Who does that kid belong to?

Do you ever go somewhere and gaze around you? Take a moment to feel the sunshine on your face, smell the flowers and really scope people out. I like to people watch and sometimes even attempt to lip read or think about what the people are saying, doing or going to do next. Obviously I am easily entertained in my own head! There are times when I watch children but not in a creepy way but just at how they interact. Sometimes I am shocked or amazed at their daily interactions. It never ceases to amaze me at the things kids will do or say thinking no one is watching them. However, there are times when I shout, "AWWW shit that is MY kid!"

There are so many instances that could be documented that I am not sure there would even be a starting or ending point. Yesterday the older three kids had a soccer game within two hours so needless to say I was going back and forth to fields and attempting to entertain the kid not playing at the moment.

Due to the recent monsoons coming through Indiana, the fields were a sloppy muddy mess and the playground had a small pond surrounding it. I highly encouraged Roberto to not investigate the playground but how do you keep a 4 year old away from large puddles of water? I supervised him with the help of his older brother and still watched Kayla play her game. I was cheering for Kayla when I caught a glimpse of a rather peculiar sighting out of the corner of my eye.  At this time, several thoughts went through my head in about a nanosecond.

#1. Who does that kid belong to?

#2 Why does that kid look vaguely familiar to me?

#3 Why is Jacob doubled over in laughter?

#3 Why would a kid choose to pee into a large puddle of water while playing amongst other children?

..... and then "AWWW shit that is my kid!"

I had a moment of where a rush of calmness went through me and I thought that I could ignore the public pee job and just pretend he wasn't my kid. However I figured that would send the wrong message to my kid who has no issues with P.P. (public peeing) I quickly gathered him up and marched him to the restroom so he could finish his job. My only real saving grace was there were not many children in the vicinity of the P.P!

So I end by saying this was not my first mortifying experience with Roberto and his P.P. nor will it probably be the last. Nor will it be the last time I shout," AWWW shit, that is MY kid!"

Family Traditions

Ever wonder what truly makes your family unique? What family traditions did you grow up with that you continue to carry on?

One tradition for our family has always been to make tamales. This has typically been a once a year Christmas tradition. Growing up, my parents always made tamales right before Christmas so they were fresh on Christmas Day where we would have a large Mexican Feast most of the day or so it seemed! The smell of the pork meat in the steamer and spicy peppers being prepped will forever be a warm happy Christmas memory. It always makes me wonder if all Mexicans associate the smell of pork as part of just being Mexican. 

As my siblings and I got older, we were recruited to clean the cornhusks and spread the masa. If you looked in our window at Christmas, it would be like staring into a snow globe. The picture would be the same year after year. The kitchen table covered in a vinyl tablecloth and masa plopped in the middle of the table. My mom alongside the kids would spread the masa on the husks. My dad would place a precise amount of meat on the masa and roll them into a picture perfect tamale. Mom would count out three dozen and help dad place them in the steamer. They set the timers and mom kept tally marks of each dozen. We would have to taste a tamale out of every batch! 

As my own family has grown into this magnificent village, Christmas time has become a bit hectic with plays, school and parties. We made the decision this year to not make tamales in December. We did however help my parents carry on the tradition. We will keep to making tamales only once a year but will now make them at Spring Break. This really means we get fresh tamales twice a year instead of once a year. So in a sense, I feel like we will carry on the tradition but at a different time of the year. I look forward to the day when my own children help us spread the masa! 

There are other traditions I have kept true that I hope my own children one day appreciate and carry on to my grandchildren. Each person receives a new personalized Christmas ornament to his or her personal likes of the year. The kids look forward to these ornaments every year. My mom did this when we were growing up and promised us the ornaments when we got older. She has decided to keep them for now but that is okay because each year my own kids place my childhood ornaments on her tree. I wonder if I will one day hoard my kid’s ornaments too!?! 

So it doesn't matter how simple your family traditions are because they are unique to your family. If you don't have any special traditions, it is never too late to start. It will be worth the memories to you and your children. 

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Happy 12th Birthday Jacob!

