kids – Page 38 – Writes for all Mommies

Mom’s Day Off

15/04/2012 WFAM

930973727606 — Mad Dog thinks this note is highly entertaining. I plan to make several copies and use it indefinitely on an as needed basis.

See? I even had medical documentation to take a day off.

It all started off innocently enough. We were headed to a car show with the boys. It was at a car dealership nearby and had reached full capacity for parking. We were redirected to a field where we could hop on a van to return us safely to the show across the highway teeming with cars. As we got on the van and I held T.Puzzle on my lap, a fire ant got hold of my left foot and went to town. By the time his attack was over I had been bitten at least five times. I have been allergic to these bites in the past but I have never had five bites at once. My body decided it was having none of it.

The reaction was almost instant. I will spare you some of the humbling details. Let’s just say there were hives EVERYWHERE. My body felt like it was a mass of fiery itching.

Instead of a car show, we dropped the boys at Grandma’s and spent a lovely afternoon at Express Care.

There absolutely were some positives. The nurse and doctor I had were exceptional. They made sure I had a blanket when I got chilled so I could nap (yes, that’s right, you read correctly, a MOM got a nap during the day!), they put cool compresses on my swollen foot and generally fussed over me the way a Mom fusses over her own sick kids. And, the steroid and Benadryl shots the nurse administered were miraculous in how quickly they improved my symptoms. My body has actually returned to human form overnight.

Wow, what a Mom won’t do to get a little attention and a day off!

children, family, humor, kids, motherhood, parenting

Parenting is a Kick

10/04/2012 WFAM

No matter how long I raise boys, there are aspects of them that I will never understand. The physicality in which they move through life is fascinating to me.

Why is it necessary to karate chop each other while brushing teeth? Why is tackling a part of getting into the car? Why is furniture considered a jungle gym?

All I can do is make some rules about safety, hope they follow at least enough to prevent harm and accept that my house resembles a three-ring circus more often than not.

This morning, as I have been working hard with T.Puzzle to control himself while brushing teeth, I saw a rogue high kick escape from his leg.

“Hands and feet to yourself!” I implored. “No kicking!”

“I didn’t kick him, Mom. I missed,” he replied. His tone indicated that by missing his brother’s face with his foot, that he was the epitome of decorum.

So, the morning was saved. I’d like to say I owe it all to my incredible parenting skills. Mostly, I owe it all to T.Puzzle’s terrible aim.

children, family, humor, kids, motherhood, parenting

Don’t Cry for Me Argentina

30/03/2012 WFAM

I haven’t necessarily wanted to share with you about the boys’ current soccer season. The first two games of the season were so pitiful, I actually took to trying to disguise myself at subsequent games. Thankfully, Mad Dog’s mad skills have turned both boys’ teams around. I can now freely leave my wigs and sunglasses at home. Look for Mad Dog’s blog in the future called, “Winning is Everything. One Man’s Journey to Ultimate Soccer Coaching Success, All Thanks to My Beautiful Wife” (or something like that).

Of course before last Saturday’s game for T.Puzzle, I had an in-depth discussion with him that his focus should be on kicking the ball, NOT playing tag with a rascally teammate. Whatever it was, both squads have improved dramatically from that first week. While I enjoy when they win, I can walk away happy if they gave it their all.

This recent soccer success has convinced Full Speed that he is going to be a professional soccer player. His dream is to play for Argentina so he can be on the same team as Lionel Messi. I told him I would miss him and that I would do my best to travel to as many games as I could.

I saw the lightbulb go off in his head. “Mom, you could just move with me to Argentina! Then you wouldn’t miss me at all.”

With Mad Dog’s soccer genes and a heart of gold, I predict he is going to give Lionel Messi a run for his money.

Go Team!

children, family, motherhood, parenting

Elevated

22/03/2012 WFAM

Mad Dog surprised us with a little family getaway to Amelia Island. We packed a lot into our small trip and had an absolute blast.

As the Mom of two, gregarious boys, I realize that serene moments in travel will be few and far between. The best line of defense is a good offense. Therefore, it is all about movement. Keep them active and all will be well. If they are confined for too long they invariably turn on each other. That’s when you know it’s time to move again.

That said, we thankfully managed some calm here and there. However, there was a lot of sprinting on the hotel grounds. As we left our room yesterday the boys, in typical fashion, sprinted ahead of us. As we turned the corner to the elevators, they were nowhere to be found.

Guess who decided it would be awesome to ride the elevator to the lobby by themselves? Thankfully, a kindly couple waited and watched over the boys until Mad Dog and I caught up to them. The boys were so full of pride. At least someone was because I certainly wasn’t. Embarrassed much?

After a stern talking to and a serious warning, we hope that parent-free elevator rides won’t become the norm. Of course at some point I’m going to have to let them go by themselves. It might be awkward if I follow them around their college dorm elevators.

children, family, humor, kids, motherhood, parenting

Did I Say Loud? I Meant Awesome

18/03/201222/03/2012 WFAM

Have you ever had a perfect day? The weather is amazing, your kids are well-behaved and things in general run smoothly. Our day started off with a lovely brunch near the open air. There was an abundance of good food and sunshine. The next stop was a park where the boys ran obstacle courses with their invited friend. The trio was all heart as Mad Dog timed each of them. It was fun to watch them try to out perform each other and their best times. The added bonus is they were completely tired by the time we headed home. No wait, actually only Mad Dog and I were completely tired.

Once home the boys helped me walk their neighbor friend across the street. Her appreciative Mom said that she would love to have the boys over in the future. Full Speed happily offered that he could come over right that instant.

“You can have us over anytime. Our Mom needs a vacation from us because we are really, really loud,” he shared.

Not exactly a winning endorsement. Any takers?