a few lessons learned

I have been traveling this week, thus the lack of self-deprecating humor on this blog. Hopefully, all of you legions of Ponytail Challengers are not too impatient with my lack-luster entertainment this week.


So, far I have learned in my travels:

1 mom and 3 children, (ages 4, 2 and 3 months) can survive 5 hours in a vehicle by playing "Paper, Rock, Scissors" over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. And, then, play it one more time, just for fun.

Crossing you fingers and making a wish does not make your vehicle get better gas mileage.

Yellow suckers have the best flavor. It only takes 8 suckers to come to that conclusion.

9 children under the age of 6 can get along for several days as long as there is a case of fruit snacks.

DO NOT take 9 children under the age of 6 to a college graduation ceremony and expect to actually watch.....or listen.... to the ceremony.

Fancy ladies should not sit in front of 9 children at a graduation ceremony.

Your 3-month-old baby should not make those little noises that accompany little smells, 6-inches behind fancy ladies' heads.

Do NOT let your 4-year-old stand next to the tech guy filming, recording and handling the audio at a college graduation ceremony. Tecg-guy gets a little nervous.

4-year-olds really like tech guy's lap top.

If you are throwing a party, the turn-out is probably much better if you actually invite people.

Taking your 4-year-old to the dentist and leaving $800 and 6 cavities later will not make a mother feel good about her mothering skills.

If the dentist office brings the mother close to tears, the child will get extra prizes and not one, but 2 really cool toothbrushes.

Yes- I said 6 cavities, I didn't believe it either, and yes, I feel really bad. Yes, we are now flossing....often. No, we will not be eating cases of fruit snacks or sucking on suckers during 5 hour car drives anymore.


By the way, all of these lessons were learned with smooth legs. As I hung my head in shame, I was looking at darling bright red polished toenails. It made all the difference. (see "L is for legs" challenge below)

I am sure there will be a few more enlightening lessons that I will learn in the next few days. Until then.....