Works for Me Wednesday: Win Ugg Boots!

Seriously!

I don't have a pair. Diva tells me Ugg Boots are so 2004, but they are all the rage here in my tiny little town, which finds the trends at least 5 years after they hit N.Y. and L.A. So of course she wants a pair too.

The main reason I don't have a pair is that I can certainly find better uses for the hundred or so bucks that they cost. But they do look really comfy. I saw this and couldn't resist. Go here to enter.

See other Works for Me Wednesday tips here.

Name Change!

I've decided to change the name of this blog. In the back of my mind, I've always thought having "Working Mom" in my blog name sounds kinda redundant. All Moms work, whether they they happen to have a job outside the home, or not. Duh.

So, I'm changing this to simply "Overwhelmed Mom". Maybe at some point I'll come up with something a bit more clever, but until then . . . .

Not Me Monday!

Here goes . .

I DID NOT, on Monday, the first day of Diva's dance class, tell her to wear tap shoes that were a full size too small. I DID NOT forget to go to the dance shop and get her new shoes prior to the start of class. Nope, not me!

I could have easily bought them right from her dance school, but it's located in our hoity toity overpriced athletic club and I absolutely refuse to give them one more penny than what is required.

So, on Tuesday, in preparation for her Wednesday lyrical class, we traveled 20 minutes out of our way to go a tiny little mom-and-pop dance shop, where we got tap and jazz shoes (and a leotard, and tights). All at a 10% discount, yay. But we were still missing lyrical sandals, which they didn't stock. Whatever lyrical sandals are.

I DID NOT stay and watch Diva's lyrical class, not because I particularly wanted to watch Diva, but because I DON'T KNOW WHAT LYRICAL DANCE IS. Nope, not me. I still don't think I know, but it looks pretty athletic. And fun.

I DID NOT miss more than one at-bat during Daredevils' fall baseball game because I was chasing around my third child, who thought it would just be grand to either to sit in the mud, lay on our neighbor's Tinkerbell blanket, or grab a book out of another mom's hands. Nope, not me.

Hunter and I DID NOT break Daredevil's heart when we told him Cub Scouts wasn't going to happen this year. Ya gotta draw the line somewhere. Flag football, fall baseball, and karate, (not to mention Diva's activities) - we just couldn't fit it in. Maybe next year.

I DID NOT self-diagnose an ailing #3 last week with either an ear infection, bronchitis, or strep, only to have the Dr. proclaim she had hand-foot-mouth virus. Nope, not me. By the third kid, I always diagnose correctly when symptoms present themselves.

Nope, DID NOT totally miss that one, even though it's the SECOND time she's had it in the past year since she's been born.

I DID NOT gasp when the same Dr. told the resident sitting in on our appointment that #3's beautiful skin was a little yellow, not from jaundice, but from eating yellow and orange vegetables. (So, apparently you can turn your kid orange from feeding them a lot of veggies like squash and carrots. Who knew?)

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

**UPDATE** For those of you who also have no idea what lyrical dance is, according to Wikipedia, Lyrical Dance is a dance style which combines elements of ballet, modern, and jazz dance techniques. It is most commonly set to popular music with vocals. The choreography imitates or pantomimes the lyrics of the music to which the dance is set. This can include use of gesture, facial expression, and melodrama. It is popular primarily with teenage dancers due to its ease in physicality and often emotional inward focus.

So now we know! And why we need "lyrical sandals" to do this, I still don't know.

Quote of the Day

As I dropped off Diva and Daredevil at school this morning amid torrential rain, whipping winds and a tornado warning, Diva informed me that she didn't want an umbrella - she wanted to "run around in the rain" on the way to the front door.

I explained that while it's her choice, all that will get her is SOAKING WET first thing in the morning, and she would spend most of the day in wet clothes. Not to mention wet, tangly hair.

Now here comes the Quote of the Day. She gave me a sideways glance and said:

"Who came and took all the fun out of your life?"

