Mommy to Mommy

Ok people I need HELP with this one. I don't care if you read and never comment. I don't care if we know each other, you're a friend of a friend, or just snooping around~ I need some input!

In case you're wondering YES it has to with Carleigh AGAIN. Go ahead laugh because that is what she makes me do most of the day but there is 1 particular time of the day that I could very well lose my mind (have I watched Jon and Kate plus 8 a little too much??!!??).

So here's the deal...how do you make a 2 year old sleep in HER bed? Since she was about 15 months old I guess Carleigh would literally flip herself out of her crib. So once we moved into the house she got a big girl bed. She did really well with it for a long time, well once we moved the beds together so she wouldn't fall out, but lately it's been a nightmare getting her to sleep in her bed. It started with her coming and getting in the bed occassionally and then it went to every night. I had enough of that and would then put her on the couch. Oh that lasted about 2 nights. I finally got smart and put Gracie's nap mat for MDO last year on the floor with a sheet, blanket, and pillow. I kid you not, Carliegh comes down EVERY night, gets on the mat and goes back to sleep.

It's not really that big of deal except I hate that she has a perfectly good bed upstairs and she's sleeping on the floor. It also bothers me because it's like she needs to be by me. Don't get me wrong I love the fact that she loves her momma but I'm scared she may be a little too attached, however she does fine going into her classes at church.

So what do you think...should I be concerned or just let it go???

Some Christmas cheer!

Thank you to my friend Susan for sending this to me. Merry Christmas to you and yours...may we all remember the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ, and cherish the gift of family above all others.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...Mom Style 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode Only one creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds, while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads. Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV, with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee. So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?" With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, She descended the stairs, and saw the old man. He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug, "Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"

"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room a bove, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."
Smiling wisely, Santa said: "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget, it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."

With the clone by his side, Santa said: "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you'll be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,
and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.
You get the picture -- I'm sure.

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,
whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.
For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,

and what a special gift to be treasured, with endless LOVE!

Our little visitor

Last week I had an unexpected guest on my front porch. As I started to walk up the stairs to go check my email I noticed something odd next to one of our columns. My first thought was "what in the world has someone left me?" then I thought it might be a cat since we've had a couple of neighbor cats coming over. Nope it wasn't that. I looked a little closer and thought oh no it's a skunk! since it was wrapped up in a ball, but luckily it wasn't that either. Believe it or not i had a raccoon on my porch!!!! He was really cute and almost seemed domesticated. I refused to go on the porch but did open the door and put my hand to the glass in which he put his up there too. It was a fun day having Toby around and I almost miss him. Here are some pictures of our friendly visitor.

Catching up

I realize that it's been forever since I have put any pictures of the kids on here so here they are:

LIVE auction TONIGHT @ 6PM!!!!! You don't want to miss it!

Have you ever been to a live auction? To hear the auctioneers cry (is that what it's called Ray?) the sounds of the bidders, the excitement, the people watching, oh it is SOOOOOOOOOOOO much fun. Well if you need a little stress release or need to find a gift for that hard to buy for person or better yet would like to help bless 2 families trying to adopt raise funds in order to do so then TONIGHT is your night. Check out these sites for all the details and I hope to see you there!!!

http://www.sumnercountychat.com/?p=332

http://breagirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-detailed-listing.html

These are a few of my favorite things...

...having to do with a baby. In no particular order these are things that I have deemed as must haves with children that nobody tells you about.

1. Mighty Tite. You know how difficult it can be trying to get your car seat secured tightly in your car. Well this little gadget works AMAZING and you won't believe how tight it gets!!!!

2. Safety 1st curve gate. We have steps that go down off of our kitchen into our laundry room which also leads to the garage. I have been using a standard gate but it was a pain in the butt to put up, move, climb over, etc. I saw this gate at Babies R' Us and now I'm in love with it. It swings open and has a small ledge to stand...much safer and friendlier.

3.Hand held shower head. You may think I have lost my mind on this one but it just may be the new thing I give at baby showers. It really doesn't benefit you as much until your kids are walking and then it will be your best friend, especially if you have a girl.

4.Storage basket in the car. It doesn't matter what kind you get but I highly recommend having something. I have one that slides under the middle seat of the van that I keep some toys for the kid in. It makes trips easier when you can just lean over, grab something out of the bin, and throw it to them. It also saves time not having to remember to pack toys in your bag and then end up having a toy box in your car.

Well that's all I can think of for now....what are some of your "must haves"?