Not so fun day at the park...

So yesterday I decided to take Little Dude and Little Diva to the park after picking Little Dude up from school. The park itself is literally right next door to his school, so it is always a treat for the kids when we have time after school to stop by and play for a while. Well, yesterday was one of the days...perfect weather, a ton of free time, and that was that-we were off to the park. As soon as we get there the kids run off like they have never seen a park in their entire lives-they head straight to the jungle gym. As soon I got settled into my comfy little bench, I do what I assume every parent does-I start checking out who else is at the park...what they are doing...try to figure out who is with who and so on. As I am looking around I can clearly see there are two groups of kids on either side of the park(which isn't very big) and then my kids off by themselves-thankfully. Guess what happens next? These children start having a shouting war...bantering back and forth. They are all between what appeared to be first and sixth grade. At first it was silly kid stuff. BUT then...the older kids started screaming profane words and horrible things at each other. Then the younger kids started copying them. I wanted to scream...I mean I was down right mad! How dare they speak that way, especially in a public place! I could not believe my ears. I took a quick look around and of course I am the only parent at the park that day. Ugh. I probably should have stuck around and explained to the children that they shouldn't act that way, or ask them to stop. But I was so uncomfortable I grabbed my kids as fast as I possibly could and  high tailed it out of there. After all I can not parent every child that was left unattended after school right? I did however take the time to talk to my own children about the situation, and respect for others. I still feel really bad about the whole thing. What would you have done?

Hat, Hats, and more Hats...

I'm sure like me, many of you wear more than one hat everyday! No, I don't mean the big floppy things you wear on the top of your head-I'm talking about the different roles we play each day, silly you! Every day is a juggling act for most...switching back and forth between our different hats. For instance I wear a Mommy hat, a Wife hat, a Chef hat, a Maids hat, and sometimes a Referee's hat(on the crazy days)! Sometime's I would love to wear just one hat everyday...but what fun would that be?!? Playing all these different roles can be exhausting and sometimes stressful-but when the going gets tough, remember that juggling is supposed to be fun and practice makes perfect...so try try again!

So tell me...how many hats do you wear everyday? 

Where have all the manners gone?

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed a lack of manners in children lately? It seems like just about everywhere I go I notice at least one child who seems to have no manners at all! Even at Little Dudes school, there are kids who have pushed me and even Little Diva out of their way to get through the gate. CRAZY! All I can think is "where are your manners?" I want to scream it! Just a few weeks ago a young man (no older than the 5th grade) bumped into me(quite hard) and instead of turning around to say "excuse me" or maybe "I'm sorry" he says "what's up with you lady?" Yes that really happened. I was shocked.

I take great pride in my children's manners. "Please and Thank You" go a long way. So does a little "I'm sorry."

Just like chivalry, maybe manners are now considered "old school" or something from the "olden days". Personally I really hope that manners aren't on their way out the door. My children will continue to be kind and polite...if I have anything to do with it! 

Maybe manners are something that need to be taught in school, because apparently they are not practiced in some homes. This makes me sad. Very sad. 

Have you ever had a run in with someone who didn't have any manners at all...child or adult? Leave me a comment and tell me your story!

Parenting...the $&!# nobody tells you!

When I became preggers with my son I knew the basics...you know, about having a painful labor, sleepless nights, and lots and lots of dirty diapers! Well, let me tell you, I have learned over the past 6 years that there is NOTHING anyone can tell you (or not tell you) that will prepare you for what you will go through! I have had so many laughs and shed a few tears over the years about the things that come along with having children. 

I have decided to share with you everything you never wanted to know about parenting!

1. You will get peed on, many many times. 

2. Toddlers like to take their dirty diapers off and sometimes they finger paint. Get the picture?

3. Spit up becomes actual vomit sooner than you'd like.

4. You will never sleep a full night again. Ever. 

5. You breasts will squirt milk. Sometimes on your husband. 

6. Stretch marks don't go away with magic creams(at least not mine)! They are battle scars. Wear them with pride!

7. Once children learn to talk, they do not stop!

8. You will most likely let your kids do everything you always said they never would. You know, sleep in your bed, eat dirt, and pick their noses!

9. You will do crazy things when you are exhausted. I have tried calling my husband from our T.V. remote control!

10. You will become magic! Yes, it's true...your hugs & kisses will cure boo boo's, your voice will soothe your children to sleep, and your love for your family will give you the strength and courage of super heroes!

The best part is that you will enjoy every second of it!

I love looking back and laughing about all the crazy memories parenting has given me thus far! I can't wait to see what the future brings! 

Feel free to comment with your own parenting tid-bits! Of course everything above are just my silly opinions and experiences, and yours may vary...and that okay with me!