How Mighty Mug saved my life (or at least my morning commute)

It never fails. Buy something nice for me....the kids ruin it. My favorite coffee travel mug was the latest casualty to this phenomenon. Despite repeatedly asking the kids to NOT put it into the dishwasher, I found it on those racks morning after morning, until the seal just fell off. I was so bummed. I LOVED that mug.

And I NEEDED my morning coffee.

I had to resort to taking mine to-go in a regular coffee cup which didn't even fit in my car cup holder.

I am sure you can imagine how that turned out.

So imagine my delight when, like magic, a couple days after my coffee wearing experience, I received an email asking me if I would like A FREE TRAVEL MUG.

Ummm. Yeah! Sign. Me. Up. Yo!

It was like divine intervention. I think I heard the angels singing the Hallelujah chorus! ....But it might have just been the abnormally loud TV. Dang kids.

Regardless, I don't think I have EVER responded to an email so fast. The people over at Mighty Mug were quick to respond and apparently have a good sense of humor because my response may have included the bit about the angels. IT WAS TRUE! They wanted to GIVE me a mug. And all they wanted in return was for me to tell you guys all about my new mug and then give you a chance to win one too.

Okay. I could do that. I mean...FREE MUG PEOPLE. And I could NOT keep taking my coffee to work in a stupid regular mug. I was desperate.

But not for long.

As soon as I received my online code, I went straight to their website to choose my mug. There were so many to choose from! Several different colors and sizes, some tall, some short, some plastic, some metal. I chose a pretty teal one that would for sure fit in my car cupholder. Unfortunately it does not fit under my k-cup coffee maker spout, but they do have choices that will.

Once making my selection, I proceeded to checkout, which was an incredibly easy affair, even when using a coupon code. All that was left was the wait, but thankfully even that was short! I received my mug a few short days later (THANK GOODNESS because my solution of stopping at McDonald's for a coffee every morning was starting to add up and my coffee was getting cold pretty darn fast!)

I instantly took it out of the package to give it a try. I was intrigued by their claim that this mug WOULD NOT FALL OVER yet was easy to pick up.

How on Earth would THAT work?

Well, it has a little suction-cup type thing on the bottom, that helps attach the mug to any smooth service (your desk, the kitchen counter, the TV tray that I use to write with my laptop) and keeps it from being knocked over. COOLEST FEATURE EVER! I can't even TELL you how many times my kids have knocked over my cup of coffee on whatever I was working on the minute I stepped away!.

Not anymore! Bring it on kids!

Brennan and I had some fun trying to knock it over on the counter, but didn't succeed. Yet, when lifted straight up, the mug easily released it's kung-fu grip on my counter. Just. Like. Magic.

How cool is that?!

I have been using my mug for over a week now and have had ZERO coffee casualties. I have also used it to take some orange juice to work, so you don't even have to be a coffee drinker to benefit from this sucker. I have also washed it in the top rack of the dishwasher (the package said this was okay!) and it is still working great.

And I am not worried because they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

So what are you waiting for? GET YOURSELF ONE OF THESE! And maybe one for your best friend or your mom too. Visit www.themightymug.com and order your favorite.

AND JUST FOR YOU (because you are my favorite!) the awesome people over at Mighty Mug have volunteered to give a $30 giftcard (enough for a mug AND shipping in the U.S) to one lucky reader of this blog. All you have to do is ----> CLICK THIS LINK <---- and fill out the form for your chance! GOOD LUCK!

Anyone who applies is eligible to win. Readers outside of the U.S.A may have to pay additional shipping charges if they were to win. The giveaway ends next Thursday, October 8, at 9pm EST. So don't delay! The winner will be notified by the Mighty Mug company via email.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free mug in exchange for my review of this company. As always, I have given you my honest opinion based on my experience. Your experience may be different, but I highly doubt it.

If you have enjoyed this blog, please take a minute to CLICK. THIS. BANNER. and help my ranking over at Top Mommy Blogs. You guys rock! xoxo

How to accomplish things on your day off in 16 easy steps

Step 1
Peel yourself out of a warm bed at the horrible screeching of your alarm clock. Find solace in the fact that in exactly one hour you will have EIGHT HOURS of uninterrupted silence.

Step 2
Hurry and help the kids get around for school. After all, nothing motivates a mother more than the promise of solitude! Be sure to almost forget to pack their lunches because last minute panic really gets your blood pumping.

