A boy and his blankie

This is the story of a boy and his blankie.  I have 2 boys, both somewhat alike but also very different.  Both my boys had a very deep love and attachment to their blankies.

Parker got his blue blankie from his godmother Dana a few days after he came home from the hospital.  It was love at first sight and the 2 have not been apart ever since that fateful day they first were introduced.

Regan liked it so much she wanted one to so Aunt Dana bought her a pink one.  Parker loved blankie so much he never wanted to let go of it and blankie started to get really rank. He would hold on tight to it at night and I was afraid I would wake him up if I ripped it from his precious little hand.  We decided to order duplicate blankies only to find out that they were being discontinued and they had no pink left at all so Regan was out of luck and I could only get 1 for Parker and it was a slight shade darker but I didn't think he 
would notice.

One year Parker went as Linus from the Peanuts for Halloween, it was the perfect costume for a little boy who was so attached to his blankie. Ironically, that was the one day he decided he didn't want to carry his blankie.  Who is this kids mom and why didn't she get him a haircut before Halloween??

Blankie went everywhere with us for the first 2 1/2 years.  It even went to pre-school his first year, but his incredibly sweet teachers got him to put blankie in his cubby.  He had a morning routine and would go into class, wash his hands, do a a little play time and before class started he would walk blankie to his cubby for the morning.   We were taking baby steps towards independence from blankie.

Soon blankie was staying in the car instead of going into school, church, stores, restaurant's, friends houses etc..

  As Parker got older he also realized the one blankie was different than the other and he only wanted light blankie not dark blue blankie.  If I tried to wash light blue blankie and would give him dark blue blankie he would put it back in the drawer and go into the laundry room and cry for his blankie.  He also has blankie radar, he can leave the blankie laying in his bed or downstairs for hours , but the minute I touched it to try and wash it he would come screaming from another part of the house yelling for it.  Sometimes on a good day, he allows me to wash it while he is in pre-school, but I must bring it back when I pick him up.  Why are these sweet little angels so damm demanding sometimes??


Blankie has been a faithful friend and companion to Parker, it serves as comfort when he is sad, a cape when he wants to play superhero, a tissue when he sneezes, warmth when he is cold. The best part of blankie is it doesn't talk and boss you like your big sister does, it doesn't take your toys or push you around.  I love the way Parker rubs the silk part of his blankie between his fingers and how he snuggles with it every night.   Kyle still has a piece of his blankie from when he was a kid and he still keeps it in his underwear drawer.  I am pretty sure blue blankie is here to stay.  Long live blue blankie :)

Assumptions

 Today was a day filled with assumptions, which is never a good thing.  First assumption happened this morning, I told my husband I would give him his Valentine's gift before the kids got up.  He was all smiles standing in his robe and said something like "I'm ready or it's about time", I don't remember his exact quote.  He did get this gift and the best part is the top which I did not take a picture of says BE OPTIMISTIC.  Good thing I married a man with a sense of humor.  

Second assumption also by my husband is since it's Valentine's Day that sex is a given and after the day I am having I am thinking not likely.

I assumed that when I wrote the post Church Lady that my mom wouldn't feel like I had insulted her and her religion.  It was not my intent to insult any, I was just stating my opinion, it's a free country after all, but my mom may disagree about that now that Obama is in office ( sorry mom, I had to say that!)

I also assumed my husband wouldn't read my blog so much and correct some of the stuff I say.  By the way, I should add that if it wasn't for him, I may not have ever gone back to church.

Next assumption came at work when I received a phone call and someone made a very horrible assumption about me.  Yes, I realize that I tend to be over sensitive and can be a drama queen at times ( imagine that), but this was the kind of assumption no one should make without having their facts straight.  It was the kind of assumption that left me in tears and will have me marching into this woman's office tomorrow looking for her supervisor , the bitch has been unleashed and it is not going to be pretty.

Yet then another assumption came at the kids school during the Valentine's lunch when the kids where all looking at their Valentine boxes and what they received from their friends.  The mom at our table said "Oh this is from Regan, this is really fancy, Regan's mom must have alot of time on her hands"  She didn't realize Regan and her mom were sitting right next to her.  If I hadn't been so upset about the lady that made me cry an hour earlier, the bitch might have been unleashed at her, but in a much nicer PTA mom kind of way.