It is hard to believe that 12 years ago God gave me my oldest son, Jacob Miles. It was truly a grand day. However, when Jacob was a newborn, I was certain I would never have more children. I swear the kid slept with his eyes open so he wouldn’t miss a thing going on in his new world. He would have made a perfect lab rat for any scientist who would have wanted to try a Concerta type formula for babies. I am certain he would have qualified under any checklist for ADHD! He started to sleep at reasonable times around the age of 4 and the circles under my eyes eventually did fade.
The last 12 years have been a process of trial and error because as we all know these kids don’t come with an owner’s manual. It would make the process easier but not as entertaining. 
As Jacob gets older and his cute little face starts to break out in volcano- sized pimples and his hair is in a constant state of a hot curly mess I can’t help but remembering that cuddly 7 pound 3 ounce baby that would stare at me all night with his big baby blue eyes. 
Jacob continues to entertain me with quick come -backs and silly tricks but those are also the same things that annoy me the most. I look at his dimples sunk into his face like moon craters and know it is all just a “phase.” One day this quirky kid will grow up into a mature young man who knows the difference between right and wrong. I am certain one day he will reach a point that every decision he makes will force him into a self- reflection question of “Would I get grounded for this?”
Happy Birthday buddy!

Life Lessons

As a parent, we are offered many opportunities to trick our children, tell them white lies, torture them, love them, duct tape them to the wall... ok.... so maybe I have never had to actually duct tape my kids to the wall but that doesn't mean it hasn't crossed my mind on occasion. My children have learned some real life lessons in their short lives.  The following is a brief list of true lessons. Read with caution.

1.) Under all circumstances, you must use a tissue on your nose and wiping your boogers on the bedroom wall is always a no- no. Saving them for later is not an option.

2.) It is necessary to wipe your bottom after going #2 even if it SEEMS like it was a "clean poop." I don't even know what that means but it required some serious reasoning on my part!

3.) It is not a safety violation nor will the police give me a ticket because I have allowed your imaginary friend to ride in the van without a seat belt.

4.) Leaving your imaginary friend in Wal-Mart after we have packed up the car and buckled up could put your real life in danger because this could cause Mommy to unleash the beast within her.

5.) Asking your sister to bite off your toenail even if it is hanging by a little bitty piece is NOT normal or funny.

6.) It is never a good idea to allow your brother to tie a piece of string around your loose tooth to pull it out even if he pinky promises to tie it around the "right" tooth next time.

7.) If you are not responsible and forget your homework, lunch at home, or other important papers I will not bring it to school for you. If you forget to tell me about a project, you will suffer the consequences at school and still have to do the project.

8.) People will laugh at you if you pee while walking into Wal-Mart. You should at least go between two cars and not tinkle while actually walking. 

9.) If I yell at you for not being responsible it is because I love you and if you don't pull your head out of your tush some time soon, chances are it will be stuck there forever. If this happens, who will give me tissue for my nose and force me to wipe my bottom when I am old? 
Love my kids and the lessons they teach us all!

How did I get here?

Ever wonder how you got where you are in life?  For some people the question might be asked more forcefully, "How the hell did I end up here?" Have you ever thought that every decision you have made up to this point has put you right here right now? It is like thinking of Karma whether bad or good, it is out there. 

As I have started on a reading extravaganza in class of Choose Your Own Adventure books, it has made my mind go in whirlwinds of thoughts on the decisions we make in life that have given us our positions on Earth. What if you had chosen turn to page 42 instead of 58? The outcome is always different in the book but the difference in life is we can't turn back the pages and change our first decision. So on this mindless journey in my head I went through some of life's decisions and wondered,” How did I end up here?"

1.) One time I made the decision to bungee jump at a concert. It is like telling the carnie at your local fair, "Yes I trust you with my life, my children and bank account." I no longer remember what concert I was at but have vivid memories of plummeting to my death. 

2.) At some point in time there was some gambling going on to as who could eat the most chili with jalapeno peppers. This is a bet that you should walk away from immediately. The outcome is not good and while you feel like the Grim Reaper is knocking at your back door, you realize you don't even like jalapeno peppers. 

