What's A Baseball Season Without Trophies?

Friday night was the Baseball End of Season Party.

I for one have never been more happy for the END of that.

Don't get me wrong. It was fun. But FUN can even become exhausting sometimes.

I have learned quite a few things after being Team Mom of this fun sport that I will remember over the next few years.

1. Team Mom really means assistant coach, snack organizer, bandaide put'er on'er, water bottle police, and referee.

2. Even if you arrange the snack roster, re-confirm the snack roster, snacks will still be forgotten.

3. When the above happens, everyone will look at YOU and YOU will be blamed for the kids not having snacks. Even if they don't SAY it, the looks speak loud enough.

4. You are responsible for handling the kids on the benches and by the end of the season you will be comfortable enough to grab some by the collar and not even care if the parents see. Just kidding. No really.

5. Even though it's not mandatory, the coach will need a gift at the end of season and you have to come up with ideas.

6. When you come up with said present and send it out to everyone you will get NO responses.

7. When it's time for the party and presents those NON-RESPONDERS will have the nerve to ask you what you are giving the coach.

8. And they will say they are giving you money.

9. And they won't.

10. And you'll get an email from them 2 days later about the 5 dollar check they wrote you and you will start saving up for next years present because you are sure it will happen again no matter how much you SWEAR you won't volunteer again because you'll look at this face and know she needs you. (Longest run-on sentence EVAH!)

And Then A Child Was Lost

I find it amazing that I just posted about losing a child in a store or otherwise. Amazing. Yesterday me and a friend went to Target to pick up a few things for out kids Baseball End Of Season Party. We picked up what we needed and decided to browse the Women’s Department before checking out. My friends youngest son was with us in a shopping cart and while we were talking and looking at clothes we hear a faint “Hello”. We turn to see a pretty little 2 or 3 year old girl wearing a cute dress and barefoot. We smiled and greeted her and went back to what we were doing.

A few seconds later she was still there playing hide and seek between the clothes I was standing next to. I joked with her and smiled and looked around to see who she was with. There were 2 ladies close by (but too far in my opinion) in the Women’s area and I figured she was with them. We asked if they had a little girl with them and they both shook their heads no.

Shit.

My friend tried to talk to the girl to see if she knew her name or her moms. I don’t think she spoke English. I got worried and asked a few people walking by if the girl was with them. Nothing.

So I decided to try to have her walk with me to the front of the store. I grabbed her hand and she pulled back and got on the ground. I then tried to pick her up but she began to shriek.

Shit.

My friend decided to stay with her while I went to have them make an announcement. I found a Target employee and explained the situation and that the girl didn’t want to come with me. Instead of making an announcement the girls said she would go find some candy. What the fuck was that going to do? I walked away in frustration. I went back and my friend said the girl wasn’t responding to any of her questions. We asked a few more people if she belonged to them and she did not.

After another minute or so another Target employee and a foreign lady holding a younger baby walked up and we asked if she was her. She did. She thanked us and carried on. Not one of those “OHMYGODITHOUGHTILOSTYOUDON’TEVERUNAWAYAGAIN” thank you but a “thanks” kind of thank you.

The little girl wanted to be carried but her mother told me she couldn’t carry her and the baby and she grabbed her hand and the barefoot child walked away with her mom.

I was so furious. I don’t get it. I just don’t get it. Me and my friend both felt sick. How long did it take her to realize that her daughter was missing. I would have been running around yelling my child’s name. It pisses me off to no end. Keep your children safe. In the time the whole situation took place that girl could have walked right out of the front door. She could have been taken off by God knows who. Too many possibilities and none make me feel good.

Amber Alerts

Have you ever lost your child?

You know, have you been in a store and suddenly your little one isn't next to you?

Have you been in a crowded place and for a few seconds you see your baby?

Have you ever ran up and down the aisles of a grocery store screaming your child's name?

I know it's happened to me before. You turn your head for a second and they are gone.

They could be hiding in between a clothes rack, or went to the next aisle in Target where the toy are.

But you find them. You find them and hug them and tell them not to run off again. You grab their hands and hold on for dear life.

Now let me ask you this. Has someone else ever lost your child? How well do you know the people that watch your kids?

Do you think they use the same discretion that you do? Would you leave your kid in a car while you run into a store? Would the babysitter? You would think not but how do you know?

Do you know who the babysitter is dating? Do you know who they would have around your kid?

I've noticed lately that there has been an increase in Amber Alerts. I don't know what is going on but it seems like some parents have lost their damn minds.

Case 1=5 yr old Neviaeh Amyah Buchanan from Michigan remains were found. She was apparently abducted while playing in front of her apartment complex at about 8:15 PM playing with her scooter.

