| Monday, October 08, 2007 |
| Bringing home the Bacon |
 As wife, mother to 1 human child, 2 Basset Hounds, 1 cat and a caged Guinea Pig who squeals clear from the other end of the house whenever I open the fridge - it is clear to me who they believe is the Alpha Female around here.
I tripped over the dog last week and in frustration shouted something to the tune of, "Why are you always under my feet? Are you waiting for kibbles to fall from my a$$ or what?"
His doggy answer was a clear resounding, "Yes."
So, what is up with all of this talk about it being the men who bring home the bacon?
I've watched the National Geographic channel as well as some Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom episodes and 9 times out of 10 it is the female who brings home food to the family. Aren't we really naturally and genetically programmed to look towards the Alpha Female for Kibbles to fall from her a$$?
Here the Alpha Male, my husband; is noted as King of the Pride. He does provide security, including financial security but he also provides oversight, approval and/or disapproval. Sure he leaves the house each day for work or college but according to the basic critters here in this household, he doesn't bring home any fresh meat.
The Guinea pig squeals when the Alpha Male opens the fridge to grab a cold beer, but all in vain. The Alpha Male is not programmed to recognize the Piggy's squeal as a plea of, "Hey, while you're in there grab me a carrot or stalk of celery please."
Then there is my daughter, who is in training to be an Alpha Female someday. She's learned to recognize the Piggy squeal for a carrot. She now knows why the dogs choose to sit under her chair at the dinner table in hopes that a kibble will fall from her a$$ too. She also is aware of the frustration of baking some Nestle' Tollhouse cookies and having Daddy swipe six of them, hot and fresh from the oven.
At her young age she knows the details of planning a weekly meal menu and subsequent grocery list. The Kroger supermarket is her domain for she can show anyone where an item can be found.
It is after the shopping trip when our pack is delighted to see my SUV back into our driveway. They know, that when I lift the back hatch - bags upon bags of Kibbles will fall out of it's a$$ too. Poor Piggy who being caged misses the glorious arrival of a bountiful grocery kill. Although he soon squeals in anticipation as we put the groceries away and place the veggies the crisper drawer.
Top all of this off with the preparation of three human meals per day, the scraping of leftovers into the dogs bowl, the baking of cookies, the maker of various beverages - it is plainly clear on whom naturally provides a bountiful supply of kibbles.
So, tell me again - what is up with all of this talk about it being the men who bring home the bacon?Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 10:08 AM   |
|
|
| Monday, September 17, 2007 |
| Sent to the Principal's Office |
 I knew it was bound to happen someday, but I had no idea Squirt would be sent to the Principal's Office just 11 days into Pre-K.
Seems a little boy in her class is quite smitten with her and just when he thought the teacher wasn't looking, stole himself a big fat kiss. They both were sent to the office and both reprimanded.
She is only four, by golly. What am I gonna do for the next 14 years?
I think I'll start with having Daddy drop her off to school tomorrow so he can stare down every boy in her class. Intimidating Daddy maneuvers still work in this day and age, don't they?Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 4:14 PM |
|
|
| Wednesday, July 11, 2007 |
| Becoming that Kid |
As a first time Mommy, I've taken great pains to protect Squirt from bad influences. From avoiding the little brat down the street to saying "No," to daycare facilities. It wasn't even that long ago that I swore up and down that she would either go to a prissy little private school or be home-schooled.
I think I've changed my mind.
Yesterday Squirt convinced me that she had become that kid that I didn't want her to be around. A little toddler girl was intrigued by a beaded necklace Squirt was wearing. As babies and toddlers often do, she couldn't take her eyes off of the necklace. Wanted to touch it, pull it and play with it. When all of the sudden, my Little Angel and symbol of all smiles, laughter and love whipped around and shouted, "I HATE YOU Baby. I really HATE YOU!"
I wanted to crawl under the nearest rock and hide. I was so embarrassed.
Then again, I should have seen it coming. The warning signs were there. Recently I tried to take a much needed half-hour nap and in doing so, created three hours of clean up for myself as Squirt trashed the entire kitchen and living room.
To think that I have been so fussy in not letting the little brat down the street come in to play - because I though she trashed Squirt's room and broke her toys. Especially since I know Squirt can do that all by herself.
Note the poor, abused and frightened cat in the bottom left corner stuffed in the drawer. Forced to stay, play and endure Bibbity Bobbity Boo Bashing upon his poor head.
A few weeks ago she enjoyed a week of Vacation Bible School and met a little boy named ironically "Little Johnny." Seems Little Johnny hit Squirt out on the playground and I had asked her, "What did you do?"
"I hit him right back," she confidently answered.
