Wednesday, September 03, 2008

The Incoherent Ramblings of an overtired PTA SAHM

It's official.

I have gone and joined the PTA. And I have to admit, it feels rather grown up and sophisticated, I might even start wearing my pearls and applying some blush.

I am now a PTA SAHM kind of mom with a folder full of paperwork that accompanies children with elementary school and two kids not yet in school.

And. Man am I tired.

Exhibit A.
We traveled with three children across an ocean just days before the beginning of school. It took me days to get used to the time change and Fifi is still waking up before the chickens. Her new nickname around the house is "fried chicken."

Exhibit B.
I took way too many pictures on our vacation. It took exactly 18 hours to download all 800 high resolution photos to my computer and while waiting I realized that I was 18 months behind in properly displaying pictures in my shutterfly photo albums. This caused my heart to stop for approximately 1.8 seconds.

Exhibit C.
I spent the weekend creating a photo album for Europe and the good news is it's done. However, I still have the following albums to complete: Summer 2008, Spring 2008, Winter 2008, Mexico 2008, Fall 2007, and Summer 2007. Again, my heart stopped beating.

Exhibit D.
I am in the middle of writing a great last post about our Europe trip, one that requires time and effort, none of which I have at this point. I am exhausted simply thinking about it.

Exhibit E.
For the next EIGHT weeks this PTA SAHM is off to fitness boot camp three times a week at 6:00 am. So when you West Coasters are logging off your computers for the night I will be up pumping iron in Ohio. Ahem. Expect to see a million pictures of the fabulous new me in 8 weeks. With the blessings of my husband I am on my way to become the author of my own life. Things are going to happen, I will fit into those jeans.

Exhibit F.
Furthermore, I have dusted off my adorable tennis skirts for my weekly tennis class at the club with Enthalpy Mama. Who, on top of being in the PTA also sews, bakes, blogs, and also has three children. It should be interesting, to say the least.

Exhibit G.
Months ago, when Fifi was still a sweet baby, I signed her up for a mommy and me gym class. I took the now wild banshee to our first class this morning. Not. A. Good. Morning. The fried chicken refused to conform and sit down during circle time. I imagined this class to be a great bonding experience for us both; instead, the teachers instructed me to make a makeshift "seat belt" with my hands to keep her on my lap during circle time. Ha. Not. A. Good. Morning. You should have seen the looks I was receiving from the new mothers with their firstborns.

Exhibit H.
My google reader exploded. I have resorted to my list of commenters, in my sidebar, to guide me through my readings.

Exhibit I.
Instead of relaxing and enjoying the silent house while the others were in school I created a mission for myself. I tried to stay busy on Jay's 1st day of school. My mission was to welcome him home and celebrate the milestone by setting him apart from the girls. I bought 6 red balloons at the balloon store. I drove to the organic bakery and bought one giant smiley face cookie. I stopped at the creative toy store and purchased the BEST toy for a six year old that loves money. An ATM machine that counts, separates, and stores money that is secured by a PIN number. The greatest thing about never buying your child toys is that when they actually get a toy, they are head over heels grateful.

"You mean, I can move my money from my cash register to this?" He has been stashing his cash in order inside an old register. The kid is soooo related to me.

"Thank you Mama. This is the BEST celebration EVER."



Exhibit J.
Speaking of being related to one another. I am not quite sure if my Lola is really related to me. I know that I carried her, I saw her being delivered, I saw the quarter sized strawberry mark on top of her head, we brought THAT same girl home and the strawberry mark is now the size of a pin point. I know I delivered her. But, I still wonder. My sister wrote this post yesterday where she admitted,

"In the 3rd grade I was asked to draw a picture of what I wanted to be when I grew up.
I drew a woman carrying suitcases in one hand and holding a leash in the other hand,
a Veterinarian who lived in a Holiday Inn, naturally!"


I had to laugh because I had just taken this picture of Lola about 12 hours before reading her post:

Lola with her two pet lambs named Cuddly and Scratchy that she walks around ALL DAY LONG on a leash. She opens up her "hotel room" (her bedroom) with an old credit card by sliding it through the frame. She unleashes her pet sheep in her hotel before coming down for dinner at the restaurant (our kitchen). Apparently there are no lambs allowed in the hotel's eating facilities. She is without a doubt related to my sister.

Since coming back from our vacation abroad Lola has started to speak in a "different language" ALL DAY LONG. This in itself is the most exhausting thing ever.

Warning. Lower the volume of your speakers when viewing and just nod your head and agree with me.




Conclusion.
All of these exhibits could in themselves be individual blog posts I could expand upon. Although a collection of incoherent ramblings do a better job demonstrating that I am indeed a little bit tired.

The End.
So tomorrow after throwing on my PTA pearls, applying some sophisticated blush, pumping some iron, playing a game of tennis, reviewing English with Lola, teaching Fifi some patience, counting money with Jay, starting my next photo album, breaking up with my google reader, finally writing my last Europe post, and perhaps taking a shower I will sit back and enjoy these days where my problems are so ...

small & cute.

87classy comments:

Blessings From Above said...

My friend, I am overwhelmed for you just reading all that you have on your plate! You are one BUSY momma. And a fantastically sweet mom surprising Jay with such an awesome celebration.

Loved the video of Fifi and Lola. Is she actually speaking in a foreign language or just making it up as she goes along? Either was it is very convincing!

Indy said...

I can't wait to hear how this all goes. I didn't know that E was taking tennis lessons with you. Please take photos. Kyle has started talking in a different language too. Seriously. He says it is Spanish but I have no clue.

I am tired reading your post. I need some lazy friends.

The 5 Bickies said...

And you probably thought that things would quiet down a bit when Jay started a full day of school. It never ends...

I feel so overwhelmed with photos. I store them on my computer and need to get them off. After the scrapbook projects, add photo storage to my list of things to do. How do you store your photos?

Anonymous said...

Totally loving your photo book idea ... we do it too ... we also do www.onetruemedia.com for an easy way to share/present photos ...

Do you have a pair of those Crocs heels still? They'd go nicely with the pearls for PTA meetings!!

Lastly ... kudos to you for the 6am boot camp!

Anonymous said...

Holy cow mama. You are gonna be smokin hot. A little neurotic, but smokin hot.

Flea said...

I hated the times my children decided to speak in a "foreign language". It was cute for about five minutes. All day? Sorry, I don't know what that means. Grr.

Donn't crash and burn, OHmommy!

CelticBuffy said...

I bow down to you for working out at 6 am. I am just not that motivated. 6 pm? That I can do. 6 am? I still struggling to get up by 7am to wake the kids up for school. You go girl.

Anonymous said...

It's like we are in parallel worlds! Minus the small baby at home and the preschooler, of course. I would love to get to Boot Camp at 6AM, but Mr.T catches his train at/or before then so DRATS! No 6AM Boot Camp for me...boo hoo. Good luck, I can't wait to hear how The Bod responds to it all. Which then you will have loads of abounding energy.

Laski said...

I think I must crawl under the covers and rest . . . for both of us.

Congrats on the tennis, the soon-to-be hard body, the PTA . . . being the author of your own life!

Rachel said...

WOW! I'm tired just reading all of that. You are definitely a busy mama, but it all sounds like fun.

And, just so you know, my sisters and I made up our own languages ALL THE TIME as kids. And, we turned out completely normal . . . for the most part! :)

Rachel said...

I am just now starting to attempt to become the author of my own life and I'm embarking on aerobics classes, high impact, 3 times a week. We can support eachother and then I can call you when it's time to buy those gawdawful expensive jeans you and texasholly were telling me I must have, right :-)K?.

This exhausted me, but I enjoyed every second of it.

You are fabulous darling one and those girls... I think that my heart just fluttered.

C and C Mommy said...

I feel the same way...have a 1st grader who has to practice spelling words and read aloud from a reader every night, training to run a 1/2 marathon in November, starting to work on my master's degree next week, teach 7 classes of 23-30 teenagers every day, and teach Sunday School to 1st & 2nd graders weekly!! That doesn't include my son's soccer team that my hubby is coaching. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything...HAVE FUN!!

Anti-Supermom said...

I just started boot camp 4 weeks ago, it is such an awesome class. It just makes you feel so proud of yourself.

And girl, you are crazy. You have tons on your plate and you still make another post.

That's why we love you~

Heather said...

i was so with you and understanding you until you hit bootcamp at 6 am 3x aday.......ummm, you let us know how that goes....but if anyone can do it, you can!! HUGS!

Cynthia said...

Good luck with the boot camp! I just bought new jeans, and I thought of you...what were your jeans, Hudson?

It's amazing how well one fits into their jeans when they are running 19 miles on the weekend;)

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

Wow, you have so much going on! But I know you'll handle it with grace as always.
I'm pretty sure my best friend is my kid's real mom. They are more like her than me in so many ways! I threaten to drop them off with her quite often.

AutoSysGene said...

Just remember to get your no ready and then PTA doesn't hurt quite so bad!! ;)

And I'm off to take a nap after reading what you are doing tomorrow. I don't accomplish that much in a week much less in a day! You Rawk!

Chelsea said...

Oh my gosh. I thought of so many things to say but I am tired just reading this. How, How??
I know you can do it. And even if you don't/can't, no one will judge you.

Oh and you can stop reading my blog if you want, but you must see the video of my pup swimming. Well, actually you don't need to.

Oh and I went to the gym today after about a two year hiatus (shame) and it felt great. I think you will feel great too. If nothing else, it will be time to yourself!

JCK said...

I am intimidated by your regimen. Intimidated...

Congrats on the PTA! You ARE a grown-up.

Tiffany said...

I am tired just reading all of that! I still say good for you - author of your life! I love to see the absolutely individual personalities of your kiddos - So fun!

Get some rest, but keep up your LIVING!

Zoeyjane said...

I'd really like it if, in the future, you start posts such as this one with a disclaimer along the following:

"dear wonderful reader. do not read this post should you get tired really easily, not enjoy getting out of bed for much more than changing movies in the dvd player, not have goals in the near future or a prescription for some amphetamines. Because I am a wizard of getting things done and this post will rock your world."

Thank you. (high five - future styles - on enjoying those jeans fitting perfectly)

lattemommy said...

Girl, you need to go out and buy yourself a bigger plate, 'cuz you've got way too many things on the one you're using right now.

And Lola, with the hotel and restaurant and foreign languages? I wanna squeeze her so tight and never let her go. So adorable!

Jill said...

Oh they are too cute... Lola annoying Fifi pretty much resembles how my oldest antagonizes the youngest too.

Doesn't it seem so grown up joining the PTA? Maybe I just like the sound of it...

Hello busy!

Mr Lady said...

Oh, no. Say it isn't so. Haven't I taught you ANYTHING? Didn't you see the wrinkles on my face and the resignation in my eyes? ALL PTA, yo.

Seriously, we need to talk about what you're in for.

But you know I'm totally proud of you for signing up, right? I am.

Also, I want to come to boot camp with you!!!

And woman, go get a pedicure. You need a break.

Glowstars said...

I'm exhausted just from reading that. Make sure you fit some rest somewhere in there.

Kelley @ magneto bold too said...

I am tired just reading all that babe. Oh and the photos of Boos birth are still waiting to be put in a proper album. Yeah. He is gunna be 10 this year... that make you feel better.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Dang, girl! What a post!! The PTA is an interesting subject. I'll wonder how that goes for you...

I love your kids. All kids have their own quirks, but yours sound so incredibly funny.

Hope Jay continues to love school!

Unknown said...

Enjoy these crazy moments, they go by all too quickly. Sighhhhhhhh

Katie Ryan said...

Yea! You're going to play tennis. You'll love wearing the cute skirts!
I remember when my son got his ATM machine many years ago. He loved that thing! Boy, I wish I could go back to those times.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE THE VIDEO. She is absolutely nuts. And I love the FiFi totally holds her own.

Hailey said...

I thought my SAHM life was busy with one child and being preggers. I guess this is what I have to look forward to. :-) Hopefully my chaos will be handled with as much class as yours is.

PS- Tell Lola I love her new language. I never did anything like that as a child. Such imagination. :-) Cuteness!

GypsiAdventure said...

Oh my...you are a brave woman for tackling it all. I often wonder what I did with my time before I had kids...I used to have so much time, now, there is not nearly enough hours in the day to get it all done.

Have a great Wednesday!
~K

Lisa said...

As I sit here not showered in my wife beater & pajama pants (and I need to leave for preschool in approximately 28 minutes AND feed two kiddos breakfast) I am exhausted by you. I have pics in albums online but none at home. It works for now. Give yourself a "get out of jail" card, my friend!!!!

PS - You are a rock star! Bootcamp class - what a fabulous body you will have ;)

Crystal D said...

Bahahaha, I love that Lola is speaking another "language". And Jay with that ATM, what a fitting give for a money lover. Hee Hee. I can tell he is going to be the class star in Math.
Oh what a sweet busy life you have.

Don Mills Diva said...

Fitness boot camp at 6 a.m.? I have NO idea how you are doing it - I am wiped and I need to nap just reading this post...

Stephanie said...

WOW..thats all I have to say. I felt like I needed to take deep breath after that..I cant imagine how you are doing all this! I just joined the PTA for my only child and feel overwhelmed! lol
Good luck with everything!!

Marcy Massura said...

Okay- that was a long post. But I hear you. BUSY. Just when it should slow down...you get even more busy.

Just remember to breathe.

Oh and the pearls. remember the pearls.

Anonymous said...

I am tired now after reading all that! I hope you and your precious girlies can sneak in a nap here or there!

And what a totally COOL ATM toy you got for Jay! Did he like school?

Courtney said...

Seriously? You are making me tired and good luck with the 6 a.m. boot camp. I admire you for that one, I don't think I could get up that early to work out.

Unknown said...

I just figured it out... You are Wonder Woman! ; )

I love "ramblings" (I can prove this because I do it frequently myself - ramble that is. can't you tell...)

What language is that that Lola is speaking?? Looks like fried chicken is not so happy with her!

Caroline C. Bingham said...

I like that Fifi is super annoyed with the Lola. he-he-he. So cute.

Stephanie said...

Wow, you are busy! And how cute is lola!!! I love it! Is that considered toddler polish?

Beth said...

You are one OVER WORKED SAHM!

Can you believe that there is no PTA in our school district. NONE!

Miss Lisa said...

Oh my....you are pretty busy but at least you seem to be having fun with it all :)

tiarastantrums said...

funny girl!
I still think you should have another baby! Mix it up a bit more!! Ha ha ha

I'm glad to hear that i am not the only one so far behind on photo albums!!

Mandy said...

What an awesome Mommy!!! I bet he felt like he was on top of the world as the biggest kid in the household.

Man, I thought I was busy!!! It makes me tired just reading about your busy life. Ha-ha!!!

Loved the new language Lola is speaking in. Ha-ha!!! Seems Fifi was a little annoyed with her sister's newfound excitement.

Also, thanks for providing us a link to your sister's blog. I read the most current entry and also the "about me" section and I'm already hooked. I will have to add that to my "must reads". I love stuff like that!!!

Unknown said...

OMG - i totally was laughing my dupa off at the video.

my oh my you sound like a busy bee!! how do you have time to blog?? wait, how do you have time to breathe??

Kelly said...

Whew, I'm tired just reading your post!! I'm still trying to break myself into our new routine with school, soccer, scouts etc. I'm also making some changes for myself too, making ME happy. Good for you for making time for you also.

Don't worry, Fifi will get better in class. I did a music class with the boys and it takes time to get into the routine. They were also very good about letting the little ones get up and walk around during it too. I would have been a little mad if I had been told to "make a seat belt with my arms". She must not be used to toddlers!!

The Sarcastic Mommy said...

Cute post! Made me tired just reading it :) haha
Let me know how the bootcamp goes, i've been thinking about doing the same thing....6 am though, ouch.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

I'm so overwhelmed for you. Take a breath! It will all get done.

But, I can't wait to hear the fun stories from PTA...you know there are some!

Rhea said...

Oh, man, that video was awesome. The look on poor Fifi's face as Lola screams nonsense in her face.

You're busy, girlfriend!

Kim said...

Like you need to get any hotter?? COME ON !!!

Your list really made me tired.. whew.. how will you do it all?? Did you come across sleep in a bottle?? If so..pass it over!!!

Joggingincircles

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Whew...I'm exhausted. Don't know how you've managed to keep a shred of sanity as my brain would be mush!

Kaci said...

Awesome good luck with all of that! You Rock! I get up at 4:50am for my work outs...I have a hefty commute and leave the house at 6am...ugh!

Tyne said...

Wow! That was so exhausting. I hope that you get some rest, you are a great mommy and deserve a little down time!

Melissa said...

Well sounds like you have some photos to hop on :)

enthalpymama said...

Dear Ohmommy, When you said you were going to link to me, I thought you meant you were adding me to your neighbors. I thought that was really sweet. You are always such a sweetheart. Flipping flip flops!! You actually put me in the body of your post???

SHHHHHH!!!! No one is supposed to know that we actually KNOW each other, remember?? Ha! Busted over a tennis skirt.

So, if you take pictures, I'm going to have to join that boot camp too . . . I TOLD you that I don't know how to swing it. My husband is awesome, but he is still "oppressed by the man."

What AM I going to do with you??

Oh, that's right. I'm going to thank you.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

&^^$##&$%@

Kat said...

Seriously. I can not keep up with my reader. It is insane! I barely have enough time to write a decent post myself and every time I log on to the computer I have 60 more entries to read. ACK!!!!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like your a very busy women.

I have a problem with the photo thing too and I don't even have any kids yet!

Good luck with everything you are carrying on your shoulders right now.

Unknown said...

Dear OHMommy,

Does your camera not use a memory card? If so, why would you download pictures for 18 hours when you could just insert the memory card in a reader and have all them pictures in the computer in very short order?

Lou

Anonymous said...

WOW.
I'm impressed you were even able to write the exhibit entry!

I am excited to see more pictures but can be patient ... for a few more days.

3 Peanuts said...

WOW---I am tired just reading about it...but I too am a PTA, pearl and lipgloss wearing, mom of 3 and my baby starts pre-school tomorrow! YIKES!

I however will NOT be getting up at the crack of dawn with the fried chicken to work out---you are on your own there but I admire that. The PTS is lucky to have you!

carrie said...

I ran from the PTA booth at open house last night.

Ran like crazy! Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts *snicker*! They always rope me into something.

Eve Grey said...

Oh my god, Fifi makes me LAUGH! She is so...unflappable! Just stoically gives her sister the hand & stands up. SOOOO cute.
p.s I used to talk like Lola in "different languages" all the time. My mom loooooved it. (:

CC said...

Holy cow!!! You are way to busy. I mean, the kid has been in Kindergarten for. one. day! come on! Be a slacker parent with the rest of us! LOL!

The different language was way too funny. It sounded pretty realistic though!

And I can't wait to hear about the bootcamp. I was certainly intrigued by the idea (but not the time of day!). I will self-motivate. I will. I will.

Gretchen said...

For the record we will love you no matter what size jeans you are in. Best wishes for the new intense boot camp workout. But no matter what jeans you wear you are beautiful on the inside.

Gretchen said...

And what do you mean you don't buy him toys? I thought you just bought him that Didj thing. I saw that in the store and thought, Ooh that would be cool but I didn't win it. Oh well next time.

April said...

*nodding my head in agreement*
I can't wait to hear the PTA tales.

Tootsie Farklepants said...

I also have a year and a half worth of pictures to upload to Shutter Fly. I break out in cold sweats every time I think about tackling it.

p.s. something tells me you'll shower before adorning yourself with the PTA pearls.

Laura said...

YOu may be tired - darn Girl - you ROCK!

Good luck with the boot camp - loved mine, though it is rough!

Rach (Mommy Learns to Blog) said...

WOW.

One.busy.mama.

But, one busy mama who is doing some fabulous stuff for herself too.

And one busy mama who loves her children so much she takes time to make such a special celebration out of her son's first day of school.

And one who takes the time to create long-lasting memory books for her family to treasure in the years to come.

Don that cute tennis skirt, fabulous pearls, and blush with pride - you ROCK!

And I'm giving you extra permission (if you can find the time!) to head to Sephora or the nearest luxury makeup counter and buy yourself something special!

Anonymous said...

Wow! It is almost 7:30 AM on the east coast and I want to go back to bed after reading all that. Anyone that says mommy's don't do anything should read your list.

I joined the PTA too and I feel I have arrived as a mom. You do feel more sophisticated.

I put Hannah (she's 2)in a mommy and me gym class. She ran off during stretching exercises and when I tried to chase her down she would tantrum. Of course all the mom's with their perfect children would stare. When it was not her turn anymore she would scream, cry and tantrum, they would stare. To only have perfect, quiet children what a boring a life that would be. My wild and wacky 2 year old makes life so interesting tantrums and all.

Get some rest!

Mama Smurf said...

I'm taking out a whole new lease on life with all three kids in school. Boot camp, language classes, piano? maybe, photography classes? Maybe....I have a to-do list a mile long and looking forward to tackling each and every one of the items without the kids hanging over me.

Good luck with your to-do list.

Nan Patience said...

PTA? What next, vice president of the United States of America?

Val said...

Oh I love hearing about your life. I too am a PTA SAHM, for the last 12 years. I love it, it keeps me busy. But it's wearing me down. I took a more behind the scenes position this year. It should be great.
The ATM is the coolest thing ever. I defiently need to find one of those for my children for Christmas.

Good luck with catching up on your pictures.

Moooooog35 said...

One more acronym and I think my head would have exploded.

Skiplovey said...

Wow you are one busy mama. My lids started to get droopy halfway thru your post. Try to fit a massage into that manic schedule. And good luck with the pumping iron, Mominator!

Burgh Baby said...

I can't believe you are doing the morning boot camp thing. GRUELING! I know people who have done it and they all survived, but I still have my doubts. I'm pretty sure Me + Running + 6:00 am = Death.

Good luck!

Miss said...

Hey!! You tell me if this allows you to email me at my itsjustmiss hotmail account ok?? We are testing here....

Karen said...

I've learned long ago not to look at exhibits. If things need done a good case of denial will hold them on the back burner. I'm 3 years behing on album making (among many other things) but the kids you have to spend time with.

Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels said...

O.M.G.

I am tired too, not that I've read your post! You might be a tad overscheduled. But the bootcamp class sounds awesome!

Anonymous said...

Oh girl, bootcamp is hard! But it's fun at the same time. Good luck. And your gift to Jay is too adorable. No wonder Lola and your sister have such a good bond!

Anonymous said...

i was sitting at my kitchen table thinking how exhausted i was from my life. then...i read your post. off to bed now...
xoxo

katydidnot said...

dude. i'm totally wearing pearls to the next pta meeting.

EatPlayLove said...

I joined the PTA myself. Should prove to be entertaining. My mission, find cool things to sell for fundraisers, our fundraiser catalog is full of such JUNK!

Tonya Staab said...

OhMommy, how our lives run similar paths.

I'm a PTA mummy too. Oiy.

We arrived back from vacation the day before school went back, jet lag was an understatement, especially after travelling for over 18 hours.

I returned to like you download a trillion photographs and find out that my google reader had exploded too. A week later it appears there are still over 2000 blog posts that I haven't read. I will NEVER get through it.

Good luck with fitness boot camp. I need me some of that but I don't think they'll let me bring the kids along :(

Have a wonderful day OHsobusy OHmommy

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

First of all, for being rightfully overwhelmed that was an OVERWHELMINGLY long post

Secondly, Lola's "different language" would make me scream like that, too. Poor Fifi. But, Lola sounds like she has something VERY important to say.

lastly, Sometimes I think the invention of the digital camera was some crazy man's way of sitting back and laughing at the disarray and "skipped heartbeats" that mess of pictures causes us.

KEEP BELIEVING

 

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