Case 2=5 yr old Haleigh Ann Marie Cummings from Florida who supposedly disappeared from her home in the middle of the night. She was left in the care of her fathers 17 year old girlfriend and she said around 3am she discovered the girl was not in her bed.

Case 3=Alexander Suddeath and Heidi Suddeath 6 and 4 from North Carolina. Parents lost sight of the children while returning to a public parking lot a mountain yesterday.

Case 4=2yr old Jada Justice supposedly disappeared from a gas station in Indiana when her babysitter (18yr old cousin) and her boyfriend drove the child to a gas station around 9:30pm and LEFT HER IN THE CAR while they ran in to get cigarettes. Left.Her.In.The.Car.

It just really saddens me and it makes me think, I mean really think about who I let take care of my kids and what they would do in certain situations.

I really would like your opinions on this topic.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

Yesterday was the last game. It was a great 1st season for her. I don't know if she'll do it again next year but she said she wants to. Alot can change in a year.

For now, I'm just a proud mom who cheered on her baby in the pink helmet.

At Least My Face Will Be Warm

If you all follow my blog at all you know that I'm a on again and off again exerciser. Yeah. Whatever. You've all been in my shoes.

I've done a Biggest Loser Challenge. I've done the 30 Day Dead Shred, and recently started the Wii Active 30 Day Challenge.

While all these things have been great, it has not given me the satisfaction of a good ol' jog outdoors.

It's been a loooooooooong while since I've strapped on my shoes and headed outdoors for a run. Well I have a Gala that I'm going to on Saturday night and figure starving myself isn't as effective without a good workout in place of eating.

I made my mind up that last night would be my big debut. Ha ha ha ha ha.

Wanna know how that went? I'll tell you anyway.

Here a a few notes on taking a neighborhood jog at 9pm on the 2nd day of summer after numerous storms the last few weeks and not having run in a few months. Ahem.

-Stretching out is more of a requirement than a suggestion.

-Drinking soda BEFORE the run may be a way to keep your mouth moist (it won't stay down).

-Bugs don't discriminate against eyeballs. They love them actually. And will burn.like.hell.

-Running in the middle of the street with your eyes closed to avoid bugs isn't all that safe.

-Bugs don't discriminate against your mouth. Once again they love it. Ugh.

-Calling friends begging for water as your run past their street is frowned upon. Just sayin.

-It is recommended to walk around for 10-15 minutes so the kids and hubby don't ask about why you are back so soon.

I wonder if things will be any better tonight. I'm thinking of wearing a ski mask but I'm not sure how safe that will be.

I ♥ Summer

Summer has always been my favorite season. I got married in the summer under a gazebo.

I love the heat. I love shorts and flip flops. I love swimming at the pool. I love amusement parks. I love boat rides and bike rides.

I love barbeque's and picnics. I love summer sports and fireflies. But most of all I love the time I get to spend with my girl.

I love perfect spiral curls right after swimming at the pool.

I love playing at the sand park after dark without a care.

I love fireworks that I can see from my bedroom window.

I love watching this little girl play her heart out on the field.

What are your favorite things about the summer?

Friday Funny

Happy Friday!!!

To Feed Or Not To Feed...That Is The Question

Last night was a rough night for me. I got not so good news not once but twice.

Hubby decided after Lael's (indoor) T-ball game, to take me and the girls out to eat to cheer me up.

Before we went to eat we stopped at Wal-Mart.

We entered the store and turned the corner. As we walked past the checkout aisle I completely stopped walking as did Lael.

I saw something. Something that I've seen many many times but never in this place.

Something I think is completely fine but not in the way I saw it.

I saw a boob. I fully uncovered, nipple and all boob. There was a lady breastfeeding her baby in the checkout line and she completely pulled down her tank top and whipped out her boob.

Ok, before I go any further I just want to say I have NO OBJECTIONS with breastfeeding in public. What I do have a problem with is having no discretion. I've had to feed Lael a few times and simply covered her with some type of blanket.

However, this woman did not. Lael stared in shock and I pushed her forward. After gathering myself we continued through the store and we made our way back to the checkout. Surprisingly, she was still there! And this time I had the pleasure of seeding her pull the baby off her left boob. Whip out her right boob. Chit chat for a few seconds while it just completely hung out. Latching the baby on the right boob and and then after a minute or so decided she should but the left one away.

I didn't know what to think. I had never seen this done before.

All I can say is it sure "perked" up my spirits!

What are your views on it?

“Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”

I don't think she's afraid anymore...........

It's About To Be...A What? A Girl Fight!

When I got home from work yesterday I had to do my other job. Housekeeping. Recently I've made changes to my entry way and moved some furniture that had been there for a while and it was a little noticeable. It may or may not have looked splotchy and I may or may not have had to get on my hands and knees to scrub until I thought my arms would fall off.

Back to my point. Since the floors were wet I told the girls to ride their bikes in front of the house and every minute or so I would hear their voices as they circled back around in front of the door.

I continued my happy scrubbing and after a few minutes realized I hadn't heard their voices for a few minutes.

I stopped scrubbing (I'll take any excuse I can get) and walked outside to see what they were doing. And the following is what I saw and heard.

Scene: Lael and neighborhood girls (5&6yrs) facing each other. Lael hands are firmly placed on her hips.

Lael: "I'm not your friend and you need to leave!"

6 yr old: "We don't have to leave."

Lael: "This is our neighborhood and you need to leave and not come back!"

6yr old leaves to go tell her mom.

5 yr old: "Oh yeah, where do you live, I've never seen you before."

Lael: "I live right there and this is my neighborhood. You are being mean and I don't' have to take it!"

Lael then proceeds to what I thought at the time, walk away. But what she did next shocked me and made me laugh at the same time.

She walked over to the girls scooter and knocked it over with a little Hmmpp!

I walked over to find out what was going on. And trying to hold my smile back. The girls mom came around the corner at the same time.

I made Lael apologize for knocking over the scooter and pick it up. The 5 yr old then informed me Lael had also knocked over her bike before I came out.

Lael tells me the girls were being mean and she didn't like it.

I don't think I have to worry about her getting picked on. Whatcha think?

First and Last

Well it's officially over (at least for us).

Lael's baby years are through.

Here she was the first day of Pre-K.



And here she was the first day of Kindergarten.




It's amazing how much a child can change in such a short period of time.

I have watched her grow from a grinning baby to a silly big girl.

She has accomplished so much. She can tie her own shoes. Bathe and dress herself.
Buckle herself in the car. Brush her own teeth PROPERLY. Work the DVR (yes people, this one is VERY important). She knows her birthday, her address, and her phone number and will tell you my birthday as an added bonus. She is responsible for letting the dogs in and out. Making her bed. Putting her laundry away. Helping unload and load the dishwasher. Sweeping the kitchen floor and emptying the bathroom trashcans.

What I'm trying to say is that she's ready. What I didn't tell you all was that once I changed Lael into her new school in April her new teacher brought up the idea of keeping Lael back in Kindergarten. Not because she isn't capable of the work, but because of her maturity.

She started school earlier than most. She started Pre-K at 3 which meant that she started this school year at 4 which means what? She will start the 1st grade as a 5 year old. I was distraught at the thought of keeping her back but made it a personal goal to help her mature and she has surpassed my expectations.

Because of her being my only I tend to baby her and I have just began to see how it affects her in other areas. I have to remind myself that she isn't 3 anymore. I have a first grader. I have to treat her as such. As hard as it may be.

Thursday was her last day of school. Well today is the real last day but I decided to pull her out early since D has been here for a week and it's been torture for the 2 of them to have separate bed times.






Funny thing. I cried just as much then as I did the first day. I don't know if that will ever change. I don't think I want it to.

30 Day Shred...well actually..... 33 Day Shred

Monday was the end of the road.

I did it. It's over. I kicked ass. Thanks for asking.

I took me about 33 days versus the 30 because seriously:Mykneeswerefuckingkillingme.

I'm proud of myself. I will eventually do it again.

I didn't lose the weight I wanted but losing inches was great too.

Next time I'll track what I eat better. But for now I am moving on. A 30 Day Challenge.

I'm on a roll now. I had a few bad days but having 27 good days and 3 bad is pretty freakin' awesome. For me at least.

Here are the FINAL STATS and the FINAL PHOTOS.

STATS DAY 1:

Weight: 146
Hips: 40 in
Waist: 32 in
Chest: 34 in

STATS DAY 10:

I originally thought I was 146 on Day 1 but I was actually 148.8...ahem.

Weight: 147.3
Hips: 39 in
Waist: 32 in
Chest: 34

STATS DAY 15:

Weight: 147.8
Hips: 38 in
Waist: 32 in
Chest: 34

FINAL STATS: DAY 33:

Weight: 147.9
Hips: 37 in
Waist: 31 1/2 in
Chest: 34

I am so glad that shit is over though. I'm just sayin'.

Class of 2009

Let me tell you yesterday was one of the best days I've had in a long time.

