Monster Jammin' Momma

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I am not a "Monster Jam" kind of mom.  I don't like dirt, loud trucks annoy me, and people on four wheelers scare me to death.  I'm also not a fan of truck/tractor pulls, hunting, fishing, sweating or camping - tent style.  I do love Disney on Ice, Sesame Street Live, musicals, shopping, air conditioning and camping - Embassy Suites style. 

With that said, I am a mom of a little boy who is ALL boy.  100% no doubt boy.  He loves dirt, loud trucks, four wheelers, being outside and running around.  His dad is planning on taking him camping and fishing this summer, which I am also sure he is going to love.  Because he loves the things that I despise so much, I try very hard not to show my dismay for the above mentioned things.  In fact, I even try to enjoy those things.

And that is what led us to "Monster Jam" on Friday evening:

Tickets to Monster Jam: $60 - The look on my sons face when we told him we were going: Priceless



Although Monster Jam is not my cup of tea, I was honestly and truely looking forward to going.  Maybe not so much for the trucks and car smashing but to spend some quality time with both my son and my husband.  In addition to the show, we told Brayden that he could pick where we ate at before the show.  Once I said the words "You can pick where we eat at", I immediately began praying for two things:  One, that he wouldn't choose Chuck E. Cheeses and Two, that he would pick Jose Peppers,  because he knows that's my favorite.  His restaurant of choice:  IHOP.  So, we loaded up the car and set out for our first stop of the night: International House of Pancakes.

Such a little character!

Parenting 101:  A place that offers 5 different kinds of syrup, in addition to whip cream and fruit topping for pancakes is not a wise choice of venues to eat at.  FYI.

With our bellies full of breakfast for dinner, we were off to our next stop - which was our destination for the evening:



We're cuties and we know it!



And our adventure begins.  I was immediately emersed in Monster Truck mania.  There were people with signs with their favorites written on it.  I was informed of Trucks called Gravedigger, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, Bad Habit, Grinder and more.   We spent $55 on Cotton Candy with a Monster Truck shaped hat attached, a Hotwheels Grave Digger car, a Grave Digger sword and a program.   I really had no idea what this so called Grave Digger was or why he was so popular - but apparently everyone else did because I was definitely not the only one purchasing over priced plastic swords!

I did a lot of cringing - every time a truck flipped on it's back wheels, I was sure it was going to flip over in the stands.  When these trucks were doing donuts in the middle of the track, I thought for sure that they were going to lose control and slam into the side of the track.  And I was sure that a piece of debree from a crushed car would come flying straight into Section 114.  My heart stopped when one of the people racing a four wheeler went over their handle bars and laid in the dirt, for what seemed like forever - not moving at all.  And with the smell of exhaust fumes, I was almost certain that there would be some sort of explosion and the whole place would be evacuated.  And I used the words "I'm going to have a panic attack" about 47 times during the first half of the show.



I ain't saying she's a Grave Digger...but she ain't messin with no broke....nevermind.

Brayden had these spiffy ear muffs to protect his hearing, and Garry gave me some earplugs.  My question to Garry:  "Why the heck have you been holding out on me with these earplugs?  No wonder why your so calm all the time."

Monster Trucks in all their Glory

I also did a lot of laughing, cheering, and clapping.  We picked favorites during each round:  Brayden and I always picked the losers and Garry always picked the winners.  I howled when my new favorite monster truck, "GRAVE DIGGER" entered the arena.  I screamed when the only woman driver made her way back into the arena after her truck had some initial difficulties during the wheelie competition.  My heart swelled with pride when the driver of the four wheeler that went over the front of his contraption got up and walked out of the arena.  I smiled with a sense of pride when my 3 year old found a little boy named Alex and started playing with him - even letting him play with his brand new Monster Truck.  And I couldn't help but laugh out loud when one of the parents in front of me looked at our sack of souveniers and asked "You guys bought the whole set huh?"  I just smiled and said "Pretty Much".





More from Parenting 101:  Your kid will ultimately become incredibly whiny and incredibly hard to deal with after pancakes drowned in 5 kind of syrup, 1 bag of cotton candy, and bottle of juice from Quik Trip.

This is Brayden and his new friend Alex.  It was cute to watch them play together, even though they got in trouble for playing on the stairs.   Darn those fire hazards.

Grave Digger Truck and Sword and of course, our Grave Digger hat.

Overall, it wasn't as bad as I had expected it to be.  The earplugs prevented a headache that I had been anticipating, the Monster Trucks had provided me some unexpected entertainment, and the look on my boys' face (the big one and the little one) totally made my night:



Two of the most important guys in  my life - having a blast.

In fact, if I'm being honest here (which I usually try to be) I had a blast.  We definitely made some fun memories.  I definitely want to come back and eventually take Emma(so there's a little more girl power on my side.) I'm even finding myself wanting to plan a trip to North Carolina so we can go to the Diggers Dungeon - which is billed as a must see for Grave Digger fans...which I guess includes this momma now.

What have you endured as a parent for the pure enjoyment of your kids?   Monster Jam? New Kids on The Block?  The Wiggles in Concert?  Let's hear it people!!  

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And now, Tiaras and Tantrums is please to welcome a new sponsor to the page: Independent Consultant for Tastefully Simple, Tiffanie Whitby!

Tastefully Simple: The food you love, the time you deserve. Tiaras and Tantrums is pleased to welcome Tastefully Simple representative Tiffanie Whitby as a sponsor! Tastefully Simple offers a wide selection of convenient, easy-to-prepare foods designed to help people spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the rest of their lives. There amazing line of products are available through consultants, such as Tiffany Whitby! Tastefully Simple has an amazing line of desserts, dips, drink mixes and more!

As an added bonus, if you place an order through Tiffanie Whitby this month, she will throw in a FREE bag of Tastefully Simple Vanilla Caramels. Contact her today via Facebook to place your order and get your free back of caramels!  Rememeber though, it's for this month only, so get those orders in!

Thanks for joining us Tastefully Simple Tiffanie and Welcome to Tiaras and Tantrums!  And as always, thank you to everyone who is taking the time out to read this blog - it really means a lot to me.

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Also, if you are interested in advertising on my blog, please contact me at braydenandemmasmommy@yahoo.com  I'm looking for direct selling consultants, Handmade crafters, photographers and more! 



Two for One Special!

I obviously failed at writing everyday - in face I only made it 5 days.  With that said, tonight will be two posts in one to make up for yesterday!  Because I'm the boss here and I can make up my own rules and regulations here. 

House Hunting with Mr. B and Little Miss E

We had a birthday party to go to Sunday and both of my kids were driving me CRAZY.  I should learn by now - never tell them we're going anywhere.  If you do make the mistake of telling them we are going some place be prepared - they will undoubtedly ask you every 10 minutes - "Are we going yet?" " Is it time to go yet?" "Is there going to be cake there?"  "What are we going to do there?"  "Are we leaving now?"  "Mommy, are you angry?"  Yes, by now I should no better than to tell them we are going any place - it should be left to their surprise.

Back to the story:  My kids were driving me crazy and we still had about 45 minutes before we needed to leave.  There was a lot of yelling, room destructing, and my patience was running thin - very thin.  So, I chipperly asked "Who wants to go look for a new house?!"  Brayden eagerly agreed, and because Emma does everything he does, she was game as well.  So we loaded up the car and we went a house huntin'.  We drove over to Elementary School located in our town.  I showed Brayden some houses that we had looked at before we bought our current house.  His reaction? "Hmmmm....I'm sure kinda glad you didn't buy that one cause I don't like that car in front of that house."  I tried to explain that if we would have bought that particular house then the cars would be different, but he wasn't having it.  So we continued on our house hunt.  The bigger the house, the more excited he got.  He said things like "Ohhh...that one has a flag on the porch and we definitely need that one."  or "Ohhh....that one has kids playing in the driveway, can we have that one?" Or "Hmmm...that grass looks lawn mowed - daddy would like that one."  He even said "That one looks a little pricey for us, so its probably not gonna happen momma".  At the end of our trip, I explained to him that we would move someday, but our plan was to wait another 5 to 7 years. (He was ready to skip the birthday party and go pack up his room.)   He very calmly stated, "Well, 5 years works best for me."  Brayden Johnson: Keepin' it real since 2008. 

Big Girls Don't Cry....Nor do they stay in their big girl beds....

Damn my husband and his occasional efficiency.  I suggested on Saturday that we turn Emma's crib into a big girl bed.  20 minutes later he was finished with the conversion.  And four hours later, he was headed to work for the night and I was left to deal with the first night in the big girl bed by myself.  Like I said, damn my husband and his occasional efficiency.

