Moms Squad

Life of a Mother

2008-08-14T11:29:00.002-05:00

Since I am going back to work next week, I made an appointment with my children's pediatrician to catch up on much needed shots and to have a checkup. Our physician has gone to part time. I am pretty sure that soon he will be retiring.

Anyway, the new physician was really nice. After I drilled her like an army sergeant, I discovered she really knew her stuff. Amidst the angst I had about the baby getting three shots, it was discovered that my younger children had ear infections. I couldn't believe it. My oldest has never had ear infections. So I just didn't know.

My little girl tugged at her ear one day last week, but she didn't say it hurt. She just tried to clean her ears out, which is normal (she is a little woman). The baby had trouble going to sleep, but I just assumed he was irritated with me because I was trying to wean him.

I just couldn't help feeling less of a mother. Why hadn't I paid closer attention? What could I have done differently? I just kept feeling like I had failed my children.

I will admit I have been busy trying to get a routine going and taking care of things, but I never would have guessed they would have ear infections.

So, yesterday the baby received three vaccinations, plus a shot for the ear infection. My little princess is on antibiotics too.

I have vowed to pay closer attention to them, but now I am afraid. They will be in daycare starting next week. Now, I am questioning putting them in daycare. I don't want them to get sick. However, I do want to go back to teaching. I am very excited.

I know I have to let them grow up, and I probably will experience separation anxiety more than they will.

Back on the Grind

2008-08-10T08:08:00.001-05:00

I am no longer apart of the SAHM Click. Gonna Miss it. I am going back to teach special education as a middle school teacher. I am excited and anxious all in one. My two younger children are going to be in daycare. My oldest is in first grade. Having not worked now for over a year I am concerned about returning to the workforce. Does anyone have any tips for me to adjust?

Current Events and Fashion

2008-08-06T23:42:00.000-05:00

Fall Runways prove that current events influence the latest trends in fashion. Oily-finished fabrics reflect the global acknowledgement of expensive oil prices. Dark silks embody the oil epidemic. Designers like Balenciaga and Versace are hitting the runways with these oil-inspired looks. Would you wear a slick cocktail frock by Versace?

Women And Money

2008-08-03T13:19:00.002-05:00

Taking care of finances is important, even if you are not the initial bread winner in your household. After looking through my computer files, I discovered a book I downloaded off of Oprah.com. It is Suze Orman's Women and Money book. At one point, Oprah was giving this book away for free by downloading it off of her website. I remember the day I downloaded it. It took three hours to get to it, but I did. I recently printed it out, 3-hole punched it, and put it in a binder for my mother. To help other women, I have uploaded the file of the book to share. I hope this helps if you are in a financial bind or just want to make sure you are on track with your finances. Good Luck.
Women%20and%20money%20book.pdf

Encouraging yourself

2008-07-29T18:03:00.003-05:00

What if something happened to you that was pretty major? After close evaluation of the situation, you are feed up with it. Reaching out to others, you share you experience, exposing a vulnerability. Not sure of how to go about solving your problem, you seek assistance from other people. Yet, their assistance is just not feasible. It just doesn't fit. Being spiritual, you decide to wait your situation out, and pray for deliverance. But your faith is shaky. What are you to do? Normally, you are prepared for anything. This time, though, your resources are not there. So you are just stuck. Now that you have shared your situation with others, you are ashamed and fear what they think about you. However, there isn't anything you can do right now, but wait. How can you stay encouraged?

The King is clearly still in the building.

2008-07-25T21:24:00.003-05:00

Oddly enough, Elvis has been much on my mind lately. I recently visited Graceland (where each mini-tour ends in a gift shop filled with Elvis golf tees, rhinestone Elvis purses, and Elvis breathmints, for God's sake! Wonder what he would have thought about THAT?!), and while I was there, I realized that I didn't have ANY Elvis CDs in my collection. I bought a set of greatest hits discs, and I've been listening to them in the car. While I favor his earlier stuff (which seems to be what we all think of when we think "Elvis" anyway - That's All Right, Mama; Jailhouse Rock; Houndog; Heartbreak Hotel; etc.), one only has to look at the Billboard charts to see that he kept churning out hit songs until his death.