Maybe it's time to stop being so overprotective, Squirt seems to be able to hold her own quite well.Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 4:36 PM |
|
|
| Tuesday, June 05, 2007 |
| What if you don't like your child's friend? |
 Mean Mommy here to share my first experience with a friend of my daughter's whom I do not like. Is that mean? Am I horrible, uncaring and selfish?
I don't think so, but my husband seems to be horrified by the fact that I could even consider disliking an innocent 4 year old child. However according to this article:
It is a much known fact that when children are young their minds happen to be very impressionable. This is why it is so important to take the time to choose your child's association wisely. Some parents think that all little kids are innocent and unable of causing any real trouble. Other parents are well aware of the fact that young children can cause other young children to get into a lot of trouble, or pick up some very bad habits.
Not all parents agree on how to raise and discipline their children. So what you may not allow your child to do another parent may allow their child to do. A basic rule of thumb to follow is to make sure that you get to know the parents first. If you get to know the parents than you will be able to tell how the kids are and whether or not they are someone that you want your child to play or associate with.
To my defense this child is disobedient, disrespectful and from a dysfunctional family who obviously do not care where she is, as long as she is out of their hair. The article goes on to say:
The bottom line is that you are training and guiding your children to make good choices, and this includes picking good friends. Remember that no one can pick what is best for your child but you.
Now granted, later in Squirt's life things will be a little different, complicated even, by the time she is a teen. There will be friends that I do not like and I will handle the situation a bit differently. For starters, she will be old enough to understand that I will hold her accountable for her behavior.
At this time I find it very important to help her think about behaviors, her own and that of her friends. Children really do listen to their parents' opinions on a host of matters. If a friend of hers is rude, breaks her toys and manages to get them both into trouble - she needs to know how this makes me feel. She also needs the confidence and self esteem to communicate how she feels. To stand for what is right and to be better armed against peer pressure in her future.
Lastly, in this day and age there is a Play-date Protocol. As a working parent, it is very rude to see my car pull in the driveway and immediately send your child out the door to walk five houses down to play. Especially a four year old. What do I look like, a free babysitter?
I enjoy and like to supervise and monitor such play-date visits to make sure the children are safe and out of trouble. This means, I don't do laundry, houseclean, go on-line, talk on the phone or get anything done but spend quality supervised time with the children. From planning activities, snacks and a host of many other matters.
I would want to exchange phone numbers in case of emergency, know about allergies and what time the child would be picked up so I can have the children help straighten up their toys before hand. I would also need to be prepared to lock up gates such as the backyard pool area and secure the family pets for their safety as well as your child's.
Arrrgh the Aggravation. Funny thing, Squirt doesn't think I'm a mean Mommy at all. I wonder why?Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 8:59 PM |
|
|
| Monday, April 30, 2007 |
| Mommy Blog Monday: "Child Labor" |
 Today was an interesting work day as today is the Nanny's birthday and she had the day off. That meant I had to take Squirt along with me for two big jobs that I have on Monday's.
I set aside an extra hour and left early, fully expecting to take a bit longer at work - but instead I ended up finished and home earlier. It seems this little four year old wanted to help her Mommy work and did quite a good job trying, if I say so myself.
From taking a customer's dog for a walk outside and picking up his chew toys to dusting the bottom shelves, chairs and folding hand towels at the beauty salon that I clean. She was thrilled to work today and I'm still sitting here in shock and amazed.
However, now that we're home and the cable company is due to arrive at any moment - am I having any help cleaning our house?
Nope.
She's out in the backyard with the feather duster cleaning her playhouse instead.Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 3:51 PM |
|
|
| Monday, April 23, 2007 |
| Mommy Blog Monday: "Spankings" |
 My Mother hardly ever spanked me. Dad frequently beat the shit of of me. The discipline I received was either too hot or too cold - yet neither effective. See, there are three stages that a kid goes through when being disciplined. With the first few whacks a kid gets upset and angry.
Then there is the second stage. When a kid realizes they pissed their parents off and may say things like "I'm sorry. I'll never do it again. I promise. Please stop." My advice to parents who choose to spank would be to stop at this stage. Stop and talk with your child about what he/she had done and reach an understanding on an appropriate punishment. Whether that be time out, grounding or an extra chore.
Be wary of and tread not forward into the third stage. Believe it or not, a kid gets upset and very angry when a spanking goes too far. I won't mention what can go through a kids mind but trust me, they won't respect you. Not now nor 30 years later - as in my case today.
After the beatings I was forced to endure, I really put a lot of thought into how I would go about punishing our daughter. Up until recently a simple reprimand or time out would work very well. She is usually such a good little girl and has always listened and minded me. However, now she's testing us.
Yep, our little princess now has a little attitude. She's pushing, testing limits and sometimes really towing the line. The talking back, disrespect and blatantly refusing to listen to limits or requests is getting way out of control. I can't help but think, if I don't nip this now - what in the world am I going to go through when she's a teenager. Yikes.
It kills me to do it, but I know that I have to. Gosh, who would have imagined that "This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you" was actually a true statement. I used to think to myself, "Yeah, right. This is my heiny that is hurting." But it has to be done, because I love Squirt. I can't have her running off the front deck. Running out in the street. Not listening to rules that keep her safe.
It is because I love her and never because of anger. It is with tears of a Mother's love that I now write her name on the little wooden paddle that has long lost it's rubber band and ball. Hanging it up, out of reach but always in sight. Always reminding me to use it mercifully to correct - never to break - the spirit of a little one.Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 10:05 PM |
|
|
| Monday, April 09, 2007 |
| Mommy Blog Monday: "I Am A Promise" |
 Parenting a little girl certainly isn't easy sometimes. Just when I think I have it all figured out the unexpected happens. For instance while attending church services yesterday morning an elderly couple remarked on Squirts pretty Easter Dress. Usually, she remains reserved, shy and even utters a blushing "Thank You" in response. But not yesterday.
Nope. Squirt was bound and determined that the prettiest item in her wardrobe were the new pair of Disney Princesses Underpanties that we just purchased two days before. Up and over her head went the gorgeous chiffon dress as she flashed the entire congregation to show off "The Little Mermaid" and sea shell print cotton drawers.
Our embarrassment didn't last very long for her actions influenced the other children to lift up their dresses and check themselves. Shrieks of giggles and excitement erupted all up and down the Sunday School hallway.
"I have Strawberry Shortcakes on!" shouted one little girl as her younger sister, not to be outdone was sure to show off her Barbie Panties. Even the boys were itching to get in on the game but were having a hard time of it, being zipped and buttoned up in their Easter suits and slacks.
That didn't stop Little Joey. For he reached down into his slacks and grabbed a handful of his drawers. Succeeding in giving himself an atomic wedgie in the process only to share, "See! Spongebob! Just like my Dad!" Embarrassing Joe Sr. as he quickly rushed his son into the men's bathroom for a little re-adjustment.
Thankfully the kids settled down as they were shuffled into the sanctuary a half hour later to share with us their Easter Sunday School Program that they've been practicing for weeks to perform. Squirt did fantastic as she belted out -
" I am a promise,
I am a possibility!
I am a promise,
With a capital P,
I am a great big bundle of-
Potentiality!
And I am learning-
to hear God's voice
And I am trying
To make the right choices
I'm a promise to be-
Anything God wants me to be!"
It's funny how Squirt can make me so embarrassed that I want to crawl under a rock and hide one moment, then make me cry with tears of pride the next.Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 4:50 PM |
|
|
| Monday, March 26, 2007 |
| Mommy Blog Monday: Dragon Tale |
 It's that time of the year again. Spring! When a backyards and imaginations awaken with renewed experiences. Where fairy tales tag themselves onto each brand new discovery. Today our story begins at the South Pole. A garden in the far corner of our backyard that Mommy uncovered from the fallen Great Oak leaves that blanketed the area over the winter.
Last weekend a bunch of colorful teacups sprouted up from the ground here. Mommy says they are two lips, and that I'm not supposed to pick them or drink out of them, but to tip toe by. So I did, but not without stepping on a tiny little Santa Claus that was buried under some leaves. Turns out there were seven little Santa's taking naps under there. Of course, Mommy disagreed and insisted that Santa takes his naps at his home at the North Pole and that these little fellows were called Gnomes.
I had to set Mommy straight, for these are baby Santa Clauses and this was their home, here at the tiny South Pole where they can have dance, laugh and have fun like all other children. Just like the baby dragons that live here in the Dragon Bush.
"Dragons!" gasped Mommy, "There aren't any dragons living here that is for sure!"
"Sure they do Mommy, look!" I said as I counted eight tiny dragons playing hide and seek behind the bright pink flowers on her prized Camellia Bush. "See, I told you so!"
Somewhere far, far away in Australia is a giant beanstalk that has grown way up into the clouds. On one of those clouds is where the Mommy and Daddy Dragon live. There aren't any flowers, grass, friends, butterflies or other fun things for their baby dragons to do up there. It isn't safe either, for when they are big enough to practice flying they can fall off!!
Because its such a long fall down their Mommy and Daddy thought it was best to bring them down here, to the South Pole to grow up and play. They can have tea parties and tip toe! The fairies that make the wind chimes jingle when they fly by will teach the little dragons how to fly very fast. The Santa Clauses will show them where secret treasures like marbles and diamonds can be found. Then teach them how to share, travel and sell Geico Auto Insurance Policies.
