Not Anymore

Competitions in our household are quite common. Whether it is a display of wrestling, a eating contest, a race, or who can make the biggest mess. There's always some sort of fun going on. But it is NOT fun when the competition is involving the parental figures. Our competition is one long debated in many households around the world ---Who Works Harder---(I hope - if not then maybe my husband is right and I need medication). You would think I could win this contest with ease (as I'm sure most of you moms would agree), but my husband every once in awhile seems to believe he works so hard (implying that I don't). When the words, "Can't I get a break?" come flying out of the Hubby's mouth, it sets off an alarm throughout my body and I shriek, "WWWHHAATTT? Can you get a break? Can Y.O.U. get a break?" I know he didn't just ask the 24 hour working mother of three, if he could get a break. I know he didn't just ask me to lay off, so he can relax. So, of course like a broken record the words come spilling out of my mouth as they have many times before, "You don't know what it's like to be a mom who gave birth, raised and disciplined three children, you don't know what it is like to run a household 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (yes, even on Mother's Day). And furthermore you don't know what it's like to be a woman who has excrutiating pain, bloating, migraines, yuckiness, and moodiness once a month." Hubby just stands there looking at me like I'm a mad woman who needs to be committed soon and out pipes my three-year old, "Yeah, Dad cuz you not a woman anymore." Oh, how I've raised him well.

Til You are Married ...

Long ago, my Uncle used to tell us, "Oh you'll live til you're married," in response to our woes as a young child. Since of course, my sister and I being the natural females we are, had many woes this phrase became quite common. Much like the ones you hear in your head and repeat to your children. So, I've probably repeated this phrase to my kids, oh a thousand times or so in response to their woes. Of course, never giving it thought that like always it will one day come back to haunt me. Seth(ocrates) as mentioned before is quite the philosopher. He has commented on this phrase several times, like for instance when I did marry hubby he responded with, "So, are you going to die now." and when asked about his girlfriend he responded with, "Yeah, I like her, but I'll never marry her, because I'd like to live a little longer." Shame on me!! for giving my child such an ill-fated vision of what marriage is, but nonetheless he has realized not to take it so literally. Yet, on an outing this weekend I was able to witness the cycle of the ill-fated marriage prediction continue on to the next generation. Place: LoneStar Time: Too Late Date: On a day that should have been more productive, yet ended without purpose. HunterBunter: "Oohh, it's hot." Me: "What's hot?" HunterBunter: "My mac-n-cheez" Sethocrates: "Oh, you'll live til your married, but it's over after that." Hubby: "I'll have to agree with you there." Me: "Ugh"

My guys gotta love them!

ClaireBear doesn't know what family she was born into (poor baby!)

Days Like These

On days like these, I try to reflect on why I love being a mother and not get caught up on focusing on the many "crazy" activities that my children get involved in. I've had quite a bit of a rough time with my Hunter Bunter, yet even when I'm about to give up I try to give it one more round. Just one more fight worth fighting for. In the end, I feel I'm not fighting for my child to behave, but fighting to raise a man with integrity, respect, love, kindness, thoughtfullness, and honesty. Just when I feel like throwing in the towel, I remind myself why I was chosen to be a mother --- because I can. I can mother him through the good and even the bad. I will stand by him and fight with every drop of my being to be sure that he turns out to be the man I believe he can be. It's days like these, that remind me what true motherhood is about - never giving up the fight.

Wild Weekend W(r)evelations

Claire Bear, by the way, has been sitting up also. She is such a cutey pie. I can't believe she'll be 5 months this month. Well, I only have two w(r)evelations this week, due to my busy schedule!

W(r)evelation #1: I can't keep letting my child fall asleep at the table, my technique is not working (see Stick it to 'em). Solution #1: Light up candles and let him blow them out when he finishes his meal. Result #1: He did it! He actually did not fall into his stubborn Hunter Bunter way and ate his meal and was then delighted to blow out the candles (cheap thrill - which Hubby says I am after half a beer). Bonus: Added a little romance to our supper (well, as romantic as you can get with 3 kids). W(r)evelation #2: Children are deaf or too much wax in the ears, they will not hear what you have to say, even if it concerns their safety. Solution #2: They love to play Simon says, except we put our own spin on it and call it "Gautreaux says" Tell them what needs to be done using this game. Result #2: It worked wonders. I didn't have to repeat myself and they even asked for more. "Mommy, what do we do next?" I know sounds unbelievable, but it worked as well as a Hallmark.

Wild Weekend W(r)evelation

Yet another busy weekend for the Gautreaux crew. Filled with Tiger Cub outings, family functions, and loads of laundry. What better way to get through the weekend than to come up with more w(r)evelations. W(r)evelation #1: Your child is a reflection of yourself. In other words, I need to stop losing my temper, so my Hunter Bunter can have a peaceful childhood and not grow up to be an angry, bitter man who will taunt his wife and children. Solution #1: Breathe In and Out and sing Mary Poppins' "Just a Spoonful of Sugar" It's harder than you think. Result #1: I've memorized the song and came up with my own rap. W(r)evelation #2: Child stomping feet in department store draws attention and possible call to social services if you threaten them. Solution #2: Oh, what the heck, if you can't beat them, join them and have them continously stomp for 10 minutes with you. Result #2: He cries and you cry. Sometimes it just helps to cry and no one will call social services on you, but they may call a psychiatrist. W(r)evelation #3: There are some hillbilly/rednecks in the world and your child may be one of them. Solution #3: Just accept him for who he is. Result #3: Maybe he'll become another Jeff Foxworthy or Larry, The Cable Guy and make loads of money, so mom and dad can retire early and live in a camper of luxury.