President Obama wants to speak with our youth.....

Okay, so I'm a bit slow. The speech from the President has, apparently, been everywhere..and I just heard about it today. In my defense, we don't have any television in my house right now, and a chance to read a paper or even listen to the news is somewhat dicey in my constant daily rotation of work, kids, homework and 3 different sport practices.

Today happens to be a priceless & rare day as Prince Charming and I have no work, no games to attend, no practices and no children. So, taking a chance to catch up, check up and check in on the world I log into my kid's school website. And there, in bold letters, is a link titled: District's Position on President Obama's Speech to Students. Already wondering what I've missed, I click the link while simultaneously searching google for "president's speech to students". Once I find out what the speech is all about read some backlash, I have a funny feeling I'm not going to be happy with the school and flip over to the district's letter:

School District ###'s students will not be viewing the message at school. The district feels that parents can determine if you would like to view this message with your children. This way parents and their children can discuss the President's message.

Now, I have to tell you...I am kinda stunned. The President of the United States of America wants to speak to the children of America and encourage them to be responsible, make goals and do their best...and people are flipping out??

Uh, okay!

Like I stated..I can be slow. Admittedly. But people, what exactly do you expect our President to do during this speech? Send subliminal messages to our children asking them to take over their household and vote him King of the World? I can tell you right now that my kids will think it's really cool that the President wants to talk to them. Thinks they are important enough to warrant a speech. Thinks they are worth enough in this world and country that he wants to take time out to speak to them.

Telling our children to be responsible and take responsibility for their education is a good thing people! Last time I checked, learning to set and achieve goals was also a positive thing! These traits go beyond educational success and translate into the real world by making self sufficient and productive adults.

And on one (okay..a few) last note(s), ask your kids how many movies they watched during the last school year. I know my kids watched approximately 4 movies during the 2008-2009 school year. Apparently Chicken Little has more educational value than a speech by the President according to my school district. If I can swing the time off work, I will be taking my kids out of school for the President's speech..because I think it's important for my kids to hear this, they will think it's even cooler to hear it live..even if via the television, I think that it's important to take a stand when the world becomes so ridiculous, and as PC just pointed out, I think if you're so anxious for funding then you should probably listen to the guy who takes part in signing the paychecks.

What do you think?

A Letter to the Little Lovelies..

Dear Alex, Liberty and Bean;
You are wonderful children. I have been complimented many times on how well behaved and polite you are. You are all thoughtful, kind and loving. Daddy and I try to tell you this as often as we can so that you grow to be secure, confident and even more amazing adults. I apologize, but I do have on question.

When having left a family function, special outing, restaurant or other such event and we are on the way home, and when Daddy and I decide to compliment you, saying something like, "Hey guys, you all behaved outstanding at (insert particular place here). Thank you very much we really appreciate it!", what are we doing wrong?

It seems that those words, once spoken aloud, translate inside your tiny diabolical minds from meaning "Thanks for being so good" to "Hey..You've been good enough, so go ahead and raise some hell!"

I would just like to take a moment and let you know that "Thank you for being good" does not mean:

• Hit your sister/brother

• Make annoying sounds with: Toys, vehicle, paper, your body parts or your siblings body parts

• scream

• whisper so everyone has to ask, repeatedly, what you are saying

• Start and argument over the crayons exact shade of blue

• Sing at the top of your lungs

• Tell your sister her singing is annoying

• Throw French fries, chicken nuggets or any other form of edible (or non edible) items

• ignore everyone or anyone when they are talking to you

• repeat the name of person ignoring you over, and over, and over while getting louder, and louder, and louder until said person stops ignoring you
  

In short, my little lovelies, when we say "Thank you for being good" please rewrite your inner translator to understand that we also mean, "please continue to be good".

Thank you and all my Love,
Mommy

Warning! Warning! Warning! Keep Children Away! Childhood Myths Busted!

Alex is eight and we knew it was almost time. He kept asking. And asking. And asking.

"Mom, I'm 8. It's time to tell me the truth. I need to know. Is Santa Claus real?"

"Well, what do you believe? Do you believe Santa is real? Then, if you believe he is real, that is all that matters."

I managed to make it through the last two months that way. I just wanted this one last Christmas. We had decided the first time he asked after Christmas we would tell him the truth, hope for the best and then threaten everything he holds dear if he uttered a word of it to his sisters.

Unfortunately he cornered us Wednesday and there was no way to avoid the truth.

"Mom and Dad, I am EIGHT, you need to tell me the truth. I am old enough to know. All my friends at school know the truth. Please, just tell me."

"Alex, do you believe Santa is real?"

"I don't know! I just know that it's time you told me the truth. I'm eight.

Prince Charming and I looked at each other and made the decision.

"No , Santa isn't exactly real. There is a person who was called Santa Claus in history but the Santa Claus you believe in.....is actually Mommy and Daddy"

This is where we held our breaths waiting in terror to see his reaction


"Wow, so that means it was you guys who gave me the Blue Man Group thingy last year!? That is soooo cool! I'm so glad it's really you!!"

Oh yeah. It was me alright. It was me and my Mom and my Best Friend scouring the web and ever store to find the hottest toy of 2006. ( NEVER.AGAIN.)

There was no trauma or tears. He actually thought it was cool that we were Santa and that it was me who couldn't wait Christmas morning and found a way to wake them secretly then hide back in bed so I could hear their surprise when they saw the presents and stocking by the tree.

As the day went on he would think of gifts Santa had brought and ask me about them. "So it was you guys who bought Tickles (his puppy) when I was 5 and gave him to me for Christmas?" And when I confirmed that it was us, he seemed more happy and content. I was really proud of the fact that he seemed to be happier that it was his parents and that he understood financial restrictions. He wasn't at all upset that there was no magical land and free toys for the taking.

Then the unexpected happened. Last night he asked me, "Mom does this mean the Easter Bunny is real or not?"

Oye. What's next? The Tooth Fairy!!!

*****************************************

You dropped the quarter in the Salvation Army's red bucket.

You took a name off the tree to buy a toy for a child.
Now, do something even easier.
Help one of our own. One Pic..One Pea...One Dollar.

A Princess and Her Story

It's hard for me to believe that Liberty is as big as she is. Part of me is so excited that she is in Kindergarten, yet another part of me is still in total denial. I still want her to be my tiny smiley little baby girl. Instead I have this amazing, bright, intelligent and sassy (in a good way..mostly) young girl. She both excites me and scares me with these changes.

Today a whole new world opened for her. She sat down with me so I could read her a book and decided to try and sound the title out. And she did it! So from there, of course, I had her read the book as much as she could. And with the exception of a few big words, she did that too! Her sense of pride, joy and accomplishment was only outshone by one ting.

Her Brother.

Alex was so proud of her and happy for her. He encouraged her and hugged her. He sat there listening to her with the most gigantic smile on his face. He distracted Bean so I could finish reading with Liberty. He was absolutely beaming with pride over his little sister's accomplishment. I realized how excited he is to be able to share stories and his favorite books with her. I am so proud of them both and just think it's so unique and wonderful that soon they will have their own book created world to escape in together.

This growing up thing, it's pretty hard on my heart. But at the same time it's an amazing journey.

Mom's overture by Anita Renfroe

Thank you to my mom for sending this to me today :-) I admit I've said 98% of these!
And Listen for the I-pod threat...that's my #1 behavior tool here!!!! ROFL.

(Almost) Everything you need to know about Lead Paint, Toy Recalls and Buying USA

Yesterday Brian left me a question I hadn't considered in the midst of all these toy recalls:

"What I'd really like to know as a parent is what is the danger really? How worried should I be? That's something that no company or regulatory body will tell you because they don't want to say "well it's not really a high risk" then get sued. I mean, will this lead come off in your hands, do you have to eat the toys, or what?"

And so I started wondering. If my Bean, who is 2 and therefore almost everything finds it's way into her mouth, were to chew on one of these toys for a few minutes...how much of a threat would it really pose? What are the risks, signs, and symptoms of lead poisoning?

So I went on a little web hunt today for answers, and shockingly, they aren't as easy to find as I had expected but they also weren't impossible. Here is some of the information and links I think will help you feel more informed:

First, this is the Center For Disease Controls information regarding lead poisoning in children.