3.) I once made the decision to "borrow" some table settings from Hacienda. This was an ok move until Hacienda called my mom. They really wanted the actual table back! 

4.) While in college it sounded entertaining to interview a racist church leader in town. This decision was almost like a death wish. Have you ever counted pick-up trucks and calculated how tall the trees were in a church parking lot? 

5.) One time to shut my sister up during breakfast, I threatened her life. This threat ended up with me chasing her around the yard, wrestling her to the ground and cramming cereal up her nose. This was initially hysterical but then panic hit that if the cereal didn't come out or if she took a deep breath in maybe she would die from lack of oxygen. This scenario became funny again when we crunched the cereal by pinching her nostrils together and her blowing out the crumbs. Ok, maybe this was only funny to me.

6.) I once gave a police officer half of the peace sign because he rolled through a stop sign when it was my turn to actually "go." He clearly broke the law and I was on my way to Hacienda to probably steal that table. He pulled me over and made me "step out of the car." We had a polite conversation. 

7.) Most importantly, on a mindless night out with a friend, I decided to stalk out my high school boyfriend. It didn't really occur to me that he might not be around or he might be sitting around with his family. Instead he was sitting at a local establishment with a buddy. (I think I should also point out that if I want to find you, I will. Hiding only makes me more curious. I will find you.) Anyways, this is truly the decision that put me  where I am today and what a blessed and crazy place it is..... 

Just Not that Kinda Girl

Recently it seems as though the term "high maintenance chicks" has entered  a variety of conversations between some of my friends and myself. As you can imagine it is is agreed that I am not a high maintenance kinda girl. So I decided to make a list to determine where I actually stood on the spectrum. Obviously many of my friends do qualify under many of the HM list so this is not a judgemental list but only my perspective and observations.

1.) A HM girl might prefer to have pedicures to maintain the foot beauty. I prefer to rub my heel on the sidewalk sand papering off the roughness. It works. It is free. Don't judge me.

2)  A HM will also change the color of her toenails while getting a pedicure. I just slop on another coat of the hooker red without ever taking the old off. From a distance you can't tell and no one should really be that close to my feet anyways.

3.) A HM girl might let some young Chinese girl use dental floss to remove unwanted eyebrow hairs. (I admit I am intrigued by this but also very bothered) I am lucky to have enough time to get dental floss between my teeth let alone try to rope in unruly eyebrow hair. I pluck to maintain and have not turned into Ewok yet.

4.) A HM girl might like to be wined and dined with a fancy meal. I prefer a hamburger, fries and cold brew.

5.) A HM girl might dress up for that fancy meal. I will not dress up for that burger and fries but might throw on a clean t shirt that does not advertise a running race or recent fundraiser.

6.) A HM girl might shop at places like Victoria Secret for matching bras and panties.  I don't know what Victoria is trying to keep a secret because seriously those matching sets leave little to the imagination. I am happy if the "set" still has the elastic in the waistband and stays up. Buy all black and be done.

7.) A HM girl might like to drink wine out of a fancy glass wearing a charm! A glass with a charm? I don't have jewelry with charms! I prefer a cold brown bottle in a "cozy."

8.) A HM girl might like to wear high heels even with her jeans. I do own high heels but I prefer to only look at them and not wear them. Not something I associate with a pair of jeans. The whole purpose of jeans is to be comfortable so it is barefoot or my running shoes.

9.) A HM might pay a lot of money for her unnatural hair color and to reduce the gray. I pluck those babies right out but in all fairness have not had many. At least not enough to go bald yet. If you see a large balding spot you might want to let me know if it looks REALLY bad.

10.) I am leaving #10 open for discussion. I am sure I have neglected some areas of HM girls so I am looking for another great one.

