Spiraling Down Down......down

I haven't updated my blog for awhile, a long while.  Unfortunately there has been a lot going on rather than just being lazy. I wish it was lazy...

Since my last post my mother ended up in he hospital for a stomach issue, discharged, went back in with pneaumonia which put her ass right in ICU for 23 days.  This was it.  I was pretty sure she was a gonner.  She happened to be staying with me at the time waiting for surgery on her small bowel when her body was taken over less than 24 hours after a doctor appt.  Literally, it was overnight and I drove her to the ER in he nic of time.  So the next 23 days was spent with my brother's family of 7.  Mom is doing great now and is living in a rehabilitaion center awaiting surgery in just a few weeks.

Then there's that work thing, summer, kids, photography, taxes....I can't tell what is happening to make my days go by so fast but it's frightening! Let's add my husbands inability to communicate anything of value, a 3 year old daughter with medical issues and a house to clean, what? 

OK, so enough ranting.  I believe since my last post there has been a lot of changes in my stroller world.  The Bugaboo is out, I then purchased a Macalaren Volo which has been great.  I still think a reclining seat would be nice but we are using strollers so infrequently (mostly to due to me not being able to get away to do anything fun) that I can't imagine spending more money on another stroller.  Ahem...what?  Did I just say that?  Wow, I must be cured, well at least until the next baby...  We did get a new kitten, does he get a stroller?

There is something seriously wrong with me....

As I mentioned before, I sold almost all of my strollers.  I did keep the Bob but my DD is 3.  We are done, so I thought. 

A recent trip to Nordstrom proved otherwise.  As we quietly walked into the store having some one on one time, all hell broke loose.  First it was the blood curdling scream that immediately made every person in that store turn there head and look at me with shear horror.  My DD was freaking out like a dead person was modeling clothes in the window. Um...No.  It was a mannequin.  The same Mannequins that have been in every store we have shopped in for her whole life. This was just the start of course.  Clearly she was having a hyperactive day and I should have been prepared with a stroller to contain her but wait, dumb ass.  you sold them all.  Yes I have the BOB and yes I could use it but honestly, its a beast and I love it for what it is...an All-Terrain stroller.  Moving on....Next was the moment she ripped her hand out of mine and took off like she just robbed the place. As I'm chasing her running (I still haven't lost the baby weight and may have borrowed a few lb's from my mom), I'm trying to look somewhat normal, not panicked and shit.....not jiggly.  so much for that...she's was headed for the escalator and well, I had to pick it up a notch.  Nearly breaking a sweat I grabbed her arm and realized everyone is still looking at me.  Why do people do this?  I want to scold my sweet child in the most horrific voice possible?  I can't do that if you are all staring at me. 

A quick speech with my teeth gritting, she claims to understand and we move on.  Oh looky, they've installed a salt water tank and put Dory and Nemo in it.  We are in a tad bit of a hurry and now my schedule is completely shot.  For the life of me, I cannot tear her away from the tank.  She is screaming "Look mommy, NEMO" in the loudest voice in the world.  I'm actually OK with that, it doesn't bother me but I have to GO!  Needless to say my 10 minute trip to Nordstrom to get her sized for shoes was an hour and that said...I am now the new owner of both a Maclaren Triumph and Maclaren Volo.


Funny story.  I emailed a bazillion people that day.  Several responded and two with the cheapest price.  I went to look at the first person who responded as I was feeling desperate.  It was a cheap price, cheaper than a crappy umbrella stroller would be.  It was dusty and a tiny bit faded but otherwise in great shape. SOLD...I used it at Fred Meyer and it performed fabulously. Seconds later, I'm driving down the road and lady with the Volo calls.  I decide to go look at it anyway and well, its like new!  I am now selling the triumph and keeping the Volo.  The triumph is heavier and taller and I really just want the smallest, most convenient stroller for quick shopping trips, that's the Volo.  Hopefully some other lucky mama will like the triumph. 

So what is this...I've lost count.  Pics coming soon of my whole stroller whoring....We've had a lot going on in our family and hopefully it will mellow out soon.  Tootles

REMORSE....

Shit!  I sold my strollers.  All but the BOB Revolution.  I was ready to move on both mentally, my DD physically and it felt like we had way too many (we did).  I am totally kicking myself.  My daughter may be willing to walk but I'm not ready to give her that freedom. 

We were diagnosed with a silent disorder..PANDAS.  I am actually getting ready to start another blog about that so I will stay focused on the gear for this one.  The point is, shopping or running errands in public is exasperating when I am spending an enormous amount of time and energy and patience either chasing her or fighting with her to hold my hand...not to touch this or that...come back to me....aaaack.

To prevent me feeling like I have to explain myself to people who are staring at her like she's completely out of control I think I would rather just buy an umbrella stroller.  'Nuf said.  So that solves that issue.  Off I go to look for a lightweight umbrella stroller (not a $25 one either) 
By the by, I sold my beloved Bugaboo.  I don't miss it too much because I have accepted that we moved on but I long for it now again and enjoy my wonderful memories pushing that luxurious ride around.  I know the mommy who bought it for an incredible price will get years of use out of it.  I mean incredible too.  Now that I am cruising Craigslist for fun, I see Bugaboo Frogs for the same price.  Oh well, it's outta here! 

Off I go to start my new blog and search for a new stroller!  Tootles

Kids on a leash...like soap on a rope?

I was just noticing Modern Family has a new episode coming out and the hot topic of kids on leashes is being argued on their facebook page.  It got me thinking about this subject and every ones heavy opinions on this.  I admit, I own a toddler leash.  I bought it when my daughter was two and we were heading to the happiest place on earth.  However, I have never used it and the reason why is not controversial.  My DD bucked around like an untrained puppy.  She is a stroller baby so trips to Disneyland or other crowded establishments proved easy enough since she was fine being pushed around like the princess she is.  That said, the leash is now a toy in the toybox.

Now...DD #4.  Totally different story.  I have since forgotten about the leash but as I was reading the comments on FB about the use of, it got me thinking.  If I knew where that leash was right now, I may consider using it again.  DD #4 is NOT a stroller baby.  She insists on walking.  I'm ok with it, that is not my issue.  DD #4 also fights you tooth and nail on hand holding.  I would actually be fine with her right next to me except she also has no fears.  She will run like the dickens no matter how much I teach her about danger, bribe, threaten, whatever tactic I do to get her to stay close.  It's impossible and the mere thought of taking her in a public place without a stroller or leash scares the dickens out of me.  I'm pretty sure she would chew herself free from the grip of my hand if she could get away with it.

Everyone on the FB page against the leashes is stating factually that a good parent who raises their children properly do not need a leash.  I'm wondering where I have failed?  She is a vibrant, smart, inquisitive child who is extremely independent and has been since day one!  I don't believe breaking her like a wild horse is necessarily good parenting and I also think some mustangs can't be broken.  My gawd, I've often thought there must be something wrong with this child that she cannot be broken.  Does this mean I can't use a leash out of fear of judgement? Truthfully, fear of judgement is not my style but peace of mind is. 

Reign those kids in mama's and papa's.  I would rather you spend the afternoon in your overly crowded public place with peace of mind actually enjoying the day rather than frantically fighting with your child out of fear of losing them.  Worse yet, spending the day frantically LOOKING for your child who has disappeared in a matter of seconds.  People are so quick to pass judgement on one another and honestly, if you lost your kid they would probably point the finger at you for that too. I say, the only time passing judgement is acceptable is when it involves lack of a child's safety and in some cases, the missing leash might actually be that.  Bite your tongues judgement jerks.  I'm looking for our leash today!

Just add that to my list of things to do...