The Mayo Clinic's article regarding Lead Paint Toy Recalls answers some basic questions. Here's an excerpt of the article:

Why is lead-based paint such a concern?

Lead is a natural element that's present throughout the environment. It's possible to breathe or swallow lead particles from chips of lead-based paint or contaminated food, water, dust, soil or other products. Although brief or limited exposure to lead-based paint or other sources of lead isn't likely to cause lead poisoning, exposure to even low levels of lead can be harmful over time — especially in children.

In extreme cases, lead poisoning may eventually cause speech, language and behavior problems, poor coordination and slowed growth. The most severe cases of lead poisoning may cause seizures, as well as permanent brain and kidney damage. Rarely, lead poisoning can be fatal.

Should I be concerned if my child played with a toy that's been recalled due to lead-based paint?

It's important to take toy recalls seriously. If your child has any toys that have been recalled, don't allow your child to continue playing with them — even if the toys look safe. Remember to keep the situation in perspective, however. Exposure to a recalled toy isn't likely to cause long-term problems, even if your child swallowed a paint chip from the toy. What's important is removing the toy — and any other sources of lead — from your home as soon as possible.

Dr. Sears (one of my favorite for parenting/medical advice) has a page dedicated to the effects and symptoms of lead poisoning and also mentions the misconception of lead in lead pencils:

HOW LEAD GETS IN

Children do not get lead poisoning from chewing on pencils. Pencil paint is non-leaded, and the "lead" is harmless graphite. The lead that poisons children comes from old paint, gasoline emissions, contaminated soil, contaminated water, and lead pottery.

CNN.com also has an article from the Mayo clinic that addresses lead poisoning on a more in depth level.

This CNNMoney.com Article was had some interesting information:

More recalls seen ahead

Americans should expect more Chinese-made toys to be recalled in the coming months, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"If I were a betting person I'd bet on more lead paint recalls," CPSC Director of Information Julie Vallese told CNN. "It's clear that lead paint on toys is not isolated just to Mattel."

and included a look at Wal-mart's response:

A retailer's reaction

Wal-Mart (Charts, Fortune 500) said that it immediately removed the relevant toys from shelves, and placed a sales block on all registers.

It said it was carrying accessories from Mattel's Barbie range and two of the three Fisher Price items - Geotracks Freightway Transport and 6-in-1 Bongo Band.

The chain has asked toy suppliers to re-submit testing documents for both existing toys and those on their way to the store, so that it will have the most up-to-date information about the toys on its shelves.

Wal-Mart has also hired independent laboratories to carry out 200 tests a day, focusing first on toys made for children up to the age of three, it said. Top of page

This contains a lot of Mattell CEO quotes about the situation.

Parenting Magazine has online advice on How to take toys away with less tears.

The U.S. Product Safety Commission(CPSC) website has information on all recalled toys and includes pictures of all toys. The site also allows you to search by Month, making it easy to search if you are worried you missed a recall and want to see all products recalled in August.


Here is a search engine dedicated to helping you find Made in the USA products (Please keep in mind that even 'Made in USA' products can contain smaller parts, etc from other countries)

I did want to point out that Mattel is not the only company having lead paint recalls, it is simply the one the media is choosing to focus on. While searching the CPSC's site I found these popular character metal tops, these children's watering cans (sold at Jo Ann Fabrics) and these adorable toy alphabet trains.

I also ran across the article, "Top 20 things that are more dangerous to children than lead paint in Mattel toys". I find it a bit fanatical on some fronts, but I fully admit that could be my own dulled senses and consumer stupidity. I do find a few of these to be terrifying.

I hope this will help you feel more informed, more in control and provide a place to find some information.

If you have any links you think should be added please leave them for me in the comments!

Mama Merit Badges These are so cool!

As a mother we know the different trials and tribulations we've endured. The months of sleep interrupted nights, breastfeeding a teething baby, technicolor poop and projectile vomiting.

It's always been a mostly thankless job. We do it because we love our children. We would survive and endure anything for them (even if we have been tempted to give two weeks notice). We do it without the comfort of sick days, paychecks or 30 min. lunch breaks. Our bosses are either cute little toothless wonders, temperamental toddlers, or mysterious tweens.

We deserve more than a spit stained shirt as our silent, almost invisible, badge of honor. And finally...we have one!