With the anniversary of his death coming up (and this recent post on Marshall's blog), I've been thinking of him even more. And it strikes me, really, that so many years after his death, he continues to have such an impact on popular music and the listening public.

I had a boss once who happened to meet Elvis in person, early in his career. She has been a rabid fan ever since. And New Stage Theatre's Idols of the King (a musical based on Elvis and his songs), opened to sell-out crowds when it was performed in Jackson a few seasons ago. It seems that everyone still loves Elvis.

What do you think it was about him? He was extremely good looking, to be sure. (Boy, do you think of that listening to "Heartbreak Hotel," eh? I can imagine thousands of teenaged girls aching to remedy his loneliness.) And he had a great voice. He seemed, perhaps, to be the right musician at the right time . . . ? Singing the right songs? What do you think? Do you have an "Elvis" story?

2008-07-25T09:24:00.000-05:00

Is looking your best the right thing to do? I say it is. You never know who you are going to come in contact with. If you are single, there is a 50-50 chance you may come in contact with your potential mate.

Do you really think you are going to meet him if you have rollers in your hair while shopping for groceries? Do you really think you are going to meet her wearing the shirt covered in paint stains? More than likely the answer is no.

So why not take the extra time to pay close attention to what you look like and increase the chances of you meeting the kind of people you are drawn to. In addition, thinking about how you look and creating an image in your mind of how you would like to look is definitely important to the image you project.

Here are some tips to help your vision turn into a manifestation.

1. Inspect your shoes. What do you observe? Are there scratches, scuffs, mud, and etc. Scrutinizing the way your shoes look suggests that small details.

2. Inspect each item of clothing you own. Look for snags, stains, and broken zippers. Determine what can be repaired and what cannot be repaired.

3. Assign a specific time each month to complete the inspection.

4. Give away clothing to charity. Clothing, which is too big, too small, not your style, etc…, can benefit someone else. An added bonus is a tax deduction.

5. Take back clothing which still have tags attached and has not been worn in the past two weeks. You are not going to wear.

6. Dedicate time to creating an organization system in your closet. There are several ways you can organize your closet: 1. Capsules 2. Colors 3. Length 4. Lifestyle. The main thing to remember is to organize your closet for functionality.

Whatever system you use should assist you in minimizing the time it takes to get dressed.

To work or not to work?

2008-07-16T21:20:00.002-05:00

Ok, so after the birth of my son last summer, I initially went back to work for a few months. I felt sure that I could keep all of the balls in the air and still hang on to my sanity. Well, I was wrong. So, after being back in the office for a while, I gave my notice.

That was in November. Booger is 1 year old now, and, well, people keep trying to drag me back to the work force. I've had a few really good offers for jobs from people that I know in my field. I am super-flattered about it, because it makes me feel as though people have admired the work I've done in the past.

But each time one of these offers comes in, I'm forced to re-evaluate my decision once again. Do I want to return to work? In some ways, I really miss my professional life. But in other ways, I am loathe to re-join the 9 to 5 world.

Here's where I am right now - I have had a potential employer show some fairly serious interest in me. I believe in the organization, and I am familiar with it. It's a job with good benefits, salary, and vacation time. But they'd want me to start as soon as possible. AND the job involves a not-fun commute for me, which is practically heresy in this time of insane gas prices.

I'd really like to stay home full time until at least January. Booger would be 18 months by then, and the craziness of the holidays would be over. (Plus, I'd really love to spend the holiday season decorating, and shopping for presents, and making cookies, and actually ENJOYING doing all those holiday things that I'm always rushing against the clock to do.) Also, I really need that time to find a daycare situation that I'm comfortable with. (No luck so far.) I figured that I'd scout for the next few months and maybe find something by the new year.

Lastly, if this kid is going to be my one and only (and I think he is), do I want to go back to work before I'm completely ready? And by the same token, will I EVER be completely ready?

