Sunday, July 27, 2008

Calling All Moms....Calling All Moms!

SO, I am seeking the advice of all moms in how to deal with an extremely picky eater, who seemingly grows pickier with each new day. As many of you know, my first born (bless her heart) has always been a very selective eater. It has now progressed to the point where she will only drink milk, and it has to be from a sippy cup. Forget the fruits or veggies or breads or noodles or anything...lately, the one and only thing she wants is milk (the only exceptions to this would be chicken nuggets and french fries). I fear I may have fueled the development of this behavior, as I thought I was doing good in trying to avoid the monumental tantrums that occur when said beverage is denied. However, I know that my little girl cannot live on milk alone, which is where the help, guidance, and suggestions from you other mothers is needed.

If any of you have had to deal with a similar issue, or if you can share any insight on how to get my child to eat real food (or any food other than chicken nuggets and french fries), or even if you have a knockout, never-fails recipe that your kids love, I would greatly, GREATLY appreciate any help you could give. I'll say my thanks in advance....at this point, I am sure that anything is better than what I am doing!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Who Am I Kidding?

Today is the day I realized I have absolutely, positively no clue what I am doing as a mother. I had my doubts before, lots of them, but today simply confirmed it. AK and Roo have gotten the best of me...they have tried and tested every ounce of patience in me...I am totally and completely spent.

I cannot handle the constant screaming and tantrums, the endless replies of "No, mama...I said NO!" I am tired of the daily struggles to get their hair brushed, teeth brushed, [clean] clothes put on, diapers changed, toys picked up, [healthy] food eaten, food picked up, or to simply get both of them from the apartment to the car without having to go back for a million forgotten things (sippy cups, teddy, cheetah, striped blankey, purse, toys....etc., etc.). I have almost completely given up on their afternoon naps, and bed time comes whenever they finally stop fighting with us (lately, it's been about 10:30 or 11:00). I do not like getting hit, or kicked, or scratched when I try to pick them up off the ground mid-tantrum, but I don't know what else to do when we are in the middle of a store and one of my children decides to have a spontaneous meltdown.

I understand these "episodes" are to be expected at this age. As my sister-in-law has mentioned, we are leaving the "terrible two's" and entering the "horrible three's." Maybe I feel overwhelmed because I have to battle with two [very independent and sassy] toddlers at the same time, when many parents only have one. Maybe I feel inadequate because so many other parents make it look so easy. Whatever the reason or explanation may be, who am I kidding - I simply am not cut out to be a mother...at least, not today anyway.

It figures that just as I was finishing this post, AK came up to me after getting out of the tub and asked me so sweetly to brush her hair. When I was done, she said "Thanks, mama" and puckered up to give me a kiss. I ask myself now how such a sweet and loving girl can give me such a hard time??? Am I magnifying all the "hard times" into something much worse than they really are? I feel terrible losing my patience with the girls so many times today; for being so quick to anger and discipline them rather than being concerned and caring. I still have so much to learn about being a mother, and I realize if I give up now, I will not be able to grow into the mother that AK and Roo truly deserve. I have many faults; I am aware of my weaknesses; but tomorrow will give me another chance to learn and grow from the two most patient teachers I know - my sweet, beautiful, and loving daughters. Honestly....what could be better than that?

Even though my current life has many tantrums, and fits, and a lot of screams and crying, I know there are many more hugs, and kisses, and giggles, and snuggles in store for me in the future. I need to keep that in mind and look at the big picture. Life is all about learning and loving and growing...life, for me at least, is all about being a mom.

We Have Returned!

I know it has been a while since our last blog post, but we just got back from a week-long trip, that was a much needed break for all of us. Although we spent the majority of time in the car (we drove from Arizona to Idaho and back - over 2000 miles in 7 days), we were able to visit with family and friends, see Yellowstone National Park, go floating down the Snake River, go fishing, and just have an all-around good time.

We took lots of pictures, but I need to find my adapter stick so I can upload them from the camera. I will try and get that done later today so you can see how much fun we really had.

This trip convinced us that we should do a big family trip every summer. Regardless of whether it's with extended family or just our family of four, a trip like this - away from home, work, and the daily grind - is good for the soul.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

One Word Tag

One word Tag

I saw this on my sister-in-law's blog and thought it would be kind of fun (and yes....I really tried to keep limit my responses to one word as intended)

1. Where is your cell phone? ..... unsure
2.Your significant other? ..... patient
3. Your hair? ..... adorable
4. Your mother? ..... loving
5. Your father? ..... hard-working
6. Your favorite thing? ..... family
7. Your dream last night? ..... don't recall
8. Your favorite drink? ..... Dr. Pepper
9. Your dream/goal? ..... happiness
10. The room you're in? ..... family Room
11. Your hobby? ..... mothering
12.Your fear? ..... disappointment
13. Where do you want to be in six years? ..... Oceanside
14. Where were you last night? ..... IKEA
15. What you're not? ..... all-knowing
16. Muffins? ..... cranberry-orange
17. One of your wish list items? ..... debt-free
18. Where you grew up? ..... Upland
19. The last thing you did? ..... homework
20. What are you wearing? ..... clothes
21. Your t.v.? ..... off
22. Your pets? ..... none
23. Your computer? ..... lemon
24. Your life? ..... progressing
25.Your mood? ..... indifferent
26. Missing someone? ..... friends
27. Your car? ..... filthy
28. Something you're not wearing? ..... glasses
29. Favorite store? ..... Target
30. Your summer? ..... laid-back
31. Like someone? ..... yup
32. Your favorite color? ..... blue or brown
33. When was the last time you laughed? ..... earlier
34. Last time you cried? ..... yesterday

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy Independence Day

We, the people...of the D.B.A.R. Hoopes family in Chandler, Arizona, do solemnly swear....to wish everyone a very happy and enjoyable 4th of July!! Whether your day was spent working, sleeping, swimming, BBQing, studying, cleaning, shopping, or a combination of all of the above, we hope that your Independence Day celebration was wonderful!