That Kind of Parent - Wear it Proudly

Today I have come to the realization that I AM "that kind of parent." And I'm proud to say it!!

Before having kids, I remember seeing families in stores and when the little one acted up, they would get a toy, cookie or some type of "reward". I vowed that I would NEVER be that kind of parent. (Ha! Who was I kidding.)

However, upon having a little man of my own, and now knowing the "true parent secret" behind giving in a bit here and there (Yes, Survival - it will make you do the darndest things), I proudly admit - I am a supporter. Some people may try to hide this badge or do it silently or out of the public light, but I will proudly say that there are times when you just have to give a little to get a lot. Now, I'm not saying to give little Johnny a candy bar or a huge new toy, but if letting him having a bite of a bananna (which is on your list and which you are buying already) does the trick, then go for it!

What I didn't realize before being a parent is that there are many daily battles. Battles to get little ones on the potty (and then to use it), to get them dressed (preferably in clothes - though a Wonder Pets PJ shirt is OK frome time to time), eating some breakfast (without feeding it to the dog or getting mad and throwing it on the floor - where the dog eats it - not like this has ever happened to us before), etc. With that said, the battles are much, much less than all of the wonderful time where they are beyond flexible for being carted around to stores - when let's face it, they would prefer being at home playing with their toys. If we ask them to "give a little" and haul them with us, then what is wrong with giving them a little when they need it?

Not Ready to Let the Holidays Go ...

The holidays have come to a close and last night it dawned on me that we are the ONLY house on our street that still has its Christmas lights on and trees up. I believe there are three types of people out there - A) people who take decorations down right after the holidays, B) people who let decorations linger a bit and C) people who just don't decorate.

Beyond the arctic weather, that I can surely use as an excuse, I have come to the realization that I am just not ready to say goodbye to the holidays!

I am not ready to accept the reality of no more time off, no more Christmas cookies (second thought, maybe I can give them up. Pants are feeling a little snug), idea of giving, seeing Christmas lights through the snow, counting the Christmas trees with my son as we drive home, - and accept the realization that it is going to be a long, cold and snowy winter.

I love the spirit that Christmas and the holidays bring. The sense of anticipation, excitement (even with all of the craziness of plans, visiting relatives and everything) makes me feel like a kid again. And seeing my little man, who for the first time really seemed to understand Christmas (he says "Ho, "Ho" - I still don't know where the other "Ho" went, calls everything a present - even after it's opened) I just don't want to let it all go. Not to mention that I am NOT a fan of taking decorations down.

So, I'm thinking that we may have to rethink this "Christmas is over" thing after all - just like we did twice before. You see, some folks go for World Records, but as for my family we go for records on seeing how long we can leave the decorations up. And if you are sensing from my note that we have experience here, you are right.

A few years ago, we did our first, "boycott the end of Christmas/don't feel like taking the lights down" experiment. It was January, when most respectful people have long taken down their decorations that we decided to leave the lights on the house and the tree up. We felt empowered!! Who said that Christmas had to end and that we had to put everything away on somebody else’s terms. No way. Not this year.

February arrived and we decided to decorate the tree, or what had become our house plant, in Valentine decorations. What a great red glow! When March rolled around we hardly noticed the tree was still up, if it had not been for comments from family and friends. On April 1, we decided to take the outside lights down. Our neighbor thought it was the best “April Fools” joke he had seen in years. But – we still kept the tree up. When May and the Indy 500 race rolled around, we decided to succumb and to take the tree down. I must say, that for the first time ever, we actually enjoyed ourselves.

OK, while I was glad that the tree was finally down (and we had our family room back), it felt good to somehow close the holidays on our terms. I don’t know if we will go for a repeat, but we sure enjoyed the conversation that our Christmas house plant brought through the months.

