Is there an age when you think your kids became possessed by the devil??? I am sure that my friends with older kids say this will happen again later, but for now I am convinced the minute my kids turn 2...something comes over them. I do not like them very much until they turn 4...ish. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my kids always, but between the ages of 2 & 3...something is wrong with their brains. They are just really learning to communicate properly and there is NO SUCH THING as reasoning with a 2 year old. So any emotion they have is MAJOR and mostly embarassing for us. There so many days I swear I will never leave the house again. But lets be honest...we are glutens for punishment and always hope for the best...the "next time" will be different. When will we ever learn?
It started with my son Joey, two was not bad, he was still pretty cute, but once three hit, he could throw down a good temper tantrum...but that was back when I was a confident "new mom." I could divert his attention in the blink of an eye and save myself some serious embarrassment. EASY
Then came my daughter Hailey...wow that child has given me a run for my money. Anyone who has witnessed a Hailey tantrum knows what I am talking about. My sister thought I was full of shit until she saw one with her own eyes. ( I have actually videotaped her before...just for posterity!)You could not stop her...she would full out throw down flail with arms and legs as she screamed rolling on the floor. Where do kids learn this stuff? This would occur in the blink of an eye if she did not get what she wanted or was upset about something. I never knew it was coming. Whether it was walking through target, sitting on the beach, watching one of Joeys soccer games....I was never prepared and it always took me by surprise. Her preschool was conveniently located in the high school I work in, so she would walk into school with me every morning. One morning it was raining and she was so excited to wear her new rain boots, I was more than happy to oblige. We walked our normal route and as we turned the corner into the main hallway she started....yelling, arms flailing and rolling on the ground. Why you ask??? Her rain boots were wet...that is right, she got her RAIN BOOTS wet. I first tried to reason with her (I know, BIG mistake), then I threatened her, all I had left was just leave. I walked right over her and kept walking to her room. Left her there right in the middle of the hallway looking like a mental patient. I felt bad, but really....how long could it last?. Must have worked, because within 20 ft...she was running behind me, screaming, but at least on her feet. I didn't know how I was going to leave her with her teacher this way...then as quick as it happened, it was over by the time we got into her class she was as happy as can be....possessed! Hailey is almost 5 now and I can finally control her rants, the devil has moved onto the next victim...ALLY.
Ally just turned three and I was convinced she was going to be my easy kid. Laid back, independent, just easy, then she turned two. Oddly enough her second birthday was right after we found out #4 was on the way. The past year has been a comedy of Ally tantrums from grocery stores to friends houses, front yard throw downs to her new DEVIL talk. Ally can be the sweetest little girl, but there are times I am ready to pull out my hair and throw down my OWN temper tantrums. The last time I took my kids to get ice cream ended in Ally's rolling on the ground because I could not hold her (and her baby brother) while I got money out of my wallet to pay. Is this a joke? what does she not understand? But here we are in the middle of a busy ice cream place with her rolling on the floor....awesome. So needless to say....I am now counting down the days until Allys turns four, 335 days to go.
All I can do about these moments is laugh. Laugh that my 3 year old will look right in my eyes and do the exact opposite of what I told her to do, then run up, hug me and say, "I love you mommy." DAMN...got me again. Even tonight, Ally was told to go to her room with she did her 500th headstand on the couch and fell on her sister...AGAIN. I went to get her and she says, "Mommy I am not ready to come out, and I love you." I mean really these kids have my damn number....I will win SOMEDAY!!! As for now I have only one more child to get through the terrible 2 - 3's...then it will be the teen years to watch out for. Maybe at that point Tim and I will just embarrass them and throw a temper tantrum or two when they do not listen. I just may.....So when did you kids become possessed by the devil?
