In Between A to Z (The Holidays)

The Weekend In Pictures.

Holding It In.

Last night my kid did a number on me.
Well, I suppose that's normal...but last night it was different.

It all started when I took his paper airplane away from him because it was distracting him from putting on his seat belt. Seriously, who wants to sit in the parking lot for 15 minutes while their kid puts on his seat belt?
He cried.

Then in route to meeting up with his little friend and her dad, he decided he wanted a hug. No, to be exact, he wanted me to stop the car in rush hour traffic - while driving in the left lane on the beltway - and get out and give him a hug. I wouldn't do it...you know safety reasons.
He cried.

Then it was at Barnes & Nobles. He wanted to take home 20 packaged Thomas the Tank trains. No, seriously. If you know my kid you know he has over 50 Thomas the Tank trains, etc. It wasn't enough that he was spending time with one of his friends on a play date and during the week at that.
He pouted and cried.

The finale - when we were being seated at the restaurant. He wanted to sit next to his little friend. The friends dad wanted them to sit across from each other to make sure they would eat their dinner and not play. I totally got that. My sons friend got it,  but my kid didn't.
He pouted and cried.

Inside, each time, I think my patience and mental capacity just depleted.
All I could think is: 
Why. 
Why me? 
Why now? 
Whose kid is this? 
And, what happened during the day for my kid to be like this?

The other part of me was thinking, if he doesn't cut it out there is going to be trouble!
I even thought about just dropping him off at someones house - my cousins or moms, ringing the bell and running and leaving him there - even if I had to tie him up to the porch furniture. Yes, I went there!

My last thought was too go home and make a martini. Okay, so I just found a new martini recipe - I thought it would mellow me out.

The night ended quietly.
The kid went off to bed with no problems. I suppose all that crying and the tantrums wore him out.
I on the other hand never made that martini. I was just too drained to mix and shake anything.

How do you as a parent cope with the meltdowns and a whiny kid? What's your breaking point?

---To Follow Up---
This morning I landed on "MOTHERHOOD: THE BIG, FAT FUCK YOU" an article by Lisa Morguess on the Scary Mommy blog. You can read it here. It's worth a read.

The comments are worth a read too. One comment that stuck out was:

"Ya know what kills me? That moms feel like they must apologize for losing it. That moms should be thankful and and feel totally fulfilled by motherhood every day of their bloody lives. Who made this crap up? Motherhood, like everything else, is full of trials and tribulations, and sometimes sucks and is sometimes joyful, and is another aspect of being a human being, and human being are imperfect even when we are trying our best. And we should not judge another mom who yells at her kids when she’s had enough of their lack of cooperation and concern for others! Sometimes that is the only time kids actually hear us and hopefully they learn something…."
-Melon

WW - While You Slept.

My kid likes to hang things on the wall...with tape.
I like to hang things on the wall too...neatly.
So there's a constant struggle over what we will hang or put up on the wall (and refrigerator) and how it will be presented.

The other day I decided I'd take a nap.
My son decided to play in his playroom.
An hour later when I went to check on him, I was greeted by what you see above.
He decided to hang up his pictures from school last year with some sort of sticky rope that he got from camp.

I haven't taken this down.
I figure...let it go. No stress.

All in all, every time I go into his playroom I just sort of stare at the wall and walk out.

On my end, there are no words for this
As for him - oh he's pretty excited!

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This post is a Wordless Wednesday post.

Learn more about Wordless Wednesday here.

Lov'in.

the Lumineers, "Ho Hey"

In memory of my cousin who lost his battle with cancer this morning.

God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.

In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.

Amen.

/Source/

O's.

O'sssssssssssssssss.
Feel the magic. A night at the ballpark.

p.s. We lost...score not needed. Yes, it was bad.

Little Builders.

Lowes offers a Build and Grow clinic for kids.
I had been saying for the longest time (in my head of course) that I should take my little one to one of the clinics.

A year later...
Like two weeks ago, while making a trip to Lowes, I finally signed my son up for two of the clinics.
The first clinic we didn't make. However, the second was last weekend. We made that one.

