How to Make a 3 Year Old Happy

How do you make a 3 year old little girl happy?

Take her shoe shopping!

I'm not a big shoe person. I would rather not wear them and don't around the house and neighborhood during the spring and summer months, but that little girl of mine...She has been in love with shoes since she started wearing them.

We arrived at the shoe store and she immediately started picking out all the shoes she wanted. She didn't even care if they were the right size. I got her focused on the right section and she was in heaven. After looking through the entire section she picked out the perfect pair. Who could resist pink, sparkly shoes? Not only will they go very well with her Butterfly Princess Halloween costume, they look adorable with jeans. She ran around the store, showing everyone she came in contact with (which was everyone in the store). She was so eager to get them to the woman with the barcode scanner. She wanted to make sure they were paid for and HERS...FOREVER!

We think we'll have to wait until she falls asleep to get them off her.

How Could it Get Any Better?

Tomorrow I will be up to my elbows in boating and electrical supplies with just enough time to get home,get dinner, get the kids ready for trick-or-treating but today...what a day.

I can't remember the last time I went out shopping...just to shop. A friend invited me yesterday to her favorite consignment shop and to lunch. I eagerly accepted. She then e-mailed me some Payless coupons courtesy of Oprah. 50% off Entire Purchase...Everything in Store. Now, I'm not generally a shoe person, but Puddin Pop is, and half price was a BIG motivator. So we shopped for shoes (4 pair) and headed to the consignment shop. I got 3 dresses and PJ's for PP and a couple sweaters for Boog. We had lunch at a favorite "dive" and headed home. Hands full, I headed to the door only to see a package waiting. I recently ordered some books, but this box was too big for books. I went in, put down my bags and went back for the box. A smile came to my face when I noticed it was addressed to Wine at Five.

2 bottles of CLOS DU BOIS Wine showed up at my door. You can bet I'll be telling you all about them in the near future.

Now I'm off to make sausage squares and get the kids ready for a Halloween Party. Could the day get any better?

Letting Go

First of all. If you're wondering how the other morning went with Puddin Pop and the "new Mommy"...she didn't go. When the van pulled in the drive way I told her someone was here for her. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, see post below). Anyway. She saw the van but didn't know who it was. When she saw my friend and her little boy she jumped up and down saying "He's here, he's here." She was excited because the little boy was supposed to come and play the week before but couldn't. That's another reason I didn't tell her..just in case. So the "new mommy" tells Puddin Pop she's here to pick her up and she just gets a smile and a stare. When she asks PP why she's not coming or getting ready my darling, precious, baby girl, shrugged her shoulders and in true female fashion simply stated, "I changed my mind."

There's a fine line between teaching independence and not wanting to "let go". I remember with my first born I was ready for him to start holding his own bottle at 6 months old. He was a grazer and would suck and chew on the nipple. It felt as if just as he finished one bottle it was time for another. I tried my hardest to teach him this skill. My second born (and last) was a different story. I remember holding her at 11 months, giving her a bottle she was able to give herself and thinking "I'll never have this again."

When I look to the future there are so many lessons to be taught to these two young children and I can only hope that we make the right choices for each of them. Knowing when they are ready for the next step and trusting our instincts when we're not sure they are completely ready. Dealing with the upset one who doesn't understand why their sibling can do something they can't...or couldn't at that age. Being mindful of each of their feelings but sticking to what we think is best.

I think down the line when it's time for them to go to college. Do we provide them with the money to attend? Part of the money? Do we assist them in attaining a college student loan? Will it be the same for both? Do we encourage one to stay closer to home while encouraging the other to travel far away? We won't know their true potentials unless we provide them with the tools and a safe place to experiment with all that interests them. It's our job to expose them to as many different things as we can. To support them in their choices...even if it's to move out...at 3.

Am I Reading This Wrong?

I was messing around on google this morning. I got so caught up in what I found, I can't even remember what I was looking for in the first place. Need more coffee. I came across a law firms page on the web containing recent verdicts they had received for their clients. Reading these had me scratching my head.

First of all. Who decides they want to be a Pleasanton motorcycle accident attorney, or an Injury lawyer? Do they actually specify which type of accidents they want to represent? Is this based on results after years of practicing or something they get into while studying law?