Emma had taken no nap that day, so I put her in bed at 6:30.  My kids go to bed at 7 anyways, like clock work so this shouldn't have been a big deal.  I was probably in her room six or seven times in between 6:30 and 7.  In between 7 and 8,  both kids had their heads stuck out there doors and were talking to each other - one of the dangers of putting your kids who are 22 months of part in rooms that are right next to each other.  I probably said "If you two don't be quiet, lay down, and go to sleep - I'm going to call your daddy", at least a hundred times.  Brayden finally conked out about 8 - but Emma was still going strong.  From 8 to 10, I made multiple trips to her room, removing necklaces and dress up clothes from her body, taking books out of her bed, and re-tucking her in for the millionth time.  The last time I went into her room, (shortly after 10), I made a deal with her.  (Yep, I'm bargaining with an almost two year old.)  I told her she could pick one thing to take in her bed with her.  My hope was that she would pick a stuffed animal or doll - she put her little hand on her hip, strutted over to her closet and picked up her Mini Miche, strutted back to her bed, plopped herself down and snuggled with her purse....and went straight to sleep.   "I heard mommy exclaim as she walked out of sight...finally I've got peace and quiet for the night." 



Happy Tuesday!







The Gift of Giving

You know that old saying "It's better to give than to receive?"  Well, from experience, I absolutely love getting gifts.  I love going to shows and expos and picking up the freebies.  I love surprise Starbucks gift cards that are left on my desk at work.  I love surprise sparkly things that I had no clue that I was getting.  I love going to my moms house because everyday is like Christmas there.  I always walk away with something great. 

Something I love even more than getting stuff?  Giving stuff.  I love giving my kids presents because they get so excited.  I love shopping for other people.  I love doing things for other people

Something caught on in 2011 in my family, and it has carried over into 2012.  It all started when my niece and nephew had a joint birthday party at Harvesters Food Bank.  For those that don't know, Harvesters is a food bank that serves our local community as well as all of the surrounding communities.  It's a great organization.   The kids (who were turning 10 and 7 at the time) chose to have a party at Harvesters instead of a big bash with all of their friends.  Instead of presents, they asked that people bring non perishable food items to be donated.  We also rolled up our sleeves and sorted through fruits and vegetables that would be handed out to those in need. It was an interesting afternoon - I know that I will never again look at a food bank the same way.  That one organization does so much good and it is almost completely staffed by volunteers.  It's a pretty amazing way to spend a day, that's for sure.

The giving continued with Brayden's 3rd birthday party - Brayden told me he didn't care about presents and he just wanted cake.   We are extremely fortunate - our kids have amazing Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents (and pretty awesome parents too) - our kids have never went without anything that they needed or anything that we thought they might want.  Brayden didn't blink an eye when I suggested that we forgo the gifts and give donations to Hope Haven.  While I didn't go into the details of what Hope Haven was (one of its purposes serves as a domestic abuse shelter), I did tell him that he could help a lot of people.  He really got a kick out of that and we collected a great stock of items to donate in his name.

My niece turned 9 today, and instead of presents she asked that everyone bring items to donate to Aaron's House - a home for pregnant teens ages 12 through 19.  We were asked to make Welcome Baskets to give to the residents at Aaron's House.  M and her friends made over 13 baskets to give away to the residents - filled with shampoo, soap, slipper socks, hair ties, baby items and more.  I had taken Brayden shopping with me to pick out the items that we would donate, and he was so proud picking out things to give away.  I couldn't help but smile watching him pick up two of everything and telling me that we still needed to get more to help people.  I may not be a perfect parent, but it's moments like this where I feel like I may be doing something right. 

And on that sentimental note.....It's time for some prizes!!!! 


The winner of the Skinlogics Lip Apeel by BeautiControl is Mrs. Johnny K!

The winner of the Love Flameless Candle is Marie - workfromhome.com!

The winner of Twilight Woods Antibacterial Hand Soap is  Jana

The winner of the Warming Trend Green Tea Masque by BeautiControl is Jen P!

The winner of the Rainkissed Leaves Antibacterial Hand Soap is Tiffanie!

The winner of the Midnight Pomegranate Antibacterial Hand Soap is Holly!

And because I had one prize left over, I did a random drawing from the girlies that participated in my blog....and the winner of the "You are Beautiful, Inside and Out" sign is.....Kristin Carver!

Please send an email to: braydenandemmasmommy@yahoo.com with your full name and mailing address - as soon as I  have this info, I will get every one's prizes shipped!

Congrats to everyone that won!  I'm working with a lot of other vendors to keep doing the giveaways - and I already have my own prize closet, so keep reading!  And whether you commented or not - thanks for reading!  Really - thank you for reading!

Untitled

I really don't have much to say tonight...and it's Emma's first night in her big girl bed, (which is its own blog for another night.)  So Instead of making this completely about nothing....I will just remind you to go check out last nights blog - and make sure you leave a comment on "I Feel Pretty" for a chance to win, win, win!

http://tiarasandtantrumsjohnson.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-feel-pretty-oh-so-pretty.html

Random Drawing tomorrow after I get my kids to sleep!  Look for a more thoughtful blog tomorrow!

