Valentine's For Veterans #valentinesforvets #valentines

This week there was a post on the wall in my school asking for Valentine cards to be made so we can send them to veterans. Since I work with 2-3 year old children I figured just make them pretty simple.

They actually came out really cute.

I folded red and pink paper so the kids could have a choice. They choose the color and together we glued on a heart.

Then I let them just color the card however they wanted and with whatever color they wanted. I think they were excited to use the markers because we usually use crayons. Every single child sat and made out their card. I asked them to make some smiley faces and write their names. They think they did which is really sweet.

Then I wrote Happy Valentine's Day and their first name adding their age.

I would love to receive one of these myself. They are simple and cost pennies. The hearts were from Dollar Tree and the cards are construction paper.

Thursday Thirteen – Things about Me starting with M

MY NAME IS MOMMY, SOMETIMES IT'S ABOUT ME

Posted on April 24, 2008

Thursday Thirteen

The meme for this week was, thirteen places you have visited that you would recommend. I am not sure that I could possibly come up with 13 places. How sad is that!!?

For more Thursday Thirteen come over here.

So I will write 13 things about about myself starting with the letter M since that is the first letter of my name. I have seen people do this on their blogs and it looks so damn complicated. Here’s to hoping I get through it.

M – Mommy, Yup you can call me that because honestly it is who I am. Everything about me and how I feel about my life and were I am right now is all summed up in that little word. I lost my own Mommy when I was 12 and being called Mommy is exactly what I have been wanting to hear since then.

M- Mom, what my little ones call me even though I insist on Mommy. I refer to myself as Mommy so I am not sure why they feel the need to shorten it.

M-Myself, I only know how to be me which is why I never progressed further in my career. I don’t know how to BS anyone. I suck at telling people what they want to hear, I pretty much just say it like it is but in a non-threatening, polite way. There isn’t a malicious bone in my body.

M-Multitasker, Is there any mom who cannot do at least 5 things at once while remembering the 30 things she will have to do in the next day or 2?

M- Married, I got married when I was 31. I knew I would be with this guy forever but I didn’t picture married. He didn’t seem like he was in any rush to get there and rightly so since he was 5 years younger than me.

M-Moment. Living in the moment is extremely important to our well-being. This is exactly why I have been able to keep my stress level down over the past 8 years or so. Something I learned from my husband is to not waste time worrying about things you have no control over. It is a waste of energy and time. Living in the moment has allowed me to be thankful for everything but most importantly it has enabled me to really know, understand and deal with my kids.

M-Moon, does everyone have this feeling about the moon? I adore spending time looking at it. Just gazing at the moon, noticing it every single night brings me such calm. I show it to my children and now they pull me over to the window to see it.

M-Moving. As most moms can attest, we are constantly moving. Even when we finally sit for that one moment a day, someone, or something gets us up. I think my butt finds a seat for about 5 minutes maybe 10 times a day. Sit at the computer for 20 minutes to type a blog entry, read email, surf or look something up and I will be pulled away at least 10 times to break up a fight, get a toy, set up a game, retrieve something that can’t be reached, clean someone who has come out of the bathroom, get a drink for someone, a snack, etc.

M-Misread. Why is it that there are people who can say anything and everyone takes it with a grain of salt and accepts them for who they are. I am constantly misread with some people in my life. The littlest things are misinterepreted and some people get hurt unintendedly. I am thankful that there are few who fall into this category but since these are people I would never want to hurt it bothers me.

M-Memories. When it comes down to it this is all we’ve got. Our memories about past experiences, people who have gone on before us, etc. I need to sit down and really write out some of them from my childhood. It is a great resource for our children to be able to know people who should be in their lives but are not.

M-Mushy and I am not talking about body type. I am a total mush when it comes to things that pull at my heart strings and there are many. I am a total mush when it comes to noticing things especially about my kids. I must say “awwwww, you are so cute” about 25 times a day. Seeing my husband with my kids or my kids with my friends or each other makes me cock my head to the side and reveal in the moment.

M-Meme lover. God damn I love memes. Being able to sit down with a specific writing project makes me so happy.

M-Motherly even to my friends. I love cooking and serving my friends when they come over. I love buying things for people that I know they will love. I love hugging, talking, and taking care of everyone and everything

Just A Few Fill Ins from 2008

Friday Fill In…

Head on over and play along.

1. Holidays in the summer are meaningful and not celebrated enough.

2. Steak and Chicken are my favorite things to grill.

3. My thoughts are with all who have loved and lost someone in time of war or with vets who are silently celebrating alone.

4. Relaxing and spending time with my husband and kids is what I’m most looking forward to this weekend!

5. My favorite book so far this summer is Stori Telling by Tori Spelling. Check out my amateur review here.

6. Coffee and hugging is the best way to begin a day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to Ummm, some private time, wink wink, tomorrow my plans include working with the hub and playing with the kids and Sunday, I want to possibly go to the beach if the weather is good.

Come on play along.

Day Is Done

1. Last party you went to? Ozzfest 2007

2. Do you pee in the shower? Umm…if I really have to go, why dirty it when it’s clean if you know what I mean. I keep a spray bleach in the bathroom for everyday cleaning so when I am done I just shoot some bleach and scrub the bathroom.

3. Have you ever fired a gun? I have. I went to a firing range when I was younger. It was a blast. Hahaha…I crack myself up.

4. Where do you call home? NY

5. What’s your favorite board game? Trivia Pursuit and Life are right up there.

A Guide to Opening Your Own Store

Establishing your own business is one of the most fulfilling and exciting things you can do, even if it is a lot of hard work! If you are at the stage of searching for space to lease for your store, you have already completed the business plan and secured some financial backing. This next step is important as it will determine how many customers will be coming through your door. Here’s some things to think about when selecting your store space. 

Location 

Location is everything, especially if your brand is not yet widely known. If potential customers can’t see or locate your store, they are unlikely to take the time to find it. Find a spot in the shopping mall or a street in your local town that has a lot of footfall going by it. These spaces might have more expensive leases due to their desirable positioning, but if you can afford it then certainly take it to ensure visibility to consumers. 

Accessibility

Like location, the accessibility to your store is incredibly important. If some of your customers require the use of wheelchairs for example, having only steps leading up to your store cuts them off from it and you could lose out on the potential to build a relationship with a loyal customer. Make sure the space you choose has access ramps if it is in a raised position, and a door that is either automatic or is fitted with a disabled access button so you’re not alienating anyone.

Design

The interior design of your shop should reflect your business brand and style. It should look clean and crisp, and all displays should be clearly visible. Any shop should have its interior units fitted properly and professionally, but if you’re a fashion brand then you might want to opt for more of a luxury fit out to have a high-end feel to your store. The way your store looks will tell customers a lot about the business, therefore having proper shelving and storage units fitted to help keep the place clean and tidy is worth it. 

Displays

Having your products displayed properly in store will ensure that your customers are seeing everything you have to offer. Choose lighting that will flatter your products, and check often to make sure they have not been dirtied (people will pick up and put down things in your shop while browsing). Clothing should be placed on racks around the store, you can color coordinate the different items of clothing which can by aesthetically pleasing, or group brands or styles together to make it easier for customers to find something specific. Be playful and creative in your window displays too, as these will catch the eyes of passers-by and tempt them to come into your store. For example, you could recreate a scene from a famous movie or TV show. 

Opening your own store is an exciting venture and hopefully you will see nothing but success from the minute you open your doors. Keeping these few things in mind when starting out could be useful in ensuring that success

Way Back Post – Writing in my 2 year old’s voice

MY NAME IS MOMMY, PRECOCIOUS SON/HANDSOME

Way Back Post – Writing in my 2 year old’s voice

Posted on April 28, 2008

When I had my daughter my son was going on 23 months. My daughter was colic and slept in 1/2 hour clips, and nursed when she wasn’t sleeping or crying and my son had a speech delay which made him prone to tantrums. Life wasn’t easy but I loved them both and writing has always been a great stress reliever for me.

I started a blog for my son called My Life As A Precocious Toddler and wrote in his voice. I found it both fun and therapeutic. Here is the first post ever written as my 2 year old.

Thursday, June 23, 2005
Parents Suck!

Hey, can we talk? I want to discuss my parents.

Dude I know I need them and everything, my being 2 and all but give me a freakin’ break.

