Planning

My husband, ever the attorney. Not much for spontaneity these days and that's ok.

I glance over from my perch on the sofa and what do I see? He and the Menace are working on a sketch/plan of the snowman they plan to build tomorrow. Pretty stinking cute.

Poo Corner

We are dabbling a bit in the art of potty training. Of course we aren't having great success, but we aren't pushing the issue at this point. The Menace is not quite aware when he needs to tinkle. Yet, he definitely know he when he needs to poop. He will be playing then suddenly says, "I need to hide. I gotta go to poo corner." Delmar and I decided we will beat him to the punch and put his potty in poo corner. He is not so sure about our idea. Nonetheless I did my best not to laugh. I found the situation all too funny.
Yes, I had to sit there and read books. He wouldn't have anything to do with it otherwise.

Now doesn't this tale make you think of the "sweet" Kenny Loggins song: "Pooh Corner". Every time the Menace announces his location the annoying song runs through my head.

Pee Pee Store

My sister came to visit a few days ago. Let's call her "Trixy". While The Menace was showing Trixy some of his toys he paused, looked at her with a serious look, and the following conversation began:

Menace: Trixy you don't have a pee pee right?

Trixy: (trying to keep a straight face) No, your right. I'm a girl. I don't have a pee pee.

Menace: Well, you need to get one.

Trixy: Where do I get one?

Menace: (in a matter of fact tone) You get it from the pee pee box.

Trixy: Where do I find the pee pee box?

Menace: From the Pee Pee Store!

Trixy: Oh, well how would I put it on.

Menace: You just use scissors.

I sent them out to build a snowman.
Needless to say, I think I need to hide the scissors.

Trains

My little Menace loves trains. When I say loves trains I don't mean he just likes to play with "Choo-Choo's" as many toddlers might say. He knows many different types and styles of trains. He can name almost every Thomas and Friends train available. He really loves trains.

Today we decided we must do something as our trip to the Arches failed. Trip to the arches you say? I never told you about the trip? Well, that trip was just too much drama to even bother posting. Just imagine endless drama and we'll move on.

Anywho, we decide to travel north to a local train museum. We showed the Menace a few photos online and he was committed. Before leaving we decided to call Delmar's mother to join us. She grew up in a small train town and was raised by a train engineer step-grandfather. She showed up early for our departure time. This fact is important as to understand her excitement, she is not the arrive early type. This little adventure did not disappoint. Before we could even park the car the Menace had spotted the engines parked outside and was shouting for joy. We spent over 2 hours at the joint and the Menace still didn't want to leave. It was fantastic. Aside from the Menace and his joy it was nice to see the nostalgia in my mother-in-law's face. We don't spend a great deal of quality time together and this trip will be logged into our memories forever.

I believe things happen for a reason. I have no doubt our planned adventures failed in part to give us this "Traintastic" opportunity.
(Don't mock the made up word I hear it daily on a Menace train cartoon)

Jingle Bells

The Menace loves the song "Jingle Bells". When I say loves I mean loves. He always wants to sing it. Around the end of March I'd had my fill with "Jingle Bells". I told him he couldn't sing it until we had a lot of snow again and it was Christmas time. This morning he looks out the window and notices the 2 inches on the lawn (note: it is May 24th). He shouts out "SOWN". yes he puts the n in the wrong spot. Before I know it he is singing: "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All Way. Oh Good fun it is to ride in a horse sleigh, Hey!" What do you do? He followed my directions and waited until it was snowing again, he has no clue when Christmas time is. I am beginning to doubt if I do either.

Sorry G.G.

Background info: G.G. is what The Menace calls my mother.

Tonight we were saying our family prayer. The Menace decided he wanted to help. Delmar was helping him say things like: thank thee for home, bless Dadda to get job, and bless Momma to have a baby. The Menace then blurts out, "and bless G.G. have baby too". It was all I could do to hold in my cackle laugh. I don't know what miracles could come of this, being that G.G. has removed the inner baby workings and all. You never know. Watch out G.G.!

Rose Colored Glasses

Today I have decided to take a new outlook on life. I have been feeling a bit sorry for myself lately and things need to change. Here is a sample of the new views I am going to take:

Old - I am bummed that I am still live this tiny house. Due to Delmar being self-employed we will need 1 more good tax return to get a loan.
New - I have a house with a working heater/air conditioner and a non-leaking roof. I don't need to use a baby monitor to hear The Menace. I can clean the entire house in 2 hours. Small house but great yard.

Old - Delmar works long hours and often on Saturdays. I need to see him more.
New - I have a great husband. Delmar has work and an income. He comes home every night and misses us as much as we miss him. My husband is hardworking and doesn't sit around waiting for miracles to happen.

Old - The fertility meds and lack of exercise have made me chubby.
New - I must have it good if I have enough food to eat that I am getting chubby. I am lucky to have the funds to spend on expensive fertility drugs.

Old - The Menace is consuming. I can't get away to workout let alone have some time for me.
New - I have a beautiful, healthy, happy son. My son loves being with me and is learning so many new things. This might not be true if I were making sure I had enough "me" time.

Old - I need new clothes. Everything is wearing out and becoming out of date.
New - There is an entire wardrobe waiting for you to return to that pre-pregnancy weight. Most of the items are classic staples and won't look dated. Besides I am not internationally known for my trend setting fashion
Ok, so this view isn't that positive. Sometimes the truth is the truth and you just have to deal. As for the rest--I feel better already.

I'M LOSING IT!

Lately I have had some serious brain flatulence. Here is a small list of my flub-ups:

I purchased a super size pack of paper towels. I only buy the "Select-A-Size" variety. The other variety produces a lot of waste. I bought a super size pack of the normal type. duh

Old navy jeans are on sale. I need jeans. Most of my denim have holes in the crotch. I really need to mix up my jean look. I wear the only two pairs without holes everywhere. I purchased two pairs. I bought two almost identical pairs. duh

Delmar is out of shampoo. I used a coupon at Costco to buy an extra large container. I placed it in the shower for immediate use. I bought conditioner. duh, duh, duh

Delmar asked what is wrong with me. I couldn't figure it out. I determined I have lost my mind. Then it dawned on me. I take The Menace (yes I am changing his pseudonym again, long story) with me everywhere. I spend my time singing, pointing out letters/numbers, keeping him from climbing out of the cart, etc., etc., etc. When Delmar purchases anything he is alone and can take time to think. I would love to see what he comes home with if he had to shop with The Menace. Then again maybe I don't.