Education

As the media and politicians continue to showcase teachers and schools as the scapegoat of a society on a downward spiral of failures, I can't help but think back on my own education. I am a product of public school and while I have multiple imperfections, I am a success. I am successful because my parents stood behind me, supported me and guided me in a home filled with love, morals, values and discipline.
When I struggled in school, my parents sat at the kitchen table and worked with me until the skill was understood.  I was sent to school knowing my colors, numbers, ABC's, how to tie my shoes, my address, phone number and the difference between right and wrong. My parents made sure I knew the difference between losing and winning with grace. I also knew in order to obtain anything that I had to work for it because no one was standing at the door with a magic wand saying you will achieve! Instead I knew I would achieve if I believe and WORK. Remember The Little Engine that Could, I think I can, I think I can! Thanks for that one mom!

The contrast now is that many parents don't partake in the education of the whole child. Children need their minds, souls and hearts conditioned before entering school. Our society has neglected to continue to pursue the importance of education before children step in the front door of preschool or kindergarten. Parents have become friends of their children beginning in the toddler years and when this cycle continues discipline is thrown out the door along with hard work, dedication and the value of education.

Teachers deal with a large spectrum of students in a classroom and failure is not something we seek out as the media has recently portrayed. Teachers don't sit on their asses waiting for students wanting to learn or parents wanting to help. Teachers put forth their best and sometimes even more to fill in the gaps. The school often provides the one place of security and love while teaching the basics of state standards.

I think it is time for our society to take a long hard look in the mirror and face the cold hard facts. It is time to value education and for parents to begin the process the day a child exits the womb! We are a partnership but we need everyone to realize the stakes are high and recently we are failing together.

Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me the foundation I needed to be successful and being a part of my education. Love you.

Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends

As I continue on this blogging adventure, I thought I would share some odds and ends of information about myself. My close friends will know most of the ODDS but I figure why not throw it all out there. I might have to revise this page at a later date because I have a sneaky suspension that my friends will quickly point out others!

1.)    I am a penny pincher. I don’t buy things unless they are on sale or I have a coupon. I will search hours on line for a coupon code.
2.)    When I make toast, I always pop it up half through and flip the bread to the other side. Jacob once asked me if I knew that it toasted on both sides either way. I do but I still have to flip it.
3.)    I hate drinking my whole cup of coffee. I have to re-fill it once if gets to about ½ empty until the pot is empty.
4.)    I have to shower at least twice a day. I can’t function in the morning without a shower, which means I have to wash my hair and shave. I can’t fall asleep at night without taking another and well that means you need to shave again. I find it to be a pleasantly vicious cycle.

5.)    I can’t stand Chap Stick, lipstick or lip-gloss. It makes me feel like my lips will fall off.
6.)    I also can’t stand fingernail polish. I feel like my hands are dragging on the ground like a gorilla just too much weight.

7.)    I can’t sleep with my leg hanging off the bed. I am convinced the boogieman will attack me in Freddy Krueger style by dragging me under the bed in one quick second.
8.)    I have been known to spend evenings searching on line for free give away razors. I do find other great freebies but find the mail to your house mayonnaise rather gross.
9.)    I attempt to never untie my running shoes. I think it is bad luck. My dad thinks it's lazy. Lol
10.)    I would be perfectly happy to never wear socks even in the winter. They really bother me.
11.)    As a little kid, I could fly. It really irritated me when others tried to convince me otherwise. I would run a few steps in the living room and “fly around” the room. True story.
12.) I find most things in my daily life funny. I can and do laugh at most events throughout the day and maybe at things that shouldn't make me giggle. My husband kinda thinks NOT so funny when I try to tell him the stories! This makes me laugh even harder.