Owning our own business, my freelance photography biz, PTA, working P/T as a professional photographer for another company, cooperative preschool, a social life?, planning events for our family, child activities, walking the dog, feed the fish...oh and laundry? Vacuuming? Dishes?? Am I griping? Not really, my life is full, too full! Just trying to plan a play date becomes a major issue. I came to that crazy notion as I was rescheduling my daughters play date for the 3rd time! it's not that I'm a flake. I'm not disorganized too horribly and I keep a day planner up as much as I can. It seems like I have more on my plate than most and I can't figure out where to cut it.

Obviously I can't not work so that stays.
I have backed off from volunteering a bit....OK.
The kids activities is what's killing me! Music class is mucho importante (even though DH doesn't seem to think so) That is 2 days/week. That stays.
Swimming is also important and temporary so that stays.
T-Ball? Husband refuses to let that one go...stays.
Attending the big boys games....well pretty important and I go as much as I can.
Where do you stop? I have a friend with three young children and she has them in a plethora of activities and her house is of course spotless and she is always the image of perfection, calm, cool and collected. Dressed with thought so it seems, showered every day so it seems. How does she do it?

I would love to see posts from my readers of their organizing tips and success stories. Shortcuts and more. I've started lists. Lists are how I managed my job in the corporate world. At this point I surely feel like I'm missing out on enjoying my family and instead I'm the human taxi. Check-Lists long-term or daily seem to be a great way to keep in "check" where your focus is. Blogging this post is not on my list by the way. :) This would be one of the most common tools for procrastination. That said....leave your comments below! Phew...I'll check that off the list I haven't made yet today. Trust me!

Help I've fallen......and I can't get up!

What a whirlwind this past week has been. I am thinking I need to give Oprah a call and have an intervention. It's really all my fault as I have a hard time saying NO. It's a simple word, No. Why is it that saying this simple two letter word can cause so much trouble. Better yet, why is it that NOT saying this two letter word can cause an enormous amount of trouble.

I am busy. Four kids busy! I work part-time, I do my photography on the side, I'm the PTA mom, my kids are involved in numerous activities, my husband and I run our own remodeling company, I don't have a housekeeper (but a great mom who helps) and my goodness, the list goes on. I'm overwhelmed and I can figure out where to stop and where to start.

I was lucky enough to be invited on a mommy/kid retreat for spring break. It was fun but at the same time, we were still being mom's and this time single moms! I was only 1/2 mom since the two older boys went with dad to my eldest son's baseball tournament. The trip was great, we swam, knitted, played games and tried our darnedest to get the kids in bed on time. Black Butte is a beautiful vacation retreat with homes, wildlife, recreation and such. We couldn't ride bikes or do much outside as we had a late spring snow storm. I did however shovel a 75ft driveway with another gal. That makes up for all the junk food we ate, right? The trip was fabulous but I was gone for five whole days so let's see....five days of laundry, five days of office catch up, five days of behind and I'm still editing photo's for a couple of shoots I've had recently and again....the list, it doesn't stop! (aren't you all glad I took the time to write on my blog today) :)

I would love some advice for a true ADD mom who keeps piling it on her plate and can't seem to figure out where it ends. My husband gave me a good slap last night as we were chatting. I was informed that the parent who handled sponsorships for our high school baseball team was no longer involved this year and no one had picked up the slack. As I was walking out of the room just smiled and said..."Maybe I'll give the coach a call tomorrow and see if I can help" REALLY! WHY DON'T YOU JUST ADD MORE TO THE LIST" he yells and then he started laughing like a crazy person. Hmm, I guess you have a point. It just came out of my mouth! It has to be done and if I don't do it, no one will. How do you handle this? How do you stop doing and finish what you have started? Where do we draw the line? ponder that while I go finish hanging and tagging the 12 bins of outgrowns I'm putting into a consignment sale next week....ugh!~

Finding Your Inner Mommy....

