Conversations with Elle

Elle: Was I in your tummy when I a baby?
Me: Yes, you were in my tummy when you were a little, tiny baby?
Elle: Was there food in there?
Me: Yes, you had all the food you needed from Mommy.
Elle: How did I get out?
Me: (Oh boy) Well...you...came out of my bottom. (I know, I know, but that is what she calls the "whole area" right now and I didn't feel the need to explain the Va-jay-jay.
Elle: (Scared) I don't want to go back in your tummy. It's dark and scary! (Whiny noises)
Me: Don't worry honey, you don't have to go back.
Elle: Why?
Me: Because once a baby comes out of a mommy's tummy they never go back in.
Elle: Why? Because it costs money?
Me: .........

The Next Big Thing

Whew. What a weekend. A weekend in which I saw entirely too much urine. And that is all I am going to saw about that. Thank goodness for this yummy afternoon coffee I am drinking.

Does anyone else ever feel like they always need something to look forward to? Like thinking about the next vacation, big event, holiday, etc makes life worth living? Does this make me unhappy? It sort of makes me feel like the yearning for the future indicates I am not happy in the now. I do get down and blue if I don't have something "big" to look forward to. Often times, nothing big is the near future and I have to substitute smaller things, like an upcoming party or a planned weekend trip to the zoo. The little things will get me by, but oh how I crave something big like planning a vacation. I might actually like planning the vacation better than taking it. OK not quite as much, especially if there is a beach involved, but they planning is damn fun. Planning something big is almost like a drug, I feel almost high when I am thinking about it. When I was planning my wedding I would wake up super early every day, not tired at all, full of energy and excitement.

I wouldn't say that I am "unhappy." In fact most days I would say I am fairly content, but I worry this is an indicator of something I don't realize. Is this normal? Or do I need to start making a concentrated effort to live in the moment more? Maybe I should try that anyway.

Toddler Food

Last night I discovered that Elle likes to drink pickle juice. Ew. Oh yeah, she also ate an ENTIRE tube of strawberry "flavored" Hello Kitty chapstick. I mean the whole damn thing. And, as I was trying to explain why this was a bad idea, she was looking up at me with her big blue eyes all the while licking and slurping the remaining chapstick off of her fingers.

Then I started to worry. I mean, of course kids probably eat this stuff all the time...but I am a worrier, so I did what any mom would do. I turned to Google. Google failed me big time with little information other than maybe I should call Poison Control just to double check.

The very calm lady on the phone at Poison Control, who did a decent job of keeping judgement out of her voice, explained that she should be fine. However, it might have a latent laxative effect. In a "bad mommy" moment I said a silent prayer that that would happen at preschool and not at home.

The Bedtime Saga Continues

Purchased a cheap-o DVD player and a Care Bear movie. My sweet sis-in-law delivered the small TV and we were going to be set. Elle was going to have her own mini movie theater in her bedroom and hopefully at least fall asleep in there with minimal fuss. Well the whole plan came to a screeching halt when the damn TV didn't have hookups for the DVD player. For the love. So, I went to bed with Elle again in my room. That was probably good for me since I am still getting over my ear infection, but my house will fall apart and the DVR will explode with unwatched shows if this keeps up.

In other news...I get to research places for company party today. Right up my alley. Totally fun.

Thowing Up the White Flag AKA Parenting Fail

I have secured a TV for Elle's room. Now I just need to get a DVD player. I feel like a huge failure. I have NEVER had a TV in my room and I admit I have been a little self-righteous about that fact. Guess it serves it me right for judging. Just like I felt all superior for not letting my baby sleep in my bed. All that got me was a toddler foot in my ribs all night.

Elle 3, Mommy 0

While last night didn't culminate in dramatic puking or biting Elle still won in the end. She wouldn't stay in bed again. I tried the Love & Logic approach and told her she didn't have to sleep, just stay in the room. Didn't work. She just kept chasing me out. I tried another suggestion which was, without words, repeatedly put her back into bed. Didn't work. I don't know if that tactic works on a child who is hysterical. I couldn't even walk out of the room without her on my heels screaming, grabbing, and thrashing. I then calmly said that if she didn't stay in bed I was going to start taking away privileges, favorite things etc. Didn't work. My turning off the CD player just resulted in louder screaming. I finally just got in bed with her. At this point it was after 10PM and I should have been in bed anyway. My ear still hurts like a bitch, I have been sick for 3 weeks and I need my rest. Once I got in bed Elle was asleep in 2 minutes. I couldn't sleep. I don't know which makes be a worse parent, my complete parenting bedtime fail or the fact that my kid winning this damn game keeps me awake at night.

