Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The Leader, The Pleaser, and the Party Girl - Birth Order Theory

I have one brother who is 21 months older than me. For the most part, I think we are pretty similar. Growing up, he was more athletic and a bit more outgoing than I was, but we were both good students and neither of us was particularly rebellious. As adults, we have had fairly similar lives - both married in our early twenties; both have three children; both have similar beliefs and morals. 

My husband, on the other hand, is the oldest of five siblings and the five of them could not be more different. When we were dating and newly married, it was a complete mystery to me how five children raised in the same household could all be so dissimilar from one another. 

Then, I was blessed with three daughters who, like my husband and his siblings, are all very different from one another.  Because I was a child development major and because I'm always trying to understand my kids a little better, I did a little research on birth order theory several years ago. Now that my girls are older and have developed even stronger personalities, I decided it would be interesting to revisit that research and see if it seems to apply to my girls and whether or not it explains some of their differences.

Birth order theory is, of course, the idea that the order in which children are born has a significant effect on their personalities and social characteristics. The theory suggests the following traits will be present based on the position children hold in the family hierarchy.

Firstborn children are a lot like mini-adults. Because there was a time when they were the only children, they tend to be more like the adults who gave them undivided attention during that period. They are typically ambitious, reliable, controlling, and super responsible. They are achievers and perfectionists who want to be the best at everything. 

In contrast, middle children often lack a sense of strong identity since they are neither the oldest nor the youngest. Since they don't get "special" attention at home, they seek it out among their peers. They tend to be social butterflies and people pleasers. They are often seen as peacemakers who are cooperative and flexible.

Finally, there are the youngest children - the last born. By the time these children are born, parents have become more relaxed and lenient. Therefore, last born kids tend to be rather free spirited and fearless. They are fun loving and outgoing. Since they receive a lot of attention as the "baby" of the family, they enjoy being in the spotlight and can be self-centered, manipulative, attention seekers.
Oldest kid a leader; middle a pleaser; youngest a partier. Do your kids follow Birth Order Theory? #1Word @JanineHuldie @TheGoldenSpoons
As with any theory, these are certainly not absolutes and there are a few factors that can skew the "typical" outcomes of birth order.
  • One study proposes that at least half of a person's personality is genetic. It's just something you are born with that will not change regardless of your wrung on the family ladder.
  • Gender also plays a role. For example, if your first is a girl, but your second is a boy, the boy is likely to display "first-born" characteristics because he is the first born male.
  • Physical features can also play role. If the oldest child is also the smallest in physical stature, middle children or younger children may have more "status" and control.
  • One article referred to this fourth variable as "specialness." For example, if one child is a musical prodigy or a star athlete, they may receive more attention than they would if they were "typical" children which could throw off the balance of the birth order theory. This also includes children with disabilities or special needs who require extra attentiveness regardless of their position in the order.
  • Age gaps certainly play a roles as well. One article stated that 3-4 years between children is the "sweet spot" for this theory to be true. Children who are closer than that are more competitive and their roles can be a bit blurry. Conversely, if there is a gap of 5 years or more between siblings, the younger can really be almost like a second first born.
  • Finally, special circumstances like blended families, adoption, and/or multiples throw a wrench into the usual outcome predicted by his theory.
So how does this all play out for my girls?

My oldest, Rachel, is the quintessential first born. She is an ambitious, perfectionist over-achiever. I often refer to her as an "old soul" which fits perfectly with the mini-adult descriptor. Even as a preschooler, she was happiest hanging out with the teachers rather than the other kids. She has friends, but is also perfectly happy being alone and has a healthy dose of genetic stubbornness. 

My middle daughter, Megan, doesn't fit the mold quite as nicely. As the theory suggests, she is a social butterfly and she is the most flexible, "go with the flow" kid I have. However, beyond that, the lines are a bit blurry. She is not a peacemaker and is not always the most cooperative kid. She has some characteristics of the "youngest child" as well because she is by far the most free spirited risk-taker of my crew. 