Step 3
Dutifully stand at the bus stop with your kids and pretend to look disappointed when the bus FINALLY pulls in. Refrain from doing cartwheels the whole way home. You don't want to spend your day off in the hospital (or give the neighbors anything else to whisper about you!)

Step 4
Make yourself a giant-sized cup of coffee to help you focus.  Walk away while it brews and forget that you made it.

Step 5
Hunt down a piece of paper and a pen to make a To-Do list for the day. Maybe in the desk? Nope. Not there. In the kitchen junk drawer? Of course not. WHERE ON EARTH ARE ALL THE WRITING UTENSILS IN THIS HOUSE?!!! Finally find a crayon in the bathroom and an old grocery store receipt. Whatever. It works.

Step 6
Begin writing your list. Set it down in the counter when you remember about your cup of coffee. Add creamer to your coffee and then set your cup down on the counter when you realize that you HAVE to at least do ONE load of laundry today.

Step 7
Head off to the laundry room. Try hard to refrain from looking into the children's rooms for dirty laundry, no sense getting yourself all worked up on your day off. Besides, if they have to wear dirty clothes tomorrow it will provide them with a valuable lesson about listening to their mother. Put some laundry in the washing machine. Head back to the kitchen to tackle that list.

Step 8
Completely ignoring the list, settle in at the kitchen table with your phone and catch up on the daily down-low (by scrolling through Facebook.) Remember about that cup of coffee. Oooh, it is still hot! Try to recall the last time you were able to enjoy your coffee without having to reheat it in the microwave fifteen times.

Step 9
Realize that it has been over an hour since putting the kids on the bus and you have not accomplished a thing on your list. Try and remember where you set that dumb ole thing. While searching for your list, remember that you work better when listening to music. Turn on the TV and search for the remote. Now where did the kids put that stupid thing? Turn the living room upside down looking for it. Find it in the bathroom.

Step 10
Now that you have the remote in hand, forget WHY you were looking for it, and settle in on the couch to catch up on some Netflix. You vaguely remember what it is like to pick the program. It feels good!

Step 11
After watching five episodes of your favorite show (THANK YOU, NETFLIX!), realize that you were SUPPOSED to be tackling that list! Whoops. Back to the list.

Step 12
OH NO! You forgot the laundry! Head to the laundry room to move the laundry to the dryer and start another load. Pat yourself on the back that you remembered BEFORE the mildew set in this time. You are so awesome.

Step 13
Open the dishwasher to start a load of dishes. Your phone rings. It's your mother. Answer it. After all, when was the last time you were able to chat without sounding like you had a severe case of Tourettes? And she knows that you are home alone and don't have an excuse for NOT answering. Catch up on ALL the latest family gossip. Realize you have been on the phone for almost half an hour. Tell your mother that you REALLY need to accomplish something today, so you will have to get off the phone. Listen as she tells you five more "important" things. Gently remind her that you need to hang up. Continue listening to her for another half hour. Pretend your other line is ringing to finally get off the phone.

Step 14
Head back to that list.

Step 15
Hear the distinct sound of a school bus rumbling down the road. Look at the clock. WHAT? It must be wrong! It is 3:00 already? Run to the laundry room to look like you are hard at work folding laundry as you hear the children's shouts outside, followed by the slamming of the door and the inevitable "MOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM" that follows.

Step 16
Concede that you can't live in a perfectly clean house AND enjoy your day off. It just wasn't meant to be. Besides, kids NEED chores to help build character and responsibility. You can try again next week. Now you get to tackle making dinner while helping with homework.

And that is a whole new list.

photo credit: stock images at freedigitalphotos.net

How do you enjoy YOUR day off? Share it with me in the comments!

Won't you please take a moment to click this banner? Every click helps improve my ranking on Top Mommy Blogs and makes me more visible to awesome readers like you. A quick review or comment on their site helps me even more. Thanks for all of your support!

DISCLOSURE: I am a Netflix Brand Ambassador. I receive free products and service for mentioning them in blog posts. But don't let this announcement fool you, I LOVE me some Netflix and would mention them for free.

Looking for something new to binge-on? Check out Netflix's new fall lineup! There is definitely something for everyone.