And Then She Bit Me

This morning I suggested Elle go live with Grandma. Just until she is 4 and no longer psycho. In the last week she has had two gigantic fits. One that resulted in her getting so worked up she threw up chocolate ice cream all over my bed. I would like to note that we have white sheets. And then last night she refused to stay in bed. After an hour of pleading, bribing, consoling, and otherwise being completely manipulated my someone a third of my height, I finally said I was putting away her Little People (the current top rated toys in the house) until she could learn to go to bed without being a crazy person. This resulted in her tearing out of the room after me shrieking. And then she bit me.

It doesn't help that I am in a weakened state. I finally broke down and went to the doctor today after the cold that wouldn't quit. Turns out I have a sinus and ear infection. Last night's parenting nightmare ended in a grand finale of failure when Daddy decided to play the hero (or brat maker) and gave in to her demands by sitting next to her until she fell asleep. A monster has been created and I don't know how to fight it.

Gee Thanks McDonalds

So there has been talk about banning toys in fast food kid's meal. I think this is total bullshit. Whatever happened to parental responsibility? If parents are irresponsible enough to feed their children too much fast food then removing the toy isn't going to help. I am willing to bet (and this is from personal experience) that a fast food run is less about kids begging for a crappy toy, and more about an easy and quick meal. I'll admit that Elle occasionally gets fast food. We might be out and about and it is an inexpensive lunch option, or once in awhile I might be too tired to cook. Or, more likely, I am out for the evening and daddy is in charge of dinner. Whatever the reason, it doesn't happen too often and hell, I order her the sliced apples instead of fries.

Despite my steadfast feeling that toys are A-OK in kids' meals, I am feeling a little screwed by the last few toys we have received.

Case in point:

Taco Grande gave us a very realistic fake spider. So realistic that Elle was scared to touch it at first. Once we convinced her it wasn't real she seemed to like it, but now the cat keeps finding it and leaving it in the middle of the floor. This has given Carey and I a few mild heart attacks when we come across it at night. I am surprised I haven't hit it with the broom yet. I'll probably become desensitized and step on a real wolf spider. Then I really will have a heart attack.

Arby's most recent gift was a blow up fireman's ax. Yes, I said an ax. Guess who has been whacked with said ax in the head 212 times. Me, that is who.

Finally, McDonalds is handing out some sort of slutty doll. Bratz maybe? Just what my three year old needs: Fashion inspiration.

What Happens When Your Toddler Gets Her Hands On Your Camera

More pictures here on Elle's blog

Morning

5:00 AM.

Alarm.

Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. I kid not. I really hit it that many times. Unfortunately for me, this morning I hit it one time too many and I started the day running later than usual.

So what do I do? I check Facebook. "Who is this Ruth Bourdain character that Kelly likes? I think Kelly is pretty cool so I must check this out. Wow! It is a page created by Anthony Bourdain claiming to be a mashup between himself and Ruth Reichl. This is freaking hilarious." Read. Laugh. Read.

Now I am running really late.

So what do I do? "Let's try a new style with my bangs this morning. That sounds like a brilliant idea. Wait...it isn't working. I hate my bangs. Let's fix this. Crap...not working either."

Resign self to bad bangs. OMG. I am super late.

"Wait, I forgot to clean up the 67 bath toys from Elle's bath last night, and the cleaners are coming today." Frantically pick up foam letters representing all 26 letters and 10 numbers, 3 cups, 4 boats, a Dora bath toy and some assorted others.

Would you believe I actually made it to work on time? I am superwoman, but maybe I should start drinking coffee first thing in the morning instead of waiting until I get to work. It might increase my focus. Or, it might be the one thing that tips the scales and actually makes me late...

Making the Workplace a Better Place

My rant/vent for today:

1. Calm down:

Distinguish between things that should cause you to freak out and things that really shouldn’t.

For example,
Major order is lost = freak out!
Boss asks you to clean a spoon = do not freak out. Yes, even if it isn’t your spoon. Doesn’t count as a “freak out-able” item.

2. Shut your mouth:

Please.

3. Ask yourself this question: “Does this really matter?”

Does it really matter who made the call as long as it was done? No, no it does not.

Is that person really annoying? Bitchy? Evil? Smelly? Can you walk away? If the answer is yes, then does it really matter? No, walk away and quit bitching. See #2.

