Tis the Season to Be Sentimental

The last day of November officially sets of the Christmas season for me. In my house, we begin the season with Kyra's annual Christmas portrait session. This year will probably be the last time she'll wear the Mrs. Clause dress. It was a pain in the butt to find this year's dress, as most stores stop carrying such styles at 24 months.

This year is sort of nostalgic. It'll be the last year she still harbors her last bit of baby-isms, like the babble that frequently slips into with her slew of new sentences and the way she still runs with her arms bobbing about, half outstretched at her sides.

By this time next year I see her in her full fledged toddler stage. She'll be a blossoming 3 year old with her first buds of little girl starting to appear.

This Christmas, however... This Christmas is mine, to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of my baby enjoying her 1st Christmas all over again, for the 3rd time. By next year she'll start understanding the magic, believe in Saint Nicholas and remember what the decorated tree and presents underneath it are all about.

Until that happens, I'll be here- watching my little Kyra see everything with wide eyed amazement. For the 1st time, for the 3rd time.

Rub A Dub Dub

Kyra's newest favorite part of the day is her nightly shower. That's right, shower- not bath. You could possible be damned to hell for all eternity if you even attempt to run a bath instead of a shower. I learned my lesson with that a few days ago.

Here's Kyra enjoying her shower, enjoy it with her.

And now, lets wait until she's 13 and starts the process of hating me forever for not only taking such embarrassing photos but showing them to the entire Internet. Good thing I have 11 years until that happens.

Card Carrying Tiara Wearing Drama Queen

I just thought I'd thank you all for your comments on yesterday's post. I showed them to Jeremy and, by gosh, he not only cleaned the kitchen without me having to ask repeatedly but he also played with Kyra for several hours without me having to suggest this crazy notion to him. I'm hoping this isn't just a temporary thing and he actually keeps up being a father and husband and not just a money tree.

Although he did note that most of you aren't in the Navy and don't have to work the same grueling schedule he does.

Wa wa waaaa.

Didn't you know that he is the hardest worker in the entire Navy branch and never gets what he deserves and then has to come home, do the dishes and take care of his kid when all he wants to do is relax and unwind by playing his video games for the rest of the evening?

He's over dramatic like that. I like to tell him he's a card carrying, tiara wearing member of the Drama Queen Club and Kyra is following directly in his "I'm so abused, feel sorry for me" footsteps. (at least Kyra's excuse is that she's 2 and dramatics come with the age appropriate territory)

The thing is, he does work hard on the boat and doesn't always get the recognition he deserves but, honestly, that's life- inside or outside the military. I work hard all day and almost never get the Congratulations, you're doing a fucking fabulous job!

Does that mean he has a viable excuse to come home and check out? Um, no.

How hard is it, really, to come home and relax by entertaining a toddler until supper's ready? And once said toddler is in bed, do the dishes by (wait for it) loading the dishwasher and wiping down the counter tops and table.

He lives a hard life I tell you, and not even a demanding Stay at Home Mother gig could possible compare to how difficult his job is. Don't you feel pity for him now?

Me neither.

Back Me Up Here People

1) When I said I needed to dust my walls and ceiling fans, I meant it, and it was accomplished with my husband's begrudging help. Now he proceeds to make fun of me because, "Who in the world looks to see if you have dust on your walls and fans?!"

No one, and I'd like to keep it that way!

I'm trying to explain to him that people never notice a clean house but will always, always, walk away making comments to others about how dirty your house is. Its human nature, over look the good, take note of the bad and spread the word.

Back me up here people. Do you ever notice when a house is clean?

I'm not talking about a house that is usually skanky and has suddenly been picked up and brushed off, nor am I talking about a house that is so immaculate you're afraid to put a finger print on the bathroom faucet. But wouldn't you notice if you walked into a house and started sneezing because there's an inch of dust on the end tables and the colors on television screen has a bit too much grey?

Am I actually *gasp* wrong (I like to think I'm never entirely incorrect) or could Jeremy just not want to admit he has a good wife who keeps a clean house?