Bus Driver From Hell

Back to school. The time of year that parents everywhere have been counting down towards for the past several weeks. Not because we don't love our kids, but because we have been so busy caring for their every. single. desire for so long that now we need a breather.

photo courtesy of Rawich at freedigitalphotos.net
Sure, I have joked with the best of them about how much I want, no NEED, my kiddos to head back to school (and I certainly meant it at least half of the time!) But the reality is, as much as I need some sane time to refresh, and clean this giant pit-hole-of-a-house, I do miss them during the day and want for them to be safe. They are my babies. I am excited right alongside them. I cry for them when they hurt. I am scared for them, which brings me to today's topic: school buses.

Riding the school bus is a necessity in our house. My husband and I both work outside of the home, making it near impossible to shuttle our four children (in three different schools with different school hours) back and forth to school each day. And so, each morning, we entrust our children's lives into the hands of another human being. The bus driver.

Now, I don't envy that job for one single second. Just the mere thought of a vehicle full of excited, screaming, sometimes crying children makes me cringe. It certainly takes a certain (very brave) type of person to tackle that challenging job.

And I respect that.

With that being said, it is my opinion that is a person can not handle those types of situations with finesse (and an obscene amount of patience that I do not possess) than maybe the job of bus driver is not a good fit. It is not like that is the only job in the world. There are plenty more to choose from, and we live in a country where we are allowed the luxury of choosing.

This is why I cannot seem to wrap my head around the fact that for the past several years we have been un-blessed with a HORRIBLE bus driver. She is rude. She is mean. She starts each day with a scowl and a gruff "Hurry up and sit down" and ends it with the same. And no amount of my kindness has been able to change it.

She is The Grinch of the bus garage.

Now, before you think I am just exaggerating, let me tell you how I know she is so horrible. Three years ago, she literally shut me in the bus door.

Let that sink in. SHUT. ME. IN. THE. DOOR. OF. HER. BUS.

After pulling in to the bus stop at the end of the day, she kept the bus door shut and was yelling at the kids. I could hear her from my apartment, which is around 100 feet from the bus stop. I proceeded to walk to the bus stop and patiently wait for her to open the bus door, which took her another five minutes, during which, she continued to scream at the children on the bus. Upon opening the door, I approached the bus stairs and kindly asked "Is there a problem on the bus today?" to which she proceeded to scream at me about how awful my children are. This took me aback, because even though they can be a challenge at home, they are always good at school. So, I apologized for her frustrations and nicely asked her to "Please refrain from screaming at my children on the bus. If they are challenging you, please let ME know and we will handle it appropriately at home." Apparently that statement sent this loon over the edge, because she shut the door, while I was still standing in it, put the bus into gear, and started to drive off. I had to JUMP out of the way!

That whole debacle turned into a FULL YEAR of us battling the bus garage, because the bus tapes "mysteriously" dissappeared from that day, and we ended up driving our children to and from school daily for the rest of the school year. At the end of that school year, we were told by the bus garage that she had been "disciplined" and our children should be fine on the bus.

The following year, we put our children back on the bus, only to have another issue. This time, she yanked my daughter back onto the bus by her backpack when she tried to exit the bus while being bitched out. And again, the tapes magically were not working that day. It took us several months, AGAIN, to battle the bus garage, and after threats of a lawsuit, we were given a new bus driver and a new bus route.

Finally, we felt peace about our children riding the school bus.

This year, our youngest child starts kindergarten. What a magical time of our lives! It should be exciting to see her skip to the bus stop, braids swinging. It was exciting this morning as I walked her to the bus stop for the very first day of school.

Until the bus pulled in and we saw that same grumpy-faced bus driver of our nightmares sitting behind the wheel.

Here's to hoping that we have a fun and safe school year. But if we don't, I won't be dealing with an extremely unhelpful and unjust bus garage this time around. This year, Momma Bear has her claws out.

And the police department on speed dial.

Do your kids have to ride a school bus? How do you feel about that? Share your stories with me!

Miss me this summer? I sure missed you! We had a super busy (and fun) summer and I just couldn't find the time to write and my ranking over at Top Mommy proves it... I have slipped from the top of the list to the very bottom! Won't you please take a moment and give this banner a click? Every click helps improve my ranking and makes me more visible to awesome readers like you. Thanks for all of your support!

Marriage is like a Bra...

Marriage is like a bra.

Well, that's an analogy you probably haven't heard before! But it is true!

Marriage is like a stretchy well broken-in bra!

Compassion. Pass it on.

