Mother's Day Look Back

Now that my 13th Mother's Day as a mother is over I would like to share some things I was thinking about this year. I was thinking back to my very first Mother's Day when Natalie was just a few weeks old. It was a special day I'm sure. However, I distinctly remember wanting a true day off from being a mom. Meaning no diaper changes, no feedings, just me enjoying the day. It didn't happen that way of course. And it never has, but every year I would always really really want that on Mother's Day. Just that one day.

This year I just didn't care. Maybe I've learned to just not expect it. Maybe I've learned to not expect a whole lot. Maybe mothering is just so much a part of who I am now that I just wouldn't know what to do with myself. Now don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed all of my other Mother's Days even if it wasn't what I expected it to be. This year was just different.

I got up like any other day and I fed Alyssa. CJ cried for daddy who wasn't home and didn't want me to get him out. I did dishes, I washed laundry, I cleaned up, I gave baths, and I of course changed diapers. I broke up fights and dealt with preteen attitude and toddler temper tantrums. I did what I do everyday. I was a mom. I got presents and dinner out with family. I cut up my toddlers meal and I shared my meal with one of my children. I did not resent a single second of having to do any of it either just because it was Mother's Day.

As shocking as this may be, the best gift I got for Mother's Day was Alyssa not crying during her bath. It's the little things. Don't get me wrong, I love my bracelet that the kids got me, I love the necklace that Joe got me, and I loved my millions of homemade cards and artwork from the children, but to not have to bathe a screaming squirmy baby really was the best thing I could have gotten. It took me 13 years to get it I guess, but being a mom really is a 24/7 job. There really is no break from it and I wouldn't have it any other way.

If I had to change anything about the day it would have been a televised Mets game and they would have won. I mean really, is that asking too much?

In honor of Mother's Day starting tonight and for the next 4 Mondays I am going to be sharing my birth stories. So check back later.

Mom Questions

I totally stole this from someone else's blog, but I was curious how my kids would answer these questions. There was a theme going on here with some of them and some of them were just funny.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Natalie: Stop lying! (this is true, I do say this to her a lot unfortunately)
Kaitlyn: Clean your room.
CJ: Froggy! (I have no idea what he's talking about)

2. What makes mom happy?
Natalie: When I bring home good grades.
Kaitlyn: When I clean my room.
CJ: Daddy.

3. What makes mom sad?
Natalie: To know that I don't listen to her all the time.
Kaitlyn: When I don't clean my room. (a bit of a theme here)
CJ: When I do pee pee in my wear wear (underwear).

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Natalie: Tells funny stories and jokes.
Kaitlyn: When she tickles me.
CJ: Cause she's funny

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Natalie: Polite, unlike me, behaved. (Oh boy if only she knew me)
Kaitlyn: I have no clue.
CJ: Pretty.

6. How old is your mom?
Natalie: 32
Kaitlyn: 32?
CJ: 25 (I'm surprised he didn't say 40!)

7. How tall is your mom?
Natalie: 5 foot 4 inches
Kaitlyn: I have no clue.
CJ: You big.

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Natalie: Playing with her kids.
Kaitlyn: Cook cookies.
CJ: Watch TV

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Natalie: Talks about me a lot.
Kaitlyn: Watches TV.
CJ: Tickle Alyssa. (okay?)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Natalie: How nice she is.
Kaitlyn: Baking cookies.
CJ: You be fired! (I think he was getting a little frustrated with me)

11. What is your mom really good at?
Natalie: Tetris. (this is true, I am good at Tetris)
Kaitlyn: Making cookies.
CJ: Tip toe. (uhh, what?)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Natalie: Staying calm. (She had a very hard time coming up with this answer)
Kaitlyn: I don't know she's good at a lot of things.
CJ: You're awesome! (Awww, that's sweet all the kids had a really hard time answering this, if only they knew, there's lots I'm not so good at.)

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Natalie: She's a house mother, she takes care of her kids.
Kaitlyn: Nothing, she takes care of us.
CJ: makes cookies.

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Natalie: Chicken parm
Kaitlyn: Chicken parmagiana.
CJ: Stars. (Again, what?)

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
Natalie: I'm proud of her when she gets her way.
Kaitlyn: When she makes such good cookies.
CJ: That he can beat me up. (?????)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Natalie: Mickey Mouse
Kaitlyn: Minnie Mouse
CJ: You Phineas

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Natalie: Talk
Kaitlyn: Sometimes we make friendship bracelets.
CJ: Hide. (Not sure, sometimes I help him find a hiding place when he's playing hide and seek)

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Natalie: We like the same kind of foods, and we look alike.
Kaitlyn: We both like cooking.
CJ: You fired, not talking to you. (Yeah, he was getting really frustrated)

19. How are you and your mom different?
Natalie: She's better behaved than I am.
Kaitlyn: Our eyes.
CJ: I don't know.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Natalie: Cause she takes good care of me, looks out for me, and makes sure I get good grades so I get into a good college.
Kaitlyn: Cause she says it.
CJ: SO MUCH!

