B is for Bennett and Beyonce

It came to my attention recently that there is another someone else calling themselves B, Ms. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, or as some of you may know as Beyoncé. I just call her Queen Bey, but whatever. Besides monikers it does appear that Bennett and Queen Bey have a few other things in common. 

Maple Syrup Diet

For Bennett's second year he consisted mostly on pancakes and syrup. Then, we discovered he was allergic to artificial syrup. Once upon a time, Beyonce started a new diet craze called the maple syrup diet. I'll do just about anything to prevent this situation again:

For the Love of Target

Or at least she liked Target on Facebook. Bennett loves Target. On our last drive to the farm, he informed us that all the trucks on the road were making deliveries to Target.

They like fish

Queen B broke her vegan diet by eating fish. Bennett broke his carb and cheese diet by discovering popcorn shrimp.

They like cake.

They feel the same way about pants.

In fact, Bennett makes this same face when we ask him to wear pants.

So maybe this was just an excuse to dust off some old Bennett pics again. I just want to be sure there isn't any confusion who B is in these here parts. Because man does this kid have a future in entertaining. I'm not so sure I have a future in backup dancing, or singing because heck, I have pants on. 

Christmas 2013

I realize this post is a little late, but I finally had a minute to download photos while stuck at home with our first snow day of 2014. Of course, the snow required for a snow day is about as real as Santa. Therefore, I figure I remain relevant, even 11 days later. Without further adieu, my Christmas photo dump!

Our nine foot tree that required the emptying of our mad money fund and moving two pieces of very heavy furniture. Now that the tree is gone, we had to purchase new furniture because someone's patience does not allow for old furniture to be returned to it's rightful home. Got that? Post forthcoming. (Hope you can wait at least 11 days.)

Obligatory Christmas jammie picture.

A Cars umbrella! Everyone was surprised but me that this was such a hit.

About fourteen presents in, the child was still asking where the "monster truck with buttons was."

Success!

Bennett explaining where Santa, not the presents, come from.

He wasn't quite sure how Santa delivered a tent to his room while he was sleeping and not quite certain how it got down that chimney. But that present was money honey.

We did eventually put clothes on, pants even!

The grandparents arrived, showered the kid with even more presents and we ate some things. In true Bennett fashion the more ornate and the more raucous gifts were overlooked in light of a new collection of books. Even at three, it's becoming apparent that my child's desire for simple make-believe things will be snubbed in favor of the virtual and the violent. It's just my hope that the magic of it all keeps us all entertained and happy for another year or two.

The greatest gift of all this season and always is that precious boy and our little family.

Onward and Upward

I am trying to keep resolutions this year simple: no more negativity. We have plenty of things to worry about, but I don't want to bore you, my friends or my family by the little hamsters racing in my mind. I know I have pushed some friends (virtual and otherwise) away with my fears and my honesty. I need to learn a little from Hannah Horvath and quit the over-sharing.

Or worse. Yikes.

I have so much to be grateful for and I don't want the challenges to overcome the good stuff. 2013 was a doozie and I am happy to be turning the page and welcome 2014 with gusto. Feel free to slap me when I start whining again in February. I'll do the same when I see you put that pain au chocolat into your pie hole. Happy New Years!

What We Learned: 38 Months

This monthly check-in seems to coincide nicely with the end of the year. When I try to recollect all the things that the past month has taught us, it's hard not to think of what the past year has taught me. 2013 was the year of no pants. Yes, dear readers, my 38-month old munchkin has become a pseudo-nudist. I'm sure I'm supposed to be embarrassed about this fact, but the truth is I love it. You just never know what you might find when you come home from the grocery store or come down stairs, or enter the playroom. My little pants-less wonder is still a wonder, even after 38 months.

Bennett learned that in the winter, the house is freezing.

We learned that while socks are necessary, pants are not.

Bennett learned to take his clothes off.

We learned that unfortunately, he still needs our help putting them back on.

Bennett learned two verses to "Jingle Bells."

We learned that hahahaha is best sung in a toddler falsetto.

Bennett learned that Christmas is for candy.

We learned Bennett has "hands good for opening presents."

Bennett learned to roll dough, use a cookie cutter and dust sprinkles.

We learned that his new favorite phrase is "howbou howbou howbout." Also known as "how about" on repeat.

Bennett learned that Santa gives toys to boys who share.

We learned that even dozens of cookies will not compensate for one missing.

Bennett learned that tennis shoes are not made for puddle jumping.

We learned that Bennett thinks all hats in the house belong to him.

Making Merry Memories

Bennett is at such a special age this Christmas. Last year, I was able to enjoy the fact that he was old enough to appreciate the decorations, the treats and the presents without all the gimme gimmes that accompany the season. Unfortunately, I am not sure we can say the same this Christmas. This child has changed his mind about his list about 14,000 times including things from pirate telescopes to drums to capes to trucks with buttons. Thankfully, I've been able to fulfill some of the more reason requests and ignore the ridiculous. Ahem, arrrr.

We are also trying to start a few family traditions while also taking stock of what we should really be grateful for this season. I found an adorable advent calendar at a craft shop and was thrilled to find that the little pockets were large enough to accommodate chocolate, matchbox cars or even Christmas socks. I was not thrilled to find my little sheister starting to request more and more preposterous things for said advent calendar. Ahem, arrr and vroom vroom and toot toot. I do think it is possible Christmas jumped the shark around the third of December. My hopes for the advent calendar were further dashed when I noticed I purchased an advent calendar with a typo.

Ok, let's try another memory maker. Let's do something kind for a stranger! I spent several hours in the cooking, baking and decorating for our local fire station. When we arrived the fire fighters were very engrossed in their lunch and didn't seem to be very surprised that a toddler was giving them cookies. Then, said toddler remained too embarrassed to sit in the fire truck or even say Merry Christmas. Ahh, maybe next year?

When it came time to visit Santa I believed I had done enough coaxing to persuade my little munchkin that he didn't need to be afraid. Sure, he had been negotiating that he wouldn't sit on his lap, but rather sit next to him and in no way would he be coaxed onto his lap. I was so proud when he stood in that line for nearly an hour with nary a tear or a groan. By the time we were up next he flipped out and told me I had to go up there with him. And that is how I found myself in the Santa picture for a second year in a row.

At least he looks happy, right? Of course, as I went to pay the elves, he stood there chatting with St. Nick for a good five more minutes, delaying the rest of the kiddos. I would have much rather had a picture of that!

However you choose to celebrate, I hope your holiday is very Merry!

Happy Friday

I hope you all have a great day. I know someone else who is!

Justified

Last week I did something I rarely do. I didn’t put on a Suit and Tie. I played hooky. It was about time I spent some time with My Kind of Girls. We know this girl needed it.

Mel, Aubrey and I are no strangers to finding an excuse for a reunion, even if it happens on a Wednesday in Indianapolis. I certainly didn’t mind the drive because I had more than Four Minutes to myself. More like four hours to think about Rock Your Body and Bringing My Sexy Back.

This was no Summer Love. This was a ride with intermittent flurries and frozen wiper fluid. Miles after miles of snow covered plains that reminded me over and over again that What Goes Around Comes Around. Comes Around Comes Back Around. With a pile of snow.

But a random trip to the heartland is worth it with or without the Casanova. I needed my Senoritas. They listened to me Cry Me a River. They were like my Mirror, trying to pull me through, saying “you just gotta be strong.”

Then we composed ourselves and made sure Justin Timberlake would Give it To Me, with a full band, (tubas included!), light effects, travelling stage and some hunky back up dancers.

It was a great reminder that I don’t need a superstar to Let The Groove In, just a few Sexy Ladies. Now we’re planning another trip, it’s just Why, When, How? Because these girls are My Love, Until the End of Time.