To wait in line or not?....That is the question

Christmas shopping is upon us and I feel I've been sucked in a little early this year. Vegas is a kind of blah city (once you get off the Strip, of course) so- the idea of decorating my house with something cheery appeals to me. This leads to the inevitable "What do we get everyone?"

Last year was easy...bought my daughter EVERYTHING she asked Santa for, my husband a new watch, my sister-in-law a new Coach...you get the picture. This year? We are down one income and up one diapered drooler. Since "Transition" seems to be my Word of the Year-- how does one transition from that to making one budget to stretch for TWO little people? Luckily, my daughters list for Santa this year is short...near nonexistant. She simply wants what every other child in American wants right now-- the Zhu Zhu pets. Now, I can't quite figure out if she wants them because they're cool or because everyone else wants them so- she's jumping on the bangwagon. I hear people are standing in line for these things and only some are successful. Are they really worth waiting for? Thats my inner Mommy struggle. Am I a bad mom if I don't go to the ends of the earth for a robotic hamster? Part of me thinks "Screw it...it will end up in the toybox abyss like everything else by February" and the other part says "You HAVE to do everything possible to secure one of these things--she asked SANTA!!!" Who's right? I think both halves have equal amount of merit. Has "Santa" ever substituted something comparable at your house? Those Fur Real pets are dang close to the Zhu Zhu's in my opinion... I think I would be pretty happy if one of those showed up instead of NONE electronic pet on Christmas morning. Thats adult "me"..would little girl "me" have felt the same way? Alot of me is struggling to keep "magic" and "wonder" alive in her because... I think little girls are growing up too fast these days. I don't think growing up we were near as mature as the little girls are today. Santa, and all he stands for, is one of my last-ditch efforts to keep her little as long as I can. So maybe I'll stand in line for a pet, or maybe I'll try and get one cheap at 3 am on ebay...or maybe she will get a Fur Real pet and an IOU from Santa on Christmas morning.. who knows?

Candy (Who is having trouble finding her graphic at the moment...)

I Survived

My youngest child recently turned one year old. All I have to say about this momentous occasion is that I survived the hardest year of my life so far.

I survived 4 months of little to no sleep at night while caring for three kids. There were many mini "naps" on the living room floor while baby played and toddler watched tv. There were those crazy moments of thinking, "I'm never going to know what it feels like to sleep all night again."

I survived 10 months of breastfeeding which means I was never away from my baby more than 3 hours maximum. These 10 months included your typical mastitis, nipple clots, nipple confusion yada, yada, yada.

I survived my first trip the ER with a child. There's nothing like holding down your 15 week old baby while getting an IV put in.

I survived 6 months with a very angry, thankless baby, who I was sure was going to turn out to be an axe murderer or something to that extreme. She eventually became nicer.

I survived trying to figure out nap schedules which worked with elementary and preschool drop off and pick up times.

I survived many more horrifying experiences which now elude my memory. I must say, I'm so happy this past year is over. I have to give myself a little pat on the back for enduring it all and remaining somewhat sane.

One year down... the rest of my life to go. It will get easier, right?

Parent Job Description

PARENT - Job Description

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging,
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


Source: One of those circling emails!

Will I Ever...

I had some deep depressing thoughts while showering today. I'm in a mommy funk.


Will I ever purchase expensive lotions and body scrubs again for myself or will I continue to use Baby Soft products?

Will my husband ever treat me to a new piece of jewelry "just because", with three college funds looming over our heads?

Will I ever be able to head out, on a whim, to catch a movie with friends without planning it three weeks in advance?

Will I ever know what's going on in our country or the world again? All the information in my head seems to be about diaper rash, which decongestants I can give to whom and what time soccer is.

Will I ever know the new top song or even new top groups out other than Disney pop stars?

Will I ever wear a dress again? Or a nightgown? Or heels? Or lipstick? Or jeans that cost more than $20?

Will I ever walk into a department store or book store and not head to the kids section right away?

Will I ever NOT get excited about a new cartoon character shaped Spaghetti-O's or chicken nuggets?

I'm up to my ears in mommyness. I just need to see the light at the end of the long dark tunnel.
I love my kids and appreciate them and know it's a short time in my life that they will be this little. But I'd just like to know it will be over at some point. I will have freedom again and be able to think about myself. Someday. I'm sure then, I'll miss them being so little. The grass is always greener... right?

Cyber Monday Coupon Codes to Mom Owned Businesses

Check out these super coupon codes to various online websites! Remember these sites are mostly owned by moms helping to support their families. Try to spend some of your holiday money with mom owned businesses!




Below you will find products in the following categories: Baby and Kids, Clothing, Handbags and Accessories for Men and Women, Hair Accessories, Gifts, Home and Garden, Jewelry, Organic Products, Pet Products and Photo Cards.



