Shoe Shopping While I Potty Train

I went shoe shopping with the kids yesterday and it was pure hell. Yes, hell. Did I tell you it was hell? Well, it was...hell. If you want to go crazy, fast, go shopping with your kids.

The youngest one needed shoes because he only had that one pair since the last time I purchased them. In the midst of gearing up for shoe shoping with the kids, my oldest says he needs new shoes too because his current shoes are small. He usually has 3 pair on hand so that he can rotate. He is rough on shoes and we find that if he has a couple of pairs they will last longer. We generaly get hand-me-downs for him so he mostly wears hand-me-downs to play in and mommy-bought shoes, which tend to be his nice pair, to go to school and the non-playing places.

Well, I was not planning on buying his shoes for another week. When I felt his toes all squished up in his shoes, I knew then and there I was going to have to buy quite a few shoes that day. He had been wearing those shoes with this toes squished all summer, according to him.

Why did he not tell me!?!? His answer: Ugh...I just wait on you to buy me shoes. I know, I know---I gave way too much credit to my 8 year old.

So, I packed up my kids along with our Fisher-Price Precious Planet Froggy Friend Potty that we travel with on a daily basis for the little one. Yes, I am the mother who has her child pee in the back of her 4Runner and then dumps her "child's left over apple juice" while no one is looking. Call me what you will but my child has not had an accident in public yet, so I guess you can call me smart, efficient and gross at the same time.

Here's what we were shooting for:

2 for school for the 8 year old
1 for the rest of the summer and weekend play - 8 year old
2 for the two year old because he was the initial reason for the excursion

We went to a total of four stores. We came out with 5 pair and only one pair of Nikes. Which is surprising because that is usually always my shoes of choice outside of New Balance. So anyway, I am eating my past words and am admitting I bought them both a pair from.....
.

I know.

I know.

I know.

I did say that I do not buy my kids shoes from Payless but I knew I needed to get some inexpensive shoes for my oldest's last days of day camp and I refused to buy any name brand for him to tear up. We arrived and low and behold I found a pair that he and I really liked. So, I take back my past statements and now I am an advocate. I ended up getting my youngest a pair as well. Here they are:








I think we faired well. What do you think?

Vacation Bible School and Swim Lessons are Somewhat Related

For the past two weeks I have been running myself crazy after work. Last week we were in swimming lessons all week and the week before that we were in Vacation Bible School (VBS). VBS started at 6:30pm. This was perfect for me because I get off work at 5pm and by the time I pick everyone up we are usually home by 5:45pm. It gave me time to prepare snack and get my oldest to VBS. My youngest and I generally went back home and prepared dinner. We then headed back out to pick him up by 8:20pm.

My son had been asking about baptism because on Sunday at church we took Communion (juice and crackers/ Last Supper--you get the idea). At my church you partake in this if you have been baptised. He wanted to know why he was taking it and his little brother was not.

Easy answer.

"You have been baptised and your little brother has not."

Yeah Right. Easy answer, my foot!

This, of course, brought up more questions and a great learning lesson about baptism. It was a chance to talk with him about a time when he was a baby. He loves those stories. I have to admit, I am almost thirty and I still love hearing my baby stories.

So, We talked about who was there and when it happened and why it has not happened for his brother, etc. Later in the week he spoke to me about how three of his VBS classmates decided that they were getting baptised on Sunday and they were getting dipped in the water. Well, my son was not dipped into the water. He was sprinkled. More questions and more answers entailed. He had great lesson about Baptism that week. But Little did I know that Baptism is an ongoing lesson.

Fast Forward to the following week of swimming lessons--it was the day they learned to float on their backs.

I am sure you can see where this story is going.

My son was sitting on the side of the pool when he was asked to come forward and be the example. He explains to my son that he "...will need to be on his back and it will seem like he going to be dipped into the water. My son then replies, "I've already been baptised!"

Yeah...He said it.
(Note to self: Tell son how Baptism happens in church like setting, i.e pastor, family, prayer, etc.)

The little girl sitting next to him gave him the side eye. He saw her and reiterated his status. "I have. Didn't I Mommy?"



Pretty much all of the parents were laughing, including myself.

You know what else happened in June?

My husband celebrated his 30th Birthday, we sort of celebrated our 2nd anniversary, and father's day came and went.

I was so busy planning my husband's surprise birthday party that I didn't do anything for our anniversary. He landed a new BIG account so he did nothing as well. I know -- We suck.

However, I threw him a fantastic party with our closest family and friends attending. It was perfect, aside from my crappy decorations. I was so excited to do it for him. He told me a couple years ago that he had never had a birthday party . I thought that was strange. I asked his mom and she confirmed his statement. Therefore I threw him a party that I am still getting great kudos for. I receive serious brownie points from him.

