****NEWS ALERT****

I'm interrupting our regularly scheduled program to bring you this EMERGENCY NEWS FLASH.

Couple found in room, Have been there for years, Have NEVER left...

A Utah couple was discovered in their bedroom after years of being in there. When the couple was asked why they never left their room they stated, "All we needed was in here."

Apparently the couple was given a used, but nice fridge (for free I might add) and the only place they could fit it, because of the odd design of the house, was in the master bedroom.


A short time later the couple, who had previously been against a television in their bedroom, decided to add a wall-mounted flat screen. (who needs those pics of the kids anyway- we see their faces all the time)


The bed was already a permanent fixture in the room, useful for such things as sleeping and, you know, marital relations, so with all of these pleasures, who needed to leave?


The couple, who has 4 children, would make the kids do slave labor so they didn't have to leave. The local authorities are in a quandary as to whether or not they should file child-neglect charges. The D.A.'s only comment was, "Heck, if it was me, I'd have done the same thing. Good for them."

Well folks, there you have it.

Oh, and just before the time of this posting the author discovered that the mother was the president of the national "NPSA" group. Good for her!

Theme song- Love is All You Need by the Beatles... (love and a fridge and tv in your room)

NPSA Saturday Edition

I really don't have to preface this too much. Just let me tell you, this is neglectful parenting at its finest.

The band- The Offspring

The song- Pretty Fly

The words- "Give it to me baby, uh huh, uh huh!"

The ages, 8 and 4. Ya, I'm teaching them well.

Theme song is on the video, so no need for another one.

It's Finally Friday

Did you think I was going to forget? Sure didn't.

Hello, my name is Julie and I am a neglectful parent.

I was thinking today about being a mom. I birthed 4 beautiful kids. They really are great looking. Don't you think?


Ya, I thought you would think so.

Anyway, lately we have had an additional 2 kids in our house. Don't get me wrong, I like that my kids are kept company. They have friends to play with. However, I have a list of demands if this is going to continue.

• I should be able to discipline the 2 other kids since I am the one taking care of them. Their mom and dad are gone the whole day and although the parents don't "leave them in my care" the kids really do need someone to take care of them.
• If I am going to feed them lunch and dinner I should get $$$ for it. I planned on 4 kids, Hubby and I work to support 4 kids. 2 extra mouths for more than 1 meal a day is A LOT of food, especially since they are both boys and they both eat A LOT!
• If you are going to act like this is your house and just get in the fridge whenever you want or walk in my front door whenever you want, I will add both names to my chore chart. I have a lot of work that needs to be done, inside and out and could use the extra help.
• My house rules WILL be followed. There is no cussing, no hitting, and when I say "NO" I really do mean "NO."

Is this too much to ask? As a mom I think maybe I should have more compassion, but it is hard when I don't have enough money for my food budget to feed my family. It is hard to discipline my kids when they extra kids often cause the problems. I am not saying that my kids are saints. I really do know what hellions they can be- trust me! But they extra kids are older and have been raised differently and they like to use their house rules in my house. I also require that my kids ask before they get into snacks just so I know when they are eating (like if they try to snack 5 minutes before dinner) and what they are eating. Rarely do I tell them no. The extra kids don't like to ask, so they sneak into the freezer for a Popsicle/OtterPop when I am down doing laundry or busy blogging. I have even heard them tell my kids to ask me if they all can have a snack. My kids ask often enough. I don't need anyone else giving them more ideas of when to eat.

YIKES! This all sounds terrible. I know. Sorry, but it is true. I am just tired. They are pretty good kids, but I am struggling. Thanks for letting me vent.

Theme song- Mr. Rogers' Theme Song since the extra kids are my neighbors

NPSA- finally

Hello, my name is Julie and I am a neglectful mother.

A few weeks ago, when my sisters were here we sat around talking about being moms. I had to laugh when I thought of UMM (aka- Britin) going rabid in a restaurant in Idaho on one of our trips. It made me think of how I handle crises/tantrums/problems with my kids.

Here is what it comes down to...

I laugh.

No, I'm not kinding. If Oldest Child gives me a crusty look I give it back to her (and then laugh); if Snake comes in whining to me, I whine back (and then laugh); if UMM comes in screaming at me, I scream back (and then laugh); and if MMIT keeps calling my name, I call hers (and then laugh).

If you can't laugh what else is there to do? Cry? I already feel like doing that enough. I'd rather laugh.

Oh, and I think I am going to choose Trooper Thorn's song pick for yesterday's post, Daydream by Lovin' Spoonful.

Today's song? I tried "I love to laugh" from Mary Poppins but they didn't have it. I tried "Make 'em laugh" from Singing in the Rain. They didn't have that one either. The website I get them from was having a tard moment, so I don't have a new on for today. So just sit back and enjoy Daydream.

It's FRIDAY!

And really, we all know what Friday means, right? NPSA! Let's unite!

Hi, my name is Julie and I am a neglectful parent.

Why you ask? Well, there are so many reasons, so what should I focus on today?

I think we are going to go with dressing mistakes. I have been trying to give my children more freedom. This includes allowing them to pick out their own clothes. If you knew me in person you would understand that this is a B.I.G. deal. I struggle with my kids being tacky or being made fun of. So, here are just a few pics of dressing mishaps that believe it or not, I actually let my kids stay in... of course the nekked ones I required them to stay home or else get something on... enjoy (because I sure didn't- it hurts my eyes).

That is a dance tutu she has on over her clothes.

I know you have seen this one before, but who can't get enough of a toddler trying on mommy's bra?

Ya, Snake went to school like this in MAY! What a good mom I am.

I can't even tell you what this is all about. I have nothing.

Just in case she gets sweaty...

Can you tell which 2 kids I have the hardest time with? Oh, how I wish I just carried my camera around all of the time so you could see every tacky outfit the offspring have worn. It is scary. (I know you think I have my camera glued to my side but that would make showering and getting myself dressed kind of difficult.)

Theme song- Different Clothes by the Jason Crigler Band.

Saving one mother at a time

The title of this post is courtesy of my friend Sally, who is the coordinator of all things fun this summer. She even has a blog that keeps her summer posse in the know with what fieldtrips we are doing. Isn't she the best?

Well, Hello, my name is Julie and I am a neglectful parent. Even with Sally's help, I have not been saved from going crazy. (Maybe it's because I didn't go on the museum fieldtrip on Wednesday... my bad.)

Randomness of what my kids have been up to this week-

• MMIT dumped a bottle of intimacy gel all over my house. Ya, it was in my room where it belongs, but she has learned where to look for the forbidden from UMM and she got into it. Do you have any idea how slickery that stuff is??? That was a fun clean up.
• MMIT also dumped a whole bottle of childrens shampoo all over her bedroom floor. Thankfully her floor is wood, but still, it is practically impossible to get it all off.
• Snake and UMM had a food fight today with carrots/ranch dressing and hot dogs/ketchup. Nice... not like I wasn't already at my end. I had to pay my honkin' house payment today and even though we got paid today I have no $$$ left over, so I was already pissed.
• UMM likes to change clothes a million times a day so the clothes that I have just folded and put away are now either in the hamper (because I picked them up off the floor where she left them) or they are on the floor (where she left them).
• One of the offspring- no one will fess up- dropped a whole roll of TP in the downstairs toilet.
• I pulled out the ranch dressing from the fridge for the carrots today and had to shake it to make sure it was mixed. Whoever got it out last- have no idea on this one either because they all love to get in the fridge- didn't screw the lid on and I got splattered with ranch, a huge puddle on the ground and all over the fridge.

So, here I sit, eating cookie dough (my own personal therapy) and trying to keep calm. I just hope the children stay in hiding until their dad gets home. Hopefully he will have more patience when he gets home.

Theme song- Unwell by Matchbox 20. I have to giggle because it says "I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell." I'd have to say I am CRAZY!

Economic Induced NPSA

With the economic crunch going on right now (ie the downward spiral into the financial abyss) I have been suffering from even greater NPSA.

Hi, my name is Julie and I am a neglectful parent.

Hi Julie.

Today I had to pay bills. I know you are all just oozing with jealousy. Today was a BIG bill-paying-even-though-we-got-paid-today-we-are-broke-until-next-week day. Aren't those the best? I sat at my oh-so-messy desk going through all of the bills, paying the necessary ones (you know, the ones that would get shut off or get us evicted if we didn't pay kind-of bills). I feel like I am just wasting the money...


I had a fabulous post to write today about the mental violence that constantly plays in my mind (not against my children, just people in general- but that I never act on) but since I have had no time for my kids today because I have been paying bills I thought I'd get my jab in on the economy and stupid crapheads like my mortgage broker that totally screwed us over and I wish he would burn in hell for it.

Good, now that I got that off of my chest I need to tell you why I suffer from severe NPS today. I have recognized (that's the first step, right?) that the more bills I pay, the lower my bank account balance goes, the HIGHER my voice volume goes. Do you see the connection?

MORE BILLS = LESS $$$ FOR ME = SCREAMING


Make sense? I am sure my kids don't really get why mommy's patience runs thin on days like this when I have papers spread all over my desk and I can't really think straight. I am sure that they just want my attention. Who wouldn't? I mean, with a mom like me, I would want my attention too.

I feel sorry for my kids who just don't get it, even though I try to explain it. All they tell me is that they have money and I can use it if I need to. If only my house payment could be paid with the contents from their piggy banks. Too sweet, don't you think?

Theme song for today- Money, Money, Money by ABBA

I could use a little extra right about now!

Thanks google images for the pics.

NPSA meeting will now come to order

Contrary to my high hopes last week of having my own personal button for my weekly NPSA meeting/blog posting, I DON'T have it done. Yes, even when Anjeny tried to help me by giving me the secrets of the button-making, I slacked. This will lead me into my confession of the week for my NPSA meeting.

SLEEP.


I love it. I think, generally, it loves me too.

I can't really get enough of it. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that I have the weirdest schedule known to man (or at least known to me) but when there is a moment I can get sleep I crave it (almost like I crave chocolate- I said ALMOST).


This week was Spring Break. Beside going insane with my kids all home and antsy to do things do you wanna know how I celebrated?

I SLEPT!


No, really, I did! Granted, I didn't go to bed any earlier than 2am the whole week, but lets be honest, do I really need to stay in bed until 11? Well, that is what I did today. AND I LOVED IT! Hubby got up with the kids shortly before I got out of bed and I could hear him telling the kids what needed to be cleaned before Mommy saw the mess! Isn't that just sweet? SO considerate!

My kids really did do a pretty decent job of taking care of themselves, but when the oldest is not even 8 should I really expect them to be taking care of themselves? Hey, I was home at least.

If there was a fire hopefully I would wake up to the blaring fire alarms or the screams from my children. If there was any other emergency I would have been there for them. Not fully clothed, but I would have been there.

So really, is this neglect of my children? Not sure on this one.

Theme song- Bella's Lullaby from the Twilight Soundtrack. Of course!


Quick shout out to Anjeny over at Ramblings of an Islander- she has officially joined my NPSA group. Hello Anjeny! WOOHOO!

Where have I been?

I know peeps. I have been neglectful of your blogging needs lately.

This just follows my neglectfulness of what is supposedly important in life, like my kids.

Today is our weekly meeting of NPSA (Neglectful Parents Syndrome Anonymous). If you need more info on this check out my original post. This is our third weekly meeting. Yes, this support group is in its infancy, but I really feel support from those of you out there who have been participating in my NPSA meetings via my comment box. Really, I'd love to encourage you all to get on the bandwagon and post your own admission of NPS! (Hey blogging peeps...how to I make a button? I really want to create one for my Friday posts, but I am not so smart in the button arena. Fill me in- thanks!)

I'd like to bring this meeting to order. Thank you for all being here. Sometimes I feel all alone in the world with my NPS and then I come here and I know that I am one of many (or at least 2 because my sister told me she would stop by today).

I struggle, as most of you know with time management. Really, I don't manage it at all, I just go with whatever I feel like doing (which never includes laundry, dishes, making beds or cleaning bathrooms). Usually I feel like being on the computer or watching a total chick-flick. So, I am admitting to my electronically-induced child neglect today.

Yes, the keyboard and mouse, the screen and the remote call my name constantly. Who needs to get your kids dressed or change diapers when you could be watching a fabulous YouTube video spoof of Twilight? Really people. So, I've seen the video about a million times (maybe closer to 25, but who's counting when you are rolling on the floor laughing your butt off?).