My child continues to light up my life and yesterday was no exception.

She "graduated" from Kindergarten yesterday and got "promoted" to the 1st grade.

This was a really big deal for her and many came to celebrate.

Me, hubby, D, MIL, my mom, and my dad were all there to cheer her on.

Lael is a really outgoing kid but doesn't like too much attention. When she first came into the auditorium she had her hands over her eyes and when she sat on stage singing she kept hiding behind the kids in front of her.

I was still proud and I still cried.

The kids went through what they did each month of the year and when Lael got up for her turn at the mic she looked straight ahead at the crowd and in a big loud voice said:

"In April we learned all about birds."

Yes, yes they did. Also in April when they had their Spring Program and she was an Owl she got up the mic and forgot her lines. See why I was so proud this time around?

After they sang many songs and us parents snapped hundreds of photos it was time for each kid to walk the stage and be presented with their 2009 Yearbooks. Because Lael started late in the year hers wasn't as big but her teacher made a point to make it just as cool.





He she is getting up to receive her yearbook from the Principal.



Here the kids are waving goodbye to Kindergarten as they sing: "Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today. I want to be a part of it - 1st Grade, 1st Grade...."



Here she is taking her walk down the aisle.
Doesn't she look like a big girl already?


I took her out of school after the program and we went decided to have a mini celebration.

We went and got food and took it to the pool (the free one!) and had cake and took her and bowling. It was a great day and so did I.

Congratulation Lael, you will never understand just how proud I am of you!

I'm Sure It's Because Of The Mushrooms

Lael changed schools a few months ago. I thought it would be hard for her but it ended up being harder on me.

In her old school she had the same teacher and the same group of kids for 2 years straight.

Out of the 21 kids that were in her class there were only 6 girls. And they were close. Very very close.

I was afraid she wouldn't form the same bonds that she did with these other girls. I mean seriously they have been together since they were 3 and most are turning 6. She's been doing well and has a few friends but she still missed her old clique.

I've done a great job keeping in touch with the parents and got notice last month that Lael's best gal pal was having her 6th birthday party at a pool.

Lael was really excited because she hadn't seen her in 2 months and also she can't think of anything better to do on a Sunday than go to the pool.

This leads us up to where this particular pool was. When I got the e-vite I didn't really pay attention to the address or name of the place.

Even after I put it on the calendar I didn't think to plan ahead. I didn't know how far it was, if I had to pay for parking. Nothing.

2hrs before the party I decide to Mapquest this place and lucky me, it was only 15 mins from us.

Ok so it wasn't just your average pool it's a Swim and Racquet Club. Still didn't mean anything special to me, but ok. It took me almost 30 mins to get there because they hid it pretty well from us common folk.

Oh but you best believe I found it, even if I did almost run a lady over in the neighborhood.

We get there and our names were on the guest list and we walk down tons of steps to see this cool looking pool. Nothing super-dee-dooper amazing but cool. There was a gated baby pool with a ride on Whale that had water squirt out it's head.

There was a Junior pool that had water fountains come out of the ground and a big Mushroom that water flowed out of. There were a few lanes for laps and there was a deep end with a water slide and 2 diving boards.

There was a snack shack where we could purchase goodies and there was a playground area.

Apparently what I couldn't see were some other perks. I tennis/racquet/and basketball courts and a little bit of golfing as well.

Lae had a blast with her friends. Some of the moms said that they had been there before and they were members. While we swim for free on base I thought I would find out about coming over here every now and again to avoid the hassles of getting them on base.

Me: This place is so cute. I would love to bring Lael here for a change of scene.


Other Mom: I know isn't it nice. We had a membership last year but didn't use it as much as we should.


Me: Oh, yeah that can be hard sometimes. How much is it per day?


Other Mom: Uh, well you can't pay for a daily visit, it's uh you know...private.


I raise my eyebrown in cluelessness.

Other Mom: Well you have to be a member to visit.

Me: Oh, ok well I guess that makes sense it is pretty nice in here. Well how much for membership?

Other Mom: Oh, well it's not too bad you know. You pay one price and then they decrease it each year. It's almost like having shares.

Me: Yeah, mmm hmmm, yeah so how much?

Other Mom: Uh...well it depends if you want a partial for full membership. You know.

Me: Mmm hmmm...how much?

Other Mom: (nervous laugh) Oh, it's around a thousand.

Me: Excuse me? A thousand, like dollars!

Other Mom: Yeah, not too bad though! You can bring guests for a small fee and you only have to pay $500 for your dues.

Me: Haa haa haa haa, Lael, get back in the pool and swim! Swim girl, swim!