As a side note, I know I have not written in a while. After having the baby, going back to work full time, and my husband working in another state, life has been a little chaotic. I think I finally have a routine down, and hopefully will be able to start writing again. I hope you all enjoy and keep reading!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Friday, July 20, 2012
Good-Bye to an AMAZING Family
When I woke up this morning I had a weird pit in my stomach. Not bad, just weird. For the past two weeks, my husband Tim has been walking around with an odd look in his eyes. I did not recognize it and he just kept saying he had "a lot" going on. It was starting to bug me, but it wasn't until today that I finally understood. Today July 20, 2012 , after ten years, we are walking away from the marine corps. Tim had his last PT session with his marines followed by a change of command ceremony. Many of you who follow me have probably heard some of Tims tales in the marine corps. When he wanted to get things done for his marines he found a way to accomplish it. Come hell or high water he would fight for what he believed and took care of his marines. He was well respected and a great leader. I have on more than one occasion at various events had marines come up to me and express that Tim has been their best Company Commander and they had learned so much from him. I never totally understod that until today as the ceremony closed the marines that lined up to shake his hand and say their goodbyes. It was quite a sight to see them all waiting in line and brought a tear to my eye. The lives he has touched....nothing short of amazing. Today it all ended. It has been a roller coaster, but neither one of us regret one moment of it. Tim was a pretty great guy when we met and got married, but words cannot express what the marine corps has done for him or our family over the past ten years. He has loved his job, he was VERY good at his job. It was a "second" family. So why get out? I think that with our fourth child on the way and the positions Tim would start holding, the values we have both learned over the past 10 years led us to decide it was our time. It was time to start something new and move on. I want to thank all marines out there for what they stand for and believe in. It has shaped my family and way of life. I have learned so much about myself and Tim and I are both better people for it. We walk away today with a sad feeling to leave this family we have been apart of, but excited as to what the future will hold.
So I want to take one moment to congratulate my husband, and express how proud I am of him and what he has accomplished and a moment to thank all of our marine corps family for what you stand for and have taught us over the years.
Now as I get ready to go to bed tonight, the pit in my stomach has subsided. The look in Tims eyes are getting back to normal, it has been a bittersweet day. We celebrated with family and great friends and feel ready to take a leap into the "civilian" world. Bring it on the Maloneys are ready!What a day....next post...BACK TO FUNNY!
So I want to take one moment to congratulate my husband, and express how proud I am of him and what he has accomplished and a moment to thank all of our marine corps family for what you stand for and have taught us over the years.
Now as I get ready to go to bed tonight, the pit in my stomach has subsided. The look in Tims eyes are getting back to normal, it has been a bittersweet day. We celebrated with family and great friends and feel ready to take a leap into the "civilian" world. Bring it on the Maloneys are ready!What a day....next post...BACK TO FUNNY!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Tales from the Bedroom
I only wish this entry was as good as it sounds. Have you ever just gotten to sleep at night only to have a littlehand slap you in the face or a screetch from another room that makes you catapult out of bed. We have ALL been there. In my house we seem to play musical beds nightly. Then those nights where we wake up alone with no kids, I immediately think something is wrong...barge into every room and find perfectly sleeping children. I am ready to TAKE BACK MY BEDROOM!
When my husband Tim and I got married, we bought a cute house in North Carolina that had a huge master bedroom, we decided to use our wedding money for furniture in our new home. A good friend told me to get a king bedroom set. I thought why in the world would we need a king size bed. She said it is something you will never go back and buy and once you have kids, you will want a big bed. I laughed! So naive...that was when I thought it was absurd that people let their kids in bed with them. NOT ME! My kids would listen and stay in their room. I remember my brother sleeping in my moms bed for years. Who is laughing now? Before the kids came, we slept with a german shepard, and lab at our feet. Bad habits to start with. Now many nights consist of bringing little people back their beds, or running down the hallway to a crying toddler who is having a bad dream or my favorite, cannot find their blanket. AWESOME!
Like I said we have a king size bed, so a kid or two shold not make too much of a difference. I tend to sleep on the edge anyway. I have never been a cuddler in bed, Tim sweats and radiates HEAT when he sleeps so cuddlig usually lasts about 2 minutes. So one or two small toddlers should not take up much room, right.....WRONG. I am sure many of you can attest, KIDS have no NORMAL sleeping patterns, they twist and turn, sleep with their legs wide open, or a leg over their heads, flip backwards, or sleep sideways. How do they even stay asleep??? I have been kicked, slapped, and literally pushed out of bed all by a 20 lb child....how is that possible? The best part is, the one reason I sleep on the edge of the bed, is why my kids come in the bed...they LOVE to nestle right up against Tim. More than once I have found him laying across the bottom of the bed with a small child taking up three quarters of his side. Last week on vacation I woke up in a queen size bed at 6 AM with myself, and two oldest laying normally with our heads on pillows, Tim and the youngest were backwards in the bed. Mind you, I am 8 months pregnant, if only someone had taken a picture....these pictures show how my kids sleep through the night and what they do to Tim....haha!
