here:
I also reposted a video she had posted on her blog entry because it spoke to me so much.
I hope you enjoy and can gain some insight and inspiration from it too.
When I started this blog, I never realized Grace (at least the Earthly kind) was so hard gain :-)
Have a blessed day!
~Leslie

*Totally not her real name since I blog semi-anonymously, but she knows who she is :-)

Thankful Thursday...

I realize that I have been terrible at keeping up with my gratitude list - well, at least, in print where you guys can see it!

I am happy to say, I am very aware now of taking in the "moments"... those little times when I feel proud of something my kids have done, or their innocence amazes me and overwhelms me.
So I am making the list, just not sharing it. So shame on me :-)
I would like to offer a Thankful Thursday from now on where I can update my list and include my list so far.
And, on a completely random note, today I told my toddler, "watch where you're walking, so you don't fall down." After I said it, I realized how appropriate it is as advice for all of us.  It is usually quite easy to stray from the path we set out to take.  Sometimes staying on the well traveled road is wise, and sometimes blazing our own trail makes more sense.  Regardless of the reason, most of us do best when we "walk" with like-minded individuals; people who will support us and lift us up, rather than lead us into danger or places we just shouldn't be.
So whether you are a Christian desiring to surround yourself with wholesome and uplifting friends, music, and fellowship; or recovering from an addiction and trying to walk a different path from those old friends who got you in trouble; or, maybe, you've struggled with depression or self-worth...
I say to you today, as much as I say to myself,
"watch where you walking, so you don't fall down."
And, here's hoping your path is a leisurely stroll with a spectacular view!

While the complete gratitude list is still being compiled, here are some things I am grateful for today:

• friends who come and go and love me the same all the time
• friends who I haven't seen in ages but who pick up right where we left off
• flowers
• the hot sunshine
• working AC :-)
• a husband who works his job with integrity when most others around him do not
• that every day is a NEW day
• the ability (and privilege) to learn from my mistakes
• rewards for a job well done
• bedtime stories
• hugs and kisses
• doggie paws running to the door when her master comes home
• left-overs :-)
• writing down my jumbled thoughts and knowing it's cheaper than therapy- haha!

What are you Thankful for this Thursday?

6 Word Memoir

Linking this up with MamaKat's Writer's workshop.
1.) Six Word Memoir: Write about a significant time in your life in just six words.
I thought that sounded challenging and I do love a good challenge...


 Delightful
   Inspirational
  Special
 Nostalgic
 Emotional
 Youthful


Did I mention I also like to "bend" the rules a little? :-)


How would you describe your life or a significant event on your life using only 6 words?