When Hackers Attack

Honestly, what is wrong with people today? I have been absent from my blog for over two months now and a significant portion of my forced “sabbatical” was due to the unnecessary hacking of my website. As if I wasn’t busy enough trying to keep up with the daily grind of being a full-time mom, someone felt the need to add one more task to my “to-do” list. A task I wasn’t qualified to handle either.  By corrupting my blog and inserting viral poison into my corner of cyberspace, I was seriously sidelined by some cyber evil. I mean, what type of tortured soul chooses to sit behind a computer all day long, changing codes, and infecting computers with viruses? 

Needless to say, I am back and hopefully rid of cyber-nastiness (no, this isn’t a challenge evil hacker). I look forward to dishing up more on the trials of motherhood, providing some humor, and getting back into my routine on the blogging scene.

xoxo,

Jenny

Photo credit: dbspin.com

 

Growing Pains

I realized something today that really threw me for a loop (and definitely left me struggling to say the least).

 

As a mother of three children under the age of ten, I have always considered the early child-rearing years to be some of the hardest to endure as a parent. I’ve considered these years to be the most difficult because this is the season where my kids are completely dependent upon me for anything (and everything).  Sometimes these days seem downright impossible, and I’ve found myself anxious (in the midst of mommy chaos), to embark upon the next phase of their childhood(s). A time where tantrums are long gone, diapers are a mere memory, and going out in public isn’t such a hassle.

 

But today I’ve realized that these times I’m referring to aren’t the hardest at all. In fact, I’ve come to understand that these times may just be the easiest.

 

You see, today, as I watched my two year-old boy voraciously race his cars, it occurred to me that these days won’t be forever. Before I know it, those toy cars will soon be replaced by real ones, and rather than observing my son as he plays on the floor, I will have to watch from the window as he drives away instead.

Ugh. That’s hard to even think about (and makes me slightly panicky).

Or how about my sweet daughter? She’s a pre-tween who loves to sing, gab, and dream about all she wants to accomplish in this life. She discusses her ideas with me on a daily basis but I know before long, she’ll discuss them with her friends instead. She’ll soon be making decisions on her own, assuming the responsibilities of an adult, and eventually leaving our nest.

Sigh. That’s even harder to comprehend (and makes me wanna cry).

And as I sat and snuggled with each of my kiddos on the couch tonight, I couldn’t help but think that there will be a time when this simple action (something that I take for granted all the time), will no longer be possible. My kids will outgrow their dependence on me and their need for daily kisses and…and hugs.

Gulp. And that’s when I lost it (enter the ugly-cry).

But I have realized that this is where I have to release all of my worries, fears, doubts, and anxiety towards the future. I must embrace each day as it comes, live it to the fullest, and enjoy the heck out of my kids in every stage (and phase) they pass through. I need to live in the moment, and I also need to come to grips with the fact that God knows my kids better than I do. God will direct their paths as He sees fit.  He formed them in the womb, He knew them before I even held them, and He has a plan that I must believe in.

 

So even though I may struggle daily with temper tantrums, poopy diapers, and not having a moment to myself, I’ll take these precious moments while I’ve still got them. For me, the future can wait.

 

How about you? Which phase of child-rearing are you in? Toughest or easiest and why?

Complaint on Aisle 2.

So this week, I’m going to “vent.”

Who am I kidding? I’m going to have a good ole gripe session and my target is none other than the supermarket.

There’s no denying the fact that grocery stores have become pretty convenient these days. Normally, I don’t complain about convenience but this week,  I wanted to shed some light on a few of the inconveniences these super stores subject me (and you) to. I wanted to vent about the things that absolutely drive me crazy about the grocery environment in which I shop.

Hopefully, I ‘m not alone…

Here it goes:

1.) Check-Out Craziness. Sometimes I am a glutton for punishment. Yes, sometimes I actually (and purposefully) tote my children to the grocery store with me. Most of the time I can contain them, and keep any major meltdown (during said trips) at bay…that is until we reach the check-out line. Hey, I know all about impulse shopping and why toys, candy and all sorts of breath fresheners (with bright and pretty packaging) are located at the check-out stand. I get it.

You want me to buy them. Guess what? My children also want me to buy them. This is where the tantrums occur, the whining begins, and the point where I have to send the store clerk back into the “maze” to fetch me some Advil (in order to relieve my newly sprung and pounding headache).

The check-out line is the #1 culprit of my bad mood.

2.) Trash the Tabloids: My children are still young but of the reading age. This poses a problem at the check-out line because believe it or not, they should not be made aware of the fact that Kim Kardashian’s marriage only lasted a mere seventy-two days, or that aliens have just invaded our planet and may be posing as our next door neighbors.

Seriously, I have enough issues to contend with when raising my kiddos and don’t need the drama of Hollywood thrown into the mix on top of it.  Can I get an “Amen?”

3.) Valet Service: why isn’t this an option?  Can it be? Who do I talk to? I would pay for this.

