Babe's Bedtime Story

Once upon a time there was a little girl who didn’t want to go to sleep.

The Mommy said, “Ok little girl, it’s time to go to sleep.”

And the little girl said, “But Mommy, I don’t want to go to sleep! Will you sing me a song?”

The Mommy said, “Ok little girl, I’ll sing you a song. But then you have to go to bed.”

So the Mommy sang the little girl a beautiful song.

And when she was done she said, “Ok little girl, it’s time to go to sleep.”

And the little girl said, “But Mommy, I don’t want to go to sleep! Will you tell me a story?”

The Mommy said, “Ok, little girl, but when I’m done you have to go to sleep.”

And the little girl said, “Ok Mommy.”

So the Mommy told the little girl a wonderful story.

And when she was done the Mommy said, “Ok little girl. It’s time to go to bed!”

So the little girl climbed up in her big girl bed, snuggled under the covers, and went. to. sleep.

The End.

Lily

Hockey night (limited edition)

When we signed Bud up for hockey we only paid for the first session (October – December) because we weren’t sure if he’d like it to do it all the way through March. At the end of the summer he talked about doing karate and I’m good with that but I told him he’d have to choose hockey or karate, he couldn’t do both, and hockey is only for the winter. He decided to do hockey and I was thrilled! A few weeks ago we started talking about signing him up for the second session. It’s a big commitment for the entire family but how else is he going to make the NHL? but he really does enjoy it and it’s worth seeing the NHL contract the smile on his face when he’s on the ice. I asked him if he wanted to sign up for the next hockey session and after giving me his “thoughtful” expression (face scrunched, finger tapping his chin) he declared it’s time to try karate. And then I melted into a puddle of tears on the floor, sobbing hysterically for the NHL contract that never was!

I have to say I’m proud of him even if he’s dashing my dreams. He wants to try everything, any new sport, any new adventure. I think he’s made the right choice. I really do! No, I’m serious. Really. (I mean, maybe he’ll get to train with the next Mr. Miagi. How cool would that be?) He knows I want him to do hockey (I’m not nearly as crazed dramatic in front of him – I swear!), and while this character trait may not be the easiest to put up with, he knows what he wants and goes after it. How can I be mad at him for that?! I certainly don’t want to push him into something he doesn’t want (serious) and I want him to explore his options. An informed decision is a better decision I never always say.

Plus, I guess we do have twelve a few more years before pro-hockey is even an option so I guess I can wait it out for another year. I’m a generous mom. I wonder when Babe will start hockey? 

Also, hockey night means pulled pork for dinner. I suppose I can keep Pulled Pork Monday's going even without hockey but it's so much more fun with hockey. Just sayin.

Lily

Friday Flashback (on Wednesday)

Since I have very fond memories of Thanksgiving at my Grandparents house I thought I would honor them in this week's Friday Flashback (on Wednesday).


I am so thankful to have wonderful grandparents who love us unconditionally, taught us how important God is, and know that every family get-together is better with food!

This was taken in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx (sometime in the 40's)

We love you Super Grandma!

If I remember correctly, this picture was taken during WWII in Germany.

RIP Grandpa. We miss you!

I will be ruthlessly elbowing people out of my way shopping on Black Friday so I probably won't get a chance to post again until Monday. I hope everyone has elastic waist pants a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Lily

15 Things I am Thankful For

I am thankful for...

1. My family. Without them I would be nothing.
2. Having in-laws that do anything and everything for me and my family. I am thankful for them but I am also damn lucky to have them!
3. My friends
4. Food that is labeled gluten free in the regular grocery store
5. Although money is very tight, we still have enough to host Christmas and buy presents (I think)
6. Having a good job that enables me to blog during the quiet times
7. The fact that my husband finally has a new job even if his pay is crap
8. Sleep timers on TVs
9. DVRs (even if I never find the time to watch the recorded shows)
10. My iPod
11. Black Friday savings (even though I HATE to shop, I hate paying full price even more)
12. Warm socks (Dude, why are my feet always freezing?)
13. The ability to make lists
14. A good book that I can’t put down
15. And last, but certainly not least, YOU! My blog readers! Thank you for stopping by (and maybe even commenting). Without you my little corner of the internet would be pointless and I would find that depressing. So thank you for clicking, and reading, and commenting, and just being you! Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

(Starting Friday I won’t be offended when you blare your Christmas carols. I’ll be there next to you singing along and dancing like Elaine from Seinfeld.)

