Wednesday, May 18, 2016

For the Beautiful Ladies

So, this has been bugging me for awhile and I feel the need to get this off my chest.  Here's some advice for my beautiful, unmarried ladies who always end up with some of the worst excuses for "men" I have ever heard of.  You can take it or leave it, and I know most of you end up leaving it, but I feel it needs to be said.  This is obviously just my opinion.

If there is a guy who thinks he has a shot with you, YOU, of all people, the most stunning, amazing, intelligent, kind, thoughtful, unbelievable woman I have ever been lucky enough to know.....then he thinks he has a shot with anybody.  He obviously thinks way too much of himself and will end up taking that shot with any and every woman he sets eyes on.  Humble, good, honest, loving men would never in a million years think he would be good enough for you, and therefore can't even imagine trying to get a date with you. He will stand on the sidelines and watch you get hurt over and over again, wondering what is wrong with the guys who would hurt such an angel, but can't imagine that you would ever give him the time of day.

Don't let a guy pick you.  Because then you are settling.  I'm sorry, but it's true.  You are settling for whatever comes your way because in the past the douchebags who have hurt you made you believe, wrongly, that you are replaceable. That you are unworthy.  They are so wrong.  So terribly wrong. You can assume that any guy that thinks he is worthy of you is also wrong.  You deserve someone who feels lucky that you picked him.  That when you walk through the door, he is shocked every single day that you allow him in your heart and he can call you "his".

So my advice?  Steer clear of the guys who pick you.  He is not worthy.  You pick who YOU want.  Not the other way around.  The shy guy who thinks he never has a shot with you?  He will cherish every single thing about you.  As he should.  And I'm not talking about the guy who has no backbone and is a "yes" man.  I'm talking about the guy who is completely content to be on his own, have his own ideas and dreams, but would feel blessed to have you in his life to share them with.  THAT is the guy you want.  Don't settle.  You are worth more than that.  I know it.  Now it's time for you to know it too.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Warning! This WILL piss you off

I will warn you, as the title suggests, that unless you are an open minded, logical thinking, I can see both sides to an argument type person....this post will piss you off. One, because liberals and conservatives alike will be on my chopping block, and two, there will be language.  Potentially a lot of it depending on how riled up I get typing this.

First of all, let me address the liberals.  Now you know how it feels.  Now you know what it feels like to have the laws made that make perfectly law abiding citizens criminals just so you can, mistakenly, feel like your children are safer.  Now you should understand that when a person has no ill intent, but YOU feel like there is a potential chance that your children could be harmed, pass a law!! That makes it all better!  NOW your children are safer.  You feel better, even though a perfectly harmless person who owns a gun, minding their own business, and has never hurt a fly, and has no intention of doing so, but feels more comfortable having said protection, is now a criminal. * I hope you feel better.

Now, on to the conservatives.  You DO know how it feels!  You know that passing an effing law does NOTHING to protect citizens, and yet you continue to promote stupid ass laws that make completely law abiding citizens who are just minding their own damn business into criminals! How do you not see the irony?  How can you sit there and promote this crap?  What is wrong with you? * Do you not see that not once, NOT ONCE, has there ever been a reporting of a sexual assault by a trans individual in a public restroom, but because YOU, again...mistakenly, feel that it could possibly make your children safer, you say, "PASS A LAW!  It makes everything better!  My children will be safer!  Let's make people who are law abiding citizens who are minding their own business freaking criminals!" *

Here's the deal. If you have been sexually assaulted in a public restroom, I completely understand your reservations about allowing your children into one without adult supervision.  Completely.  So fathers with daughters, you should definitely join them to make sure they are safe.  And mothers with sons?  Absolutely, make sure you attend to your sons needs if they get sick or need help with a zipper or something.  That makes perfect sense.  But wait!  Oh....THAT'S RIGHT!  You CAN'T!  Because you will get ARRESTED! *

And then I saw this.......




Now, a couple things about this.  First of all, there is not a single trans individual who would be caught dead out in public looking like that.  They look 100X better than I do even on a good day. I mean, that's not saying much, but still.  And secondly, what the hell kind of dive bomb ass places are you taking your daughter to that have a bathroom that looks like that? A toilet in the middle of the floor?  Really? I mean, I have been to some pretty seedy places in my life, and let me tell you, they still had stalls.  With a DOOR. *

And then there was this one....