4.) Shady Deals: I’ll admit, the store is not my favorite place to be. I tend to grab the stuff I need in order to get in and out as quickly as possible. This is where grocers tend to make money on me because I don’t always check the packaging. Last week was the perfect example. In an effort to save some money on toilet paper, I quickly scooped up a deal promoted at the front of the store. It wasn’t until I returned home and retreated to the restroom, that I realized I had purchased one-ply toilet paper.  Who uses one-ply anymore? Talk about a waste of money. I used one whole roll in just one “visit” and I wasn’t even having any “issues” to speak of (if you know what I mean). One-ply should seriously be banned and the stores that promote them by placing them on sale deserve be fined in my book. Can you say “shady?!”

5.) No Toys. I know I already mentioned this but I really, really mean it.  If I wanted to buy my children some toys, I would have taken them to Toys R Us. You get me?

6.) Ditch the coupon policies. Just accept my coupons (whether the bar codes work or not). I am not a thief and my time is precious, so please take my coupons. And double them why you’re at it too. I’m just trying to save twenty cents, not rob your store with my non-existent-mad-couponing-skills in an effort to get my $200 purchase for free. Thanks!

7.) Is There a Bagger in the House? What happened to the people that bag your groceries? Are they a dying breed? The last thing I want at the end of my shopping trip is to drop “two bills” and then bag my groceries on top of it. It seems a bit backwards, doesn’t it? Who else is with me?

8.) Universal Debit/Credit Card Machines. I am not lazy but these things need to be universal for sure. Some ask only one question while others want to know your family background, where you’re from, and any criminal history to speak of. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit but seriously, the keypads on these things are always different and the number of questions asked seem to be increasing.  What’s with that, anyways?

 

Phew, I feel so much better and while I don’t make it a huge practice of complaining on this blog (too much), I felt the need this week.  Next week, we will return to our regular (happier), posts.

 

How about you? What ticks you off at the store (venters welcome)?

 

 

 

With Love, From Mom

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Each holiday in our house, I like to do something a little extra special for my kiddos. In fact, one of my most favorite things about being a parent is the excitement that surrounds the various holidays we celebrate in a given year. Mostly because I get to live vicariously through my children. I get to see the joy on their faces. I get to see them light up with happiness, and giggle with delight as they uncover surprises on these anything-but-ordinary kind of days. Honestly, it’s these moments in motherhood where my heart is warmed. These are days they most certainly will remember…and I will too.

For me, it’s all about the details and with every passing year, I try to incorporate something new on top of the usual traditions my kids have grown accustomed to. You know, something they wouldn’t expect…talk about pressure! LOL.

Here are some suggestions that are sure to win over your little Valentine (and melt your heart in the process):

1.) Love Journals: This year, personalized journals were made for each of my kids.  This provides a place where we can chat about their hopes, dreams, and I can answer any questions they might have (but might be too shy to ask me out loud). It’s an opportunity to keep the lines of communication open between me and my sweet offspring (well, this is the plan anyways).

2.) Prepare the “Breakfast of Champions:” Pink and red heart shaped pancakes. Throw in some yum-yummy bacon on the side. They’ll love it.

3.) Chocolate: A small package of it, shaped in a heart. Enough said.

4.) A school lunch that just screams “L-O-V-E.” Complete with heart-shaped sandwich, and a love note from mom.

5.) After school treat: Just when they’re coming off of that day-long sugar high from all the candy they’ve ingested at school, it’s time for another treat. CUPCAKES! Red velvet ones to be exact!

6.) Family Dinner: Nothing says “love” like a heart-shaped pizza to top off the day. Order out, kick your feet up and enjoy each other as a family. After all, this is what Valentine’s Day is all about: Loving one another. AWE!

 

So, how about you? What big plans do you have as a family on Valentine’s Day?

Dance With Me Daddy

It’s that time of year again…one of my favorites, actually. Nationwide, February is typically the month where Father/Daughter dances are hosted at local churches, halls, and/or schools. This is a fabulous time for our little girls to have the special one-on-one time they need with their daddies, grand-daddies, or other significant male figure(s) in their lives.

Want to know how you can make it even more special?

Here are some tips on how to do just that:

1.)  Have Daddy write and present his daughter with a special invitation to the ball, tickets included.

2.)  Have Daddy give his daughter a new dress (and shoes), that she will be wearing to the main event (mommies can purchase and wrap ahead of time).

3.)  Have Daddy write his girl special notes or emails leading up to the dance to let her know how excited he is. 

4.) Moms: take your daughters to get a mani/pedi a few days before their special evening out.

5.)  Buy her a corsage for the night.

6.)  Take her out to her favorite restaurant for dinner before the dance.

7.)  Present her with a special necklace or charm (right before leaving) that she can keep and wear over and over again.

8.) Take professional pictures (these services are usually offered by the event host).

9.) Have a post-gala treat: Take her out for a dessert night-cap afterwards.

10.) Make Memories: provide your daughter with a scrapbook and/or journal to help her document the night, and add to as each year passes (she can give this to her Daddy on her wedding day. Awe.)

 

How about you? What special traditions do you share with your daughter?