Mindless Mama Blog

Today

2011-04-07T20:34:00.000-06:00

I laughed today, which was the best feeling in the world! I recently made the decision that we needed a 12 ft trampoline in our backyard. So, without much discussion, I informed the Hubs that we were going to get one. Long story short, we were finally able to set it up this past week, and it has been loads of fun for the princess, and as it turns out loads of fun for me too. *just as a side note, we can't jump on it right now because it is snowing?!?!!!!*

So, as the princess and I were waiting for the Hubs to get home from work, she asked me if we could jump. Not really feeling like it after a long day of work, but not wanting to live through another meltdown, I agreed. It was the best decision that I made all day. As Princess and I bounced, small giggles started to bubble up and come out. Hey, its fun to bounce, and jump then fall down on your butt!

The more we bounced, the bigger the laughs got, both hers and mine. I couldn't stop, bouncing or laughing. There is something so cathartic about doing something that is still as fun now as an adult, as it was when I was a kid.

Small improvements...

2011-04-01T20:55:00.000-06:00

Life seems to be getting back to normal. I was actually able to shower today with out the sound of the water triggering flashbacks. It felt so good just to actually be relaxed today. I did something totally not typical of me, I went and spent a wad of cash on something just for me, and no one else. A new laptop computer. True I didn't need it, but I have been wanting one for a while, ever since I got rid of my last one, so I decided that when I got my ambulance check, that I would splurge. Of course I had Brad's full backing on it! So I researched, and researched, and finally found one for me. I am in love, and Brad is totally jealous. *totally kidding, he doesn't care* But I know that when I tell him I want to buy something just for me, he just goes along with it, so it won't cause a fight...smart man.

It's a new day

2011-03-30T09:59:00.000-06:00

Today is a new and slightly better day. I slept last night! Not solidly through the night like I used to, but none the less several hours of sleep, thanks to a few sleeping pills! I can't believe how sleep can change your outlook on life. I am still feeling the same whirlwind of feelings but today I feel like I can deal/cope with them better. I just re-read yesterday's post...it was dark...scary...and therapeutic! Just writing what I was feeling helped. For quite a few days, I didn't know how I felt...I was numb to a lot of what was going on around me. Now I am dealing with the emotions one by one...but...today's a new day.

It is going to take a while to get over the things that I was exposed to...its going to take longer for some aspects to fade, than others. The flashbacks are fading, the nightmares are still there, and my brain is still racing all the time. Talking helps, but I can't talk to just anyone about it... I want to protect people from what went on. Part of me still desperately wants people to believe that the world is a good place...that its safe...that bad things don't happen. So I pick and choose who I talk to, and when... My friend Carrie helped. She knows me, she knows what I am feeling, she's been there. I think I would be lost without her. She is like my lighthouse, guiding me through this storm. I love her for that. She lets me vent without interruption, yell, curse and break down. She's my safety net, I would be lost without her right now.

Stress makes you do all sorts of weird things...I picked a fight with someone yesterday over something I would typically let go, but I am too fragile now, I couldn't get over it, so I fought back. Now, dumb me, I am having to deal with those problems too. I need to punch something! repeatedly! something that won't fight back. something that won't give my emotions the satisfaction of egging me on.

Today's a new day, tomorrow may or may not be better, but at least I can put today behind me tomorrow and keep moving forward one step at a time.

No Words

2011-03-29T11:41:00.000-06:00

Its a first for me, not to have the words to describe what is going on. I have been sitting here staring at this blank screen, willing the words to come, but nothing is happening. One phrase keeps popping into my head, PTSD. Yep, that explains the lack of words. I was thrust into the most horrible situation last week. It was worse than anything I could of ever thought of. Sensory overload to the max. Now I can say I have been completely overloaded! I can't go into the details of the situation, most of you know. Most of you know my work and what has happened in our little quiet town, so I'm not going there.
I'm struggling, I'm hurting, I'm angry, I'm sad, I'm frightened, I'm tired yet I can't sleep, I almost punched someone (literally), I'm a mess...one word PTSD. If anyone would have told me I would have to deal with this, I would have thought they were crazy. Only weak people get this, but I am finding out now that I was wrong. Strong people get this, and it truly brings them to their knees.
How do I deal? How do I cope? How to I explain it to my daughter...she's too young...she shouldn't have to deal with this too. Do I keep it from her? do I keep letting her think that Mommy's just sad, mad, angry, quiet...not happy, or do I tell her what is going on? Brad knows, but she doesn't. Do I keep letting her think mommy's just having a bad day, until it goes away...will it ever go away? will I ever be back to the person I was before? are these images ever going to get the heck out of my head?
I don't want sympathy...I don't need it...I fear it...I will get better, I know it...I have to. I just hate that working through this process is going to take time...and during that time, I yell, cry, don't sleep and hurt those around me for no reason, other than the fact that I can't deal with the little things right now. I am hurting my family and I can't stop it. Brad is totally understanding. He get it, he's ok when I yell at him for minor things...he knows what I am going through, but still that doesn't make it right... Nothing about what I saw, what I had to do, what someone else did, makes it right.
I am totally scared! I know Brad it too, any husband would be. I thought it was just the emotional and psychological stuff, but now its physical too. Blood tests, follow up...6 months of waiting to see if I am going to be ok...how do I deal with that? How do I deal with the fact that I was there to help someone, save a life and now I might be sick.
I am pissed! I hate the person that caused this situation!! I hate that he forced me to see what I saw, do what I had to do, and now deal with what I am having to deal with! I HATE HIM! I have had people tell me what a good person he was, but to me he is a monster! He is nothing good, he is pure evil. He has not just affected me, but now he is messing with my family. I HATE THAT! I hate this...