Mommy then stood up, brushed the grass and dirt from her knees and walked away with the leaf bag. Mumbling something about how I'm watching a little too much television lately. That's okay though, for tomorrow afternoon she plans on working over in the rose garden. That's when I'll warm her up to the truth about Global Warming.Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 6:11 PM |
|
|
| Monday, March 12, 2007 |
| Mommy Blog Monday: "Education Reform" |
 This is in response to a local editorial by Robert Egress stating his reaction to a front page headline on February 23rd that read, "National exam scores show need for high school reform." In his editorial Mr. Egress summarizes that the headline should have read, "National exam scores show need for high school parents' and students' reform." He then asks, "What is it going to take for all of us, as a nation, to begin raising the bar again?"
I agree that school teachers are truly doing their jobs and would go on to say that even the curriculum approved by many of our nations school boards - are sound, solid and efficient. The No Child Left Behind Act was a well intentioned safety net to catch the students that fall through the cracks. However, it does fail to provide adequate funding for the educational systems and most importantly, does not seek to take notice or fix the missing floorboards that our kids are falling through in the first place.
The missing and weakened floorboards are comprised of many parents. Not all, for there are just as many parents who actively invest in their child's education and discipline. Frustratingly so, for often a class study is disrupted by behavior or halted due to a number of students failing to grasp the course material.
We should not be so quick to judge the parent because of what the diverse lifestyles in today's society demands of them. A single parent for example, may have to work two jobs to meet their responsibilities for putting a roof over their head, food on the table and clothes on their backs. This in turn causes latchkey students and unsupervised/unenforced study habits.
Placing the blame on the unfunded parent is equal to saddling the states with the unfunded educational mandate of the No Child Left Behind Act. Neither is the solution but merely putting a band aid on a broken ankle in hopes to hide the infirmary. An infirmary that lies deep under a mountain of social circumstances and ills. A wasp nest that we alone are not equipped to dismantle.
Mr. Egress goes on to say, "It does not take a village to raise a child." In this day and age, I digress. The village under my Christmas Tree each year isn't just comprised of residences, a school house and a Choo-Choo train. There are many businesses and places of worship within a village that can be tapped into.
Enticing businesses to adapt "family friendly" policies is a start. Allowing more leniency for parents who need to attend a teacher conference without repercussion. Larger companies establishing a supervised daycare or learning/activity center for the children of their employees. Creating jobs by granting businesses or those wanting to start up a business to employ learning/activity centers throughout the village.
Many groan at the notion of Faith based initiatives. Yet many places of worship have established after-school centers for children for years. Barely surviving on donated funds and volunteered time of the community. We can't keep ignoring and excluding faith based programs as a possible solution. They are a very vast and diverse resource that is worth tapping into. Allowing individuals choice of religion and can assist in providing our children with proper moral fiber and work ethics, while a parent can still be free to meet the financial responsibilities of their household.
My answer to Mr. Egress's question of ""What is it going to take for all of us, as a nation, to begin raising the bar again?" Is to include and not exclude. It is going to take ALL of us, as a nation, to begin raising the bar again.Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 12:25 PM |
|
|
| Monday, March 05, 2007 |
| Mommy Blog Monday: "Walks So Slow" |
 Sorry today's post is running quite late, I've been a very busy gal today. So busy that I didn't even put any thought into what I would post today. Then I got to thinking, I'm a Mommy - so why don't I "Mommy Blog" once in awhile? It's not like I do it all of the time but it is a big part of my life - so here goes.
Having a four year old at my old age can be quite challenging but it is also a whole lot of fun. Well, unless you consider how I was awaken this morning at 6:30am. "Hey you guys! The sun is up! Stop sleeping already!"
Too young to bring me in coffee or breakfast in bed. Too young to turn TV on by herself or entertain herself without making a huge mess for another hour. And me, too old to even function without that first cup of coffee in me let alone play a game of Hungry, Hungry Hippos. Monday mornings that begin like this are harsh on these old bones.
We've noticed over the weekend that Squirt has picked up a naughty word. At first we thought we were hearing things but when she got angry at the dog and started cussing, we knew for sure what she was saying. We never dealt with this before and weren't sure how to handle it. I didn't want to make a big deal about it, for then it would be a big deal and she'd keep saying it.
I turned to her and said, "No, no. That's not how you say it. What you mean is Bobo is a "Walk So Slow" not an asshole. Just tell him to scoot a little faster and not walk so slow."
"Oh!", exclaimed Squirt - as if this made perfect sense and she turned to the dog and said, "Bobo, you're a Walk so Slow and please excuse me and get out of my way."
It worked!!!
Now if only I'll remember while driving tomorrow to call the next guy that pulls out in front of me a "Drives So Slow." Labels: Mommy Blog Monday |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 4:48 PM |
|
|
|
