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.

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Shut 'em up with Chocolate Swirl Sweet Potato Pie: A guest post by FoodRetro

If you love to eat, then you need to follow FoodRetro!

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Shut 'em up with Chocolate Swirl Sweet Potato Pie
by Anne of FoodRetro

No one ever tried to pretend raising a kid was easy, but I never imagined in my wildest dreams that it would be a one-way ticket to crazy town.

Penicillin Pie: A Guest Post by Real Life Parenting

This is one of the funniest blogs out there! Give Real Life Parenting a try!

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Penicillin Pie

by Jennifer Schario-Hicks

I am pretty sure my Mother of the Year award is at least in the platinum stage for as many times as I've won the friggin' thing. Most of the time I award myself in hindsight once I see the even from a slightly removed perspective.

Brennan Reviews: Prima Princessa presents The Nutcracker

A Movie Review as seen through the eyes of a 4 year old, written by her mother (Because she can't write. Duh.) We received a free copy of this DVD in return for our honest opinion.

When my mom told me that I was going to get a really fun princess ballerina video in the mail JUST FOR ME, I was super duper 'cited!

I really like to get things in the mail.

Especially princess things. And ballet things.

When the DVD came, I couldn't wait to rip that sucker open. And I wanted to watch it straight away! Mom told me that it was a very special dancing movie that I could dance right along with. So, of course, I had to get my ballerina stuffs on! That took a while cuz I could only find ONE ballet slipper and you can't be a ballerina without your ballet slippers! I don't know why them dumb things are always coming up missing. Mom says its cuz I play in my ballet bag all the time, but what does she even know anyway?! I can't help it that I like to be a ballerina ALL the time, and not just for my Saturday morning ballet class. Maybe if she put on ballet slippers, she would want to be one all the time too! Note to self: buy mom some ballet stuffs for Christmas.

Once I got my favorite fluffy tutu on (it's the white one with pretty gold shiny things on it) and found my silly ballet slippers, I got right down to business. Mom put that video in the DVD player and I settled in to see what this business was gonna be all about.

I couldn't believe it! It was a movie all about real-live ballerinas! There was this really cute little fairy princess who told me all kinds of things about what the ballerinas were doing. And there was this little Nutcracker toy that came. to. life. Can you even believe that? Then that mean boy tried to break it! I am real glad that my brother is way bigger than me and doesn't touch my toys. That girl needed to give that boy a big talkin' to! (That's what my mom does when she is mad!)

Then came my FAVORITE part of the whole movie, the part where you get to dance with the ballerinas! The little fairy princess takes you to a ballet school with lots of little kids.

When I saw all them ballerinas, I had to make my mom pause that movie so that I could go get my hair done like a REAL ballerina! Ballerinas don't have BRAIDS. Duh.

My mom really needs to learn these things.

After I got her to put my hair up in a bun like real ballerinas do, I got down to business.

I take my dancin' REAL serious.

And this movie showed me how to do all kinds of dancin' moves! And it even taught me the really strange words that the ballerinas call them moves, too! I tried to say some of them words and that made me laugh. They use funny words for their moves.

I really, really liked watching this movie. My favorite parts were the parts where I got to get up and do some dancing with the ballerinas.

That was exciting!

I give this movie a 5/5 "Jazz hands" Finger Rating. It was lots of fun. I can't even WAIT to watch it again! I think that ALL little ballerinas like me need to watch this movie. They will like to do all that dancin' like I did.

And I think my mom gives it 5 fingers too.

She was pretty excited about how tired out I was when I was done with all them cool moves. (I don't even know why she gets all 'cited when I am sleepy. That is kinda dumb. No one even likes takin' naps.)

You should go visit Prima Princessa on their website (www.primaprincessa.com) right. now. There are lots of fun things to do there. My mom let me play games on the preschool games part and there was a part full of fun craft ideas and yummy treats to make too! And you can buy these videos (Yeah, there are more than one! You can also get Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty.) They would make really great gifts.

Prima Princessa is also on Pinterest.

Do YOU want a copy of this fun video?

Prima Princessa presents The Nutcracker 

is available for purchase or download on Amazon.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I received a copy of this DVD in return for my review. All opinions contained within this blog post are of my 4 year old daughter and 100% honest because, let's face it, kids don't sugar coat what they are thinking, even if you try and bribe them.

Read Brennan's other reviews:
The Cracker Barrel Restaurant
Steak 'n Shake Restaurant
Hibachi Grill Buffet
Fazoli's Restaurant

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Brennan Tid-Bits: A Facebook year in review.