Today I....

2011-02-22T21:44:00.003-07:00

1. Actually had time to eat breakfast!

2. Finally got my desk at work cleaned off!

3. Smiled

4. Got 2 Belated birthday cards in the mail.

5. actually returned all of my voicemail messages!

6. seriously messed up my wrist again (I can't feel my fingers)

because I...

7. Helped do CPR on a patient

and

8. tried to intubate him

but I don't mind because...

9. I saved his life!! (with help of course)

then I...

10. skipped Dinner

11. went to ambulance training

12. went home with an ice pack and a brace on my wrist/hand

13. watched my fav shows

14. Crashed from sheer exhaustion!

So that was my day! My question to you is....

What did you do today??

2011-01-24T16:36:00.003-07:00

Today sucks..I am stuck at work and totally can't concentrate. It has been a weird type of day. My little one is so sick. She woke up at midnight last night crying and coughing and it just got worse from there. All she wanted me and her daddy to do all night was snuggle and rub her ear. So, that's what we did...all night. I just hate it when she is sick! We took her to the Dr and found out that she has a major ear infection going on...poor baby! I hate being stuck at work when I should be taking care of my baby. Even though her daddy is with her, I think I should send him to work for me so I can be home with her. And maybe while he is here at my work he can figure out my stupid computer. It has decided to resend all of my emails that I sent out like 4 months ago!!! For no reason! I think it knows that it is on the way out, since I just ordered a new one today...I think when my new one comes in, I might take this one out and shoot it once or twice..maybe more.

Gremlins

2010-12-07T13:06:00.002-07:00

Do you remember the movie Gremilns? I totally hated this show, but then again I was quite young when it came out. Anyways, I digress. I think my 5 year old is a Gremlin...There I said it! Remember in the move you had to follow the 3 rules or all heck would break loose. Rule 1 don't get it wet, rule 2 don't feed it after midnight and rule 3 don't expose it to direct light. So, I think I may have you scratching your head wondering how or why I should compare my child to a gremlin...well let me explain. We have come to find out that if you break one of the Princess' cardinal rules, she turns from a cute, adorable little ball of lovin' to... well a nasty gremlin! She will scream, yell, throw things, hit things, well you get the idea.

So...in the interest of those who might happen to watch my gremlin, here are her cardinal rules. Don't break them, or all heck will break loose!

Rule 1- Feed me! Don't let me get hungry! Feed me even if I say I am not hungry, its a lie, I am secretly wanting to let my inner gremlin out!

Rule 2- Don't get water anywhere near my eyes! If you do...watch out!

Rule 3- Don't tease me or laugh at me. This one really gets my goat, and I shall create terror if I feel that I am being made fun of.

Rule 4- Don't let me get tired and not allow me to take a nap. If this happens be aware that the full gremlin effect will come out.

Whew! there you go! Good luck to all who happen to come in contact with my gremlin! Don't let this happen to you!

What happened to the Mama?

2010-10-20T15:56:00.002-06:00

Well, that's a great question! Truth be told, I have been here, quietly lurking around. The reason why I haven't posted anything in quite a while, is quite frankly, I lost motivation. You see, my blog was a place where I could write if and when I felt like it, but suddenly I had people telling me what to write. I would frequently hear, "You should write about this..." or "That was funny you should blog about it...". I guess my teenage rebel side kicked out, and refused to do what I was told. So, I did what any moody self indulgent person would have done... I QUIT!

It took me quite some time to actually realize, that I loved having a place to put down my thoughts, feelings, and whatever I wanted. I came to the conclusion, that I needed to pull myself up out of my teenage pitty party and start again. So, here we go again. I hope that I still have some readers left, but if not, I can always find more. I hope that if you are one of my readers who has stuck with me during my absence, that you will keep on with me as I try a few new things!

The Christmas Spirit

2008-12-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Get the tissues ready guys, this one is a real tear jerk-er!! Princess and I went to the local store the other day, to pick up a few goodies for our afternoon. When we checked out, I gave Princess our change, as she really likes to play with the different coins. As we were walking out, Princess stopped me, and started yelling at me to wait. I thought that she wanted to use the change to buy something out of the vending machines, but I was wrong. Sitting inside the doors was a girl from the Salvation Army, ringing her bell.
Princess said she wanted to give that girl all her money. I asked her if she was sure, and she said yes. So I walked over with her, lifted her up so she could reach the pot, and she dropped all of her money in. When I asked her why she wanted to give the girl the money, she said, "Because mom, the other little kids need it more than I do." Then she turned to the girl ringing the bell, and said, "Merry Christmas".
I have never been so proud of my daughter. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all gave to someone just because they need it... Merry Christmas!

