What a week!

It has been a busy week so let's recap.... I guess the biggest thing this week has been trying to keep up with Olivia's potty training. I am realizing now how easy of a child Austin was. I don't know if it is the second child syndrome or the fact that she is a girl, but she is stubborn as hell! It is so frustrating because I know that she knows what she is doing and what she is supposed to be doing and she refuses to do it. She straight up tells me "I don't want to use the potty!". Well since that is not an option, I decided to suck it up and stick her in big girls undies and deal with the consequences. Once we started rewarding her with stickers, she has been doing better but I have still had to wash more underwear in one week than I have in a whole month!  
Next thing occupying all my time has been Olivia's birthday party that is planned this weekend. Halloween?  hell no! I  have to get through this party first! The weather is pissing me off! First is was calling for 80 and sunny, then it went to 70 and sunny, now 65 and sunny. I guess I should be happy that it will be sunny! I guess Olivia will be wearing her dress with leggings and and a jacket.  So this week has been a sleepy week for me. I have not wanted to get up in the mornings. There was a couple days that I was late to work. So why is it that Kenny decides its a good idea to point out and repeat over and over that I am running late as I am hurrying around the house?  No shit Sherlock!  I know I am late and I do not need you to state the obvious!
I took a walk with Olivia last night while Austin was in PSR classes and for the first time in Red Bud I saw a guy walking/stumbling down the middle of the street. He was walking and falling from one side of the road to another and then stopped right in front of a semi truck. The truck has to slam on its breaks. I didn't have my phone to call the cops but once I got to the 4-way I saw two cops cars turn down the road and flip their lights on. Good thing because someone was bound to get hurt.  I guess that guy put a new meaning to Hump Day!  Well tomorrow is finally Friday and I am looking forward to 3:00 tomorrow. Jill coerced me into meeting her at the winery with promises of help on Saturday for Olivia's party.  Hope I don't live to regret that! LOL!

Call you back in 15 years

We all know life can get so busy and time can slip away from you, but when you work full time and have an 8 and 3 year old, time seems like it is on fast forward. It is hard enough to prioritize things between my work and family life, I can hardly fit personal things in. When I am able to, it usually involves the kids in one way or another.  This is how my life is right now and I am ok with that.  I would rather give up a night out with the girls to spend it with my kids playing uno or watching a movie. Right now my kids want to be around me and want me to play games with them. I personally think that there will be plenty of time to go "out" when they have grown up more. Didn't we make a  decision when we had our kids to put them first? Yes, we still need time for ourselves, but how often can you use that excuse?   I am only speaking for myself and in no way talking bad about any one's parenting.   Some of my friends go out more than others and it makes me sad from time to time but I realize that being with my kids right now is what I would rather be doing.  I know I would regret it if I didn't. i just felt the need to write what i was thinking.

Thinking back

I heard the fireworks go off tonight, signaling a win for the Red Bud football team! Go Musketeers! Shortly after, I had to run to the gas station to get Kenny some milk for the cookies he made. While I was there I saw all sorts of people that had just left the game. There were a bunch of teenagers who were wearing their school spirit attire and some of them with their faces painted. It took me back to the days when that was me and my friends after a school football game. For some reason Fall always makes me think of the old high school days. Going back to school again and hanging out with my friends. Everyone would always meet up at the game and then once it was over, we would all flock to the house of whomever decided to have the party for the night. I remember my girlfriends and I going over to each others houses to get ready for our Friday night. We would fix our hair, apply about a whole can of hairspray, swap clothes about a 100 times and then give each other the thumbs up before we were off to the party.   Sometimes those memories seem like only a year ago.   I remember the times when there wasn't anyone having a party, everyone would load up in a few  cars and head out to the back roads. The grassy knol was a popular party spot. There was always that bit of excitement when you pulled up because you never knew who was there and maybe, just maybe that hot guy you had your eyes on would be there too! Someone would turn on the radio and we would all just hang out, enjoying our teenage years.  I had quite a few parties at my house too.  The first one was  HUGE!  One of the freshman stood at the end of my driveway and collected money as people showed up. 2 half barrels, music and a bonfire equaled a GREAT time!  When my mom came home, there was actually a guy puking off my deck and since his head was shaved we decided to take lipstick and color all over it while he was throwing up.  My mom freaked out because she thought he was bleeding.  The party lasted until the cops showed up and then all but a few that were staying the night, left.   Another party that I remember going to was at a fellow classmate's house who lived in Hecker. Someone actually got shocked with a pig shocker that night!   I am sure I am forgetting some of the other memorable moments, but there was so many, it is hard to think of all of them!  I really cant believe that I am now a mother of two and 34 years old.  It just blows my mind that I am no longer that fun, irresponsible teenager.  I sometimes wonder what is in store for me once my kids are all grown up and have their own lives. Will that be the time that I can reconnect with old friends?  Will I be able to do all those things that I always wanted to do?  It's weird to think about all the stages you go through during your life. Each one is a challenge in it's own way and fulfilling in different ways.   Even though I cant pick up on a whim and go any where I want and I cant sleep in as late as I want, I am very happy and thankful for what I have in my life at this point and I hope that whatever is in store for me in the future is half as good as what I have now :)

Getting to know Melissa

This seems to be a popular blog and I have yet to do this, so today I am going to blog 10 things that most of  you do not know about me.  I think this will be a fun blog, at my expense of course, but it is long overdue. I need to give you guys an insight into some of my secrets. This blog is called Schmidt Secrets.....

1. I sleep with my very own pillow pet every night! I am actually not too ashamed because if you have ever felt one of these things you would know how amazingly soft and comfortable they are.  Olivia got one for Christmas and I found myself stealing it when she would fall asleep.  Well I guess Kenny noticed it too, because he got me a valentine's day puppy pillow pet as my Valentine's day gift!  So now every night Olivia and I get our pillow pets and head to the bed. Love it!

2. When I was younger I was afraid that my boobies were going to be lop sided so I actually did exercises to make sure they were both equally the same size!  Seriously, I was worried about this. I found this exercise thing that my mom had and I think it was for your arms, but I thought it would help strengthen my boobs so that they would be big and the same size.  It's embarrassing, but I was young and everyone knows we have crazy thoughts when we were growing up.

3. When I got married I wanted my grandpa to walk down the isle with me and my dad. I wanted my grandpa on one side of me and my dad on the other side. My grandpa has been like a father to me my entire life and I felt he deserved that honor as well as my dad. Sadly, it wasn't possible because the isle wasn't big enough for three people to walk down. I had to settle with a special dance between my grandpa and I during my reception.  It was still a special moment.

4. For my wedding, I actually paid two different stylist to do my hair. So it was the day of my wedding and my bridesmaid, Stephanie, and I went to get our hair done together. I had never been to this hairdresser, but went there on a referral.  Well this girl slicked all my hair back and put it into a tight bun at the top. Maybe cute for someone with a better profile than myself, but it did not look good on me. So I walked past another hair dresser, in the same salon, and she could tell I wasn't happy, so she offered to fix my hair and redo the style.  I took her up on the offer, paid her and even sat there while the first hairdresser walked by me.  Oh well, the bride must be happy, right???

5. When i was younger, I had a bit of a mischievous streak in me. I actually had two of my girlfriends over to my house while my parents were gone and I decided to lock the dead bolt on them, which locked them inside my house and rode my bike back and forth in front of the house while they were standing at the window yelling for me.  I thought it was hilarious but got in big trouble later when my parents found out.  My friends have since forgiven me and we can all laugh about it now.

6. I am infatuated with Elvis. I know I wasn't around for his singing, sensational career, but I still love him!  I took an elective in college that was titled "Elvis and the Apocalypse" and it was all over from there. the obsession started.

7. My first car when I turned 16 was a 1977 Chrysler New Port. When my mom took me to get it, I thought she was playing a practical joke on me. There was no way this big, blue boat was my first car!!!  No joke...it was. This thing could easily fit 4 people in the front and about 5 in the back. The blinkers were on top of the hood and the bright light switch was on the floor board. This thing was a tank. I quickly got over the embarrassment once I realized it made a great party and road trip car!  Thanks mom!

8. So even though I complain frequently about being so busy at work, I make sure to save a little bit of time during my day to catch up on my soaps. That's right, I still watch soaps. If I don't have a chance to watch them I like to at least read the recaps. I make sure I have about 15 minutes in my day to catch up and see what is going on in Port Charles, Landview and Genoa City!

9.  Once year, when I was probably in my early twenties, I was haunted house hopping with some friends and walked into a room where Jason was. I didn't know that my friends had told them to call my name out, so when Jason started coming towards me and saying my name, I freaked out and took off running......right into a wall. I fell to the ground, nose bleeding and crying hysterically. They had to turn the lights on and take me to the hospital. My nose wasn't broken, but now I have a bump on my nose as a remembrance.

10. Finally,  I have to admit that I can say almost every Friday afternoon, when I get off work, I stop and pick myself up a drink for the drive home. I mean I have worked hard all week, I have an hour drive and darn it, I deserve it.  It is my toast to the weekend. Some people might frown on this but I know plenty of people that are guilty of this as well and it is one drink and then I am home and can safely resume my Friday night drinks if I choose.

That's it. More to come at a later, undisclosed date!

The struggles of raising an 8 and 2 year old

Well I haven't really felt like blogging much lately but I realize when I do it really helps to share the things going on in my life and how I am feeling. Things have been pretty hectic lately and my mind has been in over drive with all the things that have to be done and how I will be able to get them done. My kids have been keeping it pretty interesting though. Olivia is still refusing to be a big girl and use the potty. One day she tells me " I don't think I ever want to use the potty."  Then another day she promises me she will stay dry, so I put big girl undies on her and that last for about an hour until she walks up to me soaking wet, with the dogs following right behind her sniffing her butt!  Ok, so I try to put her on the potty and all she does is cry.  I thought girls were supposed to be easier, but I feel like she is just being stubborn!  Then my step mom heard Olivia drop the F bomb the other day. We never had this problem with Austin. If we told Austin not to say a bad word, he wouldn't. When we told him to start using the potty, he did. Geeze, these kids are total opposites!  Last night I heard Olivia in the bath tub talking, So I stood where she couldn't here me and just listened. She was talking to the "hot" and "cold" knobs on the bath tub and she was telling them that she loved them and wanted to marry them and then she gave them a kiss. then she told the cold knob not to get jealous because she would be back after she married the hot one. Then she told them not to be upset because they didn't have any legs or arms!  OMG!  This child has an incredible imagination and I can only imagine what is going to happen as she gets older!

My sweet boy Austin was told this week that he is definitely going to need braces because his mouth is already crowded and there is not going to be enough room in his mouth for his permanent teeth. when we left the dentist office he cried because he is afraid kids are going to make fun of him and call him a nerd.  It broke my heart.  I tried to explain to him that many of the kids he knows will have to get braces and by the time he gets older he will have the best smile and then everyone will be so jealous of him.  I know he doesn't understand that now, but hopefully one day he will look back and be thankful that we did that for him.

There is so much joy, frustration and heart break in being a parent. It is the best thing in the world but it takes a lot of love, patience and strength to be a good one. I pray every day that I can be the kind of parent they need and deserve.

Friday Night Lights!

Well let's see how honest I feel like being...It feels like there was a whole bunch packed into one night but maybe that is because there was a lot going on.!  So anywhoo....I finally felt a little bit better after being in my funk post the funeral. I was pretty depressed after all that but I think good things will come from it and that makes me feel better. Get together with my old "girls" will be a positive outcome to all the sadness.
Besides that, we had the family fun fair tonight at RBES.  Well, the kids had fun, but I have to say that being a parent is going to be hard considering other parents are inconsiderate and too good for the rest of us!  I thought I was done dealing with that when I left high school, but it takes on a whole new meaning when you are a parent. For those parents that like to talk about the birthday party they threw for their kid in front of the kids and parents that weren't invited......yippee! Really?  Well you don't know this mom. I don't give a crap and you have just set the tone for me and my kid.  Good thing my husband is the boy scout coach, otherwise no one would be kissing our ass!!!!  Little do you know that I have my own friends that are not fake or based on popularityy. I love the women that are sassy and speak their mind. So afterwards, I went to bunko and even though I talked a bunch of smack, I only won $15.  It was fun and I am glad I have made such cool friends!  The kids are in bed, and I took care of the husband so I guess I will go to bed and get ready for tomorrow.

Life

I have erased my beginning to this blog so many times because I don't know what to say.  Tonight I went to a funeral for my softball coach from the time I was in first grade until high school. Tonight I saw so many girls that I considered family years ago, for the first time in over a decade. I don't really think I got upset over his death alone, but the memories that he carried.  As we get older and move on in life, we forget about things or people in our childhood. I have been lucky enough to hold onto a few of those friends. Thank god!  Tonight made me think of times that my life was simple and I was happy and satisfied with who was in my everday life. they were my family! If it wasn't softball, it was sleep overs or camp Ondesonk. So many things we did together made life so simple and fun. Our parents made that happen for us and Mike was a big part of that! I tried to explain it to Kenny tonight, but surprise, he didnt understand. No matter what,  your past is a part of you and has helped to make you who you are. Tonight I gave my respects to someone that was intricate in my pre-teen years and helped to give me the stablity that I needed. I will always respect you Mike and grateful for all you did for us girls!

Friends

What does that exactly mean? There are all sorts of friends. The ones that are social, that will sit at a bar with you on any given night and drink until you think you are sisters that were separated at birth or there are the true friends that will be there no matter what you are doing!  Sometimes that sounds like a cliche, but over time I have realized what a friendship means.  When I was younger, the friends i had were my lifeline. I had a bad home life and every weekend I wanted my friends to stay with me so things would be ok. To me, my friends were my saving ingredient. Then when I got older my friends were the ones that drank and weren't afraid to let loose and do whatever it was we weren't supposed to do! At that point in my life they were the bestest friends.  Looking back, it probably wasn't the best friendships considering I would be in the bathroom puking while they were doing More shots!  Granted most were like that, but I had one in particular that was with me for the long haul. At that time in out lives we were both struggling to find our place and we were holding onto each other trying to figure it out.  She is still my friend and has been since we were in the first grade. I love her!  I have a few friends (Annie and Sarah) that I have remained very close to since kindergarten and first grade. I feel so lucky to have them in my life and to be able say that these girls have been there for me over a decade!

I have those few girls that I have been friends with since my early youth and then the ones I have made since then that are priceless.  Who is to define friendship by longevity?   I know firsthand that is not necessary true. Since I have been married and had kids, I have been introduced to different people and groups and I can say that I have formed very "real" friendships with these people. I trust them, love them, and enjoy being around them...  not because I have to, but because I want to! 

Friendship can mean many different things to everyone and can be defined by different things, but I know who I consider my friends and I want to tell all of you, "Thank you for being there!"

All Aboard the Crazy Train!

Holy crap what a week!  First off, I know some of my friends that are following my blog. I have a lot to learn still with this whole thing and I just need the time to fix my page up and maybe get a little help with it, but I need some followers. Come on....join and be a part of the blog community!  OK now that is out of the way....

What a freaking crazy week!  Seriously I feel like I am on some sort of crazy train which is ironic since that was the song that Kenny and I walked in on at our reception. That should have been a clue as to what I was in for! LOL!  Where do I start?  I know that everyone has to have this same feeling at some time or another, but I do not see an end to my ride!  At work, it seems like no matter how much I do in a day's time, I cant get caught up and I am actually falling behind. Being the department trainer has its perks but times like this make me stressed. New projects rolling, new hires and I am supposed to handle it all! Well so is life I guess!

Then at home I cant get a break. By the time I get home at 6 it is time for Austin's homework or soccer practice then dinner then baths and then maybe I get a chance to read or get on the computer. Seriously I would love to work out but anyone with this schedule and 2 kids would understand.  Oh well guess I will just be a non-skinny, overly stressed,  mother of two!

So not only is my life crazy but I know a few other people who are having similar issues. Hence the crazy train!  They say misery loves company, so why not craziness?   What are the crazy people suppose to do? Blog I guess! 

When I start feeling like this all I have to do is pay attention to the people around me and what is going on and I realize my life isn't so bad. I mean at least I have a place to live and a family that loves me. At least I am not a compulsive liar who is at the point they cant tell their own lies from reality.  These are the crazy people I have come across this week.

I guess we could all use a little craziness in ours lives because things might get too boring without it. I mean I really went overboard tonight with the craziness and sat on the computer for 3 hours down loading pictures.  I am living on the wild side!   

Well even if I am on the crazy train, hopefully I wont be alone for the ride. Anyone else interested in joining me?

Happy Hump Day!

Wednesday, aka, Hump Day!  I celebrated with a few cold bud lights. Yes, I know it is a work night and the middle of the week but this girl needed a few cold ones to relax after a stressful day. Work is killing me and the house is always a mess so sometimes I need to chill with a few drinks just to keep my sanity!  Olivia asked me to play tea party with her tonight and it got me thinking that if my life was that simple and the biggest decision I had was who to invite to my tea party, what would I do?  Well first off if I was having a tea party, I would have to send out lavish invitations and then stress about what they would look like, how many people would come and if they come would they RSVP. Who do I invite?  Some people don't get along so how do I decide who to invite?Then I would have to think about decorations. what would be my theme?  what food would I need?  It's a tea party so do I just serve tea? Do I need games for my tea party or should I google conversation starters?  I don't really have good china for a tea party so should I go buy some? What is tea party etiquette? Man this tea party is sounding more and more stressful!  I guess I will just scratch that idea!  Maybe that is the problem with people. Maybe people have a tendency to make even the simplest thing complicated and stressful.    This is why I enjoy blogging. It is my thing and it only has to be as simple or as complicated as I want it to be.  Tonight, this blog is going to be simple because today is Hump Day!!!

Bucket List

Maybe it is the change in the weather that has me thinking about this. I love the fall, when the weather gets a little cooler and the leaves start to turn. It feels like a new beginning to me even though I know it means the end of summer. Being outside when it is sunny, but not scorching and there is a little bit of wind blowing makes me happy. Football is starting and school is back in session. This time of year always makes me feel rejuvenated. So I started thinking about everything I want to do in the next week, months or even years. Why not get my bucket list in order?!  Wills are depressing and I am too young to put one of those together right now but a bucket list is fun and encouraging. Anyone who knows me knows I love making "To Do Lists", so why not make one for the long haul?  It could also be that between getting Austin to do his schoolwork and potty training Olivia, I am going to have a brain aneurysm at any moment, but either way I felt like making my list! 

(These are not necessarily in the order of importance)

1.  This one is a MUST on my list. I have to be there when my two kids get married and one day make me a grandma (Holy crap! I cant imagine being called a grandma!)

2. I want to swim with the Dolphins. I thought I was going to get my chance when we went to Florida this year, My step mom said she read that it was only $50 at Sea World so when we went and walked up to buy the ticket the lady said it was $200 and we had to sign up at least a day ahead of time.  Bummer!

3. I want to travel to Europe. I wont be picky just somewhere in Europe. I would not really be too excited about the long flight so if anyone knows of a super hero that can travel at lighting speed, let him know I am interested in an overseas trip.

4. I want to have rock hard abs just one time in my life. I don't have to maintain them or anything, but maybe just keep  them for 1 summer.

5. I want to go on a cruise and not necessarily the Disney one!  I would prefer an adult cruise where I could kick back, relax, drink, dance and just enjoy life.

6. I want to trying skiing in the mountains. I would love to stay in a cabin somewhere in the mountains, with snow all around me and then try skiing. I'm sure I am not coordinated enough, but I can at least say I tried.

7. I want to ride a bull. But only if there are several of those clowns standing besides me to catch me and move me to safety as soon as I fall because god knows it will only take a second or two.

8. I would like to go on an all girls trip with some of my closest and dearest friends. Life gets so busy that we lose touch with our girlfriends and that would be something nice to do one last time.

9. I want to get crazy one night and end up the next morning with a tattoo or crazy body piercing. I know weird right?  But it would be hilarious as long as it wasn't too crazy or noticeable.

10. I want to write a novel. I used to write all the time when I was younger and sometimes I really miss it. I don't have the time now, but maybe some day I will.

Well I think that is enough for now. So I guess now that I have a list I need to get working on it. Where should I start?  I am opened to suggestions or offers of help!

Camping fun? Or not so much?

So first off, I want to thank everyone who read my blog yesterday and responded with encouraging words. You have no idea what strength it gives me to hear that and how much better everyone made me feel. Thank you!  The decision is still in the air, but I am being strong and thinking it through the best I can!

Ahh! The great outdoors! Fresh air, mother nature, relaxation, heat, mosquito's, no hot showers, the minimum of modern technology. So is this really fun or over rated?  Well lets think about it..... When I was younger (late teens early twenties) camping with friends meant freedom. Freedom from parents from the over protective all seeing eyes. We used to load up on liquor and only bring enough to eat, drink and have fun! Float trips,  where we could let loose and be as silly and as daring as we wanted. Those were good times! Beer bongs, jello shots and loud music. Now that some of us have gotten older and settled down with families, camping brings on a new meaning.  So we can still enjoy mother nature and relaxing by the campfire but beer bongs,jello shots... no way! With the kids comes responsibility. So instead there is filthy dirty kids tracking dirt in the camper, letting bugs in because they come in and out of the door a million times and since I'm not drunk, the mosquito's are a lot more noticeable!  But then there are the times when it is fun to tell scary stories and see how the kids react or making s'mores with the kids by the campfire. I love watching them ride  their bikes and just be kids. No cares in the world.  I guess it is a different kind of camping, but not necessarily a bad one.   Maybe if it rains I can get a mud fight going. yeah!  that sounds like a fun time to me! If we are going to camp, lets do it right! Dirt, mud and bugs!  Bug eating contest?  No, I would have to be really drunk for that.  I guess a good games of ladder jacks or Phase 10!  One way or another I WILL have fun!

Decisions

We have all had to make them one way or another, but how do you know if you are making the right one? I could go back and forth and switch my decision a million times, so how do I know what is right? I wish I had it could be like that movie Mr Destiny where I could I could see how my one decision effected the rest of my life that way I would know which was the right one. You can look at it from every angle, even make a pro and con list but there is still that bit of doubt that you are making the wrong decision. Not just any decision, but one of the most important in your life. Do you go with your gut?  But with if that changes depending on the day you are having or the mood you are in.?  how do you keep that assurance that what you were so sure of a day ago is the right thing?  This is what I am struggling with right now. I am not going to say what about because I haven't made my mind up yet, but I wish I had someone to tell what I should do. I wish I had that sign or crystal ball, but this is reality and sometimes reality isn't so nice.  Everything you do in life affects your future. Some decision not as much as others, but that all have some affect. Do I wear black slimming pants today or the brown ones?  Do I have a drink after work or not?  Do I eat healthy today or pig out?  Every decision means something.  Hmmm. Maybe I will never figure it out.