It's A Schmitty LifeIt's A Schmitty LifeA wife and stay at home mom of 3 trying to do her best and keep her head above water. Articles
The Stank
2010-04-22 12:57:00 What is it with kids and their hygiene? Or should I say, their lack of hygiene.The Schmitty kids would love nothing more than to roll around on the ground and take a mud bath.But get them to actually wash their hands, you know with some soap and water? Well, you would think I was asking them to shove their hands into acid flowing from the faucet.And why is it that I have to send them back to brush their teeth a second time?EVERY.DAY.They think that rinsing off their toothbrushes will trick me into thinking they actually brushed.T. and R. have quite the morning breath. One whiff is enough to kill a small elephant. Instantly. Brushing for them is essential for my well being.Before school in the mornings, the two of them will run upstairs to the bathroom, fiddle around for about a minute, turn on and off the water, and run back down."Did you brush your teeth?" I ask."Yes." They answer."Let me smell your breath."I don't even have to get close to them. I just look for the green fog to f... More About: Kids , Adolescence
It's Been A Whole Month? Really?!
2010-04-19 01:27:00 Oh Em Gee!I can NOT believe that I have not written a post in a month! Actually I have written dozens, but only in my head.I've thought up posts while in the shower, while on the way to drop the kids at school, and while walking up and down the grocery store aisles. I have even planned out a few while I tried to fall asleep at night.I've just been so dang busy that I haven't been able to get those blurbs into my computer for your reading enjoyment.Please, the few readers I may have left, I am so sorry. I know, I suck.I have been gone so long that even my BlogHer ads were temporarily suspended. I'm surprised they even noticed I was gone. At least SOMEONE is reading my blog.So, what has been keeping me from the Internets? I'll try to sum it up in bullets.I ran a cookbook fundraiser for T. and R.'s school. By.Myself. I collected recipes, typed them into the company's online software program, ordered, sold, and delivered. Did I mention? All.By.Myself!It is time for our annual PTA... More About: Blogging , Busy
I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me
2010-03-17 19:13:00 For Christmas I received an iPod Touch from Mr. Schmitty.Wow. That sounded dirty and I bet quite intriguing for those of you who are technically challenged.Anywho. I heart this gadget so very, VERY much. I love listening to my tunes while I play games and read blogs. I can even play Bejeweled Blitz and update my staus on Facebook without leaving my bed.It is the perfect toy to suck the time right out of your day!And with Wi-Fi connectivity you can even play games against other lazy human beings and not just the game's computer player.My favorite game at the moment is Words With Friends, which is much like Scrabble. You can create a game with a random opponent or you can enter the screen name of someone you know.A feature of the application will also let you connect through Twitter and Facebook to announce to all of your friends that you are looking for opponents.I did this numerous times and had just one nibble. Mochamomma took the bait. Great, I was going to have to play against ... More About: Watching
A Mother's Anxiety
2010-03-15 14:33:00 As you all know, W. was born with a heart defect. At only five days old, he needed to undergo a heart operation.It was a life changing experience for me.We spent two weeks in the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We searched the faces of the doctors and nurses for answers. Did our baby have a future? As we listened to machines beep, we watched our baby fight for his life.And he did just that. He battled through it like a heavy weight champ.We went home, only to return two weeks later. He had developed an infection in the wound. He needed to be opened back up.When I left CHOP the first time, I did so thinking (praying?) that I would never return. Yet, there I was again.From that point on, for a very long time, if W. so much as sniffled, I would begin to panic. What's wrong? Is he okay? Do we have to go back there?!It was irrational thinking, I know. But with time and biannual checkups, my worries faded.He is now almost twelve years old and we've never been back. We are truly bl... More About: Health , Anxiety
I Wonder If Our Insurance Will Cover That