The recent trend of mom-bashing and internet bullying really gets on my nerves. It seems like every single day, as I am scrolling through my morning bulletin (Read: Facebook newsfeed), I see at least one instance of a mom calling another mom out about her choices.

And it doesn't stop there.

If you are dumb brave enough to click on the comments on that post, the bashing usually gets worse. Women ganging up together to completely word lash another woman, a fellow mom. Blast after blast, some mothers force their opinions on other mothers to the point of outright bullying.

But when does it STOP?

The answer to that question is simple: It stops when WE MAKE IT STOP. When we band together and realize that we are all just mothers. Mothers who are trying to make the best choice for our families. Mothers who are human and who make mistakes. Mothers with different backgrounds and upbringings, different income levels and different support systems. Mothers with different education, perspectives, and opinions. Not wrong, not right, just different.

When we realize that different isn't wrong, then, and only then, can we stop this horrible trend. Mothers judge themselves more harshly than anyone else ever could and what they are truly desperate for is compassion and understanding. If you can’t offer that, then ask yourself "What does it matter to you?" instead of lashing out.

If I want to give my baby a bottle of formula or if I want to breastfeed my child until she is five years old...

What does it matter to you?

If I choose to work because I need to get away from my family for a couple hours each day or because we need the extra income, or if I choose to stay home because I can't get enough of my children's sweet cherub faces and no one can raise them like I can and the monetary sacrifice is worth it to me...

What does it matter to you?

If I want to dress to the nines and wear makeup every single day or if I want to wear yoga pants all day, every day or even no pants at all...

What does it matter to you?

If I home-school my children to provide them with the best learning environment possible or if I choose to send my kids to public school in the heart of the ghetto to teach them diversity...

What does it matter to you?

If I put my kid in the shower with me to shave a couple minutes off of our morning routine or have a closed and locked bathroom door policy...

What does it matter to you?

The truth? It doesn't. None of your choices as a mother affect me. None of my choices as a mother affect you. Whatever choices I make, I make with my family's best interest at heart. I bet that mother who chooses the opposite of me does so with her family's best interest at heart as well.

Let's choose to be supportive when another mother puts herself out there for ridicule by posting a picture or defends a personal choice with her words. Even if we don't agree with it. It works for her.

Let's choose to be understanding of a different point of view. Just because we do not agree does not mean that we need to be harsh and condescending to someone who does. Let's agree to disagree.

Let's choose to love each other, faults and all. After all, we ALL make mistakes. And hate only begets hate.

Let's choose to embrace each other as mothers, as women, who are all battling the same fight to raise a family the best way we know how and not lose ourselves in the delicate balance between motherhood and womanhood.

Let's choose our words wisely and carefully when we see something come across our screens that is opposite of what we personally believe. A kind word goes so much further than a harshly spoken one.

Let's choose compassion, because it really is a choice.

This piece was written as part of a world-wide compassion movement. 

Find more great voices speaking compassion by clicking on the picture above 

and by searching both Facebook and Twitter for the hashtag #1000Speak. 

Join the Facebook Group 1000 Voices for Compassion for more information.

Photo credit goes to the very talented Qwiet Muse.

HELP ME BECOME THE BEST BLOGGER IN THE WHOLE WORLD!

Okay, that was a tad bit exaggerated. 
But clicking the banner below DOES give me a vote. And votes make me happy.

So help a sistah out, would ya?

Please take a minute and rate my blog while you are there.

You can find me in the humor section.

Following my blog makes you cool. Trust me.

Sign up here to have posts delivered to your inbox:

Chore Dodging 101

Kids hate chores.

Let's face it, it's a very rare breed of children that jump for joy when parents ask them to do something around the house. In fact, it is such a rare breed that I personally have never encountered one. I would even go as far to say that I would encounter good 'ole  Nessie or Big Foot before I would encounter a child that cherished housework.

My kids have pretty much perfected the art of chore circumvention. If there is a way to skip out, they have tried it. In fact, I think I have seen so many evasive tactics that I could write a chore-war manual.

Thankfully, almost all of their diversions fall into one of these categories (of which I am immune):

The Recovering Amnesiac: This child sees your chore and raises you a five-inch thick homework packet.

Mom: Could you please help me do these dishes?

Recovering Amnesiac: Oh, I JUST remembered, I have a paper due TOMORROW mom! And I haven't even STARTED it. I think it's going to take me ALL night.