A Day in the Life of a Drama Queen's Momma started one year ago today with a little old page on Facebook.  I never imagined in a million years that it would grow to this. Or that it would be so popular! Thanks for giving my funny stories an audience. You rock. And if you didn't find this blog from over there, be sure to head over to Facebook and check it out.

This past year has been crazy, full of ups and downs, big changes and little ones, and most of all, laughter. It is hard to believe that I have been at this whole "blogging" thing for a year now! As a little treat for my Facebook 1 year Pagiversary, I have put together my favorite tid-bits from the past year. Enjoy!

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In Defense of Dad

Brennan: What does the Hulk look like?
Dad: He is just a regular guy, like daddy
Jessi: Except daddy is short, so he is probably taller
Kk: DONT SAY THAT about dad! Hes not short! He's just a little chubby...
Me: *hysterical laughter*
Dad: Ok, Ok....so the hulk isn't really like daddy...
Kaileigh: Its ok daddy! You are warm and good to snuggle!

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Brennan tells a knock knock joke....

Knock knock

Who's there

Poop

Nooo... we don't say that

OK, fine...knock knock

Who's there

Teeth

Okay! That's better! Teeth who?

I'm gonna knock your teeth out! *hysterical laughter*

Okay, I spoke too soon....not much better!

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Naughty Lil' Stinker

So Brennan was being pretty naughty and dad asked her "Do you want a spankin?" Of course her response was "Nope" as she disappeared into the bathroom. 2 seconds later I hear "actually I do want one..." So off goes dad to the bathroom where he encounters Brennan with the sink stool wrapped around her bottom, bent over waiting for one.... I should not have been laughing so hard in the living room....

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A fast learner

Me: (to hubs) I am taking some cash out of your wallet to get gas.
Hubs: (counting cash in his wallet) Well that leaves me with 65 bucks for the week...that should be good..." 
Brennan: (running in from other room) Daddy, can I borrow 65 bucks?!

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Mommy's Little "Helper"

It appears I have my own personal fashion consultant, in the form of a 4 year old diva. 
As I was getting dressed and around in the bathrom this morning, she came in, looked me up and down, and said, and I quote, "Oooooh....mom?! You aren't planning on wearing that anywhere today are you?"


So I say, "Um, ACTUALLY, I AM planning on wearing this today.....why? Does it look bad or something?"


"Mom. Its not that simple."


Guess I better sign myself up for the next season of What Not To Wear...

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A Vocabulary Lesson

Brennan: There's a fecker.
Me: A WHAAAATT??
Brennan: A fecker. You know. A fox and a pecker.
Me: Ummmmmmm
Brennan: A FOX AND A WOODPECKER, MOM!
Me: Oohhhh! Well Ok. Maybe we can come up with a different name for that....

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Where does boob milk come from?

Brennan: When I was a baby I drank milk from your boob.
Me: Yes, you did.
Brennan: Does everyone have milk in their boobies?
Me: No, only mommys with babies. Now that you are big I don't have milk in there anymore.
Brennan: Yea! Now I get my milk from the fridge!! 
*pondering*
Brennan: Well HOW DOES IT GET IN THERE??
Me: (thinking quick on my feet) God puts it in there for mommas to feed their babies!
Brennan: (hysterically laughing) How does God pour milk into your boobies?? Hahahaha! That is too funny, mom.

I can only imagine the cartoon in her mind of God with a big carton of milk, pouring it into womans breast. LOL. The way a childs mind works...

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Child's Play

Brennan: Mommy! You thinkin what I'm thinkin?! 

(Pinching my lips closed with her fingers) 

Say mmmhmm. Say it!

Me: mmmhmmm

Brennan: Wanna know WHAT I'm thinkin?!

Me: (Lips still pinched shut) mmhmmm

Brennan: (excited) I'm thinkin you should bring me a PRESENT!!

Well played child! Well played....

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When kids learn insults

Brennan: This is my baby, Ellie Cootie Pock.
Me: Ellie. Cootie. Pock?! Bwhahahaha
Brennan: Don't laugh. I named her that cuz YOU are an Ellie Cootie Pock.

Uhhhh. Was that an insult? I think it was!

-

McDonald's Playland for the win... 

(YES, I caved! She is just too dang cute to say "no" to sometimes...and besides...pie...and peace...)

Me: Brennan, leave your American Girl toy at the table please. I don't want to have to climb up there to "rescue" her later....
Brennan: What are you going to do IF I take it up there?
Me: I will take it away.
Brennan: And do WHAT with it?
Me: I will give it to your sister.
Brennan: Weeeellll....WHICH sister?
Me: Kk. The one who WON'T give it back.
Brennan: *hands me the doll*

Yea. I thought so. I got your games, girl. And I am one step ahead. Mom for the win.

