All About Me

So I was talking to a friend the other day and I asked how things were going with he and his wife. He said to me, "Well, she's been really stressed. So, she's been pretty intense lately." And I said, "Intense, huh? So that's what they're calling it now?" And then we both laughed. Knowing what he really meant. I kind of like this interchange of words. And with that in mind, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself...

I am cheap frugal.

I am fiesty spunky.

I am nerdy unique.

I am lazy laid back.

See how that works? Now, why don't you give it a try.

A Day in the Life of a Social Worker

I walked into the foster home. He had only one question for me. 

Could he please keep the baby duck? I said no.

And then the name calling began.

Rocks went flying.

Sod was chucked as far as the husky 11-year-old could manage.

Spit drenched my face and clothes.

Bruises began to decorate my legs.

Teeth were sunk so deep into my arm that it was twice the size of the other and there was a permanent imprint (for a week).

We managed to break into his bedroom just in time to grab him from the second story window from which he was about to jump.

Restraints were used for 45 minutes until the police arrived.

And then he was calm. 

And he understood that he couldn't keep something that belonged to someone else. 

He would have a couple of days to think about it.

 In Detention. 

And he did. 

All the way until he went to court for his charges.

He walked into the court room. He had only one question for the Judge. 

Could

he

please

keep

the 

baby

duck

?

One Day, They'll Thank Me

So last week we took our children to the happiest place on earth. That's right. Disney-freakin'-expensive-land. (And they say you can't buy happiness! Ha!) Well, knowing that these chances only come so often, I knew my kids would want to make the most of it. So, I, being the wonderful mother I am, made sure it was everything they could've hoped for. 

For instance, when Izak wanted to ride the same ride more than once, I of course told him no! I mean, can you imagine how mad he would be at me if 10 years from now he found out he didn't ride ALL the rides at Disneyland because his lame mom let him go on the same rides over and over again? 

I even got his Maama (Grandma) to understand the importance of helping Izak to realize what he really wanted, even if that meant causing a few small heart aches in the moment in order to create lasting happiness in the future. Like the time that Izak REALLY wanted Lightning McQueen ears instead of Mickey Mouse ears-just think about it. 10 years from now that kid's not going to even know who Lightning McQueen is, let alone want to be wearing his EARS around! But you'd better believe he's still going to be sporting Mickey Mouse in Junior High. 

And then of course I couldn't believe it when Izak said he was all done and ready to go home and it was still 3 hours until closing! I can just imagine never living down how I could have possibly allowed him to leave when there was still plenty more action to get in on before the day was over. I couldn't believe he tried the old, "But my feet are so tired, I can't walk anymore" routine. Puh-lease. 

Yep. Disneyland was ALL about the kids. And one day, they'll thank me for it.

See how much fun we had?

We actually had a really great time-thanks to Dave's twin sister and her husband for being amazing hosts. They gave us their bed, cooked us amazing food every day, and helped take care of our kids when they woke up stinkin' early! And Maama was so great to meet us there, and spoiled our kids (and us by helping so much with them!!) only the way a Grandma can!! It was great, thanks guys!!