Lily

There used to be a holiday between Halloween and Christmas

via

Why must the radio stations play Christmas music before Thanksgiving? This holiday gets passed over earlier and earlier every year. One of my favorite radio stations turns into all Christmas, all the time, the day after Halloween. What’s up with that? Just because there are no Thanksgiving songs worthy of the radio doesn't mean they have to switch to Christmas on November 1st. I boycott all Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Christmas carols but, even me, the most impatient person in the world, thinks Christmas music shouldn't be on the radio until December. Why is a month of songs not enough? Don't you get tired of 2 months of Christmas music? Keep it fresh people! Do you eat a whole sleeve of Oreos in one sitting? (Ok, maybe that's not the best analogy.) (Ok, that might be the worst ever.) (Ok, it definitely is the worst analogy ever.) (Moving on...)

Why do so many people hate Thanksgiving? It’s not just one or two people that have mentioned it. Almost every blog I read that has mentioned Thanksgiving says they just can’t wait for the day to be over. Perhaps it’s because I remember all the amazing Thanksgiving dinners at my Grandma’s house before our clan grew too big to accommodate everyone, but I like Thanksgiving. I’ll be completely honest and admit that Thanksgiving without stuffing is sad (I can’t eat the real stuff and haven’t found a good substitute) but I still enjoy getting together with family (even if it’s the in-laws family now – who, let’s face it, are just as good to me as my own family). I like having pistachio pudding next to my mashed potatoes. I even like drooling over the biscuits as they are passed under my nose.

I have so much to be thankful for and marking the day with food just makes it even better! So hold off Christmas. I’ll get to you soon, but right now just give me some turkey, mashed potatoes, pass me the pistachio pudding and for the love of God, someone go get me my elastic waist pants! I’m gunna do me some eatin’ and thankin’!!!

Lily

Why my husband is the best

I have the best husband. He gets me out of all my jams. Not only does he come to the rescue when I have a flat, he also comes to the rescue when I’m incapable of remembering the simplest task! One task that I am particularly horrible with is remembering to buy root beer. You see, every Monday we have pulled pork (hockey practice night and it’s the easiest meal) and I only cook my pulled pork in root beer (have you ever tried this? It’s amazing.) so this morning as I was trimming the fat off the pork I realized, CRAP! I forgot to buy the root beer again! (I also forgot last week and had to use cream soda – we have a cream soda addiction, it’s really bad…but oh so good. Thankfully the cream soda was an excellent substitute but I didn’t make it to the store this weekend to replace it.) So being the fabulous husband that he is he told me he would run out to the store for me. Thankfully he pays attention to personal hygiene and brushed his teeth before leaving. That gave me enough time to realize CRAP! I forgot to get the ranch dip for the baby carrots Bud was taking to school for snack. So off he went, to fetch my irresponsibly forgotten items. Before he checked out, he called to double check that I didn’t need anything else while he was there (he’s so thoughtful). I assured him that was everything.

I was woefully late, even thought I woke up early to make sure I had enough time to trim the pork. But I was humming right along (even pouring Babe a drink with one hand while the other hand was covered in pork fat). My husband came home and helped me finish getting the kids ready. He was organizing Bud’s school folder and came across the little slip of paper that said Bud (aka ME) was responsible for bringing a bag of small marshmallows so they could make a Thanksgiving treat tomorrow.

CRAP!

I’m already running late, my husband has already gone to the store once for me, and I’m still an idiot. (I had read the note on Friday but didn’t realize they needed it today.) So I figure I’m in for a early morning dash to the store with my uncooperative slow ass kids. My husband and I leave the house at the same time (he even helps me get the kids in the car, this new job, with different hours is the BEST!) so as I was closing my door he says, “See you at the store.” I respond with a dumb look because I don’t know what he means. Yes, my friends, he lead the way to the store (even though the store is in a opposite direction from his destination) and went into the store for a second time that morning while I sat and waited in my car so that I didn’t have to schlep the kids around with me, gaining valuable minutes in getting to work! He is a God-send!

Thank you husband for always rescuing me when I’m a stupid idiot who would lose her mind if you weren’t there to find it in my time of need!

