Being a full time mom is great but it can be hard because your "boss" is learning how to control her emotions. I guess it is similar to the boss I had years ago that was going through menopause... She also doesn't give 15 minute breaks or comp time and when I tell her I am tired she tells me I am not. It is however the best job in the world and has a pretty good benefits package. This includes hugs, I love you's, pictures and paintings, cuddles, and to die for smiles.

Recently, my "boss" Addyson will tell me she wants a sandwich and I ask her if I should make it or should she? "Youuuuu make it" she whines, I start getting out the peanut butter and bread. All of a sudden Addyson is crying and screaming "No Iwanna *mumble* Nooooooo" The first few times this happened I though maybe she severed her arm or something but no she wanted to make the sandwich. I tell her "Addyson calm down here you can make it."
"I wanted to get the stuff out, *sniffle sniffle." she replies.
Now we are at a standstill. The stuffs out already. If I put it back she say no and if I say well make the sandwich she says no. Remember I am not allowed to make the sandwich at this point.

One of the funniest but not so funny at the time was when we were in the grocery store. She had almost fallen asleep on the way there which is always a set up for a breakdown. Anyhow, we rushed through the store and I asked her if she wanted string cheese. "No" she replied. Ok, I know better than to take no for an answer. I should have just put some string cheese in the cart anyway. That could have caused a breakdown though... Anyhow, we get to the checkout line and she cries "I want cream cheese!" I say "You want cream cheese/" She says "NOOO swing cheese." I say "Oh string cheese - hold on" It is a small town and I know the checkout girls. I run down the isle to the back of the store and grab string cheese. Addy is sitting in the cart by the way. On the way back I hear Addy crying and Cassie saying "your mom will be right back".
I give Addy the string cheese.
"NOOOOOOOO, I WANTED TO GET THE STRING CHEESE MYSELF!"
Really? Really? Now we are going to go there?
So I pay and ignore her and laugh a little because she is outta control crazy. I hear patrons behind me saying "Oh, poor thing." At this point I don't know if they are feeling sorry for me or Addy or both.
We go on the merry go round and she is still saying "I wanted to get the cheese."
"I know Addy I am sorry" I say.
"I wanted to get the cheese." she says
"I know Addy I am sorry" I say.
"I wanted to get the cheese." she says
"Oh my God let it go child. ENOUGH with the stupid cheese" Ok, I didn't say that but I thought it in my head which made me laugh a little (that of course pissed her off even more.
We walked to the store. It took about 15 minutes. Therefore, we had to walk back.
First block Addy says
"I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese."
there is whining and fake crying going with this mind you.
Second block Addy says
"I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese."
whining, fake cry and occasional kicking.
I try singing songs
"Don't say that" she yells.
Third block Addy says
"I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese."
whining, fake cry and occasional kicking.
I try changing the subject.
"DON'T TALK" she screams.
Fourth block Addy says
"I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese."
whining, fake cry and occasional kicking.
Fifth block Addy says
"I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese.I wanted to get the cheese."
whining, fake cry and occasional kicking.
By now I am thinking she is NEVER going to let this go. Maybe I could take her to a friends house, drop her off...

Better yet, I take her to the park. She has a good time and we get back in the baby jogger. A block from the house she says "I wanted to get the cheese."

So the past two weeks have been interesting. As many of you know I am only working 7 hours a week in the humane education dept. at Best Friends. I wanted to keep my foot in the door so to speak without taking me away from my full time mommy role. Well the Humane Education dept. is officially no longer. So now I am truly a full time mommy! I am sad to see our programs, outreach and communication with the kids, schools and families go but I am sure it will all be ok. Daron is still working for Best Friends and just returned from L.A. He was getting their new offices/shelter/spay neuter clinic set up. He couldn't believe all of the great dogs that were saved from death row. Lots of little dogs and pit bulls. I am so happy that he was able to walk some of the dogs and see how his participation really does save lives.

Since the weather has been more like spring than winter my friend Kim and I took Addy to Zion and Springdale for lunch. It was nice to get a change of scenery and just enjoy the surroundings.

Addy and Bindi on the snuggle blanket.

Her pajama choice.  Hey at least she is brushing her teeth.

I know she is my daughter but her love for dresses, jewelry, sparkles and bling is keeping me on my toes.

I have been trying not to give Addy too much sugar.  She had some in Springdale and totally acted crazy!
 

Up for a good laugh? Here are some Addy quotes. Addy: "I am the boss and you are the bosses helper." Mom: "Ya that seems to be right." While sitting in the car watching squirrels and birds. Mom: "How do squirrels remember where they buried their nuts?" Addy: "Because they have a sense of direction." Addy: "Mommy are you singing that song because of how beautiful I am" Addy: "Do you wish you were as beautiful as me *adorable smile*" At least she doesn't have self esteem issues. Mom: "I am so tired." Addy: "NO YOUR NOT!" Mom: "uh, ok." Addy: "Do this Mom." (somersault) Mom: "I am too old to do that." (never thought I would utter those words.) Addy: "Are you old and moldy?" 

And the BEST ONE to date was when Addy was in the bathroom going potty and Daron was watching a documentary on a murder.  The wrongly accused guy stood up and yelled "You can all go to hell" multiple times.  Daron heard Addy yell "GO TO HELL!  GO TO HELL!"  He never believed me when I told him she picks up on stuff ;)

Congratulations Dan on becoming an American Citizen!!!! We are so proud of you.  I am so glad Robert, my parents and Lisa were there to help you celebrate. Can't wait to see more photos!

Bella and Bindi keeping Addy company in the art/washroom.

Aunt Sasa sent a very cool safari light where the animals move.

Addy and her lipstick

Aunt Sasa got Addy a mini cupcake kit for Christmas.

My birthday present - Barca Lounger and side table. LOVE!

Found a pillow that pulled the blues and greens with orange. Love orange.

Pine side table with reclaimed wood.

Cousin Hayden ready to set off New Years Eve fireworks

Cousin Haley helping her brother.

Uncle Jason and the kids.  He must love "fire" as much as Daron!

They were smart and lit them at the park across the street.  Why risk burning down the house?

My Mom's awesome brother and my fabulous uncle Jim and his gorgeous wife Tammie.

I remember going swimming at the Saffells house in Battle Creek. The highlight was when Jerry would do a backflip - not off the diving board but standing right there in the grass. It was amazing. Although I doubt he is still doing backflips (although maybe he is) I did hear that he made another hold-in-1 this year and finished 3rd in the US World Amateur Golf. Although Bonnie said she is still trying to break 100 I give her credit. I am still trying to hit the ball. Seriously!

Stephanie, Paul, Jerry and Bonnie Saffell.

Jerry with his grandsons (Stephanie's boys)

Paul's girls Austin and Cameron. Can you say beautiful!?

Daron's Grandma and Mother

Addy's cousin Hayden is getting so big! Here he is with his Christmas presents.

More Christmas Barn Photos

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas...

"I can't wait til Santa comes!"

Santa was upstaged by Grandpa and Grandma Andrews! The handmade wooden barn was a HUGE hit as was the horses, cows, pigs, rooster, chickens, lambs, hay and tractor that accompanied it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When you are three you cannot stop unwrapping gifts just because you have to potty!

Santa brought a GIANT tiger for Miss Addy.

Horse from the her cousins Hayden and Hailey! She loves her cousins and misses them.

Addy said we should get Daddy this.

Just in case you were wondering Addy has played nonstop with her barn. Non. Stop.

Mimi and Papa Nagle treated everyone to a cruise to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary and Christmas 2011

In Cozumel, heading to the dolphin sanctuary

Addy beat us all at cards.

Lisa bought everyone wine at dinner. Every. Single. Night. ;)

Mimi's brother and the Corbett Clan!

Corbett's celebrating Christmas in Montana.
Send us your Christmas photos and we will post them!!!!

Sending out a BIG congratulations to my "cousin" Jon and his fiance Laura! We are looking forward to the wedding in August!!!

Uncle Mel and Aunt Pam and Jonathan and Kris I miss you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas see you in August.