I have been brainwashed...

2008-11-21T16:07:00.003-07:00

I think I have been brainwashed by my Princess. I was at the gym the other day, doing my time on the treadmill, absentmindedly flipping through the channels on the TV (yes they do have tv's attached to them, which I think is the best invention ever). What it took me a few minutes to notice, was that I had stopped on the Disney channel and was watching, and yes singing along with the Wiggles. Once I noticed what happened, I quickly changed the channel, hoping no one noticed, and bumped up the speed hoping to make it look like I was just working too hard to change the channel.
I really hope that I have been brainwashed by 3 years of watching toddler TV, because it really scares me to think that I might actually like this crap...

Violence in the eyes of a toddler

2008-11-08T15:29:00.002-07:00

Princess was sitting eating her breakfast the other morning, when I informed her that she and I were going to go and get our flu shots after breakfast. At first I thought that she would throw a temper tantrum because she has had shots before and knows the drill quite well. I was shocked when she looked up at me and said,

"But mom, we don't shoot babies!!"

I just about fell over backwards laughing. She was so serious, and when I didn't answer her, she said again,"

"Mom, we don't shoot babies."

Apparently her views of shooting babies and mine differ slightly. I honestly don't know where she comes up with this stuff. I mean we don't have a rule in our house like, you can shoot a raccoon, you can shoot an intruder, you can shoot a stray cat...but you cannot shoot a baby. Unfortunately for her, her little try at reverse psychology failed, and she was taken to the Dr's office and shot (so to speak).

Keeping our mouths shut.

2008-10-29T21:44:00.002-06:00

Lately I have been kicking myself in the proverbial butt, for some of the things I have said to, or around, my princess. They are coming back to bite me in the patoot! Such as...

"No, really its ok..." (not annoying in an of itself, but when the princess is trying to do something to you...its awful annoying!!)
"or would you like a punch in the nose?" (now we are not violent people, but when faced with either carrots or a punch in the nose..which one would you choose?)
"Moron" (I think this one is funny...Daddy not so much)
"Knock it off"
"Leave me alone"
"I'm busy"
"Look at me when I am talking to you"

I think you get the idea. Princess is exhibiting her extreme smarts lately and is now throwing things back in our faces. I think we are being fooled by this whole pre-school thing, I think they are secretly teaching her reverse psychology. I mean, crap, how can you discipline a cute toddler who is saying, "No, Mom, really its ok.." Shoot me now!

Unwelcomed Guest

2008-10-21T21:24:00.004-06:00

I have been mulling over this post for the last few days. I wasn't sure if I was going to post it, but in the end I decided that I won't be able to build a bridge and get over it, unless I shared it with the vast masses of blog followers.
My tale begins last week, when my dear sweet sister in law decided to have 14 inches of her colon removed....well...ok... decided is not the best term to use. She needed to have it removed to spare her from a future of pain and misery. Anyways...I digress. She came home from the hospital on Sunday and took to resting comfortably at home. Long week short, she developed a pretty serious infection in her incision, and was feeling pretty crappy to boot. So my dear fam and I went to visit on Friday night, hoping to make her feel better. We stayed only for a short time and when we left she got sick again. I had a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomache and thought that she needed to go to the ER to be checked out.
We left their house with the instructions that we be called if she needed anything, as her hubby was going out hunting the next morning... Fast forward to 10 am next morning, Mindless Daddy receives a text from his niece saying that her mom was quite sick and needed to go to the ER, and asked that I come down. I called sweet neice and told her to give me 30 minutes and I would be on my way. I dropped everything I was doing (not literally because I was holding a hammer..another post...another time) and scooped up Princess and headed out.
I arrived at dear SIL's house she looked horrible, so I shuttled her off to the nearest ER. I stayed with her through the blood tests, iv fluids, and dr's exams. I called family members to notify them when she was being admitted, and took care of everything. Now, don't get me wrong I am not looking to be a martyr, just keep this in mind.
One of the phone calls was to MIL to tell her what was going on. She told me thanks and to let her know when SIL got to her room. I didn't think much of it, hey families run different. If it were my mum she would have beat everyone there and wouldn't leave until I made her. Once we got SIL settled into her room, I left to grab some lunch and check on things with Princess and Sweet Niece. While noshing down a delish cheese burger and fries, MIL calls me and said that she decided she ought to come and be with her daugher. Hey no biggie, she's family, I'm not technically (only by marriage). I asked her to save me a drive and pick up Princess and Sweet Niece on her way.
Scoot scoot scoot ahead about and hour and a half. MIL arrives with the 2 precious packages en tow. I took that time to leave SIL and let her and her daughter and mom chill. So princess and I made our way to the cafeteria and gift shop. When we got back, MIL informed me that I was no longer needed and I could leave....*screech* What the?! She said that I didn't need to bring SIL down and I should have called her... I kind of let her comments roll off, as I didn't want to start a fight or anything. But she kept telling me I could leave and that she would take care of her daughter.
I hung out for another 30 minutes until Mindless Daddy could arrive and check on SIL, then we made a hasty exit. With MIL yelling at me as I walked out the door, "Thanks for bringing her, you didn't need to though." Yeowch... Now I must admit I have never really felt like a part of the In law Family, but this takes the cake. I felt like an uninvited guest at a party. One that no one likes or really wants to be around. I have never felt so unwelcomed or unwanted in my life.

2008-10-15T14:24:00.008-06:00

Buying a Puppy that will be a large guard dog - $350

Dog food to feed to monster guard dog - $40 per month

Fence to contain said fierce monster guard dog - $3000

Finding out that your fierce monster guard dog is deathly

afraid of the vacume cleaner!! - Priceless

(*and very annoying*)

The burning question

2008-08-21T07:54:00.004-06:00

We have taken up going for walks as a family in the evenings that I am home. We usually walk (and I try to jog) around our local cemetery because it is a nice quiet place, and Princess can walk with us if she doesn't want to ride in the stroller. Anyways, I digress, as we were walking around last week, Mindless Daddy had it in his mind to try and find his uncles and grandparent's grave markers. This was the conversation that ensued...

"I want to find Grandpa & Grandma & Uncle D's head stones..." he said.
"OK," I replied.
"But I don't know their last names..." (mind you they are on his father's side of the family..see where this is going...)
"Ummm, could it be Peters?"
At this point the light bulb illuminated and he replied...
"Why am I so dense some days?"
To which I answered, "I ask myself that about you most days."

Teaching Manners

2008-08-07T09:16:00.003-06:00

I pride myself with having a fairly well behaved Princess. Mindless Daddy and I have strived to teach her the basics of being polite and having some social graces...Most days she shines at this but every so often she just simply amazes me! A few weeks ago, we went to the in-laws house for dinner with the entire family. Upon entering the house and instantly becoming the center of attention, Princess begins to introduce her entourage.

"Good Afternoon, I am Princess... (Laying her hand on her chest), this is my mommy," she says gesturing to me, "and this is my daddy" gesturing to her daddy.

Nice! She is progressing nicely in her Princess training! Polite introductions...Check!! Next item on the list...

Now if that didn't just blow my socks off, a few days later, we were perusing the merchandise in a local craft store. (deep down I think I may be related to Martha Stewart) As we were walking through the ribbon isle, we passed an elderly lady. At this time the lady sneezed. My Princess being ever so gracious, said, "Bless you." to the lady, who looked at her quite shocked and said "Thank you." to which Polite Princess replied, "You're Very Welcome, Do you need a tissue?" She said no thank you, and Princess and I said goodbye and moved on our way. As we walked away I noticed the lady staring at us in some type of awe. We just kept walking, but I could not hide the beaming smile on my face!! And all the kept running through my mind is, "Damn I'm GOOD!!"

Kids and Dogs...are pretty much the same....right?!

2008-07-26T08:33:00.002-06:00

As I have mentioned before, we have a monster dog at our house. Most days he has free reign of the downstairs of our house. Unless he is being naughty or we have company over at our house dose he get put into his kennel. Most days it just sits empty, annoying me for the space it takes up. Anyway, I came home from work yesterday and was informed by Super Grandma Babysitter, that Princess wanted to sleep in the kennel. GM said that she laid in the kennel with her pillow for about an hour, when GM finally made her get out and take a nap in a more suitable place. Fast forward to bedtime, when Princess was again playing in the kennel, and wanted to sleep in there for the night. I actually entertained a thought of letting her. I envisioned moving the kennel into her room, putting some padding on the floor, and letting her sleep in it for the night, so she would at least go to bed without a fight.
Mindless Daddy didn't share the same vision I did, and volunteered to put Princess to bed. I think he could tell the stress has finally gotten to me and I might be starting to crack.

New Phrases

2008-07-09T09:35:00.002-06:00

Here are a few of the new phrases (good and not so good) that Princess has picked up and is now using in her daily conversations with us...
"Oh my goodness!"
"Bedtime is for Babies!"
"Bath time is for babies! I want to take a shower."
"It's so tasty."
I mean crap, where does she come up with this stuff!

Sometime we just need to cry...

2008-06-28T12:39:00.001-06:00

So I broke ~~one~~ a few cardinal rules of parenting today. First off I waited too long to feed the Princess lunch, since I wanted to go pick up take out at my favorite burger joint. Secondly, I took a tired toddler in a car and wanted her to stay awake. Needless to say, drama ensued. As we were waiting for our order, Princess insisted in being let out of her car seat. I being the safety minded mama I am, refused, because…well it’s a pain to get her back into her car seat after she has been set free. Being the ever ready drama princess she is, princess launched into a full fledged toddler melt down, including screaming, crying, flailing her arms…well you get the picture. (you should know that the poor people at the drive in, noticed the melt down and thankfully got our order out a bit quicker than normal!) She continued to melt down all the way home and just when I thought the end was in sight, when we got home, I put her into her chair for lunch…and *gasp* forgot to turn off the ceiling fan… Princess launched into a fresh melt down complete with streams of tears running down her cheeks.

“Its ok princess,” I said, “There’s no need to cry about it, look, I will just shut the fan off.” She then looked at me with a tear stained face, and said in a sad little 3 year old voice,

“Mommy, I just need to cry.” It was then that I realized that just like her over emotional mom, she to just needs to cry it out sometimes.

