Being a PTO/SSS Mom/President

Since I was a little girl...I always wanted to be a PTA President.  Why??  I always heard that my Granny was one.  And I adored my Granny!  I remember the song...Harper Valley PTA....I can probably sing just about every word of it.

I remember being "IN" school and seeing the Moms who were on the PTA...and they just seemed like the Moms that baked cookies, talked softly to their children, had warm homes, happy families and everything was blissful...to a PTA Mom.

So, I would think of things to be when I grew up...and altho, I was really not fond of having children....well, maybe one...if it was a girl...maybe.  I wanted to be the President of the PTA!

When Sophie began school....10 years ago.  When I registered her at the Kindergarten special placement day.....I asked all of the right questions about the PTA.  I was give info and was very excited about it.

Once school began, I saw the notice for the first meeting and begged my best friend Debi to attend with me.  We did.  We sat in the back....stayed low.  Our girls were watched by older kids so we could have some peace while attending.  I knew I wanted to be there!

I was already class Mom, painting a dollhouse for the teacher, arranging to snacks for the class...you know all THAT stuff.  I was in heaven!  I was meeting other Moms and trying to piece it all together.  The who.  The how.  The WHAT?

So, next meeting.  I drag Debi again.  We are bolder now.  We ask questions....things that concern us.

We are poo poo'd!  You are kindergarten Moms (read nasty sarcasm)!  We were told to come back when we grew up.  It was deflating.  Debi was pissed and vowed...never again!  My heart was broken.

Yes, I was a Kindergarten Mom...but, I had a lot to offer!  I didn't have money but I had time to donate.  I was a widowed Mom with time on my hands...and I had a lot to offer!  Well...your loss.  Screw you PTO!  I will find something better to do with my time and still be involved.

I never went back to a meeting.  It stung!

Then 5 years ago...I was stopped in a parking lot of a coffee shop by another Mom.  She asked me if I would be interested in being on the board of our school's PTO.  I hungrily say....YES!  I think...OMG!  I want this so badly!  Like an ice cream cone dangling in front of me.  I WANT IT!

 So, to show that I can play ball...I buy tickets to an event.  A social event...dinner & cocktails at someone's home.  I play nice.  I watch to see what to do and who to impress.  I am thinking...I am vying for votes!  In my mind...it was like the Bunco group I joined years ago.  There was a black ball!  And I saw it used!  I wanted in!

So, after the meeting a week late, I got a call.  I am on the board!  OMG!  Happy Feet!  I am walking on cloud 9!

I loved being on the board of our PTO...altho we call it SSS.

I just finished my 2nd year as a Co-President with one of my best friends...Carla.  When we took on the job a Presidents...we had books that were neglected but nothing bad.  Money was light.  There was some but not enough to fund our entire budget for the next year.  And we had naysayers telling us to our face...that we would fail!  REALLY!  We were told to immediately start work on a dinner/auction or our SSS was going down the tubes.

Carla and I both neither wanted to do the auction.....or anything else that had been done before.  We wanted to be our own people.  We were just Moms who wanted to do their best for our kids and our school!  We wanted to get parents involved.  We wanted not just the "haves" to contribute to our school and own it.  We wanted everyone to be a part of our school!

We...together came up with a plan for what to do...and sink or swim...that was what we were going to do!

So, we took over for the 2010-11 school year.  We had assembled a lovely group of women that had sworn to stand beside us...and only us.  They just wanted to be heard and have leaders that would stand our ground.

We worked hard that Summer...pouring over PTO magazines...learning everything we could from that group to save...our group.

Our normal budget every year is about $18,500.00.  We started with NOT that much.  Our big concern was the teachers.  It was SSS policy to fund each teacher with start up money.  Normally that was around $10,000.00.  

Our group was amazing! We took on everything!  We sold flower bulbs.  We brought back the Jog-a-thon that was given up many years ago because they said it didn't work.  I set up a table on a few mornings and handed out Starbucks coffee jut to meet parents and show them who we were.  Our line was "we don't bite and we don't take your 1st born."

We raised enough money the first year to fund many field trips....plus the teachers money....plus as a Staff Appreciation to our teachers and staff...we redecorated the Teachers Lounge and feed them a great home cooked meal!

They loved us! 

