Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....



.....to have already found some Black Friday deals at Kohl's. Their Black Friday sale is online now.



.....to be going to see Frozen 2, plus Mister Roger's. Luckily I'm part of the movie theater loyalty program, so I saved on tickets.



......to be going Black Friday shopping mostly online, but I'll go to a few stores with my daughter. But in the afternoon. Standing outside at 5 AM does not appeal to us.



.....to think I have everything I need for Thanksgiving. We're going to my parents' house, but there are some things I'm in charge of bringing.



.....to love this shirt I found at Target. It's true. I prefer to be indoors. My daughter loves to be outdoors, so it can be tricky.

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Unboxing The Kawaii YumeTwins Box From Japan

The YumeTwins monthly subscription box is full of goodies from Japan. Natalie hopes to make it to Japan one day and is always eager to see what kawaii items she'll get.

This month the theme was Kirby. 

This is what she got in November.

First, she got a Kirby frisbee. She says she'll bring it to school and play with it in the mornings before the bell rings.

She also loved her Kirby pen and put it in her pencil case for school.

She wants to attach this Kirby Plushie to her backpack. 

She cracked up over this Moving Kirby Plushie. He does roll around the floor. The cats were like, "WTF?"

She loves to collect bags, so she says this will be perfect for her collection.

You can get your own YumeTwins box for less than $40! Click here and you'll get $5 off your first box! Each month you'll get 6-8 surprises from Japan. Pokemon, Gudetama, to name a few.

What's your favorite thing in the box this month?

Glimpses Of Little Girl

We usually see all the new Disney movies, so I assumed Natalie would be excited about Frozen 2. After all, she absolutely loved Frozen. She'd skip around in the costumes, she'd wear Elsa's crown proudly on her head, she'd sing all the songs, heck, she even had a Frozen birthday party, and these were the days when finding Frozen merchandise was difficult, so she was extra excited to find Frozen stuff. I can still hear her squeal as she pulled out the Elsa dress that I had stalked on the Shop Disney site for weeks since it would come in and out of stock at random times.

"You know I was like SEVEN then," Natalie cut in. "And I don't know if I want to see Frozen 2. It might be cheesy."


I get it. She's in Middle School now. It's not as cool to like princess stuff. But.

As she gets older, it's getting harder to catch a glimpse of the little girl she once was. I know kids are supposed to grow up and like new things, but.

Was she really going to skip out on Frozen 2? She loved Anna the most in Frozen because Anna was silly. Like her. We used to sing the songs together. "We finish each other's.." I'd crone. "SANDWICHES!" she'd screech, and we'd giggle.

Sometimes, if I look hard enough, I still see the little girl in her. Mostly when we go to Disney World and sometimes when she twirls around the room.

Sometimes when she's being silly, there she is, my little girl, the one who doesn't care what other people think, who doesn't care if it's cool or not.

I had it in my mind that it would be okay if she didn't want to see Frozen 2. So she thought she was too old, fine. It's her choice. The rest of us would see it, and I'd remember her excitement when she got an Elsa doll, and I'd remember when she'd twirl around the grocery store in her Anna coronation dress, not caring who saw. Those memories will always be with me, no matter what, no matter how old she gets.

"Mom," Natalie said the other night. "I do want to see Frozen 2." She gave me a tiny smile and there she was: my little girl. "You know I do love Sven. And maybe even Anna." She gave me a hug and returned to her phone.


And I remembered her in the Frozen dresses, laughing, giggling, and I thought, yeah, she's older, but she'll always have a bit of little girl in her.

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....




.....to think the original Baby It's Cold Outside is fine. I don't get why people freak out about it. The version with John Legend and Kelly Clarkson is pleasant, but doesn't beat the original.



.....to always be tempted to write "we do 4X2" when people post about doing the 4 gift rule for Christmas. It's awesome if that's what you want to do, but it's not for everyone. Some people seem to want to guilt people into doing this. Some are genuinely just sharing the idea, but some are like, "If you buy a lot of toys for your kids, you're doing it wrong," and it's like, "pardon ME?" (I wrote a post about not feeling guilty if you do holidays differently here.)



......to have watched Dr. Oz interview Jon Gosselin and was like, "Yikes." I guess Jon had a 10 year gag order so he couldn't talk about his marriage with Kate. He said some pretty outrageous things, but most I wasn't surprised with. (They did a show called Jon and Kate + 8.)



