I'll rest when I'm dead...

So, besides having two kids, taking classes and the regular Mom stuff (cooking, cleaning, slaving away), I've now become the general contractor for the remodel of my home. Last few weeks have been spent switching gears between housework, statistics, basic nursing care, and organizing the installation of new flooring. (which did include about a million trips to home depot) It will be nothing short of a miracle if everyone in my house survives to see the end of this project. (Most notably, myself.)

Float On.....

So much going on these days....trying to get ready for "Back to School", Big Daisy has become quite the shop-a-holic, Little Daisy is two handfuls as usual, and to top it off, the hubbie is looking for a new trabajo (job). We may end up having to move, which would not be bad, honestly, except for missing my wonderful bro, s-i-l and nephew. So it's a lot to think about, thank goodness for the mini-escapes I like to call movies. Movies are my proverbial "flowers" and I smell them as often as possible. Another "flower" is music, of which I truly got to enjoy this past friday. I have a friend who is trying to start a singing career, and another friend (my brother's brother-in-law) who is going to school to work in a music studio (coincidence?) So, we had a little recording session and laid down some vocals to some of our favorite songs, it was a blast! Nerve racking, but sooo much fun!
Little Daisy has been repeating words like crazy, she's been saying "dude" for a while, but last night I was playing around, after she said "Dude" she easily repeated "cool", so I kept it going, she also repeated "awesome" and nearly got "brilliant" (it came out more like (tnt-tnt).
She can be pretty adorable when she isn't screaming! (sometimes even when she is screaming.)

I realize it's been quite a while since I've blogged, I have a perfectly good excuse, I've been recovering from surgery. My fourth surgery in two years to be precise, and if all goes well it will be the last. During this time there has been no shortage of "random events of cuteness" from the daisies. As many friends/family are aware, each night after bath time Little Daisy likes to "streak" through the house. She often takes great joy in stopping in front the hall mirror and dancing naked as well (though last night she was at least wearing a straw hat.) (quick break - presently Little Daisy is busy scattering all the shoes from the shoe rack all over the hall way - the shoes I JUST picked up, when I noticed she looked at me ever so innocently and said
"uh-oh", little faker is actually trying to look suprised, kinda like "oh, my, how did the shoes get here....") Back to the streaking - Perhaps I shouldn't have encouraged her, because now she has discoved she can streak anytime, all she has to do is remove her diaper! Okay, still not so bad, except now she has realized that she remove her diaper - in public! A couple weeks ago we were eating at Cici's, and as we were getting our food a worker pointed out that I had dropped something. I looked back and immediately spotted her abandoned diaper. I guess the moral of the story is that from now on, she will not be wearing dresses without a pair of shorts underneath. (at least she has a cute tushy!)

Murphy's Law....

Even though Little Daisy has been sleeping beautifully for weeks now, she has picked the last two nights to revert to her old ways. Waking up, a lot, and staying awake. This has thrown a real monkey wrench into my master plan, which was to get my house in order before today, I'm dropping Big & Little Daisies off with aunt/uncle for a few days so I can go in for surgery tomorrow. (I have to be at the hospital at "dark thirty" as my sis-in-law puts it.) So at "dark thirty" this morning, as Little Daisy made it understood that she was up for the day, I was thinking "this is so Murphy's Law". I was actually on the verge of looking up an old work friend and slapping him silly because he happens to be named "Murphy". I was thoroughly agitated even while reaching out to hold LD for the umpteenth time, when it hit me...if she hadn't been such a pill these last couple of days...then I would be so busy cleaning/organizing/etc...that I wouldn't have held her much at all. If she had played happily and slept through the night, then I would have spent the last two days taking care of business and missing out on holding her. So once I had her in my arms, I enjoyed every second of it...I even took her to bed with me to cuddle. And as I cuddled my sweet baby girl, knowing it will be a long while before we can cuddle like this again...she pooted on me. Murphy has a lousy sense of humor....

Kids say the darnest things...

They just never stop being cute....