My youngest, Emily, is not a typical last born child at all. She is not self centered as the theory suggests (in fact, she is the most compassionate and concerned about others of all my girls) and she is definitely not a risk taker. She is actually the peacemaker in the family much more so than Megan, who, according to the theory, should play that role. Emily doesn't mind the spotlight from time to time, but she doesn't seek it out. She is super snuggly and loving as well, which is a trait this theory does't assign to any one child in particular, but it may be a small attempt at garnering some attention.

My daughters don't exactly fit the mold of Birth Order Theory. Do you and your children? #1Word @JanineHuldie @TheGoldenSpoons
Why don't Emily and Megan fall into the roles suggested by their birth order? I'm not sure. There are 28 months between my oldest and my middle. There are 32 months between my middle and my youngest. It's not quite the "sweet spot" of 3-4 years, but it's not that far off, either. There really aren't any other extenuating circumstances among them. They are all the same gender, have relatively similar physical statures, and none of them have any special needs. That only leaves their hereditary temperaments as a variable. 

Perhaps it is a case of nature vs. nurture or perhaps the birth order theory is just that - a theory. In any case, my girls are all unique and different. When you have multiple kids, it is so difficult not to compare them to one another, but I try to remember that they are each individuals with their own personalities and idiosyncrasies. Whether they fit the mold or not, they are exactly who they were created to be, they are mine, and I love them for who they are and for what they bring to my life.  

How about you? Does this theory apply to your children? Does it apply to you and your siblings?


*****************************************************************************

This post was part of the One Word Blog Linkup hosted by, Janine of Confessions of a Mommyaholic and me! This week, the word prompt choices were Mystery and Breathe. 









Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Coffee is Really a Fruit . . . . And Nine Other Useless Facts About Coffee

Today is international Coffee Day! I wasn't a coffee drinker until about 8 years ago when I had my third child. (You can read that whole story HERE). Now, like many people, I start every day with a good 'ole cuppa Joe! However, my husband, who likes his coffee strong and black, will tell you that I take mine all "froo-frooed" up with lots of sugar and cream. 

For today's Tuesday Ten, Rabia and I thought we would take the opportunity presented by International Coffee Day to share some things about how we start our day - whether it's with or without a cup of coffee.  However, It wasn't that long ago that I shared a post including 7 Tips to Make Mornings Less Chaotic, so rehashing the morning routine seems a bit redundant here. 

Since, International Coffee Day is supposed to be a celebration of the beverage and also a day to raise awareness of the plight coffee growers around the world, and since (maybe) I've had too much coffee today, I decided that, instead, I would share with you 10 random facts about coffee you probably never wanted to know! 

  1. Nobody knows the exact time and location of the discovery of coffee, but legend has it that coffee was discovered by a shepherd in Ethiopia around 800 A.D. when he noticed that, after eating the berries from a particular bush, his goats became very energetic. He shared his findings with a local monk who created a drink from the berries.
  2. Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, with oil being the product in first place.
  3. There are about 25 million farmers in over 50 countries who produce coffee.
  4. Brazil produces 40% of the world's coffee which is twice as much as either the 2nd leading producer, Colombia, or the third, Vietnam.
  5. Coffee is really a fruit. The coffee bean we use to make the beverage is actually the pit of a cherry-like fruit. (Does that mean drinking a cup of java is kind of like eating fruit salad???)
  6. Coffee was first consumed as a food. The berries containing the coffee seed were mixed with fat to create an "energy ball" type of treat. 
  7. Finland is the most caffeinated country on the globe. There, the average adult consumes the equivalent of 4-5 cups a day.
  8. Coffee was first brought to New Amsterdam (modern day New York City) in the mid 1600s, but it was not very popular until after the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Today, New Yorkers drink seven times more coffee than people in the rest of the United States.
  9. In the U.S., 80% of adults drink coffee on a daily basis with the average consumption being 10 oz. per day. In total, Americans take in about 400 million cups of coffee a day which adds up to about 146 billion cups per year.
  10. 80% of Americans drink coffee daily. Are you one of them? #TuesdayTen #NationalCoffeeDay
  11. And your final factoid . . . .  By the 17th century, European travelers who had visited the Near East had brought coffee back and it was becoming more popular throughout Europe. However, some called it "the bitter invention of Satan" and even asked the Pope to intervene and ban the beverage. Upon tasting it, though, the Pope liked it and approved the beverage. By the mid-17th century, there were over 300 coffee houses in London, some of which grew into much larger businesses. Lloyd's of London, for instance, came about from a place called Edward Lloyd's Coffee House! 
So, there you have it - ten coffee tidbits you never needed to know! Maybe you can have fun with them at the office or in the carpool line today! :-) 

So, do you drink coffee? If so, how do you take yours?? 
(Another factoid: Did you know that if you add cream, your coffee will cool 20% more slowly than plain black coffee??? Things that make you go "Hmmmmm?") 

