The Boy Who Cried...Baby??

I am at the boys' school quite often these days. That's a whole different blog post. I'll get there soon. On the one day I wasn't there, Cole's teacher wanted to talk to me. The very next day, I track her down on the playground. "What's going on?" I asked her. She smiles. I am immediately terrified of what she's about to say. The convo goes a little something like this....

Teacher: "Cole told me something..."

I interrupt her. 

Me: "Oh no, I'm worried. I never know what's going to come out of that kid's mouth! I'm worried" 

Teacher: (laughing) "Well that is why I want to confirm with you." 

Oh dear, I'm even more worried. What on Earth could this kid possible tell her? 

Teacher: (smiling from ear to ear) "Are you pregnant????"

Me: "What???" "Are you kidding me????" "Absolutely not!!!" "Did he really say that???"

Teacher: (almost disappointed:) You're not????

Me: (praying the kid doesn't jinx me) "No, I am not!!!"

She and I have a good laugh together. She tells me how she's a late third child so she was wanting to believe my story telling child. She was ready to congratulate me and spread the news!!! 

While the idea of a third child was floating around in our heads about a year ago, those thoughts have long since gone! Cole, without a doubt, would make a good big brother. Jase too. However, we are passed our baby stage in life. We've been there, done that. We are enjoying this stage of our children's lives. No need to start over. All. The. Way. Over. This mom is done changing diapers, lugging around diaper bags, and late night feedings. I am pretty sure my husband is done with a hormonal, cranky, and stressed out to the max wife. Oh wait, that's the wife he has now! Well, the baby he could deal with. Pregnant me, not so much. Ha!

I end this post hoping and praying I did not just jinx myself by writing about how I am done with being pregnant and done changing diapers. Also, consider yourself forewarned...do not believe anything my child tells you! 

Mother's Day 2013

All I can say is I am one blessed momma.

The hubs and boys were quiet as little mice this morning, letting me sleep in. They left for church before me, but before they left, the boys laid out their little hand made gifts for me, and the hubs had my coffee cup and Clif bar waiting by the coffee pot. It really is the little things that make a mom/wife feel special. I poured my coffee with tears rolling, no streaming, down my face over the sweetest little hand made cards, pictures and drawings the boys made especially for me. I am getting choked up now thinking about them. No store bought card, flowers, or gift could ever say or mean to me what those little treasures do. Tissues, dang it, where are the tissues?!

Moving along now.

The afternoon was spent with my best friend, this was her first Mother's Day, her husband and baby girl. We did nothing but spend a relaxing afternoon/evening/night with our friends and our kiddos. It was a Mother's Day I'll remember forever.

Only Half Crazy

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is just days away. 3 to be exact. This mom here will be running the half marathon. 13.1 miles. I cannot wait.

My boys asked me the other day why I wasn't running a full marathon. I laughed and told me because I wasn't that crazy, I am only half crazy!

Half crazy indeed.

Stay tuned...

A Running Mom

It's official - I am training to run a 5K.

I am not sure what I was thinking when I told my husband, "sure I'll run a 5K with you!" I vividly remember that overly excited answer to his ridiculous question. Soon after making this crazy commitment, I took my giddy self to iTunes and purchased some new running music and updated the running app that has been taking up space on my phone. I was ready to begin running.

On July 11 I laced up my running shoes, hit the pavement and began my running journey. I started out with walk/run intervals. During these intervals I had many thoughts of quitting because lets face it, "Crissy, you are not a runner." But the stubborn girl that resides inside of me said "Suck it up." I did just that and kept on running.

It is now day 16 of my running journey. I have since given up the running app. It turns out I can run without needing to walk. I have ran a mile, two miles, and just days ago I ran 3.11 miles for the first time. I have done it twice since. Go me.

I am so enjoying preparing for this event. I have a drive within me that is pushing me to try and do better with each run. I have a goal in mind: finish in 30 minutes or less. I am determined to meet that goal.

5 weeks and counting until the official 5K run. Stay tuned.