These adorable (and brilliant) mama merit badges tell the world the things we've endured, learned and survived. At only $5 a badge ($45 for the set of 8) these are a must have to create a 'Mom's Jean Jacket of Merit' or a 'Merit Ball-cap'. You can also go to this page on their site and submit a personal story detailing how you earned your specific badge. If they publish it on their site you will receive a free badge.

A few of my soon to be owned merit badges from the set:

Breastfeeding

This badge is to commemorate the nursing relationship, whether for a week or for years. Have you tandem nursed, nursed while pregnant or nursed twins? Breastfeeding is hard work and not as natural as it seems. If you produce milk for another human, you get this badge (and so much more). If you NIP you get a special nod of admiration.

Shopping

This is for the first time you take your newborn to the grocery store and strangers come up and touch his face during flu season and you maintain control. Also, for when you stroll through Target nursing a fussy baby while pushing a cart full of those great end-cap deals while trying to mentally organize each upcoming birthday party you will attend or throw for the upcoming year. Have you ever taken a couple of toddlers to pick up plywood, balloons or a load of mulch? How about doing your monthly grocery shopping at super Wal-Mart with 3 in tow? If you have spent money with babies hanging off you, climbing in and out of the cart or running away from you because they had to have "real high heels NOW," then you may don this badge with pride.

Tantrum

This badge is earned early on in most parenting careers. For keeping your cool when your 3 year sobs inconsolably for a half an hour because he wants to catch a lizard and tape it to the wall so it won't get away or your 5 year old throws stuff at you and slams doors while yelling "whatever! I hate you!" We all need this badge of honor for not shaking, striking or screaming at our children. Sometimes we need it many times in one day!

Some badges I'd like to see added:

• Surviving the Tweens
• Teething
• I managed to stay awake for sex
• I made something that wasn't frozen or from a can

What's your badge??

Thomas The Tank Engine Toy Recall

I don't know about your house, but my house is full of Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends.

Apparently in 2005 Nylint moved their production to China and now there is a recall for any WOODEN 'Thomas The Tank Engine or Friends' that was purchased 2005 or later. The threat being the paint used may contain lead and therefore may cause lead poisoning.

Go HERE or HERE for more info and Pass it on!

Welcome to the Tween Zone

In the past few weeks my sweet, funny and thoughtful little boy has turned into another person. Suddenly everything is attitude, backtalk, anger and emotional outbursts. I've been going nuts. Our usual methods of discipline such as taking away point cards and time outs have lost all effectiveness. We've started using groundings from things like t.v and gameboy. These have worked for a short period of time, but overall are long term ineffective.

So in my desperation I went on a hunt yesterday for books to help. Anything to explain why, how and where my little boy had gone. After scouring through at least 50 different books I bought this one:



















I decided on 'Taming the Dragon..' because it dealt with solutions for anger management and sibling rivalry. They also talk about working together as parents in discipline matters. I am hoping that this book will help us all live a more healthy and anger free life. I'll let you know how that goes!

and I also bought this one:



















I have already started reading this one and absolutely love it. I had heard the term 'Tween' before but did not know that it meant the 8-11 yr. old age group. Apparently what had always been reffered to as 'pre-teen' before now has a cool new name along with a much needed guide on how to survive these years. While scanning the book I came across this passage:

Tweens are a mass of contradictions. Even as their bodies are maturing in preparation to create other human beings, they can have temper tantrums worth of a two-year-old, sleep with stuffed animals, and need Mom to remind them to wash behind their ears when they take a bath. It's a hard age to comprehend but it's also a wonderful one.

That summed up Alex perfectly. Then entire book is filled with advice and help for understanding the emotionl years that tweens are facing. Many of the differnt little passages and snipets have hit our situation so perfectly on the head, that I wonder if the author has a hidden camera in our house:

Your child may no longer scream, "I hate you!" during a fit of temper as she did during the toddler years, but as the parent of a tween, you are likely to notice that you can be transformed from the greatest mom or dad in the world to the meanest ogre on the planet in a blink of an eye.

Seriously, it's almost creepy how well this person knows my little man. I also love the fact that the book has a specific section dealing with girl tweens and boy tweens. Hopefully by reading this now I'll be prepared in two years when Liberty begins her journey.