So I'm reading these verdicts, while scratching my head, a little sad for the families of the injured and deceased and a little confused. For instance. One family sued a rental car company when a tire blew during a trip from Texas to California. Most of the passengers walked away with scrapes and bruises, but a baby was ejected from the car and had severe head trauma causing hemiparesis and possible development delays. The rental company was found "at fault" for not repairing the tire correctly or not inspecting it after someone else did it. The thing is...the baby that sustained the injuries WAS SITTING ON THE MOTHER'S LAP. Now, I'm not saying that the company wasn't at fault, but couldn't this child's injuries been avoided if they had been in a car seat? I'd be interested to know how that played out in court and in the determination of settlement.

Another case that caught my eye was of a 19 year old that sustained major trauma to both hands when I wine press he was working on malfunctioned. OUCH!

My Daughter is Ready to Move Out...At 3

We've had the discussion before. When she's not happy with a decision I've made or just wants to be funny. She says, "I want a new mommy." Boy do I remember doing this very same thing. It doesn't bother me, I know it's just a phase. I know she'll probably really want a new Mommy when she hist her teenage years, but for now we just have fun with it.

Yesterday when she said it I told her to go pack a bag of things she wanted to take and I would drop her off at the corner and let her ask someone to take her home. She had already picked out her new mommy and said "No. I want to go to Abby's house and have her mommy be my new Mommy." I said "Okay. Maybe we can switch for her little brother. I'm sure Boog would love a brother." She grabbed her purse and headed for the door. I asked if she thought she might need some clothes and she said "Yes. Will you go pack them for me?" Trying not to laugh, I said "That's really not my job anymore, seeing as you're firing me from being your mommy." She said, "Let's just go then." I said "Are you sure...with just your purse?" She replied "Yes." I asked if she wanted her "laptop", She said "Sure. Do you know where it is?" I explained that maybe we could keep in touch. I told her I'd load some live chat software on her laptop and bring it to her later. I was hoping we could "stay in touch." Again she said "Let's go." I asked her why she was waiting at the door and she said "You have to drive me there." I then played the hurt mommy. I put my head in my hands and explained that I couldn't drive her because I wouldn't be able to see through my tears. She pulled my hands from my face... gave me her gorgeous smile and said "Mommy. I'm just kidding." Then she walked over to the couch, took her shoes off and started watching TV.

This morning she made sure to tell me over and over that I was her best friend.

Tomorrow, the "new mommy" is dropping off her son for a couple hours so she can go work out. I'm not saying anything to my precious little girl. I want to see what her reaction will be. Is that mean?

Wordless Wednesday~ Morning View

The Underwear Shopping Trip That Went Horribly Wrong

I RSVP'd and participated in the Coinstar and Twittermoms Twitter party a couple weeks ago. The first 50 people to sign up were rewarded with various gift cards. I received a $50 JC Penney GC and knew instantly that "Mama was getting some new underwear."

I'm embarrassed to admit it. I think the last time I bought new underwear (for myself) was when I was pregnant with my son. That would be early 2003. Don't judge. I've just had better things to spend money on...and I'm NOT a big shopper. It was getting very difficult to find a pair in my drawer that I would feel okay about in the event of an accident (being rushed, unconscious, to the hospital), some days I just went without.

So after a week of dreaming of new underwear, I was finally on my way. A girls trip shopping, Puddin Pop and I. We went straight to the lingerie department and I started looking for the best deals. I wanted the maximum. Who knew when I would be back. I had 5 pairs selected @ $2.99 each. In my hand. Off to look at bras. Then I noticed an even better deal. 3 pairs for ONLY $6.49. I scoured the rack for my size of these pre-packaged panties. I also wanted cotton, which apparently so did everyone else in my size. I finally found a pack and decided I would also get a pack of the "silky" ones. PP by now was playing hide-and-seek under the racks so I knew my time was limited. I found a bra rack. Picked out 2 in my size and off to the register we went. I was thrilled to have new panties and couldn't wait to get home and put a pair on.

I get home. Get undressed. I wanted to put on a pair of my new panties and make sure the bras fit. Just as I'm naked there's a knock at the door. CRAP. No time to open packages and remove tags. I put my clothes back on and go to the door. When I'm done with that, I head back upstairs to again relish in my new purchases. I get undressed. I put on one of the new bras...PERFECT. It's comfortable, holds everything in, and kinda cute too. Now. The moment I've been waiting for for almost 7 years. I open the package of cotton panties and...my jaw drops...I look at the sizing on the back...I look at the picture on the front. How could I have made such an error...I BOUGHT GRANNY PANTIES. Not just sorta, I could gain 100 pounds...all in my butt...and these things would still fit. I mean, if my butt gets big enough to warrant these, it's gonna need a term life insurance policy all it's own. There was more material in one pair than all my salvageable other pairs. I wanted to cry.

Why didn't I just take the first 5 pairs, at $2.99 each, that I could see the full size of? Why was I so interested in getting the best deal? Why do I still have no new panties that I can wear without tucking them into my pants? More importantly...Will the store take them back after they've been opened?

Girl's Night In~ Mexican Fiesta

Another Fabulous Girls Night In was had by our group of four. This month's theme was Mexican Fair. It went over so well some were requesting it again for next month.

If you're new as to how we do this. I get together with three friends in our cul-de-sac. We have drinks and prepare food from a list of ingredients we all bring. The recipes are delivered ahead of time and everyone shops for either the entree, appetizer, side dish or beverage list. Then we get together (minus husbands and kids) and enjoy an evening of drinking, cooking, eating and talking. The entire event takes place in the kitchen and around the table and usually lasts about 4 hours. It's a great mini-get-away.

We started with Texatini's. Think Margarita meets Martini. Super yummy garnished with lime and jalapeno stuffed olives. I must say that olives soaked in margarita is a delicious treat. I couldn't stop at just one...or three. I think I ate everyone's olives.

We had a chorizo sausage and mushroom cheese dip with some chips as an appetizer. While it was delicious and the recipe called for chunks of sausage, I think it would be better and easier to serve up if the sausage was ground. But that's just me.



For our entree I dipped into my old bag of tricks (read: restaurant recipes)and preparred Twice grilled BBQ burritos. These are of Chi-Chi's fame and were a big hit. So good we forgot to take pictures until we were half way through...oops.



I'm going to start posting the recipes to my Recipe Swap FB page. If you are on Facebook and want to join, send a request and just say you came from Wine at Five. It is currently a closed group so we get participation from members and not just lurkers.

The conversation was fun as well. You know how these things go. We start with the usual pleasantries...How the kids are doing in school, who's been sick and with what, what we're up to, who's diet is working, what's a good natural acne treatment...that kinda stuff. By the end of the meal, it's less about the kids and more about us. Sex, who's having it and how often, who's had their yearly mammogram and how'd it go, tattoos, who has them and who would never...it's pretty much "anything goes" by the end of dinner.

I left this one completely stuffed...uncomfortably so...but...

I look forward to our next Girls Night In even more.

The Middle ~ I Can Relate

This show cracks me up!

From the first episode I could relate. Relate to the morning craziness. Relate to the forgetfulness of a mother trying to keep it all together. Relate to supporting my children...no matter what. I also made a mental note to NEVER dress as a super hero. It just wouldn't be pretty. You can check out abc.com for the first full episodes if you haven't been watching and want to know what I'm talking about.

While I have not yet had the opportunity to embarrass myself at the kids school (I have several years to go), I did make a major screw up last year and am thankful my son can not only think fast on his feet, but also doesn't seem to yet hold grudges.

It was career day. I had the note stuck on the fridge so I wouldn't forget...and never looked at it again. Career day came. My son was forced to stand in front of his kindergarten class with a grey turtleneck, pair of jeans, and tennis shoes and describe his "costume" and how it related to what he wanted to be when he grew up.

When he came home he said, "Mom. Did you forget something today?" I said "I don't think so. Was there something missing from your lunch?" He said "No. It was Career Day." FUDGE. "I am so sorry baby. Did everyone dress up?" "No Mom. Everyone did not dress up. Just everyone but ME." Double fudge. "Baby. I am so sorry. What did you do?" He says, "I figured my grey shirt looks like a sweatshirt and I had my tennis shoes on so I just told everyone I wanted to be a runner when I grow up." Smart thinking, that kid of mine. It didn't make me feel awful for putting him in that position, though.

I now have a calendar. All school events get written on it the day the note comes home, and I make it part of my morning routine to check all days in the week...just to make sure.

What mistakes have you made where the kids are involved?




Disclosure copy: I have been hired by Warner Bros to help raise awareness for The Middle.

Trying it Out

Puddin' Pop sleeps in our bed.

There. I said it. Let the judging begin.

I love having her body close to mine to snuggle with in the middle of the night. We transitioned her at 18 months to a twin bed. Bought brand new mattress and box springs. A frame (base) to put them on (we didn't want her too high off the floor). Princess sheets and a silky pink (with pearls) comforter complete with princess pillow shams. She loved her bed. Slept in it every night.

Hubster would put Boog to bed and more frequent than not, would fall asleep with him, thus leaving me to our king size bed...all to myself. That was kinda lonely. No one to snuggle with. To compensate, I would put PP to sleep in our bed, claiming I would move her (knowing I wouldn't), and then when I went to sleep she was right there waiting for me. Some time later (like 6 months) Hubster decided he wanted to come back to his own bed. He still falls asleep with Boog, but often awakes around 10:30, stays up for an hour or so, and then comes to bed.

Puddin Pop is getting big (3 1/2) and yells out in her sleep. I'm ready for her to go back to her room. We've gotten a new bed frame. Big Girl Style. New modern furniture for her room. Made it super enticing to get her back in there. As soon as the new bed was set up she wanted to try it out. And that was that. When her dad came home and offered to put her to bed that night he said "Show me your new bed." She stopped at her door and pointed to it. He said, "Do you like it?". She said, "I Love it!" He said, "Do you want to sleep in it?" She said "No." He said, "Let's just try it out." She said, "You can. I tried it out earlier. I'll meet you in the big bed when you're done."

What else can we do to entice this little one? I know we can just put her in there and make her stay, but since she was happy in her room until I pulled her out, I don't think this would be the fair thing to do...and okay, maybe I'm still not quite ready.

I've Had Enough

I'm not sure what's going on. I'm not the picture of fitness but am (until now) able to keep my weight at a stable number. I may fluctuate 2-3 pounds day to day, but it's always within the same range. Why in the hell has it jumped 5-7 pounds in the last week in a half? Why does it refuse to go back down? I swear every time I make a conscious effort to follow any weight loss diet, this happens. I get it in my head that I'm ready to shed a few pounds. I buy all the healthy food (mainly rabbit food, which I generally love) and then I either crave fast food, or despise salads, or both. It's completely mental. I need to pull the Wii Fit back out and start using it. I would like to start running...if anyone would like to join me. I need to stop focusing on the food and focus on the exercise part of it. I'm convinced that my body is rebelling and shutting down my metabolism. It's saying, "Ha, ha. This is what you get. It's been way too easy and it's time to pay your dues."

Message heard...loud and clear. Time to stop talking. It's time to start doing something to change the effects age is having on my once fit body.

What the Hell Wednesday 1

Stacy and Elle, over at Blue Monkey Butts have come up with a new Wednesday tradition. I read what they had to say and thought "What the Hell. Sounds like fun." Head on over to Blue Monkey Butt If you'd like to join in on What the Hell Wednesdays.

I had a conference for my first grader yesterday at 8:15 am, What the Hell? He's doing well. At or above grade level in all subjects and tested super high in spelling. Way to go Boog.

My In-laws (bless their hearts) always have to have a project going and since they've just repainted and re-carpeted their entire upstairs, they've moved on to finding projects at our house. I guess we're having a line run under the house to drain excess water. I guess. I'm just told that someone is coming and to make sure the dog is inside. What the Hell.

Planning my third annual trip home to Michigan. It's a Girl's weekend. I stay with my parents, another friend comes in from Chicago, and 4 of us hang out, have wonderful food and wine, and catch up. The kids and hubbys stay at home. My Hubster claims not to know any other Mom who leaves her kids and hubster at home and takes a mini vacation...What the Hell?

Okay. Off to help Puddin Pop find a "my Twin" doll that looks just like her. I'm just wondering What the Hell she's going to do with the doll when it stops looking like her. I've heard you're better off waiting until the child is a little older (than 3) so the doll looks like them a little longer.

In Need of Mexican Entree

This Friday is or monthly Girls Night In. I'm in charge of the entree and am thinking of doing twice grilled BBQ Burritos, of Chi Chi's fame. Sometimes it sounds good and at other times I feel like something a little more elaborate. If you have any yummy Mexican Entree recipes now is the time to share...PLEASE. We're having rice and beans, jalapeno margaritas and a cheese dip appetizer. I want something with a little heat (one of our members doesn't do spicy well) and something maybe none of us has tried.

