Can you describe yourself in 10 words?

Tabitha at I Choose Bliss did a post where she was able to describe herself in 10 words.  I love her description!  It is exactly her. 

But 10 words.  10 adjectives - not 10 things like mom, wife, etc.  I wasn't so sure I could do it, but I wanted to try.

thoughtful

loving

aggressive

loud

shy

 

Well that is five.  I'm halfway there.  And I'm stuck.  Going to bing some people adjectives.

(I don't like their pic today).  

I found this great foreign language website with a huge list of English words used to describe people. I could be annoying, eccentric, gregarious, lascivious, obnoxious, virtuous.  They really have some cool words, but those don't fit me. 

 

I'm not eccentric - I'm more of a plain person.  Solids and jeans and flip flops and such.  I guess that makes me more...more.. what's the opposite of eccentric?  The computer says normal is the opposite of eccentric.  I don't think normal counts for this exercise.

 

Let's see, I'm

optimistic

resourceful

 

That makes seven.  And I'm still struggling.  I need three more.

sarcastic

giving

 

I only need one more and I just can't seem to do it.

I give up.

This exercise is hard.  Give me one adjective you would use to describe me.  And if you think it's easy- you do it!

 

 

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss

Why does that matter?

Have seven year olds, have questions.  That is the story of my life right now.  Only problem is the latest question is beginning to get on my nerves. 

T1: Why isn't there school today?
Me: Because it is a holiday.
T1: Why does that matter?

T1: Why do I have to feed the dogs?  I fed them last night.
Me: Because I am taking care of your brother.
T1: Why does that matter?

T1: Can I have dessert?
Me: No, if you are still hungry there is food left from dinner.
T1: Why does that matter?

Me: You're game may be cancelled tonight.
T1: Why?
Me: Because the fields are very wet from the rain.
T1: Why does that matter?

What does your child say to get on your nerves?

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

Party Questions Answered!

Whew - yesterday's party was a blast!  If you missed the festivities, I was a SITS feature blogger, and we had a party over here!  I am still working on visiting everyone who came to see me,  replying to the comments was work in itself.  I will say, I'm grateful gmail, puts all the nonreply email addresses together, otherwise I would've sent quite a few off to nonreply land.

If you are new - thanks for sticking around, so glad you decided to join in on the fun.  One thing I noticed while reading all the posts, was that there were a lot of questions.  I want to address them today - long before I get off on another tangent and forget all about them.

Most asked:  Where do you get all those quotes?
I'm somewhat of a quote fanatic, I have my favorites (one of which is here today) and others I search out to coincide with my theme.  Quote Garden is an awesome website, easy to navigate, and they are always adding new categories.  I get a lot of mine from there.

How many bids have I recieved on the Line Art?
None, but I still have my hopes up.  I think I need to lower the price, because apparently a lot of people have the same art in their house.

Did you write more on CHD?
Yes, off and on I write about congenital heart defects, the most common birth defect out there ( 1 in 100).  If you want to read those posts, scroll down the right side until you find labels, and click the one labeled CHD.

Were your mirrored twins mono twins?
For those that don't understand the question - I was asked if my twins are Monochorionic. Actually they are Monochorionic-Diamniotic (Mono-Diamo) which means they had one placenta, one outer sac and seperate inner sacs (yes you have two sac linings).  If you want the whole story with all the cool informational links - read the story of twins.

How is your son doing now? (asking about little man's heart defect)
Little man is doing awesome at the moment, he has come a long way and done a lot of healing on his own.  We are blessed with the miracle of him - and the fact that he hasn't had to have surgery.  Only time will tell the future, but we don't worry about it too much.

How exhausted are you answering all these questions all the time??? (regarding the questions from the kids)
Some days - especially when they were a little younger and learning about the world it was mind blowing, but these days they are teaching me.  Do you remember what onomonopia is?

Isn't it true how our inclinations to sometimes judge other parents and their skills (or lack-there-of) decrease exponentially when we have multiples?
So very very true!  When you have multiples you have your hands full to say the least - and all the sudden you understand that anything can happen at any time.  You are then able to watch others and know that you don't know their whole story - so don't judge.

Does throwing a kid in the shower fully clothed put me in this same category, "jail"?
These days, probably!

I would love to know how you changed your "comments" to say more than just that.
The moment I've been waiting a year for, the moment I know more than another blogger.  No offense, but when you are new to blogging or blogger, you wonder if you'll ever know more than anyone else.
First, from your dashboard go to settings, then choose the comments tab.  About halfway down is a section labelled "comment form message"  type what you would like the comment form to say and save your changes. Wala you are done.  (this is also where you can change your moderation and the request for word verification.

If you have more questions, let me know! I'm more than happy to answer away.

If the track is tough and the hill is rough, THINKING you can just ain't enough! ~Shel Silverstein

In need of a change

Look around, it's yucky in here.  And it's gross outside. 
So I'm in need of a change.  A blog makeover sounds so nice doesn't it?

I sort of know what I want.  Something clean and simple, but nice and eye catching.

Now, where to go, where to go.

I know of two ladies who do makeovers for blogger, (and no I'm not switching to wordpress anytime soon -the task scares the begeezes out of me). But is there anyone you recommend?

Here's your chance to brag about your blog or your neighbors blog, or your friend who does blog makeovers.  Here's your chance to make me go check out the references!  Who should I go to for my new design?

Who is smarter?

For all of you stopping by from Multiples and More - HELLO!  For those that don't know, Multiples and More is a great blog dedicated to parents of twins, triplets, quads, etc - hence the name Multiples and More.  They are fabulous! Each week they present articles for parents on everything from what type of stroller to buy to books for parents.  And of course they feature readers/parents of multiples - which today is on ME!  YIPEE!




On to the matter at hand - who is smarter?

That ignorant question got asked by an older gentlemen to my twins while standing in line at Golden Corral Friday night.  I about fell over.  He apparently knew they were twins, and wanted to ask something witty, but really - who is smarter? 

Twins find themselves loving each other, but also in constant competition with each other.  As parents, many of us work hard not to compare them.  They are two different people, who happen to have been born at the same time.  Just like we all have our strengths and weaknesses so do they.

T2 was good, he answered "Well I'm smarter in math, but he is smarter in reading."  T1 got upset at the beginning of the statement, hearing that he wasn't as good at math, but then realized what T2 was saying was true.  They are different, while their aptitudes are very similar, T1 just gets reading faster.  And T2 gets math faster. 

The man didn't know how to respond.  What did he expect, one of them to say "I am!"  Not in my house.  No one is "smarter" than anyone else, or "better" than anyone else.  We are all different and all good at different things.  It may be easy to compare twins, but really, let's not make it worse on them than it already is.

What questions to people ask your kids that you hate?

What, Who, You, looking for me???

My story that I wrote during a writers workshop is being featured at
 Waiting for the Click - if you are interested in reading it.

I started making this a monthly blog post because no matter what I do, I just cannot get enough of you people.  Maybe it is the voyer in all of us, I'm not really sure.  But when someone searchs "vodka + hemorrhoids"  and chooses to go to my blog from the search results, I have got to know about it.

Other searches I have to know about:

•  how to make my parent teacher conference awkward  I thought they were awkward enough personally - I didn't know anyone needed to try to make them worse. 
• hemorrhoid show up after push too hard - ok you my dear need to see a doctor not me, and didn't you're momma every teach you what fruit was for?
• einstein boys blog - We all wish we could have Einstein's kids - but a lass we don't.
• sayings about boys bathroom - gross, disgusting, dirty, stinky, smelly
• creative punishments for lying - you have some - I'm listening
• my nephew is scared of me - well maybe you shouldn't have dressed up like dracula for Halloween
• why are stay at home fathers taboo - well hell if I know, but we are working to change that!
• TRADITION: SIT WITH HUSBAND IN ROOM LIT ONLY BY - oh I wish I knew what the rest of that search contained
• what happens if you touch elf on the shelf - the elf loses his powers and you lose a finger.
• boys using the toilet - they never actually use it completely, they just usually aim and miss.
• one gift for 3 boys = a fight waiting to happen
• kids flushed something down toilet - word to the wise, call a plumber, so much easier than doing it yourself!!!
• possibility of having three boys - for me 100% cause we are done!

I always pass on good advice. It's the only thing to do with it. It is never any use to oneself. ~Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband, 1895

where did you come from? II

I am going to start making this a monthly read - I just can't get enough of you people.  You search for something and then decide that my little blog fits what you are searching for, so you click and land here.  Poor you.
I mean really you searched for:

• taboo little league - well I didn't know little league was taboo
• seven year old tantrums - you need to see SuperNanny about that, not me.  My two year old has tantrums, my seven year olds know better
• sneezed peed pants - well - I guess you were looking for someone to commiserate with
• vodka + hemorrhoids - are you asking if vodka makes them worse or better, or causes them?  maybe you need Aunt Becky.
• hemorrhoid harry - I'm just not sure about this one at all
• poop sayings - we have plenty to say about poop, so you may have found the right spot here
• can i have a tantrum on the floor - why yes you can, go right ahead, and then go clean your room
• 3 boys what's my next kid - let me guess...wait a minute... a boy?
• crap hemorrhoids - what kind aren't crap?
• what happens when you cry during pregnancy - people know its the hormones
• secret ingredient for the smell of funnel cakes - I didn't know there was one - but I bet the ingredient is the fair
• whats life like with 3 boys - well you my dear, unlike some of these others, found exactly what you were searching for!

