Souvenirs From Hawaii

I want a vacation! I need a vacation! I want to lay on the sand, soak in skin cancer the sun (wearing appropriate SPF, of course), let the cool breeze toss my hair around as the sound of the ocean waves calm my inner being. 

When was the last time you went on a vacation? 

The last time I went on vacation was over 2 years ago!!!! H & I decided we needed a getaway. Not to mention, we were approaching our 5 year wedding anniversary. We wanted to celebrate.

Back then we only had Princess Ninja who was a little over a year old. We purchased all sorts of things that were meant to keep her busy for the never ending 4 hour plane ride. We bought various DVDs, coloring books, crayons, snacks. I was packing so much stuff in my carry-on to keep her entertained there was barely room for my wallet and lip gloss.

                                      

                                            

I even went so far as to purchase Benadryl. Yes, I was prepared to medicate my child if she turned into the Hulk. I know some of you out there are shaking your head and pointing your middle index finger at me.  Hey, don't judge!

As far as the Benadryl went, I did a test run a few days prior. It worked like a charm. Princess Ninja had a lovely evening. She woke up happy as a clam the next morning.                                              

For those of you shaking, pointing, and judging, you'll be happy to know the Benadryl didn't work. Just look at the above pictures. Does that look like a sleeping child? There are you happy?

Looking back at the pictures, it reminded me of a great family vacation. 

                              

                             

  

Oh, did I mention, 9 months later Chubs was born!

 We brought home one of the greatest souvenirs ever!

   

I'm using this as part of my B2S/B2B  homework with Kludgy Mom. I'm sending more commenting love out. Please leave a comment and I promise to love you back. 

Disneyland: The Real Deal

This post started off kind of sappy and sweet. It was going to be Disneyland through the eyes of my children. I actually deleted it and decided to do something else. I wanted to write about the flip side of the Disney experience. My point-of-view. All unedited and straight from the heart.

First of all, it took H and I a couple of months to even decide on a date to take the kids to Disneyland. We're both juggling full-time careers. After months of negotiating, we decided it was going to be Monday, September 20.

Why this date you ask?

We figured most children would be back in school. Considering it was a Monday, we thought people would be headed back to work. Also, it happened to be the only day H and I could agree upon. Of course, the stars, the moon, our horoscopes said it'd be a fine day to go.

How much are tickets?

The 3 year olds ticket ran a hefty $68. H & I were $76 each. This is for one park, one day. You do the math.  Luckily, the 1 year old was free.

Gees, does anyone work any more?

I thought we were in a recession. I realize that the unemployment rate is high, but I didn't think Disneyland was on the Top 10 Things To Do While You're Looking For A Job.

If you are a kid on vacation, shouldn't you be reading or doing some extra credit project in the library? 

First of all, I can't believe there are that many children who do not go to school. Not every child there was a baby or toddler either. Yes, I did hear some accents. I must admit, I'm not an expert in the world's schools systems, so these children were excused. Other children in the world are entitled to enjoy Disneyland.

Why do the shuttle drivers make us take down the strollers?

This was definitely on my top 10 pet peeve of the day.

Seriously Disneyland, do you really expect us to not only care for our children and their 5,000 pounds of equipment, but you want me to fold up the stroller too? 

Like many parents, my stroller not only transports the kids, but it acts as a storage device. I don't know what type of stroller the rest of you have, but I have to empty out the undercarriage to fold up the stroller.

Let's just say I looked like a circus act trying to balance the kids and the equipment. I left H outside to battle folding up the stroller, carrying it in the shuttle, and finding a spot for it so it wouldn't injure anyone.

I haven't even mentioned doing the circus act in reverse.

Nourishment and Hydration?

Forget about packing a lunch and going back to the car to eat it. The whole shuttle experience is crazy. Although I did pack some snacks and drinks, it was part of the 5,000 pounds of equipment, we needed to eat. I won't even tell you how much, but it was going to be our only big meal of the day. Luckily it consisted of fried food, so it'd sustain us until we left the park.

It was also Chubs' first time in the Magic Kingdom. He's 1. Although he seemed amazed by the wonderful sights and sounds of the park, he would have been just as content playing in the neighborhood park. He enjoyed the rides, but was a total animal waiting in line. For the first few rides, he was a total angel. Then the novelty of it wore off and it was a wrangling war. Disneyland all of a sudden felt like the Danger Zone.

Princess Ninja, who is 3, was so amazed and thrilled about the whole experience. She's finally tall enough to drive a car in Autopia. I'm still suffering from whiplash. 

Would I do it again? 

Yes, in a heartbeat. Regardless of the stress a trip like this can create, I know I'm going to look back at the pictures and remember what fun the kids had. Of course, memories are priceless. Unfortunately, Disney doesn't take memories as a line of credit, so let me start saving money for the next trip now. 

Wordless Wednesday: Australia by Gina

             

Koala picture By Gina Baynham

Port Macquarie New South Wales by Gina Baynham

Sydney Harbour Bridge by Gina Baynham

Wangi Wangi Gum Trees by Gina Baynham

T/F: People with Four Or More Children Cannot Be Adequate Parents To All

I'm participating in Kludgy Mom's Back To School, Back To Blogging Challenge. We're on week 2 of the challenge, to be honest, I sucked at week 1's assignment.