I know someone has to have the perfect recipe so please share.

I'll post pics and all the details over the weekend!

Alzheimer's Memory Walk

It's that time of year again. My mom's group is dedicated to supporting one of our member's and honor her grandmother who is ill with Alzheimer's. This is one of those illnesses that I truly believe we will all be affected by at some point in our lives. Whether it's a grandparent, our own parents, a close friend or even a spouse, this disease is bound to "hit home."

This Saturday we will do our annual walk to support this cause, bring attention to this horrible disease, and raise some money to help researchers find potential cures before it gets one of us.

Won't you help?

What? I Could Have Had Sapphires?

I am very fortunate to have my own personal jeweler. I call him Dad. While I feel in some instances it is better to take your wife/girlfriend shopping for that special piece, I always just let dad know what I liked and didn't and then would just send the guy to him. Dad would never allow me to be short changed...another great advantage.

So you think I'd know a lot about jewelry. I don't. I know what I like, am pretty simplistic in my needs, but like to receive nice things that don't clash with my other stuff.

I came across Bella True and their beautiful collection of jewels and the "tips for Guys" section caught my eye. With everything from what to buy AND when, to Gemstones by color, it is a fascinating guide to help poor fellas who don't have a trusty FIL in the business like my hubster does.

I must admit, I didn't know that there were gemstones to match anniversary dates (Dad must have left this out) but now that I know, I'm re-thinking the whole "don't get me anything, you're all I need" statement for our tenth this past Summer. I could have had blue sapphires? It's not too late...is it? I'm thinking a pendant would be nice. I have several chains so I'm sure I could find the perfect necklace to hang it on. Earrings? I don't wear them that often, but I might, with a new pair of sapphire ones to show off. Maybe like these.

Whatever the occasion. If you're a guy, looking for tips, check out Bella True for advice and a great selection. If you're a woman, and don't want to be disappointed, you can just send the link to your special guy.

Wordless Wednesday~ Making Wine

Think Pink with C'elle

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we should all be doing what we can to support this cause. One out of every 8 women will be affected by this horrible disease and chances are you or someone you know is currently battling for their life, has succeeded in their fight, or has lost a battle to this horrific illness. Now is the time to rally the troops and get this issue to the forefront of our minds and research different ways we can contribute to finding a cure.

Cryo-Cell has been leading the pack in stem cell research and has partnered with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further gain knowledge in how stem cells may be used to treat breast cancer. With their easy monthly collection kits for menstrual blood, taking advantage of storing stem cells is now easier than ever. A Cyro-Cell Breast Cancer Donation in the amount of $25 will be made for each enrollment of the menstrual stem cell service.

I find the technology of stem cell research to be fascinating and am encouraged by all the benefits they could offer in my future as well as the futures of my children.

A C'Elle Breats Cancer Donation in the amount of $50 will be made for each enrollment in the "Protect Baby, Protect Mom" service which allows new parents to collect and store their new baby's cord blood along with Mom's future menstrual stem cells.

If you want more information on this ground-breaking company or would like to know all the current studies and uses of stem cells, visit C'elle and be enlightened.

Relief in Numbers

Both kids recently started gymnastics classes. They both have taken gymnastics before, but have both moved up. While Puddin Pop has enjoyed two sessions of Dynamic Duos (Mommy and Me) classes she is now in a class of big girls (3 and 4 year olds) and no longer is Mommy even allowed in the gym. It's amazing how much better she listens and participates without me to chase her around. It may be maturity, but I sometimes feel as though just NOT having me around produces better listening skills for BOTH my children. I know, what does that say for me as a parent? That's not what this post is about, so I prefer not to think about it too hard (right now). The little girls are so cute. They sometimes forget what comes next and just stand there looking confused until they are redirected. They do "courses" where they are supposed to go through 4-5 different tasks and often can't remember them all. They are focused and engaged and it is fun to watch. Then there are the boys...

Boogie has had two sessions of the class PP is on now. 4-6 year old boys, no parents, they didn't listen nearly as well as the little girls. This time around I thought I'd put him in a Beginners boys class that was for 6-10 year olds. Confident that they would be doing more acrobatics and less crawling through tunnels, I was sure this would better keep his interest. I was right...sort of. He loves his class and is excited with the new "tricks" he didn't get to do in the younger classes. Watching the boys versus the girls is enlightening. Not a single one of them can stand still for more than 2 seconds. Prior to having children and researching their stage by stage developments as well as the differences between boys and girls, I would have thought this class showed classic signs of adhd in children. They wiggle, jump up and down, fall on the floor and spin around, all while the coach is giving instructions. Every single one of them (all 8). It's the difference between boys and girls. I think a mixed class would have the boys settled a little more as they wouldn't be feeding off each other. It was a relief to know it isn't just my kid that can't sit still. They looked like they all had to go to the bathroom. It's also a little discouraging to know it may go on for another 4 years, but will work it out and it's still enjoyable to watch them both grow and learn.

Halloween Alternatives

I know there are a lot of health conscious parents who steer away from allowing their children to have candy and I'm sure that makes this time of year and all the Halloween activities a little challenging. I am not one of these parents. I love to take my kids trick-or-treating and look forward to all the candy they collect. They're still little so they usually get tired pretty quick and we end up holding the buckets all the way home. Puddin Pop actually feel asleep in the neighbor's wagon, sitting straight up, with a wrapped sucker in her hand, last year.

Oriental Trading is a great alternative for those not wishing to give out candy. We would give out candy...if we were home, but I do order crafts from OT at least 3 times a year to have on hand for different parties and for rainy or cold days that we can't play outside. I also purchased several different crafts for Boogie's end of school party last year to put in the treat bags instead of candy and Dollar Store stuff. The prices are great and the fun factor lasts much longer than a piece of candy.


Here's some of the crafts we made over the Summer. These cute magnets adorn our fridge and remind us of a fun afternoon spent avoiding the rain.

To Box or Not to Box

When I started reviewing wine, or at least talking about the wines I've enjoyed, someone suggested a Delicious Red by Vella. A boxed wine. I know there are a lot of snobby wine drinkers who would never even consider a box of wine. I'm a fond recommender of the under $5 wines, so I do not put myself in that category, still...

The thought of drinking box wine just felt like cheapening my already cheap wine self. I looked for the Delicious Red and couldn't find it so I did not feel compelled to buy by the box...until a couple weeks ago. I'm not sure what put me in the mood. Maybe I wanted to have a LOT of wine at my disposal, maybe I was venturing out of my comfort zone, maybe I wanted to get the MOST for my money. I'm not sure the motivation, I just dove right in. I purchased a Burgundy by Vella. Now, I haven't had my long lost friend Burgundy in I don't know how long. This was my first love and yet I ditched it like a bad habit when Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel came along, they became my new BFFs.

I bought my box for $15. Considering it equals just under 7 bottles, it's a bargain if it only gets used for cooking. I was apprehensive about opening for fear of over consumption. I like a glass or two at the end of the day. Sometimes it's more than two. I know, however, that if the bottle gets finished, I'm done. More than a bottle and I'm feeling it in the morning. So my fear was, how will I know? I never pour consistent glasses. Sometimes I pour 1/3 of a glass, sometimes half, it just depends on my mood, how would I know if I consumed more than a bottle? I hoped I wouldn't but...

The wine was light and smooth. No overbearing flavors. While there isn't anything specific I can think to pair this with, it would go good with any fair, but it doesn't have the sustenance to actually compliment or enhance a meal companion. To me it was a perfect sipping wine. A nice way to relax and enjoy the flavor of wine without getting all wrapped up in distinctive flavors. Just enjoying it.

I did NOT over indulge. I had the perfect amount for each engagement. I like burgundy for cooking because it is very versatile. I put it in my Spaghetti sauce, a splash in my chicken gravy and would use it for an acne treatment if someone could prove it works (without staining). I figure with all the other health benefits of drinking a glass a day can provide, it's only a matter of time before researches come up with more ways to use this favorite beverage.

I Love Fall

I love Fall. We don't get much of a Fall here in Virginia. Our Winter is more like the Fall I'm used to. I can't wait to get to the pumpkin patch with the kids. Hopefully this weekend if everyone is feeling well. One of the kids currently has strep and we're hoping the other doesn't get it.