One highly annoying thing as I conducted my book hunt yesterday was the lack of books written for boys dealing with the tween issue or anger management. There was an entire shelf devoted to girls and how to deal with their changing emotions and bodies, how to deal with peer pressure, liking boys and so on, many written for ages 8 and up. But the only books targeted to boys were for ages 12 and up dealing with puberty and sex. It really made me wonder if that could be why so many boys grow up to be emotionally dysfunctional men, struggling to deal with women, anger management, and even their own emotional needs.

What do you think?

S.E.X.

What party, especially with a group of girls, doesn't have at least one conversation about sex? So, today I figured we'd broach the topic, and maybe some of you could help me with my predicament.

Alex is 8 and we know it's "time".
Time for that first big talk.
I.am.terrified.
I don't want to mess up.
I don't want to give to much information.
I don't want to give not enough information.

I also believe that the "talk" should be two parts and come from both PC and I, so that in the future Alex knows it's okay to come to me as well as his dad. In our group of friends and etc. I have the oldest kids. I am the one the people ask for advice on teething, diaper rash, tantrums, and I love being able to help them. But now there is no one for me to ask, and I'm soooo lost (and a tad bit in denial that it's really that time).

He knows the general area babies come from, he knows that breasts are for nursing. He knows what boy parts are named and what girl parts are named. He knows they don't look the same as he has occasionally changed Beans diaper.

Beyond that, how babies are actually made, is still that a mommy and daddy loved each very much and then the mommy had a baby in her tummy. Hey, it worked when he was 3 and I was preggers with Liberty.

So now all you readers who have been through this before, I need your help. I need any suggestions, books, or other method you recommend. Also, your stories of success or not so much. PLEASE HELP ME. I've been putting it off for 2 months and I know that I will be lucky to avoid THE question for another month.

So...let the S.E.X. talks begin!

How do I love thee? Let me count the cookies..

"I smell Cookies!"

It's not really a very special statement to most people. But I heard the smile in his voice. It made me feel wonderful. I had put that smile there and helped his day get better the moment he walked in the door.

It all started out as a joke between me and PC about a month after school started. We were watching Commander in Chief and Gina Davis mentioned to her mom that she remembered there were always fresh baked cookies ready after school. Very 50's and June Cleaver, I know. I joked with PC that starting the next day I was going to bake cookies everyday for Alex when he returned home from school. I assured him that if I did this, that our hopes of Alex becoming President were set in stone. After all, it worked for Gina Davis!

I really did bake cookies every week day for about 3 months. Life intervened many times and I just wasn't able to bake them daily, PC was right. But I still baked cookies, brownies or the like 3 or 4 times a week. I figure he still has a shot at the presidency.

The past two weeks I have been having a rough time with my depression. I haven't felt like a very good mom lately. Not for any reason in particular. I just feel overly tired and crabby and short tempered. I haven't baked during this time, either. I didn't realize how much he missed it or just how important it was to him. My little baked goods had become a way to tell him I loved him. That he was super special. And that him being happy mattered to me.

Today I realized how important this was to him. I realized that when I am at my worst the most important thing is letting him know that he is still my world and my baby boy.

Those three words, 'I smell cookies', brightened my day just as much as the smell brightened his. I am so glad that this became not just a tradition, but another way to say 'I love you.'

How do you say 'I love you' without using words?

Alex and the Bomb Threat

Doesn't that sound like it should be a movie title? I wish it were, but it's not. It's what happened at Alex's school yesterday.

When he got home yesterday, as I was going through the take home folder, I found the ominous piece of paper.

To Parents of all School Students,

Today there was a bomb threat at the high school. All students were eveacuated from both the middle and high school buildings. All students and staf are accounted for. High School and Middle school bus studens will be dismissed and bused home. Sutdens that walk will also be released at this time. Any student not rididing the bus or walking must be picked up. Elementary school studens will remain in session. Highs school students and staff with cars in any parking lot will not be able to take thier car until the school parking lot is determined to be secure.

The even more worrisome issue? This is the second one in 30 days, and (obviously) they haven't caught the moron responsible for the first one. Alex is in the elementary school and not the conjoined middle/high school, so I should clarify that it was not his actual building that was under the threat.