Facebook calls me when I have to get the lowdown on my non-blogging friends and family. It also calls me when I get a hankering for a good gamefest of Bejeweled Blitz. This can keep me occupied for hours (literally- I was almost late for a Dr's appointment yesterday because I was playing and kept telling myself- ONE MORE GAME, JUST ONE MORE!).

The hilarious (or sad) thing about watching movies is that I have a very hard time just sitting down to watch it. I have to multi-task. I should be using my hands to fold the bazillion baskets of clean laundry while I watch but lately I just grab my Sudoku book and have at it. I guess my brain is in need of extra stimulation. It's good for me, right? I'll keep telling myself that for now.

So, do I need an intervention? Do I need to have hubby lock me out of the computer room. Do I need to banish my television? Help me out here.

PS No theme song because you HAVE to watch this hecka funny video that keeps me laughing!

First Official Meeting

I'd like to call the meeting to order. Since I am the one in charge I will be the first to go...

Hi, my name is Julie and I suffer from NPS.

(everyone say, "Hello, Julie.")

Well, I first realized this shortly after my first daughter was born. I spent gobbs of time scrapbooking her every booger, poopie diaper and naptime poses. I know that doesn't sound like I was being neglectful, right? But really, I was doing most of the work while she was awake and I could have been playing with her, but I wasn't. I was at a table with my friend being all creative.

It has only gotten worse over the last almost 8 years. Currently my biggest issue is reading. I am a HUGE fan. Don't even get me started on the Twilight series (I know some of you hated them, but they were a great escape for me when I first found out about my cardiomyopathy and I needed to think/dream of good things like eternal love/life and dreamy kisses!). My newest author- love is for Marcia Lynn McClure. She is a fab-o author of clean romance. Who couldn't use a little (or a lot) fantasy time?

So, this is where we come to my being neglectful. I would rather sit and read a fabulous book than make lunch for my kids. Who needs to eat, right? Sure Bits, you can have that bowl full of graham crackers and marshmallows for lunch. It's healthy, right? (And then I wonder why she goes rabid on me. Hmmm! Not much to wonder there, I guess.)

I am currently reading Shackles of Honor.

Umm, can we say YUM!? We all dream of a Mason, don't we? Thanks to my friend Laina for giving me all of my reading addictions. She is the one that told me about Twilight (long before the craze began) and she is the one that intro'ed me to Marcia.

Here are a few others of my favorites. They are really quick reads, but the problem is I don't do anything else when I want to just sit lazily and read!




My reading addiction has lead to another problem. I don't want to sleep. I want to just keep reading. I hate it when a fabulous book ends because I just want it to go forever.

Seriously, I get off of work at midnight. Home not too long after that, but then I don't go to sleep until 2 or so because I read to relax.Main problem there is, when the book is so good I don't relax. I totally get into it and then there is no sleeping. I keep telling myself "just one more chapter then I will put it down." But then the chapter ends and I am feeling all warm and fuzzy about the sexy main guy and I have to keep reading to see if/when he is going to kiss the beautiful main girl.

Lack of sleep = worsening of NPS. What do I do? Do I accept this shortcoming, embrace my reading obsession or do I swear off books for the rest of my life?

Any suggestions?

Thanks for listening.

Who would like to be next?

(Theme song- Who Needs Sleep by Bare Naked Ladies)

NPS

Recently I have noticed a seriously problem. It is something I suffer from and I know there are other moms and dads out there that suffer just like me. I'd like to offer some support for those of you who have contracted this debilitating disease.

NPS- Neglectful Parent Syndrome

Along with my BA (Bloggers Anonymous) group I will be holding a NPSA group to help all of you who need encouragement, support and acceptance.

I'd like to give a few examples to show you that you are not alone in your NPS. We need to all come together and offer a helping hand to each other. Together we might even recover (but I seriously doubt it).



Sorry some of them are out of focus, my camera doesn't like to get closeups of injuries. It must have a soft heart for my little ones!

disclaimer- I was actually at work when both of these injuries happened, so maybe it really is my hubby who has NPS.

Theme song for today- Collide by Howie Day.

Post note- Jacob fell of his scooter. Lesson learned- we bought his a new helmet (to encourage him to actually wear it). MMIT was pushed off a bike by UMM.