Favorite Photo Friday: Daddy's Little Girl

Well, this week I've had to dig into my photo archives for my favorite photo. (Our good camera in S. Africa with my husband, our old camera being a real pain...not reading 2 different memory cards)

I was hoping to post a few photos from Halloween that I took on my cell camera, but alas, it is giving me communications errors EVERY time I try to email them to myself...grrrrr.

But it's not been all bad, I did get to go down memory lane a little going through photos and THIS photo is one of my favorites of all time.

A phone of his own

My sixth grade son has wanted a cell phone for a LONG time.

And he been VERY persistent.

"Why can't I get a cell phone? Everyone has one."

"Why can't I get a cell phone? Don't you trust me?"

"Why can't I get a cell phone? I really, really, REALLY want one."

"Why can't I get a cell phone? I can't believe you won't let me have one yet. You're the meanest parents in the world."

Why? Why? Why? When? When? When?

The pestering requests were never ending.

And for a long while, we resisted.

We knew he didn't need one, as I provided his transportation and anytime he needed to go anywhere, I was there. Plus, he didn't actually like talking on the phone.

So our answer continued to be "Not now sweetie. You'll get one when you're older."

But as he continued to grow up, that decision eventually shifted from a crystal clear "No" to a fuzzy "Maybe". And a few weeks ago, my husband suggested we make the leap to "Yes" when he revealed that he'd been researching the options and thought it might be a good idea to finally grant him his wish.

Last weekend, before my husband left for his 3 week business trip to South Africa and Mexico, we had the big reveal.

The look on Mr. B's face when he realized that he was actually getting a cell phone of his own was PRICELESS (one I wish I would have thought to document with my camera). It was jaw-dropping amazement, followed by a huge smile.

But... (and isn't there always a but?)

"But having a cell phone is a privilege and you need to be responsible for how and when you use it," my husband explained.

Then he pulled out a one-page typed mobile phone contract that Mr. B had to read and sign (one that he asked me to edit before sharing it with Mr. B...have I mentioned before that I love my husband?) It included rules of phone use including the number of minutes he had each month, when it could be used and when it had to be turned off. It required him to read the school's handbook policy on cell phone use and recite it to his father. And it layed out behavioural expectations we had for Mr. B (ie, positive attitude, helping with chores willingly, and maintaining an A or B average in all classes).

And like any good contract it included specific consequences for "breach of contract."

Let's just say that Mr. B. couldn't sign the contract fast enough.

He FINALLY had a phone of his own...and he was in heaven.

And for now, we are both rock-star parents in his eyes...and I'm lovin' it.

One gift down...many to go

Now that Halloween is over, the push for Christmas is upon us. And, I'm pleased to say that I have at least two gifts checked off my list ...all thanks to a Shutterfly.com offer for free 8x8 photo book. I must admit it was really fun and easy to put the book together and I think the recipients will REALLY like it. And no, Mom & Dad it's not for you...I know you read my blog and wouldn't dare risk you getting a sneak peak at your gift...to the best of my knowledge the recipients don't even know how to get online to access my blog (so all my Michigander family members keep this hush, hush from R&C ;o)

Click here to view this photo book larger

Favorite Photo Friday: Pumpkin

My daughter tackles everything she does with determination...even cleaning out a pumpkin.

(I mean really, just look at her tongue.)

Here we go...again

I try not to dwell on it, for if I do, it might spin me into a spiral of dispair (or a least self pity).

He's gone. Again. For three weeks.

And with his departure I am flung back into my role as a single mom.

His destination is halfway across the world. Yet, I remain. Chugging ahead...trying to keep up some sense of normalcy for the kids.

We're oceans apart. With a 6 hour time difference...which really throws a major wrench in communications.

So for the next three weeks, our connection will be short cell phone calls, brief Skype calls or emails. Do you know how hard it is to stay connected when you are so far apart?

I KNOW I can do this. I've done it before. But, I really don't relish the thought of it.

Three weeks. Three LONG weeks.

I can keep myself and the kids busy, but when they go to bed, I'm left to sit in this big house of ours, alone.