Lily

Friday Flashback

Last week’s Friday Flashback was so well received that I thought I would embarrass myself even more this week. As you can see, my friends and I had high modeling aspirations. I don’t know why we never got “discovered.” With a portfolio like mine it just goes to show how hard it is to make it in the business. I probably should have kept the heart bedspread backdrop for this picture. I think my penguin collection was probably too distracting and unprofessional. But it's good to know I stayed consistent with the crutches in the corner. 

Lily

Things I learned last night...

Don’t leave your point and shoot camera unprotected in your pocketbook at all times. The display screen will stop working and you will be sad. (Otherwise this post would include pictures.)

Just because you don’t see anything in the road does not mean you won’t run something over and pop your tire on the way home from work.

It takes a few seconds for a punctured tire to lose all its air and freak you out.

Thin leather shoes will not keep your feet warm on a 30 degree night when you are standing on the side of the road.

Your son will not be occupied by a movie in the car if you are on the side of the road and his father and grandfather are outside the car clanking tools and using flashlights.

A spare tire housed under your 10 year old car will rust and be almost impossible to get down.

Having a husband who is strong and stubborn will get your spare tire out from under your car.

Having a father-in-law who is a retired mechanic is very, VERY handy.

Retired mechanics have the best tools (i.e., an air compressor and industrial size car jack)

An air compressor will not help when you have a puncture in your tire that broke the little cords and wires in your tire.

A tire has cords and wire inside of it!

I have the best husband and father-in-law in the entire world. Hands down. No questions.
(And bonus points to said father-in-law who offered to switch cars with me today so he could take my car to get new tires, salvaging my weekend plans to drive to Long Island!)

Always pee before you leave work, you never know how long it will take to get home.

*****************

My next installment of Friday Flashback coming up soon…

Lily

 

Thought Vomit Thursday

So you might not know this about me but I think about some really random crap. (I know! Hard to believe, right!) Most of the time I spare you guys the details but I have come across the perfect platform to spew my mind vomit all across the Internet. 

Thought Vomit Thursdays was brought to my attention by Josey over at “My Cheap Version of therapy” (Go ahead and click the link. She’s fun.) 

Here goes…

We had ham, potatoes, and broccoli for dinner the other night. I put a bite in Babe’s mouth, and before I could stop her, she got up from the table and ran in the other room. I caught up with her as she was coming out of the bathroom. I looked in and saw that she had spit out the food in the sink. She looked at me and said “I don’t want broccoli in my mouth.”

OOOK. I can’t wait for the teen years!

Best Mother advise EVER: Better to smack her on the bottom now than want to slap her in the face as a teenager. 

(Thanks Mom!) (Thankfully, I know that advice came from dealing with my sister, not me!)

I hate when people skip a line on interoffice envelopes. Why can’t they just use the next available? Are they special? No! Just use the next line people!

When I was little there was a candy store near my school. Every morning I would stop in and buy a dollar worth of Bazooka gum. I once used the little comics to completely line my pencil box at school – I was so cool!

That’s all I’ve got for today. Happy Thursday!

Lily

Oh please let me be over reacting!

So, you may or may not know, but I have celiac disease. For those of you that don’t know what that is, it means I cannot eat anything that contains gluten (found in wheat, rye, and barely – and oats because of cross contamination in harvesting). It severely limits what I can eat, or I have to pay 6 bazillion dollars for a gluten free version that doesn’t even come close to tasting as good as the original. It’s super (not) fun.

I didn’t get it until I was in college (one cause can be stress – my grandfather and sister died within a month of each other, I graduated high school 2 months later, moved from my childhood home another two months after that, then went away to college two weeks after moving – I’m guessing stress was the cause for me) so I was able to enjoy a normal childhood of eating an entire batch of cupcakes by myself, having the stuffing at Thanksgiving dinner, and never, ever looking at an ingredient list. I am grateful that I was able to eat “normal” as long as I did, I know I would have just done what I needed to do but there are so many times that I didn’t have control over what was available to eat and it would have been extremely difficult. I didn’t officially get diagnosed until after I graduated college. I kind of knew what it was (I have an aunt and uncle that also have it) and was in denial so I didn’t go to the doctor’s until after I graduated. The doctor was nice and told me he’d schedule my biopsy (the only good way to diagnose it) until after my wedding that coming August so I could enjoy my wedding cake. I really thank him for that!

My children have a 33% chance of becoming diseased like me. (Meaning they have a 67% chance of not getting it, right???) I am constantly worried that they will fall victim to this very inconvenient (and possibly deadly) disease. I’m always looking for signs but so far have not had anything to worry about. Until this weekend. 

