My Everyday Duffle Bag

“Look into a woman’s purse to get a glimpse of her life.” Profound, I know. Most girls my age have lip-gloss galore, a small mirror, make up, and maybe some homework tucked into some adorable, undoubtedly bright colored purse. But, nay not his girl. I don’t have a carpeted luggage bag filled with lamps or whatever else the original MMP had. But here’s what I did find when I cleaned out my purse tonight I found

• printed off coloring pages
• a googley eye, must have fallen off a craft
• a tide to go pen
• germ-x
• band aides

Seriously, a craft eye?! What’s in your bag?

Beer

ME: Michael, what do you want for lunch?

MICHAEL: Ummm, maybe some noodles and cheese or peanut and jewwy sandwich. OH, and I want some woot beer.

ME: Uh, there’s no root beer in the house.

MICHEAL: Yeah! YEAH there is! Look.

Let me tell you, that wasn’t ROOT beer he wanted--just a normal 6 pack of beer.

ME: Noooooo, that’s not a kid drink. That’s just for grown ups. I think it’s your dad’s.

MICHEAL: Nuh-uh. Daddy let me have a sip because he thought I wouldn’t like it, but I do. I like it a lot so I can have one!

Great. Just great. Eventually he did settled for a tall cup of vitamin D milk. Thank goodness it was mostly painless.

Bottoms up!

Miss Mary Poppins

Thoughts...,

Today's post is not about the wee ones I spend each day with. It's about a different life consuming hobby: The Pioneer Woman's blog! If you don't know who she is, you're missing out! The woman is hilarious, a fabulous cook, and a great photographer. Plus she does give aways! Ye-ah! Today she was giving away a Kitchen Aide stand mixer and all your had to do was leave a comment answering this question:

"If you could snap your fingers right now and grant yourself one wish, what would it be?"

Without thinking I wrote that I would fast forward to August 7, 2010--my wedding day! So with my one sentence entry I'm just positive I'll win....I mean only 22,000 people left a comment. My odds are good, right? Ummm yeah...

I started to skim through comments 1 through 250 and found myself wanting to pray. I skipped a few pages and looked through many comments. It seemed like almost half the comments were people wishing they could pay off houses, students loans, or debt in general. People were wishing to not be having marital problems, their dear family's cancer would be healed, wishing they or family members could find jobs, and on and on. The most heart breaking one I saw repeatedly read "That I could have a baby". Man, people are battling so much more in life than I have to deal with right now. I pray against it, but there's nothing out there that says I couldn't someday be in each situation.

To me, this is just a reminder to pray for strangers, not be judgmental, and live life with opens arms. I used to say prayers for people driving past me or walking down isles in grocery stores. I mean, I don't know their story, but God does. His love for them is as unending as the ocean. On my fridge I taped a fortune cookie paper that says, "Be nice to everyone, for everyone is fighting their own battle." Don't judge the idiot who cut you off in traffic, don't give a glare to the extremely loud and irritating person at the movies. Just get over yourself. Who knows what their life is like? (Please, no accountability for the writer on this one. Not my strong suit :) Instead of being frustrated, send a smile, a nod, or note of encouragement if possible. A smile has turned my day around before, I think I'll do my best to pay it forward.

Love y'all! Stay strong!
Mary Poppins

No Sing! No Sing!

By far the most frustrating thing about blogging is that you readers are really missing out. You can’t hear exactly how the almost-two-year-old Jane says every single word. It. Is. A.dor.a.ble. Some of my favorites are how she says my name, cantaloupe, adios, please, milk, and love you. Have a mentioned it is beyond precious? However, this little angel is going through some pretty intense terrible twos. And in all honesty, most days drive me up a wall. We’re working on those nasty little tantrums, sharing, and hitting.

One thing she really likes to control is singing. Love ‘em, but these kids are odd. So, if I’m singing too loud or just if she wants to be singing she says, “No sing, Miss Poppins. No sing.” (you have to pretend you’re hearing it in the-world-is-coming-to-an-end-whiney voice) Her little eyebrows narrow together and she looks like she might just shrivel up and cry. But I, for one, think it’s hilarious. Ohhh pla-ease. I mean I might be tone deaf, but now I’ve got a 2 year old telling me to shut up!?!? No way. Today when Jane said, “No sing! No sing!” I asked her why. Do you know what this adorable-terrible-2-year-old told me?!?!?!...............................

“Because I said so”

Ohhh Emmm Geee! This cutie patootie put her hands on her hips and clearly stated what she’s heard time and time again. I’m taking this as my first warning. We’ve got a junior diva on our hands, Mr. and Mrs. Banks!

Happy Friday Friends!

Miss Diva Poppins

Yooo-Hooo

I am back. I have no idea for how many posts. It might be this single one or maybe I’ll get on a roll and be back for the next month. It is hard to tell. Everyday is different. Some days I want to cry from frustration, other days I laugh until I do cry, and occasionally I am just plain furious. I do realize that I’m blowing my cover and now all my faithful readers know that I’m not practically perfect in everyway, but it’s just the truth.

Today was one of those moments where I was so thankful that I was the daycare provider and not the mama. There are so many situations that I can laugh about because they are not really my problem! Issues that truly fall only in the parenting category. Today’s issue: language. And this isn’t your typical four year old name calling. This didn’t involve the words butt, fart, or stupid. Ohhhh nooo, this surpassed my every expectation. Brace yourselves!



MMP: Hey Michael, why isn’t there a star on the calendar for yesterday? You were great for me. Did you have a rough night?

M: [nonchalantly]: Yeah, I was like f****** crying all night. So ya know, I mommy said no star.

MMP: [stuttering] Ummm, wha, what was wrong? Whaaat, did you just say?

M: Ya know, like I was sorta, kinda weally mad so I was f****** crying all night wong.

MMP: Oh yeah. Sorry you didn’t get that star, dude, but you can’t say that word. You can just say you cried a lot.

M: Ohhhh yeah! Mom told me that was a mean word. So should I just say I was totally dude cryin’ all night?

MMP: Uhhhh yeeah…that will work better.



What in the wooorld?! Now, no one hates that word more than I do. But you’ve got to let the edges of your lips curl just a bit. I mean seriously, the child can’t say my name, L’s, or his sister’s name, but the mother of all cuss words he can pronounce per-fect-ly. Classic.

The Time Has Come to Say Good-Bye

Well friends, the time has come. The job will be coming to an end in May due to a city change for me. But the bad and the ugly at work are far outweighing the good. In reality this blog is just coming to an end a bit faster than expected, but that is okay. To all of my 4 faithful readers, thank you. I will still keep with blogland.

Love you all! Muah!

Sneaky, Sneaky

Part of my “pay” is food. All regular meals and snacks that I would prepare for the kiddos I also prepare for myself. When I first started working they even asked if I had a favorite soda or certain snacks I would want for them to keep in the house. But it seems the generosity has faded. Today I asked Michael where the chips went and he told me that his mom had hid them because “she said you would eat all of them.”

Annoyed? Yes. Irritated? A little. Humorous? Very.

Listen here people, I do not eat that much. I’m not sure why I think it’s funny. Maybe just because Michael doesn’t understand that his parents would (or should be) very embarrassed if they knew he told me.

I did what any normal person craving salsa would do. I searched high and low for those chips. And apparently I am not suppose to have them. They are hidden somewhere outside the kitchen. Now that is someone who really doesn’t want me to have those chips. I thought about eating all the crackers, but I got full. (Just teasing, of course)

Oink, Oink!
Miss [bloated] Poppins

Priceless

The Banks have often included Bert (or at least that’s what we’ll call him ;-) in dinners and parties. So needless to say Michael and Jane think he’s pretty cool, but especially Michael. I am not sure what an almost 4-year-old sees when Bert and I are at their house, but I never thought he understood it. With so many fine lines like friendship, his married mommy and daddy, family, I assumed he would just pick one of those and equate us with whatever made sense in his little head. But based on this conversation, I think I underestimated him!

ME: Aww I’m sad. Could I please have a kiss?
MICHAEL: Nah, just ask Bert!

I was just speechless…which Bert would say is rare!

Then today Michael grabbed my hand and said, “You married by me, Miss Poppins.” How cute is that? No matter what he says while his parents are walking out the door, I know he thinks I’m pretty ok! Bert, you’ve got competition!!!!

Adios friends!
Mp

I Needed a Plan and It Needed to be Good

It’s happen. Winter, that is. I didn’t have to work yesterday so I had no idea how much energy the kids might have built up after being stuck inside for a whole 4 days. I went in with a massive game plan:

1) Tackle them to get breakfast in their little bellies.
Now, I must tell you that breakfast is no simple chore in this house. Michael never seems hungry for breakfast and Jane would prefer not to be in her highchair first thing in the morning. But Mr. and Mrs. Banks and I all agree that breakfast is fuel. When you are that age you just don’t get a choice. But no, not today! I put breakfast on the table, turned around to fill some glasses with milk and by the time I served them cereal was gone! POOF! Just like that! I tell you, I witnessed a miracle in front of my own eyes!

2) Craft
This is not at all my forte but thanks for a great resource my mind has been cookin’ up many ideas! Today’s idea was to cut open an old cardboard box that used to hold diapers and draw a racetrack. Where the handles tucked in we drew “ramps” for the cars to jump. Our course was complete with hills and potholes too. They raced cars to their little heart’s content….er, uh until Michael ran over Jane’s hand. Still a success I say!

3) Lunch/Nap
We ate the lunch of champions and eventually everyone slept. Including me.

4) Activity
I must admit, at this point I’m feeling pretty strong. The day has been one of the best in quite some time. Anyway, they both woke up and we sang as many high-energy songs as I could think of: Hokey Pokey, Ring around the Rosie, etc.

Today I am so thankful for a much-needed break that I got yesterday. I know I can be better for the kids when I get some space. I also am just grateful that they were good listeners and obeyers today. Unfortunately that can be a rare thing, but days like today are motivating!

Quote of the Day

Is it just me or do ya’ll do this to? Every New Year I pledge to start a journal. I just picture myself looking at it ten years from now reminiscing. I start so strong. Long, interesting entries at first….then it happens. They dwindle. And to be honest, that is on good year. I recently found a journal from my senior year of high school. In the upper right corner it said “January 1” and it had a solid page of heart felt emotions and memories. It all came flooding back. I loved it. Excited to read, I turned the page. Nothing. Nothun. Notta. No dice. So, yes I have been gone for awhile. But don’t you worry this blog will be filled with many more stories.

Here’s just a quickie for today. Here’s my first conversation with Michael this morning:

MICHAEL: You better drink that cup of coffee faster, Miss Poppins.
ME: Why?
MICHAEL: Cause you’re getting old.

Sip on that next time you’re drinkin’ that cup o’ joe. That’s exactly what every gal in her young twenties wants to start thinking about!

Good Starts to Rough Days

This morning when I walked in the door Jane jumped up and down, ran towards me, and said my name the whole way. A-dor-a-ble! Everyday when I step foot on that foyer floor I have no idea what to expect, no idea what the day holds. But today I knew it would be a good day. In all honesty, it really wasn’t. But having Jane start my day out that way helped to keep my attitude in check.

On top of that little 30-second moment, Mr. Banks said that she was asking for me earlier in the morning. Today it seems the very best encouragement came from an 18 month old who can’t even say 100 words.

I hope you get to start your work day the same way I did,
Miss Mary

Perks

If you work in a cubicle can you fall sleep without anyone knowing? Because that would be a huge perk. If you work in a cubicle do you have to do dishes? What about diaper changes? There are some days where life in a cubie sounds more appealing. Oh well.....

See you under the florescent lights,
mary poppins

Crazy Logic & Conversations

First thing this morning Michael asked, “Miss Poppins, are coming over tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“Could you not? I don’t want you to come over tomorrow but maybe you can come the next day.”
“But tomorrow is library day plus your parents have to go to work tomorrow.”
“Oh ok! You can come over and I’ll even give you a hug.”

Later I heard Michael talking to his sister, Jane:
“Here Jane. You can have my sticker (he always takes the stickers off of fruit). This means you are part of the family now.”

If I understood Michael’s logic my job would be much easier, but as long as he keeps entertaining me with these conversations I don’t even care!

Love to All,
Miss MP

Big Accomplishments

“Miss Poppins!!! Come look at my big turd.” Only a man would be so proud of this accomplishment. I would love to think that he’ll out grow this….but I have a brother. I know better.

And no, I didn’t look. I had to pretend to though. He didn’t give me much of a choice.

Here’s to hoping no one poops during my shift tomorrow! :)

Signing out from 17 Cherry Tree Lane, London,
Mary Poppins

This Week I……

• Threw rocks in a river
• Got lots of hugs and even a kiss right on the nose
• Played peek-a-boo
• Made monster puppets
• Danced
• Built a train track and a gun out of legos
• Was a pretend horse
• Finger painted
• Put together puzzles
• Watched Peep and the Big Wide World online
• Read all sorts of Dr. Suess, Olivia, and Sandra Boyton books

What did you do at work this week?

Milestones

Since I started working for the Banks last January, I have witnessed many milestones in both kids, but especially Miss Jane. When I started working she was an itty bitty six months old. Take a walk down memory lane with me. I’ve watched her learn to………

• Pull up
• Crawl
• Hug/blow kisses/give kisses
• Wave
• Interact with others
• Walk
• Run
• Talk
• Go off bottles and on solid food
• Play independently

I could go on forever, but those are the big things that stick out to me. Fun doesn’t even begin to say it. She is constantly changing and growing and it’s cool to be included in that.

Mr. Michael was two, but almost three when I started. His changes seem more subtle and less momentous, but they are still significant. I’ve watched him learn……

• ABC’s
• Numbers
• Problem solving
• Cooking
• Sounds that letters make
• And More....

Pretty fun to see the logic change & those brain cells in work!
Mary Poppins

Texts

Here’s the text I woke up to this morning from Mrs. Banks’ phone:

“Michael wanted to send you a text. Here’s what he wanted to say: I love you and could you come over and play?”

Mrs. Banks was staying home with the kiddos today because Jane was running a temperature, but when I wake up to that text what can I say except:

“I love you too! I’ll be there soon!”

The fine print should probably say something about me stopping to get coffee and picking up the pieces to a lazy morning………BUT OH WELL!

Hoorah for surprise encouragement via text messages!
MMP

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

So I started this blog so I could write about everything. I wanted to write about the good, the bad and the ugly. The never-ending tantrums, the snotty noses and attitudes, the unpunctual parents, the back tal---I think you get the idea.

But the amazing thing is that the bad and ugly seem to fade because of this blog. When I know I’m going to be blogging I seem to be on the look out for the adorable, lovable, good moments. I had no idea it would be such a blessing!

What helps you see the good and fade over the bad and ugly? I'd love to hear from ya!

Here's to many blessings in your days too!
Miss Mary Poppins

*Disclaimer: This does not mean there will never be posts of frustration, irritation and general dislike. Also, punctuality is always appreciated.

All Grown Up

When I first started working for the Banks family, Michael couldn't pronounce my name quite right. I thought it was adorable. Recently he's learned to say each syllable perfectly. It is such a sad day. But now he adds a "ey" to the end of my name because he can tell I love it. Does that make him manipulative or sweet????

Hard Core

Me, Michael, and Jane totally rocked out dancing to this song. We didn't get as far as using hairbrushes for microphones like Taylor. We just used toys!

I was thankful it wasn't this song instead. I almost always have it stuck in my head. On some level I think I like it...but once it's in my head it's not cool!


Love,
Miss MP