Debts, what debts?

I know that tax returns are just our money given back to us, after the government had an interest free loan and all of that jazz, but I won't lie, I love tax returns. We are spenders and so we don't save very well. We are getting better, but it is nice to spend the money we work so hard to earn. Anyway, I love tax returns because it is like a savings account for me. We get this big chunk of money back that we may never have saved up on our own, and then we can do something productive with it. It is like, give me $25 a month and I think nothing of it, but give me $300 and I try to do something somewhat productive with it. Apply that to tax returns, (aka, bigger amounts) and you get my happiness.

This year, we used that return to pay for stuff we already bought. You got it. We paid off EVERY debt we have. This included student loans, outrageous hospital bills, credit cards, the works. We no longer have debts. I love that feeling. So I am bragging. It is like starting our marriage over. It is pretty awesome.

Being human I automatically start thinking about all the stuff we have. We have too much stuff. This year for Christmas (yes, I am thinking about Christmas and it is only February) I just want to take the kids on a cool trip. I am sick of all the "stuff" we have in our house. So, I am taking submissions for ideas for cool places to take 3 kids under 7. Of course, it needs to be somewhat affordable since I don't want to rack debts back up. I was thinking Disney Cruise, but am open to something a little more creative.

Happy "Your kids suck" day!

It is Valentine's Day, and I love holidays. I have this habit of going overboard. Since I just got home from a much needed break, and was feeling recharged (yes I think of myself like an electronic device) I had visions of clean rooms, perfectly mannered children, healthy and delicious meals, dancing through my head. Big plans. Breakfast was a success. Kids got off to school happy.

I jumped in my none too clean car (still haven't gotten it cleaned up and it is starting to be gross. should do that, today...or tomorrow) and headed out to get the goodies for the in class party. I was feeling proud of myself. I successfully managed a vacation while keeping work and my family on track.

Ya know how you hate to admit when your parents are right? Well, mine always said not to be prideful, and let's face it, they were right. Just when I start thinking I am awesome, I get a nice blow to that pride. I arrive at the school, bags of goodies, crafts, and activities in hand, and the teacher says, "I missed you at Parent teacher conferences." (I had gone, but spent so long with my other child's teacher that I did not make it to my preschoolers, I figured it is preschool, so oh well.) The teacher continues, "Your child does not pay attention or participate in class. You should consider holding her back a year." What??? My perfect, beautiful, smart, funny little girl? Okay, I can see that, she lives in her dream world, but is that really so bad? I don't know.

My ego is smarting right now. Here I thought I was successfully juggling the being a mom and a career woman, and come to find out BOTH of my kids are having problems at school. I dropped a ball and didn't even know it. Not to mention that my 2 year old is outside without pants on and eating a Popsicle in this 40 degree weather. Guess I better go get him...

Even moms need breaks

So being the busy working mom that I am (I know, I say it a lot, it is because I want sympathy, yes...that is right, give me some sympathy), I sometimes feel overwhelmed. Lately has been worse than usual, maybe because I am not getting enough sleep. Almost completely my fault.

Regardless (not irregardless, I might add, even with sleep deprivation I won't make that mistake), I am feeling a little worn out. And so to remedy that, because that is what moms do, we solve problems, I am heading out of town for a much needed break.

I fully intend to lay around in my bikini, stretch marked body and all, sleep in (Gasp! Yes, that is right, I am going to sleep in rather than try to fill every single moment with activity), over eat, after all Brett won't be there to see my hyper extended girth, I might even do some Karaoke (Do not worry, my account has not been hacked, I am just feeling the need for change.) It will be like Spring Break mom style. My prego sister is coming along, so I am sure it will be a roaring good time, totally vanilla style. Sigh...

I had this big plan of having all the laundry done, and laying out clothes for the kids for every day I was gone, preparing meals so all my husband, friends, and family who will be watching my kids have to do is pull it out and heat it up, I even thought about trying to vacuum out my car, but heck, it is cold outside, like in the single digits. So, instead I am in my bathrobe, on here, anxiously watching the clock tick down to when I get a break. lol