Monthly Archive for May, 2010

Hi!  I’m Cate. I’m part of the team at Hayneedle and the mom of 3 funny kids – “Itchy” (12), “Scratchy” (10), and “Trouble” (6.).  I am also the author of the blog “Real Life with Kids.” I’m really excited about being a guest blogger here on the Hayneedle Blog!  My first post is a subject close to my heart, Mother’s Day.

I thought it would be fun to take a look over my most recent year of motherhood and grade some of the highlights.  One thing a year in the life of a mom never lacks is variety…

First Day of School: A+

Cons: I didn’t take pictures of them on the first day with their new teachers or old friends.  I didn’t send them with sack lunches with “I love you” written on a napkin.

Pros: I got all three of the kids to their 2 schools before the bell rang and as a bonus – all were completely dressed and had their teeth brushed.  Also – while doing a “pat down” prior to leaving home – I did stop Scratchy from bringing the full size, completely filled water balloon to school as a “gift” for his new teacher.  Probably I should get some extra credit for that one.

Halloween Class Party: B-

Cons: I was late because I was in a meeting that went over.  The kids at my table used frosting extravagantly on the pumpkin sugar cookies I helped them decorate.  They also made a really big mess with glitter.  One of the moms said, “Who’s the amateur who brought glitter?”

Pros: I didn’t use profanity or sprinkle any glitter on the “too smart for glitter” mom (you know I brought the glitter, right?)  I have always been a firm believer that glitter in your underclothes at the end of the day is a sure sign of a day well spent.  I encouraged the extravagant use of frosting.  My son and his friends had an awesome time – as evidenced by the orange and black frosting all over their hands and faces with sparkly glitter stuck in it.

Christmas Teacher Gifts: B+

Cons: The last day of school before Christmas break snuck up on me and I had no gifts for the teachers.

Pros: I got my fabu hubby to stop and get donuts for all the teachers on the first day back after break – because seriously – that is when teachers really need some love.

Band Practice: D

Cons: I lacked any motivation to encourage my son to practice his trumpet regularly.  I thought he should take up the dog whistle but I was informed that this was not an option in elementary school.  (does that mean it might be an option in middle school?).  With varying practice days at school each week we probably got Scratchy and his trumpet to school on the same day as practice about 62.5% of the time.

Pros: I got Scratchy and his trumpet to school on the same day as practice about 62.5% of the time.  Not one of those times did I bring the trumpet and forget Trouble or Itchy.  Sometimes I amaze myself.

Talent Show: A+

Cons: Scratchy wanted to participate in the talent show with two of his friends playing drums, trumpet, and I can’t remember the third instrument.

Pros: Scratchy wanted the $5 I offered him more than he wanted to participate in the talent show.

The beautiful thing about being a mom is that kids are funny, forgiving, and fortunately forgetful.  I asked Trouble yesterday, “Do you know you’re my Sweetie?”  He came up and gave me a sloppy kiss and a big hug and said, “Yes, Momma, I know I’m your Sweetie.”  At the end of the day I think that averages out to a 4.0.

Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere!