Preschool or not?

I was talking to my daughters and we were talking about William going to school. We refer to kindergarten as the start of school since neither of the girls went to preschool. They were telling me that out of all their friends, they were the only ones that never attended preschool before kindergarten. I have thought about what I will do with William. Currently my decision is to teach him at home and not put him in preschool. It worked with the girls and since I am a stay-at-home mom indefinitely then I don't see why I need to do it. I almost seem to be an outcast since I am the only mom I know that has never done the daycare/preschool thing prior to kindergarten. If I'm home I don't see the need to spend the money if I can teach my child one-on-one. We have the park/zoo/library at hand for the social part. What do you think? What did you do with your little one?

Real showers

My 13 year old is home from school sick with a cold. I was able to take an actual real shower in the daytime without paranoia of what the boy could be getting into. This is a rare treat. There are those days I try to take a shower when it's just the two of us and it is always the day I missed the UPS/FedEx/USPS guy to sign for something important or a call comes through that I have been waiting on all day and I miss it. It was great to get to take my time and relax. Okay, I'm done. Just thought I would share. I know most of you stay-at-home mommas know exactly what I am talking about.

False accusations

Ever have those days that you hear a noise in the distance and you automatically assume your little one is up to no good? Well William had been getting in trouble all morning and I had to keep "speaking loudly". I thought he was messing with the TV and cable box but instead this is what he was doing.

This really makes me mad

Why in the world does William not listen to me? If Dwayne is around William dares not to try any stupid stuff. The boy will look around the corner to be sure Papo is not around if he is about to do something. When I am reprimanding his butt he looks at his dad the whole time. It really makes me mad because I spend all my time and energy on him. I can tell him "NO" fifty thousand times and it is irrelevant. Papo tells him once and that is all it takes. It really makes me feel so powerless and weak on days that I feel like I am screaming and yelling to make him listen. Ugh, it's been one of those mornings already :(

I'm not ready give it up yet

There are some items that parents believe to be a must with babies. Granted William is no longer a baby but now a toddler, there is still use for certain thing right? For instance, you still use the carseat, stroller, playpen and several other things. The one thing I still use is the changing table. Most people think it's a waste but I LOVE it. I had one that I used for both girls and bought one when I was expecting William. I love being able to store and organize his diapers, wipes, powder and all kinds of bath related and miscellaneous items. It has been the most useful piece of equipment we purchased.

Now what do you do when it gets to this point?

Man, I just don't want to get rid of this just yet! Will has outgrown this changing table by a couple inches. Y'all better not be making fun of me :P

Don't slam me for being a SAHM

Just a warning that the normally peaceful and sweet Shelly is not writing this post. The raw and outspoken Shelly is in charge. I have something to say to people who seem to have a big problem with the stay-at-home mom. If you meet someone who is a SAHM please do not say "Oh it must be nice". That is not a freakin compliment. Most people did not pay attention to what the word ASSume means. They like to assume because you are at home that your family is rolling in dough. This is not often the case for most of us. I stay home because I choose to. I am a very low-maintenance woman and do not feel like I have to have everything material. With 3 kids we would struggle worse financially if I worked. The cost of daycare/after care, arranging rides to and from school, cost of work clothing, additional fuel cost for travel and the list goes on.

Another assumption is that because I am home I have all this "free" time that I can sit around and do whatever I want. Granted, I do have more time than working moms however I utilize my time to benefit my family. I manage my home and always come up with more ideas and solutions for cutting costs without making the family feel short-changed. I do spend a good deal of time online but that has it's benefits as well. I don't just sit on the computer all day because I have no life.

I don't appreciate people asking me when I plan to go back to work or when I plan to put William in pre-school so I can get a part-time job. It's none of your damn business what my plans are. Again, please do not assume you know anything about my personal life. I really wish folks would realize that it is my choice and the choice of many others to stay at home for our children. I am sorry if I offended you but I just had to say what I needed. Please feel free to give your input on this subject whether you are a SAHM or if you work.

I just don't know

I really don't know what my problem is these days. I have not been feeling like myself at all. It's as if I was taken outside of myself even though my body is still there. I don't know what it is. I have not even been blogging and that bothers me. I have lost focus it seems. I really need to get it back. I am sure most of you have the same issue from time to time. I am taking some vitamins and trying to set goals with time limits and see how that works out. I am one of those people that will put in the necessary time to meet deadlines. I am going to make up my own deadlines and stick to that. I am hoping to get my mojo back soon. Do you ever go through this kind of funk? What do you do to get yourself back?

blog slacking

Hey Y'all...
I have been so bad at keeping up with the blog for the past few days. I guess you can say that I have been doing the mom thing so that has been my #1 priority. Having a 6 month old baby keeps my hands full and I never want that to affect my other children. I am a mom first before anything else. Oh, and if you had the husband I have, you would see how tough my job can be! Speaking of the hubby, please check out his blog. I have also been trying to help him get it together so be sure to show some love. I have some interesting topics I want to throw your way so be sure to keep checking in on me. We will have some good ones for tomorrow's Don'tcha hate it when... Wednesday. I am also going to have my daughters featured as guest writers so that will be very interesting. The are nicknamed little Shellys so who knows what might be in store! Dwayne, BEWARE!! I hope everyone has a successful day!

My part-time job

I have been working on my new part-time during the past few weeks in order to make some extra cash in my pocket. It seems as if Summer break mean an extra $50 plus on my grocery bill each week. I had to do something that did not require working outside of my home. I am making gourmet baskets for businesses. I will pretty much only work with businesses because most people don't want to spend what I have to charge in order to make a profit. I am having fun doing it and the kids enjoy watching me be creative. Here is the latest basket I put together...

Evil mom takes "paci" away

Yesterday was a very trying day. I took dear 'paci' away for good. I really had no intention of even starting little William on a pacifier, but when he stuck a couple of fingers in his mouth on the day he was born we quickly requested that the nurse bring us a paci. I knew one day I would take it away. My original plan was when he turned 4 months old, but then I thought, "what am I waiting for?" I figured the earlier I did it, the easier it would be. Now my baby is not a whiny little crying baby for the most part. The only time he actually cries is if he is hungry or sleepy. Normally we would stick the paci in his mouth and he would sleep. Well, now he cries for about 10 minutes and then goes to sleep. Everyone thinks I am the mean and evil mother but I am very consistent when it comes to raising my children. I had to do the same with Briahnna when she was the same age. She survived. William will probably get over it in a few days. Most all of my friends and family thought this baby would be the spoiled one...WRONG!!! He gets the same treatment the others did just minus all the bells and whistles. I better go have an extra cup of coffee this morning so I can be fully alert to handle the little boy. Have a great day!

Finally some photos!

Hello to my family and friends...
I have not posted on so long, as a matter of fact, not since before I had the baby. I have been spending my hours taking my time to gaze into my son's sparkling eyes, smelling his sweet baby's breath, touching his fragile little fingers and toes, and just savoring every moment of him being so tiny. I know that it will not be long before he starts sprouting teeth, his face changes, his cry deepens, and he will no longer be a baby. I do have a couple of photos to share since I must get 20 emails a day requesting them. He mostly looks like a sleeping little loaf of bread since we have to keep him extra warm until he picks up some more weight. With the way he has been eating, that is happening very quickly! Enjoy!!

Update

Hello, I know I have not been posting much lately. Been pretty busy doing NOTHING. Yes, that's right NOTHING. I know it sounds crazy but it has been just what I needed!! (Also it is orders from my hubby and children). Hey, if your spouse summons you to laying on the recliner all day eating bon bons and watching the soaps then who am I to object?!!! Hell, I will probably never get the opportunity to be a bum again so I am taking full advantage of it. I have my baby shower tomorrow so I will post photos of all the fun.

Happy Hour Addiction

I know what you are all thinking... No I am not abusing alcohol during pregnancy.

It's another beverage of choice.

Sonic Slushes!! I take the girls after school several times per week as a treat. I do not know how much longer they are having this promotion, but I intend to have my share each week!

Unexpected phone call

This morning I received a phone call from my child's school. Whenever I look at the caller id I sort of go into panic thinking it is the school nurse calling to tell me something happened to my kid. Well, today was very different. The caller was a gentleman (mind you there are only 2 men at the whole school 1. the PE teacher and 2. the Assistant Principal) Turns out it was the Asst Principal, Mr. Brown, calling for the parent or guardian of Briahnna Ismail. I said, "this is Sheliza Ismail, Briahnna's mother". He then tells me he was calling about Briahnna. For one second I got a little nervous thinking "oh no, what could she possibly have done?" He then proceeds to say that it was a "good" call to let me know some positive things Briahnna has been up to. He said that she was displaying 5 life skills simultaneous such as respect, responsibility, organization, and so on...

Her ALERT teacher (talented and gifted program) did a write up on Briahnna stating that her reading level has exceeded expectations. The program requires that each student must complete 8 book responses by the end of the school year. Briahnna had completed 8 book responses by September and has made a goal for herself to have 25 complete book responses for the school year. Go Brie!!!!!

Mr. Brown congratulated me and thanked me for being a great parent by encouraging my child to be the best she can be. I told him that I was so touched to receive such a nice call especially with the busy schedule he keeps. He took the time to call me to tell me something so nice and I expressed my appreciation. He said he felt 10 times better than me because it is a pleasure for him to get to call a parent about something so positive. I am so proud!!! I will have to take Briahnna out for a treat after school today. That's my baby!!!