Tired...So Tired

2008-06-21T09:02:00.002-06:00

So, I have been racking my brain this week to come up with something sharp, witty and funny to read...However it doesn't seem to be working. Between running my guts out at school (say hello to 3 miles per day), getting the crap beat out of me (literally) at school, working day shifts at dispatch and days off on the ambulance, my brain has officially shut down. Call it a writers block so to speak, I have ideas, but just can't push past the sheer exhaustion and mind numbing pain to turn them from ideas into words.
Also, as you may have noticed, the design of my blog has changed a bit. I have been working hard to re write my html code to make things looks spectacular. And let me tell you if I wasn't feeling a bit crazy before doing that....I think I fully qualify for the loony bin now.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T18:37:00.003-06:00

So this Father's Day, Mindless Daddy had Princess all to himself, since I got suckered into working a 12 hour overtime shift at work. Not all bad though, Princess loves spending Sunday morning's with Daddy. They were kind enough to stop by for a visit at work and bring me some lunch. While we were eating out lunch, I whispered to Princess, "Tell Daddy, Happy Father's Day." She then turned to Daddy, and said (with much gusto) "Happy Mother's Day!" Mindless Daddy's face crumbled, and he muttered, "I guess I spent too much time with her practicing for Mother's Day..." We tried all day to get her to say Happy Father's Day, and right up until bedtime, until I modified it and whispered, "Princess, tell daddy, Happy Daddy Day!!" to which to them screamed! "Happy Daddy Day, Daddy!"
So, we were at the Mindless household wish you a Happy Daddy Day!

Eavesdropping..part duex

2008-06-13T13:50:00.003-06:00

"Princess, what big girls do you want to wear today?"
"I don't want to wear big girls, I want a diaper."
"How about the pink stripped ones?"
"Ummm, No."
"How about the purple Ariel ones?"
"Ummm, No."
"How about the pink fairy princess ones?"
"Ummm, No."
"The pink ones?"
"Ummm, No."
"The cupcake ones?"
"Ummm, let me see em..... No"
"How about a Tigger and Pooh diaper?"
"Great idea Mommy! I love you!"

The Songs We Sing.

2008-06-08T06:46:00.003-06:00

Princess has become more involved in karaoke in the last few days which is quite funny concidering that she just turned 3. Anyway, she has picked quite the aray of songs to sing, all of which are now stuck running through my head over and over, so guess what?! I am going to share them with you, so they can be stuck in your head, running over and over.

Raising a Princess

2008-06-06T12:42:00.002-06:00

I came home yesterday to find mindless daddy alone in the kitchen. This is a very rare instance, as Princess usually doesn't play by herself. Concerned, I asked him where she was, his reply,
"She is upstairs in her bathroom, I think she is primping." Sure enough, when I checked on her, she was standing in front of the mirror, playing with her hair, trying to put in different hair bows and generally having a good time. I thought it was quite funny and joined in the process and let her play with my hair (newly cut by the way). Her daddy on the other hand... I think is not quite into the whole Princess thing, you should see him with hair bows in.

Where's Waldo...err Princess

2008-05-28T10:30:00.004-06:00

Here is a fun little game, a reminiscence of those Where's Waldo books from your childhood. Ok, so here is the object of the game: Attempt to find my Princess who is hiding somewhere in her room. The winner will get... ~~a million bucks~~, ~~a new car~~, ~~free lunch~~, the satisfaction of knowing you won! On your mark, get set, GO!!

Now, wasn't that fun?! Truth be told, the Princess wasn't really hiding, but was dead asleep.

If it hurts that means you're doing it right....right?!?

2008-05-22T08:01:00.003-06:00

So, as most of you know I am in the police academy. I am really enjoying my time there for the most part, and am learning all sorts of fun stuff. And then, they go and throw in stuff like PT (physical training) or DT (defensive tactics) and most recently PPCT (pressure point control tactics). So for the last week, we have been getting beat to just shy of a blood pulp every night, learning how to use different pressure points to defend ourselves. Good information to know, bad information to practice! I am sore in so many places, it actually hurts to type! So, forgive my lack of usual vigor, my brain is in the stuck in the Tylenol haze, I am covered in bruises literally from head to toe, and I made the mistake of trying to eat a taffy this morning (not good when your jaw is sore and you can't chew). So, I am going to take a few days off to let everything stop hurting. Meanwhile..I have to get this dang taffy out of my teeth...its driving me CRAZY!!

Embarrassment

2008-05-17T02:30:00.004-06:00

You know when you were a teenager and your parents liked to do things to embarrass the crap out of you?! I now know why they do that! It is because when you were a toddler, you probably embarrassed the crap out of them, and they are getting their payback. Case in point... Last night the whole family went out for a nice dinner, well nice might be an overstatement, we went to Applebee's. Princess usually fares well in this type of restaurant, you know the kind, loud, noisy, and has tv's on every wall. So I usually don't mind her sudden outbursts, usually being the operative word. We were sat in a section with a bunch of other families with young kids (ever notice that they lump all of us together...I think that might be another post in and of itself) when I decided that hubby needed to take Princess to the potty before her dinner arrived. So they made their way to the back of the restaurant to the bathroom.
I enjoyed a peaceful few minutes of toddler-free bliss, when I looked back to the restroom, and noticed hubby and Princess making their exit. The moment Princess saw me, she screamed at the top of her little toddler lungs, "MOMMY!! I WENT PEE PEE IN THE POTTY!!!!" At this point all eyes were on me, and I noticed that multiple tables were giggling, and I knew it was at us. As I slid down under the table to escape the embarrassment, I realized that, yes, I too will be one of those parents to gets their revenge by embarrassing their child when they are older...watch out Princess...