As usual, Gigi aka Kludgy Mom, has come up with a fantastic idea. Why didn't I think of something like this?

She's come up with the Idea Bank. A bank of ideas from bloggers, moms, and various other people to help those moments when we suffer from writer's block. She's asking that we come up with 10 ideas/questions to help inspire others. I've made my deposit and now I'm withdrawing from the bank.

The inspiration from this post is from Sarah: A Better Magnificent Mom
     
    7. Tue or False. People who have more than four children cannot be adequate parents to all of their children. Explain.


Before I answer, I'd like to add a disclosure: I'm going to answer this question from my own lifestyle, point-of-view, financial situation, etc. 
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Four or more children, the idea crossed my mind once upon a time. That once upon a time was when I was growing up as an only child. My first and only sibling didn't arrive until I was 6 years old. 


In retrospect, H comes from a large family. He is the eldest of 7 siblings. 


Although, I had neighborhood children to play with and a hand full of cousins that lived in the same city, I really wanted to be part of a large family. I vowed to myself that when I grew up and started a family on my own, I would have at least three children maybe even four. Oh, how I spent many days wishing I had older siblings that would teach me to be "cool" and drive me around. How I longed for younger siblings who I could help baby and oh and ah at. 


When I was pregnant with my first child, H and I knew immediately that we would have more. Remind you, I didn't even give birth yet. To be honest, being pregnant was the easy part compared to actually raising Princess Ninja. After she was born, H and I knew we would try to have another child. Almost exactly 2 years later, we were blessed with Chubs. 


It wasn't until my own children came along that I realized how much work, effort, patience, sleeplessness, money, and responsibility came with a human being. I've had more than my share of mommy fails and a few hand fulls of mommy high 5s. 

Two children later, I question having another. It's definitely a topic H and I have discussed.  Although, we are not opposed to being done, there is a piece of me that longs to have more. To be able to make the wish of a little girl who didn't get a sibling until she was 6 years old a reality. Then the 30 something, mom of two comes in and slaps a dose of reality into me. 


Reality:
   1.) I'm stretched and pulled between 2 children, I can't imagine adding another one
   2.) I hear it only gets harder as they grow older
   3.) Financially, how can we support another one
   4.) I want my kids to be kids and not have to take care of their younger siblings. I'm all for teaching responsibility, but it's mommy's job to be mommy
   5.) What is another pregnancy going to do to my body
   6.) I want to one day be able to get sleep
   7.) What would another child do to our current family dynamic
   
I'm sure one can go on and on. For me, I have to be honest and say I know I cannot be an adequate parent to 4 children. I sometimes wonder if I'm an adequate parent to my two children. In the mean time, we are enjoying life with the two kids. Only time will tell if more is in our future. 


For those of you who do have 4 or more children, how do you do it? 

Where is my Ying and Yang?

Like all the usual days and weeks in my life, it's been busy. Seriously, when is it not busy and crazy?

For now, I'm going to spare you the crazy part.

In the mean time, I can feel the abuse I've placed on my body catching up to me. Lack of sleep, lack of nutritious food, lack of exercise, and an increase in the amount of stress. Let's not forget The Grim Reaper Father Time coming to get me.

Does any of that sound familiar to you or is it just me who manages to constantly lose my ying and yang in life?

I'm all about trying to find harmony, inner peace, and all of that good stuff. Unfortunately, there are many obstacles that prevent me from this. I've decided to be a little more diligent about finding my happy place.

I was seriously trying to look for an acupuncturist. I've heard many positive things about acupuncture. I've come to a point where I'd be willing to try this. I really don't mind having a bunch of needles placed onto various stress points on my body. Hey, if I can give birth twice then a bunch of tiny needles is nothing! Trying to squeeze a human being out of ones vajayjay or having a doctor cut through your abdomen to yank out a baby sounds far worst to me.

I've had no luck in the department of finding an acupuncturist that can help cure me of some of my ailments. There are a few criteria that still need to be met.

Plan 2: Yoga. Yes, I purchased a mat and have been happily taking a few yoga classes. Not that super hot, I'd be sweating and passing out Bikram yoga. Just basic yoga that's supposed to help me stretch and help me to become one with the universe.

A new week is upon us. Let's see how well I do at finding and keeping my ying and yang in place. If all else fails, I have purchased a few bottles of wine.

Friday Flip-Off

Everyday life is just so damn busy. Right from the very second of waking up to the bitter end of the day, it's just a constant go, go, go. Usually that very second of waking up is started off by the uninviting sound of any of the following: 

Mama, are you awake?

Good Morning!

Mama, Mama!!!!

Whaaa!!!

Regardless of which morning wake-up call is used my eyes are still closed and my mouth is still open from exhaustion. 

What exactly am I flipping off here? I guess not being able to really feel like I'm taking the time to enjoy life and to enjoy my children.

To time: For going by way too fast and making me feel like I need to fill so much in such a short 24 hour period. I sometimes feel robbed of truly enjoying my babies. You're taking them away from me far faster than I'd like. I want to be able to stop, smell and appreciate what is out there. Did I mention you're aging me faster than I'd like also? Stop it already!

Thank you to MommaKiss for hosting since Gigi is busy.

Wordless Wednesday: Fort Worth, TX By Sarah Austin

Photo courtesy of Sarah Austin Photography

Photo courtesy of Sarah Austin Photography

Homework for Mama

For the next few weeks I've decided to join Gigi over at Kludgy Mom for her
Back to School, Back to Blogging challenge. I'll be the first to admit I'm not a computer, high tech person. All of this computer mumbo jumbo is so foreign to me. I'm just glad that I'm competent enough to figure out how to post. Call me simple.

The pre-homework assignment was to install a retweet button, which I'm proud to say I did. Of course, it took a lot longer than I had hoped.  Luckily, there are other participants who are willing to help those in the less than average section of this challenge.

Also, I believe I was able to set-up a fan page on Facebook for my blog. Yes, MamaOnDaGo now has a fan page, so please "like" me. It took me a few hours to try and set it up. I realize it's simple and oh-so basic. To be honest, I don't even know if I did it correctly. Hey, that's what this challenge is for. I wanted to try and improve things and expose myself to some new high tech info.

I'm also going to be realistic. At the end of this, I don't expect to have this gorgeous state-of-the-art blog or a fancy shmancy fan page with hundreds of new followers and fans. The children just won't compromise on how much time and effort should be used to improve on Mama's hobby. It took me a good long while to even write up this post between naps and quiet time. May I also add that it's football season. Enough said with that. I do hope to learn something and to meet more great people.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mamaondago14
The Fan Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MamaOnDaGo/105834496144690

Official First Day of Preschool

Today marks the official start of the end preschool. We attended Open House on Tuesday. This allowed us to meet the staff and a few other students and parents. Princess Ninja was able to explore her new surroundings. I must say, she did well. Granted we never left her sight and she was able to do as she pleased. I'm not quite sure how she'll do when Mama and Dada actually leave and she has to follow instructions. Regardless, today is the day.

Since I love pouring salt and squirting lemon juice into my motherhood wounds, I'd like to share a few photos of Princess Ninja.

Princess Ninja a few hours after coming into the world.

Hanging out in her Bumbo

So tired!

Sniff, sniff! No that's not me crying. I just got something in my eye. 

Old School: Rocking the Bowl

My cousin, NC (on the left) & little MamaOnDaGo (on the right)

It was a very busy Labor Day weekend. I truly "labored" because I didn't have a lovely 3 day long weekend. At this point, I can no longer continue folding my mountains of laundry due to cramping issues. I needed a break, so I decided to write a post. I am determined to conquer my never-ending piles of laundry today...tonight even. I shall not sleep until all is folded! In the mean time, please enjoy the above picture.

My little sister made a stop at my Aunt's house prior to leaving on a 2 week long tour of the New England states and parts of Canada.

Am I jealous? Yes! She's sending me various messages and pictures of Boston. I'm living vicariously through her at the moment. Oh it must be nice to just take off and travel!

In the depths of my Aunt's photos, my sister managed to find the above picture of my cousin, NC, and me. This is circa early 80s. As you can see, NC and I went to the same hairstylist. We were rocking that bowl!!! Not only did we go to the same hairstylist, we managed to also have the same fashion consultant. NC's look is more old school Chinese with a matching red accessory in her hand. I'm going for a modern farmer look with my red overall shorts. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm really working the hair and outfit with this pose.

Please pardon the flash in the middle of the photo. The picture is behind a humidity, light controlled glass case to preserve it from any damage.

Friday Flip-offs

I realize that I am very, very blessed. I really don't have much to complain about. At least I shouldn't be complaining. Complaints,  pet peeves, aggression are what Friday Flip-offs are all about, isn't it? A neutral place where we all can just let it go and not be judged for that one brief moment. We aren't always looking for answers or advice, we just want a place to vent, so we can continue on our merry way. So here it is.

To zits: Actually it's one large zit that is composed of 3 little zits. No, one little zit is not enough. It decided that it wanted to have a menage a trois. Yes, I had to Google how to spell this. I hope H doesn't find it on the computer's history and get any ideas. There, on the right corner of my chin, lays a zit orgy. When will this sign of hormonal imbalance end? I can understand if I was a spunky, hormone crazed teenager, but I'm in my 30s people!!!! 30s! No amount of concealer is hiding this either!

To cancer: It's shown its evilness twice this year. My uncle will be undergoing his bone marrow transplant next week after being diagnosed earlier this year. Just last week, I found out my friend EM's mom is also undergoing a battle with breast cancer. Cancer has shown up in my family's life in the past and it continues to show up uninvited. Please say a prayer and hope that cancer will get the message that it is not welcome anywhere!

Friday Flip-offs is being hosted by MommaKiss. Kludgy Mom is handling some business that you are all  welcome to check out. In the mean time, please join us for a moment of venting.