4. Know your enemy

Does one person share all the juicy gossip with you? Great, just know that person is also sharing all your juicy secrets with everyone else. Trust me.

My Weekend - A Summary

This article from Babble.com, "24 habits of highly annoying toddlers (who, of course, we love anyway)," totally sums up my weekend. A few items from the article that especially pertain to my household:

A sampling:

#3 High pitched screaming: Are you being stabbed? Has your skin literally caught fire? Has your entire family been murdered and the village you grew up in burned down? Oh, I see, you dropped your cracker and felt that a blood-curdling scream was the most appropriate response.

#7 Eliminating grown-up pop-culture cred: Who should have won an Oscar? Who knows? You don’t, and the last movie I saw in the theater was Wolverine. On the other hand, we've seen the whole second season of Yo Gabba Gabba.

#8 Making the house look like insane people live in it: Toys, magazines, and clothes are strewn all over the floor; the drawers and cabinets are all locked; and people in bathrobes and pajamas are often found walking back and forth moaning for coffee. Oh, and that “cleanup, cleanup, everybody, everywhere” song? We don’t sound crazy singing that at all.

#18 Being inflexible: “Sure, we’d love to make plans this Saturday. Here’s the thing: Jacob usually naps from 12-2, so we can have brunch early or meet for a late-afternoon coffee. But he didn’t sleep well last night, so he may go down for his nap early, so we’ll have to call you right before we leave to let you know when we’ll get there. And of course we need to back on the road by 6:00 to get home for dinner and bedtime. Does that work for you? We’re also available on Sunday at 6:00 a.m.”

Bid Day/Wind Fest/New Blog Idea

It is "bid day" at work so that means we keeping getting frantic requests for stuff from the owners.  My stuff mostly consists of OHSA, work comp reports and employee resumes.  Not hard but I am always worried I won't have what they ask for and spend the morning all nervous.

We took Elle to the WindFest, I mean RiverFest last night.  Good night it was windy. And hot.  The Cessna Kids Korner was pretty cool.  They had a couple of carnival rides for little kids, several playgrounds and the Bubble Man preformed.  There were supposed to be inflatables too, but it was too windy.  We ate at the food court by the stage which didn't have a huge selection and no freaking tables!  We had to sit on the curb and eat.  Today my mom is picking me up for lunch and we are hitting the actual food court.

So I have an idea for Elle's artwork that is already coming home in droves from preschool.  I want to preserve it, but don't really want to have it all cluttering up the house.  If I put it away in boxes it will stay there forever junking up the basement.  So....I had a grand idea:  Elle's Artwork Gallery blog!  I will scan her stuff, or take pictures and record them on a blog.  I know that no one other than my mother will look at it, but she will be able to see all of her stuff when she is older and I can have a record of it with out the extra clutter!  Plus, it will show her progression as she grows up if I can keep it up.

Preschool

Oh boy...listening to coworkers say how the death penalty in underused.  Must. Stay. Quiet. 

Elle started preschool yesterday.  Carey went with me to drop her off and we had to peel her off of our legs to leave.  The morning teacher held her and she reached out her arms and gave us the most pitiful face ever as we walked out the door.  I felt so bad I went up to check on her at lunchtime, and they said she was doing great.  They even said she followed directions!?! I didn't let her see me so she didn't even know I was there.  Then when I picked her up she didn't want to leave.  She was clingy again this morning, but I think she is just fine once I leave.  I sort of wish I had picked the school with web cams, but it was just too expensive. 

My mom and I were going to go to the Botanica concert tonight with Elle, but it is too freaking hot.  Maybe next week. 

Tomorrow we are going to the kid rodeo at the RiverFest.  I know if will be hot, but maybe we'll wait until a little later in the evening.  The only things is then I will feel bad for keeping Elle up too late when we have to leave the house at such an ungodly hour of the morning. 

Oh yeah...Elle pooped on the potty last night!  I figure everyday she doesn't crap her pants at school is victory!

Stupid Blogger

Jen, this damn thing won't let me comment on your posts.  It tells me to sign in and then when I do it takes me back to the comment page and the process repeats.  Ugh!  Anyway...I just wanted to apologize for being an absentee blogger.  Vacation, you know.  And then all the hell that comes with coming home from vacation.  Extra work to catch up and all.... We are still on for lunch Friday, right?  I will try to have vacation pics up on Facebook by then. 