Motherhood, parenting, raising, leading.....What does being a parent mean to you? Yes, you become a parent when they pull that baby out the old fashioned way or you choose to have a child join your family. However they arrive, you gain the title "Parent". What does this really mean though. I have gone through the good, the bad and the ugly with all four of my offspring. We have fallen and knocked out teeth, received multiple stitches and casts, three of my curtain climbers have gone under the knife and let's not start on the whole bodily fluid/solid events. With all of this happening in my life, one might say I am always cool as a cucumber. This has all started to change with the last little turkey. I now am a proud reader of "Raising the spirited child" She cried, a lot, she was needy, not self-soothing, and now, as a "spirited three year old, has a mouth like a truck driver, knows exactly how to piss off her sister and not get caught, is a biter, a hitter, hides favorite things, and is frickin' funny as hell! It's so hard to be mad at her!

My daughter has also had mediocre health the past year or so and we have undergone a bazillion tests with no end in sight. I'm not worried, I don't think there is anything life-threatening going on, but wow, it has rattled me silly. I have started to second guess my pediatrician whom I adore. We have been with her for over 13 years! I'll admit it, I kinda love her. She knows my children, I see her at work, she spends time talking and listening. What I realized though, is she is busy and busy doesn't have time to research the unknown. I still know I am not being a crazy parent because she has even commented at how calm I am.

With her blessings, we went to see an N.D. Our pediatrician has also sent out a referral for an allergist but and I just received a letter today from insurance that they have denied us to see the specialist because of an "Undiagnosed infections disease" and her records don't show adequate need for the allergy testing. What the? So she basically needs to need a massive attack to see a specialist? I'm a little dumbfounded. I'm going to appeal but I'm not sure how long this is going to take. Luckily the little chicken isn't actively ill right now. 'Nuff said.....tomorrow we go in for our 10th blood draw in 2 months (I might be exaggerating a bit) and hopefully we will know more after that. So basically, we sit in health system limbo hoping that no diagnosis is a good diagnosis and nothing gets "worse" It's hard to have her be "sick" but not really. She's not bed ridden but she looks horrible. All of her symptoms are ....almost something but not quite. That said, I will keep being my child's advocate and appreciate her funny self every day.

So what else is making me a parent at this time of my life? Sending out graduation announcements for my oldest right now. Talking to my next son about girls and how to treat them, why what his remark to me right now probably wasn't the most respectful to an adult and we need to watch what we say, talking to them all about grades and success, helping my 5 year become an avid reader and learn to love her cello. Everyday something new and exciting happens that makes me love motherhood and everyday, they get a day older and I think to myself.....maybe we should have just one more. I do have another stroller I want to buy......

OK so that's that for today. And with that note, Baby Gizmo is on day 12 of their stroller giveaway! today's ride is a bumbleride flite! Woohooo. Who doesn't love a supreme umbrella stroller. Check it out at www.babygizmo.com and enter to win. They are doing a giveaway every day for 30 days!

What funny things we do...

Being the mom of my four fabulous offspring, I find myself in constant awe over their inspiring little personalities. Comedians, recluses, performers, passionate little (or big) beings. It's amazing to watch everyday and I'm lucky to get to guide these creatures to adulthood. That said, I want to take a few moments to talk about my two girls. Having four (2 boys, 2 girls) I think I've got a pretty good picture of the distinct boy/girl differences and can attest that...boys are easy, girls are crazy. I'm a girl, I'm licenced to say that. Why is it that while my daughter and I are chatting this morning while brushing her hair and the sound of the front door opening sends her into traumatic crying over how painful the brushing is? I was not hurting her but daddy will think I was and the crying will give her instant attention from him? This is not OK! I keep trying to explain to my husband how this is going to change the way she interacts with men for the rest of her beauty privileged life! As much as I want people to stop telling her how pretty she is (which she really is) I want her to be independent and use her brain like her average looking mother does! I'm working on it although the progress is slow. She's already learned at only 5 years old that she can basically get whatever she wants...just because. This will be my girly girl and I guess we all need to experience that at least once right? (just agree with me here)

OK...I'm off that tangent. Now my last DD? Complete Opposite. This is the child who's favorite TV character is Buzz Light year and her favorite lovey is a T-Rex or a parrot. She is kind, considerate, and imaginative! At the same time, this girl can flip a 180 and be the roughest kind to break through. Good for her! She's keeping me on my toes. She is mean to her sister, can throw a tantrum like no other and her voice, booming! Just this morning I was looking for my DD and heard a faint voice coming from under my bed. Low and behold she had my cell phone and as she crawled out she informed me that she was using the light on my phone to check for snakes under my bed. All was clear and she popped back up and handed me my phone. I couldn't get a straight answer as to why she thought there would be snakes under my bed but I will assure you I slept better last night knowing there weren't any!

