History Repeats Itself

History Repeats Itself

When I was in first grade, I went to a Catholic school where we had to wear uniforms every day. One precious day a year, all the kids were allowed to wear whatever they wanted for the grandest day of all…picture day. One boy? Got to wear a turtle neck and LOVE BEADS . He was totally the coolest 6 year old in all of 1971. But not me, nope….my mom put me in an itchy green dress with an ugly scarf to go with it. I did have some pretty rockin’ white patent boots though so it offset my otherwise middle aged attire just a little bit…but not much. It didn’t help that I was sort of a chubby kid with no athletic skills that people picked on.

I got to school on picture day and after enduring an awful lot of laughter over my stylish dress green polyester frock, I looked around and realized all the “popular girls” had bangs while I did not. My mom prided herself on not having given in to cutting my bangs despite my begging her…I had long wavy brown hair that she could do all sorts of things with to make me look even more like a middle aged 70’s housewife. (And not that there is anything wrong with housewives, but honestly, do any of you want to look like your Mom did then? Hip and cool were so not in vogue then in middle America…)

Well, I showed her a thing or two. Everyone, please meet Stiletto Mini, the 6 year old version of The Stiletto Mom.

See those crooked bangs? Yep, those were clipped by yours truly in Sister Mary Catherine Francis Angelica Margaret Elizabeth Anne Catherine’s (because you can’t have too many Catherine’s) class with a pair of little kid safety scissors. Look at that uneven line…but more importantly, look at that evil gleam in my eyes. VICTORY! I may be dressed all wrong but man…I showed her….I totally jacked my hair 5 minutes before pictures…take that! Also? While it looks like I have a missing tooth? I don’t…it’s a SPIT GAP. Ok, so let’s put all this together, chubby kid, dressed like a 1970’s polyester wearing forty year old, uncool hair plus spit gap equals??? You got it, six year old meltdown with safety scissors. Granted, it could look worse but there was a good four minutes spent trying to make them appear even for the picture with tremendous amounts of nun spit and I believe Elmer’s Glue…though I can’t be sure.

When my Mom came to pick me up that day, the nun stoically marched me out to the car and handed me over to my horrified Mother. I’m not sure, but I think they could hear her scream all the way up in Oklahoma, “OH HOLY MOTHER OF GOD AND ALL THAT IS HOLY!!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR HAIR????” And what did I say? “I fixthed it Mommy.”

So when Oklahoma heard these very words come out of my mouth some 37 years later this weekend, they should not have been surprised. None of this should be a shock to me either because Miss G is a carbon copy of me. (Wanna know what she looks like? The picture above, with blonde hair….evil gleam in eye is the same)

Keeping in mind that Miss G’s circumstances are totally different…she has a the tiniest bit of a spit gap, is very fit, wears super cool clothes and is generally popular, the thing I learned this weekend is bad hair happens to all of us.

Apparently, it went down like this. She had a headband and put it in her hair. Her hair, however, did not want to cooperate and would not form the perfect swoopy on her forehead. So doing what any logical 6 year old girl birthed by me would do…she got out the scissors and went to town. While she did not create the full bangs like I did, she managed to take a huge chunk of hair out of the middle of her face and elected not to tell me but to tuck it into the headband (you know, because I’d never figure it out right?)

Well I did figure it out. While I was on the phone with my cousin (who knew my mother all too well) all of a sudden Oklahoma heard from a crazed Catholic Mom from Texas one more time…“OH HOLY MOTHER OF GOD AND ALL THAT IS HOLY!!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR HAIR????” And what she say? “I fixthed it Mommy.”

Well, of course you did. And now, Miss G, you have bangs just like Mommy did in first grade. You enjoy growing those out honey.

The Kindness of Strangers

What would you do if your child was sick and no one knew why?

What would you do if you had to take six weeks unpaid leave from work?

What would you do if you were given one day’s notice of eviction?

What would you do if all three events collided into one heartbreaking time in your life?

And what would you do if all of this happened while you were a single mom with no support?

This is the harsh reality one of my coworkers is facing this very moment.

An accounts payable coordinator for a not-for-profit trade association in Irving, Amy has only been with the organization a short time, but she has made a lasting impact, garnering wide acclaim as the consummate problem solver. An innate characteristic that has served her well. However, Amy now faces a problem she can not solve alone.

Since early August, Amy’s watched, helplessly, as her young daughter has been overcome by an unknown illness that’s brought on bout after painful bout of vomiting and fever. Multiple hospitalizations. Even more medications. All to no avail.

And Amy, a single mom, has shouldered this terrifying burden alone. This week, after being at her daughter’s side for more than a month (exhausting what little PTO and vacation time she had accumulated), Amy was notified that she was being evicted from her home…

The office is doing a few things internally to help Amy during this difficult time. But, as we’re a small staff and I know Amy’s needs are great (staggering medical bills and expenses), I wanted to extend the reach to the powerful community of moms.

If you’d like to give a fellow mama some much-needed words of encouragement, a small donation or pass along a simple “thinking about” you, please e-mail helpamom2009@yahoo.com.

Here’s to the beauty and power and inspiration found in the kindness of strangers …

Don’t Take Life Sitting Down – GoGirl Review

I can pee standing up.

That’s right.

I can do anything a man can do including peeing in the upright position.

Thanks to my GoGirl.

Thanks to my GoGirl I am no longer of afraid of hiking and camping out in the woods. Because of the GoGirl I am not longer weary of long roadtrips across hundreds of miles of flat terrain with no rest stops in sight. More power to the GoGirl, because I no longer tremble with trepidation at nasty public toilets…like that one time I went to a community park and the inside of the restroom was covered in abominable bowel movements. I’m just sayin’.

What is the GoGirl you ask?

“Simply put, GoGirl is the way to stand up to crowded, disgusting, distant or non-existent bathrooms. It’s a female urination device (sometimes called a FUD) that allows you to urinate while standing up. It’s neat. It’s discreet. It’s hygienic.” It is also feminine and convenient. European women have been using it for years.

The GoGirl is easy to use: Just adjust your clothing, hold the device up to your body, and urinate. You can then either throw it away or place the GoGirl in the provided bag and wash it for further use. It is made from medical grade silicone and since it is reusable then I consider it also environmentally friendly. Read these instructions for more information on using the GoGirl.

I don’t think I have ever been more excited about a product made for women. Next to feminine hygiene products and the advent of the brazier (over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder), the GoGirl has to be the best invention for women!

Say NO to squatting over public toilets. Say NO to peeing on your shoes. Say YES to the GoGirl!

Just remember: Don’t Take Life Sitting Down.

Mom: Holding Hair

Mom: Bonding

Mom: Unique

Four years ago today, amidst the sounds of the Notre Dame Fight Song playing from my cell phone (which Daddy deems far too coincidental – just face it hon, you have little choice here!), you arrived in my life. And, it will never be the same.

I have a decent vocabulary, what with being an English teacher in my former life, but there are simply not enough eloquent words to contain all that you encompass in my life and in my heart. You told me the other day you were “unique” and that unique meant “special…one-of-a-kind.” Do you have any comprehension just how true that statement is?

There will never be another you.

You are more than unique, sweetheart, you are the fulfillment of a promise I felt in my heart, even knowing you would be a boy, before your dad and I were married. How did you manage to turn a name I picked out at nineteen and the words, “It’s a boy!” into the delight you have become today?

Motherhood is the most incredible experience of my life, and you were the one who enabled me to have that title, one I will never relinquish.

I chose to love your father. It was a decision to choose that love.

With you, it was never a choice. It was almost an instantaneous thunderbolt of emotion that left change in its wake. And, that is how I see you: the vessel that parted waters and made me a different person. That you chose me as your mother is something I get down on my knees and thank God for – because despite your faults, you have taught me beyond measure.

Regardless of how many degrees I may obtain, nothing has taught me more than you.

When I see the dawning of realization on your face as you figure something out, I know I am looking into your daddy’s eyes and his intelligence. When I see you remember something inexplicably trivial from three months ago, I light up inside knowing you have your mother’s memory. Your grandfather’s extrovertedness. Your grandmother’s empathy. The unbridled curiosity that is solely your own.

You are the amalgam of all those various wonderful qualities found in others joined with the ones that make you you.

You inspire all of us, son.

Thank you for allowing me to tag along on this ride. Happy 4th Birthday, Knute. I love you.

Anglophile Football Fanatic is a DFW mom. She is busy being a mom, but every once in awhile squeezes in a post to her blog to give us a peek into the fun.

Mom: Aspirations

I still sometimes feel like I don’t really know what I want to be when I grow up.

But I do know this:

I want to be more like my daughter.

I want to find joy in everything.

I want to bust a gut laughing at bubbles.

I want to be so comfortable being me that I am totally me, all the time.

I want others to look at me and think, “now there’s a person who loves life!”

Oh yeah, and I wouldn’t mind some of that natural, fresh faced beauty too. )

Christina is a DFW mom.  She writes Momology and takes breath-taking pictures.

Mom: Legacy

Being right is not as important as asking for forgiveness when you’re wrong

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it’s what I’ve got today. I’m sure as I get more “experienced” as a mother, I’ll add to this list or change some things. But it will be neat to look back 10 years from now and think about this list.

Texan Mama is a DFW mom.  She writes Who Put Me in Charge of These People because she is in charge of a bunch of people…

Mom: The Age of Maximum Cuteness

To My Sweet Little G,

Today you are 18 months old, also known in our family as “The Age of Maxium Cuteness, ” a phrase coined by your Great Grandfather, Gordon Teague.

And you know what, you are living up to it.