Not much new going on other than the awesomeness of being done with school.  Oh, Elle has kind of been acting psycho, but I am hoping that it is just from being out of her element and off her routine for several days.  Last night she had one of those screaming, thrashing, insane fits you hear about (other) kids having.  WTF?  She also did that once on vacation.  In public.  It started with her grabbing a package of peanut M&Ms and trying to run out the door with them (we were in a zoo gift shop).  We told her to put them back and she proceeded to run, at top toddler speed, weaving in and out of aisles, dodging us as we chased her through the gift shop.  When I finally caught her she started kicking and crying as I carried her out.  It was lovely. 

I checked this book out from the library:

What. Is. Wrong. With. Me?

Today.  First official day of vacation.  Leaving for Eureka Springs at 9AM. 

Yet, 4:30AM I am awake and laying in bed thinking about work.  WTF.  I have two big organizational projects I need to tackle and I am thinking about them instead of sleeping in.  Good grief!

Reasons why life isn't fair

So after giving nearly 38 years of her life to SRS, the new governor has told my mother he no longer needs her services.  He didn't tell her personally, his hatchet team did.  They are "going to put in their own team."  Total bullshit.  Completely political.  They tried to tell her that her replacement has a "similar" resume.  Um...the new lady is a "trainer" at a social service agency.  My mom manages over 500 people.  Whatev.  Makes me so damn mad.  I tried to blame my sister because she doesn't vote, but mom made me drop it :)

In other "Not Fair News" (not nearly as tragic, but kind of funny) This Sunday Elle was to get an award for attendance at Sunday School.  She went to 100% of her classes.  I am of course feeling superior about my parenting again as I am instilling the importance of fulling commitments :) Anyway....the ONE DAY we are late to church we miss the damn award ceremony.  (Using "damn" in a post about church, hmmm...) Seriously, I am never late.  It just isn't my thing. The "not fair"part comes in because my sister.  Who, despite her many strengths, is NOT a punctual person, was on time for once and her kids (who didn't even attend 100%) got their awards.  She of course rubbed this in.

I just keep thinking....3 days till vacation.  Also, I turned in my final capstone paper today so I am totally done with school.  Woo-Hoo!

Random Thoughts for Friday the 13th:

I have been informed (Jen)that I should blog something...
"Mommy, why is it raining?" In a show of extreme self restraint (and the hope of saving on future therapy bills) I did not respond by saying, "God is crying because you won't poop on the potty." Does the act of not committing horrible parenting constitute as good parenting?
The Magic Eraser is a miracle worker. It removed the last of the blue crayon from the dryer! Woo-hoo. It is also great for removing smudges from kids tennis shoes (otherwise known as "sneakers" if you aren't in the Midwest).

So I keep taking practice tests for the SHRM Assurance of Learning test. I got a 69% in the provided SHRM practice test(70% is passing). Crap. The only other study guide I have is for the PHR and I am scoring even worse on those tests. Supposedly the SHRM test is modeled on the PHR test, but is designed for a more "entry level" person. I think the PHR only has a 50% pass rate, but still...I feel like I will be proven a fraud if I don't pass. Stressing. Me. Out. Not to mention I have that huge paper due a week from Monday. I haven't really worked on it yet since I have been preparing my lesson I have to teach this Monday and taking practice tests. I think I am going to give up on the damn practice tests, start on my paper, and just hope for the best.

Speaking of practice, we are doing a practice run at Elle's preschool this afternoon. Please God, let it go well. My Evil Mommy Plan is that she will fall in love with it and realize that pooping on the potty is the only thing standing between her and school bliss.

May the 4th be with you

I know, I know I am a huge dork, but I couldn't help myself, and Facebook isn't working on my work computer right now.  It keeps locking up.  Damn.

So in the next few weeks I have a 2 hour presentation on Employee Relations due, a 15 page paper on current HR topics and a 4 hour comprehensive HR test.  And that is just school.  My head is going to explode. 

So this weekend Elle told Brandi, "I have a little tummy and Mommy has a big tummy."  Gee thanks, kid.  I got her back though when a conversation about Old Mac Donald led to her being informed that cats eat mice.  She was horrified, "Cats don't eat mice Mommy...They. Eat. Cat Food."  Ha.

TGIF

Elle has decided she only needs about 7 hours of sleep instead of the recommended 10 hours a night.   Nice.  Hell, I need more sleep than that.  It isn't even like she is a hot mess on so little rest.  She functions just fine.  I am the one begging for a nap.  I just pre ordered the new "children's" book titled, "Go the F**k to Sleep." 