I then assumed I could hide the fact that I was not having a good day, but my friend Melody called me out on that and told me I don't hide it very well and she is correct, I need to work on that. :)

I then had to speak a a Methodist woman's circle tonight and I assumed it might be boring. Because of the bad day I was having I didn't really want to go, but I had committed so I wasn't going to back out.  They were my moms age, some older, but very kind and quite entertaining.  They are big supporters of the children's program, were very interested in what I had to say, served me coffee , dessert and even gave me a little gift for coming out to talk to them. One fell asleep while I was talking, but everyone else was interested.


The only assumption that was right on target today was I knew my kids would be wired on Valentine candy and would meltdown causing a very stressed out and tired mommy to need a glass of wine.

 

Sweet treats

Regan wanted to help me make some treats for her friends at church.  She saw me reading my friends blog about her son making rice krispy treats ( Hi Meghan and Diego) and said "Mommy, I want to do what that little boy is doing".

We went to the store, bought the supplies and came home to make our treats. Regan asked Parker if he wanted to help and was showing him the recipe cards she made on how to make these tasty treats.

Parker wasn't interested and went back to what he does best, watch bubble guppies in his underwear.

Regan was very excited to start our project because as she says " you are best cooker, crafter and mommy ever"  Hey. those are her words, not mine.  Mommy gets a thumbs up for being the best mommy. How can anyone resist that mischievous little face?

She wanted to make them pink for Valentine's day and we couldn't find the special Valentine rice kripsies or pink marshmallows. What is up with these Oregon grocery stores?  Oh well, that is a gripe for another day.

We put in red food coloring and stirred and stirred.  Then Regan got bored and left me to watch bubble guppies with her brother.

The finished result.  Come to find out Regan doesn't even like rice kripsy treats.  That is just crazy talk!  She then decided her friends would eat them and she would eat Oreos, a good compromise I guess?? 

The rice krispy treats were a big hit with the kids at church and the employees.  A big thumbs up from everyone!

Church Lady

I work part time at a church, some find that an unlikely place for me to be employed since I don't seem to be your typical "church" person.  I am not sure what a typical church person or employee looks like but it appears some people do.

I have always believed one can be strong in their faith and still be a fun person as well as go out and have fun. I don't encourage others within the church to drink, I don't encourage the youth to drink or party.  I am of legal age and a responsible adult and what I do outside the church should really be no ones business.  If I was stripping or posing for Playboy that would be one thing.  If I was posing for Playboy, I wouldn't need to be working in the church, I would be rolling with Hugh and living La Vida Loco.  Sadly, I don't have the body of a playboy model, so that ship has sailed.

I grew up and was raised Catholic, my mom is very old school Catholic. My sister and I went to catholic grade school and high school.  Growing up I had to go to mass during the week, church music during the week, Religion class and church on Sundays.  Once we got to a certain age we were able to decide if we wanted to go to church or not and I stopped going.  I felt like religion was shoved down my throat and I didn't go back for a very long time.


I didn't go back to church until after Clint and I got married and we were married in a Methodist church.  My mom is OK with it but says she keeps praying that I will find my way back to the Catholic church.  She is going to be praying a longgggg time because I am never going back.  I believe God is happy that we go to church and it doesn't matter which one as long as we are there on Sunday and we live a good life and are helpful and kind to others.  My mom disagrees, therefore we don't discuss religion because we will always agree to disagree.  Personally when I see the priest of her church rolling around town in his pimped out Lexus, I can't help but think they are all about the money.  I don't mean to insult any Catholics out there and to each there own when it comes to Religion.  From my experience in the Catholic church, they are always asking for money to "upgrade" something or buy something that may not be necessary.  I know many priests may not take the vow of poverty anymore and why should they when they can make the big bucks and roll around in fancy cars.   I shall now get off my soap box about this :)


I became very active in our church back in Cincinnati and met some amazing people.  Our church also had a pre-school that our kids went to and through the pre-school I also met more amazing people.  I was very sad to leave but as our director of Children's Ministries told me God had a purpose for me and it was to go to Oregon and teach a new church everything I had learned.  I did finally feel like I had a purpose and felt we were brought out here for a reason (other than my husbands job)


I was hired by the church sight unseen, I did a phone interview and my resume and sparkly personality obviously won them over.   Who could not like me, right?! I was excited to be hired because I finally felt like I had a purpose other than mommy and it was something I really wanted to do.  It was part time and I could work around my kids school schedules, it was the prefect job for me.  I am not quite sure they knew what to expect when I showed up my first day.   Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, people went out of there way to make sure that my whole family was adjusting OK.  Everyone I work with and the entire church congregation is amazing and I feel so blessed to know be in this community.  
I have had a few woman sneer at the way I dress or my shoes.  I remember one lady asking how I was going to take care of children in "those shoes"?  I felt like saying  "listen biotch, I can run a marathon in these shoes so mind your own damm business", but the church Meredith kindly said "they are quite comfortable and I can take care of the children just fine, thank you"  Church Meredith has learned to bite her tongue, ALOT!

