Proud Mama

Every since Brandon came out of the womb, eight years ago, I knew he was special. But don't we all think that about our own children? There is a certain connection Brandon has with nature. I swear he is going to be the next Crocodile Hunter or Austin Stevens (the snake adventurer). He has such a love for reptiles, insects, nature, and how the world works. When I was his age, I was interested in cartwheels and dancing to BEAT IT! He can tell you the habitat of a certain species of snake, what they eat, look like, how they reproduce, and has no fear of picking one of those slithery things off the ground. What amazes me is the beauty he sees in the smallest of creatures. He just finished his second grade year yesterday (in writing that - i think I just got 50 more gray hairs- I feel so old), and just got his report card. All Excellents! All 4's! He received the award for spelling and science in his class. Surprise! Surprise. His teacher is amazed of how much he actually knows about nature and science. He has taught me a few things. I am so proud of him! So in celebration of his great efforts, we are going to the movies tonight to see Indiana Jones. Good Job Brandon!

Sometimers

Memorial weekend was filled with lots of places and things that were definitely worthy of hauling out the expensive camera for. I made sure, before we left for the weekend, to charge the battery, bring both lenses, and bring the camera case. First stop was my dads house. We haven't seen him in two years and you all know when you have kids that is long time. I measure time by how big the kids are. Gianna was excited to see grandpa and the way she giggled around him was just priceless. I was going to whip out the camera but was distracted. The next day we took Brandon and Gianna to walk through a lava cave. Or should I say, I walked through the cave with Gianna's face buried into my chest. Then it was off to visit family at some property they had just bought. It was a picture moment - all of standing out in the middle of the woods, warming our bodies by the campfire. Justin carefully took out the camera, put on the mega zoom lens (the kind that notices a zit on your face, before you do), and snapped some photos. But it wouldn't work. What the hell? I forgot the camera card!! I swear I have Sometimers. Sometimes, I remember-Sometimes, I don't! The rest of the weekend, I carefully notated in my mind, the special moments that I would have to take snapshots of in my memory. That nobody else could share or reminisce with me. They were mine alone. And sometimes that is nice too!

Why God Gave Me a Big Foot!

I'm sure many of my friends have heard this story, but every once in a while, I think about the times I have wanted to crawl under a rock because of something I have said. My philosophy in life is whoever you meet in the day... try to make them feel good with something you say or with something you do - they will remember the way you made them feel. So, I had this client who came into my office. A very sweet lady who was very over weight. Believe me, I know that uncomfortable feeling of being over weight and just meeting someone for the first time. I wanted to make her feel comfortable. She had a blue strap around her neck, that fit snug, with a white decoration that protruded out from her neck. I complimented her necklace as we sat down together at my desk. Until, she very nicely advised me that it was not a necklace but her tracheotomy! Can I just crawl under my desk??? Right this moment! But if that was enough.. I say, "Well, you can always decorate it!" Size 11 foot goes directly into the mouth! I guess my philosophy of making someone feel good that day, really didn't work. But it sure makes me laugh at myself!

Oh Happy Day!

Nothing is an accident. People come come into our lives for a reason. Four years ago, I was looking for daycare for Gianna. She wasn't the easiest baby and there were moments when I (her own mother) didn't want to watch her. But I kept hearing this name around town.. it whispered Lavon.... Lavon.... Lavon. So I finally got this angel's phone number and fell in love with her instantly. I think finding daycare is one of the hardest things that a parent has to do because of course...no one can love our children the way we do! But this is not the case with Lavon. She actually loves her daycare kids as much as her own. It was such a glorious day when she took my kids in as one of her own. But what I didn't expect was the friendship that has developed through the years. She is one of the most honest, respectful, intelligent, funny, loving, and thoughtful person I know! And it also happens to be her birthday today!! Oh Happy Day! Happy Birthday LAQUANDA GIRL! We love you more than words!

Human to Human

The earthquake in China is devastating at so many different levels. The loss of buildings, homes, business', loss of life, loss of control, loss of self. I can't imagine one day living a normal life and in a matter of seconds, forever being changed. I can barely watch it on television because I seriously can feel for them. It seems too much to comprehend. My heart really feels for the mother's who sent their children to school and then will never have the chance to hold them again. You know that they are just praying for that one small miracle that their child will be pulled out of there alive. It doesn't matter if we are American mothers, come from a third world country, live in a remote village, or live in upscale New York - mothers feel the pain of other mothers no matter what walk of life we come from. Tragedies like this make us human again. It enables us to feel for those around us - beyond ourselves. I pray for their families and for their country.

Head On!

I'm driving to work this morning, when I feel something staring at me. Such an uncomfortable feeling. I look up and there is a big, fat, hairy spider sitting on my visor. Not a daddy long leg, not a small baby spider, but the type of spider where you can actually see his eyes and fangs. He is staring at me head on! There is nothing I can do, since I'm on the freeway, so I gently push my seat back. It looks like I'm leaning like a chola - all i need now is a tatoo on my neck and eyeliner lipstick. I am practically driving from the back seat. So I keep driving for the next 15 minutes to work and as I'm pulling into the driveway, I hit a bump. The spider moves quickly towards me, I scream, and almost hit an oak tree! I finally get out of my car and beat my visor with Gianna's princess hairbrush. That ought to teach that fanged creature to mess with a princess!

Smother Mother Day

I have decided (along with my friend Heather) that a mother is not allowed to enjoy her day until she is 85! Why? Because that is when you are old enough for your own children to care and your husband to finally appreciate you for all you have done. I guess part of the mother's day thing is that I expect to much. The saying still holds true - don't expect and you won't be disappointed. What is it that I exactly want? Well, I'll tell you. You can't wrap it up in a tidy cute bow - its called REST! And again, I won't get that til I'm eight five and in a REST HOME. So, I want to know - do all mom's want to rest on their day? Do you want to spend it with your kids? Time alone? I'm interested to see how the mom's out there want to spend the day!

Mind Over Splatter

Beware for those who's stomachs are weak. Do not read on. For those of you who dare to go on - we need to talk about a serious disease that strikes every woman at least once in a lifetime. SYBC, otherwise known as Squeeze Your Butt Cheeks. It usually strikes when you are in the middle of no where. For example, the other day I was on a four mile walk and the stomach pains began. I was doubled over, sweat beads started to form on my upper lip and forehead. I could barely go on. My ears no longer could hear anyone, but my inner self saying, "Squeeze hard. You can do it! You only have 3 more miles to go!" When this disease strikes, it makes your mind think of things that you normally would not do. I started to think... maybe I can knock on that dilapidated mobile home's door (sitting out in a field, surrounded by pit bulls). I don't care it there is a meth lab in their gated community or marijuana plants in wine barrels. I just need to use their bathroom. Who cares if Grizzly Adams answers the door with no teeth. I NEED TO GO! But the stomach pain subsides and I am snapped back into reality. Thankfully, I did make it home, just in time. The only cure for SYBC is a nice cold porcelain seat and a good magazine!

Ready or Not!

"I'm not ready!" I could hear myself scream through the joy and excitement of my four year old. "Mommy, let go! Let go." Hesitantly, I pried my hands of the back of her bike seat, and let go. And there she went, full of pride, independence, and confidence. I stood in the middle of the street, emotions swirling around me - happiness, joyfulness, sadness. This was my baby who was so ready to ride her bike without her training wheels. It was a monumental step for both her and I. As I was standing on the hot rocked street it was as though a semi truck hit me - SHE IS GROWING UP! I want to stop it. Am I bipolar? There have been so many times that I have uttered the words - "I can't wait." And I wish I could take them back. I was so glad I got to experience this bittersweet moment. This is just one of many steps in the growing pain process. As parents, we guide them and they may fall down through it. But it is our job to gather them in our loving arms, just to let them go again.

2,4,6,8,... Who Do We Appreciate?

Sometimes it's hard for moms to sit back and realize that we do in fact do a lot for our family's. And it is easy for those around us to take us for granted. So, I am giving a shout out to myself, that I appreciate me and all I do! This weekend was crazy and there literally was not a moment that I actually sat down. It started out after work on Friday, taking Brandon to a birthday party, which got over at 9:00pm. Then Saturday, an early wake up, pick up some baseball boys, and off to Boonville, with a van full of decked out eight year olds. After the game, we grabbed some McDonalds (you know I'm busy if I settle for that food) and then baseball pictures. We got home and I noticed that one of the boys (no one will fess up) spilled red gatorade in the back of my van. Thus, the 3 hour clean up of the van - which has now stained my carpet. I just put away the hose, when Brandon's friend came over to do a sleep over. By the time we all settled for bed it was 10:00pm and I fell asleep on the couch - no blankets, no pillows, no nothing. I can't even tell you when the TV went off. The next day Justin asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day- I told him a day to do nothing! I need some refueling! This is to all my friends who are Mom's (especially Tasha- who does everything) take some time for yourself and appreciate YOU!