Work today is off to a crappy start too.  One of the owners was very cranky with me.  I haven't figured out how to respond to him yet.  It was over something silly and it really isn't a problem at all, but I always feel like a whiner with excuses when I try to explain myself.  Is it a girl thing to take things so damn personally?  Another manager even told me that his mood was common and it wasn't directly related to me, yet here I am still obsessing about a 60 second conversation that I doubt he will even give a second thought. I know I need to start acting less like a little girl, but the guy is kind of intense, very smart and frankly, he scares me.

I do have a fun weekend to look forward to...Mediterranean Food Festival tomorrow evening and the Cinco de Mayo event at the zoo on Sunday!

Updates

Swim lessons were another major disaster last night. It was actually less of a swim lesson and more of an exercise class for the instructor as she chased Luke, Cooper and Poopy Pants (I don't know her real name, but this nickname is horribly accurate) all across the pool. All the while, poor Elle sat on the side and shivered. Once again, no sign of any intervention from other parents. I was feeling really smug , as the one time Elle got up and ran away, I indicated I was counting to 3 on my fingers (through a glass window) and she obeyed me and ran back to sit down. My feelings of parenting genius dissipated though when she was pretty much a spaz throughout dance class.

Work has been crazy. I have been interviewing a 3 to 4 people a day for our admin job. It sort of feels like dating. I want there to be an instant connection and love at first sight. This hasn't really happened yet. There is one girl I like a lot, but I can think of all sorts of excuses on why she isn't "the one." Does this sound like some women we know talking about men? I have been frantically running around the office acting all put out and busy, having to do all these interviews while also doing payroll, OHSA reports, staffing reports, etc. In actuality though, I secretly LOVE IT!

I went to a luncheon at Abode today. I won 3 door prizes! A scrap-booking kit, a Scentsy warmer (which is awesome because I just broke mine) and some jewelry!

Also, since I am listing good things...Elle pooped on the potty two days in a row. The things that make us happy now...

Bad boys, bad boys, whatca gonna do....

SWOT is busting a meth lab two blocks down the street from our office right now.  Cool. 

My post for today is about the kids that will grow up to be the ones getting busted.  Specifically the little brats in Elle's swim lessons.  The poor teacher spends the entire class trying to corral these bratty kids instead of teaching, and Elle doesn't learn a thing unless you count new brat techniques.  The worst part:  their parents just sit there and watch as their kids run, dive, splash and basically ignore the instructor.  I think I heard the poor woman say, 'Cooper, get on the wall.  No Cooper.  Stop Cooper." about 50 times.  Elle is still nervous in the water and instead of the teacher helping her overcome that she is chasing down brats in all directions.  It is a waste of our time and money.  If my kid got up to run away (which she did a few times) I got up and took her back where she was supposed to be sitting, and discussed the importance of minding the teacher.  Not hard.  All the other parents watched me do this but didn't even move a muscle while their kids "swam" off into the deep end.  Not the slightest bit concerned that their 3-year old is not unaccompanied in the deep end of a swimming pool while the teacher chases another one in the opposite direction. 

Lunch with a Pirate

Today Elle had lunch with a Pirate, got a ladybug painted on her cheek and learned some belly dancing.  Pretty full day at the Ren Fair. 

Last night I scored free tickets to WineFest.  Totally overindulged...in food.  It was fun though I practically had to waddle out of there.  I seriously LOVE not working every single weekend.  This is the life.  Now if I can get through with school and have more free time in the evenings I think I will be totally content. 

I did find out Friday though that they offered my job to someone else before me, but she turned it down.  Talk about an ego blow.  I'm glad I had a fun weekend to take my mind off of it. 

Here is a video of Elle dancing and some Ren Fair pics:

You're Fired

I had to participate in my first firing today. The guy totally deserved it (he missed almost 100 hours of work since he started less than 3 months ago) but my bleeding heart still feels terrible about it. He was a nice, polite guy, but he just couldn't seem to make it to work. Luckily, all I had to do was "advise" and fill out the termination paperwork. I had already made sure the supervisor had followed "progressive discipline" so all of our ducks were in a r

ow. I really don't think I could actually do the deed if I had too. I am such a wimp.

On a happier note...we are actually getting a tax refund! Totally unexpected. Upon hearing the news I immediately started planning a vacation like a crack addict looking for a fix. We book a family cabin in Eureka Springs over Memorial Day weekend! Woo-Hoo!

