A Lesson in Opposites

The Boy's daycare is heavy on the curriculum, hence the decision to send him there in the first place. This month one of the lessons has been opposites. The Boy has not taken this lesson lightly, in fact every toy in the house goes "up, down, up, down". Balls get stuck in places when they go "in, out, in, out" but the "out" part hasn't been mastered or the toy just wasn't created for that kind of nonsense, which can be VERY frustrating for a boy of two and a half.

With all of this in mind, it shouldn't have come to my surprise that the Beast and the Boy (and then me) had an opposites conversation with a life lesson attached.

The Beast came barrelling out of the bathroom wheezing with barely controlled laughter, the Boy hot on his heels. He proceeded to gaspingly explain to me that the Boy came into the bathroom and upon seeing daddy standing in the "ready" position over the toilet said, "Daddy pee-pee? Boy pee-pee too", then stood directly behind him to do his business in the training toilet. He came around to check daddy's stance, looked up at the Beast and said, "Daddy pee-pee too? Boy little pee-pee, daddy big pee-pee."

The Beast, try as he might, could not get the Boy to repeat this grand discovery. I have a hunch that he was too excited about the boy's revelation and the coming day he can have the "someday, son this will all be yours" conversation.

So, because something is wrong with me, I decided I'd give it a whirl. I asked the Boy if he had a pee-pee. He responded that he "already did". Um...yeah, I totally meant that as a noun kid, not a verb. Apparently grammar hadn't been taught yet at the daycare or by his parents. But, since I rarely give up, I tried a different tack...and asked him "Is Boy's pee-pee little?" To which I got an annoyed I-can't-believe-you-would-even-consider-it response of "NOOOO, Boy pee-pee big. Daddy's big too. Boy little, daddy big."

Clearly, he is confused by all the pee-pee questions. And the thought that someday that could all be his.

And I am left to never wonder again why we have yet to receive a "Best Parenting" Award...

Miss me?

I miss you too.
I am not ignoring you, I promise.
But this blogger finally got a daytime job, that pays in something other than strictly laughter and satisfaction, which are priceless, don't get me wrong. They just don't pay the bills.
If you are wondering, I am doing well, getting adjusted and really liking the new people I work with and for. If you aren't wondering, well....um...LOVE YOU TOO!

I digress, as usual.

I will do my best to show you some bloggy love a little more next week, but for this week, please try to cut me some slack as the Beast, the Girl, the Boy and I are getting used to a new (not so improved) schedule which requires this night owl blogger to leave and come home in the dark. Boooo!

Miss me, leave me comments, gimme some luvin', check out my fellow bloggers (links on the side) and all that.

Until this weekend....xoxoxoxo

Love Thursday, a Little Late

My Love Thursday post this week is again, materialistic. I refuse to feel badly about that. Heh!
I am so in love with these designs right now, I bought the Valentine's Day window clings, the picture frame and these very sturdy, very adorable place mats at Target. They are so whimsical and sweet they make me want to puke dance on tiptoes!
I did however, hold myself back from the towels, rugs and photo holders.
I do have some self control.

Wordless Wednesday

Unsettling

Okay, so I am not afraid or ashamed to admit most things, especially when it comes to my likes and dislikes. Anyone who knows me knows my opinion is always readily available. Heh.

I like Hilary Duff.

I like her music.

She was adorable as Lizzie McGuire and the handful of made-for-tweens movies she has performed in (I won't insult you by calling it acting-no matter how much I like her, I still have standards).

I think she is relatively still a "good" girl...at least when you compare her to LiLo and Brit, right? Even after her stint in War, Inc. which included dropping a live scorpion down her pants (for real!), which I only glancingly witnessed when the Beast watched it - I was scrapbooking in my glorious scrapbooking haven on the dining room table, I still think she is adorable. I realize and can admit, as some others don't/won't, that she has to grow up eventually, and at least she is doing it in a classier way than those other tramps (whom I still love, but I digress).

So, imagine my surprise when I saw this:

Now, don't get me wrong here. I think she's beautiful, and intelligent and well...I sort of give her props for making the cover. At least she didn't fug it up.

Here's where I take issue: I discovered this little gem when I was perusing my rental options at the local Hollywood Video this evening with the Girl and I heard her excited tween voice exclaim from behind me: "Look, mom! Hilary Duff is on that magazine!" (She is about to turn eleven you know, so her love for Miss Duff needs no explanation.) However, I turned around and saw her approaching this magazine. IN ALL ITS GLORY! No black plastic bag cover, no black plexiglass flap covering the titles displayed across the page (they don't show here but they are what you'd expect), no parental advisory. Just there on the turn-about. I diverted her attention with a video and a quick "Oh, cool! Hey come look over here with me, we're almost done!" Then thanked my lucky stars she is still naive enough to have only noticed the picture.