As I was talking to Big Daisy about getting three C's on her final report card, she asked me what subjects they were in...I answered, reading, writing and social studies. To which she replied "Reading? But I did great on my TAKS, I was even committed!!" Don't grab the straight jackets just yet, she was actually "commended" (this may explain that C in reading) She's really a very smart kid, we just haven't yet discovered how to spark that desire to learn, or at least, to get the grades that make Mom & Dad happy. I think some bribery may be in order, maybe a video game for each nine weeks she makes A/B Honor Roll? we shall see...

No news is good news....

BUT GOOD NEWS IS BETTER!
(if you watch Dora the Explorer, sing along!)
I did it, I did it, I did it! Yo hicimos! I did it!
I went tons of classes, and studied a lot, yeah, I did it!
I gave up breaks and lunches, and all my free time,
yeah, I did it, I did it, I did it!
Made it into nursing school, I did it!!

And now I get to go to work my booty off some more! yeah! I'll be going into nursing school at 35 years old folks, wish me luck, and please send giftcards to Starbucks!

Troop or Troupe??

Why, oh why, did I have to have girls?? And why, oh why, did I volunteer to lead Big Daisy's girlscout troop. Because I love the pain, baby! Keep it coming! No really, spending time with a group of 10 year old girls should be listed as a form of torture, punishable by warcrime tribunal. These girls would make excellent covert operatives, if they got caught they could actually "whine" the enemy into submission. Drama queens, all of 'em. I don't know how these normally sweet girls can go from "0" to drama queen so quickly, but they do; and they tag team! I think it's a plot, a conspiracy, to keep parents worn out, hazy, unable to think straight. But I have a plan, it involves copious amounts of Starbucks and a cattle prod (to keep me awake and the girls in line). I'm envisioning some new badge work for next year, the first of which will involve taking a class in etiquette. (seriously, I love all these girls, especially when they're asleep.)

Stuuaarrt!!

If you were once a fan of Mad TV you'll get that title...
Yesterday as Little Daisy and I were leaving to run errands I found a couple of old animal crackers in her car seat. Being lazy, I simply tossed them in my yard for the birds. I guess the birds weren't all that hungry, because when I returned an hour or so later they were still there. LD, of course, got out of the car and promptly picked up one of these germ ridden, hastily tossed animal crackers. My heart started racing imaging what horrific diseases were awaiting entry to my little tikes mouth. I tried to take the offensive cracker away, but by this time she has established an iron grip. The cracker ended up being shredded in the process, I felt victorious, until I saw one small piece she had barely managed to cling to between her thumb and forefinger. As I started to reach for it she quickly (and I'm talking lightning speed quick) shoved it in her mouth and chewed with much satifaction. Seeing as how she seems absolutely fine, no vomiting fits in the middle of the night, no apparent tummy aches....I think we'll expand the 5 second rule a little.

A Pirate says Arghh.....

Right now Little Daisy is watching one of her favorite shows, the Backyardigans. Today the characters are dressed up as pirates and of course hunting treasure, LD is making the "arrrghh" sound along with their song.....too cute. I had to stifle my laughter so I wouldn't distract her. She is starting to say a few more words, of course she's gotten really good at Mama, now. But she usually only says it when she's trying to push me away from the kitchen counter. She almost always tries to keep me from doing dishes or making dinner. Even when i tried making dinner earlier, thinking maybe she was just really hungry by the time I cooked. Didn't help, she gets between me and the bottom cabinets and just pushes as hard as she can yelling "Mama!" And of course the other favorite toddler word "Uh, oh." Very popular these days. What's really funny is that we can tell the difference between what she calls grandpa and daddy, daddy is
da-da and grandpa is de-de. (soft vowel sounds) Sister is still "scissor", and the dolls are just now becoming "babies". Unfortunately I think I heard a "dammit" the other day. (he, he, wonder where she possibly could have picked that up....)

Can you hear me now?

