From Windows to Blackberry. #VZWA

Y'all know I'm a Verizon Wireless Ambassador, right?

Oh, you forgot? All my #VZWA hashtagging up the wazoo didn't work for you? Harumph.

Well, I'll fill you in. Because I'm moving on from my Windows 8x phone, and I am headed to Blackberry land. Yikes. Another step into unchartered territory for me.

See? Here's my new baby:

And I figured I'd take a photo shoot so you could see it next to the Windows 8x and the Samsung Galaxy SIII. (Don't mind the fingerprints!)

To sum up my experience with the Windows 8x, I wound up liking the phone more than I expected. I stuck with it when I went for a run or a walk, and focused on finding fitness with my phone, I also was really excited to learn I could load my iTunes music onto my Windows 8x phone! That was especially helpful when running towards a fitter me.

I admittedly had a few concerns when I started testing out my Windows 8x phone.  The buttons still bother me and I've had friends tell me the same thing. They found it hard to take pictures, and while I love the protection offered by the Otterbox case, it didn't make using the buttons any easier.

I still miss apps like Instagram and Angry Birds. And I can't utilize the options to connect between my Windows-using friends because I don't have that many Windows-using friends right now. Perhaps it will catch on and turn into the new "go-to" operating system for everyone, but it's just not there yet.

Oh! I almost forgot to let you know. Pandora is now available on Windows phones. Have you not heard about Pandora? Come on out of the dark ages, my friends. Free music. And it's ad-free for Windows users for the time being. This rocks. Completely.

I look forward to testing out the Blackberry Z10, and if you know me, and I think you do, I've already tested out the camera and found myself excited that all you have to do is TOUCH THE SCREEN ANYWHERE! ANYWHERE! No buttons to push, tap, shove, etc. Just tap that screen and the shot is yours. That's pretty awesome, if you ask me.

Stay tuned for more details as I become familiar with my new friend. Hope you'll let me know if you have any questions for me, too, as I would be happy to give you whatever insight I might have.

I'm a Blackberry virgin no more!

*I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program. Verizon Wireless has provided me with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. 

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I'm a StrongMom. Are you?

Moms everywhere have felt it. 

The tone of another mom's voice. 

That look from one to another.

The words. "Ohhh, really?" "You did?" "Well, we ..." 

Reactions are easy to let slip by. Sometimes we can't help ourselves. 

Sometimes, though, we should stop and think about who we're judging. 

What sort of example we're setting for our children. 

My 6-year-old already rolls her eyes. 

She jokes about it. But what if she saw it for real? 

What if she saw me, her mother, the person she trusts more than almost anyone, do it towards another woman? Another mom? What kind of example would that be? 

I'm tired of it. We hear lots of it in social media, the immediate backlash to those who judge. The immediate need to respect and the desire to stand strong, together, the whole lot of us. 

I feel it, too. I've said it before, in fact. 

I went over to Shell's place and said it loud. Check out some of my thoughts on the mommy wars.

And now, I'm saying it again, and taking a pledge to say it louder! And to encourage you to do it, too.

I judge myself enough for the both of us. Doesn't every mom? 

Don't moms wonder if they're broken, doing something wrong for their little ones?

And how many of us feel we need a break from parenting?

Do you cringe when you can't stand your kid's favorite annoying toy? Yeah, me, too. 

Parenting is exhausting. Moms crash and burn even if it makes us sad. It really just shows that we're normal.

Truth. There's no such thing as a mom manual. There are no instructions when our babies are born. We do the best we can. As best we can. Always. You do it your way and I will do it mine.

You do you.

And stop judging others who do differently. They're just doing their thing, too.

Take a few minutes to head on over to StrongMoms Empower to take the pledge today.

Empower each other. Support one another. Be a friend.

Turn a blind eye to the messy house and bring over some coffee or cupcakes.

Offer to hold the baby while she takes a quick, uninterrupted shower.

Feed the baby and reserve judgment. You likely have NO idea how she came to the decision on how to feed. Formula or breast milk. It's not your business anyway. The baby is eating, being cared for? Yes? That's all that matters.

Hold the door open at Target. Steady her cart while she unloads.

Reach out to a fellow mom. Show her you care. It matters. We matter to one another.

And consider taking this quick pledge today! StrongMoms Empower. Won't you?

** I am participating in the StrongMoms Empower campaign with One2One Network. I have not been compensated in any way for this post. All expressed opinions are completely my own. 

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I remember.

I didn't even think of it when I registered.

Tomorrow is the Dirty Girl Mud Run. Have I told you that yet?

Yeah, yeah, I know I have.

What I didn't connect was how Dirty Girl proceeds go towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

And although it wasn't the beast that took her, my aunt, who passed away four years ago today, battled the beast of breast cancer and kicked the crap out of it.

And so I didn't even make the connection when I registered for tomorrow's race so many months ago.

That I'd be trudging through mud in honor of her, in a way. In her memory, a bit.

I knew it was coming. The anniversary. The reminder of loss.

I went on Facebook this morning and my mom had posted a picture of her. Them together. And I remembered. Remembered so much.

The battles. The moments. The memories.

I'm not in the mood to be sad. To trudge through that kind of muck.

I'm in the mood to remember her laugh.

Fighting to make her smile for the camera.

The way the needles moved as if attached to her fingers when she tried teaching me to knit.

Dancing in our living room.

Driving around with the 8-tracks playing. All the kids squished into the back of her car.

The Monster Mash.

Her whistle.

Watching her walk on my dad's back.

There are more. Some good, some bad. Some empty, now, with her gone.

She drove us crazy. There were so many things I never understood. Never will have the chance to, truly, really understand.

Maybe someday. Somewhere. I don't know.

I like to think so. Sort of, kind of.

I think that hoping so makes it easier. To recognize that it's life. It's how it works. We lose the people we love. It's just the way. Whose way? Just THE way. We can't control it. We can't fight it. We just have to go with it and process what we can when we can.

And remember. Always remember.

The good with the bad. Because those memories make us who we are.

And as we move forward we hope to create more good ones. Memories of smiles and laughter. Hopes that our family will continue to celebrate so much. Even in feeling sad we recognize the frustrations. The loss of connections. What time does to relationships. But the memories will always tie us together. We share them. Even if we never say it out loud to one another. Even if we never talk again. They're there. It's just how things work.

And so we move forward. With hope and with love.

Source

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Empty. Or Maybe Not.

There's not a lot going on upstairs for me today.

I'm just sort of staring at this window, the page, opening and closing other tabs around it. 

Girl Scout Cookies are done. 

Hallelujah. 

I still have a few final boxes to deliver. I'll get there, though.

Mud Run this weekend. 

Holy cow. Crap. Sh!t. 

THIS weekend. 

Yikes. 

I know, right? 

The other night bringing our dog Bella up I fell. I smash-landed right on my right knee. It hurt like HELLO. It's still slightly sore. But I plan to persevere and continue on. 

While covered in mud. 

Lordy. 

I'm not a mud person. 

I mean, I like sand between my toes and all. And even more when it's wet sand. 

But mud? 

Yeah. Nah.

I'm excited, though. It's one of my #lifelist items. I have to finish it, because I doubt I'm going to sign up for another one once I make it through this one. Or so I think. 

Wanna see the course deets? Go Dirty and check 'em out. I think it'll not just be an incredible thing for my body, but for my mind, as well. Despite all my "Yeah. Nah." vibes up over there. ^^

Also? And as - if not more - important than my own fitspiration goals? A part of the proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. And that's important to me. Big time important.  

I'm participating in a 30 day workout "challenge" ... where my goal is to MOVE every day for 30 days. I'm also in a Spring into Fitness weight loss challenge. This one is really a challenge, with prizes and all. I've been a bit slack there. Mother nature and being female - easy place to lay the blame, right? 

I'm back on track now. I think. 

Danged spring-like weather and iced chai lattes beat me down, though. Even if I do opt for skinny ones. They're just my kryptonite. 

I guess I'm not as empty as I thought. My original post title. Empty. 

I think it might be not-so-empty instead. 

I have something else I want to pour out but I don't have the words right now. So I'll wait. 

Otherwise I'll write a bunch of crap and be like, wha? Why did I publish THAT?

I've had some hot posts lately, it's been kind of cool. I like to see people commenting because it makes me realize they're out there. I don't NEED comments, but I do. We all do. Even if we just blog for ourselves, as we all SAY we do ... 

Don't you smile when you see someone comment? Especially someone who you never would have expected knew you were out there? Or here? Wherever we are?

Yeah, you know you do. Me, too. 

Well, thanks for taking the ride with me today. I think I'll post now so I can feel accomplished for the - uhm - not morning. Damn. Where did that go? 

I think I still have time to toss some stuff into the crockpot for tonight's dinner. 

And to remind myself that if it isn't cooked in time it's the Benadryl's fault. The generic Rite Aid brand, though. But Benadryl has become like Kleenex. Although that's the worst one for me to use. I never ever SAY Kleenex. Even when that's mostly what I buy. I wonder if Kleenex needs a brand ambassador? I could SO rock that gig. 

Allergies? Check. Constant sinus infections? Check. Pets and dust sniffles? Yup. And a kid. I win!

Okay, peeps. Enough dawdling. Talk soon!

Oh, and if you haven't seen my latest vlog - where ya been? I talk about Mama's Comfort Camp with some of my peeps over at the Mama's Comfort Camp Birthday Celebration, so check out me and some of the most amazing women I know. Go on - you don't even have to come back here. It's all good. 

Peace out!

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She's figured it out.

If you're friends with me on Facebook then you may have seen the picture that I shared a week or so ago. My daughter came home from school with her library book, and it was a book about Easter.

Now, you'll remember that we're a mostly Jewish family in the south, and I spend some time working on finding my religion.

If you knew me a few years ago, or have skimmed back that far, you'd have seen our family discussion addressing the age old question of where does Santa live?

You may have even brushed up on how I was Cookie Swap Virgin many moons ago.

But I'm good now.

We're a beautifully blended holiday household, and despite the questions this sometimes brings, we usually coast through them.

Until this.

Now, don't jump to conclusions ... I don't mind books about Easter. I promise.

But the whole "He Has Risen" thing? Yeah. Not so sure that's the way to go. Not so sure that I want to be teaching that to my 6-year-old. Especially when this is not what her father and I believe. I know it's a huge part of many people's beliefs. Many people. And it means so much to them. I don't judge. I don't scorn. I respect. I acknowledge. But I don't believe. And that should be as okay as them believing, because we're different. And it's not that I don't plan to or want to expose my child to different beliefs. It's just that. *I* want to. I don't want someone ELSE to. Especially not at a public school.

Again - it's great for you, for any of you. It's just not how my family works.

But I moved forward. We read the book the other night. Kind of - sort of. I'll admit, I wasn't looking forward to bringing Jesus forth. Inviting him into our home, since I don't know much about him. I could  say he was Jewish (he was, right?). I could say people believe he was the son of G-d. But I've barely scratched the surface of Judaism. This is my fault, sure, but I've got my own timeline in mind. Why should I have to cross it for another religion because of a book she brought home from school?

You're right. I shouldn't.

Turns out I mostly didn't have to. She wanted to turn to the page where the kids were dressed up as animals for the parade. Awesome. She wanted to look at the pretty pictures. We skimmed through. I explained that Easter is a holiday. But it's not really a holiday that WE celebrate. Mommy is Jewish and she is Jewish, and Daddy is not religious, so we don't really do much to celebrate Easter. But we celebrate (sort of - again - I'm off target here, as well, I know. ANd have my own guilt, but that's a whole other part of the story,) Passover.

She's fine. She proceeds to tell me the book is "fiction" ... ah, yeah. Wait. Hold up on that. I work to explain that it isn't fiction to many people, it's just not what we believe.

She continues. Tells me that books with kids dressed up as animals? Fiction.

Animals that talk? Fiction.

She went on. It was pretty cool.

But I had to tackle the subject. Or so I thought.

She explained it to me perfectly.

"We don't celebrate Easter because we're Jewish and Maine-ish."

Honestly? I laughed so hard I pulled her into my arms and into the biggest hug ever. Of all time.

"Mommy, I don't know how to say Maine like Jewish."

It's okay, baby. It doesn't really work that way. But it's okay.

See - what's it matter? What does it really matter what we are or how we are or how it all works?

We're people. We believe what we believe. We're from wherever we're from. We love how we love and we feel what we feel. And so it goes.

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They Just Want to Pee Alone.

You get it, right?

You know what it's like to close the door and know they're coming for you?

Whether it's your kid, your dog (or like me, your dogs AND your cats - when your kid is in school!), or your other half calling out to you, "Honey!?! Where's the _____?" Fill in that freakin' blank, my friends. I'm with you.

Well, a bunch of amazing bloggers have written a book. And the title?

I Just Want to Pee Alone. 

*affiliate links throughout this post to help me buy ALL the books - thank you for using them to shop!*

For realz, people. How awesome is that?

Best. Title. EVER. As in of ALL. The freaking. TIME.

I was so excited when my friends Lisa and Ashley over at The Dose of Reality posted about their incredible upcoming Oprah moment that I almost peed FOR them. With joy. I mean.

And I've read Jen (of the well known People I want to Punch in the Throat)'s first book, and had to hear more.

Then my Facebook feed kept going.

Honest Mom is in it, too? Did y'all just see her on Katie recently? *yes, as in Katie Couric, THAT Katie* She rocked it.

And Baby Sideburns. Pee-worthy.

So these amazing writers and a truckload more?

Yep. All in one book.

I downloaded it to my Kindle and started tweeting and professing my love. For the people. The book. The whole deal. And you can buy your copy today. Right now. Go. Do it.

And guess what? I rock. Y'all have to love me.

I'm giving away a copy.

Like right now.

Today.

Well, not TODAY, but in a week - give or take.

So you need to enter.

You want this book. And I want to get you a copy.

Because not only do you want it ... you NEED it.

It's so funny I cried tears from laughing so hard.

Lookit:

The cover rocks mah socks. See why you need it for yourself?

So - enter here and I'll get your copy to you when you win. M'kay?

Just one winner - and ya' gotta be in it to win it.

And I'm lazy and so not going the rafflecopter route right now. I just want a comment from you that says why you need this book. Share a moment of insanity of your own so I know you need people you can relate to. That's it. That's all. Easy as Pi. Pie. 3.14 = 4.13 It doesn't look right on the screen. Le sigh.

So, enter away! Tell all your friends! And good luck!

Oh, also, you can tweet, if you'd like, just a simple:

I entered for a copy of I Just Want to Pee Alone over @goodgirlgonered #giveaway Go here to try and win: http://bit.ly/YdSG0i

And then in a separate comment leave me the URL of your tweet.

Bah-BAYUM!

Thanks for stopping by and good luck, peeps.

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The Long Way Home, Mariah Stewart ~ Book review

Mariah Stewart's The Long Way Home was a really fun novel. It was quite long, so I wasn't sure how I'd do making my way through it, but I actually found it to be a fairly quick read and an enjoyable story.

The main character of Ellie has been through a lot, and in making her way *home* to St. Dennis she has the intention of moving in, taking care of business and moving out. Once the story starts to form the reader can tell that there is more to St. Dennis than we, and she, expected to find.

The history. The house. The people. Even with her identity mostly a secret, Ellie can't escape the hospitality. Nor can she escape the feelings she gets when she connects with Cameron O'Connor. Cameron has some secrets, himself, and we enjoy their interactions as they get to know one another better.

Let's just say we like Cameron.

And what I enjoyed more is that this book isn't clouded with steamy, sexy scenes.

And yes, I did just say that. And trust me - when Ellie and Cameron connect, it will be totally worth it to avoid that stuff. Because I read it twice anyway.

I will admit that I found some things in this story to be a little bit predictable, but I enjoyed them just the same. You expect it to end a certain way, and it mostly does. There is a small curveball thrown at you - the reader - and Ellie - and it isn't something I expected, but I enjoyed reading how it turned out. I expect we'll see books about this new character in the future, or I hope that we will.

We're also left open at the end to expect more from Ms. Stewart. Which isn't exactly unexpected, as I do know there are other books to this series, all of which occur prior to The Long Way Home, and I have a copy of Home for the Summer that I might get to reading when I have some extra time.

The Long Way Home seems like it would be a fun beach read, or a great book to bring with you if you're traveling. It's mass market paperback sized, will fit perfectly in your bag, and could get you through your whole vacation if you're looking to read a little bit while you're away.

And I'm lucky enough to have one copy to give away to my readers.

So if you're interested in reading it and would like to win, let me know in the comments section.

Extra entry for those who tweet about my review and giveaway and include the link. Winner will be chosen via random.org on March 15th.

** I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review from TLC Book tours. All expressed opinions are completely my own. **

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Habitat for Humanity Experience

If you don't know by now, I'm really big on volunteering.

Because I'm a non-driver, much of my volunteer experience has been virtual while here in North Carolina. But I have done a ton of hands-on volunteering in my life, as a mom and before motherhood.

I had an incredible opportunity a few weeks ago to volunteer with some DIY bloggers on a Habitat for Humanity home in Wake County.

We were reassigned due to the weather, so all of our work wound up being indoors, and much of it was painting and cleaning. Which, to many of my fellow volunteers, was probably not very exciting, but for someone like me who can't remember the last time I picked up a paintbrush that wasn't child-friendly, it was pretty cool.

Thanks to Brittany, of Pretty Handy Girl, I have some pictures of my handiwork.

We had supportive Habitat leaders on-hand to tell us what we needed to do, even if it looks like we were just chatting it up. It's weird to pose with a paintbrush in your hand, in my recent experience.

More interesting posing here. 

And, at last, hard at work again!

I have to give a huge shout out to Danielle, of 2 Little Superheroes, who coordinated this entire event. I met Danielle the DAY OF when she did me the hugest favor ever and picked me up to bring me to the house we were working on. Crazy, right? Oh, how the bloggy universe works. 

Here's a shot of her getting down and dirty, too!

All in all this was a fantastic experience. Habitat for Humanity of Wake County is always in need of volunteers, and would love for you to reach out to them for more information on how to participate in an upcoming event. Check out their website by clicking here:

Get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County.

Lastly, I'm excited to share a picture of the entire crew. We were a small bunch, but we were able to help and that's what matters most.

If any local friends would like to participate in something like this, I'd love to help out. Maybe as the weather warms up we can work on something outdoors, or do some gardening for a house or community. Ha! Yes, I did just say that ... me and my black thumbs and all ...

And if you're not in the area, check out the national Habitat for Humanity website to find a nearby location.

Consider taking some time soon to help an organization in need of extra hands. It will make you feel incredible and remind you that sometimes giving of your time means more or as much as donating a few dollars can.

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That girl.

Sometimes I feel like that girl.

The one who sat in a corner at parties back in my college days.

I feel left out. Confused. Unnoticed.

Like I'm not one who matters.

I admit it. It happens.

It stinks.

But it happens.

I go through the motions. I feel focused. I feel lost.

I feel split down the middle.

I watch others get chosen for things I've wanted.

And yes, this is admittedly coming on the heels of the Disney Social Media Moms chatter. It's not what truly triggered things for me, though. I'll be honest. I won't get into the what and the who, but sometimes I see someone chosen and say, why not me?

The Disney stuff is awesome. A bunch of my friends were chosen and I am delighted for them. Happy, really happy. Honest. I know, I sound like I'm faking it. I'm so not. I promise. It's okay, though. You don't have to believe me. They know. That's enough.

It just reminds me of who I am not.

Those other things. The things I really hoped for.

Put my all into asking for.

Those were big steps. The asking.

The throwing my name into the hat. Tossing it with all I had.

Hoping someone would see me.

Really SEE me.

And consider me the right person. The right candidate, as it was. The perfect fit.

But it fell short.

What I might hate most is when there are no *rejection letters* ... when did society become so cold as to skip over the 'No, thank you-s' we all grew so used to?

I suppose that there are way more PICK ME-s! than there used to be, but still. Wouldn't it be nice if someone just got back to you and said no? Said something like, we've decided to go in another direction?

Or ...

Thank you for your offer to volunteer at our conference, but our needs have been met at this time.

And maybe ...

Please consider trying again next year.

Simple pleasantries.

Even in the blogging world, they would be so incredibly amazing to see. Hear. Experience. Feel.

Because we're real people.

Those of us who throw our names out there and hope we'll be seen.

Heard.

Recognized.

And it stinks to feel forgotten.

Ignored.

But we move on.

At least I do.

I swallow the lump in my throat and congratulate the person who got the opportunity that I had dreamed about.

Or the person who winds up with the same chances again and again.

She works hard, too, I know.

I'm not jealous. Not really.

I just want to be seen, too.

I know there are so many chances out there and I just want those of us who don't get them to feel like we have a shot. Let the other ones share some of the wealth.

That sounds wrong. And rude. But sometimes I wonder what's so special about someone else and not me?

But like I said, I do move on.

And I remember the friends I DO have,

and the connections I've made,

and I say to myself, it's my turn ...

So now what?

** Linking up today with Pour Your Heart Out.

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Yesterday's Sun, Amanda Brooke ~ book review

Yesterday's Sun (affiliate link) was a wonderful read.

Such a strange story. The immediate question asked by the cover (as is shown in the image above) is "How can she choose between her child and herself?"

This scared me a bit, as child loss is a tough story to hear anything about. And yes, as a mom I say this even when it is a fictional tale.

Reading more on Ms. Brooke I learned of what she, as a mom, has experienced and knew that the emotions shared here in the character of Holly come from somewhere deep within.

Holly is a beautiful character. Her words flow easily, she is likable, approachable and seems lighthearted at first.

Having recently moved to a new home with her husband Tom, we enjoy their relationship, the bits and pieces that we see of it. As time progresses Holly finds herself learning more and more about the history of the house and comes across a carved wooden box containing an important piece to the puzzle. Holly has found the stone of the moondial that rests in her garden. And the moondial brings Holly way too much clarity about her future.

Back to the question at hand, I don't want to give away too much - but if you pick up a copy you can simply read the back cover to find out what happens to Holly in this future she sees. The impact on her husband and their not-yet-conceived or born child is huge. Tremendous.

Holly's visits to the future leave her wanting. Questioning. Confused.

She's able to process them with her new friend Jocelyn, who lived in the house many years ago. Jocelyn is a key player in this story, becoming an important friend Holly can talk to and lean on while Tom travels for work. Her own story is an intense one, and she has lived quite the life.

Connections throughout this work are extraordinary. I love the relationship between Tom and Holly, and how Holly connects with her future and the way that she feels, sees and remembers upon returning to the present. Jocelyn as a new friend, along with Billy, the landscaper/gardener/builder/all-around-go-to guy are more than just two names sliding through the story and their lives. They become a part of their lives, and this is essential to developing the path that Holly takes, the details she learns, tries to change, carries forward with and more.

I definitely recommend this book as one you'll enjoy. The touch of mystical notion will leave you wanting more as you turn each page, and you will find yourself holding onto hopes in the present for the characters who become your friends.

* I received a copy of this book from TLC Book tours to facilitate my review. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. There are affiliate links in this post. *

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TGIF, I guess.

It's Friday. Whew.

Sort of.

This week has been Dr. Seuss week at school. Which has been fun and awesome and actually not as stressful as one would think.

But this morning waking up the kiddo was torture. For us both.

I actually woke up pretty quickly today. First alarm, no back-up needed (what, you don't have one? You totally should!). She was impossible. Zonked out like nobody's business.

Eventually she got up - bathroom - dressed - came downstairs.

Me, as the incredible mom of the month, I realized that it was March 1st. Time to bring in her book log. I'm awful, I don't always keep on top of it and yes, I write it out. Because it's like the longest process of our lives if she does it every month. It was causing battles and I didn't want to go there. Maybe it's wrong of me, but so be it. She reads, she reads well, and we discuss the books, etc. She's started reading the books before bed TO me. That's awesome, right?

Dr. Seuss week has rocked, as she has read us Green Eggs and Ham AND The Cat in the Hat. Rock on, my 6-yo delight. Rock on!

This morning we had decided she'd have breakfast and lunch at school today. Why not? She's been good in the AMs as far as eating goes, I figured toss in a break for mommy this morning. Especially since I had that list to do ... ehem.

Cue boredom.

Boredom, you ask?

Yes. Of course. She must have been bored in the five minutes or so we had been downstairs. It was enough time for her to start playing with the gate. You know the one - right? The important one in between our living room and the rest of the house to keep beautiful boxer Bella away from the cats? The cats she does not quite hate or love, but needs to chase at all times? Yes. Yes. Now you're with me. THAT one.

Boing.

"Kiddo, stop playing with the gate. Go brush your teeth."

Boing.

"Come on, leave the gate alone and go brush your teeth."

Me, writing in the remaining books on her list. At the kitchen table. Back to the action.

BOING! Clank! Crash?

"WHAT HAPPENED?"

Her face frozen in fear.

"YOU BROKE THE GATE? HOW DID - HOW COULD YOU? What HAPPENED?"

Cue crying.

Oops.

Yes, she broke the gate. Of course she started crying. She felt bad and I was yelling.

"Come on, kiddo, brush your teeth."

It's not that bad ... (from HER, not me)

"It's not that bad, but it's BROKEN."

Cue more tears.

I didn't mean it ... (her, again)

"I know, kiddo, but you still broke it. I know it was an accident, but you know you shouldn't have been playing with it."

Tears.

"Remember, when something like this happens it's important to say you're sorry. Instead of I didn't mean it," (me, calming down some) "Okay?"

Nods. Tears. Whining.

Mom of the year award goes to?

ME.

The husband comes down with Bella. We have the child sit down for breakfast as it's the easiest way to get her to sit and do something else. She starts crying harder about no breakfast at school.

Lord help me.

This was my morning. The day has to start looking up, right?

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