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I want to be VERY clear, all of our kids go to bed in their own beds at a normal time and fall asleep on their own! At some point they become possesed and wander in, they could be in hysterics, or quietly slip in and climb over me without any movements, I swear they are still sleeping while doing so. The minute they climb in, they are instantly alseep and snoring! We usually take turns trying to move them back, but they could be in the deepest sleep and subconciously they know you are bringing them back and the demons come out...kicking, screaming, crying. SO we leave them, not worth the hassle. Our oldest has outgrown getting up and comig in, so we just hope it is trickle down the line. Don't get me wrong, we are able to sleep alone and win the battle many nights, but you always remember the foot in the face nights more often than a good nights rest. Regardless maybe it is my hormones, but six years later, I AM TAKING back my BED. Now most of you are laughing because you know Maloney #4 is coming late summer and we will be starting all over again. Can't a mother hope this one will be different??? Then again...maybe they should keep coming in, I DO NOT want to ever announce maloney #5....four is good for me! Please have a good nights rest on me!
When my husband Tim and I got married, we bought a cute house in North Carolina that had a huge master bedroom, we decided to use our wedding money for furniture in our new home. A good friend told me to get a king bedroom set. I thought why in the world would we need a king size bed. She said it is something you will never go back and buy and once you have kids, you will want a big bed. I laughed! So naive...that was when I thought it was absurd that people let their kids in bed with them. NOT ME! My kids would listen and stay in their room. I remember my brother sleeping in my moms bed for years. Who is laughing now? Before the kids came, we slept with a german shepard, and lab at our feet. Bad habits to start with. Now many nights consist of bringing little people back their beds, or running down the hallway to a crying toddler who is having a bad dream or my favorite, cannot find their blanket. AWESOME!
Like I said we have a king size bed, so a kid or two shold not make too much of a difference. I tend to sleep on the edge anyway. I have never been a cuddler in bed, Tim sweats and radiates HEAT when he sleeps so cuddlig usually lasts about 2 minutes. So one or two small toddlers should not take up much room, right.....WRONG. I am sure many of you can attest, KIDS have no NORMAL sleeping patterns, they twist and turn, sleep with their legs wide open, or a leg over their heads, flip backwards, or sleep sideways. How do they even stay asleep??? I have been kicked, slapped, and literally pushed out of bed all by a 20 lb child....how is that possible? The best part is, the one reason I sleep on the edge of the bed, is why my kids come in the bed...they LOVE to nestle right up against Tim. More than once I have found him laying across the bottom of the bed with a small child taking up three quarters of his side. Last week on vacation I woke up in a queen size bed at 6 AM with myself, and two oldest laying normally with our heads on pillows, Tim and the youngest were backwards in the bed. Mind you, I am 8 months pregnant, if only someone had taken a picture....these pictures show how my kids sleep through the night and what they do to Tim....haha!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Organized Chaos: When the CAT's away....
Organized Chaos: When the CAT's away....: We all know how this saying goes...but lets talk reality. When the CATS away, the MICE have triple the resposibilities. Why triple you say? ...
When the CAT's away....
We all know how this saying goes...but lets talk reality. When the CATS away, the MICE have triple the resposibilities. Why triple you say? I am VERY fortunate to have a husband that I am truely partners with, We do most household chores together as well as taking care of the kids, so when he is gone, it REALLY triples my load!. I have a whole new understanding for the lives led by single moms.
I am by no means a "dirty" person. But man I HATE TO clean. Some people just love it, it makes them calm, and soothes them. My sister is like that. Me, I am a pile maker....I make lots of piles. Understand I am NOT a hoarder...but I will pile to "clean" up until it is a little ridiculous and then I CLEAN. Growing up my job was dusting...ugh I hated dusting. My husband has different habits, he is not a neat freak (thank god) but he is a ferocious cleaner. If you know him, you can picture this. As soon has he has it in his head to clean, it is like the energizer bunny on drugs running around the house. Usually he will not speak when he wants to clean, so I am layin around enjoying my Saturday morning, when all of a sudden a wind passes through and it is him cleaning like a mad man. At first I am mad...why would he not ask for help, or announce "lets clean." Totally a guilt thing, but then I realize we only have a small window to do this before the kids need something, so I take the "pick up" and "organize" jobs. Put toys away, pick up kitchen, vacuum a little and yes...DUST...ugh...hate it! We get the job done together.
My husband has deployed three times and has since been gone for days, weeks, or longer at different times. The scenerio is always the same, I have to take care of the house. Kids I can handle...house, ugh! I live a life pretending chores do not exist...I have a wonderful husband that does a lot of it as long as I feed him and make sure he has clean underwear! My world (or bubble) is often popped but it is fun while it lasts (for a couple moments here and there).
Typically my list is:
1. meals, which included shopping, and all lunches for school
2. basic getting kids up ready, and out the door every morning & home
3. laundry
4. Bills and any kind of gifts for friends and family
My husbands list:
1. Dogs (anything attached to it)
2. Trash
3. Bathrooms
4. ANYTHING that needs fixing. (he has redone bathrooms, donebacksplash, LOVES PROJECTS)
Share
1. House cleaning (besides bathrooms)...he does the heavy stuff (mopping, scrubbing, you know the REAL cleaning)
2. Bedtimes
3. Kids acvtivites
As an impending trip looms, I dread it, I will get all the tempertantrums and all the baths...etc. And worse...the CHORES. The minute he walks out the door a switch goes on. People always say, "I do not know how you do it." My answer is usually, "you just do." That is the way of life I just pick up the missing pieces. I wakeup with the dogs having to go out, feed them, take out the trash, make lunches and quickly try to get dressed. Get kids ready, out the door and pray that I myself remembered to brush my teeth, put on make-up and put on a bra and clean underwear (you laugh but it has happened!) The day continues as normal and then after school the minute we walk in the door everyone needs a snack and a drink, the dogs need to go out and dinner has to be made. Those couple hours and bedtime is usually chaotic but we survive. My goal is to be relaxed sitting in front of the tv by 8 pm with a beer or glass of wine and try not to be sleeping by 8:05. We do ok, everyone misses daddy, including mommy, but we have worked it out and everyone pulls through. I can do it all, well except those bathrooms...I will be honest a quick brush of the toilet is my limit so if you come visit when I am alone, I am giving you fair warning now on that!
I have talked to many military wives that say when their husbands come, how hard the transition can be. She has been doing everything and he just wants to come back to the way things were. Many women do not like this, they have a routine and it takes time for everyone to get "back to normal." Well NOT THIS GIRL! My husband will not have even taken off his shoes and I suddenly have amnesia on where the dog food is, or what day is trash day. I honestly think he wonders how we survive because I so quickly can drop the extra responsibilities like I had no clue how to do them in the first place. I like it this way. I do them when needed, but otherwise, not gonna happen!
There is one chore that I will absolutely NOT learn how to do. I would FIND money somewhere to take care of this chore when my husband is away. I have one friend that this drives her crazy and she will never understand, but I promise you this, you will NEVER find me mowing the lawn. Will not happen, not going to learn. If my dad taught me anything in life, a lawn is a mans haven. SO I will leave that to the man, and not given it a second thought!
I am by no means a "dirty" person. But man I HATE TO clean. Some people just love it, it makes them calm, and soothes them. My sister is like that. Me, I am a pile maker....I make lots of piles. Understand I am NOT a hoarder...but I will pile to "clean" up until it is a little ridiculous and then I CLEAN. Growing up my job was dusting...ugh I hated dusting. My husband has different habits, he is not a neat freak (thank god) but he is a ferocious cleaner. If you know him, you can picture this. As soon has he has it in his head to clean, it is like the energizer bunny on drugs running around the house. Usually he will not speak when he wants to clean, so I am layin around enjoying my Saturday morning, when all of a sudden a wind passes through and it is him cleaning like a mad man. At first I am mad...why would he not ask for help, or announce "lets clean." Totally a guilt thing, but then I realize we only have a small window to do this before the kids need something, so I take the "pick up" and "organize" jobs. Put toys away, pick up kitchen, vacuum a little and yes...DUST...ugh...hate it! We get the job done together.
My husband has deployed three times and has since been gone for days, weeks, or longer at different times. The scenerio is always the same, I have to take care of the house. Kids I can handle...house, ugh! I live a life pretending chores do not exist...I have a wonderful husband that does a lot of it as long as I feed him and make sure he has clean underwear! My world (or bubble) is often popped but it is fun while it lasts (for a couple moments here and there).
Typically my list is:
1. meals, which included shopping, and all lunches for school
2. basic getting kids up ready, and out the door every morning & home
3. laundry
4. Bills and any kind of gifts for friends and family
My husbands list:
1. Dogs (anything attached to it)
2. Trash
3. Bathrooms
4. ANYTHING that needs fixing. (he has redone bathrooms, donebacksplash, LOVES PROJECTS)
Share
1. House cleaning (besides bathrooms)...he does the heavy stuff (mopping, scrubbing, you know the REAL cleaning)
2. Bedtimes
3. Kids acvtivites
As an impending trip looms, I dread it, I will get all the tempertantrums and all the baths...etc. And worse...the CHORES. The minute he walks out the door a switch goes on. People always say, "I do not know how you do it." My answer is usually, "you just do." That is the way of life I just pick up the missing pieces. I wakeup with the dogs having to go out, feed them, take out the trash, make lunches and quickly try to get dressed. Get kids ready, out the door and pray that I myself remembered to brush my teeth, put on make-up and put on a bra and clean underwear (you laugh but it has happened!) The day continues as normal and then after school the minute we walk in the door everyone needs a snack and a drink, the dogs need to go out and dinner has to be made. Those couple hours and bedtime is usually chaotic but we survive. My goal is to be relaxed sitting in front of the tv by 8 pm with a beer or glass of wine and try not to be sleeping by 8:05. We do ok, everyone misses daddy, including mommy, but we have worked it out and everyone pulls through. I can do it all, well except those bathrooms...I will be honest a quick brush of the toilet is my limit so if you come visit when I am alone, I am giving you fair warning now on that!
I have talked to many military wives that say when their husbands come, how hard the transition can be. She has been doing everything and he just wants to come back to the way things were. Many women do not like this, they have a routine and it takes time for everyone to get "back to normal." Well NOT THIS GIRL! My husband will not have even taken off his shoes and I suddenly have amnesia on where the dog food is, or what day is trash day. I honestly think he wonders how we survive because I so quickly can drop the extra responsibilities like I had no clue how to do them in the first place. I like it this way. I do them when needed, but otherwise, not gonna happen!
There is one chore that I will absolutely NOT learn how to do. I would FIND money somewhere to take care of this chore when my husband is away. I have one friend that this drives her crazy and she will never understand, but I promise you this, you will NEVER find me mowing the lawn. Will not happen, not going to learn. If my dad taught me anything in life, a lawn is a mans haven. SO I will leave that to the man, and not given it a second thought!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Where are your shoes?
Have you ever had one of those days where it would have been easier to just start over. I have had many! This day is worth sharing.
Now I love my friends and when they want to help, it is wonderful but sometimes it is just easier to do things myself. Lets face it I do not travel lightly. Me and three young kids, have a lot of crap and there is usually yelling, occasional crying along with a throw down temper tantrum at any given moment anywhere we go. We have a routine and certain steps we usually follow each time. Otherwise who knows what could be left behind????
On this particular day, you could call it a comedy of errors. It was August AND HOT, our good friends John and Jen were visiting with their three year old son as well as my 12 year old sister. Since my husband was working for the day we thought a day in DC may be fun for the kids. I left my youngest, who was 7 months at the time at daycare, and we packed up for the day. The Aerospace museum was our destination. The plan was to leave at 10, drive to the train and walk the mall to the smithsonian, maybe get some lunch after and head home. The goal was to be back around 3-ish to pick up the baby and maybe swim a little before dinner. Sounded like a well thought out plan, easy to execute, right? So we got the baby dropped off early, and started our process of getting out the door. My "diaper bag" had turned into a "snack bag" to try avoid any major temper tantrums, on the way out the door I threw in an extra pair of underwear and shorts for my son. (though 4 he still could not "hold it " very well). I thought I was so smart. Typically when my husband or I would get the kids dressed we do the whole nine yards. I know what you are thinking...it is good to have your kids get themselves dressed, teaches independence. If you know me well, I start teaching indepedence as young as possible. The earlier they can do crap on their own, the less I have to do right? But if there is one thing I have ZERO tolerance for, it is waiting for kids to get dressed and put on shoes! Shoes are the worst. First if my kids could be barefoot everyday they would, and you would think getting them on was equivalent to building a rocket. So it is just easier for us to do it. Get them dressed and in shoes and we are ready to roll. That morning our friends were helping me out so while I packed up they got the kids all in the car. I grabbed my bagel on the run, jumped in the car and we were off. Only about half hour late (pretty good), we only live about a half hour from the metro station, made it there with no traffic and there are even plenty of parking spaces. Wow, so far so good. "Ok lets get going" My son unplugs his seatbelt, so excited and jumps up front to get on the train. All of a sudden I say, "ok, get your shoes on lets go." He justed looked at me. "Um....where are your shoes?" Again just looked at me. Then I looked at my daughter...shoeless as well. I turned to my friend and he shrugs and took the mature way out, "I just told them to get in the car." AWESOME.
