Weaknesses, I don't have any weaknesses!

Ask someone who loves you what one of your weaknesses are.  That's what Mama Kat said to do for this week's Writer's Workshop.  Who wants to do that? (well if you want to - go play along here).

I didn't want to - and I sure as hell wasn't going to ask my husband what my weakness is.  He'd come up with a whole darn list. Then I'd have to defend myself against all his crap leading to an epic battle of good verses evil.

I'd like to stay married, so no thanks.  I did however ask my best friend, who loves me no matter what.

Me:  I'm working on a project - need to ask you, What is my weakness?
BFF: You want to help everyone.  What is the project?
Me:  Why is helping everyone bad? Nope, not telling the project.
BFF: I think it is good to help people, just you need to take care of you too.

Well.  I guess it could have been worse.  She could have said my weakness was dirty old men.

Honestly - I know all they psyh crap that Oprah shows every week.  Mom's don't take care of themselves enough.  We need to put ourselves first.  If we don't take care of ourselves, we won't be able to take care of anyone else.  BLAH BLAH BLAH.

She is my best friend and she is right.  I have extreme issues with doing anything for myself.  I shut right up when she said it.  I didn't want to talk about it anymore with her, because she knows me best.  And she'll argue with me.

You guys, well, you guys can't argue until I actually post this.  So I get to voice my opinion first.

Helping people is not a weakness.  I love to help people.  I love to be a Mommy and care for my family.  I love to care for those outside of my family.  I will go out of my way to help someone who needs it under one condition.  They help someone else when they are able.  If you are a lifesucker (meaning you suck the life out of others) then sorry- no can do.

I give of myself because I enjoy it.  Yes, there are times when I get run down - exausted - a little frazzled.  But those times are worth it.  I was born to be a mom, to give to others, to take care of others.

So what if I believe others should come first.  Why is that a big deal?  Why is it a big deal that I only own 2 pairs of jeans, if I am able to make sure my children have enough.  I can wash my own, and mine don't get as dirty.  Why is it a big deal that I skip my trips to the dentist to send the kids?  I believe that if my family and those around me are taken care of- then that is all that matters.  I make do because I want to, not because I have to.

After stating my case I disagree, giving to others is not my greatest weakness.  (I still love you BFF).  I may need help from time to time taking care of me, but not too often to worry.  I believe my greatest weakness are those new Reese's Whipped. What's yours?

Wherever you go, go with all your heart. ~Confucius

So Mommy is a Girl

In case you haven't noticed all the blue and brown around here, I -the Mommy - live in a house full of boys.

People say boys are more rambunctious than girls. They say they get dirtier.  I don't really know, because I have no comparison other than myself, and well I don't really remember that far back.

Most of the time, the twins don't even remember that Mommy is a girl, unless I do something outrageous like put on makeup.  Then they look at my face and say "Mommy, you put that stuff on!"  It's the kind of normal in my house, that Mommy is expected to get out and play sports and get dirty, just like the boys.  We all have water fights, and nerf gun wars.  It was all well and good until Santa brought the dirt bike. 

Don't get me wrong, the boys love riding it (now that it is no longer as cold as the Arctic).  They and Dear Hubby have created grand plans for everyone in the family to have one, and to go ride trails together.  Everyone that is, except Mommy.  Mommy is supposed to ride a 4 wheeler.  Not Dear Hubby's rule, the twins rule.

Reasons Mommy needs a 4 wheeler.  A: Mommy is a girl B: Mommy could get hurt.

Well how 'bout them apples?

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  I am not allowed to have a dirt bike?  Me?  The-non- primpy- hates to wear a dress- played rugby- Mommy?  Shock wasn't even the word.  I was a little more upset.  What have I taught my children that they think I shouldn't have a dirt bike? 

After some conversation T1 did finally come around and agree that I could ride, and he would even teach me.  T2, against it.  He was really afraid of Mommy getting hurt.  This from the child without fear of his own life flashing before his eyes.

Saturday, we decided to go for it no matter what the twins said.  T1 reluctantly taught me to ride, and T2, decided it was ok, "since I didn't get hurt."

Any "girls" in your house?

The 80's are back to haunt us!

Have you noticed that when you go into the store today the clothes look a little...well... like they are straight out of the 80's?  Jean skirts with leggings underneath, leg warmers, polka dots.  I am just waiting until they bring back hammer pants, I can so see the twins in some. 

It took us until the middle of the 90's to figure out that the 80's were a bad idea, and yet here we are again not quite 20 years later going back to the same ole thing.

Could it get any worse? 

Well yes, they could bring back 80's hair. 

• Hair that requires a whole can of hair spray each and every morning. 
• Antenna bangs, mullets, straight on top and curly on the sides.
• Crimped hair.
• Great big, gigantic hairbows.
• And my personal favorite, wearing it pulled back on one side with one of those fancy bows and done on the other, all while your bangs are sprayed high enough to reach the moon.

Manic Mother decided to do a little photo contest and see who had the worst hair contest.  I think it is really a warning to the younger generation not to bring back 80's hair.

I was going to do it - I really thought about it.  I chickened out.

But go see what she's got linked up

10 Things Tuesday - July 28

Seeing how our AC went out on the hottest weekend of the year, right now I am so very thankful for modern conveniences!

1. Air Conditioning - especially now that it works
2. Dishwasher - for years I didn't have one, growing up I washed dishes, until the twins were 4 I washed A LOT of dishes and bottles, but now it is so nice just to load and unload!
3. Washing machine - if I had to wash all those clothes by hand, I wouldn't have time for an away from home job.
4. Heat - in the winter time it is very nice (just not when its 99 outside)
5. Cell phones - you know many times I say I could live without mine, but really it is a nice comfort knowing that if I break down I can call my hubby.
6. Cars - I know we should all be greener, but really they are much better than a horse and buggy!
7. Electricity - really I want to know how every house back in the day didn't burn down after a little one ran through it knocking things over when he should've been in bed.
8. Running water - inside toilets - need I say more?
9. Sippy cups - really the no spill feature is amazing when your 2 year old throws it across the room!
10. Computers - probably the end to all of us - but man they are nice :)

What one modern convenience are you most grateful for?