We didn't stop there... A few years later, we moved into a new house and put up a tree in the Living Room. When the holidays passed, the tree stayed up - lights and all. We then felt the need to break our own record of May. So, there the tree stood. We even turned it on when people were coming over so they could pick out our house from others in the neighborhood. I remember when my in-laws were visiting, we informed them that our house was the one with the Christmas tree! Did I mention that they were visiting in July?! We ended up keeping the tree up for the entire year. I don't know if that accomplishment will get us any awards (or maybe just strange looks), but it was fun.

While I don't think we will go for a repeat of living the tree and lights up all year, I think that leaving them up for the rest of the month will do.

So, which person are you? Did this post drive you crazy (if so you are person A)? Are you ready to put the lights away or are you like me and want to hold onto the holidays for a little while longer?

2008 Best/Worst Lists

As 2008 is coming to a close, I thought it only right to reflect on some of the best/worst lists. However, they are not what you think. I am NOT focused on best/worst dressed, but on new terms, companies, brands, products amd lasting memories.

Let me know what you think and what makes up your best/worst lists of 2008.

"Brands that hit the heights", according to PR Week:
1-Twitter (think this is so right. can't wait to see what's next for 09!)
2-Disney
3-Google
4-Toyota
5-McDonald's

"Terms we NEVER want to hear again," courtesy of PR Week:
1-Maverick
2-Bailout
3-Joe the Pulmber
4-Brangelina
(What phrases irk you?!)

Companies on their social media A-Game: (my personal list)
1-Graco
2-Dell
3-Comcast

"Companies behind the social media curve," according to PR Week:
1-ExxonMobil
2-Target (I'd add Wal-Mart too based on feedback I've received from my twitter followers)
3-FDA
4-Sears
5-J&J (this was included due to the Motrin Mom ad. I have mixed feelings, NOT because I liked the ad, but because I think they are doing some really good things with Babycenter. This would cause me to take them off of this list, but I don't work for PR Week).

"Successfully marketed movies", according to PR Week:
1-Dark Knight
2-Cloverfield
3-Sex & The City
4-High School Musical 3
5-Twilight (I have such a crush on Edward, so this gets my vote. I would have moved it right up the list if it were up to me)

Best Books of the year - according to me:
1-Twilight series (Yes, I got hooked. Plus, the Twilight mania was pretty impressive)
2-One -to-Three Magic (Yes, not one that may be on your list - by I needed some discipline guidance)
3- The Sneaky Chef (Yes, another one of my favs - as it has helped my picky little man to eat a little better)
4-I love you Through and Through (It is still my favorite children's book - any my son's too. A great read or gift for anyone having a baby)

Most memorable new product launches:
1-Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers (OK, I do work for them, but I LOVE them. My entire family, including my little picky eater, loves the Ziti and Marinara. A Must try! But, let me know what you think.)
2-Wii (it's taken over!)
3-Grand Theft Auto IV (not because I like this type of thing, but just couldn't miss it)

Favorite Toddler Toys (my personal list):
1-Thomas the Train (son has the table and many trains. He plays with it for HOURS. So worth the investment)
2-Anything dealing with art - Playdooh, markers, chalk, etc. My fav was the "Parents" easel - which was reversable. One side is a chalkboard, the other is for dry erase markers and even has a handy clip to clip paper on there (if you are lazy like me and don't want to have to deal with dry erasing everything, you can just replace and reuse paper!)
3-Thomas the Train carrying case (I know, another Thomas item - but this is great. It holds the trains - perfect for trips to Grandma's house, and has a built in track - so it is handy and play-ready!)

Worst Toddler Toys (my personal list):
1-Crazy, bizarre McD's Happy Meal toys (they just got wierd this year! strange animals with big heads - the Star Wars ones were the worst!! I thought my son might have nightmares)
THEY TAKE THE CAKE!!

Favorite Toddler Shows (my personal list):
1-Thomas the Train
2-Bob the Builder
3-Fireman Sam
4-ANYTHING on PBS Sprout (Sprout please!!)

Ready for Spring - Already!

So, this post is not about my son, doxie dog or hubby. It is about my sum pump and mother nature - and most importantly, my desire for Spring to return. This winter has been a mess for so many already this year. I thought we might skate by untouched, but mother nature had other plans.

We've had so much snow lately and with the sudden warm up (while 63 degrees really isn't warm, it is much better than the negatives), we flooded!! A winter flood? I never knew it was an option, but guess now I know better. When we're pinching pennies with everyone else, the inevitable always seems to happen. Now we're faced with ripping up and putting in new carpet - and throwing out wet items and keepsakes. (I am a sentimental pack-rat - so this is hitting me where it hurts).

It could have been much worse, and we are VERY lucky. But it is still a pain and will take time and money away from other (much more fun and exciting things) in order to clean up this mess.

So, to make myself feel better (venting is good), I have composed the following Ode to Spring - in the hopes that we can soon fast-forward to more mild weather.

Ode to Spring
By Mom who fell victim to a winter flood (oooh, the irony and contradition is ridiculous)

Spring, Spring - where have you gone
What's left behind is winter, snow, ice and a pond (in my basement)
Can you please return and bring your flowers
I hate to replace the carpet, as that takes dollars and hours and hours
Why has Mother Nature decided to play such a trick
With winter we're getting much more this year than the "delightful" winter germs and being sick
Oh how I miss thee and wish for your swift return
For if we need to survive even more "fun" this winter, I think that I will churn and burn (and maybe move to Lucerne - it's a beautiful town in Switzerland)

What's up with the hair "Edward?"

So, I am one of the thousands of moms hooked on the Twilight series. The books were like my own personal brand of drugs - and I just couldn't kick the habit until they were all done. Now I am going through serious withdrawl.

I saw the movie, cheesy and a little off (in my opinion) in how I envisioned some of the characters (namely Rosalie, Eric, etc.), but I just had to spend a little time with my "friends".

I was listening to one of the tabloid shows and heard the unthinkable (well, unthinkable for a fan of the books and now movies). "Edward" (well the star playing Edward), cut off those glorious locks!!

I think we need to start a campaign to get him to grow them back! Sad (probably), but I just can't have my vampire crush not looking his best in New Moon.

Anyone else disappointed with the new do?! Also, what do you think of their decision to potentially not cast the same "Jacob"?

Resolved to have resolutions

OK, if you're anything like me, you might attempt to informally make a resolution (or maybe you just mock them). But, do you really take them serious or stick to them for more than a day, a week? (You're ahead of me if you do stick to them for more than 30 min!)

Well, this year, I am making a go at it again - but I am going to take a slightly different approach, which hopefully will add to my success.

This year, I am making some family resolutions. Some simple ways to enjoy the moment and make each day a little more fun and brighter. (And maybe, just maybe, these will be doable for more than just a day).

Family Resolution 1: Put the crack berry down and turn off the TV. (I know, how will we survive, but we'll find a way!) And spend 5-10 minutes playing all together - reading books, playing with choo-choos, etc.

Family Resolution 2: Read at least one book at bedtime. I don't know about you, but sometimes after a long work day, we tend to rush the bedtime routine or get a little too lax. Instead, read just one book (or one more book - even after dinner if you don't want to disturb the routine).

Family Resolution 3: Get active at least once a week - with the family. Have a dance marathon, play "on your marks, get set, go!" with little man, anything that gets you moving indoors. The energy and calories you'll burn are so worth it.

Family Resolution 4: Create a kudos file! Write down the nice things that the family does and then share them with everyone at the end of the week. I have posted a paper on the fridge and will jot down positives all week long. It's important to acknowledge the positives!

Mom Resolution: (OK, I couldn't help myself and have added one for me.) Be sure to take 15 min each night for myself. That can be to twitter or to write a blog post or just to sit and stare at the ceiling! Anything. Just don't forget that personal time is important for everyone in the family - mommy and daddy too.

What are your family resolutions for 2009?

Christmas letter tribute

Over the years I have found that you either love or hate Christmas letters. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground.

My brother and his family are fans of the Christmas letter and send one out every year. In fact, I believe this year's letter was the most sincere and moving letter, transforming the Christmas letter into a tribute - and making me rethink my position on Christmas letters.

I hope that you enjoy the following excerpts of his letter - and that you pause to cherish life and the people you love during this holiday season - and everyday of the year. Happy holidays.

Excerpt:

"If you throw a dart in the middle of a map of Kansas, you'll hit Great Bend. It is where my wife's mom, Judy, grew up with her sisters. There are three Pizza Huts in town. Turning left onto the main street is something the younger genration is sternly warned to avoid by the elder generations. The main hotel has an old pinball machine in the lobby that tilts. It's not a mecca by any means, but it is cozy and comfortable.

When my wife and I got married, we spent our first Christmas at her Grandparent's house in Great Bend -- little did I know what an experience it would be...

Nineteen of us gathered in the two-bedroom abode. I always thought my family's celebrations, with three sisters and my parents around battling ovens and microwaves (and each other and us) as they cooked away in the kitchen, were hectic. In 2001, I quickly learned that my concept of hectic was absurdly naive.

In Great Bend, if you were not cooking in the kitchen you were being recruited. Once recruited, you were stuck, trapped, following often contradictory orders from Judy and each of her sisters. It wasn't that there were too many cooks in the kitchen, but that there was not enough kitchen for the cooks. Only the cleverest managed to avoid being recruited, and it took creativity - you could plant yourself in front of the TV and pretend to be deaf (we watched about 16 episodes of Trading Spaces that day), or you could closely monitor the temperature outside, and the moment it was just warm enough, you could sneak off to go golfing.

What amazed me was that it wasn't the main meal that was being dramatically prepared in that tiny kitchen by the flurry of people. There was always food - sandwiches, cookies, anything and everything - all kinds, always out, always enticing, always delicious.

Because it was my first Christmas with my wife's family, there was naturally some curiosity as to what food I liked -- my wife's mom, Judy, was asking me about pie. It wasn't worth making a pie unless more than one of the nineteen people would eat it, you see. Judy liked pecan pie. She asked me whether I liked pecan or pumpkin pie better. I told her pumpkin (it's my favorite).

Finally, after many hours, countless shouted instructions and at least 18 chilly holes of golf, and innumerable room reveals by Paige Davis, dinner was served. And what a feast it was!

Then it was time for dessert. Judy and her sisters went to the kitchen and brought out thte pie. Judy, in a loud voice enough to rise above eighteen others, asked, "Jason, you would like a piece of pecan pie, wouldn't you?"

I froze. Pecan? I told her I liked pumpkin. Pumpkin is my favorite. I wanted pumpkin. I looked around. Everyone was talking now - Jason likes pecan pie? Jason's a pecan pie guy? That Jason, you sure can't keep him away from pecan pie, I was sure I heard them saying. But it wasn't true! I don't like pecan pie! No pecan pie! "Uh, no, I'd like a piece of pumpkin pie," I said. Judy asked me to confirm that I really didn't want pecan pie. I confirmed I'm a pumpkin pie guy. I was served pumpkin pie.

I'm not sure how long it took me to realize that the reason Judy had been asking me about pecan pie was because she wanted pecan pie, but no one else did, and it wasn't worth making a pie if only one person out of nineteen would eat it, you see. When I did finally piece it together, it was too late. The moment had passed. The pie had been served. My chance to ensure my morther-in-law would be able to enjoy one of her favorite desserts had come, and gone.

On August 16, 2008, Judy passed away from colon cancer. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt and grandmother. She was opinionated, smart, honext, funny, forgiving and endearingly straightforward. She was a wonderful listener and my wife's rock.

This Christmas, we will be in California with my family, enjoying our classic traditions and customs. There will be lots of bonding, and giving, and love. There will also be a little something missing.

And if anyone asks, yes, I would love a piece of pecan pie."