2010-03-02 16:18:00 My boys can be somewhat obsessive at times.When their minds lock on to something, you'd better go run and hide because they are going to drive you completely batty.They will talk incessantly about it. They will ask over and over and over again if they can have it, do it, see it, touch it, eat it, buy it, or use it.It's enough to drive me to drink. Not that I need an excuse for that.A friend of W.'s recently got glasses. All of a sudden, my boys went blind. They begged and pleaded for me to take them to get glasses, "RIGHT AWAY!"T. feigned headaches. W. began squinting at the television."Your eyes are totally fine!" I informed them. "T., you just had yours checked at the pediatrician. And didn't you, W., just have the school nurse perform eye exams?"They looked at each other and then back to me, in unison they whined, "Moooommmm! Our eyes are bad now!"I rolled mine and walked away.For the next three days they pestered me. "Did you make us appointments with the eye doctor yet?" an... More About: Insurance , Cover
They Can't Possibly Make A Display Case Large Enough
2010-02-25 12:37:00 Anyone with children knows the importance of teaching about "stranger danger" and "improper touching".We try not to scare our offspring too much, though, we basically tell them that there are monsters lurking around every corner of the playground.We quiz them on what they should do in certain situations. We reinforce that NO one should touch the body parts that would be covered by a bathing suit.We do tell them that there are only a few exceptions. We tell them it's okay for mommy and daddy to help them bathe. And we explain that it may be necessary for their pediatrician to touch them during an examination, but that's okay too, and we will be right there with them to keep them safe.As parents and protectors of the young, we strive to cover all of our bases.But sometimes you might do too good of a job. And in doing so, you might forget to pass along some eensy winsy bit of information.W. came home from school on Monday a little later than usual. He had taken the late bus home afte... More About: Display , Case , Make , Body Parts
Nevermind Brooke, I'm Going With Molly
2010-02-16 14:02:00 Remember this lovely look?It turned out to be, not a reaction to the Tussionex, but Blepharitis which is an inflammation of the eyelash follicles, along the edge of the eyelid. The cause is overgrowth of the bacteria that is normally found on the skin.Yea, sounds gruesome but it really wasn't too bad. I just needed to cleanse my eyelid very well, making sure to get close to the eyelash line.It cleared up in no time.The other day I was doing some eyebrow maintenance with my trusty, handheld, magnifying mirror. Let me just say, that mirror points out some hideous flaws in this aging skin o'mine. I positioned the mirror at my left eye and.....WTF?!!!Now, my children have these GORGEOUS eyelashes. Long and full. I'm green with envy as they apparently did not get them from my genes.Me? I've got short and sparse. But that's why Cover Girl makes mascara and eyelash curlers.But back to the mirror. Where was I? Oh yea, WTF?!!!My eyelashes looked like this:Where the hell did my eyelashes... More About: Just My Luck
I Must Just Be A Poor Guesser
2010-02-08 13:16:00 Mr. Schmitty and I don't get out much. Babysitters are hard to come by and money is tight. Like us, many of our friends and neighbors are in the same boat.So, instead of everyone hanging out in front of their own televisions on a Saturday night, we've all decided to get together periodically for game night.Our game of choice has been Pictionary.As the children watch the adults make fools of themselves by displaying their victory dances in the faces of their opponents after a win. And as they witness the loud laughter and obnoxious taunting that takes place between the two teams, they begin to whine, "We want to play!!"A few nights ago, I visited the local Toys R Us and purchased Pictionary Junior.Hooray for mom!Mr. Schmitty was scheduled to work an all-nighter. I was to be home alone with the kids all night. What a perfect time to break out the new board game.As is customary, the teams were girls vs. the boys.R. was doing pretty well with guessing my drawings. I was actually getti... More About: Fun , Kids
Taking an Artistic Risk
2009-12-17 13:24:00 "Mommy! We made Dreidels today at school!" R. exclaimed."You did? Can I see it?" I asked.She skipped over to the couch where she had thrown her backpack upon arriving home from school.Smiling, obviously proud of her work, she skipped back to me. She was holding a card stock cutout in the shape of a Dreidel.She turned her art toward me and said, "And Mommy, I even colored it red and green for Christmas!!"Me thinks something was lost in translation. More About: Holidays , Risk
Week 49 - ?Pets Only!? Photo Challenge
2009-12-15 17:41:00 This is Ruby. After apparently taste testing some mud pies, our adorable pet looked at me with those sad puppy eyes; the expression was just begging me to let her inside.Did she seriously think I was going to let her in the backdoor looking like THAT?! More About: Photo , Pets , Week , Challenge
Have Yourself a Merry Little White Lie
2009-12-14 02:13:00 Earlier this week, while the kids were in school, I began the task of Christmas gift wrapping. I stood at my kitchen island and got a jump on one of my least favorite jobs of the season.Though a perfectionist, in most aspects of my life, I prefer to just get it done, as opposed to a perfectly adorned package. Well, at least where presents are concerned.Heh.As I cut, folded, and taped, I got lost in my own thoughts. I recalled the time when W. recognized that his gifts from Santa were wrapped in the paper that I had purchased from Target a few days earlier."Mommy, you must be Santa because you wrapped these!" He accused.I, a true Believer who will NEVER, willingly, admit to any child that Santa is a fake, quickly concocted a story to ease his mind."I buy the wrapping paper for Santa," I explained. "If he put wrapped gifts on a sleigh and then flew them all around the world they'd be torn to shreds!"He looked at me suspiciously, "He can't have enough time to wrap them at our house!"... More About: Holidays , Kids , White
Week 48 - ?Sweet Dreams? Photo Challenge
2009-12-08 13:19:00 This picture looks so sweet. A girl and her puppy - fast asleep. I can only hope that her dreams were sweet. You see, this picture was taken on Halloween of 2007. After walking home from the elementary school, where her older brother was in a parade, the day went sour. We reached the front lawn and she just looked up at me, all adorable in her Ladybug costume, and proceeded to get sick all over herself. That was the beginning of her 24 hour stomach virus.She missed Halloween.Regardless, I still believe her dreams were sweet.....thinking of ALL of the candy her dear brothers collected for her that night.For more great photos.....head on over to i ? faces! More About: Photo , Dreams , Sweet , Week , Challenge
Family Funnies
2009-12-07 02:30:00 I was standing in the bathroom, trying to apply enough makeup to look half way decent, when in came my shadow, otherwise known as my daughter.She plopped down on the closed lid of the toilet and said, in a most normal conversational way, "Mom. T. told me that my breath sucks."********************************** ***************Last year W. had to learn all of the state capitals. T. came across the flash cards we used and began to quiz W. to see if he still remembered them.W. began really well, he quickly rattled off each capital. His voice was getting louder and more excited with each card that T. flipped toward him.Suddenly he started to answer incorrectly. He was clearly getting frustrated, much to T.'s amusement.T., who was turning over the cards, faster and faster, showed the "Lincoln" card for the state of Nebraska.W.'s reply?"ABRAHAM!" ***************************************** ********The Christmas cards began to roll in this week. I usually let the kids open them. They get so e... More About: Family , Kids , Funnies
Thanks For The Reminder Carrie Underwood.....
2009-12-04 03:57:00 "What you got if you ain't got love? The kind that you just wanna give away It's okay to open up Go ahead and let the light shine through I know it's hard on a rainy day You wanna shut the world out And just be left alone Don't run out on your faith Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing Is just a grain of sand What you've been out there searching for forever, Is in your hands When you figure out love is all that matters, after all It sure makes everything else Seem so small It's so easy to get lost inside A problem that seems so big, at the time It's like a river that's so wide It swallows you whole ... More About: Carrie Underwood
Week 47 - ?We ? Tooshies? Photo Challenge
2009-12-01 13:11:00 This is going to be my first entry into the I ? Faces Photo Challenge . We ? Tooshies is the perfect subject for me. No, not because I'm an ass...but because it's a silly subject! (Be nice to me, would ya?! Sheesh!)Anyway, this picture just cracks (no pun intended) me up. My little comedian, T., is doing the booty shake. The photo was taken this past May. We had our first hot day of the season so I set up the sprinkler outside. When the kids came home from school with some friends, they were thrilled, as you can see! More About: Week
Like A Scene From A Cartoon