I feel pretty, oh so pretty!

One thing I've struggled with for a majority of my life is my own self image.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that a lot of women have struggled with their own self image as well.  Many are probably still struggling. For whatever reason, we are our own worst critic.  When I was in high school I was completely uncomortable in my own skin.  I felt I was overweight, my nose was the size of Rhode Island, my boobs were to big for my body, and I couldn't pull off the low rise jeans like the other girls could.

Flash Forward ten years later:

I'm much heavier than I was when I thought I was fat, my nose is still the size of Rhode Island and my boobs are still huge - except now they are huge and droopy.  And to top it off, I have this massive pimple coming through on my chin.  I obviously have way more physical issues now then I ever did at age 18.  However,  I'm so much more confident and happy with myself now then I ever was then.  Saggy boobs, back fat, stretch marks and even my huge pimple cannot stop me from feeling pretty and confident.  While I don't think I'll be modeling for the Victoria Secret catalog anytime soon, I don't let not being perfect get to me anymore. 

I saw this picture on Facebook the other day and thought it would be perfect for this blog:

I took a little survey this morning with some of my friends and family.  I asked one simple question:  What makes you feel pretty?

Ashley, my cousin and a newlywed had this to say:
Getting all dressed up and when I see that big smile on my husbands face :)

Beka, a friend from my college days had this to say:
My best friends strengthen the confidence I have to be me, which in turn makes me feel pretty. Working with my youth group kids helps a lot, too! They're not judgmental about the way you look, the clothes you have, etc. For them, it's all about how you treat people. They make it easy to settle into my skin and feel awesome about it! 

Kristin, one of my oldest friends (meaning we go way back) and an expectant mom had this to say:
Right now I feel the prettiest I've ever felt probably has something to do with the little rugrat inside me right now!!! I love being pregnant :)

Sonia, my sister and friend had this to say: :
I feel prettiest when my daughter tells me I do. The best compliment she gives me is when she changes her clothes so she is dressed like me.

Jen, friend and fellow mommy blogger had this to say:
Red lipstick and an amazing perfume!

Jana, my sister-in-law, friend, and back up baby sitter had this to say:
John pawing at me (I know, TMI, sorry, being honest) and his, "Hey, pretty lady," comments... Mascara... Compliments from the kids (cause you know they say what they really think)

I can personally relate to all of the above - except for my sister-in-law talking about my brother pawing at her....but that's because it's my brother and that would be gross if I related to that. :)  Each beautiful girl up above all came up with a different answer, a different view on what makes them feel pretty.  After thinking all day about what made me feel pretty, I cam up with the following list:

1.  BeautiControl Mineral Eye Shadow - Downtown Chic....I feel I'm at my best when I take the time to use this specific eye shadow.

2.  Flashy jewelry - the bigger the sparkle and flash the better.

3.  My kids - While reading "People Magazine" the other day, Brayden pointed to Kim Kardashian and said, "Momma - you kinda look like her."  Now, while I look absolutely nothing like Kim K, I was flattered that my three year old saw me as a tall, brunette, Armenian girl with really great shoes.  He obviously thinks I'm beautiful!

4.  My husband - He never comes out and says "You are really pretty."  But he holds me when I'm ugly crying and always kisses me afterwords...now its possible he's just trying to get lucky, but it still makes me feel pretty. 

5.  Smiling - Because Smiling is my favorite.  And everyone looks pretty with a smile on their face. 

What makes you feel pretty?  Comment below for a chance to win a fabulous prize! There are seven chances to win. Winners will be chosen via a random drawing on Sunday evening!    Good luck!

Beautiful Inside and Out Picture, Bath and Body Works Anti Bacterial Hand Soap (Rainkissed Leaves, Midnight Pomegranate, Twilight Woods), Love Flameless Candle, BeautiControl Skinlogics Lip Apeel, BeautiControl Warming Trend Green Tea Masque

WANTED:

I am looking for home based businesses, either in direct sales or hand crafted items to advertise on my blog.  It's at no cost - it just helps me get more exposure and helps your product do the same.  If you are interested shoot me an email at braydenandemmasmommy@yahoo.com and I will send you more information!

Chalk on my Floor

Last night, while attempting (and succeeding) in writing a blog before my kids went to bed, my one year old crawled under our kitchen table and proceeded to color the floor with chalk.  My three year old kept going under there too so I honestly thought they were just entertaining each other.  They were doing exactly that - except he was supplying her with the chalk and then using a bottle of water and a paper towel to clean her mess up under the table. 