I mean, the irony of this post is just hilarious. How do you not see it? Wow.  But yeah, anyway.  Thanks for helping me make my point.  I appreciate it.

Conservatives.....you should recognize and accept that the liberals have a point.  Even if they are wrong, they feel like banning guns makes their children safer.  Even though it makes law abiding citizens criminals, it is FOR THE CHILDREN.  And liberals....YOU should recognize and accept that the conservatives have a point.  Even if they are wrong, they feel like banning trans individuals from public restrooms makes THEIR children safer.  Even though it makes law abiding citizens criminals, it is FOR THE CHILDREN!

Newsflash *, not one, I repeat, not ONE law that has ever been passed has ACTUALLY made your children safer.  Okay, maybe the seat belt law.  I'll give you that.  You know what keeps your children safe?  YOU!!!!!!!!!!!  Educate. Inform. Be available.  You get educated. You get informed. Because until that happens, this whole FOR THE CHILDREN crap does nothing for the kids. Liberals...I know, why don't we make a law that ALL guns are banned from this country.  Police, bodyguards, secret service etc. are not immune.  If you have someone breaking into your home or threatening your life, you can call the police who will be armed with only their words and good intentions.  Or conservatives, let's make a law that girls of all ages should be required to wear skirts so that authorities can easily access and verify whether or not they REALLY have a vagina.  Ya, know.  FOR OUR CHILDREN. *

I'm not sure if you think that sounds ridiculous, but I can guarantee you there is a lawmaker out there. somewhere, who does not.  Let me make it very clear.  If you encounter a law abiding citizen who is carrying a gun, you are SAFE.  If you encounter a law abiding trans in a bathroom, you are SAFE. Understand, if all the sheeple continue to support idiotic, arbitrary and ineffective laws that criminalize the very basic right to just be left the hell alone, then I promise you, the next law abiding citizen who ends up in jail.....will be YOU.


*feel free to insert, "ya dumbass" here.  Because that is totally what I'm thinking in my head right now

Thursday, September 3, 2015

The Cell Phone Contract

I just recently read a post from a friend regarding cell phone contracts between a parent and their child that I struggled with.  Now, if you know me, you know that if you do things differently than me, more power to ya. But if you are looking for some guidance, or wonder, "What do other people do in this situation?", maybe I can provide a fresh perspective.  Here's my contract that I've had with my teenage son for the last two years regarding his cell phone.

1.  I trust you to be smart.  I know that you keep your phone on silent at all times, home or school.  I know that it stays in your back pack during class in case there are "friends" who want to take it, play with it, throw it around etc. I know that you have never gone over on your data plan. I know that you have two intricate lock pattern screens in order to get into your phone.  Is it to keep me out?  Maybe. But when you told me it was so kids at school couldn't and wouldn't want to take it, I trust you.

2. I trust your decision making skills.  You have always responded in a timely manner when I have texted or called.  You have never broken, lost, or gotten your phone taken from a teacher. I know that your phone stays in your vehicle while at work. I know that when I say there are no phones at the dinner table, you shut if off and don't complain. It's just how it is.

3. I trust you to be kind. We've tried to raise you right, but I don't know if you're bullying someone online.  But when the mother of the new kid in band comes up to me and tells me how much her son enjoys being around you and how great he thinks you are, then I think we're doing okay.

4. I trust you to be open and honest with me when you need to be. When you have come to me with questions regarding things online or with stuff other's have posted, I know that I can trust you to look for honest answers from me.

5. I trust you to be accountable.  Are you up all hours of the night on your phone?  I don't know.  I do know that you get up at 5:00 in the morning every other day to be at work on time, without fail, and that you get up at 6:00 in the morning on the opposing days for jazz band, so I don't care to be totally honest.

6. I trust you to be respectful.  We talked about sending penis pics.  Nobody wants to see that. It's gross. Remember the Brett Favre debacle? Just ew. Don't do it. Just don't. And don't be a douche and ask girls for boobie pics.  It makes you look bad, and seriously, a girl who responds to you with a picture is not the kind of wife or mother for your children you want long term. We both know it would be a waste of your time and effort.