Highway Robbery

So I got an email advertising the pre-sale of Disney on Ice/Toy Story Version with $10 tickets on opening night. I figured Elle would love it, and $10 didn't sound too bad. Well I go to the Select-a-Seat website to buy the tickets and they want to charge me a $15 fee! WTF. Seriously...that is more than a ticket! It is half the cost of the total tickets for the three of us to go! Highway Robbery. I called Intrust Arena and I can go into the box office and buy the tickets there without the fee. Of course, the "pre-sale" in only online, but I'll wait and take my chances. Last time I checked, ticket scalping was illegal.

My Weekend in Pictures

I feel like I have fallen into a black hole of school, work and laundry. Yesterday I decided to have some fun. It started with the zoo and ended with strawberry hooch. Too lazy to write more so enjoy the picture show:

Touche

Scene: In the car this morning taking Elle to daycare. My coworker calls to say she is stopping to get her new Driver's License on her way into work.

Me: Hangs up phone
Elle: Who was that Mommy?
Me: That was J from work
Elle: What did she say?
Me: She called to tell me she had to stop and get a new Driver's License
Elle: Why?
Me: Because grownups need a Driver's License to drive their cars
Elle: Why?
Me: Because
Elle: I want to drive!
Me: Not until you are 45 honey
Elle: OK (long pause) You 45 mommy?

My New Addiction

I have decided it is time I grow up and start drinking real coffee. Not "foo foo" coffee as my dad would say. I am a grown woman with real coffee needs now. I started drinking the office coffee, and it is tolerable with lots of cream and sugar, but I started wondering how many extra calories I was drinking. While grocery shopping the other day I found these Starbucks VIA instant coffees (caramel flavor) that only have 60 calories. They are freaking yummy! I still add a little cream but they are just sweet enough to not need extra sugar. Now my dad might still classify these as "foo foo" coffee but I think they are a good gateway drug until I can work up to the real thing.

Sleep Club

The first rule of sleep club is that you do not talk AT sleep club.

I have an idea: Sleep Club. The premise is simple: We arrange for competent care of our children (husbands being first on call) and then we take naps. Who's in?

Getting up so early for my new job is really cramping my style. And let me tell you, I have load of style. Ha! Lack of style aside, last night I fell asleep during the Tribal Council of Survivor. For those of you who know my dorky ass, Survivor is my favorite show (well SouthLAnd is giving it a run for its money, but Survivor and I have 20 some seasons worth of history). For those of you who know Survivor, Tribal Council happens to be a fairly critical part of the those. Thank god for DVR. What really concerns me is that I can't stay up past 9pm. Elle has been staying up later than me. Something is wrong with this picture. Is there some trick to getting by on less sleep that I don't know about?

Gluttony

So far today I have eaten an Egg McMuffin, a piece of jalapeno cornbread topped with a hamburger, topped with a pile of french fries, topped with chili,topped with queso and then jalapenos. Oh yeah, and now I am eating a piece of chocolate cake. Juice fast tomorrow maybe?

Speaking of cake. I made a cake in the microwave. Seriously. I used my new Tupperware microwave cooker, put in a mixed up box of cake mix and nuked it for 8 minutes. I thought it turned out decent. Carey was prejudiced against it because it was microwave cooked. Too bad it was his birthday cake.

Elle thought the cake was just fine. I offer proof:

The Garden Show and the Little Vegetarian

Had a lovely time at the Garden Show today.  Luckily Stephanie & Sasha were there to help me keep track of E. I can't wait for it to warm up so we can start using our Botanica membership. I also stopped by the Great Plains Nature Center booth and it looks like a cool place to visit and it is FREE!

The only other thing of note today was that I think I turned my kid into a vegetarian. We saw some cows driving back into town from my parents and she mention that she didn't want the cows to eat her??? Um...Really? I'm like, "oh no honey...cows don't eat you, you eat cows." She's like, "wha????" I explained that a hamburger was in fact a cow. From the look on her face and the fact that she started yelling, "I don't want to eat cows Mommy!" I think she might be slightly traumatized. Oops.

Inspired by Jen

Jen W has inspired me to start posting again.  I was quickly reviewing past posts, and the first thing that comes to mind is that I need to make Korean ribs again.  Also, E is finally potty trained!  Well almost.  She stays dry all day, but keeps crapping her pants.  Of course, I leave that tidbit out while I am interviewing preschool centers.