.....to currently be reading Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. It's amusing--if you liked the other Shopaholic books, you'll like this one.



.....to have thought this rainbow tree that I saw at the store At Home is awesome:

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What It's Like To Love Someone With Autism

Running.

Running after my son.

I had been in this position many times throughout his life. When he was two, he would randomly dart off in another direction, his legs moving quickly. I would chase after him, my breath coming out in puffs, a stitch at my side. I would always be thankful that I had him young because I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do this if I were older.

I would eventually reach him and gather him in my arms. Sometimes he'd giggle as if it were a game. Other times he'd screech in my ear, because it turns out he was running from something that triggered him. In many cases it would be florescent lights over head. It would especially be bad if one was blinking and humming. It got to the point where I'd avoid areas if I saw a blinking light.

He got better as he got older. The lights didn't bother him so much. But other things did. Sudden noises. Too many people around him. He'd dart off.

And I'd follow him.

Chase after him. Because that's what mothers do.

If you're wondering if the chasing stopped as he got older, well, no. Tommy has gotten better with dealing with things. Therapy has helped. I've helped. If I see him upset, I remind him to take deep breaths. In and out. In and out. Don't focus on what's upsetting you. Focus on me. Focus on your mother. I'm here.

He's 17 now and still runs. He ran the other day. My daughter wasn't listening to me. So my husband raised his voice, reminding my daughter to listen to her mother.

This set Tommy off.

He can't take it when someone is upset, even if it's not at him. Sometimes if people raise their voices he can deal with it. He'll take deep breaths.

Other times?

My husband raised his voice. My son opened the front door and took off down the street.

And I followed him.

Chased after him. Because that's what mothers do.

I found him at the end of the road, his hands clamped over his ears. He saw me and looked a little ashamed, because he knows better to run, but I also know he can't help it.

"It's okay," I said. "You're okay."

He took some breaths and walked back to the house with me.

Loving someone with autism is always being there for them, through the triumphs and the tough times. And believe me, there are tons of tough times.

But they notice when you show up. They notice when you are there, patiently waiting for a meltdown to dissipate. They notice.

Loving someone with autism is an adventure.


Loving someone with autism is knowing you will always be behind them, making sure they're okay, for as long as you possibly can.

Popeye's Spicy Chicken Sandwich Review

Okay, so over the summer I kept hearing about the chicken sandwich at Popeye's. The time I decided to try it, the line was out the door and I was like, "nope!" Sorry, I can't wait too long for food, especially when Wendy's down the street had no line.

However, I was curious. DID the chicken live up to the hype? I was all set to try it again and then Popeye's announced they were SOLD OUT.

Well, dang.

So when the sandwich returned, I knew I had to give it a taste. My family decided we'd go Sunday at 11. We hoped everyone else would be in church so there wouldn't be a line.

Did we succeed?

Yes!

There was NO line. There were at least 5 cars in the drive thru, but only one other person inside. Of course I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich. My husband went with the regular, my son got what I got, and my daughter wanted the popcorn shrimp. Chicken sandwiches don't excite her.

Oh and there were biscuits, of course. You can't go to Popeye's and not get biscuits. It's like a sin or something.

So how was the chicken sandwich?

I liked it! Juicy. Flavorful.


However, I'd ask for more spicy mayo next time. I think that's the spread that was on it. You also got a pickle. I might also add some ketchup. While the chicken flavors were there, I like more substance on my sandwich, if that makes sense. (For the Chick-fil-a chicken sandwich, I always add ketchup and Polynesian sauce.)


Would I get it again?

Yes! This sandwich definitely tasted less healthy than the chick-fil-a one. If you want a heartier fried chicken taste, go with Popeye's. If you want a calmer chicken taste, go with Chick-Fil-A. My son also liked the sandwich, as did my husband. (He put the Mardi Gras mustard on his.)

Oh, and the Apple Pie is amazing too. It's covered with cinnamon sugar. The inside is filled with apples. If you're too lazy to make apple pie for Thanksgiving, pick up a bunch of these.

Have you tried the Popeye's Chicken Sandwich yet? (I recommend Sunday at 11 if you don't want to deal with lots of people!)

What's Up With The Jostens Senior Year Packet?

Okay, so when my son came home with his senior packet, I might have cried. He was not amused.

It's just, a senior. What? I think you must have the wrong kid. My son can't be a senior. He's only four and loving Blue's Clues and The Wiggles.