When a man comes to me for advice, I find out the kind of advice he wants, and I give it to him. ~Henry Wheeler Shaw, a.k.a. Josh Billings

a Fight for Preemies

Today, November 17, is dedicated to raising awareness of premature birth (before 37 weeks).  1 in 8 children in the US are born premature, leading to time spent in NICU and dangerous complications.  In my house 2 of my 3 children were born premature.

For some of us (especially Moms of Multiples) we get it early on.  We know that our children are not going to make it to full term and we start weighing our options and setting benchmark dates early on.  I think for us, it is easier to carry longer because we are very aware of the survival rates.

When I was pregnant with my singleton, no one ever said a word about benchmark dates other than my "due date" and no one said a word about the need to make it as long as possible. I believe that every pregnant woman should know what dates are important for the chance of their child's survival and how to strive for those dates. Because the reality is nearly 13 million babies are born premature each year and more than 1 million of those don't make it.

If you, or someone you know (I sound like a commerical) are pregnant, do some research, educate your self and then pass it along.  The March of Dimes or the Mayo Clinic  has loads of information in addition to what I have below.

• Week 22 - the first time life outside of the womb is possible, but with the most risk
• Week 25 - your baby almost weighs 2 lbs
• Week 27 - the branches of the lungs are just starting to develop, chances of survival increase
• Week 34 - organs almost fully developed, except for lungs
• Week 35 - lungs almost fully developed - but still the chance of the incubator
• Week 37 - baby is considered full term (even though your due date is still 3 weeks away and your baby needs to grow more in size)

Please join us and share your story -

where did you come from

and why in the world are you reading about me?  Apparently you can search for anything and find anything on the web.  The reason I love those new search engine commericals is because I get it, I got what the commericial was for the very first time I saw one.  Of course, I don't believe anyone has found the solution to search overload yet.  I mean really these people searched for a whole list of stuff, and all they got was me.

• 3 boys 1 cup -buy more cups, I mean really, they don't need one more thing to fight over
• three boys 1 cup -like I said before, buy 2 darn cups from goodwill if you have to
• rat tail -we have lizard tails here, but no rats - yet
• i have 3 boys and pregnant -bless you woman
• true stories of alligator in toilet -yes we did have an alligator in our toilet
• going to have 3 boys soon -well for starters you need earplugs
• can I have a tantrum on the floor -I want to every day, so you go right ahead
• how to cope with twins after 3 kids -I have someone I want you to meet, Twinsanity

Some people like my advice so much that they frame it up on the wall instead of using it. ~Gordon R. Dickson

Cookies for a Month?!?!

Did you know October was National Cookie Month? I didn't until I went over to Multiples and More and read their question of the week. I know I'm late (the question was posted yesterday) buts that's life as a Mom - you'll get over it. Today I am answering their question (with a lot of side comments)

What is your Favorite Cookie Recipe?

I think this may be a trick question - my favorite cookie recipe or the one I make all the time - or the one that my hubby buys. Yes I said buys, because he likes the tubs of premade cookie dough from Sam's.

We make the toll house recipe a lot (you know the one on the bag). My bigger boys all LOVE chocolate chip cookies - although I use mini chips and only put half the bag in the mix - then it's good for 2 batches.

Little Man loves any type of cookie - and frequently calls anything sweet a cookie; graham crackers, donuts, danish.

I on the other hand love ALL KINDS of cookies except chocolate chip. I know, I know, they are America's favorite - but I'm not a fan. I make them for my family all the time, but I don't eat them. (I do lick the bowl). I like peanut butter cookies, or white chocolate macadamia nut, or oatmeal raisin, or peanut butter with a kiss in the center, or butter cookies, or mint cookies, or M & M cookies. I'm not even sure I could chose a favorite.

But I must try.

OK Butter Cookies it is. They are super easy, light, filling, sweet and sometimes the simple things in life are just the best!

1 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix well. Mix in flour. Roll dough into a log and chill dough for at least 45 minutes (or overnight).

Preheat oven to 400. Cut slices 1/4" thick and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 6-8 minutes.

Question of the Week

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned in your multiples' first year of life?




Just one lesson - I'm not even sure that is possible. Patience was a huge lesson, I thought I didn't have any before having the twins. Sleep was also a big lesson, such as how much you can survive without before collapsing. But really the biggest lesson was probably instinct.

There is no manual on being a parent or having kids. While you are pregnant, especially with more than one your first time out, fears overcome you. How will I know what they need? How to care for them? Will I be able to tell them apart? How will I feed them both at the same time?
But once they are here in your arms, instinct just kicks in. Yes there are moments when you have no clue what to do, but a lot more times that you think, you will know what needs to be done. The best part of having children is that you grow with them. When they are born, you only have to worry about their VERY basic needs. You don't have to teach them anything the first few weeks, allow them to teach you. And then as they grow, you will grow and the rest is... well not in the bag, but not what I feared at all.