The Whiner: Better grab your earplugs before asking this child to do ANYTHING. Two words in and they are already crying.

Dad: You have to fold this laundry up today. Its your chore.


Whiner: All of it?? That's too much! I CAN'T do ALL of it! 


The Pooper: This child has more regular bowel movements than a geriatric on a strict diet of prunes and bran. One word of anything "work" related and this child hits the toilet. For a good half hour. Or until you beat down the door.

Mom: Hey, can I get you to help me...

Pooper: Hold up, mom. I gotta go to the bathroom first. I've been holding it all day...


The Illusionist: This child gives you false hope. They willingly accept the mission and head off in good spirits, but half an hour later you realize they are upstairs reading a book or playing.

Dad: Today is the day you are going to clean your room.

Illusionist: Alright, dad! Let me grab a garbage bag and get to work! (Secretly grabs book off counter)


The Fit-Thrower: If you thought the whiner was bad, this child puts her to shame. If Hollywood had a hidden camera in your kitchen, you would find yourself the center of the next Honey Boo-Boo show with the dramatics this child pulls off.

Mom: Please unload the dishwasher.

Fit-Thrower: Whaaaaat? Now I can't even play outside? I just want to go play outside. (Throws self on kitchen floor) Why do you ALWAYS make me do all. this. work?! My life is oooooover! Nobody even understands me. 


The Flatterer: This child takes the dramatics to the OTHER extreme. They have mastered the art of the compliment. In other words, they know how to butter you up good.

Mom: I need you to pick up the bathroom.

Flatterer: Okay mom. You sure look pretty today. Did you do something different with your hair?

Mom: Well, actually I DID pull out the curling iron today...

Flatterer: It looks good! You should do that EVERY day mom! Do you think you could come in the bathroom and teach ME how to do that to MY hair?

Mom: (excited to be INVITED to spend time with her tween) Sure! 


The Side-Tracker: This child has good intentions. They WANT to please you, but Oooh! Squirrel!

Dad: Go take care of your stuff on the table.

Side-Tracker: (grabs stuff) Okay dad! (sees cupboard) Hmmm. I am kind of hungry. I didn't eat much lunch today... (puts stuff down on counter and makes snack)

My kids have tried it all. And I can't say that I really blame them.

If I had a choice, I would probably try to weasel my way out too.

Title photo courtesy of antpkr via freedigitalphotos.net

What type of chore dodger lives in YOUR house?
__________________________________________________________________

HELP ME BECOME THE BEST BLOGGER IN THE WHOLE WORLD!

Okay, that was a tad bit exaggerated. 
But clicking the banner below DOES give me a vote. And votes make me happy.

So help a sistah out, would ya?

Be sure to leave a comment while you are over there! 

I am listed in the "Humor" section.

Follow me on Facebook

A Day in the Life of a Drama Queen's Momma

Follow me on Twitter

 @Momma_Dramas 

Don't Shove Your Dirty Socks Under Your Bed...and other parting words of wisdom

Dear Son,

I am so happy for you (and me) that you are (finally!) leaving the nest. It has been a long time coming, but I think I have prepared you well (enough to survive). I will miss you (but not so much that you should visit daily) and think of you often, but I have faith in your ability to make competent, good decisions (or at least ones that won’t kill you). I know you're not one for mushy gushy, so I leave you with this parting advice:

 DON’T SHOVE YOUR DIRTY SOCKS UNDER YOUR BED. I know that your nose is immune to it, but the rest of the world does NOT have that same luxury. And once you are on your own, the laundry fairy will no longer magically appear and wash those balled up, stiff from dried sweat, nose hair killers. You will be On. Your. Own.

 Speaking of dirty socks, DO YOUR LAUNDRY regularly. Don’t let that mound pile up to the ceiling before you notice it! You will have no one to blame but yourself when you open your dresser drawer and find you are fresh out of fresh drawers. And while you may be tempted to just grab up yesterday’s pair and turn them inside out and call it good, I would STRONGLY suggest you refrain! While convenient, the odds of streakage is way too high and is that really a chance you want to take? Besides, you never know when someone other than you (or your mother) might see them bad boys.
 Better safe than sorry, I've always said.