Okay, so it's been forever since I've posted. Busy, busy, no rest for the wicked, or in this case, no rest for the troop leader. I'm a troop leader for Big Daisy's 4th grade junior girlscout troop. When these girls get together they get all worked up and jumpy. I'm considering requiring each of them to take a shot of NyQuil prior to each meeting or funtion. We planned our end of year get together tonight. The girls decided they wanted to go to Libby Lu, and then eat dinner out, and then, Yeah!! they want to stay over at my house!! (happy...happy...joy...joy...NOT!)
I'm soooo glad I have something to actually look forward to, this weekend I'm leaving my beautiful but exhausting flower girls in the care of their aunt and uncle. This month my hubbie and I will have our 12 year anniversay, and this is the first time we've ever taken a weekend to ourselves, intentionally, and planned stuff. He wants to take me for "good" sushi, as he puts it. He doesn't dig the sushi at our usual chinese buffet spot. I'm just looking forward to a whole 36 hour peroid of time where I don't have to chase anyone down, wipe anyone's bottom, or be the "Mom". (Of course, I am going to a party, and some of my friends can get pretty wild....maybe they'll behave....I did already threaten to take black mail photos...and who says I'm not planning for retirement!!)

Cranky....

I'm sorry, I'm just not capable of being the always understanding and nurturing mama I'd like to be. I simply can't be pleasant in the wee hours of the morning. Little Daisy psyched me into a false sense of security by actually sleeping for four nights in a row. I thought perhaps this was it....yeah....she's was finally starting to sleep well. Unfortunately, I think she was letting build up some rest, because boy do I need it now. The last two days she's decided to wake at around 4am and stay awake for a couple hours. So, as much as I'd love to keep writing, because I honestly do enjoy posting, I'm going to go sneak in a nap myself. I hope...

It ain't braggin if it's true....

I just love it when Big Daisy is in a joking mood. She tends to be a bit on the whiny side much of the time, but when she jokes around she's really pretty funny. Last week I was driving BD and her friend to volleyball practice, we were running late so I was kinda speeding (Mama, I'm going fast!). So BD pipes up and says, "Mom, slow down, I don't wanna die, I'm too young and way, way too beautiful!! Where do I find that balance between building her confidence and giving her a big head!

Guilty....

Okay, I can't believe I did this...Little Daisy had already eaten dinner, but of course wanted to eat more when we sat down for our pizza and salad tonight. So I put her in her high chair with some animal crackers, and when that didn't suffice....sigh....I gave her....ranch dressing. Yes, I let my child eat animal crackers dipped in ranch dressing. Not the worst of mommy shortcuts, but nevertheless, not my personal best. She seems to be becoming increasingly inpatient and restless each day, it truly takes me, daddy, grandpa and big Daisy to keep up with this kid. Right now she's running circuits through my kitchen and living room, with occasional forays into her own room to resupply, that is drag more toys out. I'm getting to old for this.

Happy Easter!!

I love holidays, they always mean family, fun and deviled eggs! We'll be getting together with my brother and his family which is always good. The Daisies have a 2 yr old cousin, Jet, who's the sweetest two year old this side of the Mississippi (most likely the other side, too.) Much love to my nephew, he reminds me so much of my little brother at the age, except much better behaved...and cuter...and not so smelly. (Joking, bro...) I sincerely hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend!

So she's a cute banshee....

The bouncing baby banshee, aka Little Daisy, has been up to her old tricks today. We went for toddler story time at the library this morning. Luckily they keep it short, because it didn't take long for LD to start running around and getting into stuff. The only part she sat still for was a favorite song, Five Little Ducks. She listened with amazement, pure joy actually, displayed by the awesome smile across her face. When it was over she turned to me and said, "Quack, quack, quack." It never ceases to amaze that something so little and simple can make me so happy. My day is made because my baby said "Quack, quack, quack."
The moment passed, and LD proceeded to make her way to the front of room to steal the Five Little Ducks off of the display board. Evil Mom, however, foiled her plans, much to her chagrin. Afterward we made it home for lunch with a couple of baby/mommy buddies, and a good time was had by all. A very nice day if I do say so myself.
A much needed nice day, Mom's been busy the last several days with Big Daisy. Between girlscout stuff and school stuff, LD has been hanging with Daddy for a few days. That's good for Daddy, he needs the cuddling, but Mommy is glad to have the baby back for today. Big Daisy and Daddy has some much needed special time this weekend as well, a father/daughter dance. Though I've since learned that they never actually danced, they did however contribute to an incident where a beach ball landed in some shrimp cocktail. But at least they were together, right??
Gotta go, LD is trying to explore the fireplace....she managed to get covered in soot yesterday....