Your Tuesday Ten hostesses are:

TheLiebers


The Teacher Wife
facebook pinterest
facebook
We hope you have enjoyed our #TuesdayTen lists! If so, please link up one of your own and share your post using #TuesdayTen!
If you would like to be added to the mailing list without linking up, click here.


Can you believe that, by next Tuesday, it will be October?!?! October is Adopt a Shelter Pet Month, so our October 6th Linkup will be all about pets! What to you love about your pet? Why don't you have a pet? 10 ways having a husband is like having a pet! Anything goes! 
The Golden Spoons





Wednesday, September 23, 2015

The Day I Killed the Tooth Fairy

Y'all, it's the 5th week of school and I'm spent. With my kids at two different schools that are both out of our actual district, my work, errands, after school activities, and everything else in life, I feel like I spend most of my days just driving around in giant circles. It's not even October yet and I already need a vacation. 

As I write this, it's Tuesday night and, so far, the week is off to much less than stellar start. 

Sunday night I didn't sleep well. Then, on Monday morning, my 10 year old who is usually the one I can count on to get up without much of a fight, woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Actually, I think she woke up on the wrong side of the planet. She went off the deep end when I turned on a light in her room. After that, she couldn't decide what to wear which is ridiculous because her school has a strict dress code, so there's really not much decision making to be done. 

Upon picking up my kids from school, I managed to tick off my 13 year old when I reprimanded her for smacking her sister.  I don't feel guilty at all for disciplining her. I only mention it because that was just another nail in the coffin of the day that just needed to die. 

Just before dinner, I brought my 8 year old to tears when I banished my 10 year old from helping her with her homework (because they were playing more than they were working) and commented that it shouldn't take her 30 minutes to do one simple math worksheet.

Also, as I was cleaning up dinner, I dropped a plate and it broke because that's just the kind of day it was.

After that came the 10 year old's 7:30pm soccer game. I swear if that game had lasted just two more minutes I would have come completely unglued amidst the barrage of sarcastic commentary coming from my 13 year old and the endless questions coming from my 8 year old. 

(By the way, while I was muddling through the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, my husband was in Palm Springs. Yes, it was for work and, no, he wasn't lounging by the pool sipping a frosty beverage or playing golf, but still - Palm freaking Springs!)

I finally got the kids to bed and fell into my own bed. As I did, I told myself, "Tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow is a new day."

Tomorrow is a new day and I sure hope it's better than today! #1Word @JanineHuldie @TheGoldenSpoons
Indeed, it was a new day. My 10 year old still had wardrobe issues in the morning, but overall it went much more smoothly. I went to work and had a perfectly fine day. We got home, made it thorough homework with minimal whining, and I put dinner on the table with time to spare before we had to drive my oldest to soccer practice. 

That's when it happened. That's when I killed the Tooth Fairy. And Santa Claus.

I was at the table with just my 8 year old, Emily, when she said, "I'm starting to wonder if the Tooth Fairy is real."

"Why is that?" I asked.

"Because," she said,"I lost my tooth two days ago and put it under my pillow, but she still hasn't come to give me my dollar. And, the last time I lost a tooth, I left her a note, but she didn't write me back."

Wouldn't it have been easier to just come around the table and actually punch me in the gut?!?!?! 

After fumbling for words, I ended up telling her the truth and I could tell she was choking back tears. So was I. 

Of course, next came the questions about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, so I told her the truth about them, too.

"What about God? Is he real at least?!?" she asked. "Yes, dear. God is real."

In my stress and exhaustion, I forgot to be the Tooth Fairy. Emily was the last one in our house who believed and I forgot. I have tried to tell myself that she was on the cusp of it anyway. After all, she is eight years old and in the third grade. It was time. Maybe. Maybe not. Now, the damage is done and the magic has died all because I forgot. 

That, my friends, is how this mom killed the Tooth Fairy. 

Once again, I repeat, "Tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow is a new day." And, it is, I know. Only, it will be the first full day my "baby" doesn't believe in magic anymore. 


Is the Tooth Fairy still alive at your house? I killed ours and it wasn't pretty. #1Word

*****************************************************************************


This post was part of the One Word Blog Linkup hosted by, Janine of Confessions of a Mommyaholic and me! This week, the word prompt choices were Circle & Possible. 





Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Dear Diary: This Is Motherhood

Despite the fact that I am a person who has always loved to write, I have never really kept a diary or consistent journal, except for this blog. I do have a "super secret notebook" where I write things I need to get off my chest that I simply can't put here on the internet. Fortunately, it's not very full. 

When I saw that today is Dear Diary Day, I knew that was something we could work with for Tuesday Ten. The question was "How?"  As I pondered how to make it work, I thought about what I would write in my dairy if I had one. I quickly realized it would be all about motherhood. Well, mostly about motherhood. I wondered what other moms might write in their diaries, too. I decided to reach out to some of my blogging bestie and ask them!


*****************************************************************
Dear Mom Diary,

Most days and times of the day, I am so very thankful to be the mom of my two beautiful girls.  But then one of them throws a tantrum or answers me with snark and I see the color red.  Yet, still I wouldn’t trade them in for the world, because as loud and crazy that they can be, when they are at school or not at home to be, I do miss them. And still as much as the quiet and calmness might be welcomed in the loudest of times, I am doubly blessed when we are together.

Yours, 
Janine

*****************************************************************

Dear Diary,
The new school year is going well. The kids have all started their activities. Two in soccer, two in violin, and one in two different dance classes. I think it’s going to be….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

~From my co-host, Rabia of The Lieber Family

*****************************************************************
Quick morning update: I travel through pride, annoyance, and never seeming to feel like I’ve gotten enough sleep. This morning began with him in bed with me again. Is this becoming a ritual? Do I care? I cherish having him warm and so close. When he’s asleep, I’m able to hold on to and remember his babyhood. His cheeks. His eyelashes. His innocence when asleep...so much more apparent than it is when he’s running around the house shooting Nerf guns and not finding his shoes and not eating his breakfast. He had an amazing time at the birthday party this weekend. I love that he’s finally being invited to birthday parties. As you know, I feared that may never be the case. 

*****************************************************************

What would your #MotherhoodDiaries entry say today? #TuesdayTen @MamaRabia @TheGoldenSpoons
*****************************************************************

Dear Diary,

Lots of parenting wins today: kids out the door on time and with all their stuff, family dinner with no complaining and enjoyable conversation, no homework drama, and lights out by 10:30. Some days having two teenagers is a piece of cake, and I've learned to hold onto those days like a lifeboat on the days I feel like I'm drowning. Today was a piece of cake day, and I feel like an awesome mom. Remind me to read this tomorrow if the kids decide to douse me with adolescent angst and attitude!

*****************************************************************
Dear Diary,

Today I was a mediocre mom and I'm, okay with that. Today was a mediocre day. I am not usually on to shout "whoo hoo, I'm rocking marginal" from the rooftops, but today, I will take it. I’ve had parenting days with high highs and the lowest of the lows. The golden days are…well, golden but they don’t come around often and lull you into a false sense of security. The black days…well, I’ve had too many of those lately and they’re scary. Today, I raised my voice…but I mitigated it with lots of kisses…we ate popcorn for dinner…but breakfast and lunch were reasonably well-balanced…ish. I look at myself in the mirror as I wash my face before I get ready to go to bed. Today was mediocre…and for me, right now, mediocre is good.


*****************************************************************
Dear Diary,

Monday mornings come in like a freight train, every time. This is the big week I have to pull Scarlet out of school on Friday to drive to New Jersey to shoot a wedding, plus set up and publish a few blog posts and edit other wedding photos. I always think I won't survive big weeks, but I do. This morning started, as always, with Des demanding waffles very loudly, Cassidy getting dressed (and me not-so-discreetly checking him out in his handsome work clothes), and then the mad rush to school. This morning I was nervous because I have some trauma about schools, since my father passed away suddenly before kindergarten. Scarlet picked up on that and told me it was ok to feel sad and miss him forever, the way she misses Nana Jane and always will. She took my hand, and together, we walked into school.

One for the record books.


*****************************************************************

Dear Diary, 

Busy. That seems to be the word of the day today. And every day. Two kids playing soccer, one with piano lessons, two taking riding lessons. Toss in homework and school events, too. It's "Go! Go! Go!" all the time. that doesn't even count the meals and the dishes and the laundry and the vacuuming and ALL. THE. THINGS. I'm in a good spot with motherhood right now - kids who are mostly independent. Sure, there are "moments," but we are in a groove now with the school day routines and I think we smile more than we yell. But, busy is exhausting and I'm really tired. 

Yours Truly,
Lisa
*****************************************************************

What your you #MotherhoodDiaries entry say today? Write it in the comments or write a post and link up!


Friday, September 18, 2015

My Age, My Sign, & My Middle Name - the ABC's of Me (Old School Blogging)

Every month, Elaine from The Miss Elaine-ous Life hosts a link up calleed Old School Blogging. It takes us back to the way people used to blog. It's always lots of fun and I'm happy to be joining again with this ABC's of Me post! 
  • Age - 38. And a half, but who's counting?
  • Biggest fear - Toss up between heights and tight spaces. Fortunately, it is very rare to encounter both at the same time.
  • Current Time - Tricky question. It is currently 11:28am on Friday. However, I started typing this post on Thursday night around 10:00pm, but I was too tired to finish it.
  • Drink you last had - Water while I was on the treadmill at the gym.
  • Easiest person to talk to - David, my hubby.
  • Favorite Song - Too many to choose from!! My Wish (Rascall Flatts), I Hope You Dance (LeeAnn Womack), and When I Get Where I'm Going (Brad Paisley) all come to mind right away.
  • Grossest Memory - My two older girls were terrible spitter-uppers as infants and even into the toddler months. I spent a good two years of my life covered in and smelling like sour milk from all the times they puked on me.
  • Hometown - Lenoir, NC. I wish I could tell you it's actually French (i.e. Lin-wah), but it's not. It's a small town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
  • In Love with - This guy!
  • Jealous of - Women who are naturally skinny or naturally confident regardless of their weight. I am neither.
  • Killed Someone? - Not unless you count all the spiders and bugs that have been laid to rest underneath the soles of my shoes.
  • Longest Relationship - The one with my mom and dad - they have known me since the day I was born. Romantic relationship? My marriage to David. We will celebrate our 17th anniversary in December.

  • Middle Name - Elaine. I was named after my mother, whose name is also Elaine. Although, it is actually her middle name as well. I won't tell you her first name -there's a reason she doesn't use it! 
  • Number of siblings - One. My brother, Jeff, who is not quite two years older than me.
  • One Wish - No more violence. Every time I watch he news, all I hear about is brutality, sadness, and hatred. It hurts my hear ant makes me worry about the world my children will inherit.
  • Person you last called - My mom. 
  • Question you're always asked -  "Hey Mom! What's for dinner?"
  • Reason to Smile - These people:
  • Song you last sang - Smoke Break, Carrie Underwood's new single. Just as the song says, I don't drink (much) and I don't smoke (ever!), but sometimes we all need a metaphorical smoke break.
  • Time you woke up - 5:45am. Ugh!!! 
  • Underwear color - Purple. 
  • Vacation Destination - Somewhere near the ocean. Or somewhere I haven't been in Europe. Thanks to Dana, I have an itch to go Italy & the Swiss Alps! 
  • Worst Habit - Lack of self confidence and always finding fault with myself.
  • X-rays you've had - Dental, ultrasounds, and collarbone. I have never had a broken bone, but earlier this year, my doctor was curious about my malformed collarbone. He could not believe that it had never been x-rayed, so he ordered some. As suspected, it is simply a congenital deformity that is only noticed by me and the masseuse any time I'm lucky enough to get a massage! 
  • Your favorite Food - Pizza. And chocolate cake. 
  • Zodiac Sign - Pisces, which is represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions. This is supposed to indicate the dual personality of people born between February 19-March 20 - one grounded in reality and one made of imagination and dreams. According to one website, the top 10 characteristics of Pisces are (with notes about myself in parentheses): Oversensitive (yep), Compassionate (yep), Indecisive (yep), Dreamer/Artistic (yep/nope), Escapist (yep), Adaptive (kind of), Self-Pitying (absolutely), Social (so-so), Idealist (somewhat), and Romantic/LoveStruck (not at all).
Care to share? What's you age, your sign, and your middle name? Tell me in the comments or write your own #OSBlog post and link it up!

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Hitting the "RESET" Button in Parenting

When my kids were younger, there were days when I felt like I was drowning in parenthood. Temper tantrums, dirty diapers, tired kids who wouldn't nap, and crazy bedtimes all made me lose my cool. When that happened, I often wished I had a reset button I could push to  regain my patience and do it over - do it better. 

Nowadays, my kids are bigger at 13, 10, and 8. For the most part, we are in a pretty good groove. There are no more dirty diapers or fights about nap time. However, occasionally, there are still tantrums over homework and crazy bedtimes. There is plenty eye rolling and and exasperation. Overall, it's easier than it was in the baby-toddler days, but it's not smooth sailing all the time by any means. Once in a while, I still need that reset button. 
Sometimes, I wish there was a RESET button in parenting! #1Word @JanineHuldie @TheGoldenSpoons

Of course, there isn't really a button I can push to get a do over and reboot my composure - and theirs! However, there are a few things I can do to adjust my sails and get back on track. 



Walk Away - Of course, you can't always do this if you are in public or if your children are young enough to need constant supervision. If you area able, though, just walking away and spending a few "time out" minutes locked in your bathroom ALONE while taking some deep breaths can really help.

Ask for help! - When my children were younger, this was hard for me. I thought I should be able to "do it all." The truth I learned, though, is that nobody does it all and the people I trust the most will not judge me - in fact, they will applaud me - when I ask for help. Your friends, your parents, your in-laws - they have all been there and they all know how overwhelming it can be. 

Be honest - If you are overwhelmed, tell your spouse and, if your kids are old enough to understand, tell them, too! Tell them that you need help with the laundry. Tell them that you are tired of their arguing. Tell them that you hate homework just as much as they do. Chances are they can tell your are frustrated and a little short tempered, but they may not know why. They may not realize how much they contribute to your stress OR how much they can help. 

Pamper yourself - We hear this all the time, but it's true! Get a sitter and go have a massage or get your hair done. Go to a movie or go shopping. Do whatever it is that make you happy and DO NOT feel guilty. You and your children will feel better when you return.

Cut yourself some slack - House is a mess? That's fine. Don't feel like cooking dinner? Call for pizza. Let the kids watch too much TV one afternoon because you needed a break? We've all done it. You're not perfect. I'm not perfect. THAT'S NORMAL AND PERFECTLY OKAY!!!!! Stop feeling guilty.

Get Away - I have been fortunate to take a few vacations with my husband without our kids. Every time, I have thought to myself "Why don't we do this more often?" or "Wow! I didn't realize how much I needed a break!" Obviously, this takes planning and is not a quick fix, but it does help some much to rejuvenate yourself and get away from the kids altogether for a day or two. 

I have a little over 13 years of parenting under my belt, but I am still no expert. These are some things that I have found work for me when I find myself just trying to stay afloat. How do you reset when parenting (and life) get to be a little too much?
How do you reset after a tough day of parenting? #1Word @JanineHuldie @TheGoldenSpoons

*****************************************************************************



This post was part of the One Word Blog Linkup hosted by, Janine of Confessions of a Mommyaholic and me! This week, the word prompt choices were Tired & Superstition. If you would like to join the linkup you can find more information HERE, sign up for weekly emails HERE, and/or join our Facebook group HERE









Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Things I Dread

Did you know that September is National Head Lice Prevention Month? If you're a parent, you know that there aren't many things parents dread more than getting a note from the school that there has been a case of head lice reported in their child's class. 

Well, guess what? My kids have been in school for three weeks and I've already gotten that letter - twice! Both times, it was from my 5th grader's class. There were a few cases that were treated and children returned to school. Then, when they came back after Labor day, there was another case! Yuck!! 

Now, having been teacher myself, I know that lice has nothing to do with cleanliness - anyone can get in - but, it still gives me the heebie jeebies and makes my head itch just thinking about it! It seems only fitting that today, in honor of Head Lice Prevention month, Tuesday Ten is all about things we dread! 
  1. Packing Lunches - If you've read my blog long at all, you will not be surprised to see this at the top of my list!!!! 
  2. Cleaning- I admit that, organizing and cleaning out can be cathartic at times. However, scrubbing toilets, washing dishes, and doing laundry are never enjoyable in my book!
  3. Going to the Gym - When I was younger, I played a lot of sports but I have never liked going to the gym just to work out. My mind races with all the other things I could be doing and, maybe I'm just doing it wrong, because I don't really see much result from going (i.e no weight loss, muscle building) Maybe I'm just doing it wrong because I don't really want to be doing it at all! 
  4. via GIPHY
  5. The stomach bug!  - Last winter we were extremely lucky! I was the only family member who got the stomach bug and it was short-lived. I hope we don't have to pay for that this winter! I always hate when anyone in my family is sick, but the stomach bug is the WORST! 
  6. Weather Extremes - I may be the only person in the world who claims winter as my favorite season. I love a good snow day and cozying up by the fire place, but even I get tired of super cold temperatures and crazy ice storms. After three pregnancies and "getting older" hormone shifts, I simply can't take the heat, either, though. Anything above 80 and I'm sweating like a pig and perfectly miserable. 
  7. Homework - What I dread is not the actual homework, but the whining and complaining it causes!
  8. Mornings - I am not a morning person. Neither are my kids - especially the oldest and youngest. Yes, I know that each day is a new blessing and a new opportunity, but if each new day could start about 9:00am, that would be great! 
  9. Going to the doctor/dentist - I am grateful for medical professionals who make sure my family is healthy and care for us when we're not. Nevertheless, I don't know anyone who enjoys having their teeth scraped by the dental hygienist or going in for their annual OB-GYN check up!
  10. Shopping for clothes - I used to enjoy this, but in the past year I have been unhappy with my weight and clothes shopping has become more frustrating than enjoyable.
  11. Christmas shopping - I also used to love this when my kids were younger. The only hard part was narrowing down the list of toys and finding time to go by myself. Now that they are older, their wish lists are much smaller yet MUCH more costly! (There are exactly 100 days left until Christmas, by the way!)
  12. There are only 100 days until Christmas! Do you dread shopping? #TuesdayTen @TheGolden Spoons @MamaRabia
  13. My kids driving - My oldest recently turned 13 and was quick to remind me that in just a year and a half, she will be taking driver's ed in anticipation of getting her learner's permit at 15. On one hand, it will be great when she can run to the store for me or drive herself to school (no more carpool lines!!!). On the other hand, I cannot imagine how scared and nervous I will be the first time she (or my other two) drives away on her own.
  14. My kids leaving home - I look forward to seeing what careers my girls will choose, what their spouses and kids will be like, and just finding out who they become. That said, I know there will come a day when they no longer live at home; when they are truly on their own and I can't protect them anymore. As much as I look forward to it, I also know my heart will break. 
What do you dread?

Your Tuesday Ten hostesses are:

TheLiebers


The Teacher Wife
facebook pinterest
facebook
We hope you have enjoyed our #TuesdayTen lists! If so, please link up one of your own and share your post using #TuesdayTen!

If you would like to be added to the mailing list without linking up, click here.

Next Tuesday is Dear Diary Day, so we want to know - what are 10 things you would hate to read in your spouse's/child's/co-worker's diary? OR 10 Diary Entries you wish you could write!
The Golden Spoons



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...