Let’s take today for instance. I ask for a crayon. Mom looks at me and says “what?” I mean hello! How else do you say crayon? I try again all the while pointing to the shelf where she keeps the damn colored yum, yum taste so good sticks of wax.

I see a light bulb go off over her head and she hands me a broken piece of putrid green crayon and tells me to get my paper. I scream and slam my hand on the table.

A damn crayon women! She says, “that is all there is” and then I hear that pink bundle of “pain in the ass” start her opera.

My sister came into our home 2 months ago and nothing is right! Mom takes off to pick up the screeching pink bundle and I grab her legs as she tries to pass me. A crayon! Damn am I invisible?

I take the stupid piece of putrid wax that she handed me and reach for the flash cards she took out of the drawer an hour before. She said get paper and this sure looks like paper to me.

She moves the flashcards out from under my crayon and says, “not on those!” What? She didn’t specify what paper I can use. Paper is paper. Damn her, she is always stopping me from doing something I want to do.

While she sits down to place her plump, dripping, flesh pillow into my sister’s mouth I take the crayon and opps miss the little piece of paper she handed me. Wow, the crayon looks really good mixed with the color of the Ottoman. I keep going. Maybe just maybe, Mom and Dad will love my art work. They rave over every stupid mark I make on paper they are going to love this.

I take my time, putting a lot of thought into the amount of strokes, the direction of my lines and the amount of pressure I apply to my art project. I am totally in the zone and the next thing I know my mom is screaming “No!” God how I hate that word.

Ripping the crayon from my clenched fingers and placing me in time out. Huh? She is so ungrateful. That is the last time I try to impress her. As I sit in my time out I contemplate my next art project. I have been checking out the wall next to the TV, I think it could use a few dashes with a key to give it that subtle texture look.

POSTED IN

In My 50s And Learning A New Hobby. Thank You Howard Stern

Soooo I have always wanted to know how to sketch, draw, paint, etc. I took a few months of painting classes in my late 20s and loved it. I am so in awe of people who can just create art. They take a pencil to whatever medium they work with and suddenly something that never existed before lives. My daughter's Instagram page is full of her drawings. I follow a billion artists and like all the photos on Instagram scrolling and hearting everything I love so I decided it was time.

This past Christmas while shopping for my daughter's newest sketchbook I grabbed one for myself. Nothing expensive, just something I could draw into and hopefully watch myself progress along the way.

I finally opened the a week ago after listening to Howard Stern who is an amazing artist who was telling someone that a few years ago he couldn't draw a straight line.  Inspired by those words and the thought that I too could eventually learn to draw well started sketching. I told myself that I would do at least 3 sketches a week.

My first sketch:

My second sketch: They are butt ugly but they are mine 

My So while they aren't anything special, they are my firsts so I am sharing them here.
Do not wait, learn a new skill, do something you have always wanted to do. There is hopefully still time. It is never too late to go for it!

Daddys and Daughters

GODDESS IN TRAINING/GODDESS

Daddys & Daughters

Posted on April 18, 2008

Back When I Was Digital Scrapbooking

MEME, MY NAME IS MOMMY

Thursday Challenge – My Kids

Posted on May 9, 2008

GODDESS IN TRAINING/GODDESS, MY NAME IS MOMMY

Dialogues with Goddess – What do you want to be when you grow up Part 1

Posted on October 17, 2007

Yesterday while driving to my son’s class trip I lowered the radio and shouted over the open windows that my children have decided are mandatory while we drive in 50 degree weather, “Goddess, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

Goddess with out missing a beat replied, “ah, a teacher.”

I was thrilled that she understood the question. Hello she is 2.5 years old this month. How does she know what I am asking? 

I can’t wait to see how her professional changes over the years.  

My little baby wants to be a teacher. I love it!

First Book Of The Year: True To Your Selfie By Megan McCafferty

The 411:

A quick read featuring middle schoolers in a world of social media. Twelve year old students Ella and Morgan are Influencers on a fictional Instagram type platform called Fotobooth account. Morgan is running the show as the rich girl who even has a personal chauffeur and an obvious credit card thanks to Daddy. Ella is the grounded, talented buffoon being raised by a single mom who is losing herself as the passenger on the road to famous. 

