You Can Visit Me

We've started giving Austin and Connor an allowance for completing their chores without whining or arguing. Of course in the interest of promoting parenting everywhere, we have outlined for them all the lessons to be learned including goal setting, saving and finding things that cost less than the amount they have. Little did I realize that they've been learning other important lessons as well!

Today was their day to go pick out something with the 50% of their allowance that they get to spend each week. Of course all the way out the store they were begging to open it. I told them they had to wait until we left the store and that they couldn't leave any of the packaging on the ground, to which Austin responded, "because that's littering, right mom?" and of course I confirmed his suspicion. Then Connor piped up with, "and you can go to jail for that, right mom?" Although I knew it was a teeny-tiny white lie, I again said, "yup, you sure can!" Thinking that was the end of it I was caught off guard when a moment later Austin said, "don't worry mom, you can visit me in jail!"

Stinkin' Summer "Vacation"!

When I was a kid I looked forward to summer vacation for 9 months. Now that I'm a mom, I dread summer vacation for 9 months. Let's face it, 9 months just isn't enough time to mentally prepare yourself for the birth of a child, let alone 3 solid months of "quality time" with your children!

As my husband left the house this morning he was actually chuckling. I heard definite sarcasm in his voice when he said, "and have a GOOD day!" The fact that I was clinging to his leg pleading, "please don't leave me alone with them, please, please please! You know they'll eat me alive! They're practically pirhanas, I don't stand a chance!" seemed to have no effect on him whatsoever. Rotten bastard. Very rarely do I envy his 40-hour work week, having to deal with all the office politics and people (I get to work in my pajamas, so there!), but today I was a particularly nasty shade of green.

I suppose I need to put my big girl panties on and just deal with it. Good thing that wearing my big girl panties also entitles me to buying signifcant amounts of alcohol. Maybe this summer won't be so bad after all........

The Cookie Dough Incident

For those of you who know me, I have always been working on losing a few pounds (that's code for 50+ pounds). After I had the twins I lost almost 60 pounds. And after having Noah I waited about a year, but once again am back at it. I've been committed and dedicated to my quest since January. I joined the gym, I've seriously modified my diet.....I GAVE UP MY MOCHAS! I've tried edamame, red peppers, spinach and feta. I KNOW WHAT VEGGIE-LOADING IS!! and I like it (gasp!) And (golf clap anyone?) I'm down 11 pounds. I have sweated, substituted and de-sugared like nobody's business for every ounce of those 11 pounds.

Yesterday I had a weak moment. I kept trying to think of something, anything! that sounded appealing that was even remotely healthy. All I wanted was cookie dough. So I made the cookie dough (Erin, I know what you're thinking, please don't cry.....). I ate some, then I ate a little more. Then I ate a healthy dinner.

Then I sat down to watch Biggest Loser and I ate a little more while I was watching. I know, I know, the irony right? But then I went to bed and forgot about it. Rather than sticking my face in that bowl and inhaling the whole bowl like a dog who hasn't been fed in days, I ate a little bit each time and went to bed satisfied (that's kind of a white lie, I wanted more but was finally able to say NO! I WILL NOT EAT YOU COOKIE DOUGH, NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU BEG!!)

And then I got up and went to the gym this morning, ate a healthy breakfast and lunch and settled in to start on pound #12. Look out Tyra, Cindy and Heidi, here comes Jujee!! All 5' of me in a fun-sized package! Woot! Woot!