One of the biggest problems/obstacles to being a single mother.

I really never get to "enjoy" my kids. There is just never any down time-especially when you are the only one handling everything. I worry about what their memories will be.

I love them so and am so proud of them.

Yep, it's that time again in my neck of the woods. Though I don't see them as often as I did growing up - mainly because of all the subdivisions coming up around us.

Cotton Combines - they literally take up the whole road - you can't pass - you just putter along and clean out your purse in intervals. I don't live too far from a Cotton Gin - so we hear and see a lot of farm equipment go by the house - sometimes the house feels like it is shaking.

When I was married we lived in the middle of cotton country - and these guys work hard all day into late night. It was nothing for me to wake up and find a Combine or other equipment in our yard.

So when you put on your jeans this week - think of this guy working 16-18 hour days.

(my mother tells stories of picking cotton by hand while growing up - I can't imagine)

CLONE TROOPER

My son wants to be a Clone Trooper (Star Wars) for Halloween - it was proving to be a hard costume to find - in his size.

But - Yeah! Today I found it. He will be so excited.

We really do get our money's worth on costumes - because he will play and play in the costumes.

Back to being cool mom...don't worry I am sure my reign won't last long.

The Tow Truck Driver

Last week when I broke down on the interstate and had to call a tow truck (yes, I keep a number for a driver in my cell) was an experience.

He pulled up - big red truck.

Big Guy.

He reminded of someone who belonged in the movie RoadHouse. Hairstyle, muscle shirt and all.

His truck was so high off the ground - he did not offer a step or even to help me up - I had to climb up the truck - and then while I was hanging with my rear sticking out (now that's a pretty picture) he remembered his Taco Bell bag and all the other stuff.

I finally got settled. Whew.

He looked me up and down. Eeww.

He told me I had short legs. (I told him his truck was 10 ft off the ground-he snickered)

I guess he thought he really insulted me....

Because he then told me I smelled good.

I was calling and or texting people giving them the phone number of the tow truck and describing him...just in case.

I survived.

How funny!

Okay, I am still getting used to it.

I have no idea how things will turn out - how I will handle things - because it is all new to me.

Dating.

It is taking me forever to get used to doors being opened for me. I am not used to someone paying for my movie ticket and dinner. I am not used to being told I look nice.

Dating. I like it....but....

Will I get used to it? I just don't know.

I am pretty sure it's in the Bible.



THOU SHALL HAVE NO SOCCER GAMES ON SATURDAY BEFORE 10:00.

I'll let you know when I find it.

(This past Saturday - I spent 5 yep, count 'em 5 hours at the soccer field- pictures for both kids and games running an hour behind. Both teams lost - but hey my son played an awesome game of soccer-and my daughter did pretty good too!)

Bedtime - what's a bedtime?

My son seems to think that being nine entitles him to stay up late.

He didn't take a bath last night - he had to take it this morning - he almost fell asleep sitting there.

We've got to get back on track and in bed at a decent time.-

Why I have been up since 3:00 a.m.


She weighs about 12lbs (9 of it being hair) and she is 13 years old.

Our dog was "up" most of the night - barking - having to go outside - drinking water. She was playful and such - I told her - though I don't think she understood - that it wasn't time to wag her tail.

She went to sleep around 5:15 - of course - it was time for me to get up.

Look at what I'm driving! I am so proud and so happy.

God is good!

HEY, IT'S NICE BEING TREATED LIKE A GIRL!

This dating thing has made me realize that for too long I wasn't acting like or treated like a "girl."

I like it.

A CAR!!!!!!

By this afternoon-if all goes as planned - I will be driving a new car - new to me - but it only has 7,000 miles on and it is a 2007 model!

I cannot tell you how excited and nervous I am. Excited to be driving something that is reliable, safe, and where everything works. (You can play the radio and use the windshield wipers at the same time!) Excited to know I have come so far since my divorce. 8 years ago - I had no idea how I would feed my kids - and now I have a decent car. (At the risk of sounding corny - we really do live in a great country - a land of 2nd chances and opportunity - do we really appreciate how blessed we are?!)

It is a sign that I have truly started over - I know I have so much more to do and more growing to do - but it is a step, I believe in the right direction.

Nervous - because - what if they (dealer and bank) change their mind? I didn't sleep thinking about it - they really are going to do this?

Nervous because of the monthly payment-afraid I will fail -but I cannot and will not mess this up!

God has provided and given me this opportunity - now it is up to me to be a good steward of what He has given me!

Did I mention that I am excited?

YARD SALE

That's what the sign said.

Let me explain...

My son overheard me talking about getting a new car - and what I could and could not afford - he decided to help me.

He gathered up his toys, baseball cards and comic books - went to the front yard - to sell them to help pay for my car.

Go ahead, cry....I did.

THIS LITTLE TINY THING CALLED LIFE

Well, life happens.

Boy does it ever. Let me give you some updates since my last post

*I've been sick with sinus stuff - had me in bed for two days last week - I missed work-I felt horrible.

*My daughter thinks I should allow her to fly to California to visit on Spring Break next year to visit the boy from our church. WHATEVER - LIKE THAT WILL HAPPEN - IF THE BOTTOM OF YOUR FEET ARE COLD - THEN SHE IS HALFWAY THERE.

*My son still believes he doesn't need to brush his teeth or study Spelling words.

*My car is gone! It was very sick - and it just gave up. So, I've decided to try to find a new one - well new to me. It is a work in process that's for sure - but I feel good that I will have something by the weekend. The whole process is nerve racking and I am tired.

*My Ex and I worked something out - so maybe he will come through - he will have too - I am just about finished being nice.

*I went on date #2 with my friend - I asked him to be patient with me - I am totally new to this dating thing. (yes, I still have the same worries-I'm a wreck about it all)

*I have learned the new payroll system at work - that's good - because I like to get paid.

There you go...updates....on this little thing called life.

I'VE BEEN DETHRONED

Darn it - read the below post. I've been basking in the glow of being "Cool Mom."

Needless to say I didn't bask for long.

The nerve of me taking away Internet from my daughter and making my son finish his homework and study for his Science test.

Well, it was good while it lasted.

COOL MOM AWARD

Today's cool mom, goes to, well....ME!

Yes, Me!

I managed to pick out a top at American Eagle for my daughter - that she liked.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

You can applaud now.

SIX YEARS AGO

Six years ago I was on my way to work - when an announcement came on the radio - and at that moment - I looked around me and cars were just stopped on the side of the road. Everyone sitting in disbelief. And once I was at work - we were all in the break room watching the news - not wanting to watch - but not able to turn away.

Watching FOX news this morning - the tributes and the services - I was reminded we have come so far as a country - yet have so much to do. I can remember the images on television of family members holding pictures of their loved ones-waiting against hope-I remember one little girl asking about her daddy - he liked Oreo cookies. The images of kids preparing lunches for the rescue workers. Of flags everywhere, of pride in our country.

Remember those lost on this day six years ago - pray for their families. Pray for the survivors - I am sure their memories are overwhelming.

AARRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To the members of my household - I do receive phone calls every now and then. I have friends. (Shocking I know)

To the members of my household - I would like to receive messages the day of the phone call instead of the next morning or afternoon. My apologies to the person who called me last night - I don't know your name - just that someone "like" called me - and I quote "I like forgot - not like it's a big deal or anything."

Why do you have to use soap and toothpaste?

What follows is my response to the above.


So you will be clean.

You other moms don't worry!

I happen to be the most ignorant mom around.

You can relax now.

This new world I'm in.....

For those of you who don't know - I entered the dating world this weekend. I was nervous and scared. My confidence wasn't there.

I've known him for a few years now - so we didn't have that "we don't know each other" type conversations. That eased my mind a whole lot. We also both confessed - it had been some time that either of us had been "out" on an official date. Okay, it my first date since my divorce on what seems like a million years ago.

We had a good time -dinner and a movie (3:10 to Yuma - excellent movie by the way!).

He held the door open for me - opened my car door for me-waited for me when I was in the restroom, etc. Things my ex never did.

I introduced him to my favorite place, Barnes and Noble (we were waiting for the movie - we had time to kill) and he discovered I am a total nerd - I love books.

He understands my position as a single mom - understands kids activities, etc.

I have a lot of worries and thoughts in my head. If the dating thing doesn't work out - will I lose my friend? Will it be uncomfortable or awkward? And if you know things are flowing smoothly (when do you know that?) - when do you introduce kids and families?

It felt good to be treated like a girl - a lady. It was fun. By the end of the night I felt good about myself and the date, I hope he felt the same. I hope we go out again.

A BREAK UP

Yep, I told you it wouldn't last.

The boy that I liked - the newest boyfriend of my daughter.

He is no longer in my good graces.

He "broke up" with her - not in person, not on the phone. On her My Space - comments page.
She wasn't upset or mad - she just laughed it off. In fact her friends and I are probably madder than she it. But that's my girl!

Call me whatever you want...but don't call me fat.

Okay, let me explain, on the phone last night a friend was telling me about her niece who kinda-sorta got into a fight. Okay, she threw the first punch.

This other girl was texting/im'ing her niece and calling her ugly names, with "Fat" being in front of them. And it finally was all either kid could take/do.

(Side note - these girls are about 14. And I can say it because I am the mother of teenage girl - girls are so mean to each other.)

Her sister, said "I don't know what she is saying...but I think this girl is chubbier than my daughter."

How funny.

How like a woman.

Call us all kinds of ugly names - we know they are not true. But don't you dare call us fat - then it's personal.

Mom he asked me to go out...

That is what they call it.

The "it"? Going steady.

They are not going anywhere.

They are too young to date.

But he called my daughter last night - and he asked "May I speak to Tori?"

I like him already. Usually it is "Can I?" "Is Tori home?" "Tori There?"

He understands my "no phone calls after 9:00 rule." He understands I don't allow my daughter to call boys.

He likes country music.

Hot dog! I like this one.
(This means he probably won't be around for long!)

Who are you and where is my son?

Are you sitting down? Are you ready for this?

My son completed his homework in less than 30 minutes last night.

Used SOAP and SHAMPOO in this bath.

Brushed his teeth with TOOTHPASTE.

And picked up his toys.

Quick, call the police, my son has been kidnapped and in his place stands a clone.

(He even got up and got ready without constant prodding and nagging this morning)

So how many times do you have to.....

Tell your son to brush his teeth?

Tell your daughter to pick up her shoes?

Tell your son to get in the bed?

Tell your daughter to get off the phone?

Hmmmm, I don't think I will ever stop telling them.

Motherhood.

You find the most interesting things while cleaning....

For my Labor Day holiday - I spent the day cleaning and organizing. And I didn't want the kids to help - because it was my day to sort, toss, and throw out stuff - and since I am the mom, I can do that occasionally-and feel no guilt.

But you really do find the most interesting things while cleaning.

Pennies - I could probably pay the National Debt with all the pennies I found.

Batteries - No they don't work - for they would not be in the shoe box, behind the television, under the bed, in a pair of jeans, in a sock, and lodged in a remote control car.

Pencils - They were everywhere - shoe box, under the bed, in my sock drawer (no I did not put it there), you name it, you could find them there.

Scissors - I don't even want to know why and who. But I found them in the shoe box (and believe or not there were shoes in the shoe box), taped to a closet door, in box of baseball cards, and so on. I vaguely remembe finding all of our scissors not too long ago - and putting them in our desk - but they just walked away.

Black Magic Markers- Found black markers of every brand and size in about 6 places.

Green Army Men - If I didn't know better I would swear they were having sex and reproducing themselves - but somehow the children turn out to be red, brown, green and yellow.

Socks - Both of my kids have socks now. They didn't before today -because the one who is responsible for laundry - stuffs everything in any corner/nook she can find.

Shampoo Bottles - You know the ones I am talking about - they have about a dime's worth of shampoo in them. Well today all those in the bathroom were thrown out, along with more army men, and about 25 pink razors.

Tampons - they were in every purse/bag my daughter uses. Oh, I am sorry, you are not supposed to know we use those in this house.

Flip Flops - I bet I found 6 pair in every place but the right place.

Hair Brushes - So, that's where they were! Right beside the tampons in my daughter stuff.

Nail Clippers - We now have 5,000 pair in one spot - but don't blink - they'll disappear.

Keys - I don't even know what these keys open.

Underwear - Same story as the socks.

Cups/Glasses/Silverware/plates - Everywhere but the kitchen.

I could keep going - but it all has me thinking - how does this happen? Geesh. We are not total slobs or totally disorganized - so how does it happen?

How to make a mom mad....

Let her find all kinds of stuff in your closet when she cleans.

She may need to get shots afterwards.

Pure Escape....

I saw Rush Hour 3 this weekend.


Don't go in expecting an Oscar winner - but go in expecting to laugh.

It is just pure escape - and funny.

We liked it. The whole theater liked it - everyone was laughing.

When Harry Met Sally

I watched it tonight with D.C. - and all of you reading this will be ever so proud of me.

I didn't shed a tear!

Yeah! Progress - I've made progress.

Just put it in your mouth and suck it.............

Gottcha on that title didn't I? Well obviously you don't know me very well! :)

My friend D.C. and her daughter came over tonight to watch movies. Her daughter and my son are the best of friends. Her daughter cut her finger on something.

And the mother of the year award goes to...

Yep, you guessed it! My friend! (I am sure I will earn my title back in about 5 minutes)

Her daughter came into the den where we were watching movies - I guess she was expecting sympathy. She was holding her finger up - showing and telling her mom about it.

And my dear friend ...without missing a beat, said..........

"You'll be alright - just put it in your mouth and suck on it."

God, just send me a sign.

This from a friend at church...she was talking about her ex-husband.

She remembers praying for a husband..for God to show her=give her a sign - that this was the "one."

Her ex husband was a heavy drinker.

Her ex husband called her collect to propose.

He was in the Navy - she paid for the flight out to California - he said he would pay for her hotel room - when she got there - he had blown all his money - she had to end up paying for the room-on credit cards she just paid off. Once she returned - he mailed her a check for the hotel - it bounced.

There were plenty of signs.

They had a fine son, they are divorced, but remain good friends.

2ND ONE FROM THE BOTTOM

I was going over my son's science vocabulary with him the other night.

I read the definition - I waited for the word.

He couldn't think of it.

So instead he said...I know it..."it's the 2nd one from the bottom."

And yes he was serious. (and right)

How funny.

How to survive being the mother of a teenage girl....

1. Make sure you hide all of your make-up, hair care products, nail polish, nail clippers and hair brush in an undisclosed location. If you don't - it is assumed to be community property.

2. Play 80's music to drown out the complaints in the car. (This is effective when they are complaining you don't understand what it is like to be a teenage girl) Surely they would enjoy Bon Jovi and the Go Go's with a dash of Rick Springfield.

3. Threaten to come to their school for any reason in a moo-moo (large flowered dress) and mismatching flip flops, with no make up and your hair sticking up on one side. A similar threat of coming into the dance in your pajama's is effective in getting them to come out on time.

4. Don't sweat the fact that the TV, the radio is going while she is on the phone and doing her homework - she is multi-tasking. :)

5. Lock yourself in your room or bathroom and maybe you won't be found. You also lock yourself up to keep from committing a crime against said daughter - this step will help you avoid serious jail time.

6. Remember you are not alone - there are mothers everywhere facing the same battle as you.

7. Somehow, someway - this moody person who spends a lot of time on her air, who is so mistreated, will grow up to be a wonderful, responsible person. And in time she will like you.
At least that is what I have heard.