The build clinic was a bit different than I expected. I thought a store associate would be talking and interacting with the kids. Not the case. Turns out parents and guardians were doing all the work and providing guidance.
The store associate just handed out the supplies and went on her merry way.

I'm not really sure how I'd rate the clinic. I'd say for the sake of the kids it was a good experience. For the sake of parents, it would have been nice if there was an introduction to the project and a bit of interaction between teacher, student, and parents (the ones without any patience).

And being a designer, I have to note that I wasn't pleased about receiving a handwritten certificate at the end. That sort of stuff ruffles my edges.

All in all, if you have kids try it out for yourself.

Project: Toy Story RC 

39 Love.

Okay, so it's the day after my birthday.
I have to say yesterday was filled with a few surprises. The biggest of them all my son remembering to tell me happy birthday, taking me to dinner, along with presenting me with a few gifts. I know, he's only 4 and my mom made that possible but, it was special! I also received roses from my uncle that I hadn't talked to in over a year...definitely a treat.

So here's to turning 39 and all the wonder surprises along the way.

39.

Today marks my 39th birthday.
I am thankful, blessed and truly grateful for all HE has done.


I'm also thankful that a friend had to remind me of this...lol.

Where

...do we go from here.

The Zimmerman verdict vibrated beyond Florida.

Source: Mario Tama/Getty Images via NPR

~*~

Prayers to the Martin family.

Prayers to any family that has lost a child to senseless violence.

Prayers to the children of the future.

Wordless Wednesday - Superhero Push-ups.

"Superhero push-ups minus two."

A Wordless Wednesday Post.

Learn more about Wordless Wednesday here.

To A Friend.

It's amazing...
the power of music.
you hear a song
it brings back memories.
either good or bad.
you may or may not like it
but it happens.

I heard Jumper by Third Eye Blind.
I heard it last week.
and this week...
the song is still in my head.
sometimes you just can't shake it!





To A Friend:
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. /3 John 1:2

One Fine Day.

Last Wednesday was the closing program for the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes at my sons school.  There will be a little singing here, a little singing there I thought. The teachers, principal, and pastor will speak and it will be all over in 20 minutes tops!

Not the case.

There was singing by both grades. However, I’m not sure what my kid was doing. He was only enthusiastic about one song. I kind of don’t feel bad about it. I mean the rest of the songs that were sung I heard the ENTIRE school year (at the school, at home, in the car, etc.). I suppose he was over them. The one song he did sing was participatory – that will get the kids going if anything.

There were also a few words by the teachers, principal, and pastor as well as a slide show at the end of the ceremony.

And then somewhere in between all of that, promotion of next grade certificates and awards were given out.  When I heard that awards were going to be given out I cringed. It didn't help that my parents and other family members looked back at me and asked, “Will E be getting an award?” My response was a shrug of the shoulders and a side eye as in to say, “Really people, do I know!”

Suddenly, I sort of slide down a little in my seat and wondered, awards? What, they’re giving out awards? Oh my goodness! I wondered how I'd I feel if my kid didn't get one? Will that make me a bad parent? Did I not do something right this school year?  Wait, kids get awards in Pre-K? 

Promotion certificates were given out first. When they called my kids name, I could hardly get up to get a picture because inside I’m still spazzing over this award thing. Thank God for other family members and their gadgets.

Okay, so now I’m feeling like a crazy lady and an idiot. Regroup, regroup, and regroup – it’s “award time.” I just sit there…

I hear my sons name being called, I jumped up slightly. I didn't want to seem too excited or crazy. Inside I’m thinking Yessssssssssssssssssssssss! That’s my boy! Proud Momma!  (Only six awards were given out).

The award – In Recognition of Demonstrating A Positive Attitude, Good Character, Hard-worker, and Responsible Citizenship  

As he gets his award from the principal he looks towards me and smiles. I smile back. 

...Definitely one fine day.

Two Days.

Two days...

Yes folks just two days!
That's a 1 and a 2...
Two days left for what you might ask or wonder?
Well, in 2 days school ends and summer begins!

Should I really be this excited?
Am I ashamed that I am excited about this?
Has the school year made me a us horrible parent parents?

So what my kid is only in Pre-K!
Hey Pre-K counts!

And When I think about it numerically...
25% of me is ashamed about being excited and the other 75% isn't.

Here's the reason:

But seriously after all the shame is said and done (that didn't last too long),
I found out I'm not the only one! Jen Hatmaker, a mother of  five (5), feels the same and a little more. Check out her post, "Worst End of School Mom Ever"...it's definitely relatable...you know, if you have kids or know people who have kids.

Here's wishing you and yours a Happy Summer filled with a house full of noise, with extra questions about meal time, where's my so and so, when are we going to the beach, etc.!

Enjoy!

+++
Blog Post: Jen Hatmaker, "Worst End of School Mom Ever"

Life.

so enjoy the ride!

As of late: 

+ we've attended 5 kiddie parties in less than 2 weeks

+ i've seen more paint chips than I've ever imagined

+ i have enjoyed Maryland's finest...crabs

+ i'm loving antique shopping

+ i'm loving zoobean

+ i have been daydreaming about the beach and owning a hibiscus floral rash guard

Funky Beats.

Song/Q.U.E.E.N
Artist/Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu

Thankful and Blessed [HMD]

joyful smile

silly laughter

heartfelt kisses

intriguing conversationalist

extraordinary talker

my teacher

amazing joy

ultimate sacrifice

undeniable love

a gift from GOD

lifes BIG blessing

I am THANKFUL and BLESSED to be called his MOTHER.

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers near and above, 
and to the parental units who are in that role.

I Judged A Book.

1/

Monday is library day at my sons’ school. Like clockwork every Monday he brings a book home. I take the book out of his book bag, look at the book and then sit the book on table.  I can honestly say that half of the books he brings home don’t get read, mainly because we go to the public library frequently which amounts to having tons of library books along with personal books.

This past Monday when my son brought his library book home, I took it out of his book bag. I looked at the book and thought, ewe Pinkalicious? To be exact, “Pinkalicious: Fairy House was the book’s title! Really! Oh this isn’t getting read,” I said to myself.

I immediately wondered why my kid picked this book. It’s pink and glitzy - it’s a girly book (yes, I said that). What happened to the robot books, the car books, the truck books, or even the SpongeBob books that he brought home before? I glanced over the book one more time and I then put Pinkalicious and all her pink glory on the table...with no thought of adding it to this week’s reading list.

Today is Wednesday and Pinkalicious: Fairy House was read to my son last night before bed time and I enjoyed it.  Well, we both enjoyed the book.

The book is about Pinkalicious along with her friend Peter, building a cozy house in the backyard for fairies to stay in during their visit to her family’s blooming garden which she believes comes to life each year due to the fairies hard work. The book is an I Can Read book which makes me happy, happy! It’s an easy reader for parents (especially if you are tired from a long day) and it encourages my son to read as well as helps with his reading skills via the use of site words. The book is also well written illustrated.  Because I enjoyed the book so much, I later decided to Google the book title to see what I could find out about the author. What I found was that there was a Pinkalicious website - a lot more than I was looking for! But seriously, the website is very well designed, it’s informative and educational.

So in less than a week I learned again that I was wrong. Just because my son brought home a pink colored glitzed out girly book was not a good reason to not want to read the book to him. Thus I am reminded of an old saying, “One should never judge a book by its cover.” As I am normally not the type of parent that will stir my child away from something because of its makeup…why would I start now? 

++++++

What books are you reading with your children? Do any of these books or authors of books have interactive/educational websites or apps?

2/

Element.

1/

I'd have to say this semester of school was draining. I gave my final presentation for class my digital economy class on Wednesday.

Two days later this graphic clearly shows how I'm feeling - "out of my element."

It's strange to feel this way. I guess I never get over the hustle and bustle of school. I'm excited when classes start. Then I get annoyed during the semester because of the work and time in general. Then classes end and I'm lost and I'm super tired from it all...and my allergies are up to level 90.

A spa day would be awesome but, there are a ton of other neglected things that I need to take care of.

I need to jump back in...and get it together...quickly.

Pictures.