100th Day of School

To celebrate the 100th day of school, Jase's project was to create a poster board celebrating the 100th day using 100 items grouped into 5's or 10's. We could use beans, cotton balls, stickers, sticks or whatever you wanted. We chose pennies.

In my typical procrastination fashion, Jase and I did not get started on this project until the night before it was due. Side note: I honestly believe that I work best under pressure. I honestly will hate it if my child(ren) develop this flaw of mine. After all of my Jase's hard work of cutting out letters and gluing letters and pennies onto poster board, I we finished just in time for Jase to get to bed.

Jase wakes in the middle of the night with an ear ache. We (me, Jason and Jase) do not get any sleep. Jase stays home from school but his 100th day project does not. Thanks to me. :) I was not going to let my Jase's work go unnoticed.

I enjoyed doing this helping Jase with this first school project. I'm looking forward to the 1st grade timeline project...I've already got ideas!

Mom-of-School-Age-Kid Blues

I have the up-and-go-to-Oklahoma-while-Jason-is-gone blues which makes for the Mom-of-school-age-kid blues. It ain't pretty

It has been 4 months since I've been in my home state with my people. It has been almost 3 months since I've gone anywhere. I am getting a little restless. Forget a little...I am a lot restless. With Jase in "real" school now, kindergarten not preschool, the boys and I can no longer come and go as I please. Nope, I actually have to stay home. I have to stay put. School is important after all, right?

I am so looking forward to one random day when school is out and Jason can have a day off from work so we can make a trip to Louisiana. And I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving break to when we make the drive up I-45 and across the Red River. In the mean time I will try and fight the urge to blow off a day or two of school and endure the wait until I can go home.

6 weeks. 6 weeks is going to take forever.  It's only 6 weeks.

Lunch Date

Yesterday Jase asked me to have lunch with him at school. I immediately gave him fifty reason why I could not. He then told me I should try one day to have lunch with him. I said I would.

Last night I sat thinking how I wished I could fulfill Jase's request. Again, I ran down the list of why I couldn't. Jason was underway. I didn't have a sitter for Cole. Those were my top two hold backs. Then it occurred to me that I could make the lunch date happen. A couple texts later Cole was going to my bff's so I was set for my lunch date!

I decided I would surprise Jase. I would not tell him I was going to have lunch with him. So when I dropped him at school this morning we said our 'byes like normal. He had no idea. I dropped Cole with Amy a little while later, picked up Sonic, and headed to the school. After checking in with the office, I made my way to the LR. (LR equals lunch room. this is how my friends and i referred to the lunch room back in the day. we were cool. oh, yes we were.) I waited for Jase's class to arrive on the stage amid other parents and grandparents lunching with their child. When Jase's class arrived he was not in line with them. After a quick chat with his teacher, here come Jase and another boy running out of the bathroom. Jase looked at his teacher when she told him to quit running then he looked over at me. Surprise! "Mommmm", he said! "What are you doing?" We joined everyone on the stage to eat our lunch. Jase was a little chatter box - telling me who was who and the do's and don'ts of the cafeteria. When it was time for him to rejoin his class he told me bye then gave me the biggest hug and kiss he has given in a long, long time. I didn't even have to ask. I almost cried like a baby right there on the stage in the LR.

I will never forget today. Ever. The look of surprise on my little man's face. The tight hug he gave. The kiss he have me. The kiss he let me give him...he didn't even wipe it off. The waves of goodbye as I left the cafeteria. I will never forget any of it. I hope he doesn't either. 

Kindergarten, Week One: Early to Rise

The first week of kindergarten is over...and we survived. And by we, I do mean Jase and myself.

It wasn't until Friday morning that Jase's excitement was overshadowed by tiredness. My excitement wore off...ummm...about Wednesday morning. Man, is it tough waking up no later than 6:30 every morning. By Thursday morning I was counting down the hours until Saturday morning when I could sleep in. Friday afternoon Jase asks in an almost whiny tone, "do I have school tomorrow?" When I gave him the great news, the whine that was there just seconds ago disappeared and was replaced by happiness and a burst of energy. He perked up so much that it was almost as if that bit of information gave him the will to go on living.