My boys? Perfect angels. Never really had to punish them, they get along just fine. They are here, help out when asked, don't sass too much, trustworthy and loving. I guess I'm doing something right because these are the kind of men we want and well, since all of us women are crazy, raising a good steady man should help that along just fine.

Speaking of crazy....don't forget that Baby Gizmo is on day 8 of the 30-day giveaway. Todays fabulous prize, a Peg Perego Si. This is the newest lightweight addition to the Peg family. I would say it is similar to my Pliko Lite, just a newer version and I do love it! Check it out and enter to win! http://www.babygizmo.com/giveaways.php

Have a strollerific day!

Stroller Anxiety

So yesterday the new mama came by to look at my Bugaboo Chameleon. Boy, I sure love my strollers. I think I almost choked back a tear. She was "shopping" so it wasn't a sale immediately but I felt like she loved it almost as much as I do. As she closed the door after looking at it, I looked at DH and said "Oh my, all our babies were in this" He said "yeah, maybe the next one too since no one has bought it yet" What??? NEXT ONE? Are we having empty next syndrome? Our youngest baby is 3, independent, loud and funny. Our oldest is heading off to college next year. But another? I totally think I could see myself with another. I'm no spring chicken but what's another baby right? The only thing I find myself thinking about is our parents. THEY have opinions about the size of our families. That said, I'm curious if others have run into this as well? I'm open for discussion here on this subject. I have four, my brother has five, my sister-in-law has four and my other sister-in-laws have 2 and 1.

Total change of subject...what is it about our husbands that they like to push our buttons? My DH actually referred to me as a "cash register" the other day meaning I have so many buttons to choose from. I was so mad but yet laughted still. ~sigh~ Like our children, sometimes being cute does get you out of trouble.

I'm off to www.babygizmo.com to try to win me another stroller today. Day 7 is a bumblride flyer. Love these......

Have a strollerific day!

Have you heard of Baby Gizmo? Baby Gizmo was started by a mommy of three who takes time to honestly review all those wonderful baby products out there via YOU TUBE. What an amazing idea! I've followed her for years and she has a massive following. As a matter of fact, if your a mom and you haven't heard of her you are in for a treat. What's that? You like that car seat but your not sure because you haven't been able to see it in person? I'm sure she has it reviewed on You Tube so you can see it in action.

So to celebrate their popularity, Baby Gizmo is doing a 30-day giveaway and you can enter to win something each and every day. Items being given away are Strollers, Car Seats and other fabulous baby stuff. Check it out on her blog. http://blog.babygizmo.com

Now, outside for me. I've got someone coming to view my beloved Bugaboo Chameleon off craigslist. I need to shine that ride up. Should be interesting. I'm not sure if I'm ready to sell although DD says she doesn't want to ride anymore. Maybe I should start a stroller funeral?

My name is Dactyl and I'm an addict

OK, so I have a problem. I love strollers. I can't help it, they beckon me constantly. If I could, I would eventually own and or operated all the greats. I am currently pushing (no pun intended)my addiction on a friend of mine who seems to have happily become an addict as well. Buying and selling on that stupid website...whats it called? Craigslist! Aaaack. So I have a few posted for sale now and it's not going well. My husband has insisted I downsize from my last four to one since our baby is 3. Would it be so wrong to have another baby just to keep the stroller cycle in tact? That said, having ads on craigslist currently, I am slowly starting to lose faith in the educated population of our fine city. There are some crazy people out there. I have a ton to write about and can't wait to start sharing and gaining a following. Since I have four kiddos I'm sure I will have lots to write about! Now here is a little about my strollers.