I am pretty sure I have brought alot of spunk and sass into the church.  I really enjoy working with the kids and while it doesn't pay much, I do get paid with lots of hugs, pictures and kisses.  I can wear jeans to work, I have an office, I can work around my kids schedules, bring my kids to work with me if I need to and wear costumes when necessary.
I have a great staff of youth that make me laugh and keep me on my toes, I have incredible co-workers and I couldn't ask for a better place to work.  I am not going to hide who I am or pretend to be someone I am not just so I don't upset some of the older folks in the church.  I am who I am and I get it done!  


Now if you'll excuse me church Meredith has had a long work weekend so she is now going to have a drink~cheers!





 

Wine Tasting or Bust

While in San Diego my sister planned a wine tasting in Temecula.  She sent out an invite to all her friends, with her picture.  We were slightly confused as it was my birthday and not hers, but that is what makes my sister so wacky.  She finally changed the picture to me, gathered up her friends, we all dressed up in our cutest clothes 
and the hot mess express headed an hour north for wine country.

First Stop~ Callaway Vineyard & Winery which was under remodel and was very cold and looked like a dungeon, but we had coupons so we were ready to get our drink on.  We decided not to stay long and move on to the next place.  As we were getting ready to leave we spotted this group of guys who were either coming from an 80's party or completely clueless that is was 2011 and not 1985.  I tried to discreetly get a picture only to be totally busted. They decided to pose for a picture and after Cheena yelled it was my birthday, so they graciously invited me into the picture.  The reason my eyes are closed and I am cringing would be because this wanna be Blane look a like from Pretty In Pink was attempting to stick his tongue in my ear while he slurred to me how hot I looked for 40.  Cheeseballs, party of 2, your table is ready. 

Next Stop~Stuart Cellars

More wine, yes please and lots of it.  This was a beautiful winery and the best part was we drank for free, the bartender never even took our tickets and we had our own glasses since my sister is a "pro" wine tester she knows all the tricks.

ahhh, this is the life......

Now we are  tipsy and hungry so off to Maurice Carrie Winery for pineapple champagne and brie bread.  yummmmmm brie bread.  I could live in a house of bread and cheese and eat my way out, it is my dream, without gaining all the weight, of course.  This was the best bread EVER and combined with pineapple champagne, all I can say is I was I had died and gone to heaven.  I also picked up a little gift for myself while I was there, this is a glass all moms should have and deserve.

Next stop~Ponte which I am pretty sure we are banning and are supposed to de-friend them on facebook because they made my sister mad, the bartenders were rude and they wanted $20.00 per person for a tasting.  It was by far the most beautiful winery and the views were amazing, but I was told I am not allowed to like them so I don't.

It was getting late, the winery's were getting ready to close so we had to hightail it to our last stop~ Wilson Creek Winery.  The reason this winery was so special is because they serve an almond champagne in a chocolate shot glass that you can eat after your drink your champagne.

Sadly since I have a nut allergy, I could not drink the almond champagne, but I was able to get a chocolate shot glass and eat it and might I add it was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!

It was time to go and I was sad to leave but it was one of the best days I had ever had.  The car ride home was hilarious filled with lots of laughs.  By the time we got back I was tired and had a headache ( thanks to my sister's driving who might I add, drives like a maniac)  She calls it defensive driving, I call it road rage.  

While the rest of them changed and headed back out to the bar, I changed into my jammies, sat on the coach, finished off the last of the wine we had opened the night before and fell asleep on the couch with sweet dreams of one of the best birthdays ever.

40 and fashionable or fashion faux pas?

Hey, did you hear forty is the new twenty?  There are many women who are moms, are over 40, talented, smart, and are smokin' hot!  Put that combination together and the MILF is born.  Is MILF a compliment and do I really want to be one or referred to as one? 

I just turned 40 and some may say or think I am having a little mid life crisis.  I took a weekend trip without my husband or kids, I partied harder than I had in many, many years and I got my nose pierced.  I have been wanting to get my nose pierced for quite awhile but never really had the opportunity or alone time to do it. I also bought a pair of black peep toe stilettos that while drinking wine for some reason I thought would be a super cool idea.  Where am I ever going to wear them? PTA meetings, soccer games? I am not quite sure, but when I do I am going to be rocking those shoes.

I also purchased something that I didn't think I ever would and my facebook friends know this because when the topic came up, I was very vocal about how I would NEVER wear these.   I was walking through the mall last night after picking up a book that my son informed me at the last minute he needed for school.  I walked by Aeropostale and they were having a 50% all jeans.  I love Aeropostale jeans because 1) they sell size "short" which is hard to find in any pant and 2) they always have sales and I can get my jeans for usually $20 & under.  Being 40 I should have bypassed Aeropostale and headed straight for JCPenney where they sell Lee Riders relaxed fit "mom jeans" and Gloria Vanderbilt.  Yep, did you know they make Gloria Vanderbilt jeans?  I wore those in grade school. Did you know Anderson Cooper is her son and he is my secret boyfriend; that is beside the point. 

I bought my first pair of skinny jeans a few weeks ago and really like them, I thought I was looking at another pair and the girl said these are the "jeggings".  I replied I can't wear these, I am too old and don't have the body.  Obviously when you work on commission you learn to become a good, no, great liar and she was good.  Little miss 19 year old, 90 lb skinny chick convinced me to buy a pair of "jeggings" and also convinced me they looked good on me.  I'll see you in hell, I'll save you a spot next to me and thank you once again for lying  to this 40 year old mom.  She convinced me I could wear them with boots and I would look fab and proceeded to tell me how cool it was that I was a mom with a nose ring,.  Guess who owns a pair of "jeggings"?  Yes, I bought them because....  can you say SUCKER? Is it possible I was still drunk from my San Diego trip?

This morning I put on my "jeggings" and asked my husband if my butt looked big or if they looked stupid.  Like any smart husband he said they looked fine, but I am still not convinced by his answer.  I wore a longer black sweater I scored at Macy's for $3.00 and my new purple boots I bought in San Diego for $20.

I would never wear them like the model pictured above unless I looked like the model pictured above.  With a longer top and boots they look pretty similar to my skinny jeans, I think.  The jury is still out on this look, at least for this 40 year old. 

the many hats of mommy

As a mom I have worn many hats over the last almost 18 years. Yes, I have been a mom for almost 18 years, I can't believe it myself!!  I have been a baseball man, t-ball mom, PTA mom, room mom, dance chaperone, chauffeur,book store mom, bake sale mom, school office volunteer,  past & current  soccer mom, as well as a soccer coach and MMA mom.  I'm sure there are many more but I am getting tired thinking about all of the rest.

Recently I added a new "hat", I call it wine mommy.  It is not all that new, but as my kids get older it is easier to be a wine mommy also.  What is a wine mommy you ask? It is really just something I made up, actually I saw it on a napkin in Temecula while on my trip, I just wish I would have thought of it first.

I realize alot of my posts seem to involve wine, but I am not a drunk, I swear. I am a mom who is very involved in my kids lives, always on the go, works part time and is a stay at home mom the rest of the time.  I know I am not the only mom that feels the need to de-stress after a long day or long week.  I am not talking falling down stupid drunk, I am talking enjoying a glass or 2 of wine with my husband, some friends and sometimes by myself.  I find nothing wrong with having a glass of wine with girlfriends while the kids play.  If anyone out there is thinking about judging me for it, I suggest you think again.  I never get stupid in front of my kids, I don't give my kids wine or as they refer to it "mommy juice" and a glass or 2 of wine makes for a more relaxed mommy and when mommy is happy, everyone is happy.
 
I am not going to sit and and say I have never gotten drunk because I would be lying. I have gotten a little loopy, just not in front of my kids.  

On Friday nights my neighbors and I would have Friday night driveway happy hours, the kids would play and we would sit in my driveway with appetizers, order pizza or wings and drink our wine, beer or mixed cocktails.  Friday was always the best day of the week and by 3pm we were all usually ready after a long week.  Our husbands would come home and there we would all be sitting with a glass in hand while the kids played and then they got to take over.   By Friday wine mommy was probably my favorite hat and every other mommy's as well. I miss my Cincinnati Friday night driveway happy hour moms, but am lucky to have found some mommy's in Oregon who are willing to carry on my tradition with me.

I don't judge, so if you don't want to be wine mommy, that is cool with me, I accept all mommy's into my world. 

 As Benjamin Franklin said "Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance "

So let's raise a glass to mommy's everywhere and all the hats we wear.