Directions in Life

Sometimes life leads us in directions that make us skeptical or even scared of the outcome. I think it is funny how we react at times to the unknown. If we don't know the end result, what is there to really fear? I think of some of the wonderful people I have met, opened my heart to and found friendships that run so deep that I would dare you to try to break the bond or interfere.
Many moons ago, a new teacher started in our school and to be honest I didn't think we had the slightest thing in common. I didn't make an attempt to make nice or perhaps even welcome her to our building. (a big surprise huh?) (somethings never really change) Anyways, I have no recollection as to what allowed us to form a friendship  that forced me  to care so deeply for her soul. Either way, we have connected on levels that let me know we are sistas from another mista!
I have learned more about life, love and deep devotion from Faryl than any other person could ever attempt to teach. As Faryl embarked upon an unknown path with Sadie Jo, her friends made every attempt to make her family comfortable or at least know they were loved. While perhaps, I was not there on the levels that others were, Faryl always knew how much I cared.
As I watched and read what my friend wrote, it truly inspired my heart and soul. My own heart ached for her but pity is not something Faryl would have ever wanted from us. I watched as Faryl was devoted not only to her family but her job and God. I admired from afar how one person could not only change those around them but  truly change the world. I was inspired by her Sadie updates and how much she gave as a mom. I think we say that we believe in God and we trust in His judgement. We say we will let Him guide us blindly and know in the end that our best intentions have been cared for in way that God had pre-planned out.  However until you witness this blind love or are put in a that type of position, I don't think it is really the same. I can only pray to one day know if I had to be Led, my heart would guide me and to be half as strong as Faryl.
While I know my friend is in a painful place as her daughter would have turned 5 today, in my heart I know Sadie is celebrating. I think God let her touch so many lives that he needed her more to show other angels how blind love, devotion and guidance can change the world. So today's blog lacks humor but not inspiration or love. I am thankful to be a part of the Smith family and to know my own life has been forever altered because of a sweet long lashed little girl that God shared with us, if only for a short time. xoxoxox.

Church

For those of you with multiple children, you understand the pains it takes to often get the gang to church on TIME and keep them QUIET. This is like a weekly tag team effort which I am thankful my inlaws attend church and help out. However sometimes events take place that are out of my control. Last week, I was under the impression that Grandpa had complete control of Roberto. I tried to man handle Thalia to keep her from wiggling her way to complete freedom. I was in deep thought of, "Ok we can make it another 20 minutes without making a scene. Only 20 more minutes.. only 20 more minutes."
Then I hear a hushed Roberto voice, "Mom, look at me." I glance to my right where my angelic child should be sitting to only see a vacant pew. Again I hear in a slightly louder hushed voice, "MOM! Do you see me?" Well obviously I didn't see him where he should have been at the time. Grandpa motions me to look at the pew BEHIND us! Roberto had once again decided to exit our pew by crawling UNDER the pew to get to the one behind us. I have no idea why this tickles him so or why Grandpa didn't try to stop him. Of course, the ushers behind the last pew are attempting to hush their laughter. He eventually joined us by army crawling under the pew!
Today I had the opportunity to join friends at their church. I enjoyed seeing a church from a different perspective. The sermon was mostly addressed to parents which is always helpful when you are in charge of a village. Afterwards, I look seriously at my son Jacob and asked him, "Well did you learn anything?" His response was a serious glance back,, "Did YOU learn anything?" Of course, this only cracked up friends standing in the circle of the conversation. I am guessing he heard a message or a lesson that dear ol Mom needs to take into serious consideration. I am working on it buddy. I am working on it. Love those kids and thankful God continues to lead me.

The Firsts of Many

Well here it is,, my first blog. I have no clue if I am even in the right place or if this will show up for viewing. When you are in charge of four kids, your life can get slightly hectic. I lose track of time, I lose track of milestones, but I don't lose track of the actual kids! I seem to always know where they are and what they are doing. I think keeping a blog will help me keep track of some of the simple things in life. It will also give me an opportunity to share some of the entertaining events in my daily life. I typically find these events to be part of the "norm." I usually find out later when I share my stories that perhaps they really are only a "norm" here in the Smiertenly Village. I hope I get the chance to share enough stories  to make it worthy of my time.
Today's mini story will be about child no. #3 , Roberto. He is my "ham" of a kid for sure and brings laughs all the time. Today he drew a picture of a big red monster with multiple eyes and arms.  As I admired his artistic abilities, he started to pick his nose. My friends who know me well are clearly laughing right now because this is a pet peeve for me. I told him to stop picking his nose because it is gross and germy. He says, "My monster has boogers too." He then proceeded to wipe the booger on the picture of the monster's nose. NICE.. Clearly the monster needed a REAL  BOOGER! Welcome to my world people!