Deep South Moms

Mind Over Body, or Body Over Mind

I just got back from the longest run I've ever done. It's no distance that will blow anyone away.  Yet, if you'd have told me six months ago (really even 6 weeks ago) that I'd be out there running 25 minutes without stopping I'd have thought you'd lost your mind. Because I've tried running before and never been very successful. Actually, in the past it has basically been a disaster.

I'm following the Couch to 5 K running plan. I've tried it before, and I couldn't figure out why it was going better this time. Maybe it's because I weigh 20 pounds less than when I tried before. Or perhaps, it's because I've been exercising somewhat regularly for the last few years. Maybe it's because I told people my plan this time. Or because several of my friends started the program at the same time as I did. 

The fact of the matter is, with the exception of weeks one and two, it hasn't been easy. I repeated week six because I had a really hard time hitting the 25 minute mark on the last day. I might stick around on week seven for an extra week as well. Is that the secret to this working this time?  In the past if I couldn't hit a milestone exactly on time, I would quit. This time, I figure if it takes me the rest of my life to run 5K without stopping, it's okay. I just want to do it. I'd rather get there and then set a new goal, but for now I am content.

Let's Go Potty!

Recently, my littlest guy turned three. I kept thinking it was time to put the diapers behind us, but I am a master procrastinator.  Potty training is not my strongest area of parenting. It requires a certain amount of staying home and watching the clock that I find difficult. No two ways about it, there is no real fun part of this endeavor for me.

We are in that interesting phase of the process in which we spend an awful lot of time in public restrooms. I'm not really a germophobe, but of all the places I'd like to spend my time it's on the bottom of the list. While the little man is doing his business I'm often looking around thinking about the cleanliness of the area surrounding me, how many people have used the toilet and when the last time a cleaning fluid has seen the floor, the sinks, etc.

A Tale of Two Houses

On a recent trip to the town where I grew up, my brother drove me around town to see how much things have changed. Old stores have been torn down and shiny new buildings replace them. What used to be expanses of empty lots are now shopping centers. It was strange to see it all. One part of town is older and just like it used to be, while others are completely foreign to me.

On this tour he turned into my old neighborhood, and we stopped at the first house my husband and I owned. The house where we brought our first two babies home. I've always loved that old house and my reaction was unexpected. I am not one to cling to possessions, but that house holds a special place in my heart. I was pleased to see some of the landscaping we had done was still in place. Then, they had added more, sprucing the place up. They had painted the outside trim, and replaced the windows. I peeked around back and the workshop my husband built was still there. The new door we put up shortly before selling the place remained, and had been painted red. Clearly, someone took pride in their home and it made my heart swell that it was in good hands. Someone cared.

How Cute - Our First Fad

Long ago when I had no kids and knew everything (my how times change!) I swore I wouldn't be one of those moms who went along with every fad. My kids would be individuals, and so on and so forth. Oh, isn't it funny to look back!

The big boys came home from school recently talking about Silly Bandz and asking me if we could go to WalGreens and buy some right now.  I, of course, said no.  And what the heck is the deal with a silly band anyway. They explained it too me once again, annoyed at my ignorance... it's a rubber band shaped like an animal, or other things.  Uh huh.  I wondered briefly what on earth the purpose of a silly band would be, especially in the grade school set, and the only answer I can think of is it is "cool."  It's a fad.

I Want That House

Yes, here is where I confess to having house envy. Except it's not a bigger, fancier, more lavish home that I desire.  No, to the contrary, the actual floor plan and decor have no weight in my yearning. It's the fact that when my neighbor across the street invites me in with an "excuse the mess," I see absolutely no mess.

Her house is clean and tidy every time I see it.  How does she do it when she home schools and has 2 kids there all the time?  Is she superwoman?  She just might be. I do know that she gets up at 4 am to get her stuff done before the kids get up.  The problem here is that 4 am to me is the middle of the night.

Who Needs to Tie Shoes?

A long time ago I purchased my first little boy his first pair of real shoes. Being a rookie, I bought a cute little lace up pair.  So we went about life's daily activities and I tied his shoes.  Then, I tied his shoes again. Finally I double knotted them, and 5 minutes later I found myself yet again retying those adorable little shoes.  He was really still a baby so obviously couldn't take care of these things himself.  When his little feet grew and needed another pair I was all about the velcro secured shoes. 

Years have passed and my four boys have never had shoes that tied with the exception of soccer and baseball cleats that we would double knot before the game and hope they held out until the end. At some point it hit me that my older boys be are beyond old enough to tie their own shoes and yet, somehow, their mommy has neglected to teach them this particular skill.  It's actually a little embarrassing considering they are almost 8 & 7.

The Coffee

My oldest was recently diagnosed with ADD. It wasn't shocking news, as we've realized all along that he struggles with distractibility.  Only recently, have I wondered if he didn't inherit it from his mother.  The other day was a prime example of forgetfulness on my part. All I can do is laugh.

It was time to start getting myself and the boys ready to get out the door. First, I thought, I'll make a pot of coffee. I dumped the grounds from yesterday, and rinsed out the filter. I filled the water reservoir. The phone rang and I talked to my brother for a good while. As we talked I tried to continue the process. Realized the grinder part needed cleaning, and then poured the coffee beans... into the filter.  Well that was wrong, I laughed.  I moved them to their correct place.  After getting a child dressed, I went to fill my cup, only to realize I never finished filling the grinder with beans. Beginning to be exasperated with myself, I figured at least I'd have it ready before I went to get . Somehow, though I found myself completely dressed, made up, and hair done and still not a sip of caffeinated loveliness had passed my lips.  Yet, when I went to remedy that travesty, I found that I had not.pushed.the.button.  It went on with pouring, getting distracted, adding splenda, running to do something really quickly, ending in me not getting one drink of that coffee until we were in the car on the way to school.  This is so typical of my mornings I'm embarrassed to admit it.

Why is it so difficult to accomplish such a simple task?

Unprofessional!

When school started, I was anxious about the boys' new teachers. I was sure it wasn't even possible for them to come close to the quality, amazing people who had them the year before.  Fast forward six months and it's been fine.  I feel like they are good, loving educators doing their best to teach the children placed in their classes. So far, so good.  Except...

Last week, an issue arose that, frankly, I'm not even sure is any of my business, and yet it left me feeling uneasy about a situation at school.  I am torn, because while part of me feels like I've witnessed some unprofessional behavior, another part thinks it does not concern me.  Let me clarify that this doesn't affect the education of my children...or does it?  See, I can't quite wrap my head around it.  Maybe you can help.

I try to volunteer in the boys' classrooms once a week. I don't do anything of earth shattering importance. Make copies, help file, whatever they need. I have to confess to having ulterior motives.  The more my presence is known at the school, the more likely I am to know about a problem early on. I like to see the kids in their element in the classroom. I love when their classmates say "Hi, Mrs. Bailey!!" and when I can say hi back using their name. I always joke that I volunteer so that I can be a spy to know what's really going on. 

Parenting Without a Voice

Last week, I suffered from a minor cold.  Started with a sore throat, added in some nasal congestion. It was no big deal. It didn't stop me from doing any of my normal activities.  Basically, just a minor annoyance. Until Tuesday when my voice up and left me. Gone. Try as I might to get a sound out, all that came was a little more than a whisper.

I hoped with all my heart my voice would be back by Wednesday morning because I couldn't fathom how in the world I would manage to get everyone ready and out the door with virtually no sounds coming out of my mouth. Thankfully two of my kids can read, so I utilized our white board to scribe instructions for the bigger kids, and my 6 year old was more than happy to be my voice for the little ones.  (He's the second born, and has always wanted to be in charge.)

My Village

We've all heard the phrase "it takes a village" to raise a child. Once upon a time I would have scoffed at that phrase. It takes me, myself and I and maybe my husband thanks very much. Except, that thinking is so, so wrong. Because when I go it alone I find myself feeling so inadequate, afraid, and stressed too much of the time.

Being a stay at home parent can be isolating at times. Add a few moves in a few years and it can be downright lonely. Enter Moms Club. People I probably wouldn't have met otherwise, but we have the bond of motherhood. Friends for the kids, adult conversation for me, and tons of fun activities for days that could otherwise be unbearable long and difficult. Many days, these ladies are my only adult conversation between 9 AM and 6 PM. I couldn't be more thankful for them.