Below, pictures we didn't take before we had digital cameras. I'd have to totally agree! What about you?

1/2

++++

What sorts of things do you find yourself taking pictures of?

1. The talented Angela Liao of twenty pixels 

2. Mashable 

Be.

Love this...

via Geekie

Getting the Sillies Out.

Do you watch Nick Jr.?

Have young kids or young family members?

Have you heard the name Brobee, Mono? Wait...DJ Lance Rock?

If I've lost you, I'm referring to Yo Gabba Gabba - the television show. I have to admit when I first saw the television show I was a bit freaked out. But over time I've grown to love this television show and so has my son (the original reason I watch). 

This month Yo Gabba Gabba came to town...and we went to see them. Actually, the real story, I promised my son last year I'd take him when he saw the commercial and I totally snoozed on the tickets - they were sold out in one (1) day. I felt like a horrible parent (yep, it's that easy). So last Fall when I heard they'd be in town, I set every calendar reminder I could to remind me to buy tickets...and I did. Yes, I'm awesome - this year.

The show was A-MAZ-ING...and that's being honest! I don't think one could ask for much more than double entertainment - 1. for the child and, 2. the parent/guardian.  The show was very colorful, engaging & loud, and to top it off we had great seats! 

So really what I'm trying to say is, if you ever get the chance to check out Yo Gabba Gabba live in concert it would be worth your time.

2.14.13

Here's what the little one gave out to his classmates for Valentines Day. 

Hope you enjoyed your day.

Troop 795.

Once upon a time...
I was a Girl Scout.
Clearly, I rocked in the badge department!

Front & Back of Girl Scout Badge, Circa...

...now to work on my kids skills!
----
What activities were you a part of as a kid? Looking back, did you enjoy these activities or was it all for your parents? 

Quoth the Raven,"Super Bowl."

A lead.

A power outage.

A win.

That's Baltimore Ya'll.

  Congrats to my home team - you did it!

[Farwell] 30 Rock.

...and so they say "All good things must come to an end." Thus we bid farewell to 30 Rock - its catch phrases and zany antics.

Created by: Tina Fey
End: January 31, 2013
Start: October 11, 2006
During its run the show has received:
  3  Director Guild of America Awards
10  Emmy Awards (nominated for 67)
  4  Creative Arts Emmy Awards (nominated for 17)
  1  GLAAD Media Award (nominated for 2)
  6  Golden Globe Awards (nominated for 13)
  3  Producers Guild of America Awards
11  Screen Actors Guild Awards (nominated for 16)
  3  Television Critics Association Awards (nominated for 7)
  3  Writers Guild of America (nominated for 8)
  1  Gracie Allen Award

Honored for the George Foster Peabody Award

NAACP Image Awards (nominated for 4)
Satellite Awards (nominated for 5)
People's Choice Award (nominated)
American Cinema Editors Awards (nominated)
Teen Choice Awards (nominated)
(Via)

Goodbye, 30 Rock | Courtesy of Esty.com

Bidding Farewell, The Esty Blog put together a few items that celebrate 30 Rock above.

---

What's your favorite 30 Rock episode or quote? 

Homemade.

An entire house under the weather.

I'm not sure how this all started but I think it was compliments of a kid. I'm sure that kid got his germs from other kids. You know the story. And so now not only is everyone in the house sick but a number of people in my family are sick...and so I made homemade turkey noodle soup.

It was delicious.

Here's looking to feeling better soon.

Good Friends.

Birthday Celebration | Tapas Adela 

Birthdays are blessings. Wishing a friend a blessed birthday and many more!

[Happy] New Year.

Happy New Years from the neighborhood of Hampden Hon'...a small but big piece of Baltimore. 

Due to lack of planning and wanting to be lazy we didn't plan for anything in particular on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, boredom and very talkative kid got us out of the house for a small drive.

To our surprise this small drive turned into a big event. New Year's Eve on 34th Street, Baby New Year and  all (that's another story).

It was frigid  wet with champagne and there were 1,000's of people which made for a great community and conversation. We loved it!

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How'd you spend your New Years Eve? Any Traditions?