 DON’T BRING STRANGE WOMAN HOME WITH YOU however tempting it may be. I can see you rolling your eyes right now, but at least hear me out! Woman are strange creatures who think way different than you do and while you may see a one night stand as a great release, she may see it as an invitation to be your one and only. So why offer her the opportunity to know where you live?! I mean, if you enjoy middle of the night stalker drive-by’s and a crazy band of her girlfriends anxious for revenge showing up on your door step, then Be. My. Guest.  Invite that crazy broad home. You’ll see.

This might be one you have to learn the hard way.

You always were a hard learner.

 STOCK UP ON TOILET PAPER. Don’t buy it one roll at a time and take the chance. Go to Costco and buy the jumbo pack. And don’t store that stuff in the bathroom so that your roommates can go hog wild with it, or be tempted to recreate Greek Week togas during your Friday night party. Store that stuff in your closet! Believe me, The last place you want to find yourself is on the toilet with nothing to wipe your backside with. And please don’t substitute toilet paper with a dirty sock. (I know you have thought about it.) That’s just gross.

Be responsible. GO TO WORK. Even when you don’t really feel like it. You will thank me for this little gem when your wallet is full enough for some weekend fun. The First National Bank of Mom is officially closing it’s door today, my son. Sorry for this late notice. I hope you understand. Mom is going to use that extra money to take the vacation that she has been putting off for 18 years. I’ll send you some pictures!

And don't let your friends, roommates, or current girl-fling convince you to fill their wallets too. They have arms. They have legs. They can get off their behinds and make their OWN money.

And if your roommate is a quadriplegic, I apologize for the stuff I said before, but they can still figure something else out.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK. I know after 8 years of hearing me nag about this topic, you should just automatically know it, but I have a hard-core suspicion that you don’t. If you thought getting through high school was tough, college is even more intense. So unless you want to spend the rest of your life flipping burgers (which is great as long as you remember that the First National Bank of Mom is now closed. See above notification.), you better do well enough to walk down that aisle and grab up that degree!

Speaking of school, DON’T SKIP CLASS. I know how tempting it is to blow off class to (insert: get drunk, get high, get a girl, get lunch) but that won’t get you down that aisle with a degree in your hand. And that is your main goal right now….right?! You need to work hard now and play later. Or at least save the “playing” for when you are not working or going to class. You can have the best of both worlds if you just use your head. You know…that beautiful thing on top of your shoulders! Not your other one. That one is just asking for trouble.


HAVE FUN. Life is short. And while school and work are very important (and should be your #1 priority), fun needs its place in your life too! Make friends. Explore new places and things. Make memories that you can hold onto for the rest of your life.

Trust me…you will need those memories to hold onto when you are old and married and have kids of your own!

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A JAM, CALL MOM. Don’t show up (unless it’s really bad), but a quick call home and some (expertly given) advice can set you right back on track and on your way. Besides, you know how much your mother loves giving advice! 

You have been ignoring it your whole life. 

Speaking of phone calls…ANSWER YOUR PHONE WHEN MOM CALLS. Every time. I promise not to bombard you five times a day, but I do worry about you and want to know you are okay! So when I call, you better answer. Unless you are work. Or class. Don’t make me hunt you down. That would be embarrassing!

If you thought the crazy one-night stand stalker was bad, just try and blow off your mother.

I know you are giving me the “yeah right mom” look right now, and that’s okay… as long as you take this advice to heart. You never know when these tidbits of wisdom will be useful! Best wishes son. I know you've got this! I have faith in you (and have changed the locks and booked my flight to Hawaii)

Momma loves you!

And her new crafting room. 

XOXO

Like this post? DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR ME!

 Clickety-click here to help make me #1 Mommy Blogger!

You can also leave a review while you are there.

You will find me in the humor section.

What I am REALLY thankful for this holiday season...

As we arrive at this time of giving and Thanksgiving, you see tons of posts on Facebook and other social media sights listing the things people are "thankful" for. Some of them tug at your heart strings. Some of them make you laugh. Some of them are a big old farce. You know the ones I am talking about! Come on folks! Don't forget we know you in real life...

And of course, as a mom, I am thankful for my wonderful family. That goes without saying. I mean, how could you not cherish this sweet little face? And her many, many, MANY drawings of our family show how much we mean to her too.

And I am thankful for awesome little "mommy moments" like reading my favorite childhood classic with my kids every night. And then finding the movie on Netflix and enjoying a family movie night.

But let's face it, most moms' lists of things they are really "thankful" for are selfish and include things that are taken for granted before you become parents.

Things like:

Going to the bathroom ALONE

You know you are a mom when you take your phone to the toilet with you so you can have five minutes of peace and quiet while you scroll through your Facebook newsfeed or catch a few minutes of your favorite show on Netflix. I get you. I do the same thing. 

Hey, there is NOTHING wrong with your kids thinking you need to take a half hour poop twice a day while you watch Charmed... Right?!

Making a gourmet dinner that is actually APPRECIATED

And maybe even enjoyed. Is that too much to ask? There is nothing like pouring your heart and soul out in the kitchen night after night just to be bombarded with cries of "Eww! What IS that" and "Can't I just have a PB&J instead?" And those are just what I hear from my husband! 

Most moms would give anything for a dinner night that went off without a hitch or single complaint. Or maybe that is just me.

Having some time to write, craft, read, or even THINK 

Insert your favorite thing in this one. It's okay to be selfish sometimes! As parents, we always put our kids needs ahead of our own. There is nothing wrong with doing the things we enjoy sometimes. And there is no need to feel guilty about being thankful for those few moments of peace!

Having some "alone time" with the spouse

How can you keep the romance alive if you don't ever get any time alone? I am truly thankful for the fact that our kids are finally getting old enough to be left at home alone while we enjoy a dinner out and some time to talk about things other than "Brennan hasn't had a bowel movement in two days" and "the kids need: new shoes, haircuts, Christmas presents"....the list goes on and on! It is nice to talk about grownup stuff, like "how to get rich by making a house that cleans itself" and "who can eat the biggest meatball"

Yes, those are things my husband and I actually have discussed on "date night". Be jealous! It's okay.

Having control of the remote control

How many episodes of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and Bratz Babies can one mom take before she goes insane? I am tempted to change the Netflix password some days! I long for those quiet moments when I can curl up in the corner with my iPad and binge watch the shows that I want to watch. 

Thank you Netflix for the ability to stream more than one show at a time!

For that I am TRULY grateful.

What are YOU grateful for this Thanksgiving?

I receive complimentary service in return for my endorsement, but all opinions and referrals are 100% my own opinion.

Did you enjoy this post?

 Clickety-click to vote for me and make me #1 Mommy Blogger!

Be sure to leave a comment while you are over there! 
I am listed in the "Humor" section.

Follow me on Facebook

A Day in the Life of a Drama Queen's Momma

Follow me on Twitter

 @Momma_Dramas 

Back when life was all "Raindrops on Roses"

I love the movie "The Sound of Music". I have enjoyed watching it ever since I was a little girl. My favorite has always been the music. Who can compete with the beautiful singing voice of Julie Andrews belting out “Raindrops on Roses”? Probably not me, but I sure do try! 

The other day, this song popped into my head and as I sang it, I started to think, “Wouldn’t it be great if life was that simple and beautiful?!  It’s kinda like life was BEFORE kids, when I could focus every day on me, and me alone…“The good ‘ole days”. 

Or so I called them.

But the reality is- I had kids and my whole life changed.  Nowadays my life is closer to THIS version:

Food stains on carpet, and sticky syrup fingers

Whatever that smell is, it sure fire lingers

Hey! That’s my good lipstick, you are wearing

These are a few of my daily happenings!

Wait! That’s MY shampoo you’re using for bubbles!

Get out of that laundry or you’ll be in trouble!

Where did you get that?! I can’t save a thing.

These are a few of my daily happenings!

“I want more candy!” “My hands are muddy.”

“I don’t want to eat that because it smells funny.”

 You need attention every time my phone rings

These are a few of my daily happenings!

When the ball drops

At my wits end

When I’m feeling mad

I try to remember my sweetest memories

And then I say “Where’s your dad?!”

But you know what? Even as I wrote out those words, I realized, somewhere along the road, this has become my “good ‘ole days”! Being a mom is both a blessing and a lesson in patience and perseverance. A lesson that doesn’t end until the kids are grown and on their own, and sometimes not even then!

So the question is: Would I change it? Would I give up these sticky times for a life of lonely emptiness?

Never! Not in a million years! Every single sticky moment has morphed into a beautiful memory that I can one day share with my grandchildren….As I load them up with sugar and then send them home with their parents.

I re-published this post as a tribute to my sweet Brennan starting preschool today. (She is featured in all these wonderful pictures!) This post was originally published on Sticky Fings.

Did you enjoy this post?

 Clickety-click here to vote for my blog!

You can vote 1 time every 24 hours from all devices!

Follow me on Facebook
A Day in the Life of a Drama Queen's Momma

Follow me on Twitter
 @Momma_Dramas 

Well, that's just the poops!

My 4 year old daughter, Brennan, has an eating problem.

It's called picky eater syndrome.

And I don't mean "eww, veggies are gross" picky, I mean, doesn't eat veggies, fruits, or basically ANYTHING healthy, picky. And believe me we. have. tried. The pediatrician recommended "tricking" her by "hiding" the things we WANT her to eat in things that she WILL eat. (Which is basically meat, cheese, yogurt, cereal, potatoes, and pasta) But she is just too dang smart for all that jazz! She has been known to pick a pea OUT OF a pasta shell covered in cheese.

HOW DID SHE EVEN KNOW IT WAS THERE?!

Well, all this pickiness leads to another problem. A big one. Constipation. This girl gets so bound up that I swear poo should be coming out her nostrils. She has to take (prescribed) laxatives daily to keep her regular. And sometimes not even THAT works. Like this past weekend, when we were camping. She didn't go the ENTIRE time. And after days of hotdogs, burgers, chocolate, and graham crackers....one can only IMAGINE how bound up a 4 year old could be!

That's where the fear comes in.

Now, she has been constipated for SO long, that she REMEMBERS what it feels like to give birth to a giant turd via her butthole. And she gets herself all kinds of worked up thinking about it. So when the meds start kicking in, and she NEEDS to go....she holds it! She holds it until she can't possibly hold it in any longer. Then we have a 2 day cry-fest as I try to coax and cajole her into sitting on the potty.

And I usually fail MISERABLY.

9 times out of 10, she ends up walking around, crying, until she "accidentally" goes in her pants. Which is EXACTLY what happened this time. So be it. We cleaned her up, put her in clean pants and went on with our day. No yelling. No scolding. Just hugging and changing. (Can I get a MoTY now??! If THAT doesn't earn me one then I just. plain. give. up.) And at least it is over. ....Right?

No. Oh no! One could only DREAM that it would be over. But over was FAR from sight.

Fast forward a day. Off to my best friend's house to have a fun afternoon in her inflatable backyard pool, while we grown-ups get a (much needed and DESERVED) chat session. We should have known better than to expect anything even CLOSE to that! Less than 10 minutes in, Brennan has an "accident" (of the diarrhea kind)  in her pants. No biggie. (For me... cuz I was picking up pizza, so my friend had to clean it up! Hehehe) So she got her changed (into her swimsuit) and sent her on her way.

To the pool. In the backyard.

Ten minutes later, I am standing in the front yard, and here comes Brennan, through the garage, from the backyard, with poo DRIPPING EVERYWHERE! Seriously, she left a poo trail through the garage and down the driveway into the front yard. EEEEEK! So I did what any good mom would do and freaked the heck out calmly said, "Oh lordy, I hope you didn't poop in the pool!!!! Oh. You had an accident. Let me help you." And I did the only reasonable thing I could think of.

I grabbed the hose.

And there, right in the front yard, with cars driving by, I sprayed the poop right off that girl. I pulled out the back of her swimsuit bottoms, and hosed off her little behind. Then I sprayed all the poop off my friend's driveway and out of her garage. Checked the pool for any signs of "leakage" and sent Brennan back to play. (What?! I was TRYING to have some much needed "mommy" time, remember?!)

Twenty minutes later, I look out in the front yard and there is my friend's son in the front yard filling up his little yellow sand pail with the hose. So, of course, I went out to tell him to get his little butt in the backyard investigate. I asked him what he was doing and he points.... to Brennan, dripping poo AGAIN! And here is her little friend filling up his pail to clean her off! How sweet! (And slightly disturbing!)

Sooooo, back to front-yard hosing. Ugh. People really give you the strangest looks as they drive by!

And after that, I called it quits on having any mommy time and packed up my little party pooper and went home. Where she didn't have another accident.

Of course.

Some days I just can't catch a break!

What kinds of things have your kids done to ruin your mom-time?

Did you enjoy this post? VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

You can vote 1 time every 24 hours from all devices!

Follow me on Facebook
A Day in the Life of a Drama Queen's Momma

Follow me on Twitter
 @Momma_Dramas 

Loved it? Let me know! Leave me a comment! 

Want more Brennan stories? Click here: