Mama said there'd be days like this...

When I have an overly exhausting day, this song rings in my head. I think I sing it as a reminder that my day isn't any tougher than other mom's out there. In fact, I may be having a better day than most. I haven't blogged very much lately because of this exhaustive and foggy state of mind I've been in lately. The Brownies have gone crazy with their schedules. They have been up and down all night and then they finally go into deep sleep at 6am. We sleep in until 10a and then we muster up some energy to eat, play, read and watch tv, etc. Nap time has been sketchy at best and then bedtime...wow, can I even call it that?

We go to bed at a descent time, most nights, but no one sleeps for an extended amount of time and the Brownies tend to alternate waking up. Last night for instance...everyone is in bed and asleep at 8:30p. Little Brownie is up from 9:30 to 10:15p, then Big Brownie is up and down from 12a to 3:30a. Little Brownie is up tossing and turning from 2:00a to 4:00a. Daddy Brown wakes to give Little Brownie a bottle and lets me get some rest. I finally close my eyes and sleep until Big Brownie wakes up at 6a and then I threaten his life and binkie if he dare get out of bed again.

What is going on? Little Brownie is cutting 4 molars at the moment...so I know what is happening there and that will be for a short amount of time. But Big Brownie...if Daddy Brown or I lay in his bed and sleep there with him, he sleeps all night. Some nights are better than others, but last nights example has pretty much been the normal for about 2 weeks...and it's killing me to say the least. We have night lights and he isn't scared when he comes out of his room. He simply wants to lay in our bed with us or have us lay in his bed with him. Comforting and being attentive to every need has always been a priority of ours. But hello, can anyone shed light on Big Brownie. Why is he waking so much at night and for no real apparent reason? HELP!!!

EXERCISE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE!

Ok...I normally don't watch The Oprah Winfrey Show. However yesterday while flipping through the channels, I stopped as something caught my eye. The show was with Dr. Oz and Bob Greene about the silent killer of Diabetes. I stopped because I have family members that currently suffer from diabetes and the side effects the disease causes. Oprah, Dr. Oz and Bob Greene are attempting to bring more awareness to the disease and educate us on this disease that in most cases is a preventable, treatable and curable disease. I am of course talking about Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 is genetic and is treatable. However, in most cases of Type 1 diabetes, it is not curable.

Type 2 Diabetes however, is 98% man made. It is the disease that most overweight people will get and endure. Studies show there are approximately 6 million Americans right now that are living undiagnosed. Our diets and our sedentary lifestyle has increased not only the chances of more and more Americans to be diagnosed, but in the next 10 years, it will be the number 1 disease in America. Have I shocked you yet with all of these details? Wait...there is more. There are hidden sugars everywhere. For instance, who doesn't have these things currently in their fridge and eat regularly...ketchup and ranch dressing? For every 2 tablespoons of ketchup, there are 2 teaspoons of sugar. For 1 serving of ranch dressing, there are 3 teaspoons of sugar. One can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar. And, if you consume 1 can of soda a day, based on a Harvard study, you are increasing your risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes by 83%.

Needless to say, my jaw hit the floor. If you are like me and you have family members that currently suffer from diabetes, your risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes is almost certain. This doesn't mean you shouldn't consume any sugar at all. Our brain uses sugar to process data and think, our bodies need natural sugars as much as it needs protein and carbohydrates. Most people think Type 2 Diabetes is only about sugar, but this is a common misconception. It is about all the foods we eat. Eating simple carbohydrates and sugars that are highly processed, "white foods" as an example, and eating them in such quantities that our bodies can't produce enough insulin to help our bodies absorb nutrients properly. Oh, and most of Type 2 Diabetics will not die from a diabetic coma, they will die from a heart attack. The unprocessed sugar pumping through our bloodstream will scratch the lining of our blood vessels running through our heart. This will cause an abrasion to the vessels and the body will try to repair the damage. In doing so, over time, the repaired vessels will continue to become abrased and repaired causing scar on top of scar and ultimately close off the vessel. This is what will cause the heart attack. The same abrasions can and will happen in the legs causing loss of blood flow to the feet and legs. Many diabetics then suffer from amputations of their toes, feet and portions of their legs.

I have to say I have read many articles and seen many shows about Diabetes, but this actually spoke volumes to me. I was shaking my head almost through the whole show. The cure is very simple to hear and understand, but very difficult for most, including myself to do. Eat healthy, reduce processed food and sugars. Most importantly....EXERCISE! Exercise not only helps you to lose weight, but also helps to lower your blood sugar. I am not ashamed to say that I hate to exercise. I wish that were not the case. I have a chance right now not only to help myself, but to teach my Brownies before they are engrained in poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.

One of the things I continue to hear in my head...EXERCISE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE! I can easily make an excuse every minute of every day of why I can't find time to exercise. I need to clean the house, I'm tired, I want to do something fun and crafty or the most common...I just don't want to. I am lucky enough to have a husband that is very active and encouraging. Even when I don't want to, he helps motivate me in a positive way to get me up even if it is 11:30p at night. The Oprah Winfrey Show honestly didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, maybe the details about hidden sugar and really defining for me how Diabetes damages the body internally. The eat healthy and exercise...doesn't everybody know that part? If you are overweight, I hope you too are motivated to get up and do something. 30 minutes a day of exercise is all it takes. Repeat after me...EXERCISE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE!

Humble...

So, my Brownies are growing up. Today, we went to have brunch with Aunt Apple, a quick trip to the bank and to Target. When we got home, it was 2p and most certainly nap time. Big Brownie's potty training has been going well. No real accidents to mention. I haven't been brave enough to put real underwear on him when we leave the house, so he is still using the pull-up as a diaper for now. I'll ask him if he needs to go to the bathroom to use the potty and his reply..."No thanks". As we entered the house from our errands, Sissy was laying on the couch and Little Brownie walked over and rubbed her head. All the while saying, "Awww, Sissy-girl". I asked Big Brownie if he needed to use the potty? He said, "Yes Mama, I do need to pee-pee in the potty". I run over to help him pull his pants and pull-up down. I look over at Little Brownie and he is running to the potty to open the top and points to the potty. Big Brownie runs over, does his business and Little Brownie starts clapping his hands and saying, "YAY!" It brought a tear to my eye.

Some days, I think I am so wasteful of my time with the Brownies. I've been so tired lately from the interruptions of nap time and nighttime, that some days, I honestly am counting down how many hours it is until nap time or bedtime, so I can lay down and close my eyes too. Today, opened my eyes that my babies are going to be babies much longer and it hurts. It makes me ashamed that there have been days that I haven't cherished every second of every minute. Time that has gone by that I'll never get back. One day, I'll wake up and they will be in high school or college and they won't want to hug and kiss me voluntarily. There will be a time that I'll have to share them with another person that will be the love of their life. So, I'm humbly asking for their forgiveness. Knowing that because they are so small and so forgiving at this point, it is an easy task for them. A hug, a kiss, my love and my time is all they ever ask of me and Daddy Brown. For now, with the exception of goodwill towards our family and our belonging, it's all I'll ask of them.

Boot Camp Day 2...

We enjoyed playing in the snow yesterday. We double layered the Brownies to go outside to play in the snow. Little Brownie was very shy and uncertain of all the white stuff when we came out. Big Brownie went for a huge scoop of snow to throw up in the air. We ran to the back yard and Daddy Brown used a box and some cord to fashion a sled. The boys loved it. Guess who loved it more... Sissy. As Daddy Brown ran with a Brownie on the makeshift sled, Sissy ran, jumped and hopped around. Then it was Sissy's turn and she LOVED it! The Brownies ran to the back of the yard. We still have berries on some of the trees. The Brownies had a blast and before long, everyone was chilled to the bone.

One good thing about Big Brownie potty training and running around with a bare toochy...the heat is up to 70 degrees inside. We all thawed out pretty quickly. Later in the evening, I went outside and loaded up a huge bowl of snow for snow cream. I made a huge batch using a recipe from a friend. 1 c of sugar, 1-2 tsp of vanilla, 1-2 cups of milk, 2 eggs (optional...we left this out because of the boys) and snow! Yummy! We enjoyed our snow both outside and in. Everyone was in the bed and asleep by 8:30p and everyone slept in until 9a this morning.

Now, as we assess our fridge, we are officially out of milk and juice. Daddy Brown is venturing out to the convenient store or grocery store depending on the roads. He has a love affair with snow and ice. In our younger days, we would go out on days like this with our overall on and boots. We would equip the truck with tow ropes and chains. With the truck in 4 wheel drive, we would drive around and help others out in distress. A luxury we no longer indulge now that we are responsible parents of the Brownies. So...it is a treat for Daddy Brown to get out and play in the snow for a short amount of time. I don't worry a bit when he leaves because I know he was trained well. Daddy Brown's dad, Pops, would totally be out in it if his tires were in better condition.

Now...on to the big news of the day. Day 1 of Potty Training Boot Camp was a success! The conversation heart treats are the best, but unfortunately because of the snow, and the fact we just started potty training on a whim, we didn't prepare for the mass amounts of pee(ing) in the potty. Each #1 deposit receives 1 heart. Each #2 deposit receives 2 hearts. I started out with a 4 oz mason jar of hearts and as of this morning, we are out! Luckily, I had purchased some mint and chocolate chips last week on sale at Food Lion from the post Christmas clearance sale.

Big Brownie has been running to the potty to tinkle so he can taste the different treats. We were not brave enough to go without a diaper overnight, but we did use a regular diaper as opposed to an overnight diaper. He didn't overflow the diaper so that too is a good sign. The struggle...keeping Little Brownie out of the potty. He wants to put his toys in the potty, lift the seat and jump on Big Brownie's back while he's doing his business. Oh me...too bad he wasn't ready for potty training too! We move into Day 2 with an optimistic outlook on our progress. We'll keep you posted!

Without a net...

This week has been a mixed bag of adventures. Monday, Aunt Berry and I drove to Atlanta for a rode trip to IKEA. I seriously could have done some damage there. My first experience and I was like a kid in a candy store. Because I have a compulsive personality, I knew I needed to have a control. So, I only brought $50 cash to spend. I efficiently used each dollar to the max. An art easel with paper roll $19.99, 2 baby stools for $3.99 each, etc. Aunt Berry purchased an entire bedroom suite, bed, 2 chest of drawers, and 2 nightstands for $550. What a deal! Tuesday, went to Hobby Lobby with Aunt Apple and the Brownies. LOVE ME SOME HOBBY LOBBY!!! After naptime, our sweet little nephew Peanut Butter Fudge came over to play with the Brownies. They had a blast!

Wednesday, we visited with my Grandmother and Aunt. The Brownies enjoyed running around eating cookies and biscuits...I know an odd combination, but they loved it. Yesterday, we visited a friend and her new 1st born son. Big Brownie wanted to hold him and to my surprise, Little Brownie didn't have a care in the world that I was holding a little one. After leaving, the Brownies napped in the car and once they woke, we had a snack and went to the park to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. We were the only ones there, but we had a great time. Cold as the dickens, but that didn't keep the Brownies from running from slide to slide having a blast.

So, now here we are on Friday morning and it is actually snowing outside. We are so excited! We have also began a new adventure with Big Brownie...potty training. I have a friend that has a little boy about the same age as Big Brownie. After talking to her this week, she shared her success in potty training her son. A new approach I had never heard of previously. NO DIAPER AT ALL...ALL WEEKEND! I know, very scary, but worth a try. Big Brownie is running around the house with nothing on from the waist down. This has created an unexpected reaction from Little Brownie...inspection of his own manhood. We have had 2 successful uses of the potty so far this morning. Conversation hearts are the treat of choice for a successful deposit. We are ready for the challenge and here on one of the coldest weekends of the month, have turned the heater up to a balmy 70 degrees to keep his little toochy warm. Keep us in your prayers as we go through this weekend without a net!

Sane Saturday...

Is it my birthday? No. Is it Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or my Wedding Anniversary? No, No and No. I usually don't get much consistent sleep at night. I get about 2 maybe 3 hour stretches of rest before one of the Brownies is up and needs some attending...diaper change, bottle, lost binkie, etc. Last night was much the same. Little Brownie slept all night, but Big Brownie was up 2 times...2a, 4:45a and then ready for his day at 7a. I'll add he didn't fall asleep until 10:15p, although we put him in the bed at 8:30p.

I went through my same rhetoric as every other morning..."I'll turn the television on and you can watch one of your shows". Desperately hoping for another 30 minutes of rest. To my surprise, Daddy Brown popped his head up and told Big Brownie that once he showered, he would get up with him to play. I fell back to sleep and the next thing I knew, Daddy Brown was sneaking in our room to ask me a question about Little Brownie. I told him, "I'll get up to help". Daddy Brown told me to go back to sleep...which I did. Big Brownie came in once to tell me he had a BIG POOPY! I asked him if Daddy Brown had changed it and he began to go into details. I asked Big Brownie if I could sleep a little longer and he said, "Ok Mama, you get some rest...I love you!"

Sound asleep I fell until Daddy Brown came in and gently rubbed my face. I opened my eyes and he said, "I thought you might want to come down and see the boys before nap-time". "Nap-time? What time is it?" I asked. "Oh it's almost 1 o'clock." he said. "WHAT? Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!" I began apologizing. Daddy Brown was so cool and calm. I came downstairs and everyone was playing nicely and happy to see me. Big Brownie asked me, "How was your sleep, Mama? Are you rested?" I told him, "Yes baby, Mama is very well rested."

How lucky am I to have a sweet, precious husband that let me sleep in today. Not for any reason, just because. It reminds me to do something special for someone you love and care for...just because. Not because you have been asked or nagged to do it. Just do something unexpected and with a giving and willing heart. I have the most miraculous husband. The day is half over, the boys are in bed, Daddy Brown is napping and Sissy is snoring on the floor. What a wonderful treat of a Saturday and a great gift from my hubby!

Freaky Friday...

Almost without fail, I check my Facebook home page on Friday mornings and there are at least 5 people shouting...TGIF! Don't know about you, but Friday's have a tendency to be one of my toughest days. Here it is a little bit after 11a on Friday morning and I'm just about at my whiny, not listening, kid meltdown limit. Here is a recap of my morning so far...

Beginning at 3:45a, Big Brownie comes out of his room to tell me he can't find his binkie. I'll admit I have not been very consistent with the binkie. That is about to change. I have done my best at making the binkie unavailable during the day and leaving it for naptime and bedtime. However, since Little Brownie still uses a binkie, they are still prevalent in our household. We found binkie in his bed, then he wants juice. I've started giving him water at night instead of juice because he is literally pee(ing) through an over-sized, overnight diaper. We have a small battle about, "This is water, I want juice!" Next we have the other requests, "Mama, will you sing me a song" and "Mama, will you sleep here in my bed with me...PLEASEEEE!" Because I'm exhausted, I lay there and sing songs until we fall asleep. I wake up around 5a and head back to my bed.

Then, Little Brownie wakes up at 5:15a. I go downstairs, let Sissy outside, give her water and make Little Brownie a bottle of milk. Put Sissy back on the couch and upstairs I go to rock Little Brownie back to sleep. Back to my bed at 5:45a only to fall asleep at 6:30a. Daddy Brown's alarm goes off at 7:00a and continues to go off every 9 minutes until he wakes about 7:30a or so. I fall back asleep and Big Brownie climbs into bed with me at 7:45a. I turn the television on and try to convince him to watch t.v. while I attempt to sleep a little bit longer. Daddy Brown leaves and Big Brownie begins jumping on the bed. I usually have this discussion with myself every morning...either I can get up and get in the shower before Little Brownie wakes up, or I can lay here for another 15 minutes. I'll admit, I choose the latter of the two most mornings.

Big Brownie and I come downstairs, I slam down a cup of coffee and make Little Brownie a bottle. Get Little Brownie out of bed about 8:45a and back downstairs for oatmeal and yogurt. Let Sissy outside to tinkle, fix her breakfast...slam down 2nd cup of coffee! Big Brownie goes upstairs and decides after many corrections from me, he wants to jump on the stairs. You know what happens next, he falls and bumps his leg. "I NEED A BINKIE...IT WILL MAKE ME FEEL BETTER!", he exclaims. Then, the battle of the binkie begins. Little Brownie is following me around wanting a cheese cracker, a butter cracker, a graham cracker...only to feed them to Sissy. Upstairs everyone goes to change out the laundry. Unload the dryer, with the help of both Brownies of course, load the dryer from the washer...fight over who is going to close the dryer door...pushing fight between the Brownies. Turn on washer, Big Brownie starts putting in anything he can find and Little Brownie wants to help but isn't tall enough. Little Brownie gets mad and pulls clothes out of Big Brownies hand. Get the clothes put in washer, Little Brownie gets to close the door. Get his hand caught in the bi-fold doors and meltdown.

I get him calmed down, and nature calls. I go to the bathroom for literally 2 minutes and I come back to find all my clean clothes inter-mingled with all my dirty clothes. AHHHH!!! I could have screamed. The boys are now in the middle of the clothes pile and throwing clothes up in the air...laughing their heads off. Gather all the clothes and put them back in the laundry basket. Come downstairs for story time. Battle of the books! We select 5 books each and begin to read our books. We peacefully enjoy our snack and juice while we read. Once the snacks have been eaten, mass chaos ensues. Little Brownie gets so upset he thrashes around until he finally realizes I'm not paying attention. We go back upstairs to organize our craft activity and I'm about to pull my hair out. I decide I need coffee cup #3 and end up turning on the television for a break. I know...you frown at me, but I need a break!

PEACE...at least for the next 22 minutes while the boys watch Nick Jr. I ask myself many times, why do I blog? Days like this is my answer. I'm at home with the sweetest 2 Brownies in the world. However somedays, like today, I need to share my day with someone. It's therapeutic for me and a giggle for you. I know that if you are reading this and you are a MOM...you feel my every pain and you smile at each incident! It's ok, today is Friday and I'm sharing my day with you! I hope your freaky Friday is better than mine!~I look forward to Daddy Brown coming home and giving me a hand! Oh...and I just realized I forgot to turn on the dryer! AHHHH!!!