You will find 10 to 25% off products being offered, free shipping or a combination of both. Each sale begins on Cyber Monday which is November 30th this year, the Monday after Black Friday.



Most sales are only for one day unless specified elsewhere.



Make sure to use the appropriate coupon code when checking out so you can save big on items that you have been wanting to get.

I hope you enjoy the Cyber Monday list below and have fun saving!

Cyber Monday Deals and Sales 2009

Gifts for Baby and Kids

Something About Baby:

Deal: 10% off all items in the boutique.

Coupon Code: Use code SAB10. Offer expires 12/31/09


http://www.somethingaboutbaby.com



Dreamscapes Baby: Designer baby products.

Deal: 20% off

Coupon Code: Use Coupon Code: cyber

http://www.dreamscapesbaby.com




Heavenly Hold: Baby carriers, nursing pads and more:

Deal: 10% off

Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: code: NEWBABY

http://www.heavenlyhold.com



Milos Creations: Adorable Costumes for baby girls, boys, toddler


girls and boys , big kids and adults.

Deal: Free shipping on orders over $100.00,and FREE embroidered

name personalization of costumes. See Cyber Monday link for full details.

Coupon Code: Use code FREESHIP09 at checkout

http://www.miloscreations.com



Shop Baby Tree:


Deal: Store wide sale on baby products. Save up to 40% off.

Coupon Code: No coupon code needed.

http://www.shopbabytree.com



The Pitter Patter Boutique: Baby Travel Gear, Gifts for Mom and more.

Deal: 15% Discount


Coupon Code: Enter Coupon Code: CyberSave

http://thepitterpatterboutique.com/



The Crafty Moms: Girls hair accessories, binky clips, diaper wipes cases and more.

Deal: Free Shipping all day.

Coupon Code: No coupon code needed


http://www.thecraftymoms.blogspot.com/



I am the Princess: Princess and girly items for baby girls, little girls and big girls.

Deal: 15% off everything including sale items.

Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: cybermondayseog

http://www.iamtheprincess.com




Itzy Ritzy:

Deal: Celebrate Cyber Monday with 15% OFF celebrity loved

baby gear at www.ItzyRitzy.com

Coupon Code: MONDAY

http://www.itzyritzy.com



Katey Jades Baby Boutique: Christmas Clothing for kids,


personalized gifts, baby products and more.

Deal: 20% off

Coupon Code: hol20

http://www.kateyjadesbabyboutique.com



Lollipop Book Club: Children's book of the club month:

Deal: $10 off any 12-month package


Coupon Code:Please use Coupon Code: sale10off

http://www.lollipopbookclub.com/



Che Demis Boutique: Upscale and Baby boutique.

Deal: 10% off

Coupon Code: GIFT4U


http://chedemisboutique.com



Abby N Kay: Designer Baby Products: Diaper bags, crib bedding and more:

Deal: Free Shipping plus 10% off all Ride On Toys from Warehouse 36. No

coupon code need for the ride on toys.

Coupon Code: Use Code: FreeShip


http://www.abbykayboutique.com/



Merrimack Valley Diapers: Cloth Diapers and Accessories:

Deal: Good for $5 off a purchase of $50 or more plus free shipping.

Coupon Code: Please use Coupon Code CyberMonday

http://www.merrimackvalleydiapers.com




Snooty Booty Diapers:

Deal: Free shipping on any order, plus a $5 gift certificate for each $50 spent.

These offers will be inaddition to any product markdowns in the store.

Coupon Code: Use Code: cmonday

http://www.snootybootydiapers.com



Shabby Bebe: Designer Children's products


Deal: 15% off your order of $50 or more use coupon code: shabby15 and

10% off your order if less then $50 Please use code shabby10

http://www.shabbybebe.com/



Teacups and Mudpies: Trendy children's clothing, baby girl and

baby boy clothing and more.

Deal: Free shipping on all purchases.


Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: CYBER09

http://www.teacupsandmudpies.com/



Corn Bag Critters: A natural, earth-friendly, and non-toxic way to help children and adults soothe pain.

Deal: 20% off:

Coupon Code: Use coupon code: holi21109


http://www.cornbagcritters.com



Born Fabulous:

Deal: We will do free shipping on all orders.

Coupon Code: Please use coupon code:FREESHIP

http://www.bornfabulousboutique.com



Laughing Ladybugs Boutique: Couture Girls Clothing:


Deal: 10% off the entire store.

Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: CYBER10

http://www.laughingladybugsboutique.com



Little Fox Fashions: Designer Kids Shoes, Hair Bows and More!

Deal: 10% discount on all sales plus free shipping


on all orders over $100.00

Coupon Code: CYBER10

http://www.littlefoxfashions.com

Clothing, Hand Bags and Accessories for Men or Women

Get Dolled Up Boutique: Personalized and Monogrammed handbags,

diaper bags, garment bags and more.


Deal: 15% off plus Free Shipping.

Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: 15OFF

http://www.getdolledupboutique.com



QT Sunglasses: Designer Inspired Sunglasses:

Deal: FREE SHIPPING and 20% off on all orders. Free Shipping for US and Canada orders only.


Coupon Code: Please use coupon code:Cyber09

http://www.qtsunglasses.net

Gifts

Nanny Deprived: Gifts for Moms.

Deal: Free Shipping.


Coupon Code: Use coupon code: FREESHIP

http://www.nannydeprived.com



Lone Star graphics: Custom Vinyl Decals, Custom Shirts, Hats and More!

Deal: 20% off any order of $20 or more

Coupon code: cyber20


http://www.lonestargraphics.biz



Label Creations: Personalized Address Labels, Canning Labels,

Tic-Tac Labels, Bag Tags, Checkbook

Covers, Canning Labels, Bookplates, Favor tags, Note Cards,

Hang Tags for Crafters & Events

Deal: 20 % off and Free Shipping for US only.


Coupon Code: Use DISCOUNT COUPON: LC1115

http://www.labelcreations.com



Sassy Sparkle: Personalized Rhinestone Clothing:

Deal: 15% off any order

Coupon Code: cyber09


http://www.sassysparkle.com

Hair Accessories

Little Miss Julia: Hair bows, barrettes and more.

Deal:20% off everything

Coupon Code: Use coupon code: Promo20

http://littlemissjulia.com




My Bonita Boutique: Crochet Headbands, Flower Headbands,

Hair Bows and More.

Deal: 25% off all items.

Coupon Code: Please sure coupon code: cyber25

http://www.mybonitaboutique.com



Pop Tots Boutique: Fabulous hair accessories for girls and beanie hats:


Deal: Free shipping

Coupon Code: Please Use code: Cyber Monday

http://www.poptotsboutique.com/

Home and Garden

Scentsy Wickless Candles: Decorative warmers that fit into any décor and


OVER 80 FRAGRANT WAX BARS TO CHOOSE FROM.The WAX IS

WARMED BY A 15, 20, OR 25 WATT LIGHT BULB.

Deal: Free Shipping

*Email at* melturscentz@gmail.com with FREESHIP in the subject

http://www.melturscentz.com



Luxury Baby Nursery: Designer Nursery décor, Baby Furniture,


Crib Bedding and more.

Deal: 15% Off

Coupon Code: CYBERSALE

http://www.luxurybabynursery.com/

Jewelry

TLC Silver Jewelry:


Deal: 20% off Jewelry and Holders. Valid Cyber Monday only.

Coupon Code: Use coupon code: Checkout

http://www.tlcsilverjewelry.com



Caribbean Jewelz: Handmade Artisan Jewelry:

Deal: 25% off total purchase.


Coupon Code: Use coupon code: cyber60

http://www.caribbeanjewelz.com/



Pendora Pendants: Glass Tile Pendants:

Deal: 25% off all items.

Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: cybermonday.


http://www.pendorapendants.com/

Organic Products:

Tidbit Couture: Organic cloth diapers and Baby products.

Deal: Free Shipping. Plus, additional sales will be offered throughout website.

Coupon Code: Please use code: FREESHIP


http://www.tidbit-couture.com



Krave Natural: Earth Friendly products for Home, Baby and Body:

Deal: Free site wide shipping and there will also be additional savings on items throughout the

store.

Coupon Code: FREESHIP

http://www.kravenatural.com

Pet Products

Punk Luxury Dog Carriers : Buy luxury dog collars, high end

dog carriers and a Christmas costume or two for your dog.

Deal: Free Shipping for US buyers all day long.

Coupon Code: No coupon code needed


http://badasspetz.com



Photo and Greeting Cards

Fun and Sassy Designs: Modern Photo Cards and Personalized Gifts

for Adults and Kids:

Deal: Free Shipping on Orders over $50 + $15 off Orders of $99 or more through 11/30 at midnight EST

Coupon Code: Use Code: CYBER15


http://funandsassydesigns.com



Bunny Prints: Personalized Photo Cards for Birthday and

Baby Shower plus matching birthday clothing.

Deal: 10% off

Coupon Code: cyber09

http://www.bunnyprints.com




Photo Card Designs: Photo Cards for Weddings, Birthdays ,

Baby Showers and more.

Deal: Good for one day only- 5% off .

Coupon Code: Please Use Code: cybermonday

http://photocarddesigns.com




Pitter Patter Creations: Trendy birth announcements, birthday invitations,

baptism invitations and more!

Deal: Receive free shipping for orders over $30.

Only one promotional code may be used per order and cannot be combined.

May not be used on previous orders.

Coupon Code: Use coupon code: FREESHIP09


http://www.pitterpattercreations.com



Lemon Tree Cards:

Deal: 15% discount expiring 12/25/09

Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: LEMONADE

http://lemontreecards.com