I love the very real dialogue and quick paced story. Many readers will be able to see themselves in one of the many characters in this book. Whether looking from the outside as your "old" best friend moves forward without you or as someone trying to be "famous" and have as many likes as possible on your socials. 

This is honestly a great book for kids to read to see just how "fake" some of the Influencers they follow are. How everything is very calculated and staged in the "perfect" photos and lives they admire really are. 

I highly recommend!

I Never Left By McGarvey Black Was By Far My Favorite Book of 2019

An outstanding psychological thriller based on true events...

The 411:

OMG this book was incredible. McGarvey Black's debut novel was the perfect read. At 317 pages and 103 chapters this book was probably my favorite of the year.

The author does a wonderful job of sharing the perspectives of everyone involved in the murder of Quinn. Her family, friends, estranged husband, detectives and even Quinn. I loved the chapters featuring Quinn the most. It felt very Lovely Bones like. Quinn being an outside observer and filling in some of the details of her life creates a fast paced, thrilling mystery. While we all know who did it. Come on you know that in most cases it is the estranged spouse but the ending tied it all together making me want to re-read and see where I missed the clues. 

Definitely an author I will keep my eyes on.

Billie Eilish Set To Do Theme Song For The Newest James Bond And We Are Beyond Excited #NoTimeToDie #BillieEllish

As a parent you hope and pray that your kids get into your kind of music. I was one of the lucky ones. My daughter loves all my Alternative and Rock favorites. When she started asking for Linkin' Park, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Chili Peppers, Green Day, My Chemical Romance and Imagine Dragons I was so excited.  Eventually she played something on her own that made me ask "who is that?" She shared some Billie songs with me and I think I got even more obsessed with her and her brother Finneas' than she was.

We played Billie all day and all night. We watched a million interviews over the past two years and every music video we could find. You can come into this house anytime and Billie will be playing. We knew every sound, every word to every song and today when Billie shared a bunch of Bond Girl photos on her Instagram I knew something big was up.

While my daughter has no idea who James Bond is or the Bond Girls we are both super excited that she will be the youngest artist ever to record a theme song for a Bond Movie.

No Time To Die starring Daniel Craig is due out April 2nd and I have never been happier to see what the theme song will be.

If you are not into Billie I think you should check out Lovely, Everything I Wanted, I Love You then move from there. There isn't a single one I don't like well honestly I usually skip Ocean Eyes which was the one that put her on the young people's radar. Not a favorite as it doesn't have the depth in most of her other songs. She is the bomb and I am proud as if I birthed her myself.

Dialogues With Goddess – The Interview

GODDESS IN TRAINING/GODDESS

Dialogues With Goddess – The Interview

Posted on March 2, 2008

Today I asked Goddess what she wants to be when she grows up. I ask her this from time to time. The first time was last October that day she said she wanted to be a teacher. One other time she said artist. Today she just said, “Me.” Well, guess  that is really profound for a 2 almost 3 year old. Whatever she is going to be, she is going to be herself. I love that.

 Me: Are you pretty?

Goddess: No, I’m beautiful! (This is not the first time she has said this either).

Me: What is your favorite color?

Goddess: Pink. (She quickly changed that to purple). The last time I asked her her favorite color she did say purple so I am not sure if she forgot her favorite color or if she remembers the question from a couple months ago.

Me: What is your favorite animal?

Goddess: An elephant!

Me: What is your favorite food?

Goddess: Popcorn (she happened to be eating popcorn at the time of this interview)

Me: What is your favorite TV Show?

Goddess: Blue’s Clue’s with Steve. (I find it interesting that she added Steve to that answer, does she really think this is the name of the show? Or, does she really dislike Joe? Ummm….

I love this interview thingy with my kids…I am going to be very interested to see how their answers change and I can’t wait until I can add other questions. 

Just Some Questions

I went Friday Meme Happy!!!!

Posted on September 13, 2008

Do you focus more on the past, present, or future? I focus on the present. One thing my husband has taught me is to focus on what you can change now. Many years ago, I spent most of my time worrying about the future, it isn’t necessary to waste time and energy on something that might or might not happen.

This week I wonder: Where is Biden? The news has makes me crazy. Sarah Palin isn’t running for the presidency yet she has more coverage than anyone else right now. I just want to know where Biden is? The presidential coverage has focused on Obama, Palin and McCain so where is Biden????

1. You are in an adventurous mood. Do you go deep sea diving or sky diving?Any idea where you would like to do it? Well, if I had a moment to train I would probably go deep sea diving with my camera encased in a high tech water casing so that I could get some pictures of natures colors below the surface. I would go to Bali.

2. You just won an all expenses paid trip to anywhere in the world. Do you go to Japan or to France? Why? Ummm…I am not a traveler especially outside the united states. Mostly because I am petrified of flying. If I had to chose one I would chose France. No reason!

3. You meet a stingy genie that will only grant one wish. Do you wish for more money or a better body? Why? Oh more money, more money, more money. Especially these days!!! Money is extremely tight all over but we have struggled for 3 years now. Being self employed isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.

4. You have $50 burning a hole in your pocket. Do you head to the book store or to a spa? What would you get? Oh hell, I would head to a book store. I don’t have the patience to sit for a spa treatment.

5. It is time for a caffeine jolt. Do you go for the coffee pot or for the soda? Any favorites? I don’t drink soda so Coffee is the way for me.

A Boy And His Scooter

I love taking walks after dinner with my children. Most people are indoors and the block is quiet. My son takes his scooter and gets practice with his balance and hopefully is building up his core strength. I love his concentration when he is riding and enjoy the quiet of just being. If you were on a walk with us you would know that it was anything but quiet. The bugs, birds, dogs barking and my kids talking a mile a minute makes me need a Tylenol before we leave but it is one of my favorite parts of the day.

My Memories Through Photography was around in 2008. I am re-sharing here so I have everything in one spot.

An Old Post Where I Answer Some Questions

Posted on August 10, 2008

Working in the Coalmines

1. What is your job and do you like it? My job is so broad, I do freelance work, billing for my husband’s company, my 3 blogs and most importantly take care of my 2 babies which is the hardest but most rewarding job I have ever had. I love my work!

2. What to you do to unwind after work? Unwind? What’s that? I usually blog, talk to a friend, or read a book.

3. Who have you known the longest of your friends? That would be Peggy. We met in the 2nd grade and talk 2 times a year. After her would be Teresa who I met in 1987 or 1988 we don’t remember. Before the summer we spoke at least once a day but this summer it has only been weekly. We both have busy lives and live 1.5 hours away from each other.

4. Who do you go to for advice? It sounds like a crock but I go to my husband depending on the advice. Actually I go to different people for different things.

5. Not counting your current relationship, how many times have you been in love? In love? That is very different from loving someone. I have been In Love one time.

6. What is you favorite snack food? Before this week I would say, that I don’t have a favorite snack food really. I love salty so it would possibly be chips of some kind.

7. What is the best meal you ate this week? That would be on Wednesday when my husband and I had grilled chicken and steamed broccoli and brussel sprouts.

8. What to you is the most important factor in romantic attraction? Attraction? I think butterflies. If you get butterflies in your belly than it is worth pursuing.

9. What do you think is your worst habit? Biting my nails.

Just Some Old Posts About My Kids

MEME, MY NAME IS MOMMY, PHOTOS

Wordless Wednesday – Daddy Time

Posted on August 13, 2008

POSTED IN

 Tutu Much

Posted on August 12, 2008

Have some pictures with a lot or a little red?

I adore this picture of my daughter and my girlfriends daughter posing after watching a video on ballet.

IF I DIED!

Some More Questions I Answered In 2008 On My Old Blog!

1. If you were to die today, what would your last words be? Please, remember me

2. What would you want your epitaph to say? She was an awesome mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister, grand-daughter. She saw the good in everyone and noticed the little things. We will miss her.

3. What song would you want played at your funeral? She’s The Spirit In Me by Mother Station. Or Angel by Stevie Nicks

4. In lieu of flowers, what should loved ones do in your honor? Oh hell no, I want flowers. I didn’t get many while alive so bring on the blooms!

5. What unfinished business would you wrap up? I would make sure that my kids, husband, family and friends knew how much I needed them in my life and what they have meant to me. I have no unfinished business.

Reliving My Goddess' 1st Day of Preschool 2008

The Goddess’s 2nd Day Of Pre-School

Posted on September 14, 2008

Tuesday was the Goddess’ very first day at pre-school and she did fab!

Mom on the other hand was a bit of a mess.

I can’t say I was worried, just a little melancholy that my baby was going to leave me for 2.5 hours, two days a week.

Her dad and I were sure that she would have fun, we also were sure that she wouldn’t miss us, her brother is in the same place so they would have each other.

From the moment she woke up at 7:00 she was ready for school. She wanted to get dressed right away and we had to keep reminder her that school wasn’t open yet.

She asked about 15 times before 9:00 “can we please go to school now.”

Unfortunately it rained so I was unable to get any good pictures of her going in. I took some but I am not happy with any. My husband was with us and I always feel silly whipping out the camera every second.

Bad Mommy moment – I had promised her that she would be getting a balloon. We had brought one on Monday for her brother’s first day and she asked for one the whole day. I promised her that I would get her one on HER first day. Since it was her first day, I refused to leave town. Honestly, I doubt I will be leaving for the next 2 months).

I walked into the class and both my kids ran over to hug my legs and say hello. My son was first, followed by the Goddess. Her first words….”Hi mommy, where’s my balloon?”

We did go out to get one right after but how awesome would it have been if I had walked in with it???!!!

Here are the few I did manage to get.

Heading to school in the pouring 8

Dropped off, took pictures and she sat right down to play

Finally, getting a balloon.

Here Piggy Piggy

I took my daughter to a near by farm to see the animals and watch the farmers getting ready for their busy season. We always love going to the pig pens because there are always baby pigs. We love baby pigs. They are so cute and my daughter squeals as soon as she gets close and sees any bit of pink movement. This little pig was so cute. I wanted to take him home with me. But looking at the size of mom, I would definitely need a bigger house.

re-sharing a post from my old blog so it is in one place. 

Working In A Preschool Is The Very Best Job For Me But It Is Not For Everyone

I never wanted to work in an office. My mother always worked in an office and I remember as a kid thinking OMG she is tied to a desk everyday. That is not for me! Well wouldn't you know that my very first job was in an office for the same Uncle that hired my mom back in the day when she eventually met my dad through said Uncle! I didn't hate it. I was a young girl and his office was next to an office with a lot of young guys. They were wonderful to me and I learned a lot working for my Uncle that I was able to use in my future office jobs.

When my husband and I started a family we decided I would be a stay-at-home mom. It was nothing I ever thought I would be able to do. My mom worked but his mom hadn't when they were little and that was what we decided we wanted for our children.

Being a mom was and is my absolute favorite job. I was good at it. I had the right balance of patience, love, structure and discipline. I was rational and never let my emotions get to me. If you discipline with love in your heart you can't go wrong and I loved every moment I was home with my kids even on the most challenging days.

When I decided to start working again, I worked in the my children's elementary school and eventually in their middle school. I loved it! I could see them every day. Our schedules were the same and I got the spend my day with many children. It is amazing how much you can care about children when you are with them every day. I was called Ms. G and loved it!

Eventually my job was abolished. The school found me some temp positions and I found a part-time job in a preschool. Working with 1-3 year olds! Oh how I missed this age. It is crazy, busy, insane, exhausting, challenging and some days very hard but I love it!

As a preschool assistant teacher I work with 10-12 2 year olds depending on the day and in the AM 5-15 1-3 year olds. Some days I get to play head teacher which I love!!! Running a classroom is exciting. In preschool I am Ms. Maria or Ms. Ria depending on how they say my name. Not all toddlers can do it. 3 syllables is hard. 

Over the course of 4 years I have seen kids come and go. I have loved so many children deeper than I ever knew possible. These kids are not my kids, they are not family but during the day they ARE my kids. I love each and every one of them. Some more than others.

At 2 they need a day time mommy. They need to feel loved, cared for, protected. They need to be held, they need hugs, they need someone to wipe their tears, make them laugh, be excited when they use the potty, or try the potty, wash their hands, eat all their lunch and listen to directions. I am their cheerleader, their daytime mommy, their friend, their sister. I am whatever they need at that moment.

This year there is a little boy who reminds me of my son when he was a toddler. I never had this before and I love him as if I birthed him myself. I miss him on the weekends and fortunately like his parents as well. I have sent them photos of my son and they agree they look alike. It is crazy how much I see my son in his face. They are not carbon copies of course but there is something about him I adore. I have never loved a child that wasn't mine like I do him! 

It took a month for him to finally say my name. It killed me that he asked for everyone else. Eventually he did and now he looks for me, calls for me and runs to me when I come in. It's obvious that he knows how much I love him and I love it. 

This is the absolute best job for me because:

1. I am not tied to a desk
2. I get to talk to toddlers all day and honestly they are way more fun than talking to adults.
3. They are funny. I laugh all day.
4. At 4'11 I have never felt so tall before
5. I get to play every day. I get to act like a big kid and it is keeping me young.
6. Hugs! Hugs! Hugs! There are so many hugs and who doesn't love being hugged without conditions.
7. I get to feel smart. Hey come on I know way more than these kids right!? Right?
8. I am reliving all the fun things I did with my own kids. I miss them this young.
9. I get to bring my daughter to work with me. I love watching her work with the kids. It has been great for her confidence too.
10. Depending on the weather I get to spend time outside.
11. They think I am cool.
12. My boss rocks!

The reasons it isn't for everyone:

1. My back hurts all the time. Lifting kids, holding kids and sitting on the floor has killed my back.  I have been at a chiropractor a lot!
2. Potty training. It is hard enough to potty train your own kids but now I am doing 10 kids at a time. Yeah that can be hard. Really hard.
3. They are not yours. You have to remind yourself often!
4. Kids are loud. If you don't like yelling, crying, screaming, whining this IS NOT FOR YOU.

The Splinter

Sharing from my Memories Through Photography blog in 2008

We headed to Heaven Farms this past week. We have gone there every year for 3 years. I love taking the kids picture in front of the sign with the tape measure so I can see how big they have gotten. It's the best! They have a sign with the farms name on it, the year and a measuring stick. How cool is that?

This year we were there about 5 minutes when my son acquired an injury that made me want to scoop him up and run not walk to the nearest pediatrician. If he was younger and wouldn't protest I probably would have.

Ok, it was only a splinter it's not like he was cut by some old farm equipment or something but you haven't seen this splinter.

We were in the dried corn boxes (like a sand box but with corn). There were some buckets and pails and my kids were enjoying filling the pails with corn and dumping them. I took a photo of Goddess and noticed my son looking at his finger. When I look at the picture now I see that I actually captured the moment it happened but it is so fuzzy that I won't post it.

I asked him what happened and he said, I hurt my finger. I asked if I could see it. He gave me his hand and I was shocked. There was a huge piece of emerald green painted wood from the corn box under his nail. It was so big! It went right under the nail almost to his cuticle.

I asked if it hurt and he said yes. I told him we should go right to the doctor but he said he wanted to stay. We did. He was fine. I spent the entire time worried about the nail. Would we be able to get it out? Was the wood once an animal pen? Did he need to get a shot for infection? Would we be heading to the hospital?

After about an hour and a half I told them it was time to go. On my way I called the pediatrician and told them I was bringing him in and why.

The doctor did try but nothing. Due to the size he suggested I rush to the ER and have them give him a general, cut the nail and remove it. He also said that my son's shots were up to date and to not let them give him a tentnous shot.

The doc was awesome. Since I don't have medical insurance he didn't charge me, savings of $90.00.

I headed home and called a nurse friend who lives on my street. Her suggestion, it if is not bothering him, leave it alone. Keep it clean and covered and let it work it's way out. The moment there is any sign of infection bring him to the hospital.

The first night he woke up crying. He said his finger hurt and it was hard to console him. He cried silently with his arm over his eyes. He didn't want to be held and kept telling us to leave him alone. My thought was to rush him to the ER right then. The Teach and I were concerned and looked at each other over my son's head. We told each other that we would wait to see how he is in the morning.

The morning came and all was well. It will be a week tomorrow that he got the splinter. There is no redness, puffyness and he hasn't complained at all about pain. We keep it covered, cleaning it every day and re-bandaging the finger. Hopefully in another week we have enough nail growth to see some of the tip of this Emerald Tree. Until then, we wait.