In the beginning, 17 years ago, I was young, poor, going to school and we had a baby. It all started with, well, I don't even remember but a cheap stroller. I hated it. The wheels were horrible, the seat uncomfortable and let's just not mention the "style". I was cruising for a walk with the baby, fighting every bump in the sidewalk and I happened across a garage sale. Perusing all the treasures I noticed this fabulous, bentley of strollers. It was....a covertable pram made by Graco. Now, back in the day, European strollers were not as prevelent in the US so this baby was georgous. Mint green, little tiny pink rose buds. It was unisex and in no way was my son going to feel any gender issues from this stroller. I slapped down my $20 bucks and strolled home with our new ride. I loved that georgous, luxurious.....heavy, bulky, GIRLY stroller. Yes, after awhile, the roses started bugging me. Goodbye dear stroller. Now, this was before Craigslist existed so I probably gave it away to a neighbor. I was on the hunt now for something just as fabulous. Graco seemed to be pretty good with that last stint, let's find something more compact. I found a new All-Terrain style stroller with shocks none the less! Wow, this was state of the art! No one would have one with the same colors, style, comfort as my sporty little number. Believe it or not, this one lasted me through my first son and I ended up giving it to a friend 7 years later and it lasted through her son. I was a little sad as it was in like-new condition when I passed it on and she was not as gentle with her gear. I felt a little crack in my heart with every glimpse of my now well loved piece of my childs babyhood.

Fast-forward a few years to the next baby, this time we had a cheap umbrella style and another Graco full size pram type stroller. I hated that stroller.

Let's fast forward again a few years, baby number 3. I received our first stroller as a baby shower gift. A 2006 Peg Perego Pliko Lite. I loved this stroller. It was compact, lightweight and the fabric was soft and comfy. We could snap our Peg Perego car seat right in and make it a travel system. For a few months I was great, no relapse of stroller envy. Then, it happened....I was at a baseball game and couldn't push this through the grass very well. This was exactly the moment when my obsession started. Hello Craigslist, nice to meet you! First came the research. Ton's and ton's of research. During this time I was talking to a couple of girls in the office about strollers. One, whom I won't name, would come in daily with new suggestions for a stroller. Bertini, Mountain Buggy, Maclaren oh my! She was no help and quickly fed me full of stroller-mania. First came the Bertini M5. Wow, this was the Hummer of strollers. Loved the suspension the back wheels, wasn't too fond of the color, hated the weight. This sucker requried a small crane to get it in the back of my Volvo wagon. Off it goes to the next, young, unsuspecting mama. To replace it I believe was the Peg Perego Atlantico. Nice big wheels, roomy seat. I actually really liked this stroller. I think the reason I moved on was I wanted another one and well, DH said one out for one in. On to Craigslist this one went and was gone in an instant. My next purchase was the biggy. This was going to solve all my stroller issues, almost. Born into our family was my beloved Bugaboo Cameleon. Ah....pure luxury. I babied, cleaned, pampered and basically made out with this stroller. I actually kept this one for 5 years (still have it). Of course during this time I tried to justify getting another to replace it but couldn't get the nerve to sell. Over the course of five years I then owned a Phil & Ted's Dash (bought new) and sold 2 weeks later as I hated the suspention. I had a Chicco double side by side, Bob Revolution duallie (twice as I sold it because of DH complaints about garage space, then bought again when I realized I desperately needed a double), Joovy Caboose, Joovy Ultralite Caboose, Mountain buggy Urban Duo, Bob Revolution single (still have), Peg Perego P3 purchased off Craigslist for Grandma's house and a Kidarooz bike trailer/stroller. I'm not exactly sure if that was all of them. I still hunger for new wheels but have come to the conclusion that DH will continue to bitch about his garage space and my youngest DD will continue to bitch about riding in the stroller. So I either need to move on to a new addiction or have another baby...time will tell! Enjoy my blog!