SO now what???? After deciding it was ridiculous to go all the way back home, we found out we were only two stops from Pentagon City (a mall). My two kids jump in the strollers we brought and a quick pitstop to the mall to get shoes...no problem. Of course the only place I can find was stride rite (which any mom knows is the equivalent of getting yourself airjordans)....$90 later out WALKED out in new shoes. Finally on the train...about 7 stops to go. "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom." Have you felt this panic on a train from a 4 year old whose ability to hold it is non existant? You cannot stop the train...there is not jump out and go on the side of the street. NOTHING. I had nothing. (if someone even says I should have used a bottle, I will scream!)The dance then started, and remembered how smart I was and brought clothes...so I told him just to go. He fought it, but could not hold it any longer....the relief on his face was picture worthy. So quick change on the train, crisis averted....2 stops, 1 stop. "Mom I gotta go." AGAIN???? shit I only brought 1 pair of clothes. Now what?? The train stopped, my friend John scooped him up and started running, my 4 year old son under his arm like a football. Two men in a quest for a bathroom (pretty sure he had to go too). We find them soon enough in the ever so clean metro bathroom, still jumping, what the hell....the woman inside was taking her sweet time....so i finally just yelled "pull his pants down", and then I saw my 4 year old peeing on the wall in a train station. What a moment to be proud! Hopefully this will never be replicated as a drunken college student someday! (should have got the picture)
We FINALLY get up to the street and had to walk 6 blocks in the 100 degree DC day to the museum (I miscalculated the stops). Kids were less enthused with the museum and everyone got hungry. FAILED. So we thought lets walk to a restaurant or get sandwiches it was nice out and go home. The day could be salvaged. Get to the door, the sky was BLACK and then...BOOM, CRACK huge thunderstorm.... Into the VERY CROWDED museum McDonalds we went. FORTY FIVE minutes later the storm lets up enough that we try out venture back to the train. It drizzled, and it poured, it was comical watching us trudge back to the station. By this point we were not even rushing...why bother, we were wet with no umbrellas. (another thought...who just carries an umbrella? do you ever feel like when you are caught in the rain, everyone just happens to have an umbrella and you the only one who did not know rain was coming) We get to the train...less than dry and get on, thank god our trip back was uneventful, and finally make it to the car. Without saying anything, we were all relieved the day was over (or so we thought). We get in the car and NO GAS!!!! I am not kidding you. By the way it was about 330 in DC....quitting time....it took 20 minutes to drive 4 miles to get gas. We made it...barely. As John and I chatted on the way home, thinking what else could have gone wrong for the day (it could have right) we turn around and find ALL the kids and his wife sleeping in the back. PERFECT! Maybe it was all worth it! Definately makes for a good story! Hope we get to daycare in time to get the baby!
Now I love my friends and when they want to help, it is wonderful but sometimes it is just easier to do things myself. Lets face it I do not travel lightly. Me and three young kids, have a lot of crap and there is usually yelling, occasional crying along with a throw down temper tantrum at any given moment anywhere we go. We have a routine and certain steps we usually follow each time. Otherwise who knows what could be left behind????
On this particular day, you could call it a comedy of errors. It was August AND HOT, our good friends John and Jen were visiting with their three year old son as well as my 12 year old sister. Since my husband was working for the day we thought a day in DC may be fun for the kids. I left my youngest, who was 7 months at the time at daycare, and we packed up for the day. The Aerospace museum was our destination. The plan was to leave at 10, drive to the train and walk the mall to the smithsonian, maybe get some lunch after and head home. The goal was to be back around 3-ish to pick up the baby and maybe swim a little before dinner. Sounded like a well thought out plan, easy to execute, right? So we got the baby dropped off early, and started our process of getting out the door. My "diaper bag" had turned into a "snack bag" to try avoid any major temper tantrums, on the way out the door I threw in an extra pair of underwear and shorts for my son. (though 4 he still could not "hold it " very well). I thought I was so smart. Typically when my husband or I would get the kids dressed we do the whole nine yards. I know what you are thinking...it is good to have your kids get themselves dressed, teaches independence. If you know me well, I start teaching indepedence as young as possible. The earlier they can do crap on their own, the less I have to do right? But if there is one thing I have ZERO tolerance for, it is waiting for kids to get dressed and put on shoes! Shoes are the worst. First if my kids could be barefoot everyday they would, and you would think getting them on was equivalent to building a rocket. So it is just easier for us to do it. Get them dressed and in shoes and we are ready to roll. That morning our friends were helping me out so while I packed up they got the kids all in the car. I grabbed my bagel on the run, jumped in the car and we were off. Only about half hour late (pretty good), we only live about a half hour from the metro station, made it there with no traffic and there are even plenty of parking spaces. Wow, so far so good. "Ok lets get going" My son unplugs his seatbelt, so excited and jumps up front to get on the train. All of a sudden I say, "ok, get your shoes on lets go." He justed looked at me. "Um....where are your shoes?" Again just looked at me. Then I looked at my daughter...shoeless as well. I turned to my friend and he shrugs and took the mature way out, "I just told them to get in the car." AWESOME.