2009-11-26 02:02:00 Back in September, I wrote about W. and his studying, or lack thereof. I took some of your advice and backed off. Because as much as my controlling ways fought me, I know, deep down, that I must let him take control of his own school work.If I didn't he'd never get through it.So, reluctantly I took a backseat. I still question him to make sure his homework is done. I still ask if he has any quizzes or tests coming up that he needs to study for. But I let him be responsible for it all.It's tough.I started to see his grades falter. He still had passing grades for the most part, but I did see a few that were not quite up to par. I was given papers to sign and return. The teacher wanted proof that I knew of the substandard grade.I told W. he needed to get a grip and take his work more seriously. I explained that the year would get harder, not easier. He needed to study for his tests. And better yet, he needed to KNOW when those tests were being given.Apparently, THAT was a problem.I ... More About: Cartoon , School , Scene
Anissa
2009-11-18 22:23:00 This community, sometimes called the Blogosphere, never ceases to amaze me. When a fellow blogger is in need, this Internet Family, joins together at record speed to offer support.Quite honestly, it blows my mind.I've only been blogging for less than two years. That's not a long time. I haven't been lucky enough to meet any bloggers in real life. Though I hope to some day. I have however, witnessed the outpouring of love that is forever being extended in so many ways.Many read, in horror, when Nie Nie and her husband were in a life altering airplane crash during August of 2008. Then hearts were broken with the loss of a little girl named Maddie. And then again when Thalon was taken too soon.Each time, this Internet Family, sprang into action. No questions asked.Truly incredible.Today, I signed onto Facebook. I saw status updates that Anissa of #FreeAnissa had suffered a massive stroke on Tuesday. I couldn't believe it.Anissa?The always funny, upbeat Anissa? That strong woman who... More About: Help
The Older Woman
2009-11-17 19:31:00 "Mom, J. and I met two girls today. They want to be our girlfriends!" W. informed me.I smiled and asked, "Oh really? What are their names?""I don't know.....but they are 7th graders!!" He gushed.Ah. Older women.I figured he'd probably never see these girls again. And if they did cross paths in school, I was pretty sure he'd be ignored. I mean, he's ONLY in 6th grade and those girls are practically teenagers!Heh.A few days later, I got the dreaded phone call from the nurse's office. Ever since the media freaked America out with news of the Swine Flu, I've been waiting for the shoe to drop in the Schmitty household."Mrs. Schmitty, I've got W. here and he isn't feeling well...blah, blah, blah." I heard the nurse say as my mind drifted off into thoughts of vomit, fevers, and quarantine."I'll be right there."The nurse's office was packed to the rafters. There were children EVERYWHERE. I motioned for W. to come along and noticed that he had a ginormous, shit-eating grin on his f... More About: Woman
They Worked Hard For The Money
2009-11-09 19:02:00 My boys and their friend decided they wanted to earn some cash last weekend. Yes, I said EARN. My children, who haven't earned an allowance in months because they can't do a couple of simple chores without being pestered, were going to do some hard labor!I'm as shocked as you.They grabbed some rakes and began knocking on our neighbor's doors. Mr. P., who lives across the street, was their first taker (which was very sweet as he has a lawn service).He told the kids that he would pay them $2.00 each to rake the front lawn. They accepted and jumped right in; putting their nose to the grindstone.After about fifteen minutes, they knocked on Mr. P.'s door."Can we quit now?" They asked.Mr. P. tried not to laugh and said, "What do you mean? You still have a lot to do!""But there are soooooo many leaves!"My neighbor thought for a second and looked around at his yard. "You know, there are more leaves here than I originally thought. Tell you what, I'll give you $5.00 each if you can fini... More About: Kids , Money , Hard , Neighbors
Whooooo Are You? Who? Who?
2009-11-05 16:55:00 The young boy jumped out of the tree he was climbing. He walked past the small crowd of people who were huddled under the awning. They were trying to stay dry from the rain as they smoked their cigarettes."Hi!" He heard the man say."Hi!" He answered back."What's your name?""It's W.""Well, how are you, W.?" He smiled at the boy."Good.""Who's your mom?" The man questioned."Um....your daughter."Yup, that my friends, was a scene from my nephew's birthday party a few weeks ago. I did not know that my father was going to be attending.Actually, no one did.The invitation was extended, by my brother, after a few failed attempts to visit with my father. My father was NEVER good at keeping promises. So, really, who would have thought that he'd show up for his grandson's first birthday.SURPRISE!I haven't seen him in quite a few years. Probably since my daughter was born and he graced us with his presence at the hospital. He stayed his usual eight to ten minutes. And that was that.When I ...
PG Should Stand For "PLEASE GETMEOUTTAHERE"!
2009-11-03 13:38:00 My oldest son, W., has gotten hooked on reruns of the television show Malcolm In The Middle. I had never seen the show before and only knew that it was a comedy. The IMDb (Internet Movie Database) lists it's plot as: "A gifted young teen tries to survive with his dimwitted, dysfunctional family".I really had no idea that there was a sitcom based on our family. I might as well scrap that script. Heh.Okay, back to my story. So, W. has been using the DVR to record his new favorite show. He watches episodes every chance he gets. He asked me to sit with him a few times and I must say, I do find it pretty funny. But I'm sure you're not surprised, as I do have the sense of humor of a twelve year old boy.The mom on the show, Lois, is my hero. The way she whips those boys into shape; I find her inspiring. And as I take notes on ways to torment my own offspring, I can see the wheels turning in their heads. They too are mentally recording new ways to torture me as they watch the Wilkerson b... More About: Family Time
Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet!
2009-10-31 05:01:00 Happy Halloween Everyone!!Try JibJab SendablesŪ eCards today! More About: Holidays , Funny Videos , Trick , Feet , Smell
I Don't Write, I Don't Comment, I Don't Read....Yet, You Still Love Me!
2009-10-21 15:54:00 I have been missing from the Blogosphere lately. I haven't written in over two weeks. I haven't answered emails and I haven't returned comments. I haven't read blogs. Well, except for Cake Wrecks, Craftastrophe, and People of Walmart, 'cause I like looking at the pictures, and they are as funny as hell.Now, I could lie and say that I've been in the Witness Protection Program after blowing the whistle on these companies for ripping us off.I could say that I damaged my typing finger on my keyboard trying to hit the, now absent, letter B (thanks kids!). And you might just believe me because I do like to use the words Bitch and Bastard a lot, so the letter B is essential to my existence.I could say my addiction has gotten the best of me and I had to begin outpatient treatment right after I managed my Cafe and tended to my Farm.But none of those explanations are the reason I have been scarce around here. The real reason is....my mind has gas. Major, MAJOR gas. I have been having no... More About: Love , Write , Read , Comment
Disgruntled Consumer
2009-10-05 18:10:00 As my kids are growing, so are their appetites. I have 3 skinny kids and really didn't think they ate a lot. But as the groceries seem to dwindle at a rapid pace, I am now realizing that yes, they ARE little piggies. Either that, or I'm eating in my sleep.Heh.If you take a look at my checkbook, other than bill entries, you mostly see: "Wegmans", "Foodtown", "Wegmans", "Wegmans", etc., etc. We are constantly taking trips to the food store.Quite honestly, it's breaking the bank.I've been trying different ideas to cut back on the expense. I buy store brand items, whenever possible. Most products from Wegmans are great, some not so much. I try something new every trip to see if it will pass the taste test with my kids. If it does, it makes onto the list, permanently.I also have been taking their snacks and breaking them down into snack bags. I purchase the store brand, snack sized, ziploc baggies and place one serving size in each. Though time consuming, I have to say, that since do... More About: Consumer
He Waltzed Right Into It
2009-10-01 13:13:00 Mr. Schmitty and I got into bed the other night, exhausted. That's what happens when you stay up too late; one on the computer playing Bejeweled and the other playing war games on Xbox.Anyway, I rolled over, in the dark, to give him a kiss goodnight. I was met with the most puckered up lips I have ever encountered."That was like kissing an asshole!" I snorted hysterically."You've kissed an asshole alot?" He chuckled back."Everyday of my life, dear, everyday.of.my.life."******************** **********************************Mr. Schmitty took the chocolate ice cream from the freezer. I then watched him take a large serving spoon from the kitchen drawer. He popped the lid off of the container and scooped out a large mound of ice cream. He proceeded to eat it right off the spoon as he put the container back into the freezer."That's all you are going to have?" I asked the ice cream fiend."Yup!" He mumbled through his apparent blissful moment."I see you keep doing that lately. I can't ...
September Has Thrown Me Into A Tizzy
2009-09-25 11:42:00 So yea, I'm feeling a bit like a chicken with no head these days. I'm missing the lazy days of summer because since school started, I feel like I'm somewhat out of sync. Our routine is beginning to come together, but we just aren't quite there yet. Actually, I'm not quite there.I'm feeling a tad overwhelmed.Three kids in school, one still only half days. Getting up early and starting the day with no one getting out of bed and, "Eat, get dressed, brush your teeth, move it, MOVE IT, MOOOOOVE IT!" Making lunches, paperwork, homework, paperwork, tests, paperwork, projects, and more freaking paperwork!I'm also watching a classmate of R.'s, two days a week. I'm doing so just for a little extra cash, because honestly, we can use it. VERY sadly, I've closed shop on my business, Doodle KidsŪ. I couldn't justify the expense any longer. It was the hardest decision to make. I worked SO hard on it for five years. Since the economy has taken a nosedive, my business just wasn't making ... More About: Busy
Take Us Back In Time Tuesday - 9/22/09
2009-09-22 06:00:00 I have THE most adorable picture for you this week! I was so excited to share it with you, my dear readers. It is one of my most favorite of photos.I went to my special photo album. I flipped through it's pages, ever so carefully. "Ah-Ha! There it is!" I shouted out loud.I carefully removed the image from it's protective sleeve, making sure to hold only the edges, so as to avoid smudges and fingerprints.But then I remembered this article.So, unfortunately, this is all you're getting.......Seriously, Walmart? WTF?!************************************ *********************Did you post your own "Take Us Back In Time Tuesday" post? Please read the guidelines and then leave your direct link below on Mr. Linky.
Well, That Didn't Take Long!
2009-09-21 02:09:00 I received R.'s first phone call home from the teacher. Already. Yup, I knew the day would come, I just didn't expect it to be so soon.R., though very feisty, can also be quite the scaredy cat. She can be clingy with me when faced with a new situation or with new people. Once she sees that she is safe, she warms up quite quickly. But until the thaw has begun? She wants no part of anything.A prime example was Kindergarten orientation. She cried. She clung. She refused to go to school. When the children lined up with their new teacher to be taken on a tour, she begged for me to go. I walked along with her to her classroom and stopped at the door. She went right in and that was that. She came back skipping and waving.She continued going to school every day with a smile on her face. Then on Thursday, R. got the rug pulled out from underneath her tiny body.The teacher's voicemail explained that a new student had joined their class and R. became extremely upset.My brow furrowed.Mrs. C.... More About: School , Long
Why Do The Girls Always Get The Crappy End Of The Deal?
2009-09-17 12:17:00 I was helping R. get ready for school the other day. She was tired and not very motivated. I grabbed her clothes and told her I would help her get dressed."Why are you getting me dressed?" She asked."Well, you seem to need a little help this morning."She began to wiggle and be less than cooperative as I tried to put her dress over her head."C'mon R.! Mommy's getting too old for this!"She giggled."That's funny?" I giggled back. "Will you let me come live with you when I'm really old?""Yes, mommy!!""You might have to help ME get dressed." I said."I will!"Suddenly I heard T. shout from his bedroom, "Mom, you can come live with me!""Awwwww!" I thought to myself. My boy loves his mama!"Really, T.? I can? You'll take care of me? Make me dinner? Take me to doctor's appointments? Help me find my teeth?"He laughed and said, "YES!!""You'll even change my diaper?"Silence."You know what? You can go live with R." More About: Kids , Girls , Deal
Take Us Back In Time Tuesday - 9/15/09
More articles from this author:2009-09-15 16:55:00 I was 20 years old when I first saw the man I wanted to make babies with. The year was 1987. I was instantly enamored with his chiseled good looks. His voice made me swoon. And when he took off his shirt to reveal that body.shiver.This week's Take Us Back In Time Tuesday photo is not my own. But I strongly feel it is appropriate.Patrick Wayne SwayzeAugust 18, 1952 - September 14, 2009This is the man that stole my heart during his performance in the movie Dirty Dancing. "Johnny" was THE sexiest man I had ever laid my eyes on.I fell even harder when he took up pottery in 1990's Ghost. I cry every time I watch that movie.Patrick Swayze was my heartthrob and yesterday, he was taken away. My prayers are with his wife and family."The love inside, you take it with you"************************************* ********************Did you post your own "Take Us Back In Time Tuesday" post? Please read the guidelines and then leave your direct link below on Mr. Linky. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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