While the photo is really not THAT bad, no nipple slippage or anything, its the fact that they didn't even try to camouflage that the magazine is available there that is unsettling. C'mon, even 7-11 has the black plexiglass flaps that cover the chance of nudity-and the mags are behind the counter at most of the stores. Not the video store...they have it right there prominently displayed between the candy shelf and the previously viewed titles for your convenience. The amount and type of questions that would have ensued had she read the titles of the articles emblazoned across the cover makes me want to shake the Hollywood Video employees until some sense comes into their heads as I break out in a cold sweat.

Now, with all of that said.

Way to go Hilary...work it girl.

Way to Fug it up, Hollywood Video.

Glad I have ninja reflex parenting skills.

Love Thursday

I received this wonderful Coach key chain for my birthday this year (way back in March) from a very special friend. Don'tcha just love it?? I certainly do.
Hence, the "love Thursday" post -- clever aren't I? Heh. Work with me here.
If you look closely this is a triple love picture, don't you feel lucky?
1: my love for Coach
2: my love for small, unexpected, meaningful gifts and
3: the flower is made up of hearts.
So take that!

You can't deny Coach love, so don't try.

Happy Love Thursday friends. May you find the love today, no matter how hard you have to look.

Wordless Wednesday, Hiding Spot

Shutter Sisters: Superhero Photo Challenge

Shutter Sisters, an blog addiction of mine, has issued their newest Superhero Photo Challenge. I just love this challenge every time they do it. This time it is weather based.

This photo was a happy accident, which is always the best kind. Before Christmas this year, we took a little ride on the Polar Express from Williams, Arizona to the North Pole. This is a shot I took of a stationary train next to the track right before boarding. I love how mystical and nostalgic it is.

Share your winter picture with me and the rest of the Shutter Sisters at http://www.shuttersisters.com/ or here in the comments section.

P.S. Please note the "Pass it On" button on the right side of this blog, visit their site, find out what it's all about and check back here soon for your opportunity to win a special treat from me, and an opportunity to "Pass it On".

Excerpt with Wonderful Timing

I have mentioned the book "The Language of Letting Go" by Melanie Beattie once before on this blog. I try my best to read from it on a daily basis, as it's original intention considering its a daily meditation book. Some days the entry is applicable to my life and I am left shaking my head in wonder...other days, not so much. Today is the former, so I am going to share it with you, my bloggy friends. Take from it what you will, as with most things the wisdom is related directly to perception and your interpretation.

January 2: Healthy Limits
Boundaries are vital to recovery. Having and setting healthy limits is connected to all phases of recovery: growing in self-esteem, dealing with feelings, and learning to really love and value ourselves.
Boundaries emerge from deep within. They are connected to letting go of guilt and shame, and to changing out beliefs about what we deserve. As our thinking about this becomes clearer, so will our boundaries.
Boundaries are also connected to a Higher Timing than our own. We'll set a limit when we're ready, and not a moment before. So will others.
There's something magical about reaching that point of becoming ready to set a limit. We know we mean what we say; others take us seriously too. Things change, not because we're controlling others, but because we've changed.

Today, I will trust that I will learn, grow and set limits I need in my life at my own pace. This timing need only be right for me.

And with that, I leave you to ponder.

Further Proof

That the Beast is DISGUSTING and INAPPROPRIATE.
Ugh.

I walk thru our bedroom on the way out of the bathroom minding my own business, he turns from his computer chair where he is intently playing with his computer club friends and says "Honey" (he sounds concerned).

Me: what's up?
Beast: You might want to sleep on the couch tonight.
Me (really concerned): Why?
Beast: laughter as he fans himself.

Apparently the yummy dinner made by my mother this evening is making a gaseous comeback. I guess he didn't think I could live without that handy bit of knowledge.

Awesome.

Love Thursday, Happy New Year

I have discovered that I love the Oceanside, California beach on Christmas day(well, the day after this year anyway). Though I am a Washington girl at heart, and acclimating to a warm and sunny Christmas was difficult at first, I now embrace it and look forward to it. I found the largest moments of peace on the beach this Christmas.

Here are a few Love Thursday shots from that day.
Wishing you 52 Thursdays filled with Love this year.