Dear Santa

Hi Santa,
I figured before things get too crazy I would send you a quick email. I want to say I'm sorry for using your omnipotent powers starting in November to keep my kids in line. I'm also sorry my kids switch their wishlists through out the holiday making any pre-planning impossible! Santa, I know I set very high expectations for you expecting you to come in my house undetected on Christmas eve when my children don't end up falling asleep until close to 1am. Thank you for staying up so late and always wrapping the gifts in special wrapping paper which can only be found on the north pole. Santa we are entering into a tough time with Lena and I know soon she will not believe in you. But don't worry, I've explained that your gift giving will end for her the minute she verbalizes her doubt so she should stay on the believer list atleast for a few more years. Ok, you hang in there! Your cookies and pumpkin squares will be waiting for you!
Your humble servant,

L


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Top Ten Items which Make Parenting a Little Easier

Happy rainy day! As a share some quality time with my kids today, I couldn't help but think of the top ten items in my life which help make being a mommy a little easier. So, for those new parents or seasoned parents out there, hope it helps and feel free to add to my list!!
1. Washable/Magic crayola markers - These did not exist with Lena so I actually have experienced life without them. I know how difficult it is to remove markers from walls, bed frames, table tops, car seats. Thank you crayola!! The magic markers are a god send on those long road trips and airplane rides!!
2. Trader Joes BBQ teriyaki chicken - Haven't tried it?? You need to! Even my partially vegetarian son eats this chicken. That's right, I have a son that doesn't like meat! Benefits: It cooks in 5 minutes, turns into a complete meal with some fresh broccoli and steamed rice, you can always keep an extra one in the freezer, and its only 150 calories per serving!!
3. Amazon.com - Again, I have experienced life without it. Driving around town looking for a little mermaid bicycle. And yes, they do have an app for that. (;
4. Parent online - How many times have your kids had to eat the dreaded cheese sandwhich because they ran out of money on their school food account and keep forgetting to tell you? Now I get email notifications and can add $$ online! Now if only the junior high schools will get onboard!!
5. Meltaway Tylenol bubblegum flavored - I have never met a kid who doesn't like these!! The best for head aches, pre-shot prepping, and pre-orthodontist appointments
6. Neosporin spray keychain - something about this spray makes the scrapes feel better almost instantly. Is it magic? or Placebo? I don't care! With my accident prone kids, I never go anywhere without it!
7. A Homework Table - Ok, this is a new one for the Rodriguez household. Do you struggle with distracted kids during homework time? I think this works best. I have set up a table in the living room with every possible school supply and It's free from the tv and other distractions. It's just been a week, but homework is getting done quicker!
8. Books on CD - Sound old school?? Don't knock it until you try it!! David has been listening to these for a few years now, it makes bedtime so much more pleasant. We read David 1 story every night, then put on a book on CD and he stays in his room, following along quietly, until he falls asleep.
9. Sponge Bob - Once you have kids, your tv time seems to be overwhelmed with cartoons and disney movies. Sponge bob is the only show which does not make me cringe, I can count on Sponge bob to always be entertaining and appropriate.
10. Good Friends and Family - It does take a village to raise a child. Honestly, if it wasn't for my friends and family I would be one stressed out mother! I've got my list of people that I can call for emergency child care, venting, car pooling, and parenting advice. Also atleast for me, once I had kids, I stopped making time for my friends and grown up conversation. Everyone needs friends!! My friends make me happy! And a Happy Mommy = a Happy Family!

Bonus Item
11. A Happy, Healthy Spouse - This requires a separate blog altogether. Short version. There is power in numbers.

Hugs and Raspberries,

L

Natural Talents

I don't think a parent ever forgets the first time they look into their child's eyes. I remember wondering "what kind of person would they turn out to be?" I think we all hope our kids will accomplish greatness. As they start to grow we start to notice their strengths and skills and fill with pride when they succeed and feel their pain when they fail. But what is never discussed is how we feel when our kids are just well, mediocre. So here it goes...my kids are mediocre at sports! There I said it! It doesn't mean I love them any less, it just means my kids will probably never play professional sports in the future and I am ok with that. So what do I mean by mediocre? Well both my kids still do the Phoebe run (best Friends episode ever!!) You Don't have a visual yet? It's that run kids have when they haven't yet mastered the whole arm leg moving at the same time thing yet...As both my kids start getting into their own sports David in tball and Lena with her Colorguard I couldn't help but notice how I'm reacting to their mediocre abilities. The first year of tball I became so embarrassed when they would have to bring out the tee in tball! Yup, seems a little ironic eh?? And last night during my daughter's 2 hour practice I caught myself debating if I should ask the coach if I could purchase an extra flag so I could go over the routines with her to make her better, ok the best!! So here is my question.. is there a time when mediocre is enough?? Or should I be brushing up on my songleader moves and buying myself a baseball glove??!!

Hugs and Raspberries

L


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