Me + D.C. - 6 penises x 3 days = Mom Congress 2012

Poor Mom Congress.  I bet they never thought they'd be used in the same equation as penises (I still want to say peni), yet here we are.  Here I am. 5 days until my (first! ever!) flight to D.C.  I'm feeling a bit unsuited to be surrounded by such amazing moms.  These ladies are hard core!  Foundation this, organization that.  *gulp*

I'm honored to represent Maine Moms.  I take this job seriously.  Because yes, being mom is a job.  On forms when it asks for occupation, I always write "Mom." with the period included lol  My facebook occupation reads:
            I work 24/7 for no pay, taking orders from tiny clients.
                · Jan 2001 to present · Unity, Maine
               Zookeeper, Grief Counselor, Stylist, Physician's Assistant, Judge, Short-order Cook, 
               Cheerleader, Psychic, Xray Vision Specialist, Chauffeur, Recreation Director, 
               Decision Maker, Storyteller, Janitor, Hygenist, Psychologist, Teacher, Mediator, 
               Laundress, Detective, Maid, Referee, Manager of Miracles, Life Coach, MOM.

Volunteer.  How could I forget volunteer? It's what we do.  Well, it's what I do.  Past Mom Congress delegates have started non-profits, entire movements, websites, lobby for education.  And what do I do?  I volunteer.  I feel very much like Baby on Dirty Dancing............."I carried a watermelon."

No movements, no websites. Heck, most teachers can't access this blog from their school based on the title alone! lmao  I'm excited to meet these amazing moms, to gather up as much information from the education experts, and to share it with whomever doesn't have a high filter on their internet is interested.

This year's Mom Congress theme is "Teach Me Something New" and is dedicated to fostering the crucially important relationship between parents and teachers.

Communication is key.  I hope to learn a lot and utilize even more.  I need all the help I can get, as we just moved to a new city last month.  I've gone from being "the mom in the know" in our old district, to the mom who knows nothing and no one :)  I've attended one PTO meeting.  I thought in a larger district...in the capital city...there would be lots of parents there.  There were 2 saints moms.  And the principal (she's great, btw! Totally dedicated and fun-nay!  I'm gonna like it here...once I find where/how I can fit in/help).

But being at the PTO meeting isn't the only way to volunteer. Perhaps more parents are involved in the classroom, or feel they put in their time by selling fundraising stuff (which clearly, is an important part as more school budgets are cut).  Or maybe dad/mom coaches one of the sport teams--that's definitely a time consuming job!!  And I can't even imagine where the working moms and dads find the extra time to put in an hour here or there (kudos to you!!).

All of the above are great ways to be involved.  And you know who notices the most?  Your kids.  And studies show students with parents who take an active role in their schooling tend to perform better academically and socially.  Do what works for you.  The kids'll be proud of you, and so will I.

And, nervous.  I'll still be nervous.

First! ever! flight.

*hyperventilates*

Please pass the paper bag.


Comment below, please!! :  How is communication at your child's school?  Do you have a good relationship with his/her teacher?  Why or why not?  How do you communicate?  email?  journal?  phone?  Any tips for moms with kids going into kindergarten?  or you know...me?  
Thanks!

Ayla

My heart is heavy. Everyday for the past two weeks, since this little girl  went missing from her father's home (15 min from here), I've eagerly checked the online news several times a day hoping upon hope that I'd read the words "Ayla's been FOUND!" But as time passes, and her father remains in hiding, while her mother whores herself out to every media outlet that waves a free plane ticket in her face, the feeling that a happy ending will occur is fading.

We watched as K-9 units and rescue teams searched the blocks near the high traffic area where Ayla Rey,nolds lives. Hugged our little ones tighter as the dedicated men and women hard at work tirelessly looking for Ayla, drained the rivers overnight, to search the riverbeds the next morning for clues, with help from airplanes.

Of course, when things like this happen across the country, you check up on it periodically...like the case of Caylee Anth,ony. I watched and was apalled by how that all went down. My heart aches for all the sweet babies who go missing or worse. But when it happens in your own back yard, so to speak, it shakes you. Wondering if your own children played alongside this one at McD's or the nearby playground we frequented this fall.

Last night, I was restless. And found myself thinking of Ayla once again. I watch far too many episodes of Criminal Minds, SVU, NCIS, etc., but what they have shown me is that a lot of times, the one clue that breaks the whole case open makes you want to slap yourself on the forehead, cuz it was that simple and was overlooked the whole time. I thought well, if this is a case of parental kidnapping (there is a custody battle ensuing and Ayla has a broken arm), then whoever took her hopefully loves her enough to put her in a carseat. Ooooh, or maybe, the parent slipped up and gave them her OWN carseat! Or are on surveillance leaving one of the few department stores in the area, carrying a carseat. I forwarded my thought to the PD and could only hope for the best again today.

But today, the best didn't come. Tonight, they've changed the status of Ayla's case from missing person to a criminal case, involving foul play.

The definitions I found...FOUL PLAY: violence, especially MURDER. Unfair or dishonest behavior (especially involving murder). Synonyms: blood, homocide, murder, rubout, slaying.

Shit.

Please let this sweetheart be okay.

(I cant get a pic to post from my tablet, but if I could it would've been the one of her sweet smile and chubby wrists *swoon*)

WW: All I want for Christmas...

If you give a mouse Mom a bagel...

I've been trying to kill catch a mouse.

Little bastard guy keeps setting off the trap and getting away with the loot. 

Before setting the trap last night, I was hungry, so I stuck a bagel in the toaster (we'll blame the time change on this would-be midnight snack). 

Then I got to work on setting the mouse trap...after all, I had the peanut butter out for my bagel anyway. 

So, I smeared the trap up, surprisingly got it to stay set on my first try (lots of practice last night...bastard...grumble), but I wanted it closer to the dishwasher, cuz I think my wittle fwiend is under there laughing at me hanging out. 

I was using a spoon to slide the set trap gently across the floor (I think I was holding my breath, even), when 

SNAP!!!

My bagel popped up.

And I peed my pants. 

The end.