Other Mom: Well you and Lael could come as our guests any time you want this summer.

Me: Of course! Or you could come to base and swim...it's free.

Other Mom: Yeah. Sounds great!

Don't think we'll be seeing much of each other this summer.

Heavy Heart

Sometimes I have moments where I could cry at the drop of a dime.

The last few days have been that way for me.

I can't pinpoint exactly what's bothering me. Maybe it's not just one thing at all.

There is always so much going on in life that sometimes it all hits you at once.

Lael graduates from Kindergarten next week. I can't grasp the idea that I will have an almost 6 year old going into the 1st grade.

Deciding whether or not to have another baby has caused many emotions in me.

Coming to realization that people come in and out of your life and there is nothing you can do to change the situation or the people.

My brother is in the Marines and know that he will soon deploy and there isn't anything I can do to guarantee his safety and I could damn near rip my heart out.

Not knowing whether I'm going to make TSgt makes me question my ability to provide for my family.

Heck, it could very well be that I am just having hormone issues and I'll be fine tomorrow. But for now I just wish I could breath. I wish I could stop my mind from wandering. I wish I could make all my worries vanish.

For now...no such luck.

Blended Family

The other girl in my life is here for the whole month of June. Last year we had her the whole summer but still had to give her back every other weekend. This will be the first time we will have had her for 30 consecutive days.

Because of unforeseen circumstances it's been a month since she was home with us. Oh how we've missed her.

What I don't miss, however, is the problems that having a blended family can cause.

Having a child that goes in between two households can be challenging, not only for the child but all parties involved.

On her end it's just her and her mom. There are things that she knows that she shouldn't as a 7 year old. There are things she should know that she doesn't. She is allowed to do some things with her mother that is not allowed in my home.

I joke with friends that when she comes to our house I have to "debrief" her. They joke but I am soooo serious.

I am very understanding of how difficult it is for her. She sees me, her father, and her sister all living together and I'm sure she feels left out sometimes.

I have a very good relationship with her but am afraid that she will grow apart from me as she gets older.

I try my best to include her and even try to work parties and vacations around her being with us. This does not always work out and I try not to feel guilty when Lael brags about some special place we've gone or an ohsowonderful birthday party we went to.

This is all part of having a blended family.

Last night was hard because it was the first time Lael had seen her sister in a few weeks. D is out of school but Lael still has another week left.

You try explaining to a 5 yr old that she has to go to bed because she has school but her sister gets to say up and play with her toys and watch her favorite show and hang out with her daddy while she has to stay in her bed.

It's hard. I try not to get frustrated because I can't keep everyone happy. I secretly wish that we could run away and keep these girls together forever and not have to deal with these issues.

How do I deal with these problems? How do I keep it from affecting me and hubby's relationship? How do I ensure Lael and D won't grow up to resent each other? How do I transition D into our rules when she's used to getting her way all the time? How to I deal with my blended family?

Michael Jordan Couldn't Compete With This Tongue

How awesome is this kid?

I know.

Go For The Gold....or Yellow

I was pregnant all through the summer of 2003 with Lael.

It gets very humid in the summer here in DC so I went to the pool whenever I could.

I always bopped around the water and Lael would kick and punch and I knew then that she would be a swimmer.

Right after she was born I would soak in the tub and I would sit her in a bouncy chair next to the tub.

She would squeal and cry and I couldn't figure out what she wanted.

She wanted in. So I put her in. She smiled and cooed and all was well.

As she got older she loved to take baths and splash. I started to dunk her head and she never once cried.

I took her to the pool almost everyday when she was about 8 months and she was in heaven.

By the time she was 2 she was jumping into the the 3ft pool with a life vest and floating on her back. She could put her own face in the water and never got scared.

By 3 she was swimming in the Junior Pool alone with a life jacket but was determined to get it off.

By 4 she was jacket free and swimming underwater, jumping in and having a great time.

Now that she's 5 she is moving on up. At our base pool you start off with a red band which means you have to be either in the baby pool or junior pool. You can be in the big pool but only with a life jacket. We have cool water slides there but red bands can't wear them this year.

Lael got to slide last year so with the rules changed she wasn't very happy to see her friends slide without her.

Last weekend she took the "test" to see if she could move up. She did well but not good enough. She does not give up easily.

Yesterday I watched as she stared at the big kids slide down and she bopped around with her life jacket while they had all the fun.

I pulled her aside and convinced her to re-take her test. She protested that she couldn't do it and I reminded her that I don't like to hear I can't. She needed to keep trying, never give up.

So she did try again. She passed. And then the pictures tell it all.














My kid rocks!!