Ecstatic!

First of all, let me just start by saying that that is not me. Although it may be highly similar to what you might picture once I actually move down south to our new beach front location, it's just not me. Along with the move and the possibility of my second child being potty trained also, the happy leap into the lovely clouds might also be accompanied by a back handspring. Or two.

I'm standing beside myself with sheer pleasure. I never thought that the sight of human excrement could make a grown adult feel so pleased. It is just so much more than that! But as my brother pointed out, it is highly amusing to think about a house full of grown adults grinning and clapping for my now three year old child who has finally grasped the concept. No. Not only grasped the concept, but I do believe he has mastered it. I think I may be a tad premature in saying it, but since he is a smart kid, I think I'm going to go ahead and go out on that limb. By George, I do think he has it. He has just been a little pig headed, stubborn, and basically down right defiant when it comes to moving his bowels. ( isn't that just like a little man for ya?? It has been his own private thing for 3 long years. And he wasn't ready to just flush it down the commode. Not for me, not for balloons or mega block construction trucks with little men (even wearing a hard hat) that sat on top of our refrigerator until just days before the movers came. Nope. No siree bob. But my little guy, the stinker that he is, he really just did not enjoy cleaning his own poop. From his own behind. Yup. Mean mommy that I am, I actually made him get his butt into the bathroom and clean up his own mess.

Now to many of you, the mere thought of that can just be downright horrifying. In fact I was a bit terrified of the possible outcomes. I prepared myself with gloves, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and flushable wipes. Anyway, to spare you the details, he did the deed. And it wasn't as bad as we all know it could have been. He was too afraid to get any of it on his hands, his legs or his feet. He followed this incident up with a bath, and I promptly cleaned everything around the area. He told me that he didn't want to do it again. The next day was when he went on the potty. He took himself. Oh, and he likes his privacy. So we have to crack the door. When he's all finished we get to come and inspect the prize and help clean up. So far I'm one happy momma!

Today he asked for a balloon. I told him I would get him one. Just because it's still all so new. We have about 35 days left for it to really sink in. I know I've read and heard about kids who regress. I'm praying that he really just doesn't. I don't know why. No. That's not true. I don't want to clean up poop in the underwear. That's why. I just hope that he's different. We are moving to another country. We are staying in hotels. We don't have a new house yet. I don't even know what foreign diapers look like, or even how much they cost. But I want at least one of my kids to totally get this. And keep it going. Wish us luck!

And even though this day started off a little rough, it certainly didn't end that way. Like I said, I'm ecstatic!My kid can poop on the potty! What a big thing! It's like he was just born the other day. And then all of a sudden he's walking and now he's pooping on the potty. That's pretty cool!

I'm homeless and my kids are quite nuts.

I don't formally have a home. Although technically still a homeowner, we do not live there anymore. And I don't have a cat anymore either. That's sad. But I do believe it's in his best interest. And ours. But mostly mine, since all the responsibility of the cat lies on my shoulders. It does make me feel much better to hear that the cat is being well loved. The new "renters" are also cat sitters to my beloved Corona. I don't know if time will change that to new cat parents or not. We will have to wait that out and see if they ask to keep him. They've already hinted at that. Their family has been loving on him so much. I'm happy to hear that. It's much better than worrying about his well being.

So I'm staying with mom and dad. And my kids have lost their minds. Eddie has asked several times to go home. But otherwise, they are both flipping out. It's as if I fed them chocolate cake for breakfast and then set them on fire. They run around this house like it's Christmas morning. And they don't slow down for anything. Or anyone.

I've entered into full potty training mode. And I'm honestly contemplating running out into some traffic. It has been rather maddening. I'm not sure why people have kids anymore. Potty training is the dumbest thing, it's the hardest thing, it's the most infuriating thing on earth. If I could go back and re-give birth, I would trade my epidurals for an "easily potty trainable child". I would willingly suffer the pain that comes with pushing another human being out of your body for the difficulty it is to stand by and watch your child pee on the floor 14 times in one day. I'd gladly feel every single contraction just to know that each one of my children would pee and poop on the potty. I'd love to see just one of them even get the idea of whats going on. Eddie pees pretty well on the potty, and today Alexa created and released a pretty impressive poopy herself. But she however can't seem to catch on to the pee train. I'm so over it, I don't even want to see tomorrow right now.

I'm refusing to go to bed. I don't want to potty train tomorrow. And then everyone who has kids, and those with wisdom who have written books have said, "They will regress when you move." Great, so I'm working so hard for what?? To have them back in diapers when we move?? Alexa is totally potty trainable just because Eddie has been attempting to try for so long. I'm still not sure I can believe that I have a 3 year old. And he won't poop. Nope, just not going to do it.