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When Good Girls Go Bad

Brennan: (cuddling up to her daddy and being all lovey-dovey) Daddy, I got a headache!
Hubs: (kissing her forehead) Oh, I'm sorry honey!
Brennan: (super sweet) Wanna know who gave me a headache?
Hubs: Who did, honey?!
Brennan: It was you.

I can't stop laughing over here! She sure can deliver some crushing news all covered in syrup. Maybe when she grows up she will work in HR. She can be the person who fires people. 
...If she doesn't end up being a movie star.

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What REALLY Happens When The Kids Are At Play

The kids have been *happily* playing outside for over an hour. 

Hubs: We should probably call the kids in...
Me: (looks at clock) Uh, do we HAVE to?! Can't we just leave them out there? They'd be okay out there overnight, right?! They could always sleep under the deck...
Hubs: Or in the car!
Me: YES! Besides, it's not even dark yet. Let's not give up so easily.
(Goes back to watching TV)

Five minutes later
Hubs: We are bad. You know that right?!
Me: Nah. We are just smart. Now shut up before you jinx it.

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The Little Lies We Tell

As a big storm is rolling in-
Brennan:*frightened* Is that thunder, momma? I don't LIKE storms!
Me: Yes. But it's ok. We are inside and safe!
Brennan: *Looking out the window* Wow! That sure is a lot of rain, momma!
Me: Yes, it's really coming down!
Brennan: Is God bowling AND crying, momma? Why would he be doing both?! ....OH, I KNOW! He is probably crying because he's not winning!....OR.....maybe he is crying because I have been so naughty....

Yea. I PROBABLY should have said something about that last part. But NOBODY said I was perfect! I wonder if that will make her pick up her markers like I have been asking her to do for the last half an hour?

-

What was your favorite story from this past year?

And be watching for more "Tid-Bits" in the near future

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Sibling Rivalry Gone Bad: A guest post by Dr. Psych Mom

Today I have a real treat for you! My guest blogger handles all kinds of issues on her blog, from reader's questions to psychology issues, and she is quick to give out some advice sprinkled with a dash of funny. Today she answers a reader's question that I think we can all relate to! Enjoy a taste of Dr. Psych Mom...

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Sibling Rivalry Gone Bad

by Samantha Rodman

Help!  My Toddler Son Beats Up His Baby Sisters!

A reader writes:

My 2 year old beats up his 1 year old sisters. Intentionally. He's the sweetest boy I know (says his mom and biggest fan) but seriously they get their asses kicked every day and it seems to be getting worse. My son thinks it's funny to headbutt, tackle, hit with his hands, or worse with toys, and now runs them over with his trucks. Sounds fun over here right? You definitely want a playdate with us. Any input?

The 10 most annoying Facebook moms: A guest post by Tracey Schaefer

A funny post written by Tracey Shaefer, who doesn't have a blog just yet, but spends her time entertaining the masses on her Facebook page, Spit Up, Meltdowns and Blowouts. Go check her out!

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The 10 most annoying Facebook moms

by Tracey Schaefer of Spit Up, Meltdowns and Blowouts

When fellow blogger, Lisa Petty of Petty Thoughts published her hilarious article “10 Tiresome Facebook Friends” back in August, it got me thinking about another strange subspecies of Facebook animal.

A beast that I've had extensive contact with in it's natural habitat: The Facebook mom.

Milestones: The Good, The Bad, and the Bittersweet

*Title photo courtesy of suphakit72 at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Milestones. We look forward to so many of them as parents. Although, I am sure we regret some of them the instant they happen....take walking for instance. We encourage and prod and completely spazz out over our baby's first steps. Then a month later, as we are chasing them away from the hot stove and up the staircase, and they are grabbing stuff off the counter that they used to not be able to reach, we wonder why in the world we EVER wished for them to walk!

We have looked forward to all those same milestones with each of our kids. First rolling over, then crawling, then walking, talking, going potty on the toilet, and heading off to school. Each accomplishment is special and we ooh and aah over it, take a million pictures, call friends and family members, post about it on Facebook, and brag to everyone who will listen. And we have done that with each of our kids.

So why is it that these same accomplishments feel so different with our youngest daughter?

She is our baby. The whole family tends to rotate around her and we know this. Everyone dotes on her, including the other kids. She is the last one and we all know it (even though SHE isn't convinced OR happy about this decision!) 