My new job title

I have officially changed occupations from being a SAHM to a driver/ Chauffeur. Since school has started back I feel like I spend a great deal of time behind the wheel of my car. I am always in the carpool line either dropping off or picking up children. I am the default picker upper to a couple parents at the school in the event they can't make it on time. My older child Chardonnay has made it on the volleyball team (go Lady Warriors!!) so she has practice every day of the week including some Saturdays. Then my little one Briahnna has her teaching gig (junior black belt instructor) 3 days a week both at her karate school as well as the after school karate program at her elementary. Funny how athletic my kids are as I have not a pinch of an athlete in my body. I guess their dad has a function after all! By the way, thanks to all of you for your well wishes on my pregnancy and for the advice. It is like being pregnant for the first time after having my last kid 11 years ago! Hope I know what to do!

Momfiles news

Hello friends! I wanted to share with all of you my great news. I am expecting!! I am 8 weeks only and thankfully not sick or tired. My hubby is behaving so nicely (shocking). He has been catering to me and has just been extra nice unlike his normal annoying self. You mean all I had to do was get knocked up for him to act right? For those of you that are regular visitors of Days Like These, there was a post made on a certain friend that is expecting. Okay, the cat is out of the bag, it was ME!!! I had to process everything before I could say anything about it. I was going ballistic at first thinking "I have not had a baby in 11 years, what am I thinking?" Then reality set in and now I am so excited I can barely stand myself! I am not due til early April and will keep everyone posted. The number one question I have been getting is "I bet you hope it is a boy" Both the hubby and myself have no preference and will be pleased either way. We just pray for a healthy baby (just no twins please!) I certainly appreciate all your prayers as we take this crazy journey into parenthood all over again.

aaaahhhh!!! Snake!!!!

I had something happen to me this morning that scared me to the point that I thought I could be having a heart attack. Last night the hubby and I went to bed very late trying to get our internet and multiple digital phone lines straightened out and functional. We have been have experiencing a lot of problems with all of those things. We did not get to bed until about 2am and woke up at 6:45 cause hubby had a very important meeting to attend. Remember, I had very little sleep so I could not really see straight or comprehend things too easily. I snuck downstairs to my office to check my email like I normally do. Okay fine, I was also signing up for a couple free samples (I can't help myself!) :)

Anyway, I was getting up from my chair to walk upstairs to go on mom duty when I looked over at the trash can right next to me and this is what I saw.

~Now keep in mind, I was very sleepy and could not focus too well.

How sad that I thought it was a snake! In fact it was the old phone cord that I put in there last night. I screamed sooo loud that my kids thought there could be an intruder in the house or something just as bad. I could barely breathe for like 20 seconds. I felt so stupid afterwards. Now if my hubby was there he would have done a video blog post and probably talk so much trash about me. Now that is quite a way to wake up in the morning I have to say! I sure did not need coffee today!

Great kids

Yesterday I spent most of my day running my mother-in-law around to doctor appointments and left the girls at home. They had a job... babysitting daddy! Well, daddy worked late the night before so he had to take a much needed nap. This made the job easier for my girls. Well, I do not have your average children. Do you know what they did while I was out? They cleaned the house! Not just picking up a few things but they actually cleaned the house. Everything from washing and packing dishes, vacuuming, dusting, picking up, cleaning their bathroom, sweeping, and laundry! I did not even ask them to do it. I asked if there was something they wanted and they said "no, we just thought we would help out". Those girls have really made my month. I am just so blessed to have them and appreciate the young ladies they are growing up to be. I am taking them today to a couple places to let them pick out a few trinkets for the thoughtfulness they showed me. Here is a photo I snapped of them. They are going to be great moms and wives one day. Maybe 30 years from now if you leave it up to daddy! I love my babies!

Momfiles Contest Winner

Here's Tanyetta out of California showing off her winnings! Happy shopping girl!

Be sure to check her blog out at

Days Like These.

To everyone that participated to make our first contest a success, I send you all a warm hearted Thank YOU. Look forward to our next contest coming soon. Maybe, I can convince hubby to up the Prize Package, but don't expect any cruises or new cars!! LOL!!!

Free Stuff Site

Okay, I am sure most of you think I am a maniac and I need help. Look, free samples are available for a reason so why not partake? Check out this awesome site FreeSnatcher.com . I was led to it from another blog and I am absolutely hooked! I bet you will be too! Warning: Signing up for too many samples in one sitting may cause severe neck and back pain. Pace yourself! Leave me a comment to let me know what you think. Have fun!!