What upsets me (other than the obvious) is that Alex's school building is less than a 1/8 mile from the high school. His classroom actually looks out across the playground (between the elementary and high school) at the High School building.

Yet they kept the Elementary school kids in session..AND..the building was never swept for bombs by the explosive dogs. EITHER TIME. I get that the Elementary school was not the 'intended' target, but you would think common sense would dictate.

Yes, I know. Everyone keeps telling me to calm down and not over react. But how do you NOT over react a little bit with two bomb threats in one month...even if it is most likely a hoax!

How would you react and what would you think should be the proper response?
Am I over reacting?

The Wright Brothers Are COOL!

Just in case you don't know, THESE are the Wright Brothers. They are also the subject of a biography assignment Alex had been given two weeks ago.

It was actually a lot of fun getting ready for today's presentation (a special biography breakfast at school).

Last night he finished writing up the paper he was to read. I thought it was pretty cute that his final sentence was 'The Wright brothers are COOL!'

The kids were each supposed to come up with another project that related to their person. Alex decided to build a replica model of the Wright brothers Flyer with Lego's! I have to admit to being very anxious proud of this idea! There was a kit, but at $70 I wasn't buying it!
I will post a picture of the finished model later today. I was soooo sooo impressed! Especially seeing the only picture he had seen was from the book.

The last thing the kids were asked to do was dress up as their character. So we scoured the biography book he'd been given and decided on one picture that he wanted to copy. I ended up making the suspenders and the mustache as no store carried either. Here is Alex before he left this morning :

And here is Mr. Orville Wright, our Inspiration:
How'd we do?

Trouble Maker Parent., Part Deux

Me: Hello, ms. Very Snooty, I was just calling to let you know Alex won't be at school today.

Ms. Very Snooty: Really, and why won't he?

Me: Because he's not feeling well and I've decided to keep him home today.

Ms. Very Snooty: I see. Is it a cold?

Me: No, he's been having severe headaches since Saturday

Ms. Very Snooty: Are you taking him to a doctor then?

Me: Yes, I am. And I'm pretty sure that we'll probably end up at the hospital for a few tests.

Ms. Very Snooty: Hmm, Really? Well, just so you know this is Alex's 6th day of missed school this year. I really think you should send in a Dr. Note.

Me: That's fine. I will get you your doctor note and send it in tomorrow.

What I wanted to say: Who the hell do you think you are? This is my son. And if I think he's too damn sick to send to school...then he's not going! Last time I checked you were in charge of his educational career, and I was in charge of his physical well being. If he is not physically well, he's not going to do well in his education IS HE!!??


GUH!

I was shaking when I got off the phone. Seriously.

I did take Alex to the doctor and I got their damn note.

We did end up in the hospital for a CAT scan. And do you know what I did? I am actually embarrassed to say this, but I told him how cool his bracelet looked so that he'd want to leave it on and show his friends at school. Just to prove to Ms. Very Snooty that he HAD gone to the hospital.

How pathetic is that!!! And why do I feel the need to justify myself to HER! I'm all sorts of annoyed with myself.

The majority of my frustration comes from a few different sources. I am getting harrased because my son missed 6 days of school. Here's why:

September: 1 day : His grandma (she lives 3 hours away) was in town for 2 days. It was the first time they'd seen her in 2 months.

October:1 day: We had an appointment with his eye surgeon.

November:3 days: On doctors orders I had him home because he had a severe sinus infection and ear infection.

February: 1 day: I kept him home due to sever headaches so he could see the doctor. Turns out he has a minor sinus infection.

The other reasons are that 3 days this month they have spent class time watching movies. Not educational films. Movies. One was Chicken Little. One was Sky High. I don't know the 3rd one.

Also, the whole perfect attendance award and pizza party with the principal. Because of this many parents send their kids to school while ill and then my son brings it home. Then before I know it everyone in my house is sick and I've spent $40 in co-pays and another $60 in prescriptions.

And last: Every single adult there gets sick days, personal days, emergency days and mental health days. I even ran into his teacher one day in great clips and then found out that the kids had been told that she was sick with the flu. She wasn't.

So is it really so horrible that I have allowed my A+ student son have 1 personal and 5 sick days??