SO now what???? After deciding it was ridiculous to go all the way back home, we found out we were only two stops from Pentagon City (a mall). My two kids jump in the strollers we brought and a quick pitstop to the mall to get shoes...no problem. Of course the only place I can find was stride rite (which any mom knows is the equivalent of getting yourself airjordans)....$90 later out WALKED out in new shoes. Finally on the train...about 7 stops to go. "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom." Have you felt this panic on a train from a 4 year old whose ability to hold it is non existant? You cannot stop the train...there is not jump out and go on the side of the street. NOTHING. I had nothing. (if someone even says I should have used a bottle, I will scream!)The dance then started, and remembered how smart I was and brought clothes...so I told him just to go. He fought it, but could not hold it any longer....the relief on his face was picture worthy. So quick change on the train, crisis averted....2 stops, 1 stop. "Mom I gotta go." AGAIN???? shit I only brought 1 pair of clothes. Now what?? The train stopped, my friend John scooped him up and started running, my 4 year old son under his arm like a football. Two men in a quest for a bathroom (pretty sure he had to go too). We find them soon enough in the ever so clean metro bathroom, still jumping, what the hell....the woman inside was taking her sweet time....so i finally just yelled "pull his pants down", and then I saw my 4 year old peeing on the wall in a train station. What a moment to be proud! Hopefully this will never be replicated as a drunken college student someday! (should have got the picture)
We FINALLY get up to the street and had to walk 6 blocks in the 100 degree DC day to the museum (I miscalculated the stops). Kids were less enthused with the museum and everyone got hungry. FAILED. So we thought lets walk to a restaurant or get sandwiches it was nice out and go home. The day could be salvaged. Get to the door, the sky was BLACK and then...BOOM, CRACK huge thunderstorm.... Into the VERY CROWDED museum McDonalds we went. FORTY FIVE minutes later the storm lets up enough that we try out venture back to the train. It drizzled, and it poured, it was comical watching us trudge back to the station. By this point we were not even rushing...why bother, we were wet with no umbrellas. (another thought...who just carries an umbrella? do you ever feel like when you are caught in the rain, everyone just happens to have an umbrella and you the only one who did not know rain was coming) We get to the train...less than dry and get on, thank god our trip back was uneventful, and finally make it to the car. Without saying anything, we were all relieved the day was over (or so we thought). We get in the car and NO GAS!!!! I am not kidding you. By the way it was about 330 in DC....quitting time....it took 20 minutes to drive 4 miles to get gas. We made it...barely. As John and I chatted on the way home, thinking what else could have gone wrong for the day (it could have right) we turn around and find ALL the kids and his wife sleeping in the back. PERFECT! Maybe it was all worth it! Definately makes for a good story! Hope we get to daycare in time to get the baby!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
How it all Began
I can remember like it was yesterday. I was walking through the Marine Corps exchange before Christmas 2004. I was with my mom and looking for gifts. My husband of less than a year was preparing to deploy to Iraq for the first time after the holiday. She was worried ( as any mother would be). I was standing in the bookstore looking for a book that maybe would calm her fears. A feel good book, maybe written by a Marine wife about her experiences during deployment and how she survived and is happy. Nothing. Maybe a book about a military family and how positive their experiences have been. Nothing again. There had to be something, something that would get her off my back, but maybe also something to calm my nerves. Again NOTHING. It was amazing to me, amazing that with everything out there, not one story or book that was a "feel" good book about living the military lifestyle and being happy. (If there is something, please share it with me) At that moment I made a promise to myself to document my experience and share it with others. Good news is I did survive the deployment (three actually), I am still married and happy, but I did not write down one damn word!
