Happy 4th!

Don't worry. This isn't some sneaky way of saying that the politically "left" are somehow patriotically backwards.

Or is it?

Just kidding. Go light some fireworks, 'cause here in Texas.... we can't.

Gaston

Bradley joined a local acting company earlier this year. He loved the weekly practices, but he was not very excited about the idea of performing in front of people.

So I lied to him.

I told him that when the time came, if he didn't want to, he wouldn't have to - someone else could fill in for him. Luckily, he didn't call my bluff.

They were putting on a production of Beauty & the Beast. The set was awesome, the costumes were great, and they had live music. It was actually pretty impressive.

Bradley with Mimi L*. She played La Fou - Gaston's little sidekick

What was even more impressive is that I learned something about Bradley. He's much braver than I am. And, that kid can sing! I had no idea he could project like that and stay on pitch. He even carried a vibrato. Proud Mama.

Suprise!

We showed up to the pool on Memorial Day to play with friends when these three found each other.

L to R: Izzy B*, Lindsey M*, & Miss Liv

They were very excited.

Excuse Me While I Discipline Your Child

I was at the park recently when this "adorable" little monster was terrorizing other kids. Let's call him Henry ('cause that's what his mom calls him and I don't feel like protecting the privacy of lunatics). Picture this character as you read. Cynicism brings out the blogger in me.


My repressed thoughts will be in italics for your enjoyment.

Me: Ma'am, your son just punched my child. I will hit him if he does it again. Then I will hit you.
Henry's Dumb Mom: Boys will be boys (with that really stupid grin on her face).

5 minutes later...

Me: Your son is spitting on my daughter and her friends. I'm going to kneel on his chest, reach into his mouth and rip out his salivary glands all while you watch.
Henry's Dumb Mom: Oh, that's just his way of sharing (head tilted watching Henry with unconditional love).

3 minutes later...

Me: Your (obnoxious) child is hitting that adult. You really ought to do something.
Henry's Dumb Mother: (To me:) We don't like to say, "NO" to our son. Of course you don't. (To Henry:) Henry, honey. Stop, please. Should we go to the car? I'm going to count to three. Do you want to go into time out? Really let's stop. One... Two... We'll have to go home. I don't think that nice man likes that. Do you need to sit in the naughty chair? I'll give you a big hug if you can obey me. Show mommy how a big boy listens. One... Two.... Henry, be a good boy. Ooopsies, let's not throw rocks at him. One... Two... Do you want me to tell Daddy? I'm not going to let you have a treat when we get home.

REALLY? MAYBE YOU SHOULD GIVE HIM ONE MORE WARNING BEFORE I BEAT YOU; THEN HIM!

I have this vision of their future Christmas Card. I can't wait.

Have you ever wanted to deck another parent?

...for becoming a parent? 

Baby Claire

My blog and I were on a trial separation.

It didn't go well.

While we were living apart, I had a baby. 

Good times.

Meet Miss Claire Brighton

She was big. She is beautiful. We had our ups and downs in the beginning, but she sleeps 10 hours at night. I'm that woman other mothers hate. It's such a great feeling.

Once Again... if you want

My last post was October 28th? Really? That's pretty bad considering I was posting every 2-3 days for a while.

Sorry I'm a slacker.

I know New Year Resolutions have already come (and most likely gone), but I'm still getting "contest" quandries.

If you aren't aware of "the contest," you're probably better off and should move on to the next blog. It will consume your life for the next 12 weeks.

Email me for details because rules have changed or at least been tweaked. We'll start in February so let me know ASAP if you're interested.

mickmonkeys[at]gmail[dot]com

If you want a rough idea of how it all began, go here.