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RIP The Mom Trap: Or "Yay, One Less Blog to Fill Up Your Feed Reader!"

Apparently I'm reeaaaaaaaaaallly out of it because I had not realized that the Clubmom Blog Program (and really, everything else about Clubmom) was being laid to rest. Leave it to my savvy commenters to let me know!

It's true that The Mom Trap has been what I consider "Motherhood Uncensored Lite." It has been a place for me to blather away about whatever I want -- all PG rated of course. I'm thankful to have had the chance to use a blog as a diary. Motherhood Uncensored contains my uncensored thoughts, strung together in clean essays (almost a column). The Mom Trap has been a place for me to ask questions, share silly thoughts, and just be -- with mostly no judgment and a quiet crowd of friends and fellow bloggers who politely share what they think.

I won't be continuing The Mom Trap. I'll be happy to not have to check another email address that's for sure! But truly, I'm fortunate to have other thriving opportunities that can certainly use my time and attention. But I will be moving the archives over to Motherhood Uncensored.

And you can always find me there, as well as at Cool Mom Picks and Parent Bloggers Network (and various other places that you can find here). I'm ever appreciative of your readership and your thoughtful comments.

I hope you'll continue to join me on my adventures. Yes, it's definitely R-rated. But it's still just as fun.

I promise. 

Drudgery and Whine

So, here's the thing. That Little Rock move might not actually happen because apparently my husband doesn't like the officer housing. "Deplorable" was the word he used.

That's pretty bad.

And we have pets, so no Temporary Living Facility (TLF) which is brand new and gorgeous. And the furnished housing -- 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, family of four? Eh. I'd rather stay here.

In Atlanta.

So my search for a babysitter is on. I'm trying not to think about that I cancelled Q's preschool. Ugh.

Guilt. Ugh.

Doesn't help that I've been working my BUTT off on this thing (Isn't it lovely? C'mon. Isn't it?). That means bad parent. Bad neglective parent who really needs a babysitter or to have put her daughter in preschool.

So, that's where I am. This is where I am. HERE. And feeling a little overwhelmed.

Trying to do Thanksgiving crafts and buy Christmas gifts and do things with the kids and try TRY to get out of the house which I have learned is nearly impossible with a 2-nap per day child. I mean, you go out when? For lunch? Yeah. That doesn't work so well. 

So I'm Weepy. Tired. Probably PMSing.

And I can't figure out what to feed my son for breakfast that is finger food. Apparently he's "over" baby food.

Any ideas?   

Usually Books Put Me Right to Sleep (Like I Need Any Help With That)

My excuse for not having read any fiction for the last few years (I know TERRIBLE) is that it puts me right to sleep. And it's certainly not because it's boring. It's because the second I sit in bed and grab a book, I fall right asleep.

It's uncanny really.

So, unless I keep a book in the bathroom (heh), it's never getting read -- which makes me a bit sad that it has come to that for me. I love books and I love reading. It just seems that reading has been one of the things motherhood has ruined for me.

Even when I do get the hankering for a good fiction that is not heavy like a Bronte' sister book (sorry, I need something easy, light, and fluffy), I have no idea what's out there. Do you pick a book because its cover is really cute? I think not.

So, when I was asked to check out Dangerous Admissions, I was hesitant. Because that would mean I would actually have to read. Something. Other than a blog.

The first adult fiction by author Jane O' Connor (known for her Fancy Nancy books), Dangerous Admissions addresses the issues of private education -- but the good ones. Not like school lunches and all that crap, but what parents will do to get their kids into a private academy.

Bribery? Payoffs? A dead Director of Admissions? You name it.

And it was terribly intriguing. And not that difficult to read. In fact, I didn't fall asleep once. I found myself relating to the the protagonist -- a harried single-mom Rannie, although most of the other characters were pretty stereotypical. And while some of the twists and turns were a bit predictable (okay, I figured some out before I even got there, but I'm smart like that...)

And my favorite part. The competi-mommies. I love me some competimommies.

Now, like another blogger, I found her writing style extremely refined and approachable. Something that doesn't seem to fit hugely well with mystery. I would love to read something else from her, but perhaps not mystery next time.

So, my reco is buy this book. Stash it in your nightstand. And treat yourself to a little escapism.

For more reviews, click here. And make sure to listen to my podcast tonight (or subscribe via iTunes). I've got the Daring Book for Girls authors on! (PS. The book is on sale for $14.97 -- snatch one up!)

Leave a comment here to be entered to win a copy of Dangerous Admissions!

All Alone Again

The huz has officially started training in Little Rock and so it's back to me and the kids for at least this week. We're hoping he can make it home this coming weekend.

With a house barely unpacked (does that ever actually happen when you have a house, or do you always have boxes?), and the prospect of having to pack stuff again so we can move out there with him, I'm feeling overwhelmed.

Put it this way, I've been drinking.

Pepsi.

It seems like that's almost worse than a beer. I never really drink soda. But with my husband home, I was able to sleep in a little (read: until 7:30am). But now, we're all up at the butt crack of dawn.

I've tried to convince my daughter that she can't wake up until the sun is up.

Have you tried to convince a three-year-old of anything lately? OY.

So, it's dark out, we're all awake, and I get the feeling where I don't know where to begin. Days seem like big long circles. Toy comes out. Toys are played with. Toys are put away. Toys come out....

You get the picture.

I've been feeling tired but somewhat renewed. Maybe it's because I've done some cleaning out. Or that I can wear more of my old clothes again.

Who knows. But something is better.

I'm hoping to explore the city a bit before we leave for awhile. The air is crisp. The adventures are here.

I just need to get off my butt and go tackle them.

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My Clubmom friends Sheri and Tracey are part of a fantastic photo contest called Mama Focus. Please enter! It's free -- and you can win a camera.  

Is Parenting Twins Harder or Just Different Than Parenting Two Kids?*

Humor me.

*No, I'm not pregnant with twins.

But THOSE Toys are Too Expensive, So I'm Just Going to Buy Them DVDs

If I hear that ONE more time, I think I might hurl plush toys and video games. I appreciate everyone's mild concerns about the toy recalls (cripes, doesn't the Aqua Dots thing make you even a little bit annoyed?), but let's be real. Just because toys are being recalled doesn't mean there aren't really great ones out there that don't involved plush and large electronics.

Duh!

But I'm not just going to share my list of favorite shops and where I bought all my kids' toys this holiday, but I am going to tell you about a great non-profit site that's running a "Get the Lead Out This Holiday Season." Consumers Union (the publisher of Consumer Reports) is asking people to sign up to be Safe Shoppers and hand out coupons at their local stores and get the message to the managers that we are SERIOUS. NO MORE LEAD TOYS on the shelves.

If you haven't gone shopping lately, then be forewarned, there are still recalled toys on the shelves. And as one mom found out, there's only one person testing them over at the CPSC.

ONE!

So, here's what you can do. Sign up to be a shopper and then send your business elsewhere -- what about small family run businesses that have tested their toys and know that they are safe? Yes, you might have to spend a little bit more, but believe me, it's WORTH IT. And keep in mind, this year I've asked the grandparents just to give us money. And since they tend to spend WAY too much every year, I've got a bit of leeway. There are certainly some cheaper options than what I've chosen, but we don't really buy any other toys during the year.

You can also find a lot of these things over at Amazon. But I price shop and if the smaller bizzes have good prices, then I'll give them my business.

And the best part, NONE of these require batteries, so you're going to save money that way.

Drew (Christmas and Birthday)

Drew's Favorite Rattle (they did his mattress as well, shop is owned by a mom)

Toddler Trike

Hammer Balls 

Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon 

I-Play Super Spiral Play Tower 

Artisan One-of-a-Kind Elephant

Quinlan

Ball Track

Puppets (Handmade by Artisans in Kenya)

Puppet Theater (have yet to purchase)

Gingerbread House (handmade by two moms)

Crown and Silk Dress-Up Skirt (shop is owned by a mom)

Stocking: Book Light and The Paper Bag Princess Book, Dinosaur Puzzles, Memory Game (she did Drew's room artwork as well and is a mom!), Red Riding Hood Finger Puppets (I bought the last set here -- shop is owned by a mom)

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You can find many discount codes for these shops here. And please share your favorite picks for this holiday. If you'd like to support the Consumers Union, please write a post today. Specific details are here. You can help get the word out about the toy recalls!

And if you're looking for something specific or some ideas for the holidays, email us at Cool Mom Picks. We can give you some great suggestions!

I Saw This And I Nearly Threw Up

Seriously, people.

We've got to do something. Please participate tomorrow. We need to spread the word about this crap.

Moving.

Congrats to Eryn and Jill H. Email me with your address and I'll send off your photo books. And to those of you who commented, thank you. Check out Tracey's Photo Blog Picture This. It has really helped me take better pics of my kids.

Many of you that read my other blog know that I have chosen (I'm reminding myself that I do have a choice in this) to move to Little Rock with my husband while he does National Guard training. He starts 11/12 and will be there at least through February. We're hoping he can get transferred back to Dobbins AFB (in Atlanta where we live) for the last portion of the training. Otherwise, we'll be in Little Rock until April.

I've chosen to go for several reasons (again, reminding myself why):

a) He'll be home every night as opposed to being gone 3-4 days at a time.

b) He'll be home for the holidays.

c) I don't think I can manage with working and parenting alone 5 days out of the week every week (I know there are people that do this, but I don't think that mentally I can).

d) While I might be physically able to parent alone during the week, I'm not sure how that will fare with my children, mainly my daughter who would miss her father terribly.

And so, we've decided, thanks to our two gigantic dogs, that we'll need to live in furnished housing on base. But, I'm really not sure exactly how to manage this temporary move.

1) Should I leave after Thanksgiving and have him come home for that holiday, or should we all just go together this weekend *gulp* and stay there, knowing that the back and forth for the kids might be rough.

2) What should I bring? It's furnished -- but I'll need toys, my own linens, toys, computer... Anything else you might suggest I take?

3) Should I try to put my daughter in school while we're there, or just find a sitter and make a dedicated effort to get her out into some activities (like a music class, dance, etc.) so that she has the opportunity to play with other kids? This does mean that I will have to make some social efforts -- not generally my strong point since I LOVE to sit at home and work work work.

4) Would you go back to your house for the Christmas holidays? or just stay there?

5) Finally, why won't my 9.5 month old son, who's got his two top teeth FINALLY cutting, not nap? Just curious why all of a sudden he refuses to take his blessed once a day but still amazing 2.5 hour nap.

Help?!

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

*You can still enter to win a photo book all day today. Just leave me a comment with the biggest problem you have taking pics of your kids and I'll pick 2 winners at random. And then go check out my beauty blunder and share yours. It's a doozy! Happy Friday!*

Clearly I am not known for taking great pictures.

I've been working on it. And since my Canon died (may that huge cumbersome annoying camera rest in peace), I've been playing around with my snappy little Olympus ($129.99 Thank you Target). I have to say, the editing system it comes with is fantastic (easy cropping, no red eye -- it rocks).

And I figure, I've got to work on this since I can't always rely on my friend to get pictures. I must be able to get a few of my own!

Or at least ones that aren't blurry.

So, check out my interview with Susan Getgood for HP! They were kind enough to send me some really awesome photobooks, two of which I'd be happy to give to two of The Mom Trap readers today. Just leave me a comment and tell me the biggest problem you have getting good pics of your kids. I'll pick two winners at random.

And while you're at it, check out my halloween cuties. (Note my crafty efforts ala dwarf costume!). Feel free to share the link to yours!

And don't forget about this awesome Blog Blast tomorrow. If you haven't seen this book, it's FANTASTIC. It's like a complete guide to cosmetics for dummies like me. And you can win FREE MAKE-UP! WOOHOO!