Now fast forward seven years, two dogs, three kids later....that promise may finally come to light. My original idea of writing about life through a deployment has shifted a bit, you know with the kids and all. I think I never actually took myself seriously, lets face it, I am a math teacher that sometimes can barely get a sentence out without a misspelling. Writing is not my forte. I have, however, always been able to tell a story. I got that from my mom. Good story telling...leaving out the boring details (still trying to teach my husband this one), getting to the point, and most important making people laugh. If I have learned anything in the past 7 years, it is to laugh. Regardless of the stress, you have to laugh. You know the minute your husband walks out the door, the dishwasher floods the kitchen, the lights in the bathroom mysteriously go out and the car will not start. How can you not laugh? Oh and don't forget the dog rolling in crap before you have to get to work in the morning! Laughter has helped me survive and knowing that whatever happens it could be worse. My close friends and family always ask how I do it? How do I survive with three kids, two dogs, and a husband that has a duty to his country and can be gone for months at a time. LAUGHTER. Do not get me wrong there are days of sadness, and I have cried and screamed, but I have learned to take everything in stride and find the best out of any situation (remember I do have three kids...the first couple weeks after birth you want to jump out a window- more to come on that).
There is always another family that is dealing with something bigger than me. How could I feel sorry for myself and fall apart? What about the mom of four who just lost her husband? Or the parents that watch their child suffer through an illness? It makes my night of two small children with the stomach bug throwing up in a bucket and on my wall seem like nothing. Now, do not misinterpret this, just because people are worse off does not mean you should not be scared or worried, or plain pissed off with the cards you were dealt. We all have our own battle wounds, whether it is making through a deployment, getting a degree while working full time, surviving your childs first year without going crazy, or just making it through a bad breakup. Life is relative and if you do not step back, enjoy and laugh a little, you will never survive.
I thought is was time to share my crazy ORGANIZED chaotic life with you and hopefully keep you laughing. I have a good friend who spent this past year in hell with her teenage son and I admire her attitude and laughter through the entire ordeal. So if anything I hope I can make you laugh on a bad day or at least let you know there is someone else out there that cannot listen to their child ask "why" one more time without screaming to the hills! (trust me...i understand, just asked my son if he would ever stop talking!) I write like I speak, so I cannot promise any award winning essays here, but I hope it is enjoyable. To my English teacher friends (and mom) no judgements! Just enjoy!
Now fast forward seven years, two dogs, three kids later....that promise may finally come to light. My original idea of writing about life through a deployment has shifted a bit, you know with the kids and all. I think I never actually took myself seriously, lets face it, I am a math teacher that sometimes can barely get a sentence out without a misspelling. Writing is not my forte. I have, however, always been able to tell a story. I got that from my mom. Good story telling...leaving out the boring details (still trying to teach my husband this one), getting to the point, and most important making people laugh. If I have learned anything in the past 7 years, it is to laugh. Regardless of the stress, you have to laugh. You know the minute your husband walks out the door, the dishwasher floods the kitchen, the lights in the bathroom mysteriously go out and the car will not start. How can you not laugh? Oh and don't forget the dog rolling in crap before you have to get to work in the morning! Laughter has helped me survive and knowing that whatever happens it could be worse. My close friends and family always ask how I do it? How do I survive with three kids, two dogs, and a husband that has a duty to his country and can be gone for months at a time. LAUGHTER. Do not get me wrong there are days of sadness, and I have cried and screamed, but I have learned to take everything in stride and find the best out of any situation (remember I do have three kids...the first couple weeks after birth you want to jump out a window- more to come on that).
There is always another family that is dealing with something bigger than me. How could I feel sorry for myself and fall apart? What about the mom of four who just lost her husband? Or the parents that watch their child suffer through an illness? It makes my night of two small children with the stomach bug throwing up in a bucket and on my wall seem like nothing. Now, do not misinterpret this, just because people are worse off does not mean you should not be scared or worried, or plain pissed off with the cards you were dealt. We all have our own battle wounds, whether it is making through a deployment, getting a degree while working full time, surviving your childs first year without going crazy, or just making it through a bad breakup. Life is relative and if you do not step back, enjoy and laugh a little, you will never survive.
I thought is was time to share my crazy ORGANIZED chaotic life with you and hopefully keep you laughing. I have a good friend who spent this past year in hell with her teenage son and I admire her attitude and laughter through the entire ordeal. So if anything I hope I can make you laugh on a bad day or at least let you know there is someone else out there that cannot listen to their child ask "why" one more time without screaming to the hills! (trust me...i understand, just asked my son if he would ever stop talking!) I write like I speak, so I cannot promise any award winning essays here, but I hope it is enjoyable. To my English teacher friends (and mom) no judgements! Just enjoy!
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