And so these milestones seem kind of bittersweet. 

When she started crawling, it meant that she no longer needed me to carry her everywhere. When she started walking it meant that she was gaining even more independence. When she stopped breastfeeding, I felt sad knowing that I would never again kiss the top of a sweet-smelling little baby head while nursing. When she stopped wearing diapers, well... THAT one made me happy! Who in their right mind ENJOYS changing a stinky, poo-filled diaper? Not me! But you catch my drift.

A couple weeks ago, she passed another milestone moment- our little baby girl started preschool. It was long awaited and she was ready, but the day I put her on the school bus for the very first time, I fought back those same tears I had fought back three times before when her older siblings walked up those big bus steps too. And when she stuck her little face up to that bus window, grinning from ear to ear, and waving like crazy, it was all I could do to not start bawling like a baby myself. 

But, she was happy and so I should be too, right? While going to school marks another notch of independence for my last baby, it also opens up three wonderful hours to myself each afternoon. And what mom doesn't want that? I have started using that time to catch up on my favorite shows on Netflix. WHILE folding laundry...sheesh! I am not a TOTAL slacker! 

I am currently binge-watching both "Haven" and "Psych" and just finished watching the entire first season of "Witches of East End".  I just LOVE Netflix! There are so many possibilities! Imagine what it will be like once she starts full day school next year!

Oh, there I go again! Wishing for the next milestone. I guess that is what we do as parents, welcome each accomplishment as it comes, then look forward to the next.

What milestones are you currently celebrating?

Be sure to check out these great movies that celebrate milestones on Netflix:

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

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The Perils of Co-Showering

I take showers with my four year old.

Whew! Glad to get that out there. Everybody has an opinion about it these days, and most of those people don't even HAVE kids.

It started when she was a baby. It was just easier for me to take her in with me than to trust that the older three kids would leave her alone (and well) long enough for me to shower. And since I enjoy NOT smelling like baby vomit, I had to come up with SOMETHING! And so the idea of co-showering came into play.

When she was really little, it was a team effort with my husband and I taking turns holding her while the other got clean, then one of us would exit, dry off, and then get her out. As she got older, the hubs bowed out. It may have had something to do with the time that she played ding-dong-ditch with his man parts, but I am not certain, and he's not talking. No really, we made a pact to never talk about that (embarrassing yet incredibly hilarious) moment EVER again.

Shoot! I am totally breaking that vow right now. Don't tattle!

So now it's just us. Me and her. And it is just part of our normal routine. I mean, if you don't make a big deal out of something, the kids won't either, right? And they certainly are used to seeing me halfway dressed as I have been walking around in my underwear since they were born. (Not planning on changing that either. Get over it!)

And several funny stories have come about because of our stance on co-showering. The first being the time that she assaulted the man parts with a giggle. But we aren't talking about that one. (See! I CAN keep a secret, honey!) There was also the time that she pooped. THAT was a treat. Let me tell ya. Nothing like playing hopscotch over turds in a slippery bathtub while trying to avoid tripping over a toddler or bringing down the whole shower curtain bar.

And then there was the time that she peed on my feet.

Good times.

But my absolute favorite story is the one that just happened!

Her and I were showering, like usual, me washing her hair, her playing with cups and other toys, when all of a sudden, she milked me! Or at least she tried too! (I TOLD you she had an obsession with boobs!) Before I could even stop her, that child reached up grabbed ahold of the old milk jugs and gave a squeeze! And I KNOW she was a-milkin' because she was holding her cup up to catch the juice!

Oh Lordy! Will this child's breastfeeding fascination EVER end?

I tried (unsuccessfully) not to laugh so that she would take me serious when I told her that "Cows are for milking, NOT mommies! and that "milking mommy's boobies was NOT appropriate touching" and then I asked her if she would like a good milking when she gets some ta-tas of her own? Of course, she giggled a big "no!" And I don't think she believed me when I told her that I WILL pay her back for all this breast assaulting when she is a tween/teen and has her OWN.

But I will!

After all, I have YEARS to plan the perfect revenge.

photo credit: khunaspix via www.freedigitalphotos.net

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5 Suggestions to make supermarkets less sucky by Lynn of The Nomad Mom Diary

Check out the very funny and always real,  The Nomad Mom Diary...

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5 Suggestions to make supermarkets less sucky
by Lynn of The Nomad Mom Diary

I really love taking my kids to the grocery store with me, much the same way I love to have a root canal. Hands down, there is one part of the shopping experience that stands head and shoulders above the rest as the most miserable: checkout.