Who's the Fun Ruiner Now?!

Friday night my husband took me on a date.  Sometimes he likes to do that because he is a smart man.  So anyhow, we had dinner at the Old Mill Tasty Shop (hellooo tomato bisque and chocolate shake), followed by a CONCERT (One of my very favorite things to do.  Ever.).  He's a good husband.  Even when he man over-boards me with the kids and the dogs.  The great news about the concert - George Straight was the headliner.  The bad news?  We had to sit through Lee Ann Womack & Reba.  I know.  Many of you LOVE-LOVE-LOVE Rebs, but I'm just not a fan.  So after that, we finally got to hear Georgie.  It was awesome.  He is amazing.  And I love him more after seeing him live than I did before.  There was one small incident, because they do seem to follow us.  We were standing up because A.  We were at a concert and B.  Because we were rockin' to George.  You know what happened next?  We were screamed at for standing.  At a concert.  Really?  I mean, these people SCREAMED at us and I had to hold Zach back.  Okay, I didn't really have to hold him back but he was pissed.  And he may or may not have raised his voice.  Needless to say, we ended up sitting the entire concert.  And I think that's stupid.  But I still loved George.  Not more than my husband though. 

Wedding reception Saturday night.  Fun.  Made me want to relive my own since it was awesome.  I say that not just because I think so but because word on the street is it was one of the most fun receptions most of our friends have ever been to.  My dad made sure I had a wonderful day.  He pretty much rocks (when he isn't stressing me completely out).  So this reception Saturday...We got to catch up with lot's of friends we haven't seen in a while, which is always fun.  No dancing though which was disappointing since I did wear my dancing shoes, but whatev.  We had 2 nights out in a row.  Big weekend for us.  Next thing you know, we'll be going on vacation.

Please Excuse Me While I Have a Meltdown...

I know, I know.  I was doing so well for a while and then I simply disappeared into thin air.  Have you ever had a week that was, well, miserable?  Yes, I spoke correctly - a WEEK.  I just had one.  And I couldn't bring myself to unload on you so I stayed away from posting anything.  I'll tell you this much about last week - I actually verbally assalted a neighbor who yelled at me when my dogs (all 3 of them) tore down a fence board and got out of our backyard.  I'm not kidding.  If you would have been there it would have sounded like this, "HEY, bleep-bleep!  They bleep-bleeping-bleep out of our back bleep yard."  Throw in some R rated names and you get the idea.  Did I mention this particular verbal assalt took place in front of my 2 youngest kids?  We may be moving soon. 

Remember me when you're nominating your favorite mom this year. 

Not to worry.  I've managed to regroup, refocus and I've pulled myself together.  Even if napping with Emmerson has become more annoying than sweet since she wants to talk and poke me, rather than actually nap.  My in-laws completely rescued me this week while Zach was gone (Did I mention he was out of town for 5 days when the dogs got out?  That's right - just me, the kids and 3 dogs.  Did I mention he was gone for 5 days?)  Back to my in-laws who apparently love me more than I ever knew, even after I admitted the verbal assalt incident to them.  They took the puppy for 2 nights.  I actually slept for 8 STRAIGHT hours.  I'm talking UN-interrupted sleep, people.  The last time I slept like that was in Vegas and I assure you, I didn't get 8 hours of sleep.  It was like heaven on earth.  I owe them.  Big time.  I'm sure my MIL was not pleased (not because she didn't want to help but because the puppy makes a lot of noise at night and yes, you have to take her out.  Sigh.) but she still kept the dog in an attempt to keep her grandchilren's mother from going to the looney bin.  I love you MIL. 

The husband surprised me by getting us tickets to see George Straight tomorrow night and I can't wait!  I've always wanted to see him live.  He even went one step further and lined up a babysitter.  Who is this man I share a bed with?  Now if we get tickets to see Tim McGraw & Lady A I will feel like I've won the lottery.  Have I told you that I met Lady A, last year when I was still working in radio?  Have I told you they played an acoustic show for us?  Do you have any idea how awesome it was?  Amazing.  I love them.  More than Tim.  But not more than my husband. 

Me & Lady A. 

(Not my best picture but whatever.  I still met them.)

I must pick up boy wonder shortly.  And I need to change a diaper.  And make Emmerson put her clothes back on since she just HAD to put her jamma's on again.  And figure out what I am going to make for dinner since I have a 5:30 meeting. 

..my work is never done. 

Attitudes, Oh My

This morning my sweet, little girl woke up...grumpy.  Maybe it was a dream that made her wake up in a tizz, maybe I really did do something to piss her off...I'll never really know.  What I do know is that if her childhood is a glimpse into what the teenage years are going to be like, I'm definetely going to have to get my own place.  I just don't see how there is going to be enough room for both of our attitudes under one roof.  And let's face it, Zach's had plenty of practice dealing with me that she should be a breeze for him.  I feel I'll be doing us all a favor.

In pregnancy news, I have heartburn pretty much all the time now.  My favorite thing about being pregnant? Living off of Tums.  Really.  They come in tropical, smooth melts now and they are delish.  And since the ONLY time I have ever had heartburn in my entire life is while pregnant, it's the only time I get to enjoy them.

Tomorrow we are going for our sonogram which I am excited about.  However, this time we are not going to check out the babies business.  This is kind of a anti-climatic sonogram since we won't walk away knowing who's in there.  We'll make sure the baby is developing as it should be and make sure my due date is acurate though.  Perhpas I can find a really fun way to share that news?....

This is a short post but I'm tired and since all 3 kids are down, I am going to take advantage of this and put myself to bed now. 

T

Gimme.

I'm curious how other parents tackle the issue of the "I wants" which all of my children suffer from.  Horribly.  I understand that most kids all pretty much want everything their little hearts desire and that mine are probably not much different than every other kid, but we are doing our best to teach them that just because they want something doesn't mean they are going to get it.  I mean, really, if we all got whatever we wanted I'd be keeping my shoes and handbag obsession satifsfied on a weekly basis. 

I typically take the kids with me to the store which is a highlight of the week for me can be challenging, to put it mildly, since every 6 steps they are telling me they "want" something.  I try really hard not to bribe my kids because I want them to do what is expected of them becuase it is the right thing to do, rather than doing what is expected because of what they will get (I know, what world do I live in, right?).  With that said, I am not saying I have not bribed them on occasions because, really, what mom hasn't? 

I understand we live in a society where the newest thing is the best thing to have, but we are trying to teach our kids to appreciate what they have, rather than expect to upgrade everytime something new is available.  I don't feel guilty telling my kids "no" because I feel that is my job as their parent, and I don't feel bad if they don't get every single thing they want.  I know from expericence not a one of them will die if they don't get something they "want".  

I feel they learn more of a lesson when we hold off on the upgrade, or whatever it is, when it is simply a want.  I don't want to be the parent who over-indulges their kid on a regular basis.  I want my kids to grow up appreciating what they have.  That doesn't mean that they don't get new toys, just becuase. but we try to make that the exception, not the rule. 

I realize there are a lot of parents who don't tell their children no, who make sure they have the latest toys, phones, or whatever, and who probably think that we are old fashioned and maybe even, gasp!  mean.  But you know what?  I don't care.  What I care about is raising kids who appreciate what they have and who do the right thing because it is excpected of them - you know, just like when you grow up.  Can you imagine going to work and telling your boss you'll only finish your work if he upgrades your phone? 

I know my way doesn't work for everyone and I don't expect it to. I'm not saying other ways are wrong, either, I'm just explaining how we do things in our home.

So I'm curious what you do to handle the "wants" in your family.  Do you give in more often than you tell them no?  Or do you make them save their own money or wait until a birthday?  What do you do to manage the gimme's? 

We're Busy

Emmerson has been going to bed without any issues for two whole weeks and I couldn't be happier.  I love that we can read a couple of books and she'll go right to sleep.  No tears.  No stalling.  No frustration.  Even Ryder is starting to jump on the bandwagon.  We discovered he prefers the closet light on when he sleeps and if that means he'll go right to sleep, the closet light shall shine on. 

Wednesday one of my dearest friends from junior high and high school is coming to visit and I am so excited.  We haven't seen each other in probably 8 years and I can't wait to meet her little people, who happen to be almost the exact age as my own.  It will be so much fun for Ryder and Em to meet some new friends and I am looking forward to catching up with Mel. 

This weekend we have our wrestling club's tournament so that will occupy most of our time.  Zach will have to help with mats on Friday night and then we'll be up early on Saturday to get started.  It makes for a long day but I personally would rather help at the tables than sit all day long, doing nothing.  Wrestling is a tough sport since tournaments take all day and typically your kid only wrestles once every couple of hours.  When you marry a former wrestler you don't get much of a choice though.  If Zach had his way, Ryder would be in a singlet this year...I expect he'll be at practice next year (and yes, he'll only be 3).  Zach's a die-hard, what can I say? 

We are gearing up to make the big room swap for the kiddos in the next month.  We are bunking Emmerson & Ryder together so Aidan can keep his own space, although he's moving to a different bedroom since he currently has the biggest.  I really want to get Em & Ry settled before the baby arrives so it is one less life change for them to deal with.  Plus, I have a feeling it is going to take some work to get them down at night if they are sharing a room.  I'm envisioning two little people who want to play rather than stay in bed and sleep, especially since they have begun spending so much time playing together lately.  Yes, I'd like to work out these kinks before the baby gets here.  What can I say?  I'm a planner. 

And speaking of the baby...I've finally begun to feel him/her move, which is one of my favorite parts of pregnancy.  It's like a secret, especially when I'm still the only one who can feel it.  I feel so blessed to be having another baby and I can't wait to meet him/her. 


We are looking forward to a great week, and I plan to get some projects done around the house.  Hopefully, I can get started on painting the dining room, as well as finishing some touch up paint in the living room.  Now I must locate the cord to the camera that I've misplaced.  Again.  How does that happen EVERY time I need it?