I am glad that Jase's excitement lasted throughout the week. I would not have made it without coffee and prayers. Now if I could just manage to get myself into bed and asleep before 11p.m. - ha!

Here's to the second week of school. Let's hope we get better at becoming early risers. Ha...again!

A Sink Full of Dirty Dishes

My demise...

Yes, I do have a dishwasher. But that doesn't matter - it's almost always full. It always seems that this is what the kitchen sink looks like. It makes me cringe. It puts me into a mood because it reminds that if I wanted to stay on top of this mess I'd be in the kitchen all day. Here's why...

The boys want a drink - they get a cup. 20 minutes later when they want another drink - they get a new cup. Why? What happened to the other cup? They put it into the sink when they were finished with it. At least I know they've learned one thing I've said over and over again, "when your finished with bowl/spoon/cup put it in the sink. Think it is time to teach them the exception to this rule.

I enjoy staying home and taking care of my family and our home. I think I could enjoy it more if I had someone to wash the dishes. Once a day. That'd be the only job. Ok, so I know I'm dreaming. I'm the one to "get 'er done" but I'm not going to be happy about it.

What's your least favorite household chore?

Change of Plans

I wrote this on July 8.

Class started on July 14.

I submitted a withdrawal request on July 28.

Today I am doing only what it is that I want to do...be a wife and mommy.

I was terribly excited to start back to school but that excitement soon turned to fear as discovered the real requirements for the class and the rest of the classes for that matter. A job and experience. Could I finish without the two? Yes. Would it take extra work on my part? Yes. After hearing my choices, I went with the decision in my heart and quit. My family is my number one priority. That being said, I wasn't willing to put that aside to do what would have been required of me to finish my Bachelor's degree. That weight that was lifted off my shoulders when I finished my Associate's, it has since been lifted again.

I know I'm not finished with school. I want to finish it. Just not now.

School Days Are Here Again

For this mommy, that is.

I finished and received my Associate's Degree back in January. Oh, what a happy day that was. Now, beginning next week, July 12th, I will once again be an online college student. This time pursuing my Bachelor's Degree.

I pondered and prayed about the decision to "return" to school. I have enjoyed the break and the one less thing to stress over but at the same time I want the feel of accomplishment. So I am going with it. This time around I am hoping for just a little less stress regarding the balancing act of family and school. Jase will be in school from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. five days a week. I am doing a little happy dance right now! And I hope to have Cole in preschool two days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. I just reminded myself I have yet to call and set up a tour of the school. Must do this soon. With a couple days a week to myself, why wouldn't school be a little less stressful this time around??

Here's to one thing being crossed off my "40 before 40" list - a Bachelor's Degree. I have yet to publicly share my bucket list, if you will. I have one and it's a good one. Perhaps one day I'll share, one day before I turn, cough cough, 40.

I've got my school supplies and I am ready for school. Here we go.

Mom Moments At Wal-Mart

Twas a sad, sad day at my local Wal-Mart.

Notice the size of the boxer briefs? Small. Not 2T, 3T or even 4T. Nope, these are small. Small as in purchased from the boys department.

I had some trouble finding underwear for my oldest son in the baby/toddler department and I had even more trouble steering my cart to the boys department. Really? Has he really totally outgrown the toddler section that I have become so accustom to?

The size small 6-8 package of boxer briefs is my answer.

My "baby" is officially done with the toddler business. Earlier in the year we said goodbye to toddler sized clothes. Then his foot outgrew the toddler sizes. We're in kid sized shoes now. Now the underwear. Dare I ask what's next? Shaving cream and a razor? Oh dear my heart sinks at the thought of buying a cup or whatever else the male species requires for their manly needs. Deep breath, Crissy, deep breath.

I love watching my boys grow from babies to little boys. And while I loved the baby years, I would not go back. But when I find myself in the boys department shopping for clothes when I feel as if though I should be in the toddler section this is when I want to hit rewind. If only for a moment.

Things Kids Say

End of day. Getting Jase out of the shower. He's looking at me in the mirror.

Jase: Someone looks tired.

I'm not really paying attention. Just trying to hurry and get him ready for bed.

Jase: Someone looks tired.

This time I really hear what he's saying. I look at him in the mirror.

Me: Who?

Jase continues to look at me. Only this time smiling and pointing. Pointing at me.

Jase: Had a long day, Mom?

A little offended, I all but push him out of the bathroom. Look at myself in the mirror and sigh. He's right.

Gotta love the kid's honesty, right?

The Big 3-0!

I did it. Said farewell to my twenties and hello to my thirties. This morning I woke up (Thank God!) a 30 year old, wait scratch that, a 30 year young (that's better) lady.

The hubs surprised me with a birthday party that he had planned while away. He was in cahoots with my bff, Amy. He couldn't have done it without her great party planning skills! I was totally shocked as we returned from the airport, opened the garage door and I see things have been moved around. I think the words I spoke were something like "What the he**??" Much to my surprise Amy and Eddie and our neighbors from down on the Coastal Bend jumped out and wished me a Happy Birthday. It was awesome! All except for the number 30 all over the place - I did not need that reminder!! Kidding. Totally kidding. I loved it!!!

This morning no tears were shed, nothing was thrown, and surprisingly I didn't grow a hump or a wort or a gray hair or anything that would or could give away my new age. I think I really thought I'd wake up with an ailment or age spots when I turned 30. Only partly kidding here!

It's official...I am 30!

Woo-hoo!

So Long Twenties

Today is the very last day of my twenties. Sigh.

I feel like I should have a last meal or something. Do one last crazy thing that a 30 year old wife and mother of two kids should not do. Wear something that I will not be able to get away with tomorrow. Get a tattoo of something to remind of being young and carefree.

Not likely I will do any of the above. Nope, no tattoos. This day will be just like any other day spent with my husband and the little men. It will be a good day. Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow will take care of itself.

FYI

I am slowly catching up - new backdated posts are now available.

Scroll down and check 'em out.

Accomplishments

I finished my last class tonight. I am officially done with my Associate's degree. Big sigh of relief here.

Now, I get to wait (more waiting) for my final grade then apply for my diploma.

I cannot express how happy I am to have completed this part of my education. There have been many times I wondered why I did not take college more seriously when I was a, well, when I was not married and not a mother of two. But when I found myself thinking about what it would have been like to get an education with minimal responsibilities I was abruptly brought back to reality and reminded that I wouldn't have my life any other way. I am proud that I accomplished this task while taking care of my family. Yes, I am tooting my own horn! I have to say I could not have done this without Jason. He believed in me and gave me a lot of time to myself so that I could focus on school. Thank you babe, you're the best.

On to keeping busy with life in general and enjoying doing so without the dark cloud of school hanging over my head. :)

Will The Real Me Please Stand Up?

I have no idea what has come over me. I am cooking. More than I ever have. If you think I'm puzzled you should talk to Jason. He's confused. Poor guy doesn't know if he should be excited or disappointed.

This past weekend while sick I was watching Food Network and got a hair brained idea that I would cook Thanksgiving dinner for the four of us. I cooked up (pun intended) a menu that looks a little something like this:

Turkey
Stuffing
Gravy
Sweet Potato Casserole*
Peas*
Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Pie
Rolls

*Jason loves these two dishes. He cooks them the way his Maw Maw does - I am hoping that I cook Maw Maw's recipes to Jason's satisfaction.

Not only did I decide I would cook I also decided that I would do all of this from scratch. Well everything except the rolls and pumpkin. What was I thinking? Must of been the multiple doses of that awful Tylenol multi-symptom cold medicine I was choking down that affected my frame of mind. Must of been.

So I sit here hoping and praying that my dinner plans go as visioned. Here's to nothing catching fire, exploding, burning, or anyone crying or getting mad. The latter is me, of course. I will post pictures of my fest, if and only if, there are no major catastrophes.

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you spend your day with loved ones and remembering everyone and everything you have to be thankful for.