I guess I'm just really missing my husband and it's only day 1.

A journey far, far away

Prologue:

Once upon a time, in the world of a working mother, a busy mom was asked to attend a conference in the far away land of Cincinnati. This mom, knowing that her trip away from home would not bode well with her children, opted not tell them of her trip until the night before her departure. The following is a tale of this mother's journey away from home (for a ridiculously long trip of 1.5 days ;o)

Chapter 1: The Reveal

Me:   Hi guys. How was school today?

Kids:   mumble...mumble...Good...mumble..mumble

Mr. B:   What are we going to do tonight? (see I'm not kidding that I get asked this every day)

Me:    Well, after dinner I have to get ready for a work trip to Cincinnati...

Let's just say that the once they realized they weren't coming with me and that they had to actually stay home with a sitter (not a stranger, mind you, but one that has watched them since birth)...well, eruption ensued.

The whining, complaining, and guilt-tripping continued for hours.

"But that means we'll be home without any parent for two whole days...how will I be able to sleep?"

"Can't you just quite your job? It's not really THAT important since you only have a few people at your company."

And then it finally came out:

"But mom, I don't want you to go because I REALLY love you and I'm gonna miss you SO much."

And suddenly the hours of complaining finally disappeared.

Chapter 2: Road Trip

Before my journey to the land of Cincinnati could begin, I had to squeeze in a quick trip to the salon for a haircut (does anyone else have a hard time fitting in these everyday tasks into their busy schedule? What? No one? OK then, carry on, but not before letting me in on your time management secrets.)

With a fresh style adorning my head and a hot mocha from Caribou Coffee in hand, my chariot (a dusty SUV equipped with Satellite Radio) departed south. Let's just say with a four hour road trip, I quickly became VERY familiar with Cosmo Radio (the official radio station of Cosmopolitan Magazine). Yes, I am 36 and totally NOT in their demographic. But what can I say? With shows like Cocktails with Patrick and Cosmolicious...come on, it was like reading a trashy romance novel on vacation. I couldn't turn it off.

After 4 hours I knew more about fun fearless women, cheating, pet names for loved ones, calorie restriction diets, relationships with exes...and even pelvic flour exercisers (I kid you not...there is such a thing and people buy them.)

Chapter 3: Visit with a long lost friend

A huge bonus of my vist to the land of Cincinnati, beyond getting a day away from my normal responsibilities of life, was getting to see my college roommate/bridesmaid, Melissa, who lived a mere 15 minute from my hotel. After successfully navigating my printed Mapquest directions in the dark (yes, I was kicking myself that I didn't have a GPS) I arrived. And it was like we'd never been apart. We talked for three hours and it seemed like only minutes. Despite the 4 hour distance between us, our lives seemed to mirror each other in many ways, with each of us struggling at times to find our balance with motherhood (her as a SAHM and mine as a WOHM). It made my heart smile and was easily the BEST part of my trip away from home.

Chapter 4: Conference

It came. I networked. I took notes. The End.

P.S  I sat with @PositivelyCleveland at the awards luncheon. And their Hastily Made Tourism Video contest campaign (which was won by my friend) took home top honors. Small world, heh.

Chapter 5: Before the clock strikes midnight nine

As soon as the conference ended, this Cinderella mom hightailed it to her chariot and rushed home (and hoped that with the conference ending 15 minutes early, I would be able to return home before turning into a pumpkin the kids' bedtime.)

And during my journey home I listened to...you guessed, it: COSMO! At least I was honest when  I revealed that I'm easily obsessed.

Chapter 5: Happily Ever After

There's NOTHING like opening the door and being greeted with your darling seven year old daughter running with outstretched arms to greet you. And giving you a powerful hug full of enough love to last a lifetime. Then seeing the sly smile from your 11 year old son (who's not really into PDA) as he moseys over to give me a backwards hug (where he turns around, but still allows me to hug him).

Epilogue:

At the end of the day, I had returned home safely. My children were happy. And all was right with the world (at least until the next trip...perhaps I need to take more trips so it gets a little easier for them ;)