Mome reads Mommy, My daughter's way to spell it when she was younger... It stuck. My son calls me Mome... just like it looks. I now sign all my notes to them "Love, Mome". It's our inside secret and makes them smile. I always want them to smile.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Wine vs. Water. I'll take the Wine, Please

I received this in an e-mail today. Beats all the emails for business insurance , online schooling and reduced mortgage rates that cram my inbox. Thanks, Joan for reminding of this. I've seen it before but it came back just in time. In case you didn't know, My buds at Tribal Blogs have started #poosday, also referred to as #fecesfriday. We're supposed to tack down any posts having to do with, or mentioning poop and post it to Twitter. Thanks to Joan I have something to tweet.


To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine...
And those who don't and are always seen with a bottle of water in their hand.

As Ben Franklin said:
In wine there is wisdom,
In beer there is freedom,
In water there is bacteria.

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink
1 litre of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than
1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. Coli) - bacteria found in feces.
In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.

However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer
(or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol
goes through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.

So remember:
Water = Poop.
Wine = Health.
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid than to drink water and be full of shit.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information:
I'm doing it as a public service!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Funny Stuff

Yesterday when walking Boog to the bus stop there was an accident down the street. It appears as though one car was backing out of their driveway when another slammed into them. Boog says, "It's gonna be tough for them to find cheap auto insurance. They better call Allstate." Pretty sure he got that from TV.

We went to the zoo yesterday and the peacocks have escaped. One met us in the parking lot just as we got out of the car. The looks on the kids faces when they saw it was priceless. The peacock continued to roam and greet new arrivals. We then were playing on a (rope) spider web and as the kids jokingly yelled "help" so did something on the roof above. My SIL and I were both trying to figure it out. The kids would stop and so would the noise. When the kids started up again so did the "thing". I swear it sounded just like a bird mocking their pleas for help. On further inspection we saw another peacock, On the roof of a concessions building. I must admit I didn't know they talked or flew. I've only seen them with both feet firmly on the ground. Yet another was on the top of a fence. It was really quite odd.

Wednesday Puddin Pop got her vaccinations followed by a trip to Target to spend money from Grandma and Grandpa. When we got home she just wanted to play with her new Littlest Pet shop Pals. We did that for hours and then she started feeling the affects of the shots and just wanted to snuggle. After about 30 minutes I explained that I had to get ready for work. She asked me if I had to go. I explained that I did. When I came down ready to leave this is our conversation...

PP: I'm sorry you have to go to work Mommy.

Me: Me too baby.

PP: Maybe you could go in and ask your boss if you can be fired.

Me: Ask to be fired? What should I do if he says No?

PP: Maybe you could give him some money.

Me: How much money should I pay to be fired?

PP: Ummm. Maybe 3 Dollars.

Me: You think I should give Mr. Mike $3 and ask to be fired?

PP: Just do it.

Then she leaned over...kissed me on the cheek...and says "Good Luck."

When she awoke yesterday the first thing she asked "Did it work?"

No baby. In fact Mommy was there 2 hours longer than expected:(

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Idol, Pretty Nails, and a Photo Shoot

Hanging with the lovely ladies over at Blue Monkey Butt today for What the Hell Wednesday. Go visit Elle and Stacey and play along. You've gotta have a moment or two of your own.



American Idol last night. They all sounded good except...Siobhan. What the Hell? The judges thought it was a good performance but I swear she was way off key. Shania even noticed. Anyone else in agree?

Do you ever feel like just pulling your hair out? I'm going to need a good hair loss cure if I don't get a good nights sleep soon. The kids have been having bad dreams or something but I feel as though I'm constantly being woken. What the Hell? I just want 6 hour straight. Is that too much to ask?

Took Pudding Pop for a fabulous Girls Day yesterday. We had her nails done and they went all out for her birthday. It was way cool but I'm pretty sure I'll never be allowed to do her nails again. What the Hell?



Then we went to get pictures done at JC Penney. This was a bad idea. The photographer was great. The pictures turned out fantastic and I ordered way too many, what the hell? They click,click,click and make all these collage and specialty prints and then start asking you which you like. It was hard to say no to any of them and I ordered 18 sheets. Anyone want a pic of my kid? Really. I'll have plenty. Is is in bad tasted to send the grandparents 6 different 8x10s of your child? What's done is done. I'll stop complaining about the school doing 3 poses a year. I think I'll look forward to it.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Too Much Cake

I made a cake for Pudding Pop's birthday today. We invited Grandma and Papa to come over after dinner to have some cake and ice cream with us. They brought a cake with them. It never even dawned on me to offer one or the other...or both. Must be my poor upbringing (that's a joke). With only 6 of us I immediately cut 3 more pieces and sent them down to the neighbor. I always try to get rid of that stuff as quick as possible and the neighbors are always willing to help out. They Rock! I figured the extra cake could just go home with my In-Laws.

After cleaning everything up my MIL insisted I cut some of the red velvet cake she brought. Doesn't that kind of defeat the sending 3 pieces to the neighbors? I cut a quarter of it and added it to my cake. Now I'm in need of a good fat burner or some more neighbors willing to take my extra desserts. Anyone? Would you feel more inclined if I told you there will be more cake for PP's party on Saturday? If I said "Please"?

How to Feel Better about Acne

I posted in the past about my onset of adult acne over the past ten years. It made me feel a lot better to know I wasn't in this position alone. Several of you commented that you suffer from similar problems and it was really a relief to know that I'm not the only one who has trouble keeping my hands off my face They say that's the number one key to reducing breakouts. I haven't found the magic cure. I haven't been to the Dermatologist for acne pills or creams. I'm taking comfort in the fact that Summer time always reduces the blemishes and the added color conceals what few there are. I'm also taking comfort in this...



It's probably awful of me to post this picture of Cameron Diaz and no harm to her is intended. I just know seeing someone so beautiful with similar ailments makes me feel a little bit better. I thought it might help you too.

Four Years Ago Today



Sometimes our wishes and dreams go un-answered and then we are rewarded with the most fantastic surprises we could ever imagine. Unplanned and the best thing that ever happened to us. It happened four years ago today.


My darling Baby Girl,
You are Independent, Confident, and Smart with just enough Sass to be endearing. You are Caring and Sweet and Mommy's little helper. I love you with all my heart and feel so blessed to have you in my life. My birthday wish for you is that you continue to be all the things you already are. Continue to love with all your heart. Grow in your independence and confidence. Know that what's on the inside is so much more important than what's on the outside. Look for the good in all people and know that when you struggle, I will always be here for you. No matter what.


Happy Birthday Princess! May all your days be filled with Happiness and Love.



Flash Forward, Creepy Dude and a Birthday

randomtuesday

Tuesday again. Time to get the random out and link up with all the other cool kids over at The Un Mom. Go. You know you want to.

Puddin Pop turns 4 today. At 2:43 pm. Not a second before. We have a co-ed sleepover planned for Friday. Each kid is having a friend over. I figure this will prevent them from fighting for the attention of one friend. I can't wait.

The weather has mostly been nice which means we've spent time doing things outside. This is the best acne medicine for me. Sun. It either drys my face for less breakouts or gives me some color to make it less noticeable. Either is a good thing.

I've been watching Flash Forward since the beginning and everyone saw April 29th in their future. Thursday will be that day but in the last episode it was on March 15th. I'm getting confused with the timeline. Anyone else watching? It's REALLY good.

A creepy customer slapped my butt...twice...on Sunday. Actually he got my upper thigh but I know his intentions. Then he left his phone number and asked me to find a product for him. I gave that number to the manager and told him to handle it 'cuz the guy creeped me out. I would love to listen in on that conversation. The managers get really defensive if they think we (the girls up front) are being mistreated. I should have said something to the guy but I was trying not to cause a scene and just wanted him to leave.

Still haven't found my keys.

Still working on my Lego structure. I think you'll be in awe when it's complete. It's pretty cool.

Now it's your turn. Go Random up.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Damned if I do...

I swear Hubster is trying to send me to the looney bin. I can't keep up with a single conversation. He will insist he didn't say certain things and then tells me other things over and over again and gets irritated if I point this out. I have a problem repeating myself...when I'm drinking. He doesn't drink. What's the equivalent of zencore...for the "other" head, lol?

One of the ladies in our GNI group got 4 tickets to see Santana in July. We usually do one Summer concert at out girls time. This year it falls on the birthday of one of the ladies' child so she can't make it. Kathy offered up her husband as the fourth and designated driver. I'm not sure he even knows yet. So. I thought it would be nice to offer Hubster the chance to go (we have lawn seats so adding another would be no problem) and keep Troy company. Here's how the conversation went...

Me: Becky got tickets for the 4 of us girls to go see Santana in July and...

Him: Did it ever enter your mind that I may want to go to a concert with you?

Me: Can I finish?

Him: Well did it?

Me: I'm not done and I didn't get the tickets. Becky did.

Him: Well maybe I'd like to go.

Me: Interesting you should say that.

Him: Why?

Me: Can I finish now?

Him: Yes.

Me: Great. As I was saying, Becky got 4 lawn tickets and it turns out that Beth can't go. Kathy has offered up Troy as the 4th and committed him to being the designated driver. I'm not sure he knows this yet but I was wondering if you would like me to get an extra ticket so you could go with us and keep Troy company?

Him: I'm not sure I want to go to a concert with you.

WTF?

Am I going crazy all alone here? Is anyone else confused?

Priority Status

We do everything we can to protect our children. We do what "we" feel is best.

There are few things that I have to have "the best" of. Most products are the same with or without the brand names. I don't have to have the best day creams to protect my children in the summer months. A lower priced sun protectant works just as well. They don't receive all the name brand shoes and clothing and hopefully won't feel this is a necessity when they get older.

One thing that I am adamant about is their health. We have chosen to get our kids vaccinated and they have gotten all shots withing weeks of them being due. I was a little slack this month. Usually I call in the middle of their birthday month (they were born on the 27th and 29th) and get an appointment the first week of the following month. I'm guessing the broken arm debacle last week has us on some sort of priority list at the pediatricians office. I just called for PP's 4 year old well check up and vaccinations and here's how the conversation went.

Me: Hi. My daughter is a patient of Dr. K and she will be 4 tomorrow so I wanted to set up her 4 year well check up and vaccinations.

receptionist: Oh. Make sure to bring back up. Can she come tomorrow?

Me: As I said, tomorrow is her birthday. I think we will NOT be giving her shots for her birthday.

Receptionist: Oh right. Good Call. How 'bout Wednesday at 9?

Me: Slightly hesitant because I was expecting anything this soon. Uh. Sure.

So, PP will have her favorite foods and cake and Ice Cream with family tomorrow. Shots on Wednesday. A sleep over on Friday and her party on Saturday. I think sandwiching the shots in there will make her forget a lot faster. Don't you?

Sleepless Nights

Puddin Pop and I are both sporting dark circles under our eyes. I think I created fear in my child that is affecting her after she falls asleep at night. For the past three nights she been half sleeping and crying about something we can't decipher at the time and that she doesn't remember in the morning.

Last night I fell asleep with Boog in his bed and heard Hubster calling me to help with PP. Along with the crying she decided to throw up all over herself and our bed. He handled sheets and I handled giving PP a bath. I brought her downstairs and she fell asleep on the couch.

I had been joking (sort of) about not wanting her to turn 4. Could this be the fear she is experiencing in the dark of night? I would hate to think that it's something I caused but would feel relief if we knew what it was so we could attempt to reassure her. I need some sleep. Maybe the universe is just trying to show me how ridiculous my wish of keeping the kids little is. We're supposed to be beyond the sleepless nights, right?

Point taken.

I will willingly and lovingly allow my daughter to turn four...and five...and six.

Now can we all get some sleep?

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Children Crying in their Sleep

I'm a believer in the quick solutions. If I wake up with dark circles under my eyes I don't then, or later, seek out eye cream for dark circles or some other home remedy. I use some concealer and hope for more sleep the next night.

When Puddin Pop was crying inconsolably in her sleep last night I did everything to wake her. I knew it was the only way to make the crying stop. I ended up bringing her downstairs and turning on the TV. The thought was that if she heard the noise from the TV it would distract her from whatever she was dreaming about that was making her so sad. It worked. She never fully woke and this morning remembered none of it. Hubster had been trying to console her by rubbing her back and talking softly to her. It wasn't working and that wasn't good enough for me. I was tired and wanted sleep. I'm also the kind of person that has a hard time getting back to sleep once I'm woken up. Hence why I need the concealer under my eyes this morning.

This morning Hubster asked how I knew what to do. I didn't. I just knew that I wanted her to stop and wasn't going to spend more than a few minutes on any solution until I found one that worked. Rubbing her back and talking softly was a good idea but after 3 minutes it didn't seem like one anymore. It was pure instinct that made me take her downstairs. Have you ever fallen asleep with a movie or TV program on and then it gets integrated into your dream? Or the alarm going off in the morning is in your dream and goes off forever before you realize it's really the alarm and not a dream? That was the thought behind it. Will it work again? Who knows. If it takes more than 3 minutes we'll move on to something else.

How have you handled this situation. Sleeping, crying child...in the middle of the night. Suggestions open NOW!

Busch Gardens for Family Fun


We had the opportunity to go to Busch Gardens twice during Spring Break. Conveniently located just 20 minutes away, I purchased 2 year season passes for everyone for Christmas. Last year we did not get passes and didn't go at all. The kids are big enough for more than just the kiddie rides and we took advantage of this. It's been two years since Boog was big enough for the larger rides. He was a good sport that year and tried everything...once. He then chose not to ride them any more. This year we could all go and he decided to try them again. He loved the rides he previously thought made his tummy feel funny. Now they make Puddin Pop's tummy feel funny. She was a trooper, though, and rode everything...once.
Here's the kids getting buckled in for one of the kid rides.





While Daddy buckled them in I took advantage of the time to take some pics of the beautiful flowers in the park.




We then convinced PP to go on Davinci's Cradle. It's a big boat that goes back and forth..until it goes all the way over the top. This is one that makes the tummy feel funny. She did great as you can see here.




Finally. We let each kid pick out one treat before we left. Puddin Pop had to have some pink cotton candy. They may have gone a bit overboard. Just a bit.


Boog decided to get some sour spray stuff. It was awful. He enjoyed it...or so he said. Here's the face after a spray. I think it was just lemon juice in a spray bottle. We won't be getting that again.




Busch Gardens was a great way to lose weight fast after Hunter was born. Pushing his stroller all around the park, up and down the hills and occasionally up stairs (when I went the wrong way and was too stubborn to turn around.) Now the kids walk and there is no bag of stuff to carry around. It's still good exercise and a great way to ensure the kids sleep well at night. I just feel like I'm forgetting something walking around with nothing but my camera.

Friday, April 23, 2010

TGIF

It's been a long time since I was generally happy for it to be Friday. Usually Fridays seem like Monday and every other day of the week and have since I stopped working full time. When I was working full time I was always working on the weekend so Friday wasn't anything exciting unless I had the weekend off, or at least Saturday. This week I ventured out to work all week (except I had to take Monday off to get Boog his cast put on) and left Hubster to tend to Puddin Pop. I think they had a really good time hanging together. And I got to feel useful by working outside the house. Now it's time for him to go back to work because a week was plenty to get the full time working thought out of my head.

I also realized that my little blogging hobby has become more than part time. I received several items and promotional tote bags of goodies to review and have neglected to tend to any of it. I don't know how the working Mom's keep up with both. I'm in awe. I also haven't had much time to visit my social networks and have been absent from twitter and facebook. Yep. Pretty sure the working full time thing isn't for me and hoping it doesn't become required. I'd hate to have to do it begrudgingly.

So. I'll now go into catch up mode. Or, maybe tomorrow when it's raining all day. The sun is out and it's FRIDAY.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Tape measurer, flying crayons and grocery shopping

Another version of Thursday Thunks. Who comes up witht these? Visit Thursday Thunks and play along.

This weeks TT questions are brought to you by Berleen, the color of peanut butter cups and the number 10.

My oldest demon (aka Demon #1) is in Oklahoma! The musical this weekend. Yep, my kid is a drama geek. Have you ever been in a play or musical? Were you in the drama club in high school?
I did all the plays in grade school and took drama in junior high but gave it all up for other activities in High School.


You are walking down the road and the cops fly by you and stop at the house just a little ways down the street. It's the way you were going to go... do you take a detour to avoid it or do you just keep walking because, hey - you had the idea first! or do you walk by out of complete curiosity?
I probably detour if I'm alone but definitely stop and gawk if there is someone with me to share it with. Why am I walking?


I drop a green crayon from the roof and Kimber drops a yellow one - which one will grow wings and fly before it hits the ground?

Neither?

What is the first section of the grocery store you go to? And I know that sentence doesn't sound right, but I don't care.
I usually hit the produce section, which makes no sense because then I have to keep adjusting my produce from getting squashed, but it's on the rightand I shop right to left.


Do you like questions that have a yes or no answer or do you like to actually think for yourself and come up with something original?
Yes....Just kidding. I much rather think for myself and have difficulties NOT explaining beyond yes or no.


The wall directly in front of you... whats on it?

Nothing. It's a half wall.

Sea salt?

It seems to be getting more popular. I got some sea salt Melba Toast in the mail yesterday.

420. You know what it is. It's a time, it's a day, it's a way of life. Did you celebrate yesterday?


Nope. Unless womens vitamins counts. Does it count? I didn't think so.

Can you read a tape measure?

I did that yesterday.

The city/town/village that you live in... it's population is.....????

No clue.

If a laptop fell out of the sky do you think you could catch it? And if you did, do you think it's Finders Keepers?


It's definitely finders Keepers but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't try to catch it.

Driving down the highway, driving down the interstate, driving down a dirt road that you are sure goes absolutely nowhere... whats the longest distance you have ever driven in one trip?

1200 miles? give or take a few.

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?

Everyone knows it's 3.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Where do Cigar Smokers Go?


Does anyone still smoke cigars? We had a cigar shop close by and it went out of business. More and more businesses and restaurants are going smoke free and most stopped allowing pipe and cigar smoking a long time ago. Where do cigar smokers smoke? At home? Are there special clubs that allow cigars?


We used to get cigars before a Girls night out at our favorite Sushi restaurant. There was a cigar shop next door and they just seemed to go together. With everything from Avanti to sancho panza cigars, just shopping was part of the nightly activities as it was so hard to choose. I'm not much of a cigar smoker but it was fun on these evenings. So I have to wonder. Where do the cigar smokers go now?

Frisbee Football, Posts in Draft and Missing Keys

randomtuesday

It's Tuesday and you know what that means. Time to get out all the random thoughts in your head. It's really quite simple...and fun. Then head over to and link up with all the other randomers and get a little inside their heads. It's a good way to get to know some one.

We had kind of a crazy weekend. Poor Boog had and accident playing Frisbee at school on Friday. He now looks like this...


Who knew Frisbee was such a dangerous sport? Apparently someone jumped on him as he was picking up the Frisbee and her knee to his fore arm caused it to fracture. Ouch. No more Frisbee football, Boog.

I'm still working on going through the kids clothes. It's a never ending process with as fast as they grow. I donated 7 bags to the am vets a couple weeks ago and then found a box of baby clothes in the garage. I'll add it to my 6 bags for next month.

Girls Night In was Saturday and my car keys are missing. The two should totally not be related since GNI is two doors down and no driving was involved. Nonetheless. They are missing and no on has seen them since Saturday. Just saying.

Have you ever struggled to get you first grader to do their homework? We know it's not hard for him he just doesn't like to focus and get it done. Now we have to do it left handed. Any suggestions?

Someone told me that they couldn't fully see a post I did on another blog. The post was in draft. How is it possible they saw it at all? They even knew what it was about.

Now I must rush off. I'm working all week out of the house and I must get ready.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Saint Agur Makes a Big Hit at Girls Night In

We had another Girls Night In over the weekend and tried some new recipes and cheese. Ile De France offered up this Saint Agur Bleu Cheese and it is the best cheese I've ever had. No lie.




I looked on the Ile De France site for some recipes and modified one a little. It ended up looking like this...




Spicy greens and bleu cheese crostini


* 1 Everything Baguette cut into 12 slices
* 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 10 cups Red Swiss Chard, finely chopped (1 large head, about 15 oz.)
* 1/4 tsp. salt
* 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes, crushed
* 1 tsp. lemon peel, grated
* 3 oz. Saint Agur® Blue cheese, crumbled, room temperature
* 3/4 cup finely sliced roasted red pepper

Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and broil until golden brown. Put 2 tbsp evoo in a large pan on med-high heat and add garlic. Cook for one minute before adding Swiss chard, salt and pepper flakes. Continue cooking for 3 minutes and remove from stove. Add lemon peel. Toss together and put on top of baguette slices. Top with Saint Agur and roasted red pepper and put in oven for 3-5 minutes on 400 to fuse flavors. Serve.

The cheese was so good we even put it on our salad.



Two of our girls claimed not to be bleu cheese fans until we had them try a piece. This cheese is so velvety, buttery and mild (for a bleu) that they couldn't resist it and begged for more.

The crostinis were a hit and it was suggested that we have them every meal. I think I'll venture to make new things as this was so much fun and the result was so well received.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Girls Night In

What do you do for yourself?

I'm not a shopper and rarely do things just for me.

I love to cook and try new recipes and have a family that is not quite as experimental in the food department as I would like.

Tonight is our monthly Girls Night In.

We drink, cook, eat and chat. It's always a ton of fun and it's one night where no one is worried about the amount of calories being consumed. We're all trying to lose weight but we all have a passion for good food and take the opportunity to feast on some together.

Maybe we should start taking walks after our dinners. That would be the best fat burner. Sometimes we end up listening to some old music and dancing around. That burns calories and is less likely to disturb the neighbors. We sometimes get a little loud. Maybe it's just me that gets loud. I'll never tell.

Anyway. I'm super excited. Wish this cold would magically disappear so I can fully tasted all the food. Hope I don't poop out early due to lack of oxygen and incessant coughing.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Letter to my Birth Mother

Dear Mom,

Can I call you Mom?

It’s been 40+ years since we last saw each other and I just wanted to let you know what’s been going on in my life.

I grew up just fine. I have two brothers, one is a couple years older and the other is a year and 6 days younger. We had a ton of fun as kids and grew up in a kid friendly neighborhood with lots of friends to play with on our street.

I did very well in school, participated in several varsity sports, had several “best” friends and found my first love during High School. I went to Michigan State and then started a career as a restaurant manager in 1998.

I moved to Virginia in 1993 and met my husband 6 months later. We were married in 1999 and our precious son (your grandson) was born in July of 2003. We were then blessed with our little angel (your granddaughter) in April 2006.

I could stand to lose 20 pounds but instead of steady dieting or searching for diet pills that work, I've decided to be happy with the body I've got. It's easier that way, and I suck at dieting.

Overall I am very satisfied with how my life turned out. It wasn’t perfect, and sometimes far from it, but I believe I am a very resilient and positive person as well as stubborn and independent. I’m assuming I got those qualities from you, so thanks.

I have thought about you often and have even looked for you (internet searches) on several occasions, with no luck. I want you to know how brave I feel your decision to give me up was. I am not upset or disappointed, and only hope that giving me up (at birth) allowed you to live the life you had always dreamed of. I will always love you for giving me life. I no longer search due to the frustration I encounter when no matches are found. My door is always open if you decide you'd like to meet.

Lovingly,

Your Daughter

JT, Really?

This is going to be a quickie. It's almost time to set up the tv stands (one of which my laptop is on) and get ready for pizza and movie night, but first...

Survivor.

Are you watching?

Did you see the dumbest move in Survivor history last night?

Who writes notes like that?

Pahvarti was craking me up with her "additions" to the letter.

What are your thoughts?

Who do you think is going to win?

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Let's Talk Discipline

Yep. Discipline.

I am an AVID believer in non-physical discipline.

All my friends know it.

A few of them agree.

It's HARD.

What do you do?

I looked at my first born and knew I could never physically harm/hurt him.

The "I spanked him for running into the road because I didn't want him to get hit by a car" translated (in my mind) to...

"I spanked him to hurt him less than he could be hurt".

I don't want to hurt my kids.

Is that possible?

I'm more a verbal person and have made threats that I wish I wouldn't have.

"If you don't pick up these toys I will throw them away."

Sounds good.

My mother did this to me. It sucked. I didn't deserve it. My older brother rescued most of the important stuff, then held it over my head. In ways you don't even want to consider.

I do not want to be my mother.

Some of us have mothers that we choose to emulate and have every right and good intention in doing so. My Mother was NOT one of those people and I will spend my entire life making sure that my children do not have to go through what I did....but sometimes I fail.

When I find myself reacting to a situation out of habit or frustration I stop. Everything I've read about effective parenting says that remaining calm when dealing with difficulties is the key. If I'm calm, I do not want to strike my child. If I'm calm, I do not want to unleash unkind words.
Saying nothing and doing nothing other than sending the "offending" child to their room is the best I've got. We talk after the "heat" has calmed down.

My children are smart beyond their years and I believe that these conversations that seem to fall on deaf ears will haunt them later...or at least...make them think.

There will be plenty of time to talk about sat prep courses, college, jobs, wives, husbands, families and such. Right now I'm complacent with Happy, Youthful, Creative, and Confident...did I miss anything?

Thursday Thunks ~How Fun

Having a bit of a hard time finding something to post about?
Sometimes I just sit here looking at my laptop as if something interesting will come to me. I surely don't want to write more about blue light therapy. Not many people find that too interesting.
Today I came across Thursday Thunks and figure posting random answers to random questions and then seeing what other people post sounds like fun. Don't you want to play too?

Welcome to the April 15th (Tax Day) version of Thursday Thunks!
(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)
Where we make you think a little bit before you blog!

We pick a subject, and your job is to interpret it anyway you want. Write about it on your blog... simple as that. Maybe you can interpret it as a picture - we don't care!
Please only leave a link if you have written a Thursday Thunks post. Please mention us in your post, and link back to the blog here.
Don't forget to go visit the other participants' blogs. Read and comment about all their Thursday Thunks! Thats what all this is about afterall, isn't it? We'll have so much fun and become lifelong friends....
The TT questions are brought to you by Berleen, the color of daisies and the number 0.



Got your taxes done? Yes. The money is already spent too.

What do batteries run on? Batteries don't run. The energizer bunny does though.

What do chickens think we taste like? I don't want to know.

What do they call a French kiss in France? They don't call it a French Kiss?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons? Are you implying we should use the soap for flavor instead of the juice? That doesn't sound right.

How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said? Depends how old the speaker is. I usually have to get my 3 year old to act it out to avoid 100 What's.

I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away? Called someone else who actually answered.

So Mel Gibson left his girlfriend - think he's finally heard of me? Hold on...I'll ask him when he wakes up.

Why do they call it "getting your dog fixed" if afterwards it doesn't work anymore? My dog was humping my arm (min pin) before she was old enough to "get fixed". We scheduled that surgery early because we needed that problem fixed. Does that sound about right?

Are you bothered that I didn't number these? This is my first time playing so I didn't realize they were supposed to be numbered.

No. Not Four.

I'm in a funk.

I usually love to plan the kids birthday parties but this one I have put off far too long. I just sent out e-mail invites. I'm not talking e-vites. I'm talking a plain old e-mail inviting my child's friends to her 4th birthday party. Of course it was sent to their parents because I don't know any 4 year olds with e-mail. You get the idea.

We've know for months where she wanted to have the party. I knew who she wanted to invite. I think I'm just dreading my baby turning 4. Even when I post about her on the blogs or in comments I say she's 3. It's less than 2 weeks away and I just can't call her 4.

I have visions of her years from now in middle school. Picking out her own urban clothing, or whatever the current style is, talking incessantly on the phone with her girlfriends, liking boys, and basically having zero time for me. Or not liking me. Right now we pretty much do everything together. She thinks (most the time) that I'm the "best mommy in the whole world." How am I supposed to give that up?

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

WTHW~ Legos, Phones and American Idol



I decided to have a little fun with What the Hell Wednesday over here at BSC. That's the great thing about having multiple blogs. You can post wherever the mood strikes you. Today it is here. For more What the Hell Wednesday post, head over and visit Elle and Stacey at Blue Monkey Butt. Tell them I said hi. You won't regret it.

American Idol is heating up and the save has already been used. Two people will go home tonight. My guess is Andrew and...I can't figure the other out. Maybe Siobhan? I like her but her voice is more theatrical to me. Tim Urban did well last night but is no where close talent wise to the others, What the Hell is he still around for? and Why the Hell is Ryan calling him "Turban"?


Hubster came across my unlocked phone a while back and decided he needed to add all my contacts to his contact list, What the Hell? He doesn't even know some of the people. What's that all about? How would you feel if this happened to you? You can bet I don't leave my phone unlocked anymore.

Do you make donations to your friends charities? I received and invite to a charity poker tournament back in Michigan, and of course won't be able to attend, so I sent a message to see if I could just make a donation. I received the info and made a donation to help build and support a skate park back home. My kids will never benefit from this but What the Hell? Lots of other kids will, and I think it's a great idea to make a safe environment for these kids (and apparently some adults too) to practice their crafts, blow off some steam, or just hang out with friends.

I'm building an (almost) 6000 piece Lego kit. I'm not saying what it is yet. What the Hell have I got myself into?

That's it. Go see the girls and find some more WTHW posts.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Storytime Live

Another thing we did over Spring Break was take the kids to Storytime Live with Dora and Friends. The sign said "No Cameras". The only people without cameras were the people with phones. Just Sayin.


Kai Lan


Dora and Boots


The Backyardigans


Clay Aiken

Who knew?



Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Random is Good

randomtuesday


I'm starting to crush on Jamie Oliver. Food Revolution Rocks!

Spring Break was more fun and less chaotic than I thought it would be. I guess having Hubster temporarily unemployed has its benefits.

Am I the only one who thought Rhianna sucked on American Idol last week? The song sucked and was making me dizzy with the same words over and over. I was seriously hoping she would get voted off.

Everyone else in the family has gotten Lego kits for and since Christmas. I finally ordered my own. Just under 6000 pieces. How long will that take?

Girls Night In this weekend. I'm SO ready!

Puddin Pop has a cold and a good cough. She coughed most the night. Hubster left the room so he could get some sleep. Good for him. More room for us.

Left the windows open last night and woke to a 62 degree house. Felt good at first. Now I have on long pants, a sweatshirt and socks. I never wear socks. I refuse to turn on the heat. It's up to 65.

Black Friday . A great day to stay home and shop online...or not at all.

I'm late in posting because I was blog walking. I really enjoyed this post and this one. I can't be the only one who thinks Julie needs to just stay home.

I usually would pour myself a glass of wine when I knew Hubster was on his way home from work. He's between jobs and home all day. I now get the urge to pour a glass at lunch time. Hmmm.

That's all the random I've got. For more you'll have to head on over to The Un Mom and check out who else is playing. Always some good reads.

Trip to the Zoo

(Beautiful Elephant sculpture outside the Virginia Zoo)


Last week we stayed busy. Hubster is currently between jobs and we took advantage of his time off by spending time as a family doing things near the house that we usually only get to do on the weekends when I'm not working (which lately isn't often).


Monday we took the kids to the Zoo. Unfortunately we had some behavior issues that caused us to leave early, but the time we did have was fun and a great opportunity for some life long memories and the photos to go with them.




Here's the kids riding a huge turtle sculpture. They thought that was cool.

There was a group of teenagers in front of us taking pictures of each other on this also. Guess it's fun for all ages.


Poor groundhogs. I imagine these "bubbles" feel like giant security cameras to them. Different faces constantly peering at you right where you live. What's not-so-fun for the ground hogs is a blast for everyone else.



There's the poor ground hog. Checking out those strange faces.

This cage is obviously for photo ops. We weren't the only parents trying to get the door shut.



A beautiful Eagle ready to hunt.


Like I said. Our trip was cut short. We renewed our family membership, though, so we will have plenty more trips this Summer...if not before.







Monday, April 12, 2010

Home Farming Movement with Triscuit

I love Triscuits.

For the last 6 years we've mostly purchased Club, Ritz and Wheat Thins for the kids. Every couple months I'll get something just for me. I'm a big cheese and cracker fan and the kids (and Hubster) never like the cheese I get. This is on purpose. I get them plenty of the cheeses they like.

A couple weeks ago I decided to treat myself to some Triscuits. I was sure the box would be around when I was in the mood. The mood usually hits around 10pm when I'm catching up on TV or blog walking while sipping on a glass of wine. I was W.R.O.N.G. The kids love these too. Crap. "I'll have to get more", I thought.

Then I was contacted by Mom Central to see if I wanted to participate in a blog Tour for Triscuit. "Hell Yeah", I said. More Triscuits were on the way. That's some cool Karma right there.

These Triscuits are special.

Triscuits has partnered up with UrbanFarming.org to help grow the Home Farming Movement. Over 4 million boxes of Triscuits have been specifically labeled for this movement and either basil or dill seeds have been added to allow consumers to start (or add to) their own home gardens. We got Basil. I'm so excited to add these seeds to my herb garden, currently consisting of chives and cilantro. There's nothing better than fresh herbs added to ordinary meals to flavor them up.




URBANFARMING.ORG
Sowing the seeds of community-based home farms
Urban Farming is a non-profit organization. They have a mission to create an abundance of food for people in need by planting farms on unused land and space while increasing diversity, educating youth, adults and seniors and providing an environmentally sustainable system to uplift communities. Their funding of community-based home farms is core to the continued growth of The Home Farming Movement in urban areas. Urban Farming welcomes everyone to get involved. Volunteering at a farm or donating food is just two ways that you can help.



I'm going to look for more specially marked boxes of Triscuits to get some more seeds. We'll post pictures after they start sprouting. Won't you join in and start or ad to your own herb garden?


I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Triscuit and received the product necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Random Tuesday~ A Crush, Facebook Status and an Herb Garden

Tuesdays are for Random posts as designated by Keely and all her followers. Time to get the snippets out of your head and mash them all together in one post. Go ahead. Try it. It really is fun.

randomtuesday


I'm not a Food Network person. I don't think I've ever watched. I am watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and think I may be developing a little crush. Just saying.

Hubster finally got his letter from DMV giving him his driving privileges back. He's been without a license since Summer of 2008 due to the seizure he had. Now he's upstairs studying for the written test. Would you have to study to take the test? The questions have changed A LOT since I was 16.

I love how facebook is used to announce to the world (or at least everyone you're friends with) relationship statuses and pregnancies. Pretty soon all it will take is a post of their baby announcements, letting the world know, saving on stamps and printing. I'm glad I was married when FB came out. I see friends struggling with the "in a relationship" status. How do you determine when it's right to do that? What if your criteria is different than the person your "in a relationship" with? Messy stuff. Glad to be beyond that.

Hopefully gonna get out and do some planting today. Another area I less than excel at. I have some stuff that needs to be transplanted and I need to see what's left from last year. I ignore them all winter so am always surprised when stuff pops up. I have some chives that started out in a chia garden that sprout bigger and better every year. I want a spice garden and you can blame that on Jamie.

What do you have going on this Random Tuesday? Spill it. Then head over to The Un Mom and link up.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Spring Break

Woo-Hoo! It's Spring Break.

Hubster's job ended last week and he (fingers crossed) has another lined up for next week. In the mean time we will be doing a staycation and trying to cram in some family fun time close to home. Today we are taking the kids to the Virginia Zoo, tomorrow we have ticket to see Dora and Friends Live at Chrysler Hall. We plan on at least one more trip to Busch Gardens as the last trip had the kids sleeping past 8:30 the following morning.

Hubster and I will be putting the kids to bed and swinging from the chandeliers after a couple Pineapple upside-down Martinis. Okay. Maybe that will just be him. It's the first time in a long time I can remember all of us being off at the same time. If you don't hear or see me...that's why.

Happy Spring Break Y'all.

Friday, April 2, 2010

You Might be a PackRat If....

I'll admit it. I'm a bit of a pack rat. I'm trying to do much better but Hubster sees treasures in all the stuff I want to get rid of. We cleaned out the garage last Summer and most the stuff got put back in for the garage sale he is still planning on having. I'm to the point where I just want the extra stuff gone.

Yesterday I went through Puddin Pop's closet. I'm embarrassed to say that 70% of the clothes in there were mine that I had put in there before she was born (almost 4 years ago). Truth is, they were probably there since we moved into the house (almost 7 years ago). I was putting bags together for the American Veterans. They mail bags each month and then send a truck by on a designated day to pick up all your donated items. I have 7 bags sitting on the curb right now. I finally was able to part with my High School Prom dress. Not sure what I was saving that for. I had some other dresses I had purchased when I was a size 4. I was a size for for about two months after a break-up with Hubster (obviously before we got married). Then we got back together and I went back to my original size 8. Yeah. Those clothes don't fit either.

I'm looking in the garage and realize we still have our infant car seats and matching stroller. I know I don't need the car seats but do I need the stroller? PP is almost 4 and doesn't even like to sit in the cart at the grocery store, but with season passes to Busch Gardens I'm not sure if she'll want to spend the whole time walking around. I guess we'll find out next week. We'll give it a try without and see how it works out. I may have a stroller and car seats to donate. If she does want to "ride", I still don't think shell be happy in the "baby" stroller. A baby jogger city mini would be good, but who wants to pay money for a new stroller with a 4 and 7 year old? Maybe we'll look into rentals for our trips to the park. What do you do?

So. I now need to go through my closet again. It's been almost two years and I'm pretty sure there's stuff I haven't worn since I insisted I should keep it last time around. The problem is that Hubster and I share a closet and every time I reduce my collection he ends up with 2/3 for the space. I tried to go through his stuff but he pulled out 80% of what I was trying to discard...and I can't get him to do it himself. If his new job takes him out of town likes he think it will, he's gonna have a surprise when he gets home....Lots of closet space.

I've got the Spring Break Blues

Get the suitcases packed, the car tuned up, make any rv repairs that need to be done.

That's what most people are doing. It's Spring Break Time.


We are not going anywhere.

We were supposed to be going to Michigan to meet up with family and friends, but Hubster has been looking for a job and had thought he would be starting a new job next week. Not the case.

I was going to take the kids to Raleigh for a couple days to hang out with their cousin, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen either. We've got nothing. This pending job situation has killed all our plans. Waiting and waiting for nothing to happen. It's frustrating.

Now we find ourselves (Hubster and I) both available to do something without enough time to properly plan anything. We also don't have the security of a job (for him) to make us comfortable spending what we would if he had still been employed.

We'll make it fun, though. Family time. The kids are usually with me during the week and with Dad on the weekends (while I work) so it will be nice to have a week to all be together. The Busch Gardens Passes are already paid for so no guilt there. We also have family passes to the Virginia Zoo and the Air and Space Museum so there's plenty to do without having to spend extra money. I'll admit I'm bummed that we'll be spending the time at home. I am excited about having the four of us together.

...And there's always the Beach House we've rented for a week this Summer.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Safe Music For Kids and Expressing Through Movement

I posted the adorable ballet pictures yesterday. Puddin Pop is having a lot of fun in her class. I remember taking ballet when I was 5 and being unsatisfied with the pace. It was slow and structured. I ended up in gymnastics instead.

At 3, the ballet classes are less structured. More about movement, following directions and creating friendships. The spend time running around and "flapping their wings". At the end of Tuesday's Show-n-Tell, students were encouraged to invite their parents out onto the floor to dance with them. We all put down our digital cameras and hit the dance floor. To my surprise,
the teacher then put on "Who let the Dogs Out?" Pudding Pop loves to "shake it" and she was all over the place dancing and shaking. At one point I think all the little girls were on the floor trying to spin on their backs. I looked. There are no break dancing classes available for her age.

At home we love to dance. I love to give the kids the opportunity to express themselves through movement. It's fun to watch their interpretation of the music. Sometimes they enjoy my 80's music and sometimes they ask me to turn it off. We listen to the "just for kids" station through our cable company too.

Right now Pudding Pop is hooked on The Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakquel soundtrack. She's either dancing around the living room of walking and dancing around with her portable cd player and headphones. I remember as a kid listening to the same songs over and over. I think its good for memorization skills. PP is already singing some of the songs even without her CD.


Product Description:

The Squeakquel Movie Soundtrack is great entertainment for both kids and parents. Featuring chipmunk'd renditions of classics from Beyonce, Katy Perry, the Bee Gees and many more, Alvin, Simon, Theodore and their girlfriends, The Chipettes, provide hours of fun for everyone.





If you love Alvin, Simon and Theodore like we do, I would strongly suggest this Soundtrack. In a day and age where I'm almost afraid to turn on the radio with the kids in the car, afraid of what they might hear and repeat, I'm confident playing The Squeakquel and actually enjoy singing along.

I am working with the WB to bring attention to this Soundtrack and encourage others to purchase it. I am being compensated but would say these things regardless.