And the parent of the year award goes to.....Sit down Molly Curley!

Last week was back to school. Oddly enough our daughter LOVES school. She spent the first 2 weeks of summer vacation complaining about school being out. And to answer your question, yes, we have checked to see if the hospital made a mistake...

Turns out my brain is still fried from this summer's sunburns to remember to actually PICK UP my child. Total days in school have been 7, and I have forgotten to pick her up twice. **Insert disclaimer: the first time the Hubbs was suppose to do it and call me if he couldn't. After no phone call, I figured we were good. Then the infamous call. "Excuse me Mrs. Curley, we have Daphne here, and were wondering if you were planning on picking her up today?"
I was half tempted to tell the good woman on the other end that she would seriously be happier there cuddled up in one of the bean bag chairs in the Library than at home with her 5 yr old brother who loves to back up and fart on her. None the less, off I went, stopping at the Nestle Cafe to get ice cream to make up for my indiscretion.

Second time was this week. But I do have a good defense. Our school has an "early release day". Sounds nice, unless you're a working parent. They've had it for a few years now and have played around with different days of the week to have it on. And after numerous complaints from parents, last year they did the right thing and put it on Friday.  But we were not so fortunate this year. Wednesday.....yes, at 1:15pm.
This time the school, I guess, gave my benefit of the doubt, knowing it was only the second week of school and waited till 1:45 to call. Awe, yes a familiar voice "Hello again Mrs. Curley. It was early release today and Daphne is still sitting in our office. Were you planning on picking her up?"
OH GOOD GRIEF! I exclaimed as I shot past one of my agents, who was of course reminded me to stop and get ice cream to again make up for my indiscretion. (thanks for the pep talk Richard!)

Ok, so I may not get parent of the year award, but I feel better knowing I'm keeping the Nestle Cafe in business.

Check out the funny clip below!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfQR2sNsa-A

16 Years and Counting

So the Hubbs and I just celebrated our 16 year wedding anniversary. Well...correction, we defiantly acknowledged the day, but didn't really get to "celebrate". Turns out getting sick on your anniversary isn't conducive for much merriment. 

(The Hubbs and I at our Regional Convention)

But even though we were not doing great, I have a great story to attach.

Back when I was little my mom had this BEAUTIFUL rose wood buffet in our house. It was given to her just after she was married. I always loved that thing! 
In the right hand side door, I use to hide my candy in there so my brother wouldn't find it and eat it all. (for those of you who know him, I'm sure you can't imagine him doing such a thing!)

Unfortunately (for reason's that won't be shared on the internet) the buffet was practically destroyed. I was devastated! 
However, the other day I was at a listing appointment. As I was taking the tour with my new agent, there in front of the hallway was the EXACT same buffet! A overwhelming feeling of nostalgia came over me. Suddenly I was in my old living room, opening the door to sneak a 3 Musketeers bar before anyone saw me. 
There I was staring at this beautiful buffet and telling the home owner my story. She smiled and said that she was considering selling it. You can't imagine how happy I was! Of course I had to ask the hubbs before I committed. 
Keith knows how much it meant to me, so for my 16th Anniversary he bought me this buffet. (sorry I forgot to take a pix to put here) 
Words can't express how happy I am! This is by far one of the best presents he could have given me! 
Love you Keith, and I can't wait for an eternity of more anniversaries! 

What I would tell my younger self

I recently read a blog about what people would tell their younger self. It got me thinking. 17 was an awesome time for me. I was close to graduating high school, I ditched the braces, ache finally got better and I had me own car (yes bought and paid for myself, thank you!).
So, if I could sit down with myself at 17 what would I say?

 Mostly this:

1) Time is precious, so procrastinate effectively. Sounds like a contradiction, I know, but trust me on this.
2) Forgiveness is key in feeling truly free.
3) It's ok to tell people no. They will get over it.
4) Learn how to be a great friend. You don't realize you're making memories, you just know you're having fun!
5) Be respectful. No one one ever looks back and regrets being kind.
6) God only has 3 answers for you, Yes, Not now, or wait, I have something better planned for you. This is especially true for marriage.
7) Along with number 6, don't settle for less than what you deserve on love. Trust me on this, you WILL be happy with your decision!
8) Drink coffee or tea outside if possible.
9) Splurge on large bath towels.
10) Don't stop reading good books. It will be hard to find time, but get lost in them!
11) Being pregnant and giving birth is not as bad as everyone will scare you into believing. They have good drugs for that! Except morning sickness, sorry babe, that one sucks!
12) No matter how much you think you do, you do not need anyone to determine your value. You only need to know what you are worth.
13) Don't be afraid to ask for help. God and most people want to see you succeed, let them in.
14) No matter how bad it hurts, some people have walked out of your life for a reason, they are not worth letting back in.
15) Speak the truth and be proud of it.
16) Lastly, buy a puppy. A golden retriever. She will be the best dog you ever had.

The rationale of a working mom

Being a part of Generation X, I've had my share of jobs.
In high school, my first job was working at a farming supply store, odd babysitting jobs, worked as a CNA at the local hospital, and then my senior year I landed a job at the local bank working in the book keeping department. SCORE!
I kept this job throughout college. Now really the rest is history and I'm not going to bore you with the small intricate details of how I got to where I am now.  I love being a working mom! Even though some days are hard as all get out! There are big perks to being at the office, mainly speaking I can pee anytime I want with out someone banging on the bathroom door. And no, I'm not embarrassed that I just told you that.
With home management comes a WHOLE mess of stuff! (most of it I won't speak, because I shutter at the word ...laundry). Seriously I get that unless you are an OCD freak or really don't want to be around your kids, you as well as I have come to grips that, at any given moment you will look around and see the aftermaths of a child tornado.
Being a stay at home mom is super stressful. (Kristen, I know you are reading this, and yes, I'm ready to drink a bottle of wine and have an adult conversation ASAP!)
It's hard to keep it all together when the 4 yrs old is driving the 8 yr old crazy, the pot on the stove is burning and you notice the chihuahua is peeing on the Walmart grocery bag you left on the dining room floor.
Stay at home moms, this is a judge free zone! Working moms, this is a judge free zone! I applaud  you both! We have build our Mommy Skills and we like it that way!