You are pretty cute right now, I have to say. You need proof. Ok fine. Here it is.

And here’s a list of things to prove it as well.

Here’s a list of most of the words you say right now: Mama, Dada, MeowMeow (a.k.a cat), No-No!, Yes, Bah-Bah (as in bye-bye, not sheep), hi, nigh-nigh (night night), Anna, Beh (for Ben), BAHWL (for ball), Wow, bear (kinda like you have a Boston accent), and Oh No!

You also still do signs for “eat,” “milk,” and “more” and use them quite often.

You and “Beh” like to play silly “games” together now including one where he gets you to nod across the table at meal time either “yes” or “no” and the two of you giggle like crazy as he switches very fast and you follow. You also like to play “chase” where he sort of tackles you once he catches you and more giggling ensues.

He also likes to get you to point to the parts of your body (see video at the end of this post). One of your favorite places to point is your “poupeck, ” which is the Czech word for belly button (as a side note here, please don’t forget you are half Czech, k?)

You like to act “shy” a lot by turning your chin down to your left or right shoulder and getting a sort of pouty look on your face. I wish I had a picture.

Oh and by the way, you’re a lot smarter than you want to let on sometimes and I am on to you Mister! Like the other night when you were acting up while I was trying to put your diaper on after bath and you kept rolling over and screaming, while arching your back, making it virtually impossible for me to complete the task. I looked you in the eye and said that you could let me put your diaper on or go to your crib and you immediately stopped and layed on you back and let me finish. Yeah, I know you understand…

And your run, which I still need to get on video as well. It’s so funny and cute because you put your entire lower body all in when you run and your booty does this crazy back and forth, hip shake thingy!

Unfortunately you like to throw things lately and last week you hit brother in the face and hurt him under the eye. He was not happy. I know you are still learning but “No throwing!” okay? But when you or “brother” do have a little issue with one another it’s so cute how you hug and make up. I am so glad you have each other even if there are moments when you don’t want ot share.

You are an awesome baby to put to bed. Most nights we just put you in your crib and you are out within a matter of minutes, with no fussing and a blanket on either side to snuggle up to. I have to admit that makes me a little nervous but that’s the way you want it.

Brushing your teeth is an ENTIRELY. DIFFERENT. story. We currently call that part of the bedtime routine the “Chinese Water Torture.” (Disclaimer: I have no idea where that came from and mean no disrespect to any ethnicity.) You scream and kick like mad. What is up with that anyway? We’ve tried the nice approach, honestly we have.

You like to take your food OUT OF THE CONTAINER YOURSELF. Cookies, you want to pull them out of the huge Costco bucket BY YOUR SELF. The fruit snacks you are now addicted to (note to self: must buy more of those) MUST be taken BY YOU out of the little bag they come it. If someone else, ANYONE else tries to take them out for you…..well ,it’s not pretty. Not pretty AT. ALL. Exhibit A: You and your cookies.

Speaking of eating, you are actually already quite good with a spoon because you know why? You haven’t let me feed you since you were like 7 months old and I figured I’d just let you go at it. And because of that, you’re pretty darn good.

You do have fun at bath time but you can’t stand being washed and always try to climb out of the tub.

Personally, I think you have “space” issues. No snuggling (please, just a little?), no one else feeding you, no washing. I think I just sort of figured you out, you little 1 and a 1/2 year old. See, even blogging can bring epiphanies…

And now, so that you can see how cute you are, I have a little video for your viewing pleasure (p.s. your brother is pretty cute in it too.)

In all seriousness, I love you my little boy and you light up our lives every single day. I Thank God for the joy and love you bring to our family. Happy 18 Months!

Elaine is a DFW mom. She writes The Miss Elaine-ous Life about motherhood, family and boys…

Mom: The Butter Bean Report

When Deb was pregnant she started keeping her friends and family up to date with how she was doing with a regular email that she lovingly titled The Butter Bean Report.

That Butter Bean has grown into an amazing 5 year old girl. 

The Butter Bean Report continues in a blog and now chronicles Butter’s adventures.

During her pregnancy, Deb walked everyday for exercise and started doing a little cheer for Butter…

The Butter Bean Cheer

Who’s the Butter Bean that we love the best?

Who’s the Butter Bean that we love the best?

Go Butter, Go Butter,

Let your Mama do the rest

Grow Butter, Grow Butter,

Let your Mama do the rest

Big and Tall and Strong, Baby, we can’t wait to play.

Big and Tall and Strong, Baby, we can’t wait to play.

Go Butter, Go Butter,

We’re all winners everyday.

Go Butter, Go Butter,

We’re all winners everyday!

God has given you wings, do what you’re meant to do.

God has given you wings, do what you’re meant to do.

Go Butter, Go Butter

We’ll all stand by you!

Go Butter, Go Butter

We’ll all stand by you!

Deb is a DFW mom who continues to cheer on Butter.

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