So what's a girl to do? HELP! I need advice! Hubs and I have discussed this, and right now, we are leaning towards declining this latest potential offer. (I guess I should mention that we have been carefully budgeting and are in no financial crisis, etc. This decision hinges purely on what we want/think we should do.) What do you think?

Jack of All Trades

2008-07-16T17:06:00.002-05:00

After breaking some Christmas Lights in my office, I sought help from our wonderful vacuum cleaner. To my surprise, it just wasn't doing the job. After some investigation, I found out that the soccer pro had sucked up a sock. When he discovered that he had sucked up a sock , he decided to put the vacuum neatly away...as if nothing had happened. Completely frustrated, I decided to remove the sock. Starting off the usual way... I used a wire hanger...NOPE, that won't work. Turns out he sucked up one of the princess's socks, which had been neatly folded together. (I am still wondering how this happened.) Then I tried a bar that came with our washer. It worked some of the way. Then I tried our broom, which pushed it further. Next, I tried the rake. I was praying not to get a splinter because it is sooo old. That really worked, but it only pushed it to the opening, where it appeared to be indefinitely stuck. Consequently, I had to disassemble the vacuum cleaner, praying once again that I remember where the screws went in. Even that didn't work. I had to dig a sock out with a screw driver. It was a lot of work. But, I finally removed the sock. Now, putting the vacuum back together is another story.

Children with Asthma

2008-07-15T08:57:00.002-05:00

This morning as I was bathing my youngest. I heard him wheezing, and I almost panicked. He has asthma, but we haven't had any problems, since he was released from home health in April. After the bath, I set him up for his medicine. A funny thing is he is wayyyyy to big for his old car seat. His little feet were hanging over. Anyway, now that he is older, it was a wrestling match to get his mask on. I felt so bad. How can you feel bad for doing something that can potentially save his life? Anyway, once I turned it on. It was apparent that he needed it because he stopped fighting. I am so afraid that he will start having problems again. It's so sad to see him having difficulty sometimes breathing. Being the paranoid mother that I am, I will have to watch him closely.

Chores

2008-07-14T12:26:00.002-05:00

At the beginning of the summer, I prepared a list of chores for my soccer pro to do. Now the rest of the crew wants to participate. As the soccer pro drags the garbage to the street, the princess is right next to him. When he is vacuuming with the hose, the baby is pushing the vacuum. It is nice to see them want to do chores at such a young age. It has helped me have a less hectic day.

What's Your Motivation?

2008-07-10T17:09:00.003-05:00

I haven't been really active on the site this month. My plate is beginning to overflow with so much. From being a mother, online MFA student, finishing MA thesis, working image consulting business, recruiting for Mary Kay team, being a homemaker, and being a wife, I am find that my time is so limited. I never thought being so busy could get so hectic. No matter how stressed I am, I can always envision the future. I am just hoping I am setting an example for my children to strive to do their best. I want them to understand that your life is what you make it. I have often been referred to as an overachiever. However, I don't feel that I am. At the moment, I am somewhat young and I believe that I need to continue to work hard to reach the goals I have set. My children and family work as my motivator to continue to succeed. What is your motivation?

What's your dream

2008-06-27T11:06:00.003-05:00

A loooong time ago, I went to one of those Franklin Covey Day Planner conferences. (My boss at the time was a Franklin addict. He made us all get one of these planners, and we were supposed to use them religiously. Surprisingly, they work. I still use one today.) Anyway, during one part of the program (which was all about time management), the speaker told us to all write down what we'd do if time and money were no object, i.e. if we had all the time/money in the world. We wrote these things down, folded the piece of paper, and left it on our desks during the bathroom break. When we came back, our papers were gone, and they had this inspirational music playing. Then, one by one, the speaker reached into his box, pulled out each one of our "dreams," and read them aloud.

Now, I am pretty dang cynical (and after returning from break to find my "dream" gone, I was more than a little peeved), but I actually got a little misty as this too-tan guy with the too-white teeth was reading out loud all of the secret hopes and dreams of everyone in attendance. Of course, they were anonymously presented, but it definitely affected me to look around the room, at all of us average Joes, as the guy was reading out stuff like, "Go back to school to study art history," "Work at a winery in Italy," "Backpack across South America," etc.

And I started thinking, "Why the heck aren't we trying to do the things we want to do? What's keeping us from doing them?" Cheesy though it may sound, this experience, and the sudden death of one of my high school friends (a whole 'nother story), has been a major impetus for me to go to grad school and travel more, for me to look at opportunities and ask myself what I really WANT to do (i.e. what will make me happy) and what I feel only obligated to do.

If time and money were no object, what would you do? If only TIME were no object, what would you do? And if you work backwards from what you want, is it possible to start working towards it right now, even in a small way?

Awake at 3:30 am Sleep at 5 am Alarm at 6:30 am

2008-06-26T22:32:00.003-05:00

Jakie went to sleep on time. Never would I have thought that at 3:30 we would have middle of the night session. Not normal for him, I was completely shocked. Trying to ignore him and closing my eyes didn't work. Nursing him didn't work. So for almost two hours, I dealt with him jumping on me and pulling my hair. Today, I did intense research to make sure I actually get some sleep tonight. Here is what I discovered.

Put him in a swing. (Can't do, Jazz destroyed it)
Drive around. (Gas too expensive)
Turn on mobile. (Still in package in the garage)
Turn on ceiling fan. (It's on anyway. I can't sleep with out it.)
Put MP3 Player on Full Screen in bedroom with sleepy music (Laptop hard drive crashed, other computer in the living room. Too inconvenient. Don't think I have any sleepy music on it anyway.
Play the guitar. (I can only play the piano and trumpet. I don't own either).

What do you do?

I am happy because...

2008-06-13T19:45:00.003-05:00

After reading Deanna's corner, her list about what gets her going made me think about what motivates me. Not really thinking about what makes me happy, I realized that maybe I should focus more one me. When things are not going so great, I tend to wallow and wade in my own misery. Using my mother as my psychologist (for me of course), she preaches that I can't depend on others to make me happy, which includes my husband. Since staying home, I find that my thoughts are usually about what the kids or my husband needs. When they fail to acknowledge my efforts, my feelings are easily hurt. Do you ever feel like this? Am I alone? So after much contemplation, here are things, which make me happy and motivates me.

Reading a great fashion book or magazine.
Cutting out images of outfits which I like
Scrapbooking
Starbucks
Talking to friends
Shopping
Reading a self improvement book
Cutting out recipes and putting them in my photo album
Praying
Talking to my mother
Stealing precious moments with my children
Meeting new people
Cuddling with hubby
Giving myself a mani and pedi
Meditating in the whirlpool

What makes you happy? What motivates you?

Food Allergies and Your Child

2008-06-11T23:58:00.004-05:00

My oldest son is allergic to eggs and peanuts mainly. However, the allergy test was about six-seven pages long about other allergies. We have to send an Epi pen to school. He has to wash his hands, if he touches the dogs or he breaks out. He is also borderline asthmatic, has had eczema, and was a preemie.

The baby was recently diagnosed was an egg allergy and has asthma, as well as eczema. I do not eat eggs or egg products, since he is nursing.

The older child is outgrowing some of the health problems he has experienced. However, when he eats watermelon he has an allergic reaction. At the Flowood festival, the Chamber of Commerce was giving out free slices of watermelon. Immediately my son wanted some. I reminded him that the juice would break him out. He said that was okay. So in exchange for a piece of watermelon, my son endured an itchy breakout throughout the rest of the evening. I felt sorry for him. I make sure that each child is never left out and is treated the same as the other children. He just doesn't like to be left out because of his food allergies.

What is your experience with food allergies? When I was growing up, there were not a lot of children who had allergies. Now, there are plenty.

I have to watch him at birthday parties. If a child touches him that has eaten peanut butter, he will have a severe reaction. Sometimes, he has to sit at a different table at school. He doesn't like being different.

How do you deal with the situation? How do you accomodate children who visit with allergies? Do you accomodate birthday parties and kids snacks for those who have allergies?

Your Baby and the Pool

2008-06-11T23:53:00.002-05:00

Today I was reading an article about a recent German study. This study of over 2200 children suggests that children, who do not get in the pool before their first birthday, are less likely to have frequent bouts of diarrhea, ear and respiratory infections.

Since I cannot swim, I don't frequent the pool. I am not interested in my children taking lessons because I am afraid they will drown. Do you have children that take swimming lessons? What is your experience with your children, the pool, and being sick?

Value of a mother

2008-06-06T09:01:00.002-05:00

Watching Karate Kid II with my children, I catch a glimpse of Jacob's first baby tub turned over on the master bathroom floor. Almost immediately, I have a flashback. I think back to how I almost lost my third bundle of joy. I am just so blessed to have him in my life. Hearing him banging toys together, while talking to his toys in the infamous baby language, my heart is forever warm. I am able to enjoy his first moments, first accomplishments, and so forth. Even when I journey down the road of could haves and would haves, the value I feel as a mother eliminates such foolishness.

Motherly Reflections

2008-06-02T00:17:00.000-05:00

Having children in your life brings comfort and satisfaction at the right moment in time when you really need it. Sometimes I find myself just hypnotized by their very presence. I wonder if they notice me quietly admiring their existence. From eating their breakfast, saying, "Thank you," to me fussing at something that has happened, I am truly blessed. For hours, I played outside with them today. We went walking around the subdivision. When we returned from our short but exhausting walk, we played...

Simon says...
Red light, Green light
I spy
Basketball

I truly hope that they realize how important they are to me. As I sometimes watch them sleep, I pray over them. I pray for their success, safety, knowledge, endurance, and so much more. My children are wonderful blessings. I am so thankful that I realize this now and not when it is too late. Every moment I spend with them is beyond amazing. Every smile I can trigger, every hug I receive, every argument I stop, every "Thank You" I hear, seals the deal even more.

Sex and the City Girls Night Out

2008-06-01T22:48:00.000-05:00

As I am writing this, a huge smile is engraved on my face. I can still see us glowing in our own unique essence and sharing more than a stolen moment as a great group of friends. From seeing Sex and the City Movie to laughing over dinner at Ruby Tuesday, I truly believe that every second was filled with unbelievable joy and happiness.

Stacey's mascara made her eyes pop! LaReeca's tube dress screamed sophistication. Katisha's teal pants hollered fun. Sonya's black and white dress bubbled with femininity. Sandi's patent leather peep toe heels demanded respect. Nicole's polka dot dress forced admiration.

We were all fashionable divas in the city, well in Jackson anyway. Having a girls night out was so much fun. The movie was so great. I can not wait to purchase the DVD, so I can closely replicate the phenomenal looks, especially the coveted belts and shoes of the fashionable Sex and the City ladies.

Oh, what a night!

Seven good reasons to eat your MIL's cooking:

2008-05-28T23:47:00.003-05:00

Seven good reasons to eat your MIL's cooking:

1. You forgot to pack that granola bar to hold you over until you get back home.
2. She cooked your favorite food: Macaroni and Cheese.
3. You actually like your mother in law’s cooking.
4. You promised your husband you would eat it this time.
5. You had a little too much to drink.
6. You thought the food was takeout.
7. She was nice to you.

What reasons can you think of?

Cleaning like a pro...

2008-05-26T20:56:00.003-05:00

I checked out a book to make sure I was cleaning everything I should be and to make sure I was cleaning things the "right" way. This book is called the Queen of Clean's: Complete Cleaning Guide by Linda Cobb. This book is jammed pack with cleaning tips. Here are two tips for making your own furniture polish:

Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of olive oil in a clean container. Shake before use.

Combine 1 cup of mineral oil and 3 drops of lemon extract. Shake before each use.

She even has a website: www.queenofclean.com. I have learned so much about cleaning.

2008-05-23T11:15:00.002-05:00

Next week Sex and the City Movie comes out, we have a Sex and the City Girls Night Out Planned. I am so excited. I love the fashion these friends exhibited. Each one has her own signature look! Just faboulous!

Here are some tips to dress like the divas of Sex and the City.