Shortly after dinner tonight, Brayden threw a massive tantrum that eventually required him to find a place in his room.  He kicked and he screamed and said things like "You better give me my baby room back because I'm acting like a baby!"  And "You are making me angry".  These were all said in a screechy, screamy, yelling kind of voice.

About Fifteen minutes ago, after I got the computer all booted up and began writing tonight's blog, my daughter came over and closed the laptop and said "The End hahahahaha". 

About ten minutes ago, Brayden came out of his room and apologized to everyone for acting like a baby.

About five minutes ago, Brayden came over to me and said, "Mommy Emma just said a bad word - she said damn and you should probably spank her."  (She hadn't said a word since he came out with his big apology a few minutes earlier.)

Now their dad is giving them a bath and I am contemplating.  I didn't get mad about the chalk, or the computer, or the tantrum.  There are few things in life that can't be cleaned up, fixed, repaired, patched or rebooted and I am slowly learning not to sweat the small stuff - like chalk on my floor. 

I'm taking a break from Challenge Thursday for a few weeks - but stay tuned because I'm working on some really great give-a-ways for February! 

Resolution Renovation

Happy Wednesday!  As I've mentioned before, starting this blog was a New Year's Resolution of mine.  I wanted something that I could express myself with as well as something that I could share a tiny taste of the craziness that is my family.  I enjoy being able to write about anything I want to.  I'm the boss here on Tiaras and Tantrums and no one can change that. 

Before I get started on the meat and potatoes of tonight's blog, I have some housekeeping to do.   I have taken on a challenge courtesy of NaBloPoMo - I am going to post something every day in February.  Just a forewarning:  Some days may be more valuable to you than others.  Depending on my mood, some days may just irritate the crap out of you.  I've started carrying a tiny notebook and pen with me at all times and as I have ideas I've been writing them down.  The problem is always remembering where I've put the tiny notebook and being able to decipher all of my scribbles.  I'm also sure that I will have to use the writing prompts provided by NaBloPoMo as well!   And one last thing - a huge shout out to my girl Jen over at High Heels and Dirty Dishes - because she completed this same challenge in January and was a featured blog during the month!  Reading her blog in the morning as I'm getting ready for work is one of the highlights of my day!  I seriously hope she takes on the challenge again in February because she is SO talented.

Back on point:  The first month of the new year is over with.  It's time to take our Resolutions for their monthly check up.

Below is a partial list of my resolutions.  I have a lot more.  My thought process is the more I have the more likely I am to have a better success rate.  We'll see how this works out next December 31st. :)

1.  Start a Blog 

Status:  I did indeed start a blog.  I am challenged in the technology area so I have some work to do.  I practiced "linking" tonight and I think I got the hang of it.  Overall though this blog thing is going pretty well and I am proud of myself.  

2.  Get organized. 

Status:  Not a complete bust, instead a work in progress.  I bought an organizer and I've written appointments in it.  I just forget to take the organizer out and look at it after I make the appointments. I also bought one of those dry erase calendars to hang on the side of our fridge.  I  bought it back in October in anticipation of using it into the new year.  While it is still hanging on the side of the fridge, it still has October written on it and it's pretty much covered with magnets and food coupons.

3.  Lose Weight.

Status:  I need to lose some serious weight like Paula Dean needs to give up on the butta. I lost 5 pounds in January.  Really it was just the last full week that I even attempted to diet all month.  I'm told that a healthy weight loss would be 2 to 3 pounds a week.  I've got a diet buddy now and we've set new weight loss goals for this month.  I've been making healthier eating choices - as long as you don't count the crab rangoon I had at lunch today.  I've also been trying to get in a little bit of exercise. 

On a side note:   Nobody better buy me any damn chocolate for Valentine's Day.  Chocolate is my weakness and it seems like every time I start actually losing weight, somebody goes and buys something that is deliciously orgasmic in the chocolate department.  Chocolate is this momma's version of a highly addictive drug.   I'll take flowers, a card, and Breaking Dawn on DVD instead of chocolate.  Thank you in advance for following this suggestion.  This means you Garry Johnson.

4.  Spend less, Save more.

Status:  Ummm...Epic Fail?  I would do better if it were save less, spend more.  My health insurance premiums went down about 22 cents, so I saved some money there.  I bought some Christmas gifts on clearance after the holidays, so I saved some money in the long run there.  February is a short month, so I'm thinking I should just give this one up until March.  March reminds me of green and green reminds me of money so lets table this one until March. 

Most of my resolutions, including the one's not listed on here are a work in progress...after all, If at first you don't succeed, try, try again - right?!


So what's the one New Year's Resolution that you are kicking some serious boo-tay at?  What's the one that you wish you had never made?   Leave a comment and I'll be your friend forever!