I was rendered speechless, a rare event for me. No snappy comebacks popped into my head.

Just then, the moment passed, and Another Crisis reared its ugly head - she had forgotten part of her homework and wanted me turn my SUV right around and take the train back home so she could get it.

I refused.

Not because I'm mean. I did feel bad. We live fairly close to the school, so it wouldn't have been a huge deal.

She had worked hard last night copying photos on the printer and gathering stickers so she could decorate her writer's notebook today. She forgot those things.

But I felt this was a good teaching moment. I must admit, I have turned around in the past. But she's in 4th grade now.

Does running back home to grab forgotten things teach her to be responsible?

Further, why should I be 20 minutes later to work because of this?

Every night I tell her to put all her stuff back in her backpack when she finishes her homework. She never does - leaving things strewn all over the place. Drives me nuts.

I used to gather it up for her, just so I could see my kitchen table, but, she's in 4th grade now. She should be doing that herself, so I haven't done it since school started.

I'm trying to subscribe more and more to the mantra: "Don't Do Things For Your Kids That They Can Do Themselves". It's easier said than done, but I'm trying.

Of course, she tried to blame me, because in Diva-World, everything is my fault. "You rushed me!" and "You must have seen it there, why didn't you remind me?" and so on.

I told her that while I'm sorry she forgot it, I am not responsible for her schoolwork.

She entered the school in tears. So, apparently, not only do I have NO FUN in my life, I'm MEAN.

She's only 9. Am I in HUGE trouble, or what?

I think the answer to that, unequivocally, is YES.

FIrst Day of School!

Here are Diva and Daredevil on their first day of 4th and 1st grades. They started on August 31.

I think it's too funny that it's a MUST that the girls get decked out with new earrings, outfits, and shoes, while boys couldn't care less!

Diva could be dressed for a school dance here. (Which, thankfully, her school does not have. )

This wasn't the outfit Daredevil and I had agreed on, but he showered, and he's wearing his new shoes with presumably clean socks, so those are victories right there - which I'll take.

#3 is transitioning too. She's moving from the infant ro

om to the toddler room at her child care. She is very attached to her teacher, so it's been interesting.

OK, I think I'm caught up with our family's current events now.

Life is about to get even busier with the start of fall sports next week.

Diva does dance, Girls On The Run, and volleyball, and Daredevil does fall baseball, karate, and flag football.

#3 spends a lot of time hanging out at these activities.

La vida loca!

The Random Dozen Meme

Sunday Stealing: The Random Dozen Meme

1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration? Lounging and/or workout clothes

2. What is something that people are currently “into” that you just don’t get or appreciate? Robert Pattinson, skinny jeans

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel “ho-hum” about? People who answer your question, but the answer has nothing to do with the question you just asked.

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car? um, Wheels On the Bus

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient: A yummy dressing

6. What advice in a nutshell would you give to new bloggers? I still consider myself a new blogger, but here goes . . Surf around to find some blogs that you like and follow them. Leave lots of comments - try to get to know your fellow bloggers. They can be a great source of inspiration and ideas.

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you? I have no idea!

8. What in your life are you waiting for? For life to be a little less crazy (yeah, right!)

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from? Books, from Amazon. Yes, I have a problem

10. Today–what song represents you? Stop this Train by John Mayer

11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself? That I love writing, and wish I could do it all the time.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you’re wearing today? I'm still in my pajamas - tank top and shorts - will likely stay this way for a while - it's Sunday morning!

What do they say about you in general or specifically how you’re feeling today? Comfortable!

Join in the fun at Sunday Stealing

Our Trip Down South

Just got back from a week in South Carolina visiting my in-laws.

For the most part, the weather was gorgeous.

We actually were able to relax, thanks to Grandma's help.

She came to our place and would watch #3 while during lunch and nap time, which allowed us to relax at the beach and pool with Diva and Daredevil.

I actually got to read a book! I read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I know, the book has been out for 3 years, and Julia Roberts is now filming the movie.

But I don't get to read for pleasure much. I very much enjoyed the book and can't wait to see the movie.

Anyhoo, here are a few shots of our trip.




Here we are on a bike ride and are looking for alligators. They frequent the lagoons around the island.

There's one . . . a rather big one . . . exiting the water.

Now we are REALLY glad to be on bikes!

Behold our contraption to keep #3 happy on our hour long bike ride - a snack cup attached with string to the bike seat.

Worked like charm, I should patent it.

One of #3's trips to the beach.

Usually she was hanging with Grandma in the nice cool house, not getting overheated and sunburned. It was darn hot.

But she liked the beach and, as usual, ate the sand.

Diva and Daredevil enjoyed the beach, as usual

Hunter wanted to take Diva and Daredevil on a shark-fishing trip.

Fishing & boats are not my thing, (I tend to get seasick) so I offered to stay behind with #3.

Then Super-Grandma showed up and said she'd watch #3 so I could
GO. DO.WHATEVER. I .WANT.

I went shopping! I had THREE WHOLE HOURS to myself!

Here, Diva waits to get on the boat.

Knocking back a few at the Salty Dog Cafe before going shark fishing.

Daredevil did some more skimboarding.

He even got some advice from a twenty-something guy on the beach who was REALLY GOOD.

Riding the waves! The water was gorgeous, clean and warm.

We had been warned of jellyfish, but never saw any.

Waves were kicked up from Hurricane Bill, and later Tropical Storm Danny.

We loved it, because there are usually NO waves in Hilton Head.

Walking around and looking at the LARGE yachts at Harbor Town.

The kids begged to go up the lighthouse, but they've done it a million times before.

Not to mention we are slackers, it's a lot of steps. And it ain't free.

Listening to Gregg Russell. He's been singing under this oak tree every summer, 6 nights a week, for 33 years.

I came to listen when I was a kid.

He puts on a great show, fun for parents and kids alike, especially when he makes fun of tourists and yuppie parents.

He said something especially meaningful this time . .

As he talked about his children and how they are almost grown up, he said this to parents:

"Hold on to them as long as you can. It goes by in a blink of an eye."

#3 liked the music and was dancing
<

So here we all are, waiting for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, the Crazy Crab.

I know, it's a rare picture of me. I don't like getting my picture taken, so there aren't many.

But we were very relaxed by the end of this week, so I relented.

NOW BACK TO THE REAL WORLD!

#3's First Birthday

#3 turned 1 on August 12. I can't believe it has been a year already. She is walking everywhere (almost running) and says one (sort of) word besides Ma-Ma and Da-Da: Uh-oh. She tends to say it just before she throws something on the floor.

Anyway, we had a small family party. She got lots of stuff anyway. I'll start out with the best part, the singing and cake. If she looks serious, that's because she was born serious. She does start to smile towards the end . . .

Here she is with the gifts, from us, my parents, my brother and his family, and her teacher. She's not too spoiled, right? (And I will admit, some of her toys came from the toy storage room in our basement)

The Care Bear was originally Diva's . . . Rainbow Bear has been biding her time in the basement, waiting for another little kid to love her. Her wait is over!

She loves the Cozy Coupe, and plays with it EVERY day! (That's Daredevil's tattooed arm!)

My 3 happy babies

My princess. She kept taking the crown off and giving it to me.

Happily enjoying a bit of cake . . .

She's had enough here. Sugar overload!

Next up is a post of our vacation last week, and then, back to school! Check back soon - I've got a long weekend at home this weekend, so hopefully I'll find some time to catch up on posts!

Overwhelmed, again

Vacation in South Carolina last week
+ School started yesterday
+ Work is very busy

= OVERWHELMED

Updates (and photos) coming . . . soon.