7. I trust you to be responsible.  You bought your phone, and you have to pay for your own contract. It's all on you. If it gets taken, lost or broken, it's your problem to deal with. Not mine.  I won't save you, and you don't expect me to. I remember when the lady at the cell phone store told me it would be cheaper to just put your phone on my plan.  "Not cheaper for me!" I laughed.  You're in charge, completely, of what happens to your phone. And I trust that you take that responsibility seriously.

 In short, I trust you. I trust that you have been and continue to be a pretty amazing person.Could that change?  I'm sure. But I will trust you until that time comes.  I remember you coming to me one day and said, "Mom?  Have I ever thanked you for not going through my phone or making me give it to you to look through?  I know some kids who have to hand it over every night.  That would suck."  My response?

 "Thank you for not making me feel like I need to."

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

.....And So Can I

Let me just start this blog by saying that we all have opinions, varied and passionate, but let's be clear.  The nature of the word "opinion" makes it imperative to realize that these are not facts people.  NOT facts.  And because we live in the great country of America, we all have the right to express our opinions.  Let me also be clear that I have absolutely no desire to change your opinion.  What you believe makes you inherently you.  It is what makes you unique, and I don't want to change that about anybody, even if our beliefs are drastically different.  Lord knows I live with and love a man dearly who doesn't agree with most of my beliefs.  But both of us have no problem with saying, "Let's agree to disagree."  My 13 year old understands this concept.  Why some full grown adults can't figure it out baffles me.  So please, feel free to use your right to express your opinion, as will I.

However, let me also be clear that you do not have the right to express your opinion in a hurtful or hateful manner.  No one has been given that right, unless I missed something somewhere.

Let me give you a list of just a few of my loved ones: those who are gay, those who may be but are too young to comprehend this yet, those who can't walk, those who can't see, those who can't talk, those who can't read, those who are in wheelchairs as we speak, and those who will be.  Every single one of these people are not the "social norm".  Every single one will be the recipient of disgust, disdain and degradation.  They will be bullied, they will be laughed at, and they will be treated as "less than".  And if you are one of those people who are openly hurtful or hateful to any of the ones I hold dear to my heart, I will call you on it, I will fight you on it, and I will win.

I am a huge believer in karma.  (If you are not, see first paragraph).  I believe every single person needs to remember to treat others as they want themselves or their loved ones to be treated.  And if you are a person who chooses to be hurtful and hateful, God forbid anyone you know or love doesn't fit into what is society's idea of "normal".  Because karma can be a bitch.....(insert title of blog here).

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Tiger Mom

A while back, I had a few friends tell me that I was a "tiger mom".  At that time, I had no idea what they meant.  I assumed it was somewhere along the lines of being a "cougar".  Apparently not.  :)

So....a tiger mom.  I have to wonder if this is a good or bad thing.  I have lots of opinions on what kind of mother I want to be.  Lots.  Yes, you can feel sorry for my kids now.  I will reinforce the opinion, however, that this is the kind of mother I want to be.  NOT, I repeat, NOT what I think everyone else should be.  They're your kids.  Do what you want with them.  Just remember, I'm going to do what I want with mine.

This has become very clear to me as my kids get older that as far as moms go, I'm not nice.  I would say that my style of parenting is more "I'm going to make sure you are prepared for life outside my home" versus the "I really wish you would never grow up."  We enjoy our sons, but we have a job to do.  And trust me, it IS a job.  One that I take a lot of pride in.  But my title is "Mom", not "Friend".

For instance, an allowance?  My sons have all brought this up.  Once.  I looked at them, and said, "Uh, no."  That was the end of the discussion.  lol.  But we have talked about things in relation to this over and over again.  Our children do lots of things around the house, because they live here.  I don't get paid to do the dishes, Kevin doesn't get paid to mow.  They won't either.  It's called being a part of this family.  Secondly, having money, in my opinion, is not a right.  It's earned.  At a job.  I refuse to let my sons believe they should get money just because they live and breathe.  Not happening.  See, feel sorry for them yet?

 Also, my children are required to get straight A's.  They are extremely intelligent, and fully capable.  If they are struggling in a class, they have to inform us immediately, and they have to work especially hard to bring it up to snuff, or electronic devices are banned until said grade is an A.  They know the expectation, and they rise up to meet it.  And, no, they don't get money for their grades.  They get a special date, of their choosing, with us.  And hugs.  Lots of hugs.