The Dentist

Liberty had a dentist appointment this morning with a new dentist. She had been awakened the past 3 nights with a toothache, and the orajel/motrin cocktail I was giving her while half asleep wasn't working.

The poor baby ended up having her tooth pulled, due to an abscess. Yes, I know. How on earth did I let it get that bad. It's a long story. One I also tried to explain while in tears to the new evil dentist who had just told me what a horrid mother I was. Okay, he actually said 'I'm leaving now so that ms. assistant can explain to you how life works and why you should be ashamed that Liberty is here like this'. Basically, I was a horrid mother.

Anyway, I do not feel like spilling the story out again. And yes, it is because I am to scared to be judged or reprimanded by anyone who reads. I'm feeling very vulnerable and hurt right now, and I simply couldn't handle any more. But. for the record. I am NOT a horrid mother. The simple version (and less weepy me one) is No Insurance, Not enough $$, and a previous horrible dentist visit (Liberty's, not mine).

So that dentist can kiss my arse.

What did you want to be ....

Today's Oldie But Goodie Sunday Post:

When You Grew up??
Originally Posted Sept. 7, 2006

Monday, Approx. 10 a.m.

Liberty: 'What did you want to be when you grew up, mommy?'

Me: 'Well, I wanted to be a mommy, a teacher, or a marine biologist.'

Liberty: 'What's a.....Barine Iologist??'

Me: 'Well..they're scientists who take care of animals who live in water...like Dolphins, Seals, Penguins...that kind of stuff.'

Liberty: 'Wow..that's so neat! I'm gonna be a Barine Iologist when I grow up too 'cause I love dolphins and penguins and then they will love me too!'


Monday, Approx. 7:10 p.m.

Liberty: 'Hey Brother...I'm gonna be a Barine Iologist when I grow up!'

Alex: 'A what Liberty? You don't make any sense goofy sister.'

Liberty: 'I am not silly! And I said Barine Iologist..they are skyentists who work with dolphins and penguins and things who live in water. That's what mommy wanted to be if she wasn't a mommy!'

Alex: 'OH...that's cool! That's what I want to be too! Hey..Liberty...do you think we should work together?'

Liberty: 'YEA....then we could work at the same place and live together and help all the animals together and we could be brother and sister Barine Iologists and if mommy wants she could be the Mommy Barine Iologist!'

Alex: 'Mommy can't be a Barine Iologist anymore 'cause she is to busy taking care of us and daddy...but we can live together still. But you can't come in my room.'

Liberty: 'Okay...I hope mommy won't be sad she can't be a Barine Iologist. And I have to come in your room 'cause I am gonna marry you brother!'

Alex: 'No Liberty..Mommy told you...You can't marry me..I'm your brother. And don't cry about it! I said we could still work together and live together when we grow up!'

Liberty: 'Okay...I can't wait to be a Barine Iologist, brother.'

Happy Birthday My Little Man...

Eight years ago today, at 4:55 p.m., I became a Mother. It's so hard to believe that it was eight years ago...yet it seems even longer in some ways. Of all the things in my life that took me by surprise, I am so 100% thankful and joyous for the chance to be a mother.

I am so utterly amazed and impressed and proud of my little man. Who he is and the ideas and things that make him unique. The funny questions that he asks me (Mom, how do I make my tail bone wag?), the way he copies his dad in picking on me, how he cares for his sisters when it really matters, the fact that he's sensitive, His love of reading, and his dreams of the future.

Sometimes when I look at him I truly feel my heart is going to burst wide open. It is the most amazing thing to be able to feel love like this. And because of Alex, I can not only feel it, but I can see it everyday when I look at him. He is the ultimate proof of my accomplishments in this life, of the love humans are capable of feeling, and of simple pure all consuming joy.

Alex is 8 today. I promised him this morning that I would post his pics this morning and see if anyone wished him happy birthday. He thinks this blog is so cool (another reason I adore him). So if you have the time..drop him a note :-D

The Ultimate 8th Birthday Before School Breakfast:
Scooby Doo waffles with cool whip and sprinkles.


The Ultimate 8th Birthday Class Treat
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!
THANKS FOR MAKING ME A MOMMY!
MUAH!