I may be over reacting (I truly hope I am) but I am very worried about Bud. In college, I began developing this weird sore in the corner of my mouth that would last for a few weeks. It wasn’t that noticeable but it was very painful. It was not a cold sore but I have no clue what it was. All through college I kept getting it. Not until I started on my gluten free diet did it go away -- I haven’t gotten it since. I consider this sore one of my first symptoms of celiac. (Followed by horrible digestive problems -- which is a nice way of saying I got horrible diarrhea and extreme constipation on a rotating basis.)

Bud developed this sore over the weekend! I’m highly slightly freaking out. I hope that it is nothing and he never develops celiac but I am going to be watching him like a hawk. I fear I’m going to become my Nana (who had an unusual desire to check my father’s poop every time he went to the bathroom as a child). I love my Nana dearly, but I’d really rather not be a poop checker! If more signs and symptoms start occurring I will have to get him tested. I pray that he’s “lucky” like me, and if he has to get it, it’s not until later in life. But I really, really, really hope he’s lucky and doesn’t get it at all!!

Lily

Some Old Fashion Fall Fun

Bud has been begging to be able to jump in a pile of leaves since August. We’ve been using our leaves to mulch into our garden so we haven’t been raking them (just using the lawn mower). Yesterday the weather was pretty warm, my husband was helping a friend at his house, and Babe was taking a nap so we decided to go outside for a bit. Bud was picking up leaves and throwing them around so I suggested we get some rakes and do it right! What ensued was one of the best times I’ve spent with Bud. There’s nothing quite like seeing your child so thoroughly enjoy a tradition that you yourself used to enjoy with similar gusto. I, however, never thought to run like a bull…

 He started by scuffing his feet at the ground.

 Then he came charging! Do you see his horns?

 He was really dedicated to the bull idea. He even held his horns in place in mid-air...

...and when he landed!

Then he came to spear me! Love you too Bud! (he underestimated my rear end though so when I turned around to avoid being gored he bounced off me and fell on the ground. Wahaha!

 Some good old leave jumping fun!

Long jumper?

It's raining leaves, hallelujah, it's raining leaves.

When we were done Bud decided to help his Dad by putting all of our leaves in the garden. He's a good kid!

And we ended the day with a little t-ball. (and singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas but my video is too long to upload here, which is really unfortunate.)

Lily

Friday Flashback

Jump for Joy!! It's FRIDAY!!!!

After a stressful week I really just want to kick back and relax and think about more care-free times, such as when me and my friends would stage photo shoots in my bedroom. Do you see how the talent just radiates from this entire picture? From the artistic backdrop (the duffle bags holding up the comforter really add to the artistic element, no?), to the casual props (doesn't everyone have crutches in the corner of their bedroom?), to the height of fashion in workout clothes  gymnast wear  early 90's couture what I am wearing. I believe this picture HAS IT ALL! You're welcome.

Happy Friday everyone! It's been a loooong week but my schedule should be getting much better. Thanks for staying with me!

Lily

Hockey Night: Husband Style

When I realized this weekend that my husband had to take Bud to hockey last night I knew it was going to be a fiasco (and you did too if you read yesterday’s post) but I didn’t know to what extent!

The ice complex has a couple of rinks so it’s always busy when we go but last night they could barely get in the door. Apparently it was Picture Night…for every level!! They got there at the normal time, which was way too late for picture night! After making their way to the end of the line (at the other end of the building) and fishing out an order form, he called me to ask what picture package we wanted. (We decided to get wallet size only.) (I knew you were curious what we decided.) (You’re welcome.)

(Side note: Bud is 5. I think I have more professional picture of him then I’ve ever had done in my whole life! Between all the nursery school programs he’s attended (2 different ones just last year alone) and all the sports he’s been involved in, and with all the extras left over (because how many people can I give a picture to in the same year) I could make a photo collage to cover the outside of our house. Our house is about 3000 square feet.)

After we got off the phone, they continued waiting on the incredibly long line. They were still way back and Babe started saying “I gotta go, I gotta go” meaning she had to go to the bathroom...now. Not about to lose his spot in line he told Bud to stay put (yes, I freaked out in my head when he told me this) and took Babe to the bathroom. So he’s holding her over the toilet (I didn’t ask if he put paper down on the seat, sometimes it just better not knowing) and she won’t go. He asked her if she was done and she said “no” (it’s important to trust her on this) so he kept holding her there and finally he realized she’s pooping…and there’s no toilet paper left in the stall!