This year...it was Carla and I again!  Now, we had to prove that it was not a fluke...our first year!  We had to surpass it!  And folks...we did!

We ended the year with $89,000.00 in the bank.  We voted to set up a fund of $25,000.00 for a movie theater type thing in the cafeteria or shade for the play structures and outside lunch eating area.  Our committee will be that years board, the superintendent and the new Principal.  We also gave $4,500.00 to our Special Education Program!  And we have over $50,000.00 left to fund the next 2 school year budgets if we choose to sit and twiddle our thumbs!

Now, I am a lone President.  Carla stepped down because with her job...she needs more time for her family.  So, I said I would run...altho I would LOVE to have someone be my Co-President.  No one did.  But, I had 2 people run for Vice-President and for our second year in a row....we had more people run on the ballot than slots to fill!

Oh...do I have big shoes to fill!  And I am so excited and scared all at the same time!

Boys...gross & cute!

Nash...Mr. Boy! 

I love this kid.  He will graduate from his second year of kindergarten!  And it was the best thing for him!  He is thriving!  As much as I would love to wring his little neck.  There are things I would like to change but, I think they are here to stay.

1. Angry Birds.  I hate them but they do motivate good behavior!
2. Absorbing the bad behavior of the more problem children in his class.
3. If I had a nickle for every-time I said...please talk like Nash please!
4. Dirt.....everywhere!
5. Sophie says it best...he always smells like pee & dirt!
6. Outdoor peeing!  What is that?????
7. He will EAT anything off the street or ground...anything!  But, put it on his plate...like corn on the cob and he pukes!
8. Jumping on EVERYTHING!
9. Spitting!
10. Using the words....boobies & penis....really?
11. Everyday...I pack in his lunchbox - peanut butter on white bread sandwich, blueberries, capri sun, Lay's or Cheetos and either pudding or fruit-es!  He is nothing if not consistent!
12. Licking the bottom of snails.  YES!  Then killing them by smashing them onto the sidewalk.
13. He is always sweaty!  
14. He picks me flowers...or weeds or sticks or anything he thinks is pretty. It is very cute!
15. And now....he collects rocks.  And I keep them in a bowl.
16. We have been working on him separating from me...and its working!
17. Burping
18. Farting
19. Not using toilet paper.
20. NOT flushing!
21. A kiss can fix anything...even the hole he put in his head the other day.
22. Basketball, bowling, cars & garbage trucks!

But, I wouldn't trade his yummy kisses every night when he tells me good night, I love you...MUH Huh!

e-book junkie...and I am next!

Have you ever bought one of the ebooks someone is selling on their website? 

I do.

They are little tidbits of wonderful information! 

I print them out and put them in a binder so that I can reference back to them.  I also keep them on my desktop so that I can reach them fast should I be sitting at my computer.

So, I have been thinking about writing an ebook...and can't decide the topic...any thoughts on what would be a good topic that needs my kind of flair???

Let me know in the comments...please!

My feelings on....Angry Birds

I am not here to judge or be mean about the person(s) that came up with Angry Birds.  Honestly....I think t is so cool what you have done with a game.  The marketing, the different game themes....I am in awe!

But....my son LOVES Angry Birds, the game and the little stuffed animals.  I really dislike them both  :)

The game.....

• the music hurts my spine
• the birds don't have legs
• why do the birds hate the pigs?
• I don't like pigs either after seeing what they are capable of on Criminal Minds...but, why to they have to make them explode?
• I do like a good baby back rib tho  :)
• did I say the music?
• yes, I did...but, I can not say it enough....I hate the music!
• is there really a drug hiding behind the Angry Birds?
• maybe it's a male thing...but, it's addictive!
• even Hubby loves the Angry Birds

The stuffed animals.....

• my son...owns several of the stuffed Angry Birds
• they are his friends
• they are also a motivator to learn how to detach from Mommy
• because if he learns the correct behavior
• he earns stickers
• that can be traded in for Angry Birds, the stuffed kind
• which have a voice box
• it's awful!
• the 1st one already has a damaged voice box
• it wasn't me
• but, if I could figure out how to damage the rest
• it would be me!

So, to the person(s) who invented the Angry Birds.

Congratulations on all of your money and future soft life.  You are what America is all about.  Making something out of nothing....creating a need for something you have made.  Way to go!