Cat with Rice...

I should be cleaning my house, my mother-in-law is coming tomorrow and I need to finish doing the "Mom" clean. Which means every visible spot possible. I say possible, because, thankfully, I have a wonderful mother-in-law who's very supportive and doesn't give any flack (she really just doesn't want her son back). Joking, I lucked out when they passed out mother-in-laws. Still, something inside drives me to wipe down walls, cabinets, if I'm lucky I'll make it to the baseboards. I did the kitchen counters/appliances yesterday.
However, though I sincerely intended to get a jump start on cleaning this morning, Big Daisy stayed home from school for a second day (not feeling well) and Little Daisy decided to cleave herself to my side this morning. Mark my words, after I finally get this house clean Little Daisy won't want anything to do me. So in the middle of listening to Big Daisy moan and trying to get Little Daisy to give me some space to breath, the cat starts a puking. So after chasing him out of the house with little Daisy slung horizontally over my hip (the football carry), I cleaned up the puke, begged my husband to stay home from work (to which he giggled and darted out the door), and proceeded to vegetate on the couch until 11:00. I finally got LD down for a nap, got a little cleaning done...and "snap" LD is awake again. I sure my mother-in-law doesn't expect clean sheets!!! ( I may be up kinda late tonight.....)
Oh, yeah, Cat with Rice....refers to what he will become should he continue to binge/purge in my living room....no comments from PETA please, lest I pelt you with cat vomit....

Huh????

So Friday night, as Big Daisy and I were walking into Academy to buy her yet another pair of running shoes, she asked me this question:
"Mom, do chickens get asthma??"
Honestly, were does she come up with this stuff. I think she asks me these crazy questions just to make me look dumb. I'll have to start practicing my snappy comebacks, like,
"Why yes dear, they do get asthma, but they die because they can't use their wings to push their inhalers." Or something really bizarre like: "No sweetie, chickens don't get asthma because they don't have lungs. They breathe through their feathers...."
Instead of a snappy comeback I foolishly asked, "I don't know, why do you ask?" Turns out she's decided to write a book, about ranching (not that she's ever been on a ranch). For some reason she seemed to think I would know something about ranching, not that I've ever been on a ranch. (I guess it is nice to know that she still thinks I'm omniscient, except of course when it comes to being a 10 year old girl in 4th grade, which oddly enough she seems to think I have no experience at.) Anyway, it was worth a good chuckle. I'll let everyone know when her ranching anthology is ready to be published.

a moment of peace

Thank heavens, the baby is asleep!! Little Daisy has finally dozed off after a morning of fussing, fighting and screaming. She fussed while Big Daisy got a haircut, 'cuz mean old mom wouldn't let her run around the shop, she fussed while we ate lunch, cuz mean old mom wouldn't let her run around the restaurant. (Notice a pattern) This child's scream could curl the hair of the most wretched and loathsome banshee ever known. I'm convinced that her immeasurable cuteness in between fits of rage is simply a survival mechanism, nature's way of keeping her alive. Fortunately for her, I've been through this before, I could write a book, Zen and the Art of Surviving Your Toddler. I think the trick is that you have to stop caring what other people think, kids are gonna scream sometimes, in public! We moms do our best to handle the situations, but it's still gonna happen. I would never take this child to the movies on date night, but hey, we gotta leave the house sometime, so HEB, Wal-Mart, and most restaurants - fair game!
But right now, she's on her best behavior (meaning she's asleep), all is right with world. The halo and wings are out, and I can revel in her peaceful, and serene cherubic little face and soft adorable little curls. If I am lucky, she'll wake rested and happy, if I'm not lucky, it's bouncing baby banshee time all over again.