Thirdly, our sons don't have cell phones.  And they won't until they get jobs and pay for them themselves.  It's a great way to teach responsibility and develop a credit rating.  I know.  I get the response of, "I like to know where my kids are at."  Newsflash, I haven't lost one yet.

 So, a tiger mom I may be.  But I plan on having kids fully prepared for the outside world, and at this rate, they are probably going to be running and screaming from our home to greet it with open arms.  :)

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Beautiful Girl

January 10th is a hard day for us.  More specifically, hard for Mason and I.  In 2008, a beautiful, kind amazing nine year old girl was taken from us in a tragic car accident that left us shaken.  Every year in the past, Mason has struggled.  Sadly, every year I have struggled to help. 

I went to college with the intention of helping those in need.  I took every psych course, every child development course, and every "self help" course I could find to make sure I could do this effectively.  Yet, every year, January rolls around and I feel completely unprepared to deal with Mason's sadness.  Every time he tears up, I'm worthless.  His grief  seems to bring me to my knees.  I can't seem to find the right words of consolation, because my tears choke every word. 

This year has been a little better.  Maybe it's because the snowy roads haven't been around to put a little edge of fear in our hearts.  Maybe it's because Mason has grown older and better equipped to deal with loss.  Hopefully it's not because he has given up on talking to his mom about this stuff because she's not equipped to deal with his loss.

However, when I am able to choke out the words, I tell Mason how glad I am that he has such wonderful memories of Morgan.  That I'm glad he had such an amazing person in his life, even for a short time.  And I am glad that he was able to know someone that incorporated everything about these two words....Beautiful Girl.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Preston's story

Sorry I haven't done this in a while.  I've been really busy now that I'm working (for those of you who did not know this, yes, I have started working.  No, hell has not frozen over.)  Anyway, I just found a story Preston wrote for his class about a Christmas tree that I was impressed with, so for the family members who are interested, I'll post.  Everyone else may be totally bored with this, but it's my kid, I get to brag.

     I was a small pine tree at the edge of the forest.  No animals ever paid attention to me.  One day a warthog was in a bad mood.  It's tusks were covered with mud, bugs and flowers.  It came to me to rub it off.  Then, one day a young boy and his dad came and put ornaments on me.  They did this every year for every holiday.  But most of all, they cared for me all year long.  Christmas is the best holiday ever.  Even was I reached over their heads, I was still the perfect little Christmas tree they loved.  Finally, I was about to die, and I was used to make a house so I can always be with the ones I love.  I love it when the kids invite friends over, and they still decorate me for Christmas every year.

Monday, September 12, 2011

A Moment

Hudson and I had a "moment" this weekend that I wanted to share.  It was one of those moments that I really had to question myself as to what is "right" and what would be the "wrong" response, and to be honest, I'm still not sure if I did the right thing.  Hopefully it's the right thing for us.

This weekend was a busy one for us, as the last weekend of summer usually is for us.  We have to get ready for winter (unfortunately....still waiting to move somewhere where winter doesn't exist).  This means getting the garage, camper, boat and other summer stuff winterized and put away.  This also means we spend the whole weekend in the garage.  The boys usually help, but I gave the two older ones a "pass" to spend some time with a friend who I felt could use some company, so it was just me, Kev, and Hudson.  We were going in and out of the house and Kevin had to run and grab a tool at his Dad's.  I stayed in the garage, and Hudson was in the house.  At some point, Hudson forgot I was in the garage.  Apparently he then began to run around the house, screaming (I mean screaming.  I'm sure he had a banshee beat.)  Loud enough I could hear him in the garage.

I, of course, thought he had harmed himself, so I went running into the house to figure out what in the world had happened.  I found him standing in the kitchen, sobbing, and looking completely distraught.  He just kept saying, "I couldn't find you."  After reassuring him that I was just in the garage, where he'd left me, and that I would never, ever leave him, he started to calm down.  I asked him, "Are you okay?"  Where he responded,

"Yeah, but don't tell Dad I got scared, okay?"

Oh man.  What do I do with this?  This is the moment where I have to decide if I am the mom that can be trusted.  If I can be the one that you can tell anything to and know that it's in pure confidence.

