presents, presents, presents

funny how as parents we focus so much on making sure we get the "right" presents. Picking and choosing the ones that are at the top of our children's lists, but meet the mommy criteria. Then the holiday comes, the children unwrap all their goodies and turn to you and say, "But what I really wanted isn't here..." and mommy guilt sets in.

Would it have been so hard to just purchase that number one gift, the one you think is revolting and inappropriate just to see a thrilled child on a holiday morning?

Ugh, ugh, ugh....know what the "right" answer is, but what's the "better" answer?

Tis the season to be jolly

Ok, so Christmas has once again snuck up on me....I have one down with strep throat but at least the shopping is done (thank you online merchants!).

I've made the requisite cookies, so pour me a big glass vino and settle back, Santa has lots of wrapping to do...

does as mommy says, not as mommy does

This really happened...

"Mom, I'm really upset."
"Upset, upset about what?"
"Because I am angry with you."
"Angry with me?? What did I do?"
"You weren't nice to my kitty cat, Butterfinger."
"Oh, really? Well, I didn't mean to. The cat started it, but I'm sorry."
"That wasn't very nice."
"Yes, I know that now. I'm sorry."
"You need a time out!"
"What?"
"I said, Hit the front steps for a time out, missy!"

it begins

My typical thought when I am standing in front of the 90% off sale is "I just can't think about this right now. I am all Christmased out."

Then it seems like about 2 minutes later it is Christmas again and I am standing there going, "$7.99 for a big bow? Weren't they on sale for 99 cents last January?"

I hear jingling of sleigh bells

As I flipped through the radio stations today to appease the musical tastes of the three rugrats in the backseat, I heard my first Christmas Carol blaring over the car speakers.

A loud gasp escaped my mouth and the rugrat radar in the backseat picked up the blip and scouted it out with a "What's the matter Mom?". To which I responded, "Holiday songs all ready? What is this world coming to?". An intrepid voice responded, "It's OK, Mom. Just change the channel if you don't like it because it's YOUR car not the radio station's."

Out of the mouths of babes.

swapping sugar for self-love

Ok, I'll admit, I pulled a dirty trick on my kid today. Here's how it went:

The plastic pumpkins filled with candy have been sitting there in front of me for a day or two now and I have been so good, only about 5 sneak-ins a day. However, I discovered a load of Almond Joys at the bottom of my daughter's bucket today. Almond Joys are my complete downfall, I will do almost anything for an Almond Joy. Well, not wanting to waste the large number of Almond Joys in front of me I said to my daughter,"You don't like those candies in the blue and white wrapper - right?" She quickly responded, "Yup, I do." I quickly retorted, "I'm not really sure about that. I think you had one last Halloween and didn't like it. You better give them all to me."

So easily she handed them over and so easily they were eaten by me.

surviving a sick day at work

Suffering a cold at the office is just about the worst. There you are hacking up a lung and everyone in the office is cringing behind their monitors. About the only thing worse is when you are so sick you need call in sick (for real) so you are sick and the kids are not. I have had a cold for the last couple days and in and out of the office. I do not feel like eating, breathing, or moving in general. And, I definitely do not feel like thinking. The Halloween deadline looms, though, so I have to crack down and get working.

Halloween candy

I was recently at the store buying a gigantic size bag of the good Halloween candy - you know Snickers, M&Ms, Almond Joys, because I do try to be the "cool house on the block who gives best candy." Then I thought about when folks used to give out the full-size Hershey bars and you would grab and go, squealing with delight. Remember how you used to try and go back to the house and hope the owners didn't recognize you on your second round?

Now we filter our kids candy, walk with them the entire night and trick or treat inside malls....every day I struggle with how times have changed and what does that mean to us, our kids and the world we are all going to grow old in.

hi from DCmom

I started the DCmom.com site to give moms, and even their kids, a place to learn about all things chic whether it was a great happening or a fantastic find. Long known to my friends and family as a serial shopper, I figured I had a talent for picking out cool things.

After having dragged my kids to thousands of events, passed them candy just to keep them quiet while I shopped, I decided there must be a niche for the way I live. Actually, I'll confess, the turning point came when I was standing in line at a Loehmann's, trying to keep three kids quiet and standing still and the millionth person came up to me and asked, "Excuse me, where did you get those great shoes and bag?" "Ahhh", I replied, "Shoes a la Target and bag from Bendel's. A little splurge and steal in one outfit." My new friend replies, "Wow, I wish I could pull that look together."

Well my friends, we all have moments of greatness. I like to think that 15 mins of fame happens at least every hour - Right?

Welcome to my blog.