2) Jer has informed me that I am really lucky because "do you know how many guys actually help their wives clean the house?" and "there aren't any other husbands on the boat who clean the kitchen and the bathrooms and I do it all the time." To which I ask him, "how many other guys have one fucking sexy wife making home cooked meals and made from scratch desserts on a regular basis? It looks from your growing waistline that you're not complaining either."

Seriously? Did he just go there? I mean, are we back in the 1950s where the man of the house works all day, bringing in the bacon and comes home only to eat, sleep and donate sperm?

Oh, I guess all the cooked meals, clean house and child rearing should be accomplished on. my. own.

Thanks for your support, honey.

3) I believe he should pull his head out of his behind and appreciate how good he has it- kitchen/bathroom chores and all.

Jeremy believes I should cut him some slack and let him come home from work and play video games instead of harassing him to play with his off spring and wipe up a counter.

Who's more right?

You Want Me To Do What?

Kyra's vocabulary has just been booming in the last month. Not only is she forming sentences, but she's telling stories and singing songs- all. day. long. The kid just doesn't shut her mouth long enough to swallow!

Some of her sentences are funnier then others, like these two she's been spouting off all day:

1) [Will you] cut [my] toe off Mommy?

2) Kick [my] behind Mommy!

If only Kyra understood what she is really asking for...

***the words "will you" and "my" hasn't made it to her vocabulary yet, but it's implied***

Combination Locks

Apparently, according to my husband, women and girls are nothing more then combination locks, and our combinations change daily.

What exactly does that mean?

Honey, I think my combination today is going to be Left 6, Right 8, Left 4 which roughly translates to Kyra is yours for breakfast, all requests for horsey rides and evening bath routine. Remember that and you'll have one happy wife for the day!

What are your combinations for today?

You Know You're Old When...

You put your bright eyed and bushy tailed 2 year old to bed for the second time a half hour ago and now, at 10pm, you're in bed struggling to keep you eyes open long enough to writing a quick post fulfilling a NaBloPoMo commitment.

Exactly when was it my body decided 10 o'clock was my bed time? I distinctly remember 5 years ago staying up all hours of the night doing things my daughter will never be allowed to do...

Oh, wait, I wasn't one of those kids. I was staying up all hours of the night either studying, working extra shifts at the hospital, or reading a really good book.

I guess I just admitted that I went from a boring person to an older, still boring person.

Another Successful Black Friday

I have survived the feeding frenzy we Americans like to call Black Friday.

Okay, so its not like I ventured out at 4am this morning to be the first cheap dummy at the front doors or Kohls, elbowing my way to a deeply discounted vacuum. Instead I slept in until Jeremy's alarm went off at 6:30, laid in bed until 7:10, and finally ventured to the mall at 9.

The mall was crowded, but not nearly as full as I anticipated. It was ablaze with many small groups of scurrying people. (reminds me of ants doing their busy work around the mounds) Lots of bags in hand, walking quickly from one store to the next to find as many deals as you can before the 11 o'clock door buster deadline ends, while oblivious to those of us with children in tow.

Really, who cares if you walk between and separate me from my child, whose fingers I previously held before you physically pushed between us rather then walk around a mother and toddler. Because of this I'm sure you made it to Sears and got your half priced duvet cover!

I managed to secure a new Christmas Dress for Kyra- originally $45, bought for $22. I love these deals!

Kyra also helped me pick out some Summer Sausage, that was on sale for 25% off, for Jeremy.

And I also did a little talking with Santa and have it on good authority his elves manged to secure Kyra's camera at an awesome price.

I started my Black Friday shopping at 9 and was finished by 11. The most crazy and hectic place I ventured into was, by far, Target. It was not only full to the brim but insane with greedy I need the last 15 dollar, 4 quart crock pot on the shelf! (which I was completely unprepared for after leaving the crowded but not quite crazy mall)

Anyone else go shopping on this day, "the busiest shopping day of the year"? If you did, how did you fare?

Happy Turkey Day

12 adults, 2 toddlers and 1 baby stuffed to the breaking point with all that is yummy on this happy and joyful Thanksgiving Day.

Its nearly midnight and I'm exhausted.

...and that's all I've got in me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Why Jeremy Says I'm a Spaz, Reasons #487-490

-487- The couple I thought was out of town... was. Until tonight when we drove past their house and their lights were on and vehicle was in the driveway. Although I still haven't heard from them I've put them back on my list of attendees. I wonder if they're still coming with the rolls and pumpkin pie they were going to bring?

-488- My friend Joelle read my post yesterday and showed up at my house this morning with rolls, a pumpkin pie and banana pudding! Do you think she knows me well enough to predict I was stressing out about the possibility of not having rolls and pumpkin pie on my Thanksgiving table?

-489- Jeremy's invited 2 more single sailors to our dinner... is my 13 pound turkey, 10 pound ham, 9 side dishes and 3 desserts going to be enough for 15 people? (counting that everyone will show up)

-490- Shit, its almost 10 o'clock at night and I haven't dusted my walls, bookshelves and ceiling fans yet!!! Please, dear God, I need more time!

How I Spend A Lazy Day

My day has been spent cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming the floors, washing and folding laundry and bed linens and taking great care of a mildly cranky, snot nosed child who decided for kicks and giggles today she was going to beat up the dogs with, not only her pint sized metal golf club, but her baby stroller too.

Upon Jeremy coming home from work he thought it would be a wonderful idea to ask Kyra "has Mama had a lazy day today?" Upon inquiring why he would ask such a question he claimed because I was in my PJ's he thought I hadn't done anything. This was long after he walked through the door, took a shower, put on his actual (meant and sold to be) pajamas and still never noticed the work I had done for the day.

I guess according to him, my pajamas consist of sweat pants and a t-shirt.

Apparently I'm supposed to get dressed up in my Sunday best to take care of our child and clean our house?

Then I ask Jeremy if he's seen so-and-so because I haven't seen or heard from his wife in a week. The couple and their daughter, that were coming over for Thanksgiving supper (and bringing 2 side dishes), are out of town on leave until Monday- why do I want to know?

I guess I need to add rolls and pumpkin pie ingredients to my last minute shopping list. Thank God they weren't in charge of the turkey.

Monday. Seriously? Thanks for the heads up, people!

Oh, but there was a highlight to my day. Since Kyra has decided a few weeks ago that if I put her down for a nap promptly at 2pm, she will sleep for two hours with no complaints. Because of that, I've gotten into the habit of watching Oprah at 4. It not only entertains Kyra while she wakes up (as she's not a morning or afternoon person upon rising from a slumber) but it entertains me as well while I make supper.

Anyway, back to the subject, Jeremy was home a bit early today and was watching Oprah Favorite Things and guessing what was under every box. He not only correctly guessed the KitchenAid Mixers, but was absolutely elated he guessed the large box was a refrigerator with a TV built in the door.

Arms thrown in the air, yelling "Yea! I was right! I knew it!" You would have thought he was winning these things for himself.

Yep, certainly the highlight to my lazy day.

Bunches and Bunches

In our household we don't always say I Love You to each other. Sometimes we say Bunches and Bunches, which (to us) is the equivalent.

It is currently just before 9pm and as I was sitting here wondering what I could post about I hear Kyra still awake and talking to her animals and dolls in her room. She's been up there talking, wiggling and moving in her bed for nearly two hours now.

Over the monitor I can hear her repeatedly giving her stuffed friends kisses and telling them in a sweet, reassuring voice Bunches and Bunches, Bunny. Bunches and Bunches, Ducky. Etc, etc....

I never knew how sweet life could be until I had my beautiful baby.

Age Appropriate Toys

I am really quite anal retentive about age appropriate toys for Kyra. I'm a pretty big believer that the posted ages are accurate as far as age appropriate and skill level are concerned.

There are some exceptions to the rule, like she has a kitchen set and several cabbage patch dolls that are for ages 3 and up. But off hand, I think that is all she owns that doesn't have a 2 or under age recommendation.

But there is this toy Jeremy and I are considering asking Santa bring her for Christmas. The VTech Kidizoom Digital Camera seems to be the perfect alternative to Kyra playing with my camera. It's toddler proof, takes decent pictures, and is has high recommendations from other parents.

The thing is, it's for ages 3 and up. Is the 3 and up because it's going to be too complicated for Kyra to understand the concept of point and shoot, or are there little lead painted parts Kyra's just going to stick in her mouth and ingest? (yes, she still puts everything in her mouth)

My mind is going, Hmm.. it says 3 and up for a reason, just wait another year. But my desperate wanting for her to leave my camera alone but not squish her enthusiasm for taking pictures says I should suck it up and get it for her... and if she doesn't get the hang of it in the beginning she. will. learn.

So what do I do, bend my own age appropriate toy rules and have Santa bring a really cool camera or put it off for one more year, until then keep a careful eye on her while she plays with my really expensive camera?

Chocolate Covered Christmas Indulgences

Wanna know one of my most favorite Christmas time yummy treats? Chocolate covered cherries.

Mmmm.

I picked up my first box of the season today. Half the box (which is 5 pieces, but still half a box) has been devoured. In half an hour.

Each season it seems like I'm telling you about another yummy, sugar filled, no healthy bit of anything in the ingredients treat that I'm eating with one long, deep, inhaled breath.

Remember the Peeps?

So, enough with my holiday themed over indulgences, what are some of yours?

Where Has the Time Gone?

Heather is right, Thanksgiving has just snuck up on me this year. Didn't we just have Halloween two weeks ago and in less then one week we'll be stuffing ourselves silly with all kinds of mildly healthy but incredibly yummy food?

Before we know it Christmas will be here, New Years, and then my house will be packed in boxes and I'll be moving to state number 4 since getting married over 4 years ago.

Does anyone know how to slow down time?

Soccer Mom In Training

Back before Kyra graced us with her presence, I never imagined myself as a stay at home mother. I pictured myself permanently out in the workforce, earning a paycheck, making a name for myself in what ever tiny part of the world I chose to reside in.

Strait out of high school I was sure I was on my way to being an elementary school teacher. I thought little kids were cute, baby sat some wild little heathens and everyone usually ended the day alive and relatively happy. Any and all adults around told me I was a perfect teacher in the making.

Freshman year, I had one semester long class that landed me right in the center of a middle school math class as a tutor for a few of the struggling, hoodlum brats... my wanting, will and desire to teach had lost it's luster.

Sophomore year, my major was quickly switched to physical therapy. I figured I had spent enough time nursing sprained ankles, chin splints and an achy knee from cheering for 12 years I could at least sympathise with my patients.

The semester before I married Jeremy I took a film editing class and was hooked. I loved it. I was very, very bad at the short 5 minute movies I made, but I had a blast making them. After briefly considering another major change, I tossed the idea in favor of eloping with my Love and taking a few semesters off.

Since then I've completed two psychology classes (which. I. loved.) and two EMT Basic classes (in two different states) and I passed them all. With the EMT class I went as far as took the piratical (hands on) exam and flew through the stations with flying colors. When all I had left to do was take a written exam to secure my license I flaked. I didn't even attempt it because I wasn't sure I was totally committed to being an EMT for the rest of my life.

With all that being said, I like my current job. Stay at home mom to a 2 year old who's greatest idea of fun all day long is to mimic every. single. word I say or action I make. For all the days Jeremy comes home to a wife running, screaming "she's your child I need a break!" as I run past him through the front door, there are 10 more days that I wouldn't want to let anyone else experience these moments but me.

Had someone asked me 8 years ago if I saw my career path leading strait to Stay at Home Mother, early stages of Soccer Mom, and future PTA member I might very well have laughed in your face. Today, there's no other career I'd rather have and no where else I'd rather be.

How did you see yourself when you graduated high school. Is it where you are today?

Kid Nation

Have you guys seen this TV show? I love it. I've loved it since the first premiered.

The thing is... every time I see a new episode there's a new kid I want to give a good swat on the butt. Specifically the bratty and lazy ones.

Then there are the majority of bunch that I would love to take them home with me so I can give them a great big squeeze and let them know what a great job their doing. I wish I could write those parents a little note telling them what great children they raised.

I often wonder what the parents of some of these less then stellar children think of their offspring's performance. Are they a direct reflection on how their parents raised them or is it more they're just the bad seeds in the bunch.

I mean, I've came across some very bad seeds in society who came from great families, but then again I've seen some rotten little snots who were spitting images of their blood relations (and I'm not speaking of looks alone).

What do you think? Are your habits and personality traits directly related to your parents and upbringing or do you think things like that are only a minimal influence?

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Jennifer brought it to my attention that she's having trouble leaving comments and that she's getting a response from Blogger saying their fixing some problem. Anyone else getting this response? If so, email me at slavetothemommytrade[at]gmail[dot]com.

Remember When...

I talked about working out and getting a really hot, sexy body?

Ya, I forgot about it too.

Shortly after Jeremy came home from deployment it was thrown to the curb. And all the weight that I was sure I hadn't lost because all my measurements stayed about the same... apparently I was wrong about that too. My skinny jeans are starting to get a bit snug again and it's not even the day after Thanksgiving yet.

Is it disappointing that I don't care that I'm waisting $10 a month by not going to the gym or that I'm gaining back everything I thought I didn't loose but really that I lost?

Now, should I just wait until after the holiday season to start working on a sexy body all over again or should I jump back on the band wagon tomorrow?

Not to put any pressure on you, but your opinions might (possibly) be the motivation I need to either jump back on the treadmill or send it a thank you note for entertaining me 3 days a week during the last months of deployment.

You Wanna Act Like A Child, You'll Be Treated As One

Jeremy insists this lady is me. Talking to him.

Does this mean I tend to talk down to him or he acts like a child and thus gets ordered around like one?

I'm voting for the latter.

What do you think? Do our other halves act immature and warrant us to help navigate them through their daily lives or do we talk down to them for absolutely no reason. Or am I the only one with a spouse who thinks he's the only poor soul in the *whole wide world* with a wife who tells him he can't wear wrinkled and mismatched clothes while out in public with said wife?

Excuses, Excuses

So, I've mentioned before about how I'm teaching a CCD class.

Well, for the most part its going wonderfully. Even though all I want to do is quit because I feel like I'm flailing in the water and there's nothing but a tiny, half inflated inner tube keeping me afloat. This feeling only comes about because I am incredibly insecure about my knowledge on the subject matter.

Me? Insecure? Never!

But that's not the point of this post. The point is that with this class I'm teaching, I have to take a class of my own to be a certified Catechists. (Catholic lingo for teacher)

We've had five long chapters to read, answer questions to and discuss at three separate meetings with our person in charge. I completed chapters 1-4 on time and turned them in. Chapter 5, I finished today, while Kyra was napping (mostly). Kyra woke up as I was answering my final question.

Typing with Kyra in my lap is not an easy feat. Apparently neither is saving my finished product. I hit "save as" and every thing disappeared off the screen.

Gone. Audios. See ya!

The problem is, now I can't find it, my final, spell checked, re-read, saved piece. I need to print it, take it to my meeting in one hour, and it. is. missing. Now where to be found on the damned contraption.

So, my question I pose to you is... think my person in charge will accept my excuse that my computer ate my homework? Is that a reasonable excuse these days?

I really should be working on finding it, but I'm tired. My brain hurts, and I'd rather write a post about it.

Now, hopefully she'll accept my excuse of my computer being a royal pain in my rear and confiscated my hard work.