I decided.....I'm not that mom.  I decided that it was more important for him to trust that Daddy and I are a united front, that we as a unit will always be there for him, no matter what the circumstance.  And that we love him equally......differently.....but equally.  This could be the kind of moment that could make or break us.

When Kevin got home a few minutes later, Hudson was still recuperating.  I asked him if he would like to tell Daddy something.  Kevin looks at him and says, "What's wrong, bud?"  He says, "Nothing."  So I betrayed him.  I told Kevin what had happened.  Of course, Kevin picks him up and gives him a huge hug and tells him that he never has to worry.  We will never leave him, and that it's okay to be scared sometimes. 

So they wrapped their arms around each other and held each other.  I hope Hudson remembers that moment.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Stinky Washer

This is going to be completely outside of my "box" as far as blogs go.  It's not about my kids for once!  I am a housewife, along with being a mother, and I can say I have learned a few things.  A few.  Not many, because I don't want to learn, but a few!  :)

For those of you that have the front-load washers, this is for you.  Some people have asked how to keep it from smelling terrible, and I might have the solution for you.  You are welcome to test it out yourself.

First and foremost, do NOT use liquid fabric softener in these things.  That's the worst thing you can do, in my opinion.  Vinegar in the fabric softener slot works if you are looking for a more "natural" way to soften clothes, or just use dryer sheets.  But throw the liquid stuff away.  Now.

If you have been using liquid softener, or if it just stinks right now, run a HOT cycle of bleach and vinegar through your washer (no clothes) and then use antibacterial wipes along the rim and inside to get rid of some of the gunk that has accumulated.

If you only do laundry one day a week, like I do (Yes, I do it ALL in one day.  It takes all day, but whatever, it works) then make sure your last load is the whites with bleach and hot water.

And lastly, keep your washer door open to dry out a little after your load is done.  That can help too. 

Hope this helps!  Have a great day!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

You Might Be Right

I posted that one of the sexiest things a man could say to me is, "Hmmmm.....You might be right."  I'll be honest.  I'm more interested in how the men take this post than the women.  I'll tell you why.

Some men will take this as "Oh sure, a man has to be subservient."  Some will say, "No backbone is sexy?  Whatever."  Others will be like, "Oh please.  That's never coming out of my mouth!"  But I will tell you what most women think when they hear this.  I'm just trying to help you guys!  hee hee

When I hear a man say this, I hear, "Hmmmm......Very interesting.  I will give your opinion some thought, because I know that you don't give your opinion unless you truly believe in what you are saying.  And I recognize what a smart woman you are.  But I am an individual with my own thoughts and beliefs.  I am a strong person who can't be swayed easily by what others say.  But because I love you and respect you as an equal, I will give what you have to say consideration in what my beliefs and opinions are, also.  Because you MIGHT be right."

Yes, that really IS what we hear when you say those four words.  Lol

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Honest Mom

To be honest with you, I don't really care for babies.  Don't get me wrong.  I like other people's babies.  My own?  Well, they were hard.  I realize now that with each of my children, Mason most notably, I suffered from postpartum.  I felt like every day I was hanging precariously onto whatever marbles I had left.  I lost a few along the way, I know. The reason I prefer 18 month old children and up?  Because babies cry.....and cry.....and cry....and cry.

So I nursed.  Keep in mind.  I couldn't eat, sleep, bathe, brush my teeth, do my hair, shop, cook or clean without this tiny human screaming at me.  Every. Single. Minute.  I had barely enough energy to get out of bed that first few weeks, let alone clean, sterilize, or make bottles.  But I could nurse, luckily.  It kept them quiet.  I could finally get five minutes of peace while they ate.  Needless to say, I had very, very fat babies.  Because I like peace.

I truly started to love, adore, and cherish my sons once they started talking to me.  When they would cry, I could ask, "Why are you crying?"  and they could TELL me.  I rejoiced in every conversation.  Still do, much to my preteens' dismay.  I love to hear them talk, have conversations, and come up with their own ideas.  LOVE it.

So, in all honesty, our life together had a rough start.  And maybe there are other parents out there who are thinking "Glad it's not just me".  But rough start or not, like some pretty good books I've read, it may not have started out the greatest, but it's the middle and the ending that can make the best stories.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What We're Given

Hudson is sick today.  I don't fret about sickness too much.  I know it won't last long, and he will be on the mend in no time.  I do my best not to complain, because I know that in general, I have three healthy kids.  I should not be allowed to complain, because I know there are many parents out there that struggle every single day with issues that I can't even begin to imagine when it comes to their babies' health.

I have put a few things up on facebook about a family friend whose ten year old son has lived with a condition called EB.  If you don't know anything about it, please look it up.  I can't even imagine what this child and family have had to endure, but he is tough, and so is his family.  They are currently undergoing an experimental procedure to help him, and while I'm not usually a "praying" person, I think of him every day and night and continue to hope for great and amazing things for him.

But here's what I believe.  My friends who have children, those with EB, blind, autistic or paralyzed, have been chosen specifically to raise these babies.  No one else could do a better job.  No one else is strong enough.  No one else is committed enough.  These families are amazing to me.  I am awed by them every single day.  Kevin and I aren't that strong, nowhere near that tough. 

So, while I have been blessed to be given healthy children, the children who do struggle have been blessed to be given the family that will see their miracles through.  Whatever they may be. 

Friday, March 11, 2011

Preston

I don't talk about Preston much.  I know this.  To be fair, there is not much to say.  Not in a bad way, it's just he's a really good kid.  Yes, the kind of child every mother dreams of.  No brag, just fact.  Yet, this brings on a whole new set of worries, because, really, isn't this every mother's job.  To worry?

Preston is the middle child.  Kevin and I were both middle children.  He's the one that gets ignored most of the time, gets lost in the shuffle, and generally has to fend for himself.  Kevin and I did it as kids, and we honestly try to make a more concerted effort to avoid doing this to poor Preston, but it's inevitable I think.  I never really worried about him though.  He doesn't complain, he plays by himself, does what he's told, and never causes a fuss.  But after yesterday, lucky me, I now have found reasons to worry.

I went to parent/teacher conferences yesterday, and the teacher gave a glowing report about how well he is doing with math and reading, and never causes any trouble in her classroom.  Which, for her, causes a little concern.  What?  What do you mean?  Isn't that ideal?  Yeah, I know.  I was floored too.

She told me that sometimes Preston is too kind.  Huh?  How is that possible?  Example:  Apparently when Preston is in line, some of the kids will push in ahead of him.  Typical behavior.  His response, I guess, is not.  She said he just steps back and lets them get in front of him, without saying a word.  She's worried he's going to get pushed around a lot as he gets older, without defending himself.  Oh boy.

Then she tells me that she noticed he's constantly giving things away.  Or wanting to buy her and other people things.  He REALLY wants to buy her a ring or a necklace.  lol  And he wants to give all his supplies to other kids that don't have something, but then ends up not having enough supplies for himself.  Great.  

And lastly, she tells me that he is REALLY sensitive to other people's emotions.  She says that if the kids are being naughty in the class or she seems stressed, he keeps trying to make it better.  He asks if he can give her a backrub (can we say "overly affectionate") or if he can help somehow.  And she says this is a constant thing for him.  Ugh.
 
So she wants me to make sure he doesn't seem to be overburdened.  Someday he will have a major catastrophe come his way, there's no getting around it, and she worries he won't be able to handle it.  "A lot for a little guy to carry around."  So, yeah, now I worry about that too. 
 
We, as parents, work really hard at making sure our children are good, kind, sensitive, loving, blah, blah, blah.  Apparently, Preston has taken that to the 10th degree.  So, even when you seem to have the "perfect" child, you still have to worry.  So let's just be grateful we are given lots of different kind of children, so we have a job to do.  Worry.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Realistic Mom

I picked Mason up from school yesterday, and he had a t-shirt in his hand.  I asked, "What's that?"  He says, "It's a DARE t-shirt they gave us.  We're supposed to wear it every Thursday."  I said, "Oh really?  Hmmm.  So do they teach you realistic ways to stay away from drugs and alcohol?"  He says, "Yeah, like saying 'No' and walking away."

Okay, really?  That's realistic?  I mean, come on.  We've all been there.  It's not that easy.  As we all know.  Mason tells me that he made a pact with a friend of his that they would never do drugs, because his friend has had issues with his dad doing them.  Yikes.  Scary.  But real life. 

So I decided to put my own spin on ACTUAL situations he'll be put in, and give him REAL responses he can use.  Like when a friend is drinking and offers him a drink, I told him to just tell his friend, "No thanks.  I'll just drive your drunk butts around."  I told him that at least that way you don't make the friend feel uncomfortable, and you can still avoid drinking, and you'll keep all of your friends safe.  Also, how about when he's in football, and he's sore from practice, and a friend offers him a prescription pain killer?  He had no response.  I told him, "Just tell the guy, 'No thanks, I've got something at home I can take'."  And then to make sure to come home and let me know what is going on in his life.  No matter what.

I also told him that no matter what, he can tell us if he has made a mistake.  Because mistakes are how you learn.  And that as long as he is honest with us, he is safe with us.  Except for drunk driving.  And we've had LOTS of conversations about that.  We tell them all the time that no matter what the situation, if they have been drinking, call us and we'll come get them.  They won't get in trouble unless they get behind the wheel.  If we have to drive five hours to get them, we will.  Mason even said yesterday, "Okay.  So what if I'm driving my drunk friends around and they cover my eyes or grab the wheel and I get in an accident, I won't get in trouble?"  I said, "Nope, as long as you are sober."  Then he asks, "What's 'sober' mean?"  Oh, I have a long way to go.  lol

I hold no delusions that my guy won't EVER try something or dabble in things that could put him in danger.  And this conversation lasted over 20 minutes in the car, giving him situations and possible ways to keep himself safe throughout the drive.  Preston was also in the back seat, listening, and providing some input.  I hope that they listen, and can come up with their own solutions.  Realistic ones.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Side Effects

Most of the time, I am sooo grateful I have boys.  But there are times when I'm not sure I have enough knowledge to really see them through everything they will deal with.

Mason asked me the other day what the "side effects" of puberty are.  Side effects?  What side effects?  I drew a blank.  So I start going into the whole "your penis gets bigger, you get hair, your testicles get bigger" conversation.  He looks at me like I've gone insane.  "Not that!  Ewwww.  I mean side effects."  Okay, I'm at a loss.  Do I really know the answer to this one? 

Then he says, "Well, a friend told me that one side effect is that you get nose bleeds." Hahahahah.  Oh, okay.  I get it.  His poor friend must have gotten a nose bleed, was horribly embarrassed and decided to tell his friends that he's going through puberty, and that's one of the side effects.  Oh my.  Poor kid.

But I realized that this could be a defining moment.  Where your child comes to you for information, instead of his friends, and he is actually needing an answer.  Yikes.  I proceeded to tell him that I was very glad he came to me instead of just believing whatever his friends tell him, and that if I didn't have the answer, I would be honest and say, "I don't know.  But I will find the answer for you."  Because, most of the time, I don't know.  I have no idea. 

And I told him, "I don't know.  But I don't believe there are any side effects.  But if I find out differently, I will let you know."  I told Kevin about this whole conversation.  His answer?  "Side effect?  How about having raging hormones?"  Yeah.  If our poor child is anything like his parents, that will be a definite side effect.  But that's a completely different conversation.  lol

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Oh my

Conversation with Hudson today.  "Mom, my poop is green."  "Really?  Well, maybe it's all those fruit gushers you ate."  "MOM!!!  I didn't put fruit gushers up my butt!"  And people wonder why I turn to facebook for adult conversation.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

My Little Devil

I know some of you have heard this story, some haven't, but I had to repeat it this weekend to some "newbies" and I decided I should take some of your guys' advice and start "archiving" Hudson's stories. Blackmail is not beneath me! :P Hee hee. And most parents might read this and think, "Hey, mine's not so bad!" lol

Anyway, last winter, we decided to start potty training Hudson. In general, for boys, going naked is the best bet. And as most of you know, with Hudson, we can't keep clothes on him anyway, so it's easier also. We had a basic routine every morning. We'd take a bath, and then I'd be getting ready while he was upstairs with me. Anyone knows with a two year old, when they want to do something, they REALLY want to do something. So I would blow dry my hair, while he would be saying, "I want to do it" and then quickly screaming, "I want to do it!" You know the drill.