I did not tell my oldest son until 4 hours before the party because, I knew he would have blown my cover. Once he was told, his response was priceless.

"Well I hope no one told him!"

I am raising the President's Son-in-Law

My oldest son and the President's youngest daughter share a birthday. They are exactly the same age. Doesn't that mean that it is their destiny to be together?

My best friend always makes a note that we are raising our sons to be someone's husband. Can't I just say that I am raising my son to be Sasha Obama's husband? Who better to groom my son to marry than the president's daughter? If I have not taught my son anything, it is to only accept the very best. Can't you just see Michelle and I helping Sasha pick out her wedding gown?

*pause*

Ten years from now I'll be blogging about it!


To celebrate the special occasion we gave my son an electric Razor scooter. He loved it. Of course, I was sad because he is no longer the little gift I received before I graduated college. He is my big gift full of energy, sensitivity and kindness. He is still that caring individual who always makes sure that Mommy is okay. He is my sweetie pie who is now eight. Oh my gosh, it makes me sad just think about it.

He Knows Michael Jackson Music When He Hears It

Yep, you read right. He knows it and not just one song. Every since MJ passed away we have been on Michael Jackson overload. His videos are everywhere and Comcast OnDemand has provided us with wealth of a MJ music library. Last year when Michael turned 50, Comcast paid tribute to him by making all types of videos and interviews available OnDemand. My oldest son fell in love with his music and has been a fan ever since.

His words were when he learned of Michael Jackson's death, "Oh, I just wish I could have seen him in real life."

To my surprise--although I should not be--my two year has become a fan as well. Yes, ladies and gentlemen---Michael was an ultimate performer for all ages. I don't care what you think about his personal life but his music is immortal.

I heard him singing last week, "Dwwi-lllllla, Dwilla my!"
Translation: Thriller, Thriller Night!

He even knows it is Michael Jackson when he hears it. The other day I heard him singing, "Deedet, Deedet!"
Translation: Beat It! Beat It!

We live close to the President Clinton Library and attended their family fest for the fourth of July. They had a dance group on stage who paid tribute to Michael Jackson by mixing up some dance moves along with his music.

You think my baby didn't get out there in front of the stage and bust a move? Oh, yes he did with all of the rhythm he could conjure up, which was not much but he was giving Michael his respect. He kept saying "Midul Daxon!"

Strange how kids pick these things up. We are not even die hard Michael Jackson fans but I guess you can say we love his music. I always say that your kids are an exaggerated reflection of you (except the part where they have no rhythm--I just cannot claim that).

R.I.P. Michael Jackson!

I blinked and June passed by...

June just whisked by me so fast. We went on vacation and when we came back it was on and popping. I feel like I need another vacation just to get over June. I plan to take a day or so in July when the kids and husband are away at work and summer camp.

My vacation was a blast. I feel like it was short and could have been longer but I will definitely know for the next time. Yes, we all agreed that we will do it again. My immediate family---husband, 2 kids and me-- have been going on vacation for the past three years and I would recommend every family do it. It does not matter where you go, just as long as you are all there and it is away from the house, your house.

The last two vacations we went to Disney World. We have great memories but the last time was more tiring than fun and we experienced a sick child while traveling. Let me just say this: TRAVEL INSURANCE IS WORTH IT! My husband and I decided that a much needed, more relaxing vacation was the only way to go for the next time.

This year we went to Panama City Beach, Florida. They have beautiful beach water. It is a very laid back town. This vacation we went with my mom, her husband, their 14 year old, my older brother and his wife and 4 kids plus me and my family. We had 14 total when you include my nephew from my younger brother. My younger brother is in the Navy sand he could not get leave to go but we enjoyed his son instead. There were a total of 5 boys ages 7-13, two 2 year olds and one 15 year old girl. We had a wide range in ages with the kids ages.

We rented a 4 bedroom house that we had no complaints about. It was gorgeous! We may rent it again next year. Our time consisted of beach, beach, and more beach! It was inexpensive and I suggest to anyone to take a vacation with extended family because my husband, brother, sister-in-law and I went out two nights in a row. We got the best of both worlds: vacation with the kids and some alone time in the evening. We had so much grilled food that when we made it back home we wanted no beef, pork, or chicken. And you won't believe we were by the beach for 5 days and did not eat any seafood. I know, right!?! It's probably a sin to go to the beach and not have seafood. We had to get all the way home in order to realize our one regret from the trip.

Needless to say, we had fish upon arriving home.