Then I checked out the book, or maybe it's a booklet, or maybe it's a packet. I don't know.

I couldn't believe all the options my son had to proclaim he was a senior.



I mean, would you still be wearing this hat in your 40s? (I'm sorry, a BEANIE. And it can be yours for $15.)

Also, what on earth was with all the diploma frames and plaques? You could get a Deluxe Grad Frame ($49), a Tassel Keepsake Frame ($45), a Diploma Plaque ($30), a Diploma Frame ($25), and even an Appreciation Frame ($39.)

For a second I thought I might need these things. I mean, I need to keep this diploma safe. And his tassel! I couldn't lose his tassel. Then again, whatever happened to MY tassel? Hmm.


Then I was all, "What kind of tassel does my son need?" because there isn't just one anymore. Now there's a stacked tassel or a status one. (My son went with the stacked and it looks like this.)


(There's also a mascot, shadow, and souvenir tassel. (Ranging between $17.50-$12.50)

You can also get a mini diploma if you want to act like a giant ($10), and there are so many options for jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, rings...)

I began to worry that I'd have to sell a kidney to pay for it all.

Do people even wear their senior rings after they graduate? My husband got one, and he never wears it.

My son does not want one.

"I'm not wearing a ring," he said, disgusted. (It should be interesting if he gets married.)

Rings are not cheap. But there are many, many to choose from. With many, many different options and each of these options are pricey.

Also, the cap and gown are $40.95, but it comes with a tassel. Many people order one cheaper from Amazon.

Let's not forget the announcements. Of course you need to announce to everyone that your kid is graduating. But do you want a foil border name ($28) or a standard name card? ($23) Do you really need tissue overlays? ($12.50.) Who mails things with tissue overlays? Maybe the Queen?

Oh, and the thank you notes! Must have those if you get a gift. Do you want them foil? Bold? Do you want a picture sticker? ($7) A picture sticker? Yikes! Do we need a picture sticker?

"This is....I'm confused," I admitted to my husband as I flipped through the booklet. "I don't remember all this crap when I graduated. There are shorts that say senior, for God's sake."

He was all, "Just get the cap and gown and call it a day."

But. But. Didn't I need a Diploma Plaque?

Didn't my son want sweats with SENIOR 2020 down the side? (I asked. He didn't.)

In the end I went with the Mascot Package. I get the announcements and thank you cards. I get the cap and gown with the stacked tassel. My son even got senior shirts and a key ring. We didn't go crazy because really, I didn't need a Diploma Plaque. My son didn't want undergarments with SENIOR 2020 all over them.

So relax. It'll be okay. You don't need it all. If your kid wants it all, it's okay to say no. Remind them that when they are 40, the odds of them wanting to walk around with a SENIOR 2020 beanie are slim to none.

But still.

You might tear up. You might keep hugging your senior and going, "What happened? Weren't you just FOUR?"

It'll be okay.

It'll be okay.

It'll be okay.

(But there will be tears.)

Things I Don't Understand About Middle Schoolers

Middle Schoolers. Sometimes it feels like they're a completely different species. Of course I remember doing odd things when I was young, but sometimes I don't know what my daughter Natalie is going on about and when I'm like, "Huh?" she looks at me like I'M the odd one.

Here are some things your Middle Schooler might be talking about.


Giving Scrunchies To A Crush. Apparently girls will give a scrunchie to the boy they like and the boy WILL ACTUALLY WEAR IT on his wrist! I asked Natalie if she'd do this and she was all, "Heck no. These are my scrunchies. If he wants one, he can buy one himself."

Peppa Pig. What? Aren't they too old for Peppa Pig? Uh, well, they like to watch Peppa Pig edits on YouTube. Peppa Pig and friends do some rude things on there. Not completely inappropriate, but fart sounds are dubbed in, things like that. One of Natalie's friends actually had a Peppa Pig party, and she was turning 12.

Source

Tik Tok. It's an app. And yeah, a lot of people are like, "Your kids don't need it, there are pedophiles there!" Well, there are pedophiles everywhere, sadly. My daughter has an account, but I monitor it. Basically, you make videos or edits.



VSCO Girls. Yup, I've written about this before. And some parents are all, "I was a VSCO girl in the 90s!" I was not. I never understood scrunchies, but now they are all the rage. I DID wear chokers, which some VSCO girls sport, but my daughter thinks they are hideous at the moment. She does have a Hydroflask and a collection of scrunchies but says she's NOT a VSCO girl, thank you very much. (A friend of hers went "And I oop" which is something VSCO girls say and Natalie was like, "Please remove yourself from my presence." (In a joking manner.))

Tik Tok Celebrities. There are people who get thousands, sometimes millions of views on videos. Natalie follows some of these. Sometimes they wear clothes from certain stores and then people watching want those same clothes so they can make a video like that person and look like them. A recent conversation with Natalie went like this: 

Natalie: “I want to get this Harvard sweatshirt from Forever 21.”

Me: “Aw, are you hoping to go there? You certainly can, you just have to actually try in math and not just guess or write “Is this necessary?” for answers. You are smart, you just have to apply yourself and not break out into song in the middle of class. But I know you could—“

Natalie: “I want it because a popular girl on Tik Tok wore it and I want to do a duet with her.”

Me: ........

Wearing hoodies when it's 90 degrees out. In Texas, it stays hot late in the year, and I'd be confused when I'd go to the school and see all these kids in hoodies when it was like 95 outside. Natalie says, "Oh, it's because hoodies are in right now. Especially the oversized ones." This one is 3 XL. I guess middle schoolers are open to the idea of fainting if it means being in style. 

Picking out clunky shoes. Natalie is all about these giant Fila sneakers. I think they look uncomfortable to walk in, but she loves them. She says many girls in Middle School have them. If she wants to stomp around like a dino, who am I to judge? 

So have you heard about some of these? 

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....



.....to have had a blast checking out the Rickmobile over the weekend. (Confused? Click here.)




......to be proud of my husband for getting his college degree (CCAF) from the Air Force this week.




......to be one of those people who put up their Christmas tree AFTER Thanksgiving.




......to currently be reading "Things You Save In A Fire" by Katherine Center. I'm really enjoying it!




.....to hate the time change. It's already confused me many times. At 6 I was all, "Come in Natalie, take your shower, it's late!" and she was like, "No, it's only 6." Oh.




.....to love this shirt I got from Box Lunch. I'm a huge fan of the show Gilmore Girls. Have you seen it before?

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Checking Out The Rickmobile At San Antonio

Okay, so my husband and I love the show Rick & Morty on Adult Swim. Heck, we were watching it BEFORE it became super popular. It's basically a show about a drunk grandpa who goes on adventures with his grandson, mostly. Sometimes the granddaughter is involved.


When we heard the Rickmobile was coming to San Antonio, we knew we had to go.

The Rickmobile looks like this:

Yup, if you've deducted that Rick is the drunken Grandpa, you get a gold star.  Did I mention that he's a scientist?

You might be thinking, "Um, okay, and why would you go to this event?" Well, there's also Rick & Morty merchandise for sale and if you're still like, "HUH?" just know that it was a popular event. I don't know how else to explain it.

It started at 1. We got there at 1215 and there were already a good amount of people in a line. The Rickmobile was already there, as well as this hilarious moving truck with wacky inflatables. (They're from the show. It's a plumbus and Mr. Poopy Butthole.)

There were lots of people:

At 1, a guy came out and had us quote from the show. (Wubba lubba dub dub and existence is pain, to name a few.) Yes, there is cursing. My daughter was with us and we don't get offended easily, so it's not a big deal for us. To some, it might be. Then the line started moving for those who wanted to buy some merchandise. If you don't want any, you can line up to take a photo in front of the Rickmobile.


We waited in the merchandise line, and it took about an hour to get up front. But we amused ourselves with photos.

When you get up front, you see Morty with some items listed, but that's not all they have:

You get this with more items on it. There were also items on the back:

We decided to buy shirts, a beanie, and a Noob Noob mask.

If you still don't know what Rick & Morty is, ask your kid if they are in middle or high school. Or your husband. It seems to be mostly popular in males, but I truly enjoy it too. Natalie finds it hilarious as well.


I told Natalie I am going to show up to her school in the mask:

She was like, "Fine, whatever, most people like Rick & Morty at my school. But they might think it's weird that an old person likes it too."


Gee, thanks.


We did get our photo in front of the Rickmobile:

They hand you the inflatable Pickle Rick to be in the photo, but if you'd prefer not to have it, you don't have to. And yes, there's a worker who will take photos with your phone. If my son were with us, this would probably be our Christmas photo.

So do you know what Rick & Morty is? If you're curious if the Rickmobile is coming to YOUR area, click here.