So this particular morning, I let him blow dry his hair while I was finishing up my makeup. All of a sudden, I hear this buzzing sound, like electricity misfiring, and I look down, and I see the hair dryer on the floor, with Hudson squatting down beside it, his penis in the end of it, peeing in it, while it was ON!

Fast forward two weeks. Same routine, I'm blow drying my hair.....yes...new hair dryer. You were wondering weren't you? ;) And of course, he wants to do it. After I'm done, I calmly say, "No, Hudson, you are not drying your hair. You peed in it last time." He starts bawling, crying, throwing himself on the floor, totally freaking out. So I say, "Hudson, I'm going downstairs. When you decide to pull it together, you are welcome to come downstairs with me." So I go down, (he's still freaking out, mind you) and sit at the computer desk which is under my staircase. After about five minutes of total brain melt on his part, it abruptly stops and I think, "hmmmmm, maybe he's got it together and he'll come down." Still nothing. Then it goes to, "hmmmmm, wonder what he's doing". Never good when it's quiet. But I wait. Then I start getting wet. Yes, wet.

I look up, and there he is at the top of the stairs, his penis through the banister, PEEING ON ME! 

Boys, boys, boys

I was running around trying to get Mason and Preston to their respective baseball practices, in two different places mind you, and Mason decides to have "the talk". Well....kind of. Mason starts telling me that he doesn't want to be a catcher for baseball anymore. I said, "Why?" He says, "Well, last year, I got hit in the balls, and that HURTS!" I say, in true mom fashion, "Ew, Mason, let's not use the word 'balls'. When you talk to your mom, could you use 'testicles' instead. You can use the word 'balls' with your friends, not your mom!"

So then he asks, "Why do boys have testicles?" This is when I knew I was in trouble. Big trouble. So I figure I will do the logical thing and try not to make him uncomfortable. lol So, of course, I TRY to to be honest. I tell him, "Well, that's where men keep sperm." Hoping it ends there. Yeah, not so much.

So he says, "Why do guys need sperm?" Oh, boy.  "Well, you know that women have eggs, and guys have sperm, and when they join, they make a baby". Doing well, don't you think? hahahaha THEN he says, "Well, how do the sperm and egg get together?" And you're wondering, oh no, did she go there? Yep, I did. The whole penis in the vagina thing. You should have seen his face. "Ewwww, gross Mom!"

But the thing I didn't count on.....Preston in the back seat. My little seven year old. He says, "Mom, when I propose to a girl, I'm going to do it in a really nice restaurant." I am thinking, thank God, a change of subject. "Oh, that will be nice Preston. A nice restaurant would be really special." And he says.....wait for it......

"And when she says 'Yes', I'm going to tell her to lay on my testicles."

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Three year olds

I always love my sons.  Always.  But there are times when I can't say I always "like" them.  My beautiful Mason, the loving, considerate, wonderful child of mine that I adore, was always quick to say "Please" and "Thank You".  No prompting, for the most part.  He just always wanted to please.  And then he turned three. 

Right after his third birthday, we had errands to run.  Pay bills, go to the bank, etc.  We went to the bank, and it's a small town, so they knew us well.  They greeted us as usual, and as we were leaving, they asked if Mason could have a sucker.  I said "Sure", and when they handed it to him, I told him to say "Thank You".  He refused.  Flat out refused.  So I told him to give it back.  He didn't want to.  So, I took it away from him and gave it back to them myself.  Wow.  He cried, no, screamed, and screamed, and screamed.  I just held him in my arms and walked out.  I get to the car (he's still screaming, mind you) and try to get him into his car seat.  Oh, the dreaded rigid bodied three year old tantrum.  Trying to get him into his seat was a true feat of wrestling, I tell ya.

So, still screaming, we head to Dollar General.  I get him out of the car seat (still screaming) and head into the store.  Again, small town, they ask me what's wrong with Mason.  I tell them the story of the episode at the bank.  She says that she has a Tootsie Roll in her pocket, if he can have that.  I said "Sure" again, as long as he said "Thank You".  Lo and behold, he refused.  Still.  So, again, I gave it back.  While he screamed.  He cried until we got back home, where he was exhausted from his ordeal of his "mean mom".  But guess what?  He says "Please" and "Thank You" every time.  Every. Time.