I've been holding out on ordering Halloween costumes. Boog has changed his mind several times, which is one of the reasons. The other reason, and I know this makes me sound awful, I get tired of getting the kids into and out of their costumes every day. I swear they almost have them worn out by the time Halloween actually gets here. So I'm waiting. Just a little longer. Maybe we can put that on the list for this weekend too. Then I should only have to watch them wear their costumes for a week or so.

Here's a little something to get you into the Halloween mood...

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Dad

Wine Bottle Lamp

While cruisin' the Internet this morning on my laptop, looking for new craft ideas for my corks and foils, I came across a fun idea for the bottles. I'll have to see if I can actually get a hole in the bottle without busting it first, but think this would be a fun holiday craft and gift for other wine lovers.

You will need:
Wine bottle
Christmas Lights
Drill with diamond or glass cutting bit
Decorations

I've read that putting duck tape over area you plan to drill the hole into helps the bottle from breaking.

Drill a hole in the back bottom of bottle, feed lights through hole with plug on outside. Decorate with ribbon, beads, paint, whatever you fancy. For other tips and ideas click here.

Ahhhh Wine and Germs

Is it possible to be too tired to drink wine? I know that's how i felt last night. Friday was rough with Boog being sick. He was up every 30-40 minutes. After getting sick he would fall right back to sleep. I would clean the bucket, wipe his face and forehead, put everything back in the bathroom and then either still be up when he woke again or worse...would fall asleep for about 5 minutes. He was up all day yesterday, though I could have used a nap, I kept him company and monitored him. He fell asleep around 6:30 and I took the opportunity to spend some one on one time with Puddin Pop. I missed her while she had been away the night before. At 8:00, thoroughly exhausted, we laid down in bed. For some reason I was way too hot upstairs so after PP fell asleep I came downstairs to the couch to cool off. Within minutes Hubster was calling to let me know that she had gotten sick. GREAT! Fortunately it was an isolated incident. I think she may have been too hot upstairs too. I brought her downstairs and we watched a movie. We tried going to bed again at 10. She fell fast asleep and I went to lay with Boog for a few to check his temp and get a little snuggle time before going to bed. I had been in with him for 5 minutes when he woke and got sick again. By the time I went to sleep it was after midnight. Sleep. That's all I wanted.

I went to work this morning. With my trusty Honeywell Barcode Scanner in hand, I thought about how many people I could infect if I was sick. It's scary if you think about it. I'm not a paranoid person. I don't use paper towel to open doors in public restrooms. I don't constantly use sanitizer in my hands, I have some in my purse, but rarely use it. It just got me thinking. If I was a germaphobe, grocery and retail stores would be really scary with someone touching all your stuff. Not to mention all the people who touched it before you got there. Scary I tell you. I may start using my sanitizer a little more often.

I Sent My Kid to School SICK

I did it. Trying to blame others won't change the outcome. It was unintentional but a learning experience nonetheless. I will listen better to my child and not assume "it's nothing". Only I can prevent similar situations from reoccurring. I'm sharing the story with you so your child will not have to go through the same thing.

I was woken early Friday morning by my 6 year old son. He complained of a sore throat. He did not have a fever or any other symptoms. I gave him some ibuprofen and snuggled him back to sleep.


When he woke at 7am he seemed fine. He did not complain about his throat or any other ailments. We went about our morning routine and just before leaving for school, I gave him another 1/2 dose of ibuprofen in case the sore throat should come back. This was my first mistake. My son has only complained of a sore throat on one other occasion and it turned out to be strep.


Off to school he went.

I received a call about 10:30 from the school nurse that he was in the clinic and had thrown up...all over himself. She suggested I bring a change of clothes when coming to get him. I got to the school 10 minutes later, with a change of clothes. My poor baby was lying down looking pathetic. I could tell he REALLY didn't feel well. We got him home and bathed. Put him in some warm pj's and he went right to sleep. He slept for the next 5 hours, only waking to throw up, then falling right back to sleep.


During one of his brief awake times, I questioned him as to what had happened. Did he feel sick all morning or did the nausea come on suddenly? He claimed that he had told the teacher he "wasn't going to make it" and requested to go to the nurse. He was told "No". He then proceeded to vomit all over himself while sitting in his seat as told. Hearing this sent me over the edge. It was like a mama bear protecting her cub. How dare a teacher not allow my son to see the nurse. How dare she make him sit in his seat and throw up all over himself, in front of his classmates. How dare she!

I posted my PO'd status on Facebook and immediately had all my friends rallying around me, insisting I needed to march right back up to the school and demand answers. I'm a little calmer than some, and realize the negative impact my over-reacting could have on my poor first grader. I decided to e-mail the teacher and get her take on the situation. I felt this was the fair way to go.

I politely told her what Boog had told me and asked if it was true that he was not allowed to see the nurse. I also asked for any other details she may want to add so we could work together to insure this didn't happen again.

She responded.

Boog had complained of a sore throat pretty much from the get go. She allowed him to get water when needed. She and the teacher aide had felt his arm and forehead "as they usually do" and felt he had no temperature. This is mistake number 2 on my part. I should have sent a note. I should have let the teacher know that he had complained of a sore throat, and mostly that I had given him ibuprofen. Maybe this would have allowed a different outcome. Of course he didn't feel feverish, the medicine was preventing that. If only I had let her know. I won't make that mistake again.

I probably won't even think about sending him the next time he has a sore throat.

I feel awful.

I won't make the mistake again.

Saturday Ramble ~ Need Sleep

Just felt like touching base. I had intended to write something yesterday but was called away to pick up my sick little man from school. Apparently he told the teacher he had a sore throat and she "allowed him to get water whenever he needed". She and the teacher aide "felt his head and arms" which did not feel warm, so she encouraged him to make it until lunch. He the told her he "didn't think he was going to make it" and requested to go to the nurse. He was told "no." By the time I was called, he had thrown up on himself in class, again near the door (in class) once on the hallway floor and once in a trash can in the hall on the way to the nurse. I had two concerns. Why was he not allowed to go to the nurse? We've worked that out. My other concern is that he was escorted to the nurse by another 6 year old who was carrying the trash can. I understand that they don't want kids in the hall alone and appreciate the other child escorting him, But...
Would you want your 6 year old holding a trash can for another child? I've been told the trash can is supposed to be set on the floor if the sick child needs it, but they're 6. I think once Boog started getting sick that maybe one of the adults should have taken 2 minutes to walk him to the nurse.
Okay, it's over and I'm moving on.

I got a new clothes dryer about a month ago and am still amazed that it gets the clothes dry in one cycle. The old one (which stopped working 2 weeks after the 1 year warranty expired) would only work on the delicate cycle and I would have to run it 3 times before the clothes were dry. I managed this for 5 months and wonder how long it will be before my mind is re-trained and realizes dry clothes the first time around is NORMAL. You can bet we got the extended service plan on this one.

So last night was pretty rough with my sick little boy. He seems a little better this morning, he hasn't thrown up since 5:30. I just need to find something he will eat. I think I'll see if he'll eat some jello.

Forgive my sleep deprived ramble, just needed to get some thoughts out of my head.

Wine Tasting and Cooking Classes

If you've ever been to my other blog Wine at Five?, you know that I am not only a fan of the grape, but also love to cook and get new recipes. My family is not all that adventurous so I've recruited a couple neighbors to join up once a month. We prepare an appetizer, salad and entree while catching up and drinking (usually) wine. We then enjoy our creations while sipping and talking. It's always a blast and provides adult time with all the things I love. Can't beat it!

I came across some info that is making me wish I live in or closer to Missouri. The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is holding an amazing event the weekend of October 16 and 17. With a little more notice, I would really be trying to be there. It's a weekend of wine tasting and fine foods. Friday's dinner menu will be taught throughout the day on Saturday and then Saturday's dinner is taught on Sunday. Both teachings are delivered by the Hilton's very own Chef Nathan Read. The entire weekend, including accommodations, tastings and meals is just under $400 per couple.

Branson, Missouri has a lot to offer in the surrounding area including golf, the RecPlex and Silver Dollar City, so if you're attending the Cooking School Weekend you may want to consider extending your stay to enjoy these other amenities.

The Weekend Cooking School has an incredible 2 day menu with such items as Smoked Rainbow Trout with capers, Brimstone Cheese Fondue served with grilled potatoes, baby carrots, zucchini, apples, pears and baguette, and Shrimp Fritters with Green Chile Salsa...and that's just PART of Friday's menu.

I'm so jealous of anyone attending and all I ask is that you have a glass of wine for me and give me a full report when you get back home!