I don't hate you for your money.  Or how well you have done.  I am sure your Mom is so very proud of you!  You did well!

But, I hate Angry Birds.  I hate the music.  I hate the stuffed animals.

But, I am sure if it wasn't Angry Birds....my son would love something else.  But, I will be glad to see Angry Birds go away!

Do you believe we can talk to the dead??

My hubby has become obsessed with the Long Island Medium and now watches her every chance he gets.  I sit with him because I DO believe in talking with the dead.

So, do you?

Have you had an experience that made you think?

Have you lost someone you would love to talk to one more time?

I do.

I lost my son on December 25, 1995 and my 1st Hubby on April 29, 1996.  Both ...exceptionally devastating.

I would give anything to be able to make sure they are both ok....altho I know in my heart that they must be.

When my Hubby died.....it took the sheriff a long time to notify me after he had passed away.  but, during the time that he was gone...and I didn't know yet.  I knew something was wrong...very wrong.  And when the sheriff knocked on my door, I knew why.

Hubby also kind of hung out at our home for a couple of weeks.  I don't know if it was because she was so young and didn't know where to go or just wanted to make sure I was ok....because I was NOT!

We had a 6 month old baby when he died, and we had already lost another baby.  David's death was sudden and unexpected.  So, I think he hung out at our house because he was shocked but also to make sure I was ok to leave so that he could move on.

I do wish for a day...a day to spend with David.  Talk to him and tell him everything.  And his Mom.  And my son...I wonder what he would have looked like.  If the reason he came and went to quickly was what he was supposed to do.  I have a reason in my heart to explain his short life...but, am I right???

Listening to the Long Island Medium on the Dr. Oz show yesterday, she gave 3 ways to enable yourself to experience the other side, to open yourself up to it.  How the little things that happen and make you wonder....could be your loved on talking to you.

Anyway.  I believe in talking to the dead.  I believe that I have a large group of people that are waiting for me to arrive but I also know I have more to do here before I can go see that.

So, David, Nicholas, Ginny, Granny, Ricky, Edward, David Stark and others that I have not mentioned.  I think of you often and look forward to any communication you would like to give me....and look forward to the day when we will be together again  :)

end of the school year...if only

So, my baby boy will finally graduate from kindergarten.  He has had such a wonderful year.  He is so very ready for 1st grade....academically.  Mentally...he really wants to stay with Mrs. Carlon and Satchi.....or, if he could have his wish, homeschooling with Mommy.  Keeping him back was the best thing I could have done. 

But, Nash is ready....and I am ready for this next adventure for him.

And...my baby girl.  She keeps announcing that she is almost a Sophomore???  Really?  Where the Hell is the time going???

I am barely ready for her to be in high school...and her 1st year is almost over.

This was a hard year for her.  Big transition from a K-8 school to high school.  Then finding out that there are other things going on for her too.  I am so glad we caught it early.  Depression is not easy to live with.  And being a second generation person with clinical depression made it easier on her....but guilt ridden for me.

But, the days are flying by.....Sophie only has about 2 more weeks of Freshman-land and Nash is done with Kindergarten on June 6th.

I wish.....to make Sophie go back to 1st grade with Nash.  They could be playmates....they are polar opposites so maybe could inspire the other.

Oh, if only.....

todays Mother's Day

I said...very frankly to my Hubby and children....I don't want presents for Mother's Day.

I just want a day.  A day to sleep in.  A day to not do anything!  A day to walk around in my jammies without questions to my health.  A day where I don't have to cook a meal....or even make a meal for that matter!

Because I have a wonderful family...I got exactly that!

Now...2 nights ago...Hubby was running scared.  He was over thinking what I asked for.  Thinking I was just saying this...and really wanting something more.

Even my daughter came to me and said...does Dad NOT know you???  According to her...I stated very bluntly and plainly what I wanted.  I have never, ever had a problem saying exactly what is on my mind.  But, Hubby....like most men...thought I was being a woman.  Saying one thing...and meaning another.  And if he didn't figure it out...he would be dead.

I assured him...that Sophie was right.  I was not asking a secret, read my mind not my words thing.  I really didn't want anything....but a day of peace!

They let me sleep in with only a slight bed exploration by Nash, my 6 year old.