Charlotte's look is always girly, sweet, and preppy. She wears a like of feminine silhouettes, pink, and bows (not exactly in that order). She always sports a polished look. She coordinates everything. She always have to have the perfect bag and the perfect shoes. To seal the deal, a flawless manicure and/or pedicure adds a special touch.

Samantha's style is dedicated to sex appeal, sex appeal, sex appeal. Her signature look combines bold, bright colors and deep plunging neckline. Don't forget her display of status: a wonderful and expensive designer handbag.

Miranda makes a statement by always looking put together in chic professional attire. Designer suits scream Miranda's name. She defines career chic!

Carrie(my personal favorite) is a true fashionista. Her style is fearless. Stilettos are part of her signature style. Mixing vintage and designer fashion defines Carrie's look.

What: Sex and the City Girls Night Out When: May 31st @ 4 pm. The movie starts at 4:30. It last 2 hours and 15 mins. We will follow-up with dinner at Ruby Tuesday on Lakeland Drive. They have a nice variety on their menu!

Remember to RSVP by private message. I will have goody bags for everyone. Dress like your favorite character. We will have a wide belt swap. If you don't have one, Dollar Tree in Brandon have cute ones for just $1!!!!

P.S. LaReeca Rucker needs your help. They are having a photo shoot with the Clarion Ledger. Are you an impeccably stylish woman in her late 20s, 30s or early 40s? Do you see a little of yourself in Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha? Are you part of a group of friends who have joked that you're just like the characters? If you fit the description, contact LaReeca Rucker at lrucker@jackson.gannett.com or call (601) 961-7034. _________________

Last Day of Kindergarten

2008-05-21T08:03:00.004-05:00

It was just like yesterday. I was crying, when my son was off to his first day at kindergarten. Today is the last day of kindergarten. It's surreal that a chapter in my son's life is about to close. The Class of 2020 is growing up.

Yesterday, we were about 30 minutes late for school. Today, he was ready and we were 30 minutes early. He really wanted to go to school today, even though he will be dismissed in an hour and a half. Hearing him say that he wasn't ready for school to end brought back memories of my nerdy days. I really did enjoy reading, writing, and arithmetic.

I am so excited for him. He was so happy to show me his report card,yesterday. He wanted to let me know he had worked really hard. He wanted me to know that he had passed to the first grade.

I will try hard not to drill him too much this summer. It is sad when your child tell you he feels you are pushing him too hard when they are first learning to read books on their own. He broke down and cried after a homework session. I felt so bad. Have I turned into one of those parents you see on television that are micromanaging their child?

Since then, I haven't drilled him so hard. I let him figure it out on his own, and then I followed up. I just have to be really disciplined this summer not to overload on the education road. I want him to succeed, but at the rate I am trying to go, I may just burn him out.

2008-05-15T15:40:00.003-05:00

Filling up the tank of the rental car at Kroger, I talked to my son about his day at school through the window. Making a U turn, I decided to visit the Buick store. I have been fascinated with getting something new and larger. My latest fascination is the Buick Enclave. Boy, that vehicle is screaming, "Buy me buy me buy me!" When I was on my way home, I noticed that a voicemail icon was on my cellphone. Calling the voicemail, I almost wrecked. I have a voicemail from Trustmark Bank that someone had found my debit card and had taken it to the bank. I almost wreck trying to make a U-turn in front of Whitfield. Not even thinking about the fact that I stay down from the MDOT and Highway Patrol Headquarters. I immediately call the number and quickly get a run around from a teller, who apparently doesn't have time to ask anyone if they had the card. After irrigating persistence he finally discovers that someone has called and my card is at the branch. After showing my drivers license, I once again have possession of my card.

Ok here is the deal. I must have dropped the car at the gas station. The person, who found it must have turned it in immediately. I would love to meet this person. I hope that karma is definitely on their side. If my card had not been turned in, I would have been crushed. I actually had money in the account. I would not be able to get my car out the shop and so many other things.

It's amazing that in today's society of "ME ME"and forget "YOU" that there are people who still care and will do the right thing. I don't know who are you, but if you are reading this. I would love to give them a hug, kiss, something.

Good Samaritans do still exist.