Happy New Year ! (An ending fit for a queen)

Too bad I'm not that queen. I looked back and saw that my last post was in October, the day after my son's first b-day. It's been one roller coaster ride after another and doesn't look as though it's going to stop anytime soon. <> Either hop on or let it roll over you.

The kids have been on vacay for the last 3--count 'em--3 weeks! I didn't get a break like that until I was in college and then you needed it. What does a 7 and 2 year-old need with a 3 week break? The Cookie Mill has been doing well and we've even picked up business. I've added one or two new items to the menu and things are looking up. So yup, I plan to continue with the baking business in the new year.

Then there's the writing. After the summer, I picked it back up, started a few new projects, put them down, did some freelance that I actually got paid for and now with the year ending, I'm working on my historical fiction to get it ready for submission to agents--IF I go that route again. The last time was nothing less of a disaster however, I have learned A LOT from it and don't plan to revisit those mistakes again. (Do we ever?)

So for 2010, here it is. I'm going to continue (no trying here, it's do or nothing) exercising seeing as I've lost weight--finally! I will continue pursuing paying freelance gigs and may already have some things in the works early in the year. And as for my novels, I WILL continue to get those together.

Happy New Year and see you in the '10!!

On a side note, why is it everytime I look at the number '2010' I picture The Jetsons or Space Odyssey or something like that? Shouldn't we be walking/flying around in silver space suits?

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

I finally said the "B" word

Yup. It's come to that. I finally told my husband it's time to get on a budget. Instead of looking at me like I had a third eye, he agreed.

My husband actually agreed to a budget. Wow!

I honestly thought he would rather abstain from sex for a year rather than go on a budget. Now that makes me wonder if A. Our sex is that bad or B. He's tired of living paycheck to paycheck too. (I'll take B. for $200, Alex.)

I was always afraid to go on a budget but not for the reasons you may think. No, I don't spend friviously on shoes or clothes or even nails. I didn't want to do a budget because that would force me to actually see what we spend as opposed to what is coming in. For the first week I would have to say I was in shock. The second week isn't as bad. So far we have saved for everything (including bills) we need WITHOUT hitting the ATM and that, my friends, is an incredible feat within itself. We were even able to spend less for foodand celebrate my youngest's first birthday without breaking the bank.

That said, I wish we would have done this sooner. Now the real challenge is can we keep it up for the long haul?

I'll keep ya posted.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Back on track

The past few weeks have been a struggle, to say the least. But the great news is that I'm back on track--with writing, with the cookie business and most importantly, with the family.

For some reason everything started falling apart the past few weeks, hence why I haven't blogged in awhile. It seemed like everything was crashing down and the kids even started acting up. It's like they're on a timer. As soon as things get rough, they become that proverbial icing on the cake. Hubby and I were fighting like cats and dogs (I know, a writer should be able to come up with a better cliche <>) but I have a baby who is about to wake up in 0.4 seconds. No time to think.

Anyway, things seems to be settling. I've even gotten 4 chapters in my new WIP, plus, I've started working out with weights again---something that I seriously needed for physcial as well as mental health.

Gotta head out. (Sorry for the errors. No proofreading time either.) I kid you not, the baby is crying. Welcome to the life of a wimpy mom.

Found my long lost love again...

Writing.

For the past few months I have created The Cookie Mill, which is a company that delivers baked goods---on a small scale, of course. This has been and still is great. It's been difficult at times with the kids and all but great for pulling in some needed extra cash. I would still like to take this to a higher level but that'll come in time, I believe.


Here's the thing, before I started that, writing was my passion. With the market as it is I had decided to take a break but have never really stopped thinking about writing. If you are a writer, ideas float in your head while watching television, taking a shower or even changing your kid's diaper. And for me, that has been happening a lot lately.


That said, I've decided to do both. I am still heavily involved in dealing cookies but now plan to incorporate a bit a writing into the program. So in essence, I'm back.


In the meantime, I have just created an oatmeal brownie I want to try out on our menu. Does it look good or look like something my 10 mo old threw up?


I suppose the fact that my 2 yr old is hanging on my leg yelling, "yummy!" means something:)

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Trudging on

So it's been awhile since I last blogged--and there's a good reason for that. I was busy. That's it. No other reason except that I've been busy trying to do the cookie thing AND run a household with 2 small kids and a 7 year old, who just had a birthday, btw.



With starting a new business, I've gotten away from what this blog was originally about and that is my family so I want to talk about that right quick. Here's the run down.



1. I have been going stir crazy with a teething 9 mo old who doesn't respond to mothers pulling out their hair and yelling SHUT UP! at the top of their lungs. If only.....


2. I've recently introduced my 2 yr old's behind (palm of hand, side of leg, side of arm, whichever body part I can smack with a squirming toddler in my arms...) with a sturdy, wooden ruler.


3. I've figured out that 7 year olds will do anything for a buck and that includes keep an eye on 2 kids while mommy gets some Facebook time in.


4. I've also figured out that as you get older, having kids wears you down like an eraser on a bad term paper. (Yes, I know folks. Forget the fact the fact PC's are used. You get the idea.)





That said, I've found a way to create a decent chocolate chip brownie. Wanna see a pic? Too bad. Here it is anyway.

So far, great feedback.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

OMG! Am I crazy?

This few weeks has been ridiculous--so ridiculous I can't even sum it up in words but I'll try.

The cookie business is slow but steady and at this point, I like that. With 3 kids (2 of them being a toddler and an infant) I find myself going stir crazy at least 3 times a day. The funny thing is, I run a business out of my home so when the phone rings and the kids are acting up--of course you know that's ALL the time--I have to take the phone into another room, shut and lock the door and answer in my professional tone, "Thank you for calling The Cookie Mill. How can I help you?"

In the meantime, I just hope my 6yr (soon to be 7 this month) and my 2 year old aren't beating the living crap outta each other while my 9 mo old is playing with electric outlets that I would swear I plugged up. (There's always that one in the corner!)

Anyway, the madness seems to be paying off. Last week I got a feature article in The Tribune, which is a daily local newspapers here. I hadn't expected a FULL page but there it was and I couldn't have been prouder.

So for now, I suppose I'll keep this up. Regardless of the chaos, it feels nice to have my own money up in here:)

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Finally, some good news!

Writing for me has been all but pushed to the side for a minute--although, today I received a rejection on a query I had sent back in early March. (Are you kidding me?) But The Cookie Mill has been plenty busy. Last week I had record orders and before you get too excited, I need to clarify I've only been open for business for 3 weeks. The ad placed in the local newspaper definitely helped.

Then last week I get an e-mail from an editor from a local taste section in The Tribune, a local newspaper, saying they were impressed with my site and asked for an interview. Needless to say, things may be picking up. Then this week, things died down again but that's the usual case for people coming off of the weekend. Tomorrow will hopefully be better. If not, then last week was a fluke that I very much enjoyed. (At least until the sugar cookie incident.)

Here are just a few treats I did from last week and even had repeat customers. Yippeee!!!!!!

Mini cheesecakes w/a creamy chocolate drizzle

Double stuffed chocolate brownies

The "Do not touch" sign was for hubby

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Can hectic ever be a good thing?

For me, the answer is absolutely. This past week my business officially opened with an ad in a local newspaper. We received several calls asking price and quite a few orders, some of which I screwed up and had to do over. (Don't ask).

I thought this would be a fun thing to do with my kids but thus far the only thing I'm doing with them is chasing them and their toys out of the kitchen. (Question, why do they always leave their sharpest toys on the floor when you're walking around barefoot?)

Yesterday I delivered my biggest order ever (4 dz mini-cheesecakes). It was for a shower so I hope this generates more sales. All in all, I gotta say I LOVE doing this. I love piling into the car with my family to make a delivery. I love the way Savannah tells me she wants to wear The Cookie Mill T-shirt when I make my deliveries. I love it when she asks if we have any orders. (I hate telling her "no".)



So this week I introduced another cookie--The Peanut Butter Delight. Haven't sold any yet but I'm offering them as an add on to orders of over $15 or more. I'll let you know how it goes.

Peanut Butter Delight

Gotta go. I've been more than 10 minutes in another room and the kids are suspiciously quiet.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Explaining death to a child

Wow! This has not come up before and unfortunately, there is no template that explains exactly what you should say when your six year old asks, "what does dead mean?"


As we all know--or at least anyone with ears--Michael Jackson died on June 25th 2009. As our entire family is enjoying his videos that are being played all day on several music stations, in mid-dance my daughter reads the scrolls at the bottom of the screen and asks, "what do they mean when it says Michael Jackson is dead?"


All dancing stops.


Honestly, I'm not one to sugar coat things like telling her that the stork brings babies. HOWEVER, I do let her know how things SHOULD BE but not necessarily done. For instance, telling her that a man and a woman copulate and then the woman becomes impregnanted, carrying the baby for 9 mos until that excruciating moment when the baby is ready to burst through her privates just doesn't sound very appealing.


Instead I tell her, "a man and woman meet, date for awhile and then the man proposes (or the woman) and they get married. Then comes the babies.


That's it. Period! I'm sure she'll ask more later but for now, that'll do.


So when it comes to death, I tell her exactly what I believe. Although we on earth will miss them, the person going to heaven is excited to meet The Lord and that they will never again have anymore pain on this earth and that one day we'll join them and have that same joy they are now experiencing. In fact, Michael Jackson is with grandma, having a wonderful time.


It's worked only because I say it with such conviction because I truly believe that's our ultimate goal while on this earth.


RIP Michael Jackson. Time to introduce a new generation to a very talented man.

Signed,


Wimpy Mom

The Cookie Mill is now open for business!!

Yes, folks. I have been busy working on my website, which coincidentally is http://www.thecookiemill.com/ . I have also been trying new delicious desserts that I feel confident enough to offer to the masses...for a price.



This week has been crazy hectic but it's done. I have gotten a few orders and just delivered one today. Another one will be delivered Saturday and the one from today may have another order for me tomorrow for Saturday. (Didja get all of that?)



Although I still love writing, the best part about this is that I can bake while still being with my family instead of locked away in a room, staring at a computer screen while trying to get my writing mojo back. (And it's been gone for quite some time now.) Rather than getting frustrated because my plot is scattered all over the place, I now only have to deal with greedy little kiddies trying to stick their greedy little fingers into the mixing bowl---and I love it!



The best thing about this new venture is that when the family came with me to deliver the order, I saw the pride in my daughter's eyes. She now walks around taking pretend orders and I can't help but beam when she asks if I would like 1 dozen or 2?



Here's my first delivery and boy am I proud of it................

2 dozen traditional chocolate chip cookies along with 2 dozen choc. chip white brownies with a gooey milk chocolate drizzle.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Holy cow I'm tired

It's been one of those weeks, folks. My 7 month old, who HAD been sleeping through the night, decides to start teething. You know what that means....

bye, bye sleep.

I wake up every morning feeling as though I had just gone to bed an hour before. BUT even with the fatigue, I have...

A. Been working out

B. Getting together last minute things for the cookies

C. Booked a place for pops' birthday party next year

And here's the big one......

I HAVE OFFICIALLY ORDERED THE WEBPAGE FOR (wait for it....)

THECOOKIEMILL.COM.

Yup, just did it today and here are some of the featured goodies.

Hope you like.

Signed,

Wimpymom

The quiet before the storm

Or at least the somewhat quiet. This past week has been hectic with the kids going into overdrive with the whining and the never-ending laundry that just keeps reappearing out of nowhere.

Those things I'm used to.

But couple that with trying to get a website up, researching marketing, planning a birthday party for my dad and trying last minute recipes for the officially cookie business, which is supposed to happen sometime this month and you have a recipe for disaster.

(Get it, recipe? Maybe that's why I gave writing a break.)

So, that said, I took some time and hung out with kids. Yesterday my daughter and I had Girl's Day Out and saw a movie and had lunch. By the time we got home, dude was furiously rubbing his temples, ignoring a crying baby, a hungry toddler and an Elmo tape shouting in the background.

I suppose I should feel sorry for him but I deal with that mess everyday. It's his turn. Hmmph! (He's a great sport, though.)

Cards should be in on Friday, website should be up soon and I should be in business within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, I'm gonna enjoy the kids as much as possible.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Having fun in the pool

Finally.......

There is this half peanut on our spare bedroom floor. It's been there looking at me for the past 2 weeks and everytime I happen upon it I have laundry, baby, something in my hands to give me the excuse, "Can't pick it up now, I'll get it later."

For some reason, later never comes and it still sits there in the middle of the floor. Each and every time I step over it with some excuse as to why I "can't" pick it up.



This morning after dropping off my daughter at school, with fussing, agitated children in tow, my husband and I finally went supply shopping for some of the items I need for my business venture. This has been days in the making because everytime I planned to go it was either raining, I was tired from the night before, etc.... You name it, I had an excuse for it.

Bags and receipts

Today was the day I picked up that dang peanut on the floor, symbolically speaking. I purchased those items that would get me a little closer to my dream. And when I got home--even with laundry in my hands--I bent down and picked up that half peanut just like I said I would...finally.

If it was only that easy to lose weight....<>



Signed,



Wimpy Mom

Sleep schmeep. Who needs it?

Whoever it was that said a person needs 8-9 hours of sleep at night definitely wasn't a mom of a baby, a toddler and a 6-year-old.

Here's what last night looked like:

Bed at eleven. baby wakes up at midnight. pretend I'm asleep so hubby will have to get up. (I'll pay for that later.)get another hour of sleep. get up at 1:30am and ask hubby,
"did the baby wake up?"

he grumbles "yes."

I tell him "sorry, I didn't hear him. I'll handle him next time he wakes up." (Secretly smiling to myself)

We all go to bed. 20 minutes later, two-year-old wakes up coughing from a cold he has had for the past few days. wakes baby up who starts crying. i get up (see above promise). finally put baby back to sleep at two-ish or so. can't sleep. lay in bed thinking about my cookie business. finally go to sleep at three-ish or so. begins thundering and lightening. wakes baby but luckily he goes right back to sleep.

i don't.

Fall asleep again 30 minutes later only to wake up and realize there's no hot water in the bottle for the baby in the morning if the electricity goes out. get up at 4:00 am and boil water in the storm, hoping the lights don't go out before I finish. water done but there's something floating around in it. pour water out and start all over and decide to sterlize bottles this too. finish at 4:30 am. go back to bed. wake up at 6:00am and wait for the baby so I can begin my day.

So did the electricty go off, you ask?

Does it matter?

Good night/morning. I'm going back to bed.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

One day at a time

That's my new mantra. Simple but oh so true. Dude was off yesterday so we spent the day with the kids. What started off as touchy turned into fussy then irritating but I am happy to announce ended with peace.

Then the games began. At four this morning, Brandon woke up. Eventually, he went back to sleep but woke me up in the meantime. Twenty minutes later, Dylan wakes up and he wasn't as easy. The next hour was spent watching infomercials as I tried fruitlessly to rock him back to sleep. Eventually HE fell back to sleep as did I an hour or so later.

I woke up this morning, preparing to be the step-sister of the wicked witch of the East (or was that West?) Anyway, as angry/tired as I thought I would be the exact opposite happened and all because my wonderful husband took the reins. The one thing I truly admire about my husband is that when he's sees I'm at my ropes end, he steps in. (I guess this means more than a bottle of cheap cologne for Father's Day, huh?)

Tag team system at work

So far, a good day, which is why I'm blogging now. Later may not be so pretty. I guess I should say one MINUTE at a time.

****Excuse the errors. Dylan waking up. Didn't have time to proof. But you get the point.****

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

A dream no longer deferred

This wonderful-magnificent-beautiful-makes me wanna cry tears of joy-picture right here:

Allowed mommy to finally do this picture here:

It's hard to read but yes, folks, I did it. I officially ordered business cards that will be here within the next few weeks. Between dishes, cleaning bottles, scrubbing crayon, paint and who knows what else off the walls, I finally sat down and ordered business cards for my cookie business. I know it's just a small start but it's a start nonetheless.

I wish everyone could see how absolutely excited I am for this!!

Okay, now back to the laundry.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

I'm still standing

and this week has been completely, for lack of a more suitable word, CHAOTIC. My dad is visiting this week and I'm jumping around like a flea trying to quietly prove to him that I have everything under control and that no, my kids are not unruly little brats you see in grocery stores knocking down everything within their sticky little grasps.

But here's the thing.....I don't and yeah, my kid was the one knocking down the baby food...the JAR baby food, which in turn means I get to go to a clerk--red-faced and all--and tell them that they have clean up in aisle seven. Yup, that was me this morning. PLUS, when we get home, my 2 year old somehow removes his diaper and pees all over the tiled floor.

My husband, while mopping, looks at my dad and says, "I bet you remember days like this." I had to laugh just not at that point.

The kicker is that it's only early afternoon. We (I should say I cuz hubby goes to work this afternoon) have the rest of the afternoon running after the kids, cleaning up pee and Lord knows what else while avoiding the amused look on their grandpa's face.

With all that said, I have to admit that I wouldn't change it for the world. Instead old of my two year old doing #1, it could've been #2...on the carpet. Am I right? And quite frankly breaking that jar in the grocery store made the clerks earn their money like everyone else because when I went up to confess, they were sure enough standing around and gossiping. So nope, wouldn't change it for the world.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Angels? I mean Angels!

More.Mother's.Day. Puhleeeese!

Okay, so I'm coming down from my Mother's Day high. We had my youngest son Christened--and he didn't even fuss--and my husband bought me exactly what I wanted...the expensive stainless steel mixer I needed/desperately wanted for my business venture.

Nice, huh? BUT the gift of all gifts was when dude took the kids (ALL of them) to the beach for a couple of hours. The house was empty. Not empty as in 2 kids are gone and one is asleep in the back bedroom. I mean the house was COMPLETELY empty. I think I just sat in silence and sighed for the full two hours.

I love my family but dear Lord, sometimes an empty house is a cherished house. Check out the individual mini-cheesecakes below:

Would someone please tell me when our job description changed to Superwoman?

...benefits, overtime and even lunch breaks NOT included.

Sheesh! I hate to sound like a whiner but let's face it, there is not enough money on this planet to pay stay-at-home moms. And if you give me the BS about raising a beautiful child is the reward itself, I'll take one of the many dirty diapers stuffed in the cushions of my couch and beat you with it.

I've worked outside the home and I know that on occasion you can take a long lunch, cut out early or even when the boss is out sick, relax most of that day. Well, when your boss is a screaming baby who is never OUT sick (notice I said OUT sick because when your little boss gets sick, that's when your non-paying overtime kicks in.) there are no breaks.

So sometimes I wonder why it is that I am attempting to take on more of a workload with my cookie company venture and the answer is quite simple. Honestly, I am looking forward to doing something with my daughter and even when they get older, my sons can partake in the business.

In hindsight, as much as I complain the more I understand how passionate I am about motherhood. That said, I KNOW there had better be a small square aqua colored box with Tiffany's printed on the top for me on Mother's Day. (Yeah, I said it!)

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

We finally had the sex talk

Last night my husband complained that I'm more like a mother than a wife. My response was, "Ya think?"

The pressures of having 3 kids--especially with two boys under the age of 3--is extremely difficult. I almost feel like anyone with kids should get their own reality show whether or not you have thirty-two arms and legs running around. (That would be 8 kids, right?) Even as I type this, the baby is fussing but I am bound and determined to get this in.

When my husband complained last night, my first thought was that I agreed with him. My second, Would this be a bad time to start my cookie business? The truth is, I'm not a spring chicken anymore and I have been a wife and mother for nearly 10 years. While there's nothing wrong with that I want to earn my own money and be able to show Savannah, my 6 yr old daughter that there is such a thing as a SUCCESSFUL working mommy.

Savannah at the Community Service march for her school

Next blog I want to demonstrate that yup, I believe I'd be even more content as a working mom. (Look up the debates on that one;)

Signed,









Wimpy Mom

I'm not crazy....really.

So the past few days have been plenty hectic. Dylan, the youngest at almost 6 mos, fusses everytime I set him down--which makes for going to the potty very interesting. Brandon has hit that irritating faze where every answer is a whiny no that shrills in your ears for hours on end and Savannah...dear Savannah. My eldest is an incredible help around the house but at 6 she still needs that attention that I just don't have to give.

What would make this situation any more chaotic? How about deciding to start your own business? Am I crazy? Maybe.

For the last few days I have been getting together ideas for my own cookie/brownie catering type thing. Between the fussing and scraped knees I've managed to design business cards (don't have them ordered yet b/c I'm still unsure of the exact products), price a few items that MAY be offered and do some research on recipes.

The fact that after a full hectic day of kids and I'm still excited about this possible venture may be a good sign. Hmmmmm.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Feminine Products do not work on a child

Found that out today when we ran out of diapers. I have 3 kids and never in my life have I run out of diapers. I was never one of THOSE mothers. Me? I was determined to be at least one step ahead of everything.

Then it happened.

Bathed the baby and lo and behold, not a single diaper anywhere. Not stuffed in the couch by Brandon, not fastened to one of Savannah's dolls, nothing. So I do what any mother does in this situation---she becomes creative. I found an old pair of his bloomie shorts and stuck a pantyline in the crouch for a little added protection. If he went number two, I was screwed.

That got me to the store but unfortunately, he went and it got all over the place. So just a world of caution people, feminine products do not work on a child. So now I know. <>

Signed,

The Wimpy Mom

Want to lose unwanted baby weight?

........have kids.

A friend asked me that exact question the other day and with that response she kinda looked at me and nodded. Two days later she called said, "Ohhhh, I get it!" Well, I guess standup isn't in my immediate future.

The thing about that is, I'm serious. I can feed my kids a full meal, dessert and a snack for added fullness and I swear to you they will STILL beg for that one piece of bread I have clutched in my hand--you know, the only thing you've eaten all day because you were busy catering to them. It never fails.

What I don't understand is, why is my butt still big?

So, I've been thinking. I love my kids but I need something more in my life. So aside from watching reality shows, what do I love to do? And the answer came as quickly as I had asked the question.

Write and bake!! Since things are kinda slow on the writing front, baking it is.

So, here's the deal. I've decided to some baking on the side for profit, mostly cookies, brownies and banana bread. I'm testing recipes now and by this summer I hope to charge a small fortune for my delicacies. The goal is to make enough to pay off my credit cards and hopefully have something fun Savannah and I can do together.

We'll see.

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Sex? What's that?

THIS IS WHAT WE WISHED THEY LOOKED LIKE MOST OF THE TIME.......
WHEN IN ACTUALITY THIS IS WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE MOST OF THE TIME.....

The saying truth is better than fiction is so true. Yesterday evening the plan was to take the kids out for a bit, return home by 9:00 pm, put them to bed and then hubby and I could take some much needed time to ourselves with a bottle of wine.

Didn't happen.

Instead, we get home at 9:30, get the kids to bed by 9:45, which is still good. 10:30 pm and 2 glasses of wine later, the baby not only wakes up, he has gas and is screaming at the top of his lungs. I didn't think the screaming was that loud until the next day the neighbor's kid came over to play with Savannah and told us that she heard Dylan crying. (Wouldn't be so bad if the neighbor wasn't across the street and down a few houses.) The crying went on for about 45 minutes until the tactic of passing him back and forth finally paid off. 11:42 pm Dylan fell asleep in hubby's arms.

After the buzz wore off, we were left with just plain tired. While hubby went to bed, I decided to hold off on some zzzzz's for a few while waiting to make sure Dylan was okay. The good news; I was able to catch a rerun of Sex and the City (Carrie and Big's first date). And ya know, just when Carrie figured out that Big may be ashamed of her because he takes her to out of the way spots for dates is when I figured out... I think I want some.

So what do I do? That's right ladies, I wake him up with the much appreciated romp. Since I was still on baby watch, I had to make sure it was fast and easy but after 3 weeks it was better than nothing. That's right. I said it.

Just goes to show you that if you really want it, go for it and that's precisely what I did!

Signed,

Wimpy Mom

Is it just me?

Welcome all,

While I take time to get this blog together, I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm a mom of 3 kids ages 6, 2, and 5 months. When I was single, I prided myself on being able to handle ANY situation in the workplace. (Did I mention I was in Corporate for years and climbing that proverbial ladder?) Well, now I'm a stay-at-home mom and a failed but still trying somewhat children's author.

Let me break it down for you. You know you've hit the right blog when any of the following are you.

1. Do you crouch behind the fridge and inhale a dinner of hot dogs and mac & cheese just so you can eat in peace without the kids finding you? (Don't worry, they'll eat later.)

2. Do you go to the bathroom and push out the pee b/c it's not coming out fast enough? (The little one is about to start crying any minute now.) And forget #2. That can wait until after bedtime.

3. Are you still trying to lose that weight from the FIRST baby?

4. Are you skimming this blog as quickly as possibly because you know the kids will pop their little heads in, asking what you're doing?

If you answered yes to any of the following, then you've made the right blog stop.

In this blog I plan to give the good, bad and ugly of parenting mostly because I hear from my childless friends about how having kids ain't so hard. Yeah, okay. We'll see.