And then by 8:30am, they had gone to a McDonald's breakfast and stopped and picked up my favorite cake....and pink tulips!  Nash rushed into my bedroom to shower me with gifts...and a ton of kisses!  Sophie came in too to offer up some Momma-love.  Nash gave me the present he made at school...that I did NOT help with at all.  A very cool board that he wrote in paint and glitter...Love U.  It's awesome!

Now...being 6 years old...he did NOT get the leave Mommy alone and let her move around unnoticed.  He wanted to be his Mommy-fied self and drive me crazy all day!  Yes, I get that....that is my boy!  Ever 5 minutes...he was in my face asking to hang out with me.

But, at the end of the day....I have a great Mother's Day.

I have a family who loves me enough to let me have what I want.....jammies, pizza, cake and tulips.....and peace!

this is why...

Have you ever wondered why?  

• Why did I go through this horrible episode in my life?
• How did I get such an amazing daughter?
• Why did he die?
• How did I get so lucky to meet such a wonderful man?
• Why has life sucked so much lately?  
• How did I get such a wonderful life?

We go through the things we do to become better people. 

If we only have wonderful, happy moments in life and we have nothing to compare them to...would they really feel that great?

Life has given me some amazing moments...and not so amazing moments.  And I am glad for them both!

For all of the good and bad I have been through....I like who I am today  :)

1st BBQ of the season!

Oh man...do I love BBQ!

And all that goes with the stuff that is BBQ'd.  Potato salad....mine is amazing!  Grilled bread...bread and smoke....OMG!  Kabobs....LOVE KABOBS!  Beef or chicken...I don't care!  Meat on sticks....yum! 

The deck looks great! 

The weather is fabulous! 

Got the planter boxes planted with flowers and Nash's garden planted with things to make pizza, tomatoes, basil, oregano and bell peppers...plus some strawberries.

And you can gaze down at the big veggie garden at the back of the yard.

this is NOT my swing...but you get the idea

An awesome swing....for swinging!

I am enjoying the outdoors this year!

to hold them back...or move them on

Last year I was faced with the idea of holding Nash back and have him repeat Kindergarten.  He was not doing well and was young.  I had meetings with his teacher, the counselor and principal all agreed...to hold him back.

I did.

It is something many parents face at this time of year.

Last year....I was not really sure I was making a good decision. 

But, on the first day of school...I knew I had made the greatest decision for him!  Who....I say who doesn't love kindergarten?  And who wouldn't love a bonus year...to get acclimated to your surroundings and the expectations placed on you.

I am SO VERY GLAD I held Nash back.  He is flourishing!  And now...is fully prepared to face 1st grade next year.

My perfect Mother's Day

• I am too hard to buy for because anything I need...I get myself.
• I don't let them cook for me...cuz' well, Hubby has served my kids weevils and honestly, I don't plan to eat them again.
• I take 2 extended weekends to scrapbook retreat a year.
• I do way too much already.
• when I spoke to my Mom...it was always about her and never about me, even when I had no one else to celebrate my Motherhood.
• I teach an after school art enrichment class and we have been in throws of making presents for their Moms.
• What I really want...is a day.

A day to sleep in, wear my jammies all day and look ugly.  A day to admire my family and all that I have created.  A day to do whatever I want...without question.  To play in my scrapbook room, to eat cake and pizza and drink diet Pepsi with the thought that one will cancel the others out  :)

This is my perfect Mother's Day and I know...this is what I will have from my Hubby & kids that love me!

my Boy and his cling-i-ness

Today is day 3 of Nash walking alone from his classroom to the playground before school starts!  I have had to walk him, holding hands all year.  And still his anxiety has been very high.  According to my therapist....I am doing what I need to do.  Scary!  I can see in his eyes that he would be happy holding my hand all the way thru college!

He still asks if he can be home schooled instead of going to school.  This scares me to death!  I would kill that child...or suffocate to death!  There is no way I am prepared to be a home schooling Mom...without an escape.

I have him on a sticker earning program that can be traded in for a prize of his choice.  If he can get 5 stickers....I will take him to WalMart to buy him his latest addiction....Angry Birds!

He adores them!

So, fingers crossed!

After we get to 5 stickers....then I think I am going to extend the program and make him earn 10 stickers before a prize.

Being a Mom...is.....hard!