BBQ Ben

We tried a new restaurant with friends last night. It was a barbeque place called Hoggy's. I get very overwhelmed trying to order at a traditional barbeque restaurant. One, two or three meats? One, two or three sides? Choose from this list or this list, blah, blah, blah. Anyway, the food wasn't too bad after I got pasted the initial stress. I did my best to order something my kids would eat. I went with the smoked brats and called them hot dogs. The kids ate really well, especially Ben. After dinner we went to our friends' house so the kids could jump on the trampoline, the men could play video games and the mommy's could have a glass of wine. Benny may have liked barbeque, but barbeque doesn't like Ben. I was holding the poor little guy when my arm felt damp.

Me: Ben did your diaper leak?
Ben: I went stinky.
Me: Oh, that is poo poo coming out of your diaper...lovely!

I got a diaper, wipes and a plastic bag to dispose of the toxic waste.

Me: There you go buddy, all clean.
Ben: Thanks mom.
Me: No problem.
Ben: Me sorry, me poo pooed on you mommy.

I hate changing diapers, but I will keep doing it for a kid that thanks me for changing him and apologizes for a leaky diaper!

Ahhh...

I didn't go to the gym today. Not even once.

The laundry is all done AND put away.

The kitchen is clean and the floor is no longer sticky.

Everyone has clean sheets. You understand that this is no easy task if you have ever changed sheets on a bunk bed!

The kids’ rooms are clean. (For the moment)

I made and took about a million calls for our property management business. We are trying to get two closed and one rented. I am not done, but I am feeling like I am getting a handle on it.

AND, we still had time for some summer fun. We met our playgroup at the local splash pad for a picnic lunch and we are going to try a new restaurant with friends tonight.

I feel a little more in control today. In control, but chubby. Tomorrow I need to get to the gym and maintain the order in the house...wish me luck!

Excuse Me? Did You Call Me Ma'am?

I took the kids to the pool yesterday, I thought I was looking fairly hip. I had evaluated the other mothers in the baby pool (don't act like you don't do it too); I was the thinnest (a rare occurrence), was wearing the cutest suit (the only bikini amongst a sea of modest tankinis) and had the best tan. We were only able to stay at the pool for an hour and a half because I had to go to the gym, so I was trying to keep track of time. There isn't a clock hanging in the baby pool area so when I knew we were getting close I told Jack I was going to quickly check the clock and instructed Ben and Lauren to come with me. The high school age lifeguard over heard me and said "Ma'am, ma'am", he couldn't possibly be talking to me so I kept on my way. "Excuse me, ma'am" I wondered whose attention he was trying to get, but I knew it wasn't me. "Excuse me, ma'am, it is 3:40” Dear God, he was talking to me! "Thanks" I said as I walked back to my post at the baby pool with my tail between my legs.

I know this is the south. I am willing to admit that I am significantly older than the lifeguard. I am not one of those mothers that hit on the lifeguard like the ones that we used to make fun of when I was life guarding a million years ago. But, ma'am? Am I old enough to be a ma'am? I teach my kids to say "yes ma'am" to me, but they are 2 and 5. I am not prepared to be ma'am-ed by a 17 year old for another 12 years!

Slow Down Summer!

I thought summer was supposed to be relaxing. I have been misled by the Country Time lemonade commercials. Summer is like childbirth. By the time summer rolls around again you have forgotten about how hectic it was last year. Just like childbirth, you forget the discomfort by the time you are ready to have a second or third kid. I need to work on setting realistic expectations for Jack. Everyday he wants to know what I am going to do for him. I want him to have a great summer so I bend over backwards to show him a good time. Today we got up early to go to the gym, and then we went to the bank, the drycleaners and the grocery store. When we got home I made lunch and we (me too) took short naps. When everyone got up we went to the pool then back to the gym. The clean laundry pile is taking over our bedroom because I haven't folded clothes in days, the sheets need to be changed and my feet are sticking to the kitchen floor. I don't know if I can keep up this pace for another six weeks!

Why Diapers?

Excerpt of a conversation between Ben and I while I was changing his diaper before bed.

Ben: Ouch, don't pick up my legs.
Me: I have to so I can change your diaper.
Ben: Ouch!
Me: If you just went potty in the toilet like your brother and sister you wouldn't have this problem.
Ben: I don't want to go potty in the toilet. I like diapers!
Me: Why do you like diapers?
Ben: Because...JUST CHANGE MY DIAPER!

He doesn't even know why he is still soiling himself. I don't know where to go with this. Eventually I am going to ask him "Do you want to wear underwear today?" like I have everyday for two weeks and he is going to answer with a yes rather than the "nope" I have become accustom to. Right? Please remind me that he won't go to Kindergarten in diapers! Do they sell diapers that size or will he have to wear Depends?

Popsicle Angst Vs. Popsicle Pleasure

Entitled?

Jack: Where are you going?
Me: The gym.
Jack: I need to get dressed.
Me: No you don't, you are going to stay home with daddy.
Jack: Why?
Me: Kids Klub isn't open on Sundays.
Jack: Well, what do I get to do for fun when you get back?

Since when is everyday all about Jack? Apparently, we have had too much fun since school got out a week ago. We have been to the pool, the beach, the park, ice skating, McDonalds and a picnic and that is just in the last week. When we aren't out and about we have been playing in the backyard with the sprinkler, the water table and/or the slip and slide. We rode bikes, got out the Power Wheels, blew bubbles and drew with sidewalk chalk. Even God rested on the seventh day! Don’t I deserve a little time for myself? And, the funny thing is after naps we are heading to the pool. Rough life this kid has!! I guess I need to stop packing his days with fun so that he doesn't expect me to entertain him day in and day out all summer!