Gifts from a toddler...

2008-05-16T08:23:00.002-06:00

So Princess and I were driving in the car the other day, heading out on a shopping expedition. Now usually Princess is quiet during car rides, as she is usually involved in one of the many toys or books that are reserved specially for car rides., but today she was being quite chatty. While we are cruising down the freeway, she began to say, "I don't want it! I don't want it!" Now, usually when she says that, she is meaning a toy or a book that she has grown tired of, and no longer wants it in her general vicinity, so when she said that, I reached my hand back to the back seat to have her give me whatever it was she didn't want. She placed something in my hand, and said, "Thanks Mom!"
Now imagine my surprise, when I bring my hand back around, to discover the my caring princess has given me a booger that she just picked out of her nose!! EWWWWW!!! Now let me preface this by saying, I can deal with blood, guts and gore to my hearts content, hey, the more the merrier. But when it comes to boogers or vomit...COUNT ME OUT! So, here I am, cruising along at 75mph, and stuck with a booger in my hand trying not to freak out, and trying to find something to wipe it on. There are only 2 things I can say about this...#1 at least she didn't eat it. #2 and at least she said thanks!

Shock & Horror!

2008-05-08T09:24:00.006-06:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you question every bit of confidence you have in being able to control your kids? I unfortunately had on of those a few days ago. While getting Princess ready to head out to run some errands, she was standing on the table (which is her safe zone from Furball) getting her shoes and coat on, when she said, "Mommy Look!" When I turned around, imagine my shock and horror when I saw this! **Disclaimer this is not for the weak of heart, weak of stomach or those easily offended.**

Yep that's right, she was flipping my the good ole' bird. I stood there for what seemed like an eternity, then the humor of the situation took over. And of course I grabbed my camera, hey I have to have pictures to embarrass her in the future. I still find the whole situation humorous, however, now I am wondering where she learned that from! I know that she probably didn't know what she was doing, but my brain is still reeling trying to figure out if I have ever done that in her presence, or if I can somehow blame hubby for this one... I am pretty sure this was not covered in "What to expect during the Toddler Years."

Don't I feel sheepish!

2008-05-05T07:02:00.003-06:00

So, I was a Baaad (get it) mom/wife the other day. I was at work and hubby was fully in charge of Princess and Furball. Now most days when I call from work to check up on things, my call is answered on the first try. However this time, it took at least 4 phone calls to each of the home phone and hubby's cell phone. I was getting mildly annoyed, to put it lightly. After about 45 minutes of trying, I was down right fearful. I had thoughts running through my head that Princess and Furball had finally overpowered hubby, and he was laying on the floor hog tied with those pesky colored shoe laces that are laying all over the house, with a dog chew toy shoved in his mouth, with all 90lbs of Furball sitting a top him, while Princess had free reign of all the fruit snacks, cookies, milk and Dora the Explorer.
So, needless to say, when he finally answered the gosh dang phone, I was quite annoyed! I barked at him, what have you guys been doing?! I have been calling for over an hour! At this time, calm zen like hubby said, "Princess and I were cuddling on the couch watching tv, and she didn't want me to move. I told her it was mommy calling and she didn't want me to answer the phone. She is not like this very often any more, so I chose to snuggle and hug her instead of moving to answer the phone."
To quote the Genie from Aladdin, "Boy don't I feel sheepish...."

Warning Signs

2008-05-05T06:24:00.002-06:00

So, I was in the bathroom the other day doing...well you should know what you do in there, I won't elaborate. Anyway, I digress. I had locked the door to keep Princess and Furball out and to give myself a bit of privacy. As I was sitting there, I noticed little fingers under the door. The following conversation ensued...
"Mommy, you in there?'
"Yes"
"Whatcha doin'?"
"Going Potty, I'll be out in a minute."
"Mommy?"
"Yes"
"Do you need help?"
"Umm I think I am ok."
"You sure"
"Yep Princess I got it covered."
"Ok.....Mommy?"
"Yes Princess?"
"Here!"
At this point, she decided to start shoving various items under the door that she though I would need. (it should be noted at this point I am done with my business and am just sitting there waiting to see what is going to unfold) The following items I can now say for sure can fit under our bathroom door:
1. a rubber ducky
2. a binkey
3. 3 shoe laces
4. a sock
5. 7 hair bows (I don't know where she found these at)
6. 2 story books
7. 3 little people
8. her blankie (she didn't manage to get it all the way under the door, but pretty close)
9. Jimmy Hoffa
Don't I have the most thoughtful toddler! As I sat there, it hit me, "No one ever warned me about this!" As we enter more fully into the dark realm of toddler hood, I really wish someone would have chosen to enlighten me, but then again, would I help out another parent. Heck NO!! Let them be as surprised as I have been! Maybe I need to start looking for the less obvious signs of things to come... 'Nuff said!

The Secret to Weight Loss

2008-05-03T08:01:00.003-06:00

I've done it!! I have finally discovered the secret to loosing weight! Just use toddler sized eating utensils! How I found this out...well yea! of course there is a story behind it! Princess and I were just sitting down to enjoy a healthy dinner of Mac & Cheese, when all of the sudden, Princess got it into her head that she wanted to trade my plate for hers and my fork for hers. Being the open minded parent I am, I agreed. Little did I know, Princess was inwardly laughing at me! While she chowed down on her dinner, I struggled with getting even a meager bite on the stupid toddler sized fork! Needless to say, she finished her entire plate before I even made a dent in mine! Now I know why she eats with her fingers most of the time!
So, I introduce to you the newest weight loss product! The Toddler Fork, YES! That's right the Toddler Fork. Guaranteed to help you loose weight! Call now, supplied are limited!

Exciting News! (well at least for me!)

2008-04-30T08:34:00.002-06:00

Wow, I just logged onto my blog and got some exciting news! *drum roll please* People are actually reading this!! Yippee! I had over 38 hits yesterday. It is a new feeling to know that people are actually reading what I put out there. Whoo-hoo! Now, if I can only get comments from all those people. Anyways, thanks to all of those who join me for my daily ramblings!
A few other exciting notes! As I mentioned before we have a niece that just graduated from college, I just wanted to say congrats! Yea Britney! We are so proud of you! Also wanting to wish Kris & Ruth happy birthday's this week! It's hard to believe you are both only 21 years old *wink*! You look fabulous!
Not much else exciting is going on around here. Princess is still the princess and we love her for that. Dear Hubby is working hard as always, and is stressing about his lawn already. I think he is vying for yard of the month! Hope everyone is having a great day, I am off to bask in the glow of my 38 readers!

Eavesdropping

2008-04-29T12:40:00.002-06:00

Here is one of the latest conversations that occurred between Princess and myself.
"Hi Mommy, I Diego!"
"Hi Diego, I'm Mommy"
"Hi I Mommy!"
"Hi mommy, I'm Diego!"
"NOOOO Mommy, you can't be Diego, he's a boy!!!"

Oh, how our lives have changed!

2008-04-28T02:39:00.003-06:00

A few nights ago as Princess was preparing for her nightly bath, she got it in her little head that instead of taking a bath, a full, house wide streaking session was in order. As she was running through the house, fully in the buff, she was screaming, "I'm going to the beach!" Going to the beach?! Where in the crap does she come up with this stuff! I mean, we are pretty laid back parents but I can guarantee that hubby and I don't let her watch the nude beach channel on the satellite. So, as I was chasing her around the house, trying my best to keep a straight face, I began to reflect on how our lives have changed since Princess has learned 2 vital things...walking and talking.
When she was an infant, I never imagined that I would walk around work singing *clears throat* "3 Lights shine bright, all day, all night." (a favorite little people song that the princess loves) I never imagined that I would have to try and rationalize with her that she shouldn't put her hands in her diaper to see what is there! I never thought that I could be so embarrassed, when upon seeing a homeless guy begging in front of the store, when she screamed, "Mama!! Look its Santa" mind you it was in April not December. Never had I imagined knowing that when she is screaming, "A Clue, a clue!!!" at her father, that this means that she does not want to wear the pink pajamas, but rather the ones with paw prints on them. (just like Blue's Clues)
*Sigh* Oh, how our lives have changed. Would I go back..Naaaa, because really the true fun of parenting is not knowing what is going to pop out of that little mouth at any given time. Now, if you'll excuse me I have a naked toddler to catch...

The Wonders of Toddlerhood

2008-04-27T08:15:00.004-06:00

As I have mentioned before, we here at the mindless household have a little 2 1/2 year old princess. (or toddler monster depending on the day) Most days in our house are pretty routine, but then she throws out her little toddler euphonium's, and throws our world for a loop. Yesterday while we were eating a nice dinner of hot dogs (a toddler staple in our house) she dropped a piece of her hot dog, which was immediately consumed by the under the table lurking ball of fur we affectionately call Tucker the dog. Now usually when this happens, it is a complete and utter toddler melt down, but yesterday she remained calm. She started pointing at something on the counter and was saying, "No, No, Drop it!" I must admit, I was quite perplexed. Now mind you, I am the toddler interpreter in our house and can usually tell what she wants and what she is trying to say, but I was at a loss. After about 10 minutes I finally figured it out, she wanted to have the remote for the dog's shock collar that he usually wears. Apparently she has seen us get the remote and point it at the dog and tell him to "Drop it!" when he has something that we want back.
So my little princess wanted to shock the heck out of the dog in order to get the little piece of hot dog back. I actually though about letting her... for a nano second..I wonder if he would actually start minding if her knew his fate of being shocked was in the hands of a very button pushing happy toddler... We might have to try that...

Feeling my age?!

2008-04-26T06:40:00.005-06:00

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel about 40 years older than you really are? Well, I had one of those yesterday. My niece was graduating from college, and we here at the Mindless household decided to make the 2 hour journey to celebrate with the family. Now, usually a 2 hour trip is nothing, but I neglected to mention that we had to leave at 4:30 in the morning! Have you ever tried to get a whole tired, grumpy family up and going that early. No, well.....DON'T. It didn't go very well, we fought, argued, grumbled and much more for the entire 2 hour trip. Although, once we got there I was amazed at how well behaved little toddler monster was. She actually sat through the entire ceremony without saying much of anything, which I think was due to sleep deprivation.
So after the ceremony, pictures, lunch and some shopping we arrived back home. More tired, more grumpy and really feeling a whole lot older than my 28 years. Its a good thing no one called or stopped by our house last night, because at 8:30 we were all sound asleep in our beds!

Life with a Toddler

2008-03-30T06:58:00.003-06:00

So, as I have mentioned before I live with a fun little 2 1/2 year old daughter. Needless to say, we are in the midst of potty training right now. She is doing remarkably well, I think, but then again what do I know, she's our only child. Anyways, I am straying from my point. We have found that praise and excitement work extremely well for her, so when she goes potty, we get all excited and hoop and holler. So yesterday, she followed dear hubby into the bathroom and refused to leave. The next thing I know I am hearing her yell, "Yea! Daddy went Pee Pee in the Potty!!" She comes out of the bathroom yelling and jumping up and down quite excited. I have never laughed so hard in my life.

2008-03-22T07:37:00.001-06:00

Not feeling too great today, so here is a little picture! Happy Easter!

Spring Fever

2008-03-21T13:03:00.004-06:00

Spring fever has officially hit my house! My tulips are starting the grow, the grass is starting to turn green again, and my toddler has a major case of spring fever. I don't know what has happened to her over the last week, but I think she has turned into a bonafied monster. Like today, we made a trip to the local grocery store. The kind little greeter lady gave us an ad for their Easter Sale. I didn't think much of it, and tossed it into the cart. My lovely toddler ignored it until I was strapping her into her car seat to go home. At which point she insisted that I needed to get the paper with the bunny. Unfortunately for me, I had thrown it away when we passed the trash. That is when the toddler monster reared her ugly head. For the 10 minute car ride home, and for the next 45 minutes, it was an all out temper tantrum, complete with flailing arms, kicking feet and screaming so hard it sounds like she might make herself vomit. Good thing for me I had my video camera ready, now when dear hubby asks, "How was your day?" I have video proof of the monster that I had to deal with. To make matters worse, I had to run last night at POST! I did alright for the first mile, then those ugly, nasty shin splints reared their ugly head. Well...at least I tried...right....

I did it!

2008-03-19T06:09:00.003-06:00

Alright! I did it. I actually made my way to the good ol gym yesterday. Boy was I glad when I walked in and saw that there was only 1 other person in the place besides me. Now all the pressure was off. tee hee. I surprised myself by actually working through a 15 minute program that alternates running and walking. Boy oh boy, though, those 15 minutes seemed like an eternity. So, again, I have my gym bag packed for a return flight on the running express... We'll see how well it goes today.

Round is a body shape...Right?!

2008-03-18T06:25:00.003-06:00

As I mentioned the other day, I am currently in the Police Academy. I am not sure exactly why I am doing this, but hey when I started I figured it couldn't be too hard...right?! WRONG!! I am getting my butt handed to me on a nice little silver platter. I can do the mental stuff, but ahhh crap! Running! I didn't think Police officers ran anymore, I mean, isn't that why they give you nice little toys like, I don't know... TAZERS, GUNS, & POLICE CARS!!! Well apparently the powers that be, still think you need to run you patootee off. I unfortunately am not any type of runner. Let me tell you that I am not a big girl, but unless round is now classified as a body shape, I am out of shape. So, here I am 3 months into training, and I have been struggling with my run. I mean, quite frankly, I hate it. I don't want to do it in my free time, and, oh yea, no one ever told me about shin splints. I got myself a nice case of those a few weeks ago. It felt like someone took a hacksaw to my shins and started sawing. So, last night, as our director advised us that we have a physical training test in 2 weeks, my stomach took a nose dive into the toe of my nicely polished boots. I mean, crap, now what am I going to do? Looks like the treadmill at the gym is my afternoon date today.

Greetings and Welcome!

2008-03-17T06:35:00.003-06:00

Hi to everyone out there! Wow! what a new experience this is going to be. I like to think of myself as a pretty up to date person, but in actual reality, I think I am stuck in the mid 90's. Let me tell you a bit about me! I live in Beautiful Utah (yes, I know most of you don't think of Utah as beautiful, but trust me, it has its good points.) I work full time as an Emergency Dispatcher, part time as an EMT on the local ambulance service. I go to school at nights to become a Police officer. I have a beautiful 2 1/2 year old daughter, a great hubby and a very rambunctious dog. (promise you will hear more about all of them as time progresses) I guess my point in starting this blog was to relay my daily ramblings and thoughts, and hopefully relate to a few o you out there.
So...Let's raise our glasses, and toast to a new beginning!