Our Trip

 

We were very lucky to get somewhat of a vacation on Kohler’s dime. Dave had to work a job in Norman for the weekend and so we booked a nice (2 bedroom) hotel room. The room was awesome and just what we needed. I think when you tell them you are traveling with a 2 year old they find the room that is furthest away from everyone…perfect!!! We got there on Thursday and hit the pool right away. We were looking forward to Friday because it was pay day and Dave had worked a gazillion overtime hours (which really helps out our president and his many vacations, but hey, the guys works hard right? ). Well, Friday morning I go to check our account and do some online bill pay, and surprise…no pay check! Yep, we later learn that there was a “glitch” in the computer system and we will later learn that was not really the case. The rest of the weekend went really good, we got to spend a lot of time with Dave’s parents and spend a lot of time just relaxing. Sunday morning we get on the road (early) because Abby was up at the butt crack of dawn early. We were making great time and only had about an hour of driving left. We decided to stop at Braums for a small breakfast and then head on home. When we were done eating, we climbed back in Daves truck ( o yes, we were in his work truck, all three of us, no back seat might I add) and what do you know, it wont start! Keep in mind we are in a small town on Sunday morning, not much open. To make a long story short we decide to suck it up and try to make it home. As a side note, when we were in Braum’s  Abby tried to go potty, but she didn’t like the bathroom so she didn’t want to go. Anyways, we get on the road keeping our fingers crossed that we don’t break down on the side of 35 somewhere. We finally hit our top speed of about fifty when Abby decides she needs to go potty…because why not. Knowing that the truck would not put up with another stop, I tell her to just pee in her pull up and we will be home soon. Well, she was not having any of that! To sum things up, she screamed (truly surprised windows didn’t break at this point) for about 40 minutes straight. She finally fell asleep (and peed) and we made it home, an hour and a half later. When we go to get into the house, the sweet girl who stayed with the animals had locked the door…and we had no key…because she had the key….the key she used to lock the door. So, there we were, finally home, happy(ish), Abby in a pee soaked pull up and now soaked night gown, all standing at the locked door with no key. Dave somehow, I didn’t ask because at that point I didn’t care, knew how to use pliers and opened the door for us.

I am truly so happy we had this time as a family, even after all that, but I know I can only handle one or two “trips” a year!

*and ps, I packed for all three of us in one bag!!! o yes I did!

Before and After

Come this October I will have worked with kids for fifteen years! Yes, I have never had a job not working with kids..ever! With all that experience under my belt I can honestly say that I am still caught off guard many times now that I am a mom. Before I had Abby I worked at (and now still do) a preschool. Before that I was a nanny and before that I worked at a daycare center. I am so greatful that I had all these jobs because I really do feel like they gave me a small glimpse into the world of parenting, especially of things not to do! I will say though that I now find myself laughing at the things I said I would never do as a parent, and some of the things I have actually stuck to. Before Abby: - I will never let my kids sleep in bed with me After Abby: - I do try to limit this, but I actually like when she sleeps with me! She doesnt snore, and during these crazy Texas storms I really feel better with her right next to me. Before Abby: -I will never spank my kids After Abby: -Still a pretty firm believer in this one, however, I have had to spank her three times. Yes, I can count on one hand how many times, and I am ok with that. Every time I have had to has been because she did something that was very unsafe and I really wanted her to know I was serious ( like sneaking out the back door and trying to open the lid to the hot tub) Before Abby: -I will never give my kids fast food After Abby: - This could go either way. I dont think pizza is "fast food", but we could probably cut back on it a bit. I am happy to say that she has never had Mcdonalds, Wendys, or anything of that sort and I hope that she doesnt for a really long time! Before Abby: -I will never let me kids watch TV After Abby: - HA!!! Well, I will say we went almost the whole first year of her life with no TV to watch, so that was not an issue, and even after we got it, she was never really into it until she was almost two. There are days now that I know she watches it way to much, but its not hurting her and I am not using it as a babysitter because I am sitting on the couch right next to her. Before Abby: -I will never let my kids use a public bathroom After Abby: -Ok, if you have known me longer than thirty seconds, you are well aware of my feelings and phobias of public restrooms. I seriously plan my water intake by my outings for the day. So, the thought of having to take a child in there, a child who likes to touch and explore everything just sends chills down my spine. I am ready to whip out the lysol right now just thinking about it. Obviously I have to take her to the restroom when we are out, and obviously I cringe the whole time, but I do let her use public bathrooms and so far have lived through it. Before Abby: - I used to to say I will never(fill in the blank) and I used to judge parents for doing things I believed to be "bad" for children After Abby: -I now see that being a mom is a game of survival and you have to do whats best for you and your child. God gave us our children for a reason, because you are the best mommy for that child and no one else could love your child they way you do. Even on the days where we are sitting on the couch eating pizza and watching the umpteenth episode of george, I know that I am doing a pretty good job at this whole parenting thing.

I'll admit it

So summer is here, and I'll admit that it's probably the most dreaded time of year for all stay at home moms. Well, except for "those" moms and we wont go there. I will admit that I was really looking forward to school being out because Abby and I were working/going to school five days a week the last two weeks of school, and we were beat. But now, looking ahead and knowing that we dont go back to school until after labor day, well thats stressing me out. I'll admit that I am a home body and it wouldnt phase me if I stayed in my house for a week straight...if I had no kids. This little red head mini me however is not so content being at home, crazy I know! I'll also admit that I am not really handling the 530am wake ups very well either. In fact, I am pretty sure that if it werent for my crack phentremine and spark, I would not not make it through the day, or even noon. I will also let you know that I am judging you when you tell me that your kids are sleeping till 9 or later, because now you have become one of "those" moms. On top of it being hotter than the fifth ring of hell here, summer also stinks because thats Daves busy time, which means I have no me time, like ever. I will admit that I do, on occasion, bribe my daughter with a treat so that I can have a little alone time to do things like go to the bathroom...by myself, or shower alone, just little things like that can make my day brighter. I will admit, that on days when Dave is working really late and I am really lazy, we watch George more than we should. I have on occasion felt like I am having a love affair with the man in the yellow hat, but who hasnt? I will also admit that my alcohol intake has probably been increasing,slightly, but I have to stay hydrated when on the treadmill...its hot here, remember? And while living in Texas does have its perks,like riding around on our horses with our guns and cowboy hats, I will admit that I could think of a hundred other places I would like to be right now. O summer, how I wish you would quit comin around!