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Natalie: How loving he is.
Kaitlyn: He's nice.
CJ: He's funny

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Natalie: Her friends house.
Kaitlyn: The mall (not really)
CJ: Outside. (I think this is his favorite place to go, lol)

15 Year High School Reunion

I was shocked recently to come to the realization that it has been 15 years since I graduated from high school. I was forcefully recommended to join a Facebook group for our 15 year class reunion. They are trying to put something together.

I have been amusing myself in reading the rantings of my old classmates talking about places to have the reunion and that we should do a pizza and beer thing. Or how about karaoke? There was a whole back and forth thing about how great that would be. When asked if spouses/significant others would be attending too because they were trying to get a head count someone had replied if her "baby's daddy" couldn't come then she'd be going with someone else. Not sure that I would have worded it that way and was a little shocked to see that on there.

I have also been looking through the people who are a member of this group and I can't for the life of me remember half of them. None of them had a strong impact on my life I suppose. There are a few on there who I had been in school with since Kindergarten so I remembered them, but the majority of I totally don't remember. I keep telling Joe I should get out my old high school year book to jog my memory here.

I have become a bit in sticker shock here too. Now mind you in all honesty I never had any intention of attending my class reunion. I doubt I'll ever go because clearly these people just meant so little to me or else I would remember them. However, it has been announced the approximate cost per person to do this is $75. The planner is trying to justify it saying hey we're in our 30's we should be able to afford this. It's 4 hours of open bar, food, and light entertainment/music. I can't help but think too though that we are in a recession. There could be a lot of people out of work right now. $150 is a lot of money for a 4 hour night out with my husband. Because on top of that $150 I also have to find someone to watch our four kids. Plus clothes for the event. Seems a bit much, especially since I'm not going to drink. Does it really have to be open bar though? Couldn't it be some drink vouchers maybe? Did they really look into all of their options to keep the cost down and maybe knock off $25 a head?

I am apparently not the only one who thinks the price is a bit steep either. There has been some other concerns about the cost. Apparently there are funds for these reunions too, but I'm not sure if any are being used for this night or they are saving them for the 20 year reunion. I can't help but wonder why the cost would have to be so high. And if they are going to do something bigger for the 20 year reunion I can only imagine what that cost will be. But as I said I have no intention of going. I just have been finding the ramblings of my former classmates amusing. Sorry class of 96, but you won't be catching me at any high school reunions. Certainly not at these prices!

You Will Not be JUST Pretty

Totally loved this. I hope I can get my girls to understand this too. Warning, there is a swear in this video so you might not want to watch it around the kids.

One day you'll have a child just like you!

Then you'll see...

Did your mom ever say something like that to you. I'm sure mine did. Or maybe she did it secretively hoping that one day this light bulb would go off in my head. I don't know. I got it in my first born. And I've known that she's just like me for a very long time. And we have been butting heads for a very long time. And now that she's a preteen it is getting worse.

My head is spinning most days. She's just like me, but yet I can't figure out what goes on in that head of hers sometimes.

We have been having a battle of wills lately over school. This has been a huge concern. You know everyday I find myself saying the same things my mother used to say to me. You know those things you swore you'd never say or do to your kids? Yup, that's me. I'm turning around waiting to see my mother. Nope, she's not there. Those words DID just come out of MY mouth! Egads!

Now don't get me wrong. I had a good mother. With her flaws like everyone. I've got my short comings too as a parent. We are after all only human. But hey, I've managed to survive in society for 32 years now. Never been in any major trouble. I would say I've been a productive person. And yes, some of the honors for that does have to go to my mom. She taught me right from wrong and how to apply myself. Work through things that are tough for me. Even though I know I fought her on it much of the way. So it's really not a bad thing to be like my mother.

Days like today have my sitting here though wondering how did I get here with my own daughter? It's a right of passage I suppose. She's trying to separate herself from me. I'm trying to hold on because I know I haven't taught her everything I have to teach her. But really why do we have to battle every single day???

You would think that after doing what I fought for her to do and getting a 100 on her Social Studies test that she might say hey maybe my mom does know what she's talking about. But nope, here we are yet again fighting over how prepared she is for a test.

And here I am again remembering back to the fights I had with my mom. I thought she didn't understand me. And really in a way I don't think she could understand me. I was or rather am a shy person. My mom on the other hand is not. That is one of the personality traits that Natalie inherited from me. So I do get how hard it is for her to ask a teacher for help when she doesn't get something. And I have worked very hard as her mother to show her you can overcome that shyness about things. Things that always seemed to come so naturally to my mother never have for me and I have to work hard at them. But that's true of everyone. And I try to get Natalie to understand that there are things some are strong in and things that we have to work harder at. Raising her hand in class and not worrying about giving the wrong answer is something she has to work at. Getting up in front of a crowd of parents and talking about the PTA is something I had to work at. It still makes me turn red in the face and get the jitters.

I guess for now I will have to take comfort in knowing that one day she will have a child just like her. And then she'll go oh yeah that's what mom was talking about. I get it now. And I just want to say to my mom, I get it now Mom! I have gotten it for a while now, but everyday is a reminder of what you were trying to tell me for all of those years.

Life Has a Way...

of getting away from you.

It has been a crazy few weeks.

CJ is another year older.

I am another year older.

Halloween is over.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching.

Things are crazy with the kids in school.

Natalie is still having a hard time adjusting to middle school.

Christmas shopping has begun.

Crazy amounts of doctor's appointments on the horizon.

Is it any wonder with all of this my blood pressure is creeping up?

So far all is good with the baby despite my health problems.

Almost done with my 2nd trimester.

February really can't get here soon enough.

This is my life and I wouldn't have it any other way...

A Fairytale Announcement

Once upon a time there was a queen named Queen Monica. She lived with her King, Joe, and two little princesses and a handsome little prince. One day this family was struck by tragedy in the loss of another little princess. Sadly it was just not meant to be with that little girl and the royal family mourned her so.

Then one fine day Queen Monica got some joyous news. She would be given another chance to raise a 3rd little princess and that day will come sometime around February 9, 2011. So continue to follow this fairytale story as it is far from over. We're hoping for a wonderful happily ever after as a family of 6.

Thinking of Family

I have been thinking about and missing my Florida family so much lately. I don't really know why. I feel in such a rut here I guess.

I didn't know much of my mom's siblings growing up. My mom is the oldest of five children. She has 3 sisters and one brother. And they ALL live in FL. How did we end up here in CT? Well, that's where they all are from originally. After my mom was grown and out of the house her father (her parents had split up by that time) moved with my mom's youngest sister to Florida. And eventually everyone followed. My grandparents have both since passed away so it's all aunts and uncles and tons of cousins that I have living in FL, but I miss them terribly right now.

The only aunt I really knew growing up was my mom's sister who was closest in age to her. She is the mom of two of my cousins. Her oldest is a year older than my brother and her youngest is two years younger than me. Oh the holidays and birthdays we used to have visiting with them. That made up a huge part of my childhood. We loved going over Aunt Lynn and Uncle Ray's house. They spoiled us so. And we loved playing with our two cousins. When I was about 8 years old though I think they had moved down to FL. That was difficult. Everyone was in FL and here we were the only ones left in CT. We began getting closer to my dad's side of the family at that time I guess. I have a cousin the same age as me so it was nice going through my teen years with her and she's still a huge part of my life. The godmother of Natalie and the maid of honor at my wedding and I was just the maid of honor at hers.

But I always had this draw to FL. I went to college there. I got to spend time with my other two aunts who I never really knew growing up. And I got to meet cousins I hadn't met before. And now those cousins who I will forever remember as 3, 8, 10, 10, 12, and 14 years old are all grown up.

And the cousin who I remember playing with for most of my childhood just turned 30 yesterday. She has a son who's just a few months younger than Natalie, another son a year older than CJ, and a new baby girl. I still feel such a bond and connection with her even after all of these years.

Then there are my aunts. You know growing up I always wished my parents would make that move to FL. When I went down there for college and spent time with my aunts I found out something about the "baby" of the family. The sister who was 10 years younger than my mom was just like my mom. I loved going to visit her. Not only looks wise does she bear the most resemblance to my own mom, but just everything about her was so much like my mom. Now don't get my wrong, my other two aunts are great too. They are tons of fun to be around, but I think I felt most connected to my Aunt Tammy. Still do. We've had some nice talks even recently thanks to modern technology and facebook. But like my mom she loves to bake and she loves to bowl. Never really understood why they weren't closer. I guess that 10 year age gap really made it tough.

I am just really missing each and everyone of them. My aunts, my uncles, and my cousins. I'm sure I'd miss a lot here in CT too if I left. Sometimes I wish things were like they were way back when everyone lived in the same town, same neighborhood, and same house. I hate being so far apart from family and really could use that closeness we used to have.

Just Tired

Have you ever felt like you just can't catch a break? Like everything that could possibly go wrong does go wrong? I have been feeling that way too often lately and I don't know how I got here. Don't get me wrong. I love my life as a stay at home mom. I love my kids more than life itself. And really I know I am very fortunate. I have three healthy thriving children. I mean who could ask for anything more? I don't want to sound selfish or anything, but really lately I am worried constantly. There is just so much going on in my life right now and I don't see a way out. It's mostly financial worries. I can't contribute to our finances because we couldn't afford child care and Joe's work schedule changes so much that I couldn't even work opposite shifts of him. Not that there are any jobs out there to be had or anything. I am sick to my stomach most days now. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Seriously feel like we're just hanging on by a thread. I do not know what to do. And I feel so alone with no one able to help us out of this jam. I wish we could make a fresh start. Wipe the slate clean and have a do over. I just want to stop looking over my shoulder wondering what's going to happen next.

I will not be censored

Boy has my blog been rocking a few boats lately. So yet again I feel the need to state the purpose of my blog. I write for me. I write for my kids. I write for my family. I write for me. Yes, it may sound selfish that I said me twice, but I enjoy writing. I enjoy expressing myself. I enjoy having a place to remember what has happened in my life. And sometimes that means the bad too.

I do not live in a bubble. I am out in the world and have many contacts. Some family contacts, some school contacts, some good friends, some community contacts. All of these people touch my life in some way on a daily basis. And therefore it would be nice if people did not just assume that when I write something it ALWAYS has to be about them. It might only be partially about you and partially about someone else. But maybe you need to take a good long look at yourself if what I have to say upsets you so much because sometimes the truth hurts.

So I'm saying it loud: I WILL NOT BE CENSORED! We live in America where it is my right to have freedom of speech. And if you do not like what I have to say, then you do not have to read it. But I will not stop writing about what I'm thinking or feeling in the moment. As always my comments are open if you feel the need to object to anything that say, then you are more than welcome to post a comment. If you agree with everything I say I definitely encourage those comments as well, but understand that I will not stop writing what I'm thinking and feeling in the moment. No one can make me!

New Jersey Trip

We just got back from a trip to New Jersey for the weekend. This was a trip planned for a year now. My cousin was getting married on a cruise ship in New Jersey and she asked me to be her maid of honor. So very exciting. I quickly accepted and then began making plans to join her on her special day. We wanted to bad to go on the cruise with her, but alas that was not in the cards for us. So instead we made a mini vacation out of it. We kept the kids out of school on Friday and drove down to New Jersey. We found our hotel and got settled in and then we went over to the cruise port to see if we could find where we'd have to go for the wedding the next day and maybe get a glimpse of the ship. We could not find the ship, but we had a pretty good idea of where we were going. We headed back to the hotel and got something to eat and stayed in for the night. It was an early morning the next day and everyone needed showers.

Then Saturday morning we got up and went down for the continental breakfast the hotel provided. Back to the room then to get everyone dressed. Did hair and makeup and got everyone spiffy. Joe even wore a tie which he only does for weddings mind you. We are on the 5 year plan in my family for weddings. 10 years ago was our wedding, then 5 years ago was another cousin of mine's wedding, and now this one. So I probably won't see Joe in a suit and tie again for another 5 years. Although, I have no idea who would be getting married in 5 years.

We went to the port and got through customs and to where my family was waiting. We hung out in this staging area for 3 hours before we could board the boat. All was going well until my cousin began to panic a little. Her wedding was to be at 1 and at 11 she figured we'd be on the boat and she would have her makeup on. We were still waiting though. And then when we finally got over to the ship there was a very rude lady who tried to push me and my cousin's dress (as I was carrying it) off the elevator. I was having nothing of that though. I was not leaving my cousin's side and certainly not with her dress in my hands. I pushed right back at that lady and yelled at her that I was staying on this elevator because I have the brides dress. She left the elevator and we went up to my cousin's room. Although, it wasn't ready yet. So we had to wait until they could figure out what was going on. We got in there though and my cousin began getting ready. We calmed her down and once the dress was on she was relaxed and happy again. She got ready in plenty of time.

Then the picture parade began. Tons of pictures. We headed to the room she was to get married in and the wedding began. I didn't realize until I was in the room and under the hot lights that it was 1 p.m. and I hadn't eaten since 7 a.m. Suddenly I was very hot and very faint. I stood there as long as I could not really paying much attention to the service. Trying to figure out would it be best to sit down on the chair behind me or remain standing. I wasn't sure that I could stand there too much longer though. I finally opted to sit. My cousin was none the wiser either which I think was best. The last thing she needed was to have her maid of honor pass out and all of the attention focused on me. So I'm glad I sat. I was able to get back up after a few too and did okay. My cousin, the very happy bride, was married. We then had more pictures taken and took a tour of the boat where we heard tons of people going oh look a bride and yelling congratulations.

Then back to the room for food and dancing. It all went very quick though before we had to get off the ship and say goodbye to the bride and groom. We left the boat and headed back to the hotel exhausted. We changed and then went to get some sunblock and something to eat. Then back to the hotel for the night.

Sunday we surprised the kids with a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure. They had no idea and they were very excited. It was a good time. All of the kids enjoyed that.

Finally on Monday we packed up and checked out of the hotel and then went to Liberty State Park to take a ferry over to the statue of liberty. It was a long day of walking and climbing, but lots of fun. When we finished there it was already after 5 and we still had a 2+ hour drive home and needed to get something to eat. So we headed home. Didn't get home until 10. Sent the kids right to bed after we got home as they had to get up early to go back to school or rather go on field trips with school.

I have tons of pictures to share. So be prepared to see them over the next few days. We're glad to be home, but also feel like there wasn't enough time to do everything we wanted.

Some things I have learned...

if you are not willing to accept help when it is offered, then don't expect to get it when you want it...

never question another person's finances or assume they can afford something that they cannot. And when they tell you they cannot afford something take them at their word and don't just assume that they'll pay you what you want anyways. That does NOTmake a promise or an agreement just because in your head you felt they should pay that amount...

if you don't expect a lot of people, then they can't disappoint you...

sometimes silence really is golden...

just because someone is family does not mean you can't hurt, offend, or upset them. So be careful what you say and how you say it to your loved ones. They might not be here tomorrow...

give people the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes they'll surprise you and really mean well...

and finally, honesty really is the best policy.

Monica's Musings #5

Well, lots has been going on and I didn't want to post a million different things so you get another musing.

*The weather in CT is very NOT May weather. Since when is 40 degree temperatures and lots of wind spring like weather. Feels more like November than May. Really would like to see some weather changes.

*Kaitlyn informed me today that since my meeting with her teacher last week she has been a lot nicer to her. Well, that's good to hear. Sad that it had to come to what it came to for her to feel that she's being treated fairly. Also sad that there's a strained relationship between me and her teacher. I'm hoping to finish the year on a positive note.

*Sizing 400 children for t-shirts is much more time consuming and exhausting than I remembered it to be. But it's done and the shirts for the school wide Rock Cats game and Field Day will be great this year. The kids are excited about their shirts. We had a few color requests from the kids. And even one from staff. Sorry everyone, you're stuck with what you got. We can't please everyone.

*It's really beginning to feel real that I am almost a middle school parent. Tonight we had a parent orientation at the middle school. I must say I'm extremely impressed with the school she'll be going to. I brought Natalie along even though it was just supposed to be an evening for parents. She needed to see the school though and unfortunately she will not be at school the day the children take a trip to see the middle school. So I felt this was a good opportunity for her to see it. As a parent I'm relieved to see there are so many efforts taken to keep the kids separate from one another. While it's a huge school they really don't leave their wing and when they do leave their wing it's always with an adult. And as long as she knows her name she's really golden. I think she can manage that. I really really really like the system they use to keep you informed of your child's progress. There is a website that will let parents view their child's class schedule, grades, and homework assignments. I can keep a closer eye on her and her school work than I currently am able to AND she won't even have to know I'm doing it. Not that I anticipate any issues with her schooling, but I like having access to this stuff so I can see if problems are arising with her before it's too late.

*Natalie likes lunch. Yes, I said it, my child can't wait to get to middle school to eat. Although, in all honesty while she says that out loud I think deep down she was excited about the library. When we got in there she was instantly scoping out the books and looking all around. Yup, I think truth be told she is looking forward to finding a nice little nook in the library to sit down and read a good book.

*I am actually glad I got to see the look on her face when she saw the school. It was nice to get a feel for what her fears might be. I think this tour and orientation did help to calm some of her fears. But I also think it has given her something to look forward to about a school that she was terrified about going to and completely dreading. She definitely does not like how early she'll be getting to school though, but there are so many options for her to get involved in. Way more than there were when I was in middle school.

*Haircuts haircuts haircuts. The 5 of us are getting our haircut tomorrow. This will be CJ's very first haircut. I'm so excited to see how he'll look. Kaitlyn is refusing to cut her hair to one length. If she had her way she wouldn't get a haircut at all. I'm hoping maybe my hairdresser can talk her into cutting it to all one length.

*Wedding in 10 days! I cannot believe that my cousin is getting married in 10 days. It seemed so far away and now it's here. We are all very excited for the day. It is going to be a beautiful wedding with a beautiful bride. I am really looking forward to this fun event with our family.

*I made the announcement on Monday that I have to resign as PTA president. I had such a hard time making that choice. For so many reasons too. Not just my commitment to the PTA, but what was best for Kaitlyn. In the long run I do think this is the best move all around for everyone. CJ included since it looks like I will be enrolling him in preschool. I knew no one would step up to be the president, but I was glad to see that the rest of the officers were willing to band together and take on the job together. Some events might be lost next year and some things might not get done, but maybe that will be a wake up call to the parents of what the PTA does and how it wouldn't be possible without more volunteers. So I wish all of them luck. My heart will always be there and whatever I can do to help out I will still do. But I'm also looking forward to jumping into the PTO at the next school and maybe even the Parent Advisory Council at the middle school.

Well, the next year definitely will be holding some interesting stuff for the Barnes Bunch. Lots of changes. Three kids and possibly three different schools should prove to be interesting all in itself. I'm excited to see what this year will bring for my kids. For Natalie I wonder what groups she'll be interested in getting involved in at the middle school. For Kaitlyn I wonder if this will be the year that she gets a teacher who's able to finally make reading click for her. And for CJ, well, I can see lots of changes on the horizon for him; going from a toddler to a preschooler. They all grow so fast.

Something that Needs to be Said

So I have discovered that my blog has more of a following than I thought it did. I am thrilled about this and also realizing that with this comes a great responsibility I suppose. However, in talking to my original readers who have been reading from the beginning I know I don't want things to change. So my blog will continue to be a place for me to share my life and all aspects of it. And if that means that I am complaining about the people in my life (ie children's teachers, schooling, or even my family) then you will just have to understand this is what is on my mind. I have always kept my comments open. They are not moderated. So if anyone ever has issue or takes offense to what I have to say then they are free to let me know. To let the world know. If you think that I don't have my facts straight then I welcome the comments telling me so. I will not be censoring myself though. So rest assured I will continue to write how I feel no matter who is reading. If you don't like it you don't have to read it. Nothing is changing on this blog. Accept maybe now more of you will begin to comment and let me know what you are thinking. That I sure would like. I like to know who is reading. As always I appreciate all of my readers. This blog will remain uncensored and public as I know it has helped many people.

Monica's Musings #4

Wow, two of my musings in one week. What is going on? Truth be told I want to write a blog post, but there's so much little mundane stuff to write about. They really don't each deserve their own blog post. It's the normal day in and day out of being a mom really. But I want to blog! And since this is about my life and all aspects of it (including the boring and mundane stuff) I'm going to write about it. It can't all be fun fun fun right?

*I have spent everyday this week at the doctor's office. Well, at the surgeons office. My cyst is healing up nicely though and I am hoping tomorrow is my last day there. I'm feeling much better really.

*Who would have thought a surgeon would also be an expert in dermatology? My doctor sent me to the doctor for my abcess, but wanted him to check my Rosecea too. She said he knows a lot about this kind of stuff. I guess she was right because he has started treating me for that as well. He says it looks better already. I don't know that I see a difference. I'll have to give it more time.

*I have a 2 year old boy right now who thinks eating and sleeping are optional. He is so crabby. Poor kid is drooling non stop though. It's like Niagra Falls coming out of his mouth. So you know what that means, right? He's teething. And since he's 2 that means it's molars. And that means he is just miserable. Lets hope these teeth hurry up and get in. I wish I could say I could see what's going on in there, but I can't get a good look.

*Every time I think I have made a decision about where to put Kaitlyn for school next year I begin to doubt myself. Go with your first instincts though, right? I'm truly thinking it might actually be best for Kaitlyn to go to the school in our district. A change of scenery and people looking at what's going on with her could do her some good. And truth be told it could do me some good too. I'm beginning to feel that my thoughts and opinions are not as respected as I thought they were in this school. Boy am I going to miss PTA though and boy do I hate leaving my wonderful officers with no one to replace me. I really have to do what's best for my girl though.

*So if Kaitlyn goes to the school that's in district that means she will be bused. And if she's bused then I can put CJ in the 3 year old pre-k program they have. And I know he is ready for it, but I don't know if I'm ready for it. I got a little glimpse yesterday of how he can handle a school like setting without me. I left him with my friends at playgroup yesterday while I went to the doctor. The report that I got when I came back was he did really well. He never asked for me. He did look around like hey I know mom was here where'd she go, but never cried. When he needed to find an adult to sit with he stood in the middle of the circle unsure of what to do until my friend offered her lap and he happily sat down with her. So I know this would do him a world of good.

*We have an orientation for Natalie to go to the middle school next year. When did this happen exactly? When did I become the mom to an almost middle schooler? Eleven years goes by so fast.

*We are all happily getting ready for my cousin's wedding in less than a month. We will spend a weekend in New Jersey checking out the sites in New York. The kids are all very excited and have accumulated quite a bit of spending cash for our trip. And what works out even better is both girls have a field trip their first day back to school after our fun filled weekend. So the fun just doesn't end for them. What a nice way to ease back into school.

Well, that's about all I have for now. Hope you enjoyed the mundane parts of my life and what has been on my mind over the week.

You are NOT going to want to miss THIS...

Tomorrow I will be going to the hospital to visit a good friend of mine who just had a baby girl today. So you don't know when and you won't know how, but tomorrow I will be sharing many of possibly the cutest pictures you have seen. Newborn baby pictures are the best and you know it. But definitely not better than newborn baby cuddles. Something I am very much looking forward to. It's the only thing that is making the constant bickering, lies, toothpaste clumps all over my sink and really my entire bathroom, forgetting to flush the toilet, extra dishes galore, the extra little messes that I keep walking in on wherever I go, and the general just not listening from the six children I have had staying with me since last night even slightly bearable. So here's to baby cuddles. Baby cuteness to follow soon...

A Comparison of Cakes

Today was my cousin's bridal shower. Less than a month ago I was telling a long tale of a difficult day for my friend's baby shower. I don't think I could have handled another shower like that. So I was determined to make today more enjoyable for me. And I must say I did succeed. I have many pictures to share, but for now I would like to give you a little comparison of the cakes from both showers. Now granted one was a baby shower and one was a bridal shower. One had a photo on it the other did not. One was a sheet cake one was round. But still this is how a cake SHOULD be decorated and how a cake should NOT be decorated.

The bridal shower cake purchased from Sam's Club

The baby shower cake purchased from Stop and Shop

Now which cake would you rather have at your event? I know I was much more pleased with the cake for the bridal shower. Now I know the colors are different and ones a sheet cake and the other a round cake, but still you can see the quality is just much better. The round cake has much neater writing on it and pretty flowers and designs. The sheet cake looked like it was just thrown together without a care. Now I know when I don't want to make my own cakes where I'm going to purchase cakes from.

Choices...

Since we moved back in January in the back of my mind has been what am I going to do for school for next year. We moved out of district from the elementary school the girls attend and I am the PTA president at. I luckily was able to keep the girls at their school for the rest of this year. I of course have to drive them there, but that's not a problem.

This is Natalie's last year at the school. She goes to middle school next year. We are still zoned for the same middle school. Otherwise I might not have kept her there so she could make friends before going to the middle school. I didn't have to worry about that though.

So now the burning question is Kaitlyn next year. Do I put her in her home school or do I keep her at the school she has been present at since before she was 2? The school where I have a good relationship with everyone. Where I know the teachers. Where Kaitlyn knows her way around.

Or do I put her in this completely new school? Will it be better for her? Will it be better for me? What about CJ?

CJ will be 3 in November. There is a great 3 year old preschool program that he could attend at a completely different school from any of the ones Kaitlyn could attend. It's only 2 hours a day, but it either starts at exactly the same time as Kaitlyn goes in or it ends at exactly the same time Kaitlyn gets out. And it's clear across town (a 15-20 minute drive) from the school she goes to now. If Kaitlyn goes to her home school she'd be bused. I could get CJ to the preschool program.

But am I ready for CJ to start school? He's not potty trained. That is okay though. I know that he would thrive with other children. It really would be a great experience for him. But he's my baby. I don't think I'm ready to admit that he's just about school age.

The principal seems to think it wouldn't be a problem for Kaitlyn to stay at the school next year. I need to make up my mind about this soon. If she's going to a new school I need services set up for her. I can't wait really and hope that she will get the approval from the BOE to remain at the original school. The principal can say yes I really want this child to stay, but really the BOE gets the final say in it.

So over the next few weeks I have a lot of choices to make. In September all three of my kids could be in completely new schools though making new friends. What a thought. Makes me very scared for them. Shhh, don't tell the kids I worry. I keep telling them everything will be okay and they'll love the new school.

Hey, I wonder who will take over as PTA president if I did leave the school. We only had the officers there tonight for parents. The rest were teachers and staff. Not sure who else could or would commit themselves like that.

Best Laid Plans

So a few days ago I posted about My Upcoming Week. I thought for sure there would be no time for a blog post. And yet here I am Monday morning writing a blog post. How could it be? Well, as they say best laid plans. CJ got very sick yesterday.




Doesn't he look awful? He couldn't keep anything down yesterday. Just laid on the couch much like that. If he wasn't sleeping or whimpering he was throwing up. Poor guy.

I am happy to report that he is MUCH better today. He's not really eating, but he's keeping his drinks down and what little he does eat. However, I decided that bringing him to the school to work the book fair for 4 hours just was not fair to him, to me, or to the children at the school. Plus, truth be told I am exhausted. I ended up with a lot of extra laundry from yesterday too. So I was sure that the book fair was well manned for the day and felt secure in staying home. Okay, well I did stop in this morning to give the cash box and change and a few instructions.

So today CJ and I are just hanging out at home. Well, that is until 1 when I have to pick his sisters up. It's actually a nice break from what I thought was going to be one super crazy week. I will still be going tonight though. Joe will be home from work to stay with the kids so I can go to the book fair and hand out the fundraiser. So as they say best laid plans...

Sometimes life throws you curve balls and we have to make the best of it so that's just what I'm doing. Can't say I am too upset about staying home. I'm glad that I have trustworthy parent helpers there to fill in for me though. That helps a lot with my guilt ;).

My Upcoming Week

Okay, so I know I post on here semi-frequently by some bloggers standards anyways. I suppose this past week wasn't all bad. I think I had something like 4 posts this week. I don't anticipate too many posts if any for next week. I just won't be around to do it. Even if I do bring the laptop with me I won't even have internet access where I will be. Egads! No internet! Whatever, or wherever could I be?

Monday starts parent teacher conferences. Now normally parent teacher conferences wouldn't be a bad thing, but when you're the PTA president it means any routine you have established goes right out the window. It means that the title of Stay At Home Mom really isn't true for the week because my time will be mostly spent outside of the home. It means complete exhaustion for me.

Why you may ask would parent teacher conferences cause so much stress for the PTA president? Well, you see this is when we have our book fair. But not only that, but our spring fundraiser is in and we are handing it out. Then on top of that I still have my three children, husband, home, and dog to take care of. Then throw in a few parent teacher conferences that I have to attend into all of this and you have what can only amount to sheer exhaustion.

Here's how it will play out:
Monday Get the children up and ready for school. If my friend's kids don't spend the night to prevent the early morning drop off so they can go to a doctor's appointment then I will have to be prepared for extra children to arrive at my house at 7 a.m. Get everyone fed and to school. From 9-1 I will be at the school running the book fair. Just about every class will be coming down to "shop" the fair on Monday. I will have CJ with me who as I found out today while setting up the book fair will spend most of his time pulling the books off of the shelves, climbing the stairs in the library, and playing with the pens/pencils/erasers.

It's a half day so I will have to get my children at 1 and rush everyone home to have lunch. Give CJ a very late nap. Get the older two children to do their homework and some reading. Clean up a little if I have the energy. Figure out something for dinner. Cook dinner. Clean up after dinner. Then from 6-8 back to the school during evening conference time. Run the book fair and hand out the Avon fundraiser. Come home where hopefully Joe will have all of the children in bed. Maybe count some money and go over some PTA stuff and try to spend a little time with my husband.

Tuesday Get the kids up and off to school. Then I get to come back home. Catch up on the housework that was not done the day before. Put CJ down for a nap. Make lunch for all of the kids and myself. Get CJ up from his nap. Lug him, the lunches, and a cash box to the school. Get the girls and work the book fair from 1-3:30 and hand out fundraisers. Have Natalie's conference at 1:30. Then hopefully get to break away at 2:30 for Kaitlyn's conference. Pack everyone up and go home.

Wednesday Very similar to my Monday. Except, instead of picking up both of the girls after school I'll only pick up Kaitlyn at 1. Hopefully I'll get to bring her out to lunch just the two of us, but it might have to be with CJ too. Then at 3:30 go back to the school to pick up Natalie from drama. Come home and get her going with homework. Then cleaning, dinner, and back to the school for book fair from 6-8 again.

Thursday Since CJ and I will have missed our normal weekly Wednesday playgroup we will join the Thursday group. That will be at the grocery store. After that we will go back to the school to run the book fair until 2. Pack up the book fair and find a place for whatever Avon people didn't end up picking up. Then I will have to pick up the girls and possibly my friend's kids at 3. Bring them all home. Feel relieved that the crazy week is over and we will have a nice long weekend. Not that it will be entirely relaxing, but hopefully the weekend will be filled with lots of quality time with my family making some great Easter memories.

So if you don't hear from me much next week you now know why that is.