Another Back to School.

When I graduated college two years ago, I thought or at least hoped that my back to school days were over.  Sigh how time changes things. I started my online classes this week, what a depressing feeling. Its been extra hard to get motivated due to having spud around. I could kick myself in the ass for dropping my classes last fall semester. Oh well, got to get on with things. I can already tell this Chemistry class is going to cause several mental breakdowns. I already had my first one, which left me talking to myself at work. My co-workers know better than to even ask. I know that there is NO option but to get through this semester. Then I can reward myself with another baby! Hah, we're crazy we know. I know years from now when I am finally in nursing school, I will be happy with the sacrifices and stress these classes are causing me. Eventually the kids will be in school and stay at home Mommy (or part time) won't be an option anymore. On the other hand they are only babies once and I am making sure he comes first! The anal retentive student has to take a back seat to the fun loving Mommy. I can see my straight A's flying out the window! Complaint department  is closed. I was really enjoying everyone's facebook pictures of their kids going back to school. Kurt informed me in three years Karson will be attending pre-school. Really? Jumping ahead, aren't we Dad. I know the day will be here before we know it.

The first day of school is supposed to be a thrilling day, not one filled with sadness and horror. I can't imagine having a child in school and having to worry about their safety. Having a kid really changes you. The old me would stay grounded and unemotional about the school shooting that happened the first day of school in Perry Hall. I know that sounds cruel, but its really a coping mechanism. You have to have one when you work in a field surrounded by death and all the depressing realities that go along with life. Fortunately, I was unaware that anything had happened for the majority of the day. My television consists of Nick Jr and the Bubble Guppies. Thank Goodness for facebook its my only link to news and the outside world around me. After hearing about the shooting all I could think about was the way those parents were feeling. Could you imagine hearing about a shooting that occurred at your child's school? I don't know about you, but as I am writing this I feel like I could puke. My blood boils with adrenaline. I also have sympathy for the shooter's parents, how on Earth would you feel knowing your child is filled with so much hatred? I look at Karson and I see all the opportunities he has (and I know we joke about him being a rockstar or a doctor) but honestly my only hope is that he is a good person, a happy person. I know its our responsibility as parents to provide him with basic needs, but I truly believe in order to foster a successful human being so much more is needed. It most definitely is the little things, listening to your child, being in tune with them, making sure you are involved in their lives. I am saying prayers for the parents of the shooter and the victim. (I just know Mr. Wasmer's Momma is one proud lady to have raised a hero!) In times like these it is easy to cast judgement and pointing fingers; how about we get to the bottom of the issue to ensure a tragedy like this never happens this close to home again. (These are my opinions and in no way meant to be offensive).

Let's wrap this up on a happy note. We found out some exciting news today in the Mundell house. I won't say anything just yet (I don't want to JINX IT). It looks like we might actually be getting something we have wanted for two years!


Oh yeah...I entered Karson into a beauty pageant (let the ridicule commence). No its not like Toddlers & Tiaras, its a natural pageant and I think he is going to charm 'em. He will be competing for the title of Mr. Glen Burnie 2012. What an honor! We have a lot of shopping to do!

His Mr. Glen Burnie Wave!

Next weekend is our first getaway without Karson. I am a bundle of emotions right now. It stills seems so far  away so I am not thinking too much about it. I have several school assignments to due before I can even think about letting loose.

A Time & A Place.

Have you ever heard the expression there is a time and a place for everything? What happens when you run out of time?

This is exactly what happens to us on a daily basis. My husband and I live by to-do lists, we have a master one and two separate ones, we have both said before that crossing off an item on our to-do lists is one of the most rewarding feelings (we don't get out much). Sometimes there is just not enough time in the day to get it all done, which for the most part does not bother me, there is always tomorrow (I take a little more of a laid-back approach). Lately though, because of issues with time management I have had a really hard time writing. My blog is most definitely suffering and I feel like I am going through a dry spell. Usually words just flow out of me, word vomit some would say. I feel like an artist who has lost her muse, which I most definitely haven't (he is sitting beside me in his highchair playing with his cell phone). I think this is happening to me because I have so much on my mind, its hard to prioritize. Awhile back Kurt & I were discussing the root of his stress, after much debate, he frankly spit out "I think we have a time management issue". I wanted to scream who doesn't, especially people with babies!!! If you have read my previous blogs than you know going to the bathroom alone is a luxury. When you are trying to give 100% in every aspect of your life, time becomes your enemy. How can I be the best Mom, Wife, Investigator, Student and Business Owner if I don't even have the time to pee alone?! Good question I raise, does anyone have an answer? If you find out please let the rest of us know.

Back to school is among us, unfortunately this means for me too. I have been struggling for the last almost two years trying to figure out what path is right for me? There's no turning back now, I've got the wife and mother thing down. Its my career path that is dangling in the balance. After I realized my current B.S. degree (yes its Bachelor's, but I like to say bullshit) had no advancements for the future I went back to the drawing board. I toyed around with the idea of med school, that was a bust, I wanted to have a family sooner than later, plus I am not a millionaire. Then there was an event planner, I soon realized that the rich and snotty doesn't work well with this Dena girl. And finally the one that I have landed on.... a nurse. I love medicine, shift work, making people feel awesome physically and emotionally and well poop doesn't bother me obviously. So it was set, I talked to the hubs and enrolled in community college to get the last six classes I need to apply, that was in the Fall of 2010. Fast forward to Fall 2012 and I am struggling to get class three and four out of the way and now with a baby on board. Trouble is where do I find the time? I know in order to have a career after all the babes are grown and in school I have to buckle down and finish this path I started. Easier said than done, every time I am around Karson all I want to do is be with him. I want to be a stay at home mom, but I also want to have a career in the future. How do I plan to succeed in this endeavor?  Time management, haha!

In order to start this semester off right. I figure I would make myself a master to-do list. A reference for when I am floundering around like a crazy person. Here it goes:

- Live by the calendar. Makes dates, appointments and time outs in order to survive.
- Take time to enjoy. Breathe!
- Don't forget about the supportive people in your life who make all of this possible.
- Give your best, make this time sacrifice count.
- Craft. Its your best stress relief.
- Don't loose focus on your ultimate goal.
- Love yourself, your family and your life.
- Don't add stress/drama into your already hectic life.
- Be thankful for every minute.
- Make memories and document them.
- Smile.
- Wake up everyday with a fresh start.
- Try to enforce me time- even if its just peeing alone.
- Sleep and nap when time permits.
- Embrace your accomplishments. Be proud.
& finally manage your time!

Tomorrow is Karson's 6 month appointment! Who knows, I might be blogging again.

Let them eat peas!

Stay tuned for mid-September, we have something really fun brewing!

A Mother's Simple Pleasure.

I hate to admit it, but I have been majorly slacking in the writing department. I don't want to make excuses, but this little boy is very particular about what I do and when I do it. He exhausts me and he is not even mobile yet. I just peeked over at him and he gave me this devilish sly look, "Go ahead Mom, try to write your blog, I dare you." What a kid!

We have had a lot of change (or talk of change) in the Mundell household lately. With Kurt working evenings and my working nights we really feel the pressure. We both want to be able to share family time with Karson. When we are being pessimistic, we compare our situation to that of a single parent. I have the days with him, Kurt has the mornings, we alter between nights and my Mom & Stepdad have him a lot! Very rarely are we all together. Since shift work has been our life for the past two years, we don't know any better. We sit and dream of a time (hopefully in the near future) that we can have dinner as a family. Unfortunately, being a parent means making sacrifices, if this is what we have to do to pay the bills and make sure that Karson does not have to be put in daycare this is the way it will stay. We hope not! I can't even imagine adding more little angels to our brood until we get these crazy schedules under control. Because my mantra is "Whatever Will Be, Will Be"  I try my hardest to not let our challenge disrupt our current happiness, or let stress take the attention away from our blessings. Easier said than done, but we make it work, we have too. 

Random note: I am glad that I have a valid excuse to listen to Pandora Kids Radio and watch the Disney channel. It’s the simple things in life.

This past Saturday, my Dad got re-married. I said change has been the topic of conversations and actions around these parts lately. I was happy to have my husband and sweet boy with me. I don't think I could have gotten through it without them. I am not going to lie, it was hard for me. My Dad seemed happy and that's all that really matters. Like I've said before, life is too short to be unhappy. I just hope years from now, when I re-read these blogs and the kids are all grown, Kurt is the one still by my side (with a beer in hand & a smile on his face).

My brother's kids were in the wedding and Kaleb (Karson's cousin who is 7 weeks older than him) was there too. Boy, did they steal the show. People kept complimenting how well behaved and how adorable they were. As a Mom hearing that never gets old. It’s nice to hear compliments come from strangers-they are not obligated to give them. Compliments are like extra sprinkles on a sundae, you don't need them to enjoy it, but they definitely give you a little boost. Let me assure you I am not the kick as Mom I am for any other reason than for this wonderful little boy, but when the tough gets going those (compliments) are the simple things you fall back on. I now understand why my Mom always made a big deal about Mother's Day, its nice to know your cherished for all the things you do as a Mom & a wife. 

Today, Karson & I decided to tackle cleaning out his closet. We are having a yard sale this month & each day we try to organize and prepare. What a short stroll down memory lane...six months! Where has the time gone? My baby is half way to a year old. No way. When I was struggling, or having a rough day in the beginning (& even sometimes now), I kept/keep this mantra in my head (compliments of my Mom) "This to shall pass". We have had so many passing moments; I wish I could have put them in a time capsule. The last six months have simply been the best of my life and surely the most entertaining! It’s sad for me when I imagine having a second child, I won't have the same first time experiences as I did with Karson, but on the other hand I am so looking forward to the future unknowns! (Maybe we'll start talking number two around the Holidays). 

I totally know my kid; this short blog took me three hours to write!

Let me be honest to those who read my blog, these are my experiences, my struggles and joys. I know you'll want to judge, but let me tell you this, I can only wish for you the happiness that consumes my life because of this little boy & his Daddy.