That's nuts. It's just plain nuts. And really, I just want them to calm down a little. They are so hopped up on life, I can't breathe right. But man, are they cute. I can't give them back. I don't want to, I just would like them to poop on the potty and settle down and take a nap. Is that too much to ask? Apparently it is. But a girl can dream right?

There's no turning back.

So, as you can see, my stuff is wrapped, packed, and ready to go. Tonight will be our very last in this house. It feels weird. But still, I'm happy. I think I am just pretty excited about our upcoming trip to another country.

As I sit here and type, I'm wondering too about whose internet waves I'm "riding" on. Since they turned off all of our connections, I am accessing the net remotely. (Thanks to my neighbors!)

The packers will be back for one final day tomorrow. And everything that isn't boxed, will get boxed. They have far surpassed my expectations for movers. Everything that they did, it seemed to me, that they did with care. And the boxes are well packed, and all of my items were not just thrown around. High fives to them, it's certainly appreciated.

I am going to head out for dinner now. But I wanted to post some pics. Oh and the one of Alexa, my sweet little darling, she wasn't afraid of the men whatsoever. In fact she made herself comfortable and wanted to help tape something closed. I love it! She's such a brave little thing!

Short timers...

As I sit here in my chair I realize that I only have about 6 more nights in my house. My first house. I'm really going to miss it. And the kitchen, because it is really nice and big. We still aren't leaving the country until June 14th. But with all the activity that's going on, it's real, and it's all happening right now. I'm awaiting the renters/possible buyers to show up today for a final walk-thru inspection of the house. Which that of course meant that I needed to clean.

I hate cleaning during the last minute. It makes me crazy. And don't get me started with the fact that there is no food in the house to eat. When I clean, I get hungry. And I can't do anything about it right now. My precious little bundle is fast asleep on my bed. Although after snapping these last photos, I realize that she isn't so little anymore.

But sweet, she is! She and her brother are taking very well to rooming together. Well, once they run themselves into utter exhaustion. It usually takes about an hour for them to go to sleep. They won't stop laughing. So we just let them. I mean, with the coming months I know that they are going to be side by side until we get into our new home. And that's going to be in July.

And that brings me back to packing our suitcases. The kids are done. Easy. But me, that's another task altogether. I did end up buying 1 more suitcase (as my carry-on ). But it is a full size (21 inch) bag. I think I'm going to need it. I've never had to live out of a suitcase for 2 months. This should prove to be quite the adventure. The movers will be here sometime Friday morning. THIS Friday. And I'm not ready for them yet. And then Eddie's birthday AND party are on Saturday. Oh man, the things I have yet to do.

Did I mention that I still have to learn a new language??? lol~ let me just throw that on top of the pile!ok, I have to run, I really shouldn't be blogging at all right now.

Ok, so just for fun, here are two of my most recent purchases:New car seat for Alexa. We plan to check this one since the two we have for her are insanely HEAVY! Not only is it cute, but it's a lot lighter, and it serves the purpose to travel. The nicest of the two we own will remain in the car

Ok, time to go! I have tons of things to do~~

What goes around, comes around!

Mom, this is for you!

As I sit here typing out this blog post, I can hear my little monkeys running around. And it's 1:19 pm. They are both usually fast asleep at this time. Peacefully. Quietly sleeping. And right now that is the furthest thing from what is taking place at the moment. In my house. In their room. Eddie just asked me for help with the hammer. I'm not too worried, because I know that any real hammer is locked away in dh's tool box. (Lacka screams)I wonder, but still I sit here and type. No crying. Just a door opening and shutting.

The movers came this morning and diligently packed our things outside in the garage. Last night we tore through the house, very last minute as a matter of fact, and we threw everything out into the garage. Now these things are the ones that won't be going with us on our trip. So basically it was all the stuff that we stuck in the back of our closets, yet are still unable to part with. It's all going in storage for two years.

I bid it farewell in the driveway a few hours ago. Oh and Alexa's crib was part of the storage items. Now she is going to be sleeping in Eddie's room on a twin bed (mattress) on the floor. So today we tried out our first nap. It's not going well at all. In fact, it was a total loss. We are headed to the store in about half an hour. As soon as we get in the car, I know that they both will fall quickly to sleep.

Well, so far, they have ripped down the curtains in the bedroom (rod included). They have emptied out Eddie's 4 drawer dresser, and they have repeatedly been climbing onto the top of the table and jumped onto Eddie's bed, and then off to Alexa's bed.

Here are the kids in action:

64 days and counting...

