This has been one long winter.  My kids were sick a gazillion times (although thankfully, I only once) and I feel like we have spent about 4 years playing in our basement.  I am running out of things to do with a blanket and am quite sick of eating Bear Paws and hot chocolate while watching Dora.  It really is amazing that more stay-at-home-moms don’t go crazy over the winter months.

We’ve cracked out the bike helmets, sidewalk chalk and capris.  Now all we have to do is wait in giddy anticipation for the thermometer to actually climb over the freezing point.  Our tulips are peeking out of the dirt and seem to be growing nicely despite the frequent frost and my kids are already crying for “just one more time” on the play equipment. 

I love spring.  Renewal, fresh flowers, and the perfect excuse to send the kids into the backyard for a few…  what more could a mom ask for? 

If any of you regularly fly with your kids, you will know what a pain in the butt it is.  From clarifying which car seats are approved and what seats can accommodate them, to the big sedation debate, I can whole-heartedly say that when I recently travelled to Florida with my two kids, it was anything but relaxing.  We almost missed our flight, I had a slight altercation with a flight attendant, and since the flight was midmorning, alcohol was not served (don’t even get me started on the cruelty of this).  But after a little while and a couple of Gravol we were all settled in.  I managed to entertain my kids with the overly bulky three-ring circus I had packed in their carry-on bags and only had to enlist the help of strangers once.  Three hours and only a few misdemeanours later, we landed smoothly at our destination and to the joy of all involved, deplaned.  All in all, it could have been worse.  No one actually puked or had a full-out tantrum (although I got dangerously close).  We all made it there in one piece, and the airline didn’t ban us from using their services again.  Am I looking forward to our next flight?  No.  Will I fly again with my children?  Sure; but I will plan more thoroughly, pack less stuff, and ensure that I fly late enough to enjoy a good stiff drink. 

I hate Mondays.  Even though I am no longer working outside the home, I still hate Mondays… possibly even more.  It signifies the start of a long week of tantrums (mostly mine), time-outs, and most importantly – no help. 

We start off our week with a Monday morning gymnastic class and after 14 weeks I am now convinced that a regular, planned activity with a consistent start time is the last thing I need at the start of my week.  I am naturally grouchy when I wake up in the morning (I blame genetics) and Mondays are even worse (I blame the world).  I spend the majority of my morning hours trying desperately to shed my attitude and to reach that nirvana of “happy mommy”.  Getting the house tidy for the cleaning lady (why did I have her come on Mondays?), a toddler ready for her nap, and my preschooler ready for gymnastics throws a real wrench in that, let me tell you.  Mornings = grouchy.  Being rushed = grouchy.  And doing all this while trying to be pleasant really self-defeats.

I can only imagine what the other moms at gymnastics think of me.  I shudder to think, honestly.  But the extra effort to be nice to yet another person in the morning… well, I don’t think I have to tell you by this point.  That’s not to say I don’t do it… but “strained” may be an appropriate description.

Bottom line is I don’t know how to be happy on a Monday.  I don’t even think it’s possible.  I will even go so far as to say that anyone who IS acting happy on a Monday morning must be faking.  Or on strong medication.  I try… I will continue to try, and maybe someday I’ll succeed.  But if you happen to pass me on the street, or (gasp) see me at gymnastics, please be kind, don’t take offence, and say “hello” – on Tuesday.

Happy New Year’s! 

For the first time in years I can say that and actually mean it.  I am not hung over in the least.  I went to bed around 9:30 pm last night and for once the baby slept through the night.  No one puked; passed out, or slept on my couch… it was all good.  Granted, I may not have been awake to watch the ball drop, but sometimes a good night’s sleep is worth the sacrifice. 

Isn’t it funny how everything changes once you have kids?  Even things like ringing in the New Year.  If you had told me 10 years ago that I would have gone to bed at 9:30 pm I would have laughed.  If you had told me that I would have done so on New Year’s Eve, I would have cried.  Now I’m just thankful for the rest. 

I made a few resolutions this year, like eating better, going to bed earlier (believe it, or not), and finally catching up on my “to do” list.  Who knows if any of it will actually happen?  Who knows if I will even care by February 1^st?  All I know is that for one New Year’s Eve night I actually got some quality sleep and now I’m recharged and ready for the year to come.  So to all you moms, parents, and lucky-you-get-to-sleep-in adults… I wish you a very happy, healthy, and well rested 2009!

Yours in truth, justice & grilled cheese,

Melanie

Very entertaining! I heard this song at a wedding a went to, and I almost peed myself laughing, The father played it for his “new son in law”

Very cute and very true, Everything that a mom says in 24 hours wrapped up in about 2 minutes.

Give a dead marriage a final proper burial with the Wedding Ring Coffin. Made of solid wood and has a dark glossy mahogany finish, the wedding ring coffin comes with an engraved brass plaque that reads “R.I.P”. Whether good riddance or a sad goodbye, this coffin will kick start your your heart and new life.

The coffin measures 6 1/4″ long x 2 1/4″ wide x 2 3/8″ high . The interior is lined with black velvet and includes a ring insert to comfortably and securely hold your wedding ring, or all of your rings.

Hat tip to Chrissys Blog for showing us Some tips on What to get your girlfriend or someone you know that isn’t so happy this Week with Valentine’s day. Whether its a divorce or a nasty break up, or simply single and loving it.  Very good Idea.  Its a little to late to shop for Valentine’s day online, but perhaps its worth a bookmark for next year.

Ok I have Guitar hero, and although I don’t play often, I can’t beat easy. I have a son whom can play medium. So anyone that can play expert let a lone be 9 years old. You gotta have respect. That is coordination.

This is so cute. I love the saying of Darth Vader “I could kill you with a single thought”. and my other favorite line is “Did you dry these in the rainforest?” Well worth a little giggle for your day!

 I received the following in an email. I have no idea where or whom created this, But thought I would pass it on to you.

I am wondering if this should be put on Myth Busters.  If you attempt this, Please let me know the outcome.

1 Egg
2 Mobiles
65 minutes of connection between mobiles.

Initiated the call between the two mobiles and allowed 65 minutes approximately…
During the first 15 minutes nothing happened;
25 minutes later the egg started getting hot;
45 minutes later the egg is hot;
65 minutes later the egg is cooked.

Conclusion: The immediate radiation of the mobiles has the potential to modify the proteins of the egg. Imagine what it can do with the proteins of your brains when you do long calls.