Not Me Monday-Sesame Place Edition

It is not Monday and time again for Not Me Monday. It is a meme where we share all the things we did not this week. MckMama is our host at My Charming Kids . Go over there to see what other people are not doing this week too.

We did not go to Sesame Place this weekend. We did not have a great time despite the rain and Davey being stung and eating a yellow jacket. We did not discover he was stung when he started crying and I saw the yellow jacket body lodged between his front teeth. Davey had been eating one of those old fashioned lollipops. We figure the yellow jacket must have landed on the pop and he stuck it back in his mouth. He was not fine till the next day when he developed hives/rash all over his body. Fortunately the hives really did not seem to bother him. However he did not get a lot of looks at the park. I think people were not fearing he was contagious. We did not go to a character breakfast. It was not money well spent. The kids did not love meeting all the characters up close. My kids did not jump on Elmo every couple of minutes. My heart did not melt every time my kids hugged a character.

Davey's rash.

One of the many times Caitlin hugged Elmo.

We did not discover some challenges of traveling with 2 small kids. The first one was the fact Caitlin doesn't understand that she needs to give us some warning when she needs to use the bathroom. On the way there, we did not have to get off the highway in the a city once known as the "murder capitol of the US." Dave and I were not at all concerned about this. On the way back, we made another emergency stop in a much nicer town. The exit was called "Country Club Lane." We figured it had to be safer.

Another challenge was getting the kids to sleep in a hotel. The kids did not have to share a bed. The first night they jabbered for an hour despite our instructions to go to sleep. The second night, Dave took Caitlin to run errands so I could try to get Davey to sleep first. I laid in the bed to prevent his escape. He did not have his new stuffed Elmo kiss me repeatedly. He did not tell me his loves me repeatedly. He did not sing the ABCs, Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes, and a tune from his fridge DJ over and over again. I did not think he was asleep and then was not surprised by another round of Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. It was not hard to urge him to sleep when he was being so cute.

We did not have such a good time that we are planning on another trip for next year.

Weekly Winners

I don't have to look through and process lots of photos today. So I'm posting a little cute for you. Be sure to go to Sarcastic Mom to check out more weekly winners.They make my uterus ache a little.

Nom Nom

Then and Now Thursday

Welcome to the Then and Now blog carnival. This meme is a chance to look back at how life has changed over the years. Hope you'll join us. Click here for more info on this meme.


Then:
August 2008
Maximus weighed 102 lbs. The vet scolded us for over feeding him. He has been on the light dog food for years. One big issue with his weight is he is thief. He steals any food that is not nailed down. He even steals soapy dishes out of the sink because they might have a little food left in them. The other issue is it is too hot to walk him in the summer. He does not do well with the heat. He stops and lays down in people's lawns to rest (every other lawn).
Now:
August 2009
Maximus weighs 87 lbs. I couldn't believe the scale when they weighed him. This is the thinnest he has been in years. The vet ran extra tests to make sure nothing was wrong with him. The reason he weighs less for his check up this year is the weather has been cooler (except for the last 2 weeks) and I have been able to walk him regularly without him passing out. I told the vet last year that he is thinner in the fall, winter, and spring because of this warm weather intolerance but he didn't believe me. Maximus doesn't have to eat diet dog food anymore. But the old man has to eat senior dog food now. I'm happy for my normal weight dog. Now I just need to figure out why I haven't lost 15lbs. since last August.


Please share how things are different Then and Now. Click here for more info on this meme. Be sure to visit other participants' posts and leave some comment love.

Wordless Wednesday and Wardrobe Wednesday

Can you tell who is on this car?

Got it now right?

I liked Bon Jovi especially back at middle school dances but I can't imagine putting these stickers on my car. I think this would have been weird in 1986 but really weird in 2009.

Check out 5 Minutes for Mom, Ordinary and Awesome, and Wordless Wednesday for more wordless photos.
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This is Caitlin's interpretation of a fire fighter. Not the standard gear but very cute.

Head over to see how all the cool kids are dressing at Heathen Family Revival.

Becoming Comfortable in My Skin

Seeing a woman in a fashion magazine that looks normal (like me) is quite inspiring. I've been struggling to feel as confident in my skin as this woman seems to be for quite a while. Motherhood has changed my body. After breast feeding each child for a year, the girls are not quite as perky as they use to be. My belly sags a bit. I'm carrying around more weight than I'd like. I've been working on my diet and exercise program. I've been Shredding, using my elliptical machine, and jogging. The scale is not moving much but I'm seeing results. I feel stronger. I am stronger. I feel better about my body. Sometimes feeling strong is more important than the number on the scale. I'm becoming comfortable in my skin.

I saw this photo on the Today show yesterday. The photo is from page 194 of the September issue of Glamour. The photo accompanied a story on being comfortable in your own skin.

My husband walked by the tv when this model's photo was on and he said she looks hot but I look hotter. One of the many reasons I love that man.

Caitlin adds some resistance to my workouts.

I Heart Faces-Nostalgia

I Heart Faces' theme is nostalgia. Seeing photos of the kids picking out the perfect tree always makes me think of all the times we have done it before. I love that tradition.

Be sure to go to www.iheartfaces.com to check out all the other beautiful faces.

What's on Your Bookshelf?

The funny Modern Mom from a How To Survive Life in the Suburbs has passed on the Joy of Reading Award to me! Thanks so much.

Here are the rules of this one:

1. Collect the book that you have most handy
2. Turn to page 161
3. Find the 5th complete sentence
4. Site the sentence on your blog
5. Pass it on to 5 other bloggers

1. The book I'm reading right now is called "Twilight". I almost didn't want to do this award post because I didn't want to admit I was reading it. I just started this book and see why it is such a page turner.

2. Here is the 5th sentence on page 161, "'Stay away from me', I warned in a voice that was suppose to sound strong and fearless."

5. Now I have the pleasure of passing on this award to see what's on your bookshelf. I am passing on the award to the last 5 people to become followers of my blog (that have blogs listed on their profile) and anyone else that would like to participate. These ladies all have great, funny, and interesting blogs. Be sure to check them out. I'm looking forward to see what everyone else is reading.

Taylor from My Name is Taylor
Kelly from I've Become my Mother! Love this blog name.
Emma from Me, The Man, & The Baby
Leslee from There Are Angels Walking This Earth Disguised As Moms
Christine from Propeller Head Mom

Weekly Winners

Time for another Weekly Winners post. My favorites this week are from another trip to the park. Be sure to go to Sarcastic Mom to check out more weekly winners.

Hanging on tight.

Pretty girl and clouds.

Long way down.

Pretty colors.

Skywatch Friday

Love these blue skies.

Go to Skywatch Friday to see skies from all around the world.

Then and Now Thursday

Welcome to the Then and Now blog carnival. This meme is a chance to look back at how life has changed over the years. Hope you'll join us. Click here for more info on this meme.


Then:

The summer of 2007. We visited our local zoo. Davey was just a wee babe. We only had one little one to chase after. I remember breastfeeding Davey in front of the exotic bird building. I always hated nursing the kids in public but it was strangely quiet and peaceful there. Caitlin was amazed by all the animals and loved the elephant sprinkler. It was a great trip overall.

Caitlin trying to catch a rainbow.

Now:
The summer of 2009. We returned to the same small zoo. While breastfeeding in public poses some challenges, they are minor compared to chasing 2 small children especially when the littlest one keeps trying to climb into the animal enclosures. The challenges are different and always changing. Both Caitlin and Davey were amazed by the animals and even found joy in jumping on the walkway. I hope the challenges of chasing the little runner will be gone in another 2 years but I'm looking forward to the next challenges too.

It was another great trip.

Please share how things are different Then and Now. Click here for more info on this meme. Be sure to visit other participants' posts and leave some comment love.

Less Words and Wardrobe Wednesday

Caitlin is a bit of a perfectionist. She gets upset that she can't read yet. She just turned 4 in May. She hates when she can't do something right the first time she tries. Caitlin is convinced she should be able to read, write, and draw already. We try to help her with her letters but she gets very frustrated. The other day she surprised me by writing a whole sheet of letter As without any help.Caitlin also gets frustrated with drawing too. But again she surprised me with this great drawing of the family. I'm so proud.
Check out 5 Minutes for Mom, Ordinary and Awesome, and Wordless Wednesday for more wordless photos.

I love how shy little girls use their dresses to hide.

Head over to see how all the cool kids are dressing at Heathen Family Revival.

Not Me Monday

I met up with some friends and the kids at a splash pad and playground. We had a great time catching up as much as you can while watching kids run around like maniacs. I did not lose sight of Davey several times while watching Caitlin. I did not panic each time till I saw him again. It did not happen at least 3 times. The last time Davey did not make it quite a distance away from the group, fall down, and have a stranger bring him back to me crying. I do not feel like the worse mother for this. I can not stop thinking how much worse it could have been. I have not decided that I can not bring the kids to parks like this by myself. It is not too stressful keeping track of both kids. I do not fear that my friends think I'm a bad mom too. I am not wondering how long I will replay this day in my head. I am not up at 3 am writing this.

A happy moment from the splash park.

Onto more cheerful Not Me's...tonight after Davey had been asleep for an hour, I did not hear him yell "Chicken ba-butt" into the monitor. It did not make me laugh out loud.

The other day, Caitlin did not sleep in the clothes she wore during the day. Dave and I were so tired we didn't notice that she had not changed. We were just excited that she got herself into bed without fussing. Caitlin has not let us forget about this event.

It is not Monday and time again for Not Me Monday. It is a meme where we share all the things we did not this week. MckMama is our host at My Charming Kids . Go over there to see what other people are not doing this week too.

Weekly Winners

Time for another Weekly Winner post. Be sure to go to visit Sarcastic Mom to check out more weekly winners.Don't forgot to leave our hostess, Lotus, some comment love.

I see you.

Even bees love the basil.

Adjusting the mirrors for safety.

5 Things Friday

This week's theme for 5 Things Friday is 5 things I know for sure.


5 Things I Know for Sure

1. I love my family. I feel blessed to have such a great husband and 2 wonderful kids.

2. I love ice cream. I wish I could eat everyday. Slow churn moose track is my favorite right now.

3. I love my yellow dog despite his naughtiness. I can't imagine life without his cute furry butt laying on my feet while I sleep.

4. I'm excited to meet my friends' new baby girl soon.

5. I know that the kids will make me laugh at the antics today.

Join the fun and check out more 5 Things Friday at Jean Stockdale.

Then and Now Thursday

Welcome to the Then and Now blog carnival. This meme is a chance to look back at how life has changed over the years. Hope you'll join us. Today I thought I'd explain the photos I used for the button.

Then

This is me as a wee one. Don't you love how my suit matches the pool?

Now:
This is my Caitlin about 30 years later. We both love the water for sure. I love how much more covered up we keep kids now. She has a rash guard shirt, hat, swim shoes, and sunblock 45 spf. I probably had nothing on other my swimsuit. It takes at least 15 minutes to get both kids ready for the pool. Maybe that is why we played outside more as kids, there was way less preparation.

Please share how things are different Then and Now. Click here for more info on this meme. Be sure to visit other participants' posts and leave some comment love.

Wordless Wednesday and Wardrobe Wednesday

The Great Tomato Caper

Just sniffing around....

sniffing a little closer...

I love garden tomatoes too. (Can you tell he is chewing on a tomato?)

The kids shooed him away with their watering cans.

Check out 5 Minutes for Mom, Ordinary and Awesome, and Wordless Wednesday for more wordless photos.

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Caitlin decided to wear several layers on this 90 degree day. I love the two different color socks. Reminds me of the 80's.

Head over to see how all the cool kids are dressing at Heathen Family Revival.

Ticked Off Tuesday-Second Guessing Oneself.

Scroll down for the Blog Hop post and the I Heart Faces post.

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Sometimes it is like my brain is stuck on a continuous replay loop. The same scene keeps going through my head. I remember the way the event actually happened and then I create several variations on how I would do things differently.

Delivering Caitlin is one of those scenes that goes through my head. Here is the condensed story. I was in labor for 18 hours. I had an epidural after 8 hours. I couldn't believe how much it hurt and so soon. It slowed labor. I had picotin. Labor progressed. I pushed for 2 hours. The doctor said I could continue or have a C section. I had a C section. I always wonder what would have happened if I pushed longer. Did I give up too soon?

Recently I gave up potty training Davey. He seemed to lose interest. He had about a week of no pee accidents and only intentional pooping in the underpants. I had a commenter tell me if I gave up it would be harder next time. I'm ok with waiting. He is only 2 years and 3 months old but still I wonder what if.

During my brief career as a real estate agent, I had another agent yell at me when I deal went bad. She blamed me for things not in my control but being a newer agent I wasn't sure if it was my fault. It was awful. I have a whole speech in my head of how I should have handled it. That was 3 years ago. Why can't I let these things go?

I have lots of speeches in my head on how I should have handled situations differently. Most are from high school including the high school boyfriend who dumped me for not having sex, the boy I should have confessed my crush to, and the mean boy who was not as cool as he thought. Maybe the replay helps me learn from my mistakes and prevent more regrets in the future. The good things are the regretful situations are fewer and farther in between.

Do you second guess yourself? Feel free to share what is ticking you off this Tuesday in the comments or leave a link.

Blog Hop-Favorite Photos

It is time for another blog hop. Always so hard to choose favorite photos but here are two from our trip to the park last week.