(Excuse me while I laugh hysterically for a moment.) (Ok, I’m better now.) (Wait, no I’m not. Still laughing….) (Ok, I’m not snorting anymore so I think I can keep typing now.)

I’m not exactly sure what he did to rectify the situation and I, again, think it’s better that I don’t know. There was no feces stuck to her posterior when I returned home so I’m going to call that a success.

They finally made their way through the line and got on the ice…just in time for the Zamboni doors to open and send the kids clambering off the ice…except my son. He thought he could outskate the Zamboni. My 5 year old son. My five year old son that comes up to my hip. My 5 year old son that is just learning to skate. My 5 year old son that has a Superman complex. Sigh.

After some frantic arm waving by my husband he finally convinced Bud to get off the ice. I don’t think the Zamboni driver would have run him over or anything…on purpose…but I don’t put it past Bud to get too close on purpose. I prefer my son not to become a frozen pancake, thank you very much.  

Which brings me to my next point. I have a life goal of riding on a Zamboni someday. I don’t know how I’m going to make this happen but it’s my eternal quest. Coincidentally, my husband has a guy in his training class that is a former NHL Zamboni driver. Neither me, nor my husband can figure out why he would stop driving a Zamboni to come work in Central NY for the phone company. Oh, and the guy is also an opera singer. I think I’d like to meet this guy.

 (Via)

Lily

 

A Monday Edition of Thought Vomit Thursday

Phew. Just catching a breather before I crash back into the chaos of my week. Although it’s not Thursday this post is going to resemble a Thought Vomit Thursday so bear with me please. I’ve been going through blogging withdrawals AND I’m sick AND I’m so busy I don’t even know what to do next. (Anyone else think this might turn into a fun post? Just me?)

We had an incredibly momentous weekend in the Mom Next Door household!! It was the first weekend EVER (since 2009) that we have had a diaper free sleeping experience by all members of our family! Yes, that’s right I am Babe is no longer wearing diapers at night!!! WOOOHOOO! (Insert mental picture of me throwing money up in the air and dancing for joy. Said money is obviously all the extra dough we’ll save from not having to buy diapers anymore! YEE HAA!)

I have to work at night for the next four nights. It sucks! It also means I miss Bud playing hockey tonight. Which also means that my husband gets to take him. Which also means he’ll have to deal with getting him dressed. Which also means that he has to convince Bud to wear the team-issued jersey that they were given at the end of practice on Saturday. (It’s red. It’s not a Ranger jersey. He’s pissed.) Which also means that frustration levels will be at their highest. Which also means the night will probably involve crying. I won’t say by who.

We closed on our refinance this weekend. It’s not a huge difference in our monthly payment but every little bit helps! But mostly, I found that it’s incredibly difficult to sign my name with my middle initial. And on all the pages that we had to just put our initials I had to include my middle one and that just confused the heck out of me. It’s sad really.

I started my Christmas shopping this weekend. Have I ever mentioned that I don’t like shopping? I don’t.

Have you ever heard of Camphor Ice? Best. Stuff. Ever. You know how when you are sick and you blow your nose more than you blink your eyes and under your nose gets so sore you want to slit your wrist before touching more sandpaper tissues to your nose? That’s where this stuff comes in! You can use it for all sorts of things but I only use it on my nose when I’m sick. (Because ewww, I’m wiping it all over my snotty sick nose, I don’t want to put it on any other part of my body after that.)

Teaching Babe how to curl her top lip under so that I can apply Camphor Ice to her nose is quite possibly the funniest thing I’ve ever tried to teach her. Sorry, that’s all you get on this topic. Just take my word for it!

I still have my Halloween decorations hanging up in my dining room. This is why I should not have parties!

I refuse to pay for a data package to get a smart phone so I may be reverting to a flip phone. If they sold the Zach Morris cell phone  I’d probably try to get that instead. I’m cutting edge like that.

 (via)

Ok, I think all of that gives a sufficient recap of my past week (mostly my weekend). Thrilling I know. I expect each day to get less crazy so I’m hoping my posting schedule will go back to normal soon. Sorry for my absence and I promise to slack on my work so that I can post every day never go that long without posting again.

Lily