Until we take our 5 suitcases, 2 car seats, 1 stroller, 4 carry on bags, 2 children (neither of which are completely potty trained as of this posting) and board a plane for Chile. 64 days. That's not a whole lot of time to wrap things up here. And then again we have a WHOLE lot less time to say goodbye to our things. And one of those things being a living breathing animal.

In a sense I guess I should be feeling some amount of relief. Especially with the market being as terrible as it currently is. It's been a year long battle that we just did not win. We did manage to secure a renter. One who has a lot of potential to come through for us and eventually purchase our home. In the meantime, we will have someone live here and pay rent. We shall find out in about 10 months time. I will remain ever hopeful.

So like I said, we have a very short time span in which to vacate the premises. In 19 days we will be out of this house. The movers will come and turn our lives upside down. Or so it may seem to me. They will tear through here with their boxes and packing papers, some skillfully handling our belongings. Others may wisk through the process with speed and disregard for our personal items most of those having sweet memories attached to them. No matter how it's done, every last spec will be crammed into carboard, taped shut and loaded into a crate. Unfortunately I am told that an overseas move is not a speedy one. At least it won't be for our household things. I am to speculate on the amount of clothing that I and my two children will need. Both for summer here in Arizona, and for winter in Chile when we get there. Instead of packing for one climate, we need to think ahead for two.

My sweet darling kitty will also be in a temporary living situation. The wonderful people who will be moving in have agreed to take him in. As it turns out, the woman is a cat lover and my cat reminds her of a cat she used to have. Interesting thing that is. So, I know he will be in good hands. I will miss him terribly. I just feel that it is what is best for him and for us. I hate the thought of him having a cross continental flight in the belly of the plane, both there and back. I think that's a great amount of stress for him, and for me. Not to mention that we will be in a hotel for several weeks time. (also another stressor) With a cat we would have had to change hotels and find one that accepts pets. So now this way, we don't have to do that.

Also my Eddie turns 3 amidst the chaos! The movers will arrive one day before his big party and we will be packing, partying, and then packing some more. I can't even imagine what the kids and especially Eddie is going to think of all of this. My Aunt is coming in town to visit me and the family before we leave. So this too will be a nice visit for us all.

And one last thing. We are moving in with my parents. From May 1st until our plane takes off, we will effectively be homeless. But my loving parents have agreed to have us stay there. The best part about that is that the kids will get an overdose of the family. And the second best thing is that it will be FREE. I love FREE. Right now, we need to concentrate on saving as much as possible for the move. And my family is very close. Which is why we all agreed on it.

Anyway, dh comes home tomorrow. The chaos of the week and all of the things on the to-do list are closing in. I just need to try and enjoy the weekend. Devon left (in case I didn't mention my step-son's impromptu visit).Oh yeah...... and I'm losing my car on May 1st too. Dh is driving it to the port in San Diego and dropping it off to be shipped over as well.

All of our household goods, car included, will take 60-70 days to get there. Fun. Bring it on baby! Bring it on! Which also reminds me......back to my spanish lessons. I keep putting that off. lol~Oh yeah... here's a picture of Devon and Eddie from last night. Posing~

I'm going to a luau. Maybe.

I was invited to a luau. Well, we being my dh and I, were invited. And even somewhere in the invitation it said that we could bring our kids. Now honestly, I felt laughter coming on. They don't really mean that do they? "Sure, come on bring those youngsters on over." I think what they really mean is that we are allowed to bring our very well behaved 7 year olds to this gathering. Because nobody really wants a bunch of bratty screaming, crying, kids that are not from their own gene pool running amuck throughout their lovely homes. Right? I mean, on most days I don't even want my own kids running amuck throughout this house. But they do. And I'm quite certain I can't call to complain to anyone about this. It's just what we endure.

So anyway, back to the luau. I had spoken with the lovely hostess of said party this evening. And well, she did in fact tell me that it was ok to bring my baby monsters to their gathering. She informed me that she too had some monsters kids. (You see, I can call mine monsters any time I please. I'm their monster mother. I bore them. Therefor that gives me the right. ) But this other lady, whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting may just be a proud and rather experienced mother of superbly well mannered children. I do not know this yet. I say that she is experienced because she started putting ages to her children and I lost count. She's got me beat. Even when I add my step-children into the mix. Or wait, maybe we are tied. I'm not sure.

Look, don't blame me for not paying attention. Eddie was running through the kitchen (while I was having a stab at actually cooking dinner). Please read: gas burner on high, within reach of crazy children who have little regard for the blue flame. Anyway, he had blue silly putty draped from the top of his head, wrapped around his forehead and hanging down his chest like a necklace. It was also stuck to the front of his brand new shirt. He was so riled up, that he was making his sister wonder what all the excitement was about. So she chased him in an effort to catch him or to see if she too could get a peek at the dragon that was "going to get them." So of course they were running. Wouldn't you run too if a dragon was chasing you??? I would. But it doesn't do much for my conversation. I think I may actually have R.S.V.P.'ed, I may have placed an order for Avon, and agreed to bring my children along in addition to fixing, cooking, bringing a Hawaiian dish. Fabulous.

So. I'm not huge on cooking, though we do need to eat to survive. I cook little these days. Mostly because dh is working late hours, I don't see him for dinner. But I'm understanding. And I'm also going to research some Hawaiian dishes. Ones that don't contain coconut, or too many onions because Lord knows I'm a pretty finicky eater myself. Dh just got home, it's 9:13 pm. I'm going to go to bed now. This momma is tired!

Crap on a stick.

Interesting? Well, that's as colorful as it's going to get on here folks. I will save my mental breakdowns and wigging out for home audiences only.

My computer printer is not working. And I need to print off only 1 invitation, JUST ONE!!!!! And for the life of me, I can't figure the thing out. I'm sure that when dh gets home and I inform him of our printer situation, he will tell me that it's my fault. Certainly it isn't working because I let my kids repeatedly use it as a step-stool to see out side of the window. Yeah, that's what my intention was. Please children come over here, and really I want you to be wearing your shoes so stand on this printer will ya????? I tried and tried to get them off, but they kept getting back on. And since you fellow mommies can understand, kids don't always do what they are told. As I'm learning. Or have learned. Mine don't listen.

Anyway, I need to print an invitation for a little girl who is leaving tomorrow and I can't even make the thing work. It worked just 2 days ago. ARGH!!!! Frustrations I tell ya.

Oh, and what the heck happened to my sweet baby girl???? I mean, I feel like I just said the same thing about my sweet baby boy. When he turned two. Well, she's not two yet. She's 6 months away from being two. And she's acting like a little DIVA. It's her way or the highway. And she bites, hits, kicks and throws tantrums the likes of which I have never seen, even out of Eddie. If she keeps this up, I shall proceed straight to the kitchen and remove my uterus with a Tupperware spoon and a Ginsu knife. All by myself. I've had training. I've seen it done. Honest. I'm still laughing about the lady who didn't believe me when I told her that my kids weren't twins. I should be the person who is privy to that information, right? Right? Well they aren't twins. They just think that they are. They want the same toys, they want to do the same things, they want to be next to each other, they are best friends and worst enemies. They seldom share, since sharing comes after you turn 3 anyway. Right? Well, at least Eddie is learning the concept. A little. I mean, he screams less and less when Alexa takes his toys away. And now Miss Tough Little Thing will scare even Eddie away. She bites. So he screams, and oh the fun I have!!!!

So, no, not twins. And I'm tired of potty training. I want it to be over. A friend of mine told me to let Eddie clean himself when he poops in his pants. lol~ Can you even imagine? Well, I think maybe I will give that one a shot. Anything that might have a positive outcome on this pooping thing for Eddie, it's worth a try in my book.

Well, I'm really upset about my printer. So I'm going to go spit on it, kick it, and perhaps throw it out in the yard. I can't believe it's not working. I hate when stuff works right in one moment, and then breaks right when you need it. Dh is not going to be thrilled if I have to go out and buy another printer. Especially when I could be spending the money on another Coach purse bills.

How about some green paint for your lawn?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller??

Ok. So my grass is dormant. But it looks more like it's dead. Anyway, my brilliant brother has informed me of this new and exciting trend he spotted. The fabulously talented entrepreneur that he is, he told me that we should paint my grass. Weird, but true. They do it to turf, why not my grass? They actually sell stuff that is not harmful to your grass, and it makes it look a thousand times better during these times when your grass is not growing. And hey, it could probably be used too for the times when your city imposes watering restrictions. It doesn't harm or hinder the natural growth of the grass! How cool is that? So my dear brother came over today and had a paint session with my silly excuse for a lawn. For those of you who don't live in Arizona, it's quite common NOT to have lawns. In fact, it's much easier to have both front and back yards covered in plain, boring sand colored rocks.

I convinced my dh that we did in fact need grass when we bought our swing set for the kiddos. I just had no idea that it was going to be a largely uphill and daily battle to try and keep such a small patch of grass alive in this heat stricken city in which we live. During the summer months, it gets so hot, and the grass does grow. But the problem is watering it, enough. It nearly dies every single day. Just from the heat and the need for endless watering.

So, today like I said my brother (My Go 2 Guy) came over to re-beautify my lawn. After he finished, I must say that